HCCC June 2020 Magazine

A HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PUBLICATION | YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS

HENRYCOUNTY.COM HAMPTON • LOCUST GROVE • MCDONOUGH • STOCKBRIDGE JUNE 2020

! s n o i t a l u t a r g n

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Graduation goes on for

Henry County Seniors PRESIDENT’S UPDATE

OUR RECOVERY THROUGH ADAPTATION, COLLABORATION PAGE 5

INDUSTRY PROFILE

RESTAURANT INDUSTRY — WORKING IN THE NEW NORMAL PAGE 6

CHAMBER FEATURE

CONGRATULATONS CLASS OF 2020 — GRADUATION GOES ON FOR HCS SENIORS PAGE 12

2 | HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

MISSION STATEMENT

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To serve as a voice for the business Community, provide quality service and programs that meet the needs of members, improve the economic environment of the community, and create a legacy of leadership for the future.

DID YOU KNOW? You can submit events, flyers and press releases as part of your membership. The Henry County Chamber of Commerce offers members the ability to post press releases on our website, add your event to the Chamber calendar and submit your event flyer for inclusion on the digital bulletin board.

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Chamber President’s Recovery Update Page 5

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IN THIS ISSUE 4

CHAIR MESSAGE

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CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP

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INDUSTRY PROFILE

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CHAMBER NEWS

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

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CHAMBER FEATURE

Chair Christy Chewning Encourages Moving from Challenges to Success

Our Recovery Through Adaptation, Collaboration

Restaurant Industry — Open in the New Normal – Owners and Customers Adapt

SBDC launches weekly newsletter

Welcome to new and renewing members

Youth Leadership Henry opens application period for Class of 2021

Chamber Work-based Learning Students Graduate

Class of 2020 Graduation Celebration Goes On

The Henry County Chamber of Commerce Magazine is published by the Henry County Chamber in partnership with the Henry Herald.

For editorial information contact Barbara Ingram, bingram@henrycounty.com.

For advertising opportunities contact Mary Ann Holland, (770) 957-9161 x223, maryann.holland@henryherald.com.

HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR MOVING FROM CHALLENGES TO SUCCESS Sometimes plans change. In my household, shown us what it means to be resilient. They the year 2020 was supposed to be filled have shown us that resilience is not about with senior activities. My youngest son, bouncing back, but about moving forward.

Cullen, and our exchange student, Jhosue, As business leaders, we can learn had their calendars filled with final from our seniors. What are you senior choir concerts, prom, senior Go doing to move forward in this new walkout, and senior week activities confidently in environment? How can the Chamber culminating with graduation in the direction help you navigate through these May. The COVID-19 pandemic of your changing times? changed those plans. dreams.

Live the life Seniors, you are graduating in As the world retreated into their you have extraordinary times. Please carry homes and businesses looked for imagined. your passion, drive, and resilience ways to stay profitable, our students - Thoreau forward.

These will keep you strong, and teachers had to adapt to new alive, and aware.

Have faith that ways of learning and teaching. At you will make this world a better, more first, our seniors showed a range of emotions, compassionate place. Use your skills and from sadness to anger. Our seniors’ strength, talents to move mountains. Congratulations determination, and courage were tested yet they rose to the challenge. Our seniors have Class of 2020!

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CHRISTY CHEWNING Member Engagement Coordinator Central Georgia EMC 2020 Chair Henry County Board of Directors

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CHAMBER COVID-19 TIMELINE FEBRUARY 22

MARCH 17

First case of COVID-19 identified in Henry County

Henry County Schools announce remote learning plans after Gov. Kemp closes all public education institutions through March 31

MARCH 11 Henry County Coronavirus Committee meets Pandemic declared by World Health Organization MARCH 12 NASCAR announces Folds of Honor to run at Atlanta Motor Speedway without spectators.

Georgia Legislature suspends 2020 session with 11 days remaining; 2021 budget remaining

U.S. SBA announce smallbusiness support available

Chamber launches Together4Henry.com website to provide resources, updates, templates, guidelines for county businesses and residents

#SupportLocal phase 1 begins.

Chamber, CVB provide listings of local restaurants providing alternative services to dine-in operations

MARCH 23

Chamber, CVB begin remote operations. Social distancing allows for one employee to provide services to membership daily

Gov. Kemp limits large gatherings and closes bars and nightclubs.

MARCH 14

MARCH 18

Gov. Brian Kemp declares Public Health State of Emergency in response to pandemic and authorizes Georgia National Guard to Active Duty.

Chamber temporarily suspends weekly email newsletter for a weekly COVID-19 update.

Open rates jump significantly

Henry County Coronavirus Committee meets via phone to discuss countywide operations

held with Forsyth, Clayton chambers.

Chamber suspends all in-person meetings, events, activities.

U.S. Senate passes Families First Act to provide relief

MARCH 16

MARCH 20

CVB creates Facebook group to share COVID-19 resources with partners

Chamber Executive Committee meets via teleconference Work From Home teleconference

4 | HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

Gov. Kemp expands temporary licensing of certain medical professionals to assist in response

Chamber, CVB launch first survey to assess needs of regional business MARCH 25 Chamber Board meets via teleconference. County, municipalities, public health provide updates IT Concerns During COVID-19 Crisis webinar COVID-19 impact on Census 2020 podcast released Chamber joins 100s of other organizations nationally to advocate for relief

MARCH 26

enforcement provisions

Unemployment claims soar in Georgia, across nation

APRIL 06

Gov. Kemp extends public school closures through April 24.

MARCH 30 Gov. Kemp authorizes second transfer from Governor’s Emergency Fund MARCH 31 Marketing Your Business During COVID-19 webinar APRIL 01 Henry County Board of Commissioners pass Shelter In Place resolution Gov. Kemp closes public elementary and secondary schools through end of school year APRIL 02 Gov. Kemp issues statewide shelter in place order Chamber, CVB staff begins daily teleconference calls to continue work and address community, member needs and concerns APRIL 03 Gov. Kemp expands definition of Essential Services and clarifies

CVB launches new brand, visitors guide APRIL 07 Annual World Health Day observed Being Productive while Working from Home webinar Piedmont Urgent Care offers virtual visits APRIL 08 Gov. Kemp renews Public Health State of Emergency.

CVB posts videos on social media of locals sharing where they want to visit locally after pandemic APRIL 09 Mental Wellness during COVID-19 webinar Georgia primaries pushed to June APRIL 10 Chamber podcast with Piedmont Henry CEO Dr. Lily Henson details hospital’s preparedness for COVID-19 and shelter-inplace needs

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE APRIL 13

APRIL 27

MAY 06

Chamber participates on Sen. Purdue’s town hall call

Second round of Payroll Protection Program opens.

Chamber participates in U.S. Chamber’s Big Picture: Road Map to Reopening call

Chamber participates in U.S. Chamber Policy Considerations call

Georgia reports that April tax revenues fall nearly 36% compared to April 2019

APRIL 14

APRIL 28

Stimulus Programs and Tax Implications webinar

Southern Crescent Technical College opens online courses for career development

Help for Hospitality food drive launched to support unemployed hospitality workers in Henry County APRIL 15 Stimulus Programs for Local Businesses webinar Leadership Henry concludes 2020 session with economic development, public safety presentations via teleconference APRIL 16 Setting Up an eCommerce Site webinar APRIL 17 Chamber Executive Committee meets via teleconference Chamber participates in U.S. Chamber local chamber conference call APRIL 20 Chamber, Clayton State University plan for Virtual Job Fair to support employers, job seekers Retirement & Investment Plans During COVID-19 webinar APRIL 21 CVB Board meets via teleconference.

APRIL 22 Chamber Board meets via teleconference APRIL 23 Chamber hosts first Virtual After Hours Gov. Kemp provides guidance for reviving a healthy Georgia in response to COVID-19 APRIL 24 Chamber launches second survey to assess impact, community needs in preparation for recovery phase APRIL 25 Chamber April newsletter publishes details on COVID-19 business preparedness efforts

APRIL 30 Employment and Related Legal Issues Arising from COVID-19 webinar Chamber podcast supports #HenryStrong recognition of medical personnel and frontline workers

MAY 07 CVB celebrates National Travel & Tourism Week with visits to partners

Due to outpouring of support – and increasing need – the Help for Hospitality food drive is extended MAY 14 Chamber hosts second virtual After Hours event MAY 15

Chamber CEO participates with other Henry County leaders on virtual Town Hall to discuss programs, plans resulting from COVID-19 pandemic

At press time, Henry County has 615 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 77 hospitalizations and 15 deaths

MAY 04

At press time, U.S. Department of Labor announces more than 36 million jobs lost during first two months of pandemic

Chamber advocates on additional PPP relief for small business, not-for-profits

MAY 16

MAY 05

MAY 22

Henry County Schools announce valedictorians, salutatorians for class of 2020

Chamber, Clayton State host virtual job fair for Henry employers, residents

Henry County Board of Education announces May 22 graduation is rescheduled for week of June 22-26

I recently learned a term that helped put this time in perspective: Ontological shock. In its strictest sense, it is “the state of being forced to question one’s worldview.” At its simplest, it refers to the “death of certainty.”

Henry Herald publishes article on importance, benefit of tourism

MAY 01

Chamber supports “Bounce Back Henry County Buy Local Campaign”

OUR RECOVERY THROUGH ADAPTATION, COLLABORATION

CVB Board meets via teleconference

Help for Hospitality food drive concludes JUNE TBD Georgia Legislature returns to pass budget

SURVEY SAYS: seen a significant impact to their supply chain 55% Have realized a moderate to 71% Have significant impact on their business experienced more than 21% Have 80% impact to their business less than six months 56% Have financial reserves for Paycheck 60% Applied Protection Program for the Economic Injury 30% Applied Disaster Loan program those applying received 50% Ofprogram benefits

For three months, our world – local, national, and global – has experienced a death of certainty.

With little warning, we are facing a novel coronavirus: a new, unknown enemy that impacted each of us.

JOSEPH B. HENNING, One that saw hospital workers, first responders, delivery drivers, and IOM, CAE grocery store employees become President & CEO everyday heroes. Parents stepped Henry County Chamber of Commerce into the virtual classroom to continue their children’s education. The class of 2020 was graduated without the celebratory commencement.

With that, any certainties we knew to our daily rituals (many that we had previously taken for granted) were gone.

We were in shock.

But with that shock, was born a resiliency. Our community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been encouraging.

While frustrating and scary, local businesses have stepped up and created new strategies, new products, and new services to keep moving forward.

Restaurants offered curb-side pick-up. Retailers took orders over the phone or online and shipped their products to our homes.

Teachers, doctors, and other professionals quickly learned how to use technology to continue their mission to support others.

We adapted.

Still, many were hit hard by the crisis. Unemployment grew to numbers many of us have never seen. Supplies of masks, gloves, paper products, and even food became limited and hard to find.

We collaborated.

Thank you to Connecting Henry and all of our partners who worked with the Convention & Visitors Bureau and Help for Hospitality food drive. Thank you to those businesses and individuals who located PPE and sewed masks for those in the community.

Thank you to our partners with Henry County Government, Henry County Schools, and each of our cities. Because there was already such a strong level of trust and collaboration between these parties, our collective response was quicker and more thorough than some regions’.

We are moving away from the shock. We have witnessed our world change.

We will not only survive this challenge, we will thrive. I know this because we have fine examples in Henry County of our ability to adapt. There are any number of examples of collaboration. And we are resilient. Our road to recovery won’t be easy. It won’t be swift. But we are now starting down that path, together.

HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

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INDUSTRY PROFILE

IN THE NEW NORMAL – RESTAURATEURS AND CUSTOMERS ADAPT Throughout the US, restaurants of all sizes are grappling with the decision how to open and maintain the safety of their employees and customers during COVID-19. The economic pressure to open is palpable but meeting CDC guidelines for restaurants to safely serve food to their customers is a daunting responsibility. Many restaurants in Henry County have implemented the CDC Guidelines for Bars and Restaurants including a continual cleaning regimen, seating adjustments to add dine-in safe distancing, automated online and promotion of phone orders, curb-side ordering and pickup and delivery service. Relentless quality-control is the common thread among restaurant employers who have re-opened since Governor Kemp’s emergency orders mandated restaurant patrons statewide to shelter indoors in April. Establishing a dedicated staff with specific assignments and responsibilities and maintaining not just clean, but sterile environments, necessary for the safety of their employees and their customers are standard operating procedures going forward for the foreseeable future.

The Chamber polled a few of our members in the restaurant industry that have braved the challenges in opening their businesses and share their perspectives on operating in this “new normal.”

ITALIAN OVEN TAKES 39 STEPS TO RE-OPEN The Italian Oven was established in Henry County in 2001, nineteen years ago. Bobby Wiggins had worked in The Italian Oven for sixteen of those years when he bought the restaurant in January, 2020.

“Clearly, my timing did not foresee COVID-19,” Wiggins remarked about closing one of the community’s favorite eateries in March due to COVID-19.

938 Eagle’s Landing Parkway Stockbridge, GA 30281 (770) 507-4827

At press time, the restaurant was running at 50% capacity and anticipated to be running at 75% by June. Operating with reduced hours, open 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., The Italian Oven is one of many Henry

6 | HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

County restaurants that opened with dine-in service in mid-May. Wiggins points to the 39 recommendations and requirements listed in the Governor’s Order 04.23.20.02, for safely re-opening restaurants, as the guidance used to open. “Our servers are wearing masks and gloves for curb-side and in-dining and we’re constantly cleaning surfaces. We were approved for PPP funding in the second round which helps pay our employees,” says Wiggins.

Bobby Wiggins purchased The Italian Oven Restaurant in January after working there for sixteen years. He and his wife Jan will have been married for 39 years in October, 2020.

When the restaurant re-opened, Wiggins released a message to his customers on social media detailing the measures taken to ensure the safety of his staff and patrons and thanking them.

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Dear Friends,

We would like to take this time to thank the community for the continued support that you have shown over the last couple of months. We appreciate the business, the kind comments, and prayers we have received. We have always made your health and safety a priority. We ask for your continued prayers, and may God bless us all and keep us safe and healthy.

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The Italian Oven Restaurant

SHANE’S “SHACK CREW” SHINES OUT FRONT Focused on making things safe and convenient for its customers while still providing the same great food and service, Shane’s Rib Shack – The Original adapted very early to the new normal. Immediately, after Governor Kemp’s mandated shelter in place order, Shane’s rolled out their strategy to remain open.

In their corner parking lot, visible from the street, they set up their front-of-the-house “Shack Crew”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT A RE-TOOLED NEWSLETTER LAUNCHED

The UGA Small Business Development Center at Clayton State is designed to help small businesses survive and thrive in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic

THE UGA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER AT CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY 2000 Clayton State Blvd., Morrow, GA 30260 (678) 466-4300

The UGA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Clayton State has launched a weekly newsletter, “Your 5-Minute Small Business Update,” tailored to small businesses dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. Each week, the newsletter shares news highlights including SBA loan program updates, links to resources such as SBDC tools and guidebooks, and information and advice pulled from leading small business publications.

“Along with the severe health crisis caused by COVID-19, small businesses in Georgia face significant challenges including decreased customer demand, supply chain disruptions, unemployment and increased uncertainty,” said Alisa Kirk, Area Director of the UGA SBDC at Clayton State. “The 5-Minute Small Business Update newsletter is designed to provide relevant and bite-sized news highlights and resources rather than an exhaustive list of articles and news commentary that most small businesses won’t have time to read.” The newsletter will also announce upcoming webinars, organized by the UGA SBDC at Clayton State as well as outside parties, geared toward pandemic and postpandemic management and growth strategies in the areas of business finance, human resource management, sales and marketing.

Small businesses may subscribe to the newsletter or schedule a teleconference appointment with an SBDC consultant, by sending an email to morrow@georgiasbdc.org or call (678) 466-5100.

to implement its curb take-away and online order fulfillment service. Non-stop cleaning and sanitizing according to the CDC’s guidelines were implemented down to the smallest detail like labeling the two distinct buckets of pens for the “Shack Crew,” sanitized and non-sanitized, to avoid re-use of pens touched by employees or customers at the point of sale.

Shane’s highlights several adjustments in their offerings to enable customers and employees to enjoy their famous menu and keep the business moving forward:

2136 Highway 155 N McDonough, GA 30252 (770) 898-7878 www.shanesribshack.com

• Family meal deals to make it more convenient to pick up food to feed the family • Delivery thru DoorDash™ and Uber Eats, a favorite of many customers • Online ordering for pick-up or delivery • Catering with packaged boxed lunches and no-contact delivery.

“We have definitely felt the impact of everything going on and have evolved our business model as the environment has evolved. With people not dining in, we have focused on curbside pick-up, online ordering, and delivery – placing an emphasis on convenience for our customers. We are so grateful for our customers and community for supporting us throughout this pandemic,” commented Rachel Turk, Shane’s Vice President of Marketing.

Practices to keep everyone safe from the coronavirus have been taken down to the finest detail such as the used and unused pen buckets at curbside.

HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

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CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP RENEWING MEMBERS BRITTANY L MONTROIS, CPA PC

MBA WELLNESS CENTERS, LLC

COLDWELL BANKER / BULLARD REALTY-STEVE BULLARD

MIRACLE MISSION HOPE HOUSE. INC.

GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS HAMPTON INN ATLANTA MCDONOUGH

GLEAM CLEANING PROS, LLC TONYA GENTLE

MR. FIXIT

2107 HWY 42 SUITE A

PANDORA E. PALMER

JENKINSBURG GA 30234

PREMIER ELEVATOR COMPANY, INC.

HANDS OF HOPE CLINIC, INC.

NEW MEMBERS

HENRY COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY

SUNTRUST BANK - HENRY COUNTY

INLINE PLASTICS

VITALABS, INC

LIFESOUTH COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTERS

ZACK’S PROPERTIES, INC

(678) 774-8250 GLEAMCLEANINGPRO@GMAIL.COM

JEFFREY S COLEMAN, DDS, P.C. JUDY COLEMAN 1050 EAGLES LANDING PKWY STOCKBRIDGE GA 30281

ELITE MEMBERS SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR ELITE MEMBERS CHAIRMAN’S CLUB

CHAMPIONS

8 | HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

(770) 507-4424 JUDYACOLEMAN@ICLOUD.COM

SANGSIN TECHNOLOGY AMERICA BUDDY WILLINGHAM 1559 HWY 155 S MCDONOUGH GA 30253 (470) 766-0500 BUDWHAM@SANGSIN.COM

Henry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Proudly Serving Henry County

Publication of HenryCounty.com is made possible in part by the support of the Board Members of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce.

2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Christy Chewning, Chair, Central Georgia EMC Lincoln Parks, Chair-elect, Web Mobile Fusion Sharon Ponder, Immediate Past Chair, Bennett International Group Shaun Mock, Secretary/Treasurer, Snapping Shoals EMC Laura Turner, CVB Chair, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Dr. Elna Poulard, Vice Chair for Government and Education, Family Support Circle Morrelle McCrary, Vice Chair for Economic and Community Development, RAM-Tech PC Solutions Steve Nail, Vice Chair for Chamber Development, Nail Heating & Air Conditioning Joseph Henning, President & CEO

CLASS OF 2020 Scott Mahone, Mercer University Genie Moore, Mary Kay Consultant Kedon Williams, Southern States, LLC Kerry Arnold, Heritage Bank Sharon Ponder, Bennett International Group Steve Nail, Nail Heating & Air Conditioning CLASS OF 2021 Carolyn Wright Fraser - Edward Jones Financial Adviser Morrelle McCrary, RAM-Tech PC Solutions Christy Chewning, Central Georgia EMC Dr. Elna Poulard, Family Support Circle Kevin Demmitt, Clayton State University Thomas Williams, Kaiser Permanente CLASS OF 2022 Brent Huckaby, BB&T Lincoln Parks, Web Mobile Fusion

Kena Ceasar, Ameris Bank Maggy Martinez, Starbound PR Firm Lydia Pierre, Pierre Branding Group CHAIR APPOINTEES Laura Turner, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Dr. Murray Williams, Southern Crescent Technical College Shaun Mock, Snapping Shoals EMC EX OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis, Henry County Schools Superintendent Tony Carnell, Henry County Water Authority Cheri Matthews, Leadership Henry Chair Kay Embrey, Leadership Henry Representative Don Dunlap, Youth Leadership Henry Chair Mayor Robert Price, City of Locust Grove

Mayor Steve Hutchison, City of Hampton Mayor Billy Copeland, City of McDonough Mayor Anthony Ford, City of Stockbridge Chair June Wood, Henry County Board of Commissioners Josh Fenn, Henry County Development Authority CHAMBER STAFF Joseph Henning, President & CEO Barbara Ingram, Director of Communications Gary Sparrow, Director of Membership Phyllis Reeves, Office Manager CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU STAFF Laura Luker, Director of Tourism Aisha White, Digital Content Manager Janna Szeto, Partner Relations Manager

HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

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CHAMBER NEWS

MCDONOUGH APPOINTS NEW CITY ADMINISTRATOR Preston Dorsey was appointed as the new City Administrator for the City of McDonough beginning Friday, May 1, 2020.

The City Administrator position has been vacant since Keith Dickerson resigned as City Administrator effective December 31, 2019.

Mr. Dorsey has worked with the City of McDonough for twenty-five years, as he was first hired in 1995 and promoted to Chief of Police in 1999. Prior to his service with the City of McDonough, he also worked for the Henry County Police Department and the Thomaston Police Department.

The City Administrator reports to Mayor and Council and is responsible for running day-to-day operations, preparing and administering the annual operating budget, overseeing all departments and employees of the City government, and implementing policies that have been adopted by Mayor and Council.

You can welcome Mr. Dorsey to his new role by emailing him at pdorsey@mcdonoughga.org.

10 | HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

Organized by Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, the #HenryStrong – We Will Get Through This Together campaign has become a rallying cry for Henry County to rise together the challenge of COVID-19.

#HENRYSTRONG PARADE HONORS HEALTH CARE FRONT-LINE COVID-19 impacted the business of Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors unlike anything before. As an essential business, they continued to operate throughout the Shelter in Place order but were required to limit all funerals to 10 or fewer people in attendance – and maintain 6 feet social distancing. “This is very difficult for the families, not being able to pull each other close. It’s our mission to comfort families but for everyone’s health, we have to navigate these moments and it’s much harder on the families, commented Greg Cannon a partner at Cannon Cleveland.

Keeping six feet distance between them, the Piedmont Henry staff awaits the #HenryStrong parade on the morning of Wednesday, May 6.

Greg launched the #HenryStrong - We’ll Get Through This Together to honor the health care professionals working the front line and behind the scenes as well as the first responders. The funeral service company created signage and put the word out that the campaign would climax with a parade on May 6. Signs began popping up throughout Henry County with the campaign supported by all four cities in the county.

At 11:00 a.m. on May 6, the parade procession led from the Cannon Cleveland complex on Hwy 42 and along Hudson Bridge to Piedmont Henry where it was greeted by the hospital staff and supporters from the community. It progressed on to salute the 9-1-1 first responders at the Sheriff’s office. The event received 5 o’clock media coverage for its overwhelming participation, support and ultimate success to rally the community in the midst of the pandemic.

Piedmont Henry CEO Lily Henson does an interview for media on site to cover the #HenryStrong parade event.

LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LEADERSHIP HENRY CLASS OF 2020 YOUTH LEADERSHIP HENRY OPENS APPLICATION PERIOD FOR CLASS OF 2021

THE HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE LEADERSHIP HENRY BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE GRADUATES OF THE CLASS OF 2020.

Kantrell Brown, Henry County Schools

Elna Poulard, Family Support Circle Inc

Shanicki Burton, McDonough Housing Authority

Amaris Rasheed, Snapping Shoals EMC

Kevin Callison, Modern Woodmen of America

Geni Reed, Ameris Bank

Kena Ceasar, Ameris Bank

Erika Richards, Henry County Government

Kayla Correa, Henry County Government

Neat Robinson, City of Stockbridge

Monica Dean, Carlock Copeland & Stair LLP

Reginald Scandrett, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office

Sylvia Dennis, Alzheimer’s Services Center Rebecca Dervan, Strong Rock Christian School Heather Estes, Haven House

Angelia Stansbery, Henry County Tax Commissioner

Rachel Garza, Central Georgia EMC

Marian Teuton, Georgia Power Company

Tanya Gilmore, Piedmont Henry Hospital

Vanessa Thomas, US DOT FAA

Jolie Hardin, Henry County Schools

Terrell Tyson, Maximum One Realty

Joseph Henning, Henry County Chamber of Commerce

Angela Walden, Piedmont Henry Hospital Brooklyn Weaver, Capstone Signs & Graphics

Kemble Hildreth, Big Southern Software

Taylor Welch, Connecting Henry

Jessica Johnson, Kaiser Permanente

Jeremy York, Georgia Power/Power and Energy Services

Lauren Keefer, Sacred Journey Hospice

Applications for the Youth Leadership Henry Class of 2020-2021 are now open! Youth Leadership Henry is an annual program sponsored by the Henry County Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of Youth Leadership Henry is to identify emerging leaders, to bring them together in an atmosphere conducive to the free exchange of ideas, and to provide them with an enlightening educational experience. Participants are taught leadership skills while learning about the various government, economic and social sectors of the community. Upon completion of the program, participants will have an increased awareness of the vital issues and needs of the community and challenged to be responsible and engaged leaders.

For more information, visit www.YouthLeadershipHenry.com and click on the “About” tab for details. Here you will find the schedule for next year’s class for your review to ensure your student is available for all class dates before they apply. There is a wealth of information on the website which includes a sample application for your student to practice and prepare their answers for when they are ready to submit their forms.

Submissions must be received, with necessary signatures and in full completion, no later than August 26, 2020.

HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

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CHAMBER FEATURE CLASS OF 2020 GRADUATION CELEBRATION GOES ON The Class of 2020 is like no other. The year to complete their schooling has been altered by the unprecedented times we live in due to the coronavirus pandemic. Years of hard work is usually celebrated with a grand celebration and graduation ceremony in May, but this year’s plans have been altered.

In an effort to honor the graduates of Henry County Schools, the school district postponed traditional graduation ceremonies until the week of June 22. During that week, two high schools per night will hold ceremonies for their school communities.

In a resolution proclaimed by the Henry County Board of Education, HCS along with businesses, governments and residents, celebrated Friday, May 22, as Henry County Schools Class of 2020 Day. On this date, all of Henry County – businesses, governments, residents – were encouraged to use the color purple in a public display to celebrate the Class of 2020.

A social media hashtag of #GoPurpleHCSClassof2020 was used for Henry County Schools Class of 2020 Day

The Chamber commends this class in a special way to ensure Of course, plans for ceremonies will be dictated by guidance their hard work as students over the past 13 years is properly from government and health officials around important components like social distancing and other protective measures. honored and recognized.

Salutatorian Sierra Hill Woodland High School

Valedictorian Tamecka Marecheau-Miller Woodland High School

Salutatorian Olivia Crerie Union Grove High School

Valedictorian Abby Cornell Union Grove High School

Salutatorian Jarvis Richardson Stockbridge High School

Valedictorian Madison Gordon Stockbridge High School

Salutatorian Nolan McPhaul Ola High School

Valedictorian Katelyn Kominski Ola High School

Salutatorian Ismihan Abdelkadir McDonough High School

Valedictorian Onyinyechukwu Onyemaobi McDonough High School

Salutatorian Phong Duong Luella High School

Valedictorian Ryan Cortes Luella High School

Salutatorian Karly Feltman Locust Grove High School

Valedictorian Devon Watson Locust Grove High School

Salutatorian Andrea Vu Hampton High School

Valedictorian Micah Dameron Hampton High School

Salutatorian Ashton Peoples Eagle’s Landing High School

Valedictorian Preston Pheng Eagle’s Landing High School

Salutatorian Kennedi Clemons Dutchtown High School

Valedictorian Parkaranjot Singh Dutchtown High School

12 | HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

CHAMBER FEATURE SUPPORT LOCAL

GIFTS FOR GRADUATES DURING COVID-19

Consider this College Health 101—a guide to what students really want (or need) to know about their mental and physical health when they’re away from home.

Fancy That’s sole proprietor and “Graduate Diamond” gemologist, Denise Swanson will customize jewelry for your special graduate.

Fine jeweler Denise Swanson closed Fancy That Fine Jewelry for fourteen days before learning that her buying gold line of business qualifies Fancy That as an essential business. The store is open with fewer hours, operating Mon – Sat, 10 AM – 5 PM. Swanson and and her small staff all wear masks and ask customers to wear one also.

“We’ve cleaned the entire store and all hard surfaces and cloroxing behind every customer.” Special orders for graduation are 60% off and is their best buy for that special graduate.

FANCY THAT FINE JEWELRY 1752 Hudson Bridge Road, Ste 102, Stockbridge, GA 30281 (770) 507-7458

P. S. Beads offers easy, online ordering of their hand-crafted and personalized beaded bracelets.

Since 2013, Pretrevis Ellison and Sherese Harris of P. S. Beads in McDonough have been hand-crafting custom beaded jewelry for clients throughout the southeast. They operate totally online which allows them to continue full time as first-responders, most recently serving on the front line in NYC. Order online and enter the code ‘graduate 2020’ to receive a 40% discount.

P. S. BEADS 155 Westridge Pkwy Ste 215, McDonough, GA 30253 (470) 776-7512 www.psbeads.com

Story on the Square is a new, independent bookstore on the square in downtown McDonough, GA offering new Dr. Seuss’s wonderfully wise books for children Oh, the Places You’ll Go! is the perfect send-off for grads— and adults. They from nursery school, high feature the hottest school, college, and beyond! new fiction and a wide selection of non-fiction focusing on food, gardening, science, health, history, and culture, and a calendar full of online events for kids and adults. For graduates, order the College Student Health Handbook.

Other recommendations for graduates include fun dorm items, a cook book for beginner chefs, or a “Boredom Buster Mystery Bag” purchased curbside.

Open Mon-Sat, 10 AM – 7 PM and Sun, 12 Noon – 6 PM.

STORY ON THE SQUARE 19 Griffin Street, McDonough, GA 30253 (678) 773-0077

HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

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YOUR AD COULD BE HERE.

14 | HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

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