QUARTERLY COMMERCE THE EATONTON-PUTNAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUMMER 2021
Chamber Staff
THE CHAMBER Maggie Milner STAFF President
president@eatonton.com
Michael A. Payne Membership Director
membership@eatonton.com
Lacey Cummings Tourism Coordinator tourism@eatonton.com
Contents President's Update....................................................................4 Membership Update.................................................................5 Q2-2021 New Members/Renewals...................................6 Q2-2021 Ribbon Cuttings...................................................7 Membership Benefits At-A-Glance....................................8 Tourism Update.......................................................................10 Porches of Putnam......................................................12-13 Membership Milestones-BankSouth....................................15 2021 Chamber Scholarship Recipients................................16 Meet the Summer 2021 Interns......................................17-18 Sweet Tee Off SUCCESS.........................................................19 42nd Annual Dinner & Awards Banquet........................20-22 Leadership Putnam 2021 Project.........................................23 Leadership Putnam 2022 Receives Makeover....................24 Executive on the Move-Amy McElhenney...........................25 Millennial on the Move-Sarah Peacock...............................26 Mission on the Move-Georgia Writers Museum..........27-28 Community Partnerships Mainstreet Minute Update............................................29 Central Georgia Technical College...............................30 PCCSS-CTAE.................................................................... 31
ON THE COVER Flynn Homeier at Panola Hall. Photo by Lacey Cummings.
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 4088 108 W. Marion Street Eatonton, GA 31024 706.485.7701
Board of Directors
Maddie Atkinson Chairman
Mckenzie Davenport Vice Chairman
Jason Green Treasurer
CUSCOWILLA
FOWLER FLEMISTER CONCRETE
TOWABLE TAILGATES
Jesse McMillen THE PEOPLES BANK
Cynthia Wallace
Keith Hill
WALLACE & KING ALGIN REALTY
GEORGIA POWER COMPANY
Dr. Haley Lance
Dr. Jameelah Gater
Tommy Jeffords
MAGNOLIA MEDICAL GROUP
LAKE OCONEE URGENT & PRIMARY CARE
BLASINGAME, BURCH, GARRARD, ASHLEY P.C.
Amy McElhenney FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK
Justin Strickland
Christina Hinz
TRI-COUNTY EMC
PUTNAM COUNTY CHARTER SCHOOL SYSTEM
President's Update Hello Summer and hello Georgia heat! Things are certainly staying hot around here and that’s not to say it’s only the weather. Our office is beaming with new projects, ideas, and movement. Since the start of summer, we've had a full house, welcoming our two daily summer interns along with us. They have fallen into place with our staff quickly and been put to work! Over the past quarter, we've held a very successful 7th Annual Sweet Tee Off Golf Tournament, 42nd Annual Awards Dinner, participated in Downtown Eatonton/Mainstreet events, picked back up with attending in-person conferences around the state, supported our state Senate teams from Warnock and Ossoff's offices and so much more. I'm proud of what is already behind us but I think I'm most excited for the planning taking place for the future. These past few months have also included creating a Leadership Putnam Board of Directors that are well underway in planning a creative and robust expansion for the program! Aside from the successful and fulfilling events, there were two main experiences that occurred this quarter that truly sparked those a-ha moments for me as I'm continuing to get my feet wet as President. The first of those was the GA CVB conference in Savannah in May. Joining over 230 Georgia-based Tourism professionals to discuss moving legislation, attractions, and trends brought home that we are moving in the right direction with our vision for our Welcome Center. We're gearing up to launch a new look for EatontonPutnam! Equally as exciting was my opportunity to attend my first GACCE Executive Leadership Conference in Jekyll in early July. This was a much-needed time to network with other Georgia Chamber Executives as we learned of the growing and evolving workforce demographics affecting our economy and how to balance our time and energies while continuing to be productive in a new-found work-from-home environment. As we move forward in the second half of the year, continuously sailing into post-pandemic life, our focus in the Chamber is on how to best craft and deliver our support to our member businesses and as Visit Eatonton, ensuring we are selling a brand that most accurately depicts who our community currently is. There has been significant change across many rural communities over the course of the past couple of years and as we have all worked to adapt to new interests and needs, we hope, as the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber, that we are providing the best to our community family.
President Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce
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Membership Update Goodbye Spring and Hello Summer! In the last Quarterly Commerce magazine, I stated how excited I was to "get out and get a little pollen on my shoes" and network with member businesses, however, as the Georgia humidity literally says, "HELLO", I will be happy to meet with anyone as long as there is air conditioning. But seriously, all jokes aside, our door is always open and we are here to help, air conditioning or not! The second quarter allowed for in-person events to resume and in April, the Chamber was proud to graduate the 26th Leadership Putnam class and host the 7th Annual Sweet Tee Off. In May, the Chamber hosted the 42nd Annual Awards Dinner and distributed the annual Chamber Scholarships, $1,000 each to four deserving recipients. I want to say, THANK YOU to everyone that sponsored and attended the 7th Annual Sweet Tee Off and the 42nd Annual Awards Dinner. As I said at the Annual Awards Dinner and I will say it again, it was exciting to be able to see everyone in person and catch-up on so many things, I have sincerely missed these interactions. I worked with several of our banking member businesses to reach out to every restaurant, member or not, in Putnam County to discuss and assist with applying for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. I welcomed the Chamber Summer Intern, Samuel Tucker in May and he has assisted me immensely as I plan out 2022. Sam has been a great asset to the Chamber office, he has performed research, created spreadsheet after spreadsheet, demonstrated his journalism skills by contributing 100% to several of the interviews in this edition of the Quarterly Commerce magazine and so much more! We are sad to see him go at the end of July as his internship ends, but wish him all the luck as he enters Mercer Law School. The second half of 2021 is going to be equally busy and I'm excited! The Taste of Eatonton will be back on October 4th and the 12th Annual Legislative Breakfast is October 19th. As I confirm dates for Fall 2021 I'm excited to announce that Farmers & Merchants Bank will host Coffee Connections and Business After Hours in September. I am personally inviting everyone to attend these events! I also want to make sure members are aware that there are plenty of opportunities available to promote your business in the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber, and one great way is by hosting a Business After Hours or Coffee Connections event at your business. There are still open spots for 2021 if you're interested in hosting! I want to leave you all with some food for thought. I often hear Chamber memberships compared to fitness memberships, "You will get out of it what you put into it", is the common saying. If this past year has shown us one thing, it is that this saying is not totally accurate. Each day, the Chamber Team works diligently in support of your business, whether or not you are able to personally engage. With your continued support, we can secure Eatonton and Putnam County's pro-business future. Together we are moving business forward and making Eatonton and Putnam County the best place to live, work, learn and play!
Michael A. Payne Membership Director Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce
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Membership Update
WELCOME & Thank You Please join us in welcoming our Second Quarter 2021 New Members and Thanking our second quarter renewal members!
RENEWALS
OCONEE CONCIERGE SERVICES INFO@OCONEESERVICES.COM WWW.OCONEECONCIERGE.COM (706) 817-1069 THATCH INTERIOR SERVICES 3725 ZIP INDUSTRIAL BLVD ATLANTA, GA 30354 678-904-1110, EXT 1.
NOLES IRRIGATION & LANDSCAPE 813 EATONTON ROAD EATONTON, GA 31024 (706)-816-3734 NOLES FAMILY PROPERTIES 813 EATONTON ROAD EATONTON, GA 31024 706-816-3734 NOLES MAINTENANCE, LLC 813 EATONTON ROAD EATONTON, GA 31024 706-816-3734 QUARTERLY 5
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ADVANCED DISPOSAL AMY'S TICKETS AT&T AUDIT MICROCONTROLS BERNARDS FAMILY FUNERAL CARE BUG HOUSE PEST CONTROL CENTRAL GEORGIA AG SERVICES CIRCLE RANCH COSMO CABINETS DR. THOMAS BROWN, DDS EATONTON KIWANIS CLUB ELK RIVER FLOORING COMPANY GATEWOOD SCHOOLS INC. GEORGIA CENTER FOR THE SIGHT GEORGIA WRITERS MUSEUM HARMONY CROSSING ANIMAL HOSPITAL HEARTWOOD GROUP, LLC. HIGH PRIORITY PEST SERVICES INTERFOR JERE-SHAI LAKESIDE JLW TRUCKING COMPANY, INC. LAKE OCONEE SELF STORAGE LOCKERLY ARBORETUM MADISON STUDIOS OCONEE SPRINGS PARK PERMATECT FACILITY SOLUTIONS PUTNAM COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PUTNAM CHRISTIAN OUTREACH SAVANNAH COURT-LAKE OCONEE SHUMATE HEATING & AIR SMITH COMMUNICATIONS, INC. SUNSET MARINA & INN THE ARTISANS VILLAGE ART GALLERY THE COTTAGES AT WOODLAND TERRACE THE VET AT LAKE OCONEE YOUNG HARRIS WATER SPORTS WINDOW WIZARDZ
Membership Update
Second Quarter
Ribbon Ribbon Cuttings Cuttings
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Membership Benefits
DRUGS DON'T WORK
Members can increase productivity and reduce annual worker's compensation premiums by 7.5% by participating in the Drugs Don't Work program. This program educates employers about the prevention, intervention, and elimination of substance abuse in the workplace. As a drug-free workplace, you'll increase productivity and reduce the cost of doing business.
Member Information Center
Be sure you're using one of the most powerful tools of your membership, the Member Information Center (MIC). The Membership Information Center allows Chamber Members to: Market your business Manage and customize your business information List of employees/representatives Post a Community Event on our website Post a Hot Deal (online coupon) Post a Member to Member Deal for Chamber Members If you need help accessing your MIC login please contact membership@eatonton.com.
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GEORGIA CHAMBER RETIREMENT PLAN EXCHANGE
The Georgia Chamber Retirement Plan EXCHANGE® is a new 401K program offered to businesses across Georgia, in partnership with Transamerica and Gallagher. This plan offers employers a wide range of retirement management services including administrative offload, simplified payroll contribution processing, loan and distribution support, time savings, fiduciary risk management and more.
Chamber Smart Plan
In partnership with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, we've teamed up with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to administer the Georgia Chamber SMART Plan, a new health coverage solution that can lead to rate stability and potential savings for groups with 2 to 50 eligible employees. This plan allows smaller employers to be part of a larger, self-funded pool, with financial protection backed by Anthem. In addition to financial protection, these innovative alternatives offer: Competitive rates Predictable, fixed monthly payments Flexibility in your choice of benefit plans Anthem's broad Open Access POS network and Essential RX Formulary
Catching Up With
TOURISM It is hard to believe that it has been only 3 months since I introduced myself in the last Quarterly Commerce. Since then, so much has happened in our corner of heaven. We held two of our major events within two weeks of each other; the Sweet Tee Off on April 19th and the Annual Dinner on May 3rd. The Sweet Tee Off was one of my biggest tests both personally and professionally. We had the most players in recent years as well as more sponsors on the course at Cuscowilla than ever before. There were a million thank yous to be written following the tournament, as it went off without a hitch. Most notably, I could not thank the golf pros and staff at Cuscowilla enough. Without their knowledge and expertise, I would still be driving in circles on the cart paths at Cuscowilla looking for signs, tables, chairs, etc. Internally in our office, Michael, the Membership Director, was there to help with anything I needed. He also coordinated so many aspects of the event both before and throughout the tournament. I truly cannot wait until next year as I now have this one under my belt. After both of these events, maybe a break? Ha! No. In a month's span, I attended the Georgia Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Conference (GACVB) in Savannah, Georgia, QUARTERLY 9
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and the Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College in Macon, Ga. The GACVB Conference is for a variety of entities in Georgia that provide tourism and visitor services across our state. This conference was a great opportunity for Maggie and I to meet so many Georgia tourism peers and have many conversations on how tourism can serve our community. Because we are both new to the industry, we have everything to learn from the tourism industry community. As for Marketing College, I spent a week learning about destination marketing and how to apply available resources to our county. This program is a three-year program I will continue to attend to finish the certification to become a Tourism Marketing Professional. Completing this certification will help designate Visit Eatonton as a more wellrounded tourism department and allow for easier expansion when needed (which we hope is sooner than later). Looking forward, there is so much I am excited to tell y’all about, but that will have to be in another issue. I hope that everyone has a wonderful summer and I hope to see everyone at the Taste of Eatonton on Monday, October 4th.
INTRODUCING
Porches of Porches of Putnam is a series of
My hope with this segment is to grow the
stories about local residents.
community by having readers “meet”
This idea came from wanting to
their neighbors in the county just as
know more about my neighbors as
though they had walked up to their front
well as who really lives in the
porch on a Sunday afternoon and chatted
area. Kind of matching a house to
for a while. That is where the name
a face type of thing. Our county
“Porches of Putnam” came from; the idea
has so much to offer as far as
that a porch is one of the best meeting
properties and notable homes,
spaces in a southern home.
but we have even more to offer as far as the people who live here. We really do have such diversity in the community. And, we are all in this county at this one time, how and why did we all get here?
So, do you know anyone who has a great story to share with me? Do they live in Putnam County? If yes to both of those questions, please let me know who they are and how to get in contact with them. You can contact me anytime by emailing me at tourism@eatonton or giving me a call at (706) 485- 7701. QUARTERLY
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Porches of 400 NORTH MADISON AVENUE New residents embrace the lore of Panola Hall
MAKING A
H o m e OF
A HALL
A few years ago, Michael and Diana Homeier began thinking about moving out of Los Angeles, California where they lived for many years. Michael, a lawyer, and Diana, a doctor, were ready to “slow their lives down” in a southern, smalltown. Panola was one of many historic homes the Homeier’s looked at across the southern United States and they decided to go all-in on the home in October of 2019. When asked about why they chose Panola Hall over any of their other prospects, they both noted the community that is behind the town and the prospects of growth in the area. Diana specifically stated that she could not explain the home and the community’s feeling other than an overall “welcoming and comforting feeling”. The home itself has no choice but to be welcoming; the many tall windows in every room let ample light in. Lined with heartwood pine floors, the echo of footsteps carries through the house, carrying the ambiance of the historic Eatonton home. Since purchasing the home, they partnered with multiple local contractors and artisans to begin the process of restoring the home to its original grandeur. The projects, including restoring some of the original parlor lighting and windows, took a full year to complete.
LOST IN THE Dr. Benjamin Hunt, the second homeowner, purchased the home in 1891. Hunt used the property to experiment with a variety of horticultural varieties. This includes the “Hunt fig”, a fig tree that is acclimated to the middle Georgia climate. Another variant of a traditional plant, unique-colored azaleas, is planted in droves along the gates of the property and the many expansive flower beds. The Homeier’s had not seen the property in the Spring until this April. A true housewarming, the oversized Azalea bushes billowed over the fences of the property for almost two weeks. Other plants, exclusive to the property bloom in unique varieties in perfect succession throughout the year.
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400 NORTH MADISON AVENUE FYLNN'S
Forest
When walking through the Azalea-covered gates, Flynn, the Homeier family dog, greets visitors the best way he knows how: by sticking his wet nose against the corner window of the stately red front door. Flynn, still a bit of a puppy at 28 months old, is well mannered but excited to meet a new friend. When inside, he sits with Diana, almost in her lap. She and Flynn have a series of unspoken conversations and it is as if he understands what is going on and calms down for When asked about who all lives in Panola,
short periods of time. Once ready for a tour of
Michael responds “Me, Diana, Flynn, and---well--
the exterior of the home, Flynn leads the
- Sylvia”. Sylvia, Panola’s resident spirit, has
Homeier’s around his yard. Flynn zooms around
graced the halls for at least a century. Sylvia
the unique flower beds and old stone structures
appears on the home’s main staircase in a white
to find his toy Diana tosses around the yard.
hoopskirt (popular at the time she first showed
After fetching his toy many times, he stops
herself to the Hunt’s). For the Homeier’s, Sylvia
briefly to take a drink from a birdbath at the
has given them no problems. The only strange
front of the home.
happening in the house is the intermittent opening of a single drawer of a filing cabinet in the front bedroom on the second floor of the home. This room is reportedly Sylvia’s favorite over the years, so the coincidence is uncanny. The Homeier’s spoke extensively about how warm the home was when they were looking at it before purchasing it, and Diana even stated”...well maybe that was Sylvia’s presence…” The Homeier’s continue to work on the various tasks at hand when owning a 167-year-old home. They are excited to live in Eatonton and serve the community that inspired them to purchase this special home. Reiterating their choice to move into Panola is the friendliness of the passerby’s who walk Madison Avenue and their willingness to stop and say hello when they are working in the flowerbeds or playing fetch with Flynn. QUARTERLY
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A
S
T
E
O F
E
At
A
N
O T N
O
T
T
On From
The Taste of Eatonton is right around the corner. We are so excited to see everyone back this year after not being able to see y’all in 2020. It is hard to believe that we will be outside at the Plaza on a crisp fall evening enjoying a variety of foods and drinks with our closest friends and Eatonton family in just a few months. Tickets for attendees will go on sale on August 1, 2021. Tickets will be on sale at the Chamber office at 108 West Marion Street in downtown Eatonton across the street from the courthouse. Tickets will also be available for sale online through a link on our Facebook page and on our website. We are also looking for restaurants to participate as vendors in the Taste, to inquire about serving at the taste, contact the Chamber at (706) 485- 7701 or email Lacey at tourism@eatonton.com.
Admission It's Back! $20 in Advance $25 at the Gate QUARTERLY 13
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$15 Bottomless Wine Glass
The Plaza Arts Center 305 Madison Avenue Eatonton, Ga 31024 Monday, October 4th, 2021 6:30pm - 8:30pm
EATONTON-PUTNAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2021 Scholarship Recipients
Jayson Burner GRADUATING FROM GATEWOOD SCHOOLS, WILL ATTEND UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
Dillon Chambers GRADUATING FROM PUTNAM COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, WILL ATTEND KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
Kanesha Lowe GRADUATING FROM CENTRAL GEORGIA TECHNICAL COLLEGE, WILL ATTEND GEORGIA MILITARY COLLEGE
Ashley Ventura GRADUATING FROM PUTNAM COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, WILL ATTEND GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
CONGRATULATIONS! QUARTERLY
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MEET OUR TOURISM INTERN
On a daily basis, I get the honor of taking Chloe the Cow outside in the morning and bringing her inside in the afternoon, I organize and restock brochures in the front of the Welcome Center, fulfill tourism and Chamber inquiries via phone, email and mail, and welcome visitors in the Welcome Center.
My name is Sarah Stallings and I am the Summer 2021 tourism intern. I graduate from Georgia College & State University in August with my Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication. I'm from Kennesaw, GA and plan to continue my marketing career after completing this internship.
During my time here, I have completed multiple tasks to help achieve Visit Eatonton objectives. I've been writing blog posts for Georgia's Lake Country, writing copy for the Quarterly Business Report and monthly newsletter, designing promotional items for the Taste of Eatonton that is taking place this October, creating advertisements for Visit Eatonton, enhancing tourism products, producing social media posts for Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, and attending meetings for the Chamber and Visit Eatonton.
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I have already learned so much from working alongside Lacey, and have met so many wonderful people. I am excited to learn more as I continue my last month here and feel lucky to be led by such a supportive and encouraging staff!
MEET OUR CHAMBER INTERN
My name is Samuel Tucker and I am the Summer 2021 membership intern. I graduate from Georgia College & State University this August with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and a minor in History. I’m from Marietta, Georgia and I plan to attend law school at Mercer University this fall.
Throughout my time here at the Chamber of Commerce I have acquainted myself with the many different businesses and organizations here in the Putnam county area. Some of my major projects include cleaning up and improving the membership database here at the chamber by verifying contact information for over 300 members, sending out invitations for the Legislative Breakfast, shipping out inquiries and updates to all of our members through the mail, driving across the county to pick up and deliver promotional materials, conducting interviews with members of the Chamber board, doing write ups for Chamber Discoveries, managing the Chamber of Commerce Facebook and Instagram pages, and doing research on various Chambers across the country to help improve the Chamber here in Eatonton-Putnam county.
On a day-to-day basis you can find me at the front desk of the welcome center answering phone calls, reading and responding to emails, assisting visitors, and preparing any outgoing postage for the week. I’ve always been doing textbook intern assignments ranging anywhere from cleaning out the closets in the backroom at the Chamber, vacuuming the front lobby, and picking up Surcheros catering for board meetings.
I have been grateful to work with and learn from Michael here at the Membership office, and have been privileged to meet so many amazing people here in the city of Eatonton. I look forward to seeing everyone here at the welcome center as I finish out my last month with the Chamber of Commerce. QUARTERLY
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Member Milestones
BankSouth, a community bank headquartered at Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia celebrated its 75th anniversary with customers on Saturday, June 5. The event was held in downtown Greensboro at a historic venue, where hundreds of customers joined BankSouth’s employees, board of directors and Chief Exective Officer, Harold Reynolds in the festivities. Among the attendees was Greensboro’s city councilman, Chris Moore, who presented a proclamation from the mayor of Greensboro declaring June 5th “BankSouth Day.” “It’s great to celebrate this milestone where we started 75 years ago. We’ve had families and businesses that have banked with us for generations here, and we’re so thankful to them and our community for being a part of this journey with us,” said Harold Reynolds, BankSouth Chairman and CEO. BankSouth was founded as Citizens Union Bank in 1946 in Greensboro. BankSouth has remained in the community since its inception, serving as a pillar of the growing city of Greensboro, Greene County and the Lake Oconee area. The bank now also serves communities across Georgia with branches in Watkinsville, Atlanta and Savannah and mortgage offices throughout the state. For more information on BankSouth, visit www.banksouth.com.
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7TH ANNUAL SWEET TEE OFF This past April the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce held their seventh annual Sweet Tee Off Golf Tournament at Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee. This is one of our biggest events of the year, with 100 players participating, helping raise money for the Chamber’s local community efforts. This fundraiser supports the Chamber of Commerce and its efforts to fund community outreach programs and local high school students in their college expenses.
First place winners: the ABM Team of Rick Higginbotham, Beverly Levine, Jason Anderson, and Horace Hudgins.
Registration began at 9 in the morning where players enjoyed Chick-Fil-A biscuits, a bloody mary bar and an opportunity to practice on the open driving range. Once 10:30 hit, players had a shotgun start and the competition began. The tournament came to a close about 4:30 in the afternoon where afterward the players attended an awards ceremony. There was a first, second and third place winner for the tournament. The first place winner received a trophy, Encanto red wine, a Masters tumbler and a $25 gift card to Silver Moon. The second place winner received bourbon, a Masters tumbler, Masters towel and a $25 gift card to Lake Oconee Bistro. Lastly, the third place winner received Larceny bourbon, a Yeti cup and a $25 gift card to Lake Oconee Outfitters. This event wouldn’t be possible without our local sponsors who donated to the event. The Chamber has already begun planning for April 2022, so start practicing your swing and keep an eye out for details on the next Sweet Tee Off!
Second place winners: Henry Shurling, Tom Cornelia, Mike Langan, and Scott Gessay.
Third place winners: The Peoples Bank team of Mike Rountree, Dan Haley, Keith Davis, and Jesse McMillen.
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2021 marked the Chamber of Commerce's 42nd year hosting its Annual Dinner & Awards Banquet. Each year, awards are presented to individuals and businesses that have excelled in their service to Eatonton-Putnam County, and the surrounding areas. This year's event was held at the Rock Eagle Senior Pavillion on May 3rd and marked the inaugural celebration for new President, Maggie Milner, new Membership Director, Michael Payne and new Tourism Coordinator, Lacey Cummings. The event drew a crowd of nearly 150 business leaders, member businesses, and community members.
The Artisans Village Art Gallery opened in 2017 as a nonprofit organization that helps bring in artwork from artists in the Eatonton area with the goal of encouraging economic development and a stronger sense of community. They are a key component to the Artisans Village in downtown Eatonton with around 50 artists from the Lake Country area from Greensboro to Eatonton housed at the gallery. The Art Gallery had to shut down in March 2020 due to the pandemic, but after reopening in September 2020 they worked to find new ways to improve their business strategy and bring more exposure to the art collections. They are currently working on building a brand new building on East Marion Street that will have over 6,000 square feet and will be used as art studios for local artists. They are pleased to be embraced by the community and look forward to the opening of their new art studio and to continue their mission of helping to bring greater appreciation for all types of art in the Eatonton area.
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Anchors Marina opened in January 2021 with a boat show to kick off their grand opening. After expressing interest in purchasing Jerry’s Bait and Tackle in 2018, Lauren and Josh Sprayberry broke ground in 2020 at what would become Anchor’s Marina. They currently average over 2,000 visitors at the marina and are now at 50 percent capacity for storage. Their services include filling your boat with fuel, cleaning your boat before it's launched, and filling up your cooler with a variety of beverages before you set sail. Anchors Marina hopes to expand their business to new locations across the Lake Country area, and they hope to make this a special place for everybody in the Putnam area to visit, rent boats, and enjoy the lake.
Putnam General Hospital has been in business for around 53 years and they take pride in being a good corporate citizen for the EatontonPutnam area. They experienced an unprecedented health challenge this past year with the COVID-19 pandemic, and throughout the entire process their number one priority has been to provide a safe environment for patients. Their first COVID-19 patient came to the hospital on March 13th, 2019 and they rose to the challenge of confronting a new disease and ensuring their patients were well taken care of. The hospital ensured that all social distancing protocols were maintained throughout the facilities and that all staff and visitors wore masks to help prevent further spread of the disease. Putnam General Hospital also wished to extend their deepest gratitude to every member of the staff who came to work prepared to take care of patients who did not have the option to stay at home in a safe environment but still risked their health and safety to come to work.
Dillon Chambers is a senior at Putnam County High School. One of the ways he gives back to the community is helping the elderly population in any way he can whether it be landscaping their lawns or assisting them with any technology questions they may have. He has also taken Karate lessons from a young age and has offered lessons for younger children as well as self defense courses for women. Dillon plans on attending Kennesaw State University in the Fall, where he will be majoring in computer science. He hopes to pursue a master’s degree in computer science and open up his very own computer store in the Atlanta area.
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As we look to the future of the Chamber and the growth that we see happening, we need to take a few moments, although hours or days would be more appropriate, to recognize the incredible leader who built the foundation we are fortunate to currently stand on.
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Roddie Anne began her career in 1980, less than a year after the Chamber was founded and has been a guiding force for the organization ever since. Over those 40 years, she raised the Chamber like one of her own children. As a cornerstone of the organization, she grew it into what it is today; a pillar of the community, although, being the humble individual she is, she will be quick to tell you that it was a team effort and she had a big one. She saw the Chamber through 5 different locations, growth in membership, countless fundraisers, community events, and endless economic and community development projects. She graduated from Chamber Institute (a 6 year program at UGA), the Economic Development Institute at Ga. Tech, numerous Leadership Development courses, and her latest was as a Georgia Certified Chamber Executive (currently only 24 in the state). She currently sits or has sat on numerous boards including the Central Georgia Technical College board, TriCounty EMC Foundation, the Plaza Arts Center, the Downtown Development Authority and the Eatonton Main Street Board. She created Leadership Putnam in 1990, overseeing 26 classes and nearly 600 graduates, as well as the restoration of the old Eatonton School to The Plaza Arts Center. She also opened the Putnam Campus of CGTC in 2002 and served on the Board of the Technical College. She was also a founding member of Georgia’s Antebellum Trail and Georgia’s Lake Country marketing associations. Her involvement with the Putnam Development Authority also helped many different organizations come to Putnam County including Hanes/Sara Lee Knit Products, Haband, Gro Tech, Perky Cap, Ingles, Wal-Mart, Hylite Windows, the Rock Eagle Technology Park and numerous other small businesses.
She created Leadership Putnam in 1990, overseeing 26 classes and nearly 600 graduates, as well as the restoration of the old Eatonton School to The Plaza Arts Center. She also opened the Putnam Campus of CGTC in 2002 and served on the Board of the Technical College. She was also a founding member of Georgia’s Antebellum Trail and Georgia’s Lake Country marketing associations. Her involvement with the Putnam Development Authority also helped many different organizations come to Putnam County including Hanes/Sara Lee Knit Products, Haband, Gro Tech, Perky Cap, Ingles, Wal-Mart, Hylite Windows, the Rock Eagle Technology Park and numerous other small businesses. She received the “Legacy Award” from the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (GACCE) in 2016, the highest award that can be received by a Chamber Executive and is given to someone who has served the Chamber for many years producing high quality work in their community. Roddie Anne is the longest serving Chamber Executive in Georgia. In her 40 years of service she has dedicated countless hours and amounts of energy building turning the Chamber into the welloiled machine we know today. You are a true example of a citizen commitment and have led the Eatonton-Putnam community to great heights. The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is proud to announce the establishment of the Roddie Anne Blackwell Leadership and Service Award. This award will be Board nominated and selected each year and given to an individual that has shown superior leadership, commitment and service to the Eatonton-Putnam community. They will be someone who motivates and inspires others, understands the importance of sometimes taking risks to achieve goals, demonstrates the ability to take charge, develops creative solutions and is recognized by others for being dedicated to their work and community.
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In the 2021 Leadership Putnam Program, we were tasked with completing a project as a group for the betterment of the city. Being born and raised in Putnam County, I immediately started to think about what is missing in our community that can positively impact the lives of everyone.
Leadership Putnam 2021
While out one day I saw the Eatonton Center Stage and I immediately realized that this was an asset for our community, but I felt it needed some improvements such as lighting, a quality sound system, seating, and lettering to help reach its full potential. I was imagining the potential for the city and what an awesome legacy this would leave for the 2021 Leadership Putnam Class. I had reservations because I had concerns about the possibility of invading other groups’ territories, but I knew I had to at least present the idea. After all, ‘nothing beats a failure but a try’. My strategy for convincing the class to take on a project of this magnitude was first to convey a purpose for improving the stage which is to make it a prime destination to host community events, a welcoming atmosphere, and provide a venue for citizens and visitors alike to visit while shopping and dining in our downtown arts and entertainment district, and I that the benefits of this project are: Economic Development Driver – Events and festivals will drive citizens and visitors to the downtown district to spend money by shopping and dining. This helps our current businesses stay afloat as well as a recruiting tool for potential new business. Community Engagement – Our community is filled with great people with great minds, ideas, and stories. This venue allows the sharing of these great assets and creates a sense of community comradery. Things to Do – This venue will provide an atmosphere for festivals, community tailgates, art shows, and much more; the options are limitless. This project was presented at our graduation, it was well received; and thus, the journey begins. We understand that we have taken on a monumental task, but the enthusiasm of my classmates leads me to believe that we are more than capable of achieving success and we know that our efforts will be a great compliment to the work that the city is already undertaking.
One day we will see you under the lights! Soon.
D.J. Waller Tourism Coordinator City of Covington
2021 Leadership Putnam Graduate
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Leadership Putnam Receives MAKEOVER for 2022 "A strong Chamber is the catalyst for a strong community." Last year I went through the Leadership Putnam program and I met a lot of wonderful leaders from our community who are now friends and colleagues. One of my classmates, Melissa Swindell, Executive Director of the Georgia Writers Museum, and I immediately connected. She and I noticed that the staff of the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber was working round the clock to create a successful Leadership Putnam program and retreat. Since we both had been through Leadership programs before; I went through Leadership Henry in 2005 and was then on the Leadership Henry Board of Directors for 3 terms, and Melissa went through the Sandy Springs program, we offered to create a Leadership Putnam Board. The Board would be a diverse group of individuals who had a desire to work together to create a fantastic Leadership Putnam experience. Our goal would be to not only take the planning, fundraising, coordinating and recruiting off the Chamber staff plate, it would then allow them to focus on the many other on-going projects they have in place. The Chamber's goal is to bring a community together, and with our Chamber having a staff of only three, they are busy being responsible for the success of all endeavors associated with the Chamber. Having come from a strong Chamber, I know first-hand what it takes for not only the Chamber but the community to be successful; teamwork. A strong Chamber is the catalyst for a strong community. The Chamber President Maggie Milner, the Chamber staff, and the Chamber Board could see our vision and wholeheartedly agreed a Leadership Putnam Board would be a great asset to them. As Co-Chairs of the Leadership Putnam Board, Melissa and I are adding a few changes to the program. To start, we are changing the way the program begins…instead of starting out with a class, we are going to kick off the program with a Fiesta! This allows the class, their family members, community stakeholders and Leadership Putnam alumni to have the opportunity to come together for fellowship in a casual environment. We are also extending the class from a few hours in the evening once a week to a full day once a month. We believe that there is a great deal for the class to experience in our county and to do so, we need a few more hours per class to accomplish this. We will also have a significant break during the day from 11:30 am-1:30 pm which will be the time dedicated for the class to enjoy lunch, fellowship and have time to discuss their class project.
Speaking of the class project, the class will be required to complete their chosen project before graduation. We will be working with them during the retreat to help them elect a project Chair and form committees. The retreat is getting a facelift as well; moving to our home of Putnam County! Our goal is to be fully focused on our community which means utilizing the great accommodations we have right here. This also sends a strong message to our class that it is important to spend resources in our community whenever possible by supporting local business. Our last major edit we will be incorporating into the program how it will be financed. In the past, the Chamber funded a great deal of the program. We believe so strongly in Leadership and understand that for our community to grow, we must have this program in place without draining Chamber resources. We have developed a sponsorship program that will allow more business involvement and promotion. If you are interested in finding out more about our sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to our Sponsorship Chair, Murray Air at wmurray.air@sbcglobal.net. In order to make this magic happen, we have put together a wonderful Inaugural Board of Directors including Amy McElhenney, Murray Air, Grady Jones, Carrie Dietrich, Stephanie McMullen, Kim Ruff, Jarvis Glenn, Hank Griffith, and Reeshemah Ellison. We are excited to be the Leadership Putnam Inaugural Board and are proud to work with the Chamber to create a program that will enhance and promote the community we all love!
"Having come from a strong Chamber, I know first-hand what it takes for not only the Chamber but the community to be successful; teamwork."
LISA TUBBS CO-Chair Leadership Putnam BOARD of Directors
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Executive On The Move
Who is the most influential person in your personal life and why? My husband is the most influential person in my life. He holds me accountable in things that make me a better person and helps me to be stronger in life decisions. What is your definition of success? Success to me is being a wife, mother, and Vice President of Farmers & Merchants Bank. Its not easy to juggle your life and full time employment, but all of these things including my job is my family and my life. Essential business philosophy: There are always multiple sides to every situation. Hear them all out before jumping on the bandwagon. Amy McElhenney has been working for Farmers & Merchants Bank for over 23 years at a variety of different positions. As the current Vice President and Human Resources Director, she is able to have the most hands-on experience possible working at one of the most prominent local banks in the City of Eatonton. When she’s not working full-time at Farmers & Merchants she takes part in a variety of different local boards and committees in the Eatonton community. “I’m involved with a lot of boards in the community right now, I do have time that's spent more and more outside the doors of the bank, and I see those as opportunities to meet great people but to provide opportunities for the bank and others,” McElhenney said. After earning a degree in sociology from Georgia College, McElhenney worked as a financial aid officer and in the field of secondary market lending before she moved to the city of Eatonton to start her eventual career path. Being part of a community bank has not only allowed her to grow with a company over a long period of time, but it has also given her a direct connection to the people of the city on a more personal level. “Working for a community bank, we truly care and our employees care about others and we build those connections with some heartstrings attached to that,” McElhenney said. “We feel if something’s going on in the community or one of our customers, we all feel it and it's a part of life experiences that we share in.” Having that direct connection has also allowed her to divide her time between Farmers & Merchants, Leadership Putnam, Kiwanis Club, and EPTAHP. Above all else, McElhenney wants to help the business she works with thrive by being a part of the daily lives of everyone in the community and being a reliable source for guidance and support. “Lots of conversations are had, I like to talk. I get the opportunity to do that every day and I’ve always had an open door policy so employees know that if they need something they can always come to me and I make time,” McElhenney said.
Favorite quote? “You’re not here to be average, You’re here to be awesome! (Unknown) What was your first job? Treasury Drug Store in Milledgeville Looking back, what is the best piece of advice you would give to your 25 year old self? Success is not in what you do, but how you do it. What is something most people don’t know about you? I worked at a car rental business right out of college. If you were stranded on an island, what three things would you have to have with you? My dog, Bo, food, and water. My family would come rescue us, so that is why they wouldn’t be there! LOL! What is your life motto? Always trust God. How do you keep a competitive edge? Friendly, but sometimes, heated debates with Co-Workers and my husband. It keeps me on my toes. What would be your first choice for a new career? I absolutely love my job and wouldn’t want to do anything else. If I had to pick something though, I would somehow take care of dogs and cats and find them healthy homes. Why did you choose the career you are in? Honestly, God chose it for me. He lead me on the path that put me right where I am without my knowing it. Today, I clearly see it, but as the journey began I wasn’t as aware of his plan.
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Millenial On The Move
Life can certainly surprise us in major ways when we take our first steps towards a career. Sarah Peacock currently works as a loan officer at Bank of Madison, but her path towards this position was unexpected in different ways. After graduating with a degree in Community Health she was faced with one of the toughest periods for younger people in recent memory. “When I graduated it was during the recession and there were no jobs so I fell into banking by accident, I started as a teller, and then worked my way over to a different bank,” Peacock said.
What is your definition of success? Being Content and happy where you are. I think success has a broad meaning and can look different throughout the stages of life. Essential business philosophy: Spend time wisely and make time to serve and give back to your community. Looking back, what is the best piece of advice you would give to your 25 year old self? Spend more time connecting with people
Shortly before her graduation, Peacock worked at an internship for a helpline in Gwinnett county where she took phone calls from people seeking assistance after the recession evicted them from their homes. From there she decided that her chosen field may not be the one she pursues a full time career in.
If you were stranded on an island, what three things would you have to have with you? Cell Phone, sunscreen, and Coffee
“I realized I didn’t want to do much with my major and there wasn’t much to do at the time so I started working at this restaurant and managed it for a while, but then I decided I needed to do something else.”
Why did you choose the career you are in? I graduated during the recession and there were not many entry level jobs. I needed a job with health insurance and a credit union was hiring. I sort of fell into banking
Peacock was able to land her first position as a teller after a brief period working for a restaurant, and this allowed her to start a career in the field of insurance. In her current position as a loan officer she’s able to meet with real estate agents and builders to land clients and assess properties across the county. While it certainly isn’t what her undergraduate geared her towards, she has been able to cultivate experience and grow for different banks in the Eatonton area.
What is your life motto? I don’t know that I have a LIFE motto but something I hear in the back of my head each day “Don’t judge a book by its cover”
“I’m very content with my position right now, and I know in the next few years my kids will start sports (and other activities). I like going to work everyday so I need to know I have a job that can fit both these things in.” QUARTERLY 25
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What was your first job? Babysitter
What is a goal you have yet to achieve? I have always wanted to complete a marathon. Knee injuries have set me back but I hope I can fulfill that goal one day. How do you keep a competitive edge? I can’t share my secrets….just kidding…staying involved in your community helps connect you with a wide variety of people.
Mission On The Move
Ever since Melissa Swindell was selected as the new Executive Director for the Georgia Writers Museum in 2020, expanding the scope of the museum has been one of her goals moving forward. When the museum first opened in 2014, the exhibits mainly focused on the most famous writers of the greater Eatonton area; Flannery O’Connor, Joel Chandler Harris, and Alice Walker. Now the museum is looking to highlight dozens of writers from the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame, expanding the museum’s exhibits, and featuring select written works from the museum's featured writers. “It’s fascinating how many writers are from this region, and as a state museum we represent writers from all across the state,” Swindell said. With the recent shutdowns from COVID-19, Swindell has looked for new and improved ways to reach audiences across the state. The museum can now host guest speakers from outside the state of Georgia who may have written about hall of fame authors speaking to a virtual audience.
“With digital virtual programming that happened over COVID, we were able to reach audiences in North Georgia and even farther,” Swindell said. “We’ve had speakers from outside Georgia who wrote books about hall of fame authors, and now people who have moved away from Georgia can zoom in and check us out.” As the museum looks forward towards the future, newer exhibits with personal artifacts belonging to writers are being considered and included, such as the Sidney Lanier collection and the typewriter exhibits. The Georgia Writers Museum was and continues to be a local establishment for the city of Eatonton, but thanks to the accessibility of platforms like Zoom, people all across the state can check out the collections. “We were an Eatonton business with local people coming in, but being able to expand virtually has helped us have a broader region so that we can be the “Georgia” in the Georgia Writers Museum,” Swindell said.
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Mission On The Move How long has your organization been around and how did you get started? In 2013 the Briar Patch Arts Council, now known as Lake Country Arts Alliance, was born as a “think tank” to leverage the arts and generate visitors to the Lake Country area (Putnam, Morgan, Greene, Baldwin, and Hancock Counties). With Eatonton famous for native authors Joel Chandler Harris and his Brer Rabbit tales and Alice Walker, the idea of a literary museum was presented to the group. They quickly rallied around the idea and created the Georgia Writers Museum in 2014. Spearheading the group were Jack Shinneman, retired Brigadier General Stewart Rodeheaver, and Lou Benjamin, who successfully put together a group of volunteers to research, plan, construct, and curate. For the past seven years, Georgia Writers Museum was 100% volunteer-led. In 2020, GWM hired its first Executive Director, and is looking toward a continuingly bright future. Did you know that 9 of the 69 members of the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame members lived and wrote within 30 miles of Eatonton? Come by the museum to find out who they are! What is your company’s mission statement? GWM celebrates the state’s rich literary history, promotes its contemporary writers, educates readers and writers of all ages, and connects people to the literary arts of Georgia.
How has your organization grown over the years? Since 2014, GWM has hosted over 3,000 guests as visitors to the museum and participants in our Meet the Author series. We’ve taught more than 450 budding authors at Writers’ Workshops, and reached over 1,300 young writers for the annual Spooky Story Contest. We purchased our building and an adjacent space to double our footprint. We were one of three sites across the Southeast to be invited to join the Southern Literary Trail in 2020, and we hired a Smithsonian-trained Executive Director to help take GWM to the next level.
What are some goals your organization has in mind looking towards the future? What’s in store for 2021 and the future? GWM added new exhibits, The Life of Sidney Lanier, and Historic Typewriters, and enhanced past exhibits with new information and graphics. We’ve expanded our Meet the Author series to monthly programs on the first Tuesday of each month, and added quarterly Writers Workshops to our schedule. By the end of summer 2021, we’ll offer a new Children’s Story Time with Georgia authors for the little ones, and we’re launching a Junior Board of Directors for high-school-age students. If that’s not enough, we’re undertaking major renovations! We’re in the initial phases of planning for renovated community space to continue hosting friends for this year’s Georgia Young Authors Awards, the Mainstreet Board retreat, and Putnam County Charter School System’s scholarship workshops. We’re getting closer to opening a coffee shop on the Square, and working with exhibit design firms to bring you an all-new interactive and familyfriendly museum experience. What are some of the different ways people can help your organization aside from donations? Volunteer! With so much going on, we need all the help we can get! GWM is looking for volunteers to fill a variety of roles: Museum Attendants, Flyer Distributors, Marketing / PR / Communications, Customer Relations Management, and Book Club Hosts to name a few! If you don’t have the time to volunteer, donations are always a great way to be a part of the GWM legacy! Online at:https://www.georgiawritersmuseum.org/donate/ What events are planned for your organization for the rest of the year? MEET THE AUTHOR Aug 3rd (HYBRID) Philip Lee Williams, Far Beyond the Gates Sept. 7th (IN-PERSON) Bill Curry, Ten Men You Meet in the Huddle Oct. 7th (IN-PERSON) Kathryn Smith, Baptists & Bootleggers Nov. 2nd (HYBRID) Peter Selgin, Duplicity Dec. 7th (HYBRID) Janisse Ray, Red Lanterns: Poems 4TH ANNUAL SPOOKY STORY CONTEST September – October, 2021, 3rd – 12th grade students across Georgia GWM is searching for original stories by Georgia’s 3rd – 12th grade students. Submission will be accepted from the middle of September through the middle of October. Each grade level will be judged separately, and winners will be announced on October 29, 2021. For contest rules and to read last year’s winning stories visit: https://www.georgiawritersmuseum.org/spooky-storycontest/. FALL FUNDRAISER Oct. 23rd (IN-PERSON) Eatonton’s Paranormal Investigation with the Southeastern Institute for Paranormal Research. Event details coming soon… watch GWM’s website at https://www.georgiawritersmuseum.org/ and our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/georgiawritersmuseum for more information.
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Community Partnerships
Mainstreet Minute Update It’s such an exciting time in Downtown Eatonton. New businesses are opening. Events are taking place. Buildings are being renovated. Have you been downtown lately? If you haven’t, you’re really missing out. If you haven’t attended one of Eatonton Main Street’s events yet, please bring your friends and family to the next event. The events take place on the second Saturday of each month. You can visit Eatonton Main Street’s social media (@DowntownEatonton) or website (www.DowntownEatonton.com) for updates on the events. Eatonton Main Street just completed three crosswalk murals with funding support from the Georgia Council for the Arts, Farmers & Merchants Bank, and the City of Eatonton. If you haven’t seen the crosswalk murals, you really need to see them in person. The photos don’t do them justice. New businesses are opening in downtown! Just take a look at the chart below of the growth from 2016 to the present. The numbers for this year only represent what has taken place from January through June.
What do you love about
Downtown
Eatonton? Would you like to get involved in what’s happening in downtown? Eatonton Main Street has so many ways for you to be involved in the downtown revitalization. You can join the Main Street Advisory Board or you can join one of the committees: Design, Organization, Promotions and Economic Vitality. I hope you stay tuned to what Main Street has coming up for the rest of the year. The Main Street Advisory Board and I are already working on some great new projects. I can’t really tell you too much, but I can tell you that you’re going to see several new businesses opening up in the second half of the year. So when you have a moment or two, I would like to invite you to experience all of the great businesses that Downtown Eatonton has to offer. Meet Main Street Manager, Lauren Singleton
Before I came to Eatonton, I was the Main Street Director in Covington, Georgia for three years. I have also been the Main Street Manager in Downtown McDonough, GA. In addition to those cities, I have worked in the cities of Morrow, GA, Riverdale, GA and Tallahassee, FL. I'm originally from Sharpsburg, Georgia, and I am a graduate of Clayton State University with a BS in Integrative Studies with a focus on Entertainment Management. Currently, I am working on my certification as a Main Street America Revitalization Professional.
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Community Partnerships
Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) is one of 22 colleges within the Technical College System of Georgia and serves 11 middle Georgia counties, including Putnam. For almost 20 years, the College has offered programs and services to the local community through its center in Eatonton. Putnam County residents have local access to credit instruction, adult education courses, including literacy skills and test preparation, and customized business and industry training services through the College’s Economic Development unit. Academic and occupational coursework is delivered at the CGTC Putnam Center through traditional and distance education delivery designed to promote community and workforce development. Additionally, the College serves a large population of Dual Enrollment high school students at Putnam County High School and Gatewood Schools. CGTC’s main campus is in Warner Robins with two more campuses in Macon and Milledgeville, and additional centers in Crawford, Monroe, Peach, Pulaski, and Twiggs counties, and the GA VECTR Center. In the early 2000s, Putnam County invested in workforce development by applying for grants and seeking private donations to build the Putnam County Workforce Development Center located at 580 James Marshall Bypass in Eatonton. Roddie Ann Blackwell, former president of the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce and project manager for the Putnam Development Authority, led this effort and her vision became a reality in September of 2002 with the opening of the CGTC Putnam County Center. Blackwell served on the Board of Directors at CGTC and championed technical education in her home community. Access to technical education in Putnam County has improved the lives of many residents through various educational pathways for students. These pathways are affordable, accredited, and easily attainable for everyone. With over 200 programs of study, transferable coursework and articulation agreements with four-year colleges and universities, and adult education services, CGTC can be a starting point for anyone’s educational needs.
Meet
CGTC
PUTNAM
COUNTY
Articulation agreements give students an affordable and easily attainable way to begin their post-secondary education. These agreements signify acceptance of coursework at partnering institutions and help shorten a student’s time to degree completion. As a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges (SACSCOC), CGTC has developed many partnerships with four-year colleges and universities. Partners include Gordon College, Georgia Military College, Middle Georgia State University, Mercer University, Kennesaw State University, and more. CGTC also offers a study abroad program for credit and dual enrollment students. The College has taken groups to England, Scotland, and Ireland for immersive two-week sessions in the summer. This option offers a wonderful avenue to study the culture and history of these countries while earning transferrable college credit. CGTC is vital to the economic development of our community and supports business and industry by developing a well-trained workforce and by offering customized training. The College’s Economic Development division can tailor any type of training to meet a business’s specific needs. This group also provides no-cost support services to new and expanding industries. The CGTC Putnam County Center plays a key role in implementing the mission of the College in our community. Enrollment and instructional services are provided to hundreds of students and the College’s partnerships with local development authorities, the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce, local high schools, and community organizations to strengthen the workforce development pipeline. Visit www.centralgatech.edu or call 706-923-5000 to explore the many resources that are available locally to you as an individual or to your business. DIRECTOR,
carrie
dietrich
Carrie Jones Dietrich is a life long resident of Putnam County. After graduating from Putnam County High School, she attended Georgia College and State University and received her undergraduate and graduate degrees. Ms. Dietrich has over 22 years of experience in higher education with specializing in student recruitment, career services and operations. Ms. Dietrich is a graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development and the Putnam Leadership Program. She has served on many local boards during her career, including Putnam County Family Connection and the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce. She has served as a volunteer for the Putnam Leadership program for the past 13 years. She is an educational partner with the Putnam County Charter School System and currently serves on the Putnam County Middle School’s Governing Authority. Ms. Dietrich is the Operations Director of the Putnam County Center of Central Georgia Technical College and oversees the daily operations of the college in Eatonton.
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Community Partnerships
The school year has ended with Putnam graduation ceremonies that gracefully honored graduates. A chapter closes and another begins. It can be an exciting and scary time for many because important decisions must be made, with each turning of a page leading to the next. It is my hope that every Putnam graduate lives a great story. Putnam is a community with many opportunities to support youth development and careers. There is no doubt that it is a place with the ability to nurture quality of life wants and needs. In order to be considered a unified and sustainable community for generations to come, it is my hope that our youth will make decisions that will allow them to be contributing members of society. Whether graduates are joining our local workforce, taking post-secondary classes, or serving in a branch of the military before returning to their hometown, I ask myself the same questions at the conclusion of each school year. Have we done everything we could do as a community to expose our young adults to options that give them a head-start? Have we guided them, helped them grow, nourished their strengths, and equipped them with the tools necessary to thrive both personally and professionally? Have we promoted the importance of mental and physical health and wellness? Have we taught students organizational skills that will cultivate balance in their lives? Have we taught students how to be resourceful? Sweet summertime provides us with the perfect opportunity to reflect, celebrate successes, recognize that there is always room for growth, and prepare to move forward. Let’s take a moment to acknowledge some of the good! Though this year looked a little different, students still participated in engaging learning opportunities that connected them with real world. Many opportunities took place virtually or within school buildings, but it was amazing to watch teachers work extremely hard to provide quality career-related education for students. Teachers had to be willing to learn and do things in new and different ways. Many may have even felt a little uncomfortable at times, but they were humble and willing to grow. They pushed themselves beyond limitations to ensure that learning experiences did not suffer just because they might have looked a little different. It was very powerful to watch the passion, dedication, and growth that happened during this unique school year. Saying that I am proud of our education system is an understatement.
I did mention that there is always room for reflection and growth! Exposure opportunities that can only happen as a result of partnerships between our education systems and local business and industry were limited this school year and I hope to repair existing partnerships while also adding new ones. We have an opportunity to build connectivity within our community in a way that can be stronger than ever. We currently have a local workforce that has more employment opportunities than can be filled. Finding a job is not an issue in today’s economy. The issue is filling the jobs that are locally available. So, how do we support our workforce, make jobs appealing, and develop the overall well-being of our community for years to come? One way to do so is to invest in our youth by exposing them to career paths, developing their employability and technical skills, and growing them as leaders. When classroom learning is connected with real world, the results can be powerful, creating a cycle that continues, connects generations, and keeps everything in motion. In order for this to be truly impactful, it takes the dedication and togetherness of community stakeholders working towards the same goals and mentoring our youth. Tomorrow’s workforce is in our hands. Connectivity between our schools and local partners is imperative to creating experiences for students that serve as an extension of classroom learning. May we all find balance between work and play so that we can give back to our communities in positive ways. When evaluating our to-do lists and planning our calendars, may we recognize that investing in our youth is a top priority that will retain and foster local talent. Healthy economic development helps to ensure a better quality of life for the people who make Putnam the wonderful community that it is. We have an amazing opportunity to grow a thriving economy while also being a place that is supportive of its people and their overall quality of life. Let’s continue to nourish the Putnam community by cultivating a vibrant atmosphere to live, work, and play. For the love of family and economic development, lets pledge to become #OnePutnam. We are always better together.
Putnam County Charter SChool System CTAE Director, CHRISTINA Hinz
Christina Hinz is the Career, Technology, & Agricultural Supervisor for Putnam County Schools. She previously served as the Career, Technology, & Agricultural Supervisor for Henry County Schools, as well as having prior experience with law enforcement in Clayton County, Georgia and a career with Southern Crescent Technical College as the Program Coordinator for Criminal Justice. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science from Mercer University, her Master of Education from Troy University, and a teaching certification for educational leadership, technical education, early childhood education, and special education from Columbus State University. She and her husband Cameron Hinz have three children; Cashton, Coralyn, and Caitlee. QUARTERLY COMMERCE | SUMMER 2021 30