Troup Trends | February 2025 by LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce

Tracks toTransformation

February 2025

VOLUME XII, ISSUE I A publication of the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce

111 Bull St./P.O. Box 636 LaGrange, GA 30241 (706) 884-8671 www.lagrangechamber.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chair: Summer Deal True North Investments

Past Chair: John Westmoreland, CPA JK Boatwright & Co, PC

Chair Elect: Mack Reynolds Mack Reynolds Realty, LLC

Treasurer: Mike Gilmartin Community Volunteer

Secretary: Jamey Jackson TalentKinect

CHAMBER STAFF

President & CEO: Connie Hensler

Director of Member Experience: Leslie Traylor

Director of Communication & Events: Christan Spires

Accountant: Melanie Key, CPA

Design: Christan Spires

TO CONTRIBUTE

Troup Trends welcomes your ideas. Please send inquiries to info@lagrangechamber.com for consideration.

publication is produced by the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce. Reproduction in whole or part of this

without express written permission is prohibited. All claims, materials and photos furnished or used are, to the publisher's knowledge, true and correct. Publication of any

or advertisement is not an endorsement by the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce. Troup Trends is published quarterly by the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce. Please send news items, suggestions, advertising requests and comments to:

P.O. Box 636 • LaGrange, GA 30241 lagrangechamber.com

As we welcome a new year, I am deeply honored to step into the role of Chairman for the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce. Serving our community in this capacity is especially meaningful to me as a third-generation business owner in LaGrange. This town has been home to my family and our businesses for decades, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its continued growth and success.

We recently kicked off the year in grand fashion with our Annual Gala on January 24th, a celebration of excellence within our community. It was inspiring to recognize outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals whose dedication and achievements continue to elevate LaGrange and Troup County. The evening was a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our community, and I am so proud to see the many ways our members make a difference. Congratulations again to all the award recipients!

2025 marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for our Chamber and community. Together, we have built a foundation rooted in resilience, innovation, and collaboration. It is my goal as Chairman to carry that momentum forward and to serve as a champion for all businesses, from longestablished institutions to new entrepreneurs shaping the future of Troup County.

As someone who has experienced firsthand the unique strengths of this community, I know how important it is to work together. I encourage each of you to take an active role in the Chamber—whether through attending events, joining a committee, or simply sharing your ideas with us. Your participation is what drives our collective progress.

Thank you for trusting me to serve as your Chairman. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly, and I am committed to building upon the incredible work of those who came before me. Together, we can make 2025 a year of growth, innovation, and shared success for all.

Here’s to a bright and prosperous year ahead!

CASHEN Krewe of Mask

JONES Troup County School System

LEWIS POWELL Troup County Archives ANDREA LOVEJOY Community Member

JOHN

IRISHA

SUMMER DEAL Chairman, Board of Directors LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce

TRACKS TO TRANSFORMATION

As local entrepreneur and developer Phillip Abbott crosses a newly-landscaped parking area along Depot Street, wind catches a colorful flag proclaiming, “Welcome to The Rail District.”

“Why did you name it Rail District?” a visitor inquires.

As if on cue, a freight train rumbles past, its wailing whistle answering the question.

“The depot was right there,” Abbott says, pointing toward the nearby tracks. “This WAS the rail district.”

LaGrange lost its last remaining depot,

the 1910 West Point and Atlanta site, when CSX demolished it in 1993. The ambitious, 11-acre redevelopment venture called The Rail District aims to pay homage to the city’s rail heritage while revitalizing and repurposing a sector that had faded and deteriorated over the years.

Abbott, who has developed several other local businesses, including Local Groundz and the Abbott Building, said he was attracted to the huge project because it offered the opportunity to work on a “blank canvas.”

“I looked at it from the standpoint of what it can be, not what it is,” Abbott said.

“And I think long term, not short term.” He’s not kidding. Planning and design work began in 2022, and the former Newman Construction Company building at 200 East Depot Street became the Rail District’s keystone, opening in August 2023.

Long vacant and sadly dilapidated, the Newman building was transformed into a professional building, with options for retail and office rentals. Nine separate fully furnished office spaces come with amenities unimaginable when Rufus Newman and Tom Hutchinson formed the business in 1920.

Now called the Newman Co. Building

it offers fast internet, 24-hour surveillance, art work in all areas, a modern, shared kitchen and tastefully decorated meeting rooms.

Members of the Newman family attended the Chamber-sponsored ribbon cutting for the facility.

“We were all thrilled to see the remodeled building,” said Nancy Newman Durand, a daughter of J. Gardner Newman. “Walking through it brought back many memories. We appreciate that they kept the Newman name.”

Nearby, at 206 Depot St., the former warehouse and supply building for the Newman business has found new life as Crescent Station, an event center with versatile options and a surprisingly elegant, meticulously planned interior.

“It’s patterned after an upscale, retro train station,” said Abbott, who said he drew inspiration from the luxurious train stations of Europe.

The facility is configured to host events of varied sizes, from a few dozen to up to 900 at a seated event. The grand hall can host concerts, meetings, expos, community events and reunions. It also offers a well-appointed bar, catering kitchen and upstairs VIP lounge overlooking the large hall. A storage room was refashioned to resemble a train station ticket office.

“We envision Crescent Station hosting medium-size concerts,” Abbott said. It fills a niche, he believes, by offering more capacity than small local venues, but not as big as Sweetland Amphitheater.

Crescent Station got its first broad exposure last fall. When rain threatened the LaGrange Downtown Development Authority’s outdoor Chili Cookoff, Abbott stepped up on two days notice to open Crescent Station for the event. It drew huge crowds and turned a potential disaster into a tasty success.

“It was a soft opening in a hard way,” Abbott recalls.

Improvements to Crescent Station continue. Phase two will add a stage and green room. Already the site boasts impressive, tiled bathrooms, sparkling chandeliers, rail-themed murals and walls paneled with wood salvaged from the ongoing renovation of In Clover restaurant, also an Abbott project.

Two major parts of The Rail District are slated to open in May. The first, known as The Rail Yard will include a two-story food court fashioned from shipping containers. Abbott hopes to feature Indian food, Thai food and other cuisines not currently available in LaGrange.

He’s also having conversations with celebrity chef and former TV personality Pat Neely about the possibility of bringing his barbecue skills and filming some shows in the Rail Yard.

Nobody can accuse Abbott of thinking small. Future plans for The Rail Yard include a rooftop bar, landscaped courtyard, patio and a boardwalk that will run along a creek that flows through the property. The creek also passes through the food court area.

“We are keeping the creek, covering it with glass and building the boardwalk beside it,” the developer said.

Also planned for a May opening is a Market and what Abbott calls an “activity based bar.” The star of that area will be four covered pickleball courts with concessions.

“We’re going to call it The Lazy Pickle,” Abbott said.

The Market will provide space for a variety of vendors, including produce, plants, arts and crafts.

Open-sided but covered, the market will have electric hookups, fans, Internet and protection from both sun and rain.

The emphasis is on creating a cohesive but multi-purpose district, with multiple activities and options. Abbott foresees guests coming to The Market for vegetables, for example, then walking along the boardwalk to the food court or vice versa. A large gravel parking area is planned across Depot Street from the District and the Thread walking trail will eventually pass nearby.

“The goal of all of this,” he said, “is to give people more things to do in LaGrange, more consistent entertainment options, including food.”

After growing up in LaGrange, Abbott, now 52, lived in Athens while attending the University of Georgia, then Atlanta and a stint in California. Since returning to LaGrange, he’s felt the area has added several big “once-in-a-while” attractions, like Great Wolf and Sweetland, but sees room for more because “people want to walk out and have something to do.”

Adding to the mix is good for all local businesses, helping to “float all boats,” he believes.

“My goal is for there to be so many good entertainment options that people don’t have to go out of town,” he said. To that end, his next venture is the 134 Main building, between Troup County Archives and Mare Sol. He plans to make it an upscale cocktail lounge with small bites and two-piano entertainment. If work goes as planned, it could open this summer.

There’s no timeline for In Clover, but it, too, will join the local entertainment scene.

“It’s a labor of love,” Abbott said of the landmark former restaurant. “It’s going to

be beautiful, like it was.”

Meanwhile, The Rail District will proceed, thanks to what Abbott calls his “great team.” He’s full of ideas and the team helps him put it together, he said.

“The Rail District can be a draw, attracting others from out of town or it can be

something else for people do when they come here for Great Wolf or Sweetland or something else. There’s a bigger piece of the pie than just LaGrange,” Abbott said. “Creating is the fun part, Abbott believes. “We are excited and looking forward to even more.”

HOGANSVILLE

Railroads played a defining role in the history of Hogansville and West Point, and in both Troup County communities that heritage has been honored through the refurbishing and repurposing of landmark depots.

A railroad station for Hogansville began as a twinkle in the eye of William Hogan decades before the city itself was chartered. In the 1830s, Hogan received land grants for property that eventually became Hogansville, and in the 1840s, Hogan gave rights-of-way to the Atlanta and West Point Railroad with the stipulation that a depot be located there.

It took a while, but after Hogansville became a city in 1870, the red brick depot and freight station were built in stages between 1890 and 1900.

Present owner, Dr. Barry Morgan, said the building was built to last.

“It’s incredibly sound,” Morgan said. “As old as that structure is, it’s stood up well. It’s 10 feet from an active rail line, and even with trains passing by several times a day, the foundation shows no cracks or deterioration.”

That’s not to say it didn’t need considerable TLC.

The facility had been used as a daycare, then as a restaurant, but had been vacant for several years when Morgan and a non-profit organization acquired it about eight years ago as part of an effort to reinvigorate and “change the trajectory” of Hogansville.

“It needed lots of repairs,” in addition to careful modernization and exterior improvements, he said.

The plan was to recruit restaurants and retail businesses to the Depot. That happened, though not all the businesses that located there have been successful.

“Day to day, it can be discouraging,” said Morgan, who has lived two miles north of Hogansville since 2006, “but we are focused on the long term.”

Currently, the Depot has two tenants, Alter Coffee Shop and 404 Celsius, a fine dining restaurant specializing in steak cooked at the table on lava rocks. The restaurant marked its first anniversary last October, and the coffee shop achieved that milestone this month.

Coffee shop owner Josh Stafford says the depot is a “fun place” for his business. Many of the features are original to the building, including window glass, some signage and interior doors. He likes the abundance of natural light and that kids of coffee customers tend to become “aspiring conductors.”

He and his wife, McKinley, like being part of the small community and providing what Stafford calls a “third space.” In addition to home and work, he believes people need a place to come together.

“A coffee shop is a cornerstone for that,” he said.

They have hosted young couples on first dates and oldsters gathered before class reunions. As owner-operator, Stafford is at the shop every day, bonding with regulars who make coffee part of their routine.

“We really believe coffee is just the tool to be a part of the community,” Stafford said. “Our main purpose is to love on people.”

Similarly, 404 Celsius, owned by Chris and Jennifer McElroy, provides an appealing and unusual place to dine. The couple has played up the rail theme in decorating and even added a bar area known as the “Stowaway” based on the story of a railroad stowaway.

The restaurant is open for dinner Thursday –Sunday and serves a brunch on weekends.

“When the restaurant is busy, people jump from their tables and run out on the platform when a train passes by,” Dr. Morgan said.

Even when the restaurant and coffee shop are closed, he said, it’s not unusual to see couples using the Depot as a backdrop for prom, engagement or wedding photos.

“People love railroads,” he said.

WEST POINT

In West Point, railroads were central to the city’s development in the 19th Century, and the chief surviving structure representing the community’s rail heritage is on the National Register of Historic Places.

“West Point wouldn’t be here if not for its rail history,” said Jerry Ledbetter, a West City Council member.

That once included multiple depots. The last remaining depot building in West Point was never a passenger station, but served as the site for freight transfer between Atlanta and Montgomery. It was built in 1887, expanded in 1899 and added to the National Register in 2005. Thanks to prodigious efforts by community members, the building was saved from demolition and renovated for use as an event center.

“The community takes pride in it,” Ledbetter said. “It has huge significance as a direct connection to our rail heritage, including importance to our economic development.”

The community’s rail history goes back much further than the depot, explains Joe Thompson, a West Point native and avid rail enthusiast with extensive knowledge of rail development.

“The history is really interesting,” Thompson said, with rail lines dating back prior to the Civil War and used to transport cotton to various markets. The Atlanta and West Point Railroad was chartered as the Atlanta and LaGrange line in 1847 and later became known as the Atlanta and West Point line.

The West Point Depot housed the junction between railway lines coming from Montgomery and Atlanta. When the different lines were built, there were no standard rail sizes and the tracks coming from Atlanta were different gauges from the ones from Montgomery. Freight and passengers coming down either line had to be unloaded at West Point and reloaded on the opposite tracks. This helped West Point become a commercial hub.

Holly Griffith, who manages the depot as the administrative assistant for the City of West Point, sees regularly the architectural features that won the depot recognition on the National Register.

“The West Point Depot is significant in architecture as a good example of a late 19th-century urban brick railroad building,” the National Register application notes. Defining features include its overall long, narrow form and subdivision into two main sections. Virtually all the major construction materials remain intact, including roof trusses of heavy wood timbers and iron reinforcement.

Now owned and maintained by the City, the Depot is available for rental and has hosted weddings, reunions, and other gatherings.

The Hard Road to Good Roads

For nearly a century and a half after the creation of this country, citizens were plagued by problems with the roads. In the early days, roads were generally no more than improvised paths through large swathes of wilderness. Native Americans had blazed a network of paths to facilitate trade and war; while, over time, settlers rutted these roads with their wagons. Beyond making some basic improvements, most American roads remained in poor shape for years.

Improvements were made piecemeal by private companies or individuals for themselves; stagecoach companies performed some work to improving their routes, while farmers and planters might occasionally improve roads to markets. Roads and bridges were sometimes built by private investors who in turn charged for use with local, state, and federal governments taking little interest in maintaining the infrastructure. In turn, the lack of good roads hampered the westward growth of the nation. Troup County in its earliest of days was no exception. Settlers arriving in the area via these rude roads found no reprieve here. Where the rough roads were badly rutted, wagon and carriage wheels could be broken, though mud was tough to navigate as the red Georgia clay would grasp ahold of wheels and hooves and attempt to hold them fast. In more densely populated areas, like downtown LaGrange, the mud was not only a mix of rain and dirt, but teeming with human and animal waste and trash from businesses and homes, making it a fetid abyss to be

Broad Street looking west towards the college, about the turn of the twentieth century. By 1900, many of the main city streets had been macadamized like this.

Glass Bridge circa 1950, shortly before its demolition. Many roads throughout the county were rutted messes like this road in front of the bridge, throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

avoided by all.

In cities and towns, buildings were constructed with raised sidewalks and floors to help humans avoid the muck. In fact, Sterling Hall, constructed on the southeast corner of Court Square, included its opera house on the third floor raising it, like a cultural bailiwick, above the muck, dust, and noise of the street.

During this era, before the arrival of the railroad, leaders throughout the country looked towards Europe for building and maintaining roads. In France, engineer Pierre-Marie-Jérôme Trésaguet suggested using layers of stone and ditches on either side in homage to ancient Roman roads. Though, it was Scottish-born John McAdam’s simpler, innovative technique of putting down convex layers of crushed stone and compacting it—soon to be known as “macadamizing”—that was taken up by road builders on both sides of the pond.

The railroad—arriving in Troup County around 1854—was heralded as a boon to transportation, and it was, though it didn’t quite fix the problem of bad roads. The period between 1850 and the turn of the twentieth century has been dubbed “the dark age of the rural road.” During this time, some one and a half million miles of roads were constructed throughout the country, though by 1913, only ten percent was improved in any fashion.

While it increased the transportation of passengers and manufactured cargo between urbanized towns, the railroad left much of rural America literally in the dust. Poor roads remained a hindrance for agricultural goods. One federal report in 1903 noted that fruit grown in California could be shipped by rail to Raleigh, North Carolina at cheaper rates than it cost growers to ship the same goods from about fifteen miles outside the city.

To the din of complaints from farmers, young people who had taken up bicycling added their voices. In March of 1882, the LaGrange Reporter describes West Point as being on “a bicycle boom,” which led to the creation of a new bicycle club. From this odd pairing of farmers and bicyclists, the “Good Roads” Movement was born. Through the encouragement of local clubs and positive headlines in the press, the movement supported change, though it came at a steamroller’s pace.

Locally, the streets of downtown LaGrange were maintained decently through the city’s street department, though rain frequently marred the streets with mud. City leaders brought relief when brick pavers began to be installed, starting with the square and fanning out from there, in 1906. Main county roads were macadamized at that same time as well, but problems persisted with dust stirred up by new-fangled automobiles. As more locals began purchasing these new contraptions, governments remained slow at improving roads, but persistence eventually brought good roads to Troup County with paved county roads appearing in the early 1920s.

Laborers install a sewer line down Broad Street, 1898.

Local civic and business leaders pose on a newly paved stretch of Broad Street, 1921.

The headline from the 29 October 1910 edition of the LaGrange Reporter.

Alot has changed in Troup County government since 1973. Commissioners have come and gone. Meeting places and meeting times have shifted. District lines have been drawn and a county manager form of government instituted. Government responsibilities have expanded and become more complicated.

The one constant, it seems, has been Jerry Willis. As Troup County Attorney for 52 years, Willis saw it all, guided much of it and was the sounding board and legal advisor for generations of Troup County leaders.

That, too, changed last month. Willis, who turns 85 on Feb. 22, retired after serving longer, it is believed, than any

other county attorney in Georgia. He left with the praise of county leaders ringing in his ears.

County Commission Chairman Patrick Crews said Willis earned the respect of commissioners and citizens alike with his down-to-earth communication style.

“Troup County has been so fortunate to have the same county attorney for 52 years,” Crews said. “His vast knowledge of county governance has helped several administrations bridge the election of new commissioners. We all learned very quickly to respect his advice on legal matters.”

Though he held the post for more than 50 years, Willis’s path to the county attorney’s chair was far from easy. And

definitely not straight.

“Life takes you in funny directions,” he said, smiling.

Growing up in the small South Georgia town of Cairo, Willis never envisioned himself becoming a lawyer. As a teenager, his primary interests were football and other sports.

“I wasn’t much of a student,” he admits.

That began to change his senior year. A high school sweetheart named Harriet and an English teacher who saw his potential had a lot to do with that. Willis started thinking about his future, but his prospects weren’t bright.

“I had no money,” he recalled. “How do I get to college?”

Pickles and cane syrup got him there.

Cairo’s famous Roddenberry family, renowned for making syrup and pickles, offered a scholarship to one male and one female student from Cairo each year. Willis got the scholarship and enrolled at Valdosta State. The next year, he transferred to the University of Georgia. He planned to study pharmacy, in part because Harriet’s father was a druggist, but a summer job in his future father-inlaw’s drug store changed the course of his life. With feet “flat as a flitter,” Willis was miserable standing at the pharmacy counter all day.

“It was one of the worst experiences of my life, having to tell Harriet’s dad I just couldn’t do it.”

He changed gears, married Harriet in 1960 and, with her gentle but firm encouragement, completed a degree in chemistry while she graduated in education. The plan was for her to teach while he went to medical school. That changed, too, when a letter from the Medical College of Georgia advised that, rather than being accepted outright, he had been placed on a waiting list.

“I couldn’t wait,” he said. “I had borrowed my way through school. I needed a job.”

By chance, Willis noticed a U.S. Navy ad at the post office. “We need Naval officers,” it read.

After checking into it, Willis signed up, and the couple was soon in Newport, Rhode Island for Officer Candidate School. His flat feet nearly blocked his naval career, but a merciful doctor waved him through. Willis spent three

years assigned to the Oliver H. Perry, a destroyer, and found his true calling while at sea.

“The Navy was good for me,” said Willis, citing the closed environment of a ship with more than 250 sailors as a great place to learn human relations. One of his responsibilities was to participate in onboard courts-martial.

“I said to myself, ‘I like this. I really do,’” Willis recalls. He used a shore leave to take the Law School Admissions Test.

Next stop: Emory University Law School in Atlanta, thanks to the GI Bill, his wife’s teaching job and more loans. Harriet no longer had to make him study.

“I was a different student then,” said Willis, who wanted to become a trial lawyer. He graduated in the top 10 percent of his class.

He didn’t know it at the time, but he was already on the road to LaGrange.

Federal Judge Griffin Bell, an Americus native and future Attorney General under President Jimmy Carter, picked a law clerk from Emory each year. Willis applied, made the final cut and, “scared to death” went to the interview.

He got the clerkship and believes Bell chose him over another excellent candidate because of his small town roots and Naval experience.

It was 1967, near the height of the Civil Rights movement, and the clerkship proved critical to Willis’s future path.

“Griffin Bell was the most intelligent lawyer I ever had a personal relationship with,” he said. “But what distinguished him was that he also had common sense.”

When Judge Bell spoke, Willis and fellow clerks “had sense enough to just listen,” Willis said.

Accompanied by armed guards, Bell and another federal judge, Lewis Morgan of LaGrange, frequently traveled together to hear cases in counties sued for failing to desegregate in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Brown vs. Board of Education ruling. The law clerks went along to assist.

On one of those trips, Judge Morgan had a suggestion for Willis.

“God lives in LaGrange,” the jurist said. “And LaGrange needs fresh young lawyers who want to be trial lawyers.”

Those words echoed in Willis’s mind when

he saw a notice from a LaGrange law firm seeking a young associate and specifying that the applicant must be in the top 10 percent of his class.

“I applied mostly out of curiosity. By then I had been in Atlanta long enough to know I was a small town person,” Willis said.

Soon he was the “fresh young trial lawyer” at the firm founded by Hatton Lovejoy, personal attorney and close friend of Fuller E. Callaway. Lovejoy had died in 1964, but the firm’s remaining lawyers put Willis to work quickly. In less than a year, he was trying and winning his first “big death case.”

“Talking to a jury came naturally to me,” he said.

COMMUNITY

“Everyone who knows Jerry knows he likes to talk,” Harriet Willis quipped. Some five years after he arrived in LaGrange, Willis was “talked into” putting his name in for county attorney. It almost didn’t work out. The then-commissioners split 2-2 with the chairman casting the tiebreaking vote for Willis.

“I had no county government experience,” he said.

That changed quickly, too. Within the first years of Willis’s tenure Troup adopted the county manager form of government and also created voting districts. Before, all commissioners were elected county-wide, diluting the voting power of minorities.

“I’ve always been proud that both the county and the school board were progressive enough to avoid the Justice Department,” he said.

Another hard-won achievement was the adoption of a county personnel policy, placing all county departments under one umbrella. Previously, commissioners did their own hiring, as did constitutional officers, like the sheriff, clerk of court and probate judge. Cronyism was common.

“That was hard to do, but we did it,” said Willis, adding that professionalizing the personnel policy “was like moving from the dark ages into the light.”

Throughout his tenure, Willis continued his private law practice, earning a reputation as one of the finest trial lawyers around. He believes he won a lot of cases, including some he should have lost, by outworking the other side. His list of accolades is lengthy, topped by being a fellow in the American Academy of Trial Lawyers, an honor accorded fewer than 1 percent of the nation’s attorneys.

He also contends that to be a good lawyer you should “always surround yourself with lawyers who are smarter than you.” His firm, now Willis-McKenzie, includes his successor, Mark DeGennaro, a 34-year veteran who has assisted Willis on many county assignments over the years.

“Mark will step in and do well as county attorney,” Willis said.

His first days of retirement, Willis said, have given him time to reflect on his life and career, something he rarely had time for when working. His primary conclusion: You don’t do things by yourself.

Chief among those he credits is Harriet, now his wife of 64 years.

“Harriet has been the most instrumental. She has been the greatest blessing in my life.”

Other blessings include their four adult children, all of whom graduated from college and returned to LaGrange to live, work and give Jerry and Harriet “a bunch of grandchildren.”

“It means a lot. We have been very fortunate,” Harriet Willis said. “Jerry has had many successes, and we are proud of him, but the thing he is most proud of is his children and grandchildren.”

Willis also expresses great appreciation for the elected officials he has worked with over the decades.

“I have great respect for them,” he said.

Addressing the current commissioners at his final meeting as county attorney, Willis said, “You gentlemen are quick to be criticized and oftentimes slow to be praised. With very few exceptions the people that I’ve seen sitting in these chairs, occupying this position, do so wanting to be a public servant for the people in this county. One thing I have learned more than anything else in these 52 years is that, with few exceptions, good people have come before you and sat in those seats.”

The commissioners returned the compliments. Willis may be retired, but his influence will be lasting, Commision Chairman Crews believes.

“He loves this community and has definitely assisted in shaping Troup County to be a respected county in our state for our accomplishments,” Crews said.

For an SBDC consultation at the Chamber of Commerce contact Phil Wise at pwise@georgiasbdc.org

Beads, Fun & Magic: Join the Krewe

In 2013, two residents of LaGrange decided to form an organization dedicated to Mardi Gras parades. Thus, the "Krewe of Mask" was born.

The parade existed in idea form until 2016 when people started contributing money to ride. Now, it was time to parade!

The group was insistent on the parade being family-friendly and authentic - in other words, they would throw beads, moon pies, and other fun trinkets. Fortunately, they were met by people who understood what they were trying to accomplish.

"We want to make this celebration a part of Troup County," said John Cashen, Mayor of the Krewe of Mask. "If it’s done right, and LaGrange can do it right, we've got an enjoyable event for years to come."

The first parade rolled to great acclaim in February 2017. The theme was “Mardi Gras Around the World." The overwhelming opinion was that it was fun, went well, and was a great thing for all ages. "It appears that we overcame some concerns about the holiday," Cashen said.

On February 3, 2018, the group marched with the theme "Mythical Creatures." This was the first year the parade was televised. Eight floats rolled in total, four of which were Krewe floats. Many Jeeps and antique cars added to the enjoyment of the parade!

The Krewe of Mask is primarily about the fun, but the group also has a philanthropic side, contributing to the local United Way, which in turn contributes to many worthy causes.

The spelling of “krewe” is not an illiterate error as it would first appear. It’s an affectation of speech made by very educated people. It seems to date back to the 1850s when an attempt was being made to form “The Mystik Krewe of Comus." They wanted it to sound like the organization dated back to the Middle Ages. That spelling has been retained by most Mardi Gras organizations ever since.

"Mystik" is also an affectation but has an additional meaning - it’s a secret organization. "We’re not Mystik, but we will be masking for the parade," Cashen adds. "And now you know."

Alton West is the son of Ruby Mae Davidson, the third of six siblings. He was reared in Troup County growing up outside of the city and then later moving to Rosemont where he attended Rosemont Elementary School. He then went to Troup Junior High School, now Ethel W. Kight Elementary School.

He received his high school diploma from Troup High School, in 1982.

Upon graduating he enrolled in Stillman College, Tuscaloosa and graduated in 1986 with a degree in business administration and a minor in political science.

Alton is the first child of the family to attend college. He thinks this inspired his younger brother, Greg, to also attend college, Alabama State University, and receive a degree in athematics. He is so proud of his brother for serving our country in the United States Air Force. His brother is a pilot.

West joined the City of LaGrange Police Department in 1988. Alton served as a patrol officer, working various shifts, morning, evening, and night while in that role.

Alton was transferred to the Training division where he became a certified training officer. He was responsible for training other officers during in-service training, on ASP baton, OC spray, Firearms instructor, and 3-D driving. In 1990, Alton became the first DARE, Drug Abuse Resistance Education Officer. He was responsible for teaching young people within the LaGrange School System about the harmful effects of drugs.

To the many students whose lives were impacted by his presence, he was affectionately known as Officer West. He served in this capacity for five years.

The LaGrange Optimist Club named Alton, Police Officer of the Year in 1992, for his service to the community. In 1994, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant within the training division.

Education has always been a big part of his goals, and while at the police department, he enrolled in the city’s continuing education program. The city is responsible for full payment of his master’s degree in Justice Administration from Columbus State University, which he received in 1993.

Alton has worked in government for the last 30 years, as police officer, administrative assistant to the city manager, and executive director for a non-profit, neighborhood housing services, (NHS), and non-profit organization DASH, Dependable Affordable Sustainable Housing, Inc.

All of his acquired skills have prepared him for his position as Community Development Director for the City of LaGrange.

He enjoys his day-to-day interaction with customers, developers, staff, the public, and other stakeholders which makes for a remarkably interesting and challenging day. It is his passion to serve and assist the people of this community, the place where he grew up. A great joy is to be able to help someone understand the ins and outs of development, and they use that knowledge to impact and improve our community.

He oversees the approval of developments of residential, commercial, and industrial, regardless of the size.

The objective is to make sure projects are developed within the confines of the zoning designations, and guidelines of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) which has created great flexibility of development standards within the city.

Alton enjoys outdoor sports, horseback riding, traveling, and meeting new people. He has two adult sons, Karl and Mark who both attended Stillman College. He has a total of five grandchildren, three teenage boys, Daniel, Karlos, and Karl, a teenage daughter, Shae, and a two-year-old who are a big part of his joy and the smile you see on his face each day.

He is honored to have been asked to be the 2025 Grand Marshal of this year's Krewe of Mask Mardi Gras Parade.

2nd Cohort of Minority Business Accelerator Program Graduates

The LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the graduation of the 2024 Minority Business Accelerator Program participants, marking a significant achievement in its commitment to fostering local small businesses. Throughout the year, participants engaged in expert-led sessions covering essential topics like strategic planning, leadership, marketing, and financial management, gaining the tools they need to expand and strengthen their businesses.

The graduating class of 2024 represented a diverse group of entrepreneurs from various sectors, including wellness, event planning, and photography. These business owners honed their skills, built valuable connections, and crafted strategic plans designed to guide their growth long after the program’s completion.

As the Chamber looks ahead, it’s expanding its efforts with the Small

Business Accelerator Program. Building upon the foundation laid by the Minority Business Accelerator, the Small Business Accelerator is open to a broader group of businesses, offering workshops, one-onone business coaching, and Chamber membership benefits. The program focuses on helping small businesses overcome challenges like limited access to capital, key decision-makers, and essential entrepreneurial education.

This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of its sponsors. The 2025 presenting sponsor is Marsh McLennan Agency, with Interface, Kia Georgia, Jane Foods, and Synovus serving as program sponsors. Their contributions enable the Chamber to continue providing valuable resources to the entrepreneurs who are driving economic growth in Troup County.

The Small Business Accelerator plays a crucial role in strengthening the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, helping local businesses thrive and ensuring a bright future for Troup County’s economy.

Thank You to Our 2025 Program Sponsors

MOVERS, SHAKERS, RISK-TAKERS

Deal Becomes Chamber Chairman

Summer Deal, owner of True North Investments, has been appointed as the 2025 Chairman of the Board for the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce. A third-generation business owner in LaGrange, Deal has longstanding ties to the community and a deep understanding of the local business landscape.

She formally accepted the position at the Chairman’s Gala on January 24, an evening that recognized outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals making a difference in LaGrange and Troup County. Deal described the event as a celebration of the community’s strength and a reminder of the impact local businesses have on the region’s success. With a background rooted in local business, Deal brings experience and perspective that will help guide the Chamber in the year ahead. Her leadership is expected to play a key role in driving economic development and strengthening business relationships throughout LaGrange and Troup County.

Mayor Arrington Completes Inaugural Georgia Mayors Leadership Academy

LaGrange Mayor Jim Arrington, along with fifty-five other Georgia Mayors, completed the inaugural Georgia Mayors Leadership Academy in August at the University of Georgia’s Georgia Center for Continuing Education in Athens. Mayor Arrington was honored at the Georgia Municipal Association's 2025 Cities United Summit.

The program, offered by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, aimed to enhance mayors’ leadership abilities and their roles in leading communities. “We are excited to collaborate with GMA to launch this new program for Georgia’s mayors,” said Rob Gordon, Director of the Institute.

Over three days, mayors engaged in sessions on leadership, crisis management, community engagement, and transformative change. “The Georgia Mayors Leadership Academy equips mayors with the tools needed to navigate complex leadership challenges,” said Larry Hanson, CEO of GMA.

Gaskin Receives GMA Certificate of Dedication

LaGrange City Councilman Nathan Gaskin received the Certificate of Dedication from the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute at the Georgia Municipal Association’s 2025 Cities United Summit in Atlanta on January 26.

This prestigious certificate recognizes city officials who complete 276 hours of training, including 108 hours from required courses and 18 from the Advanced Leadership track. Gaskin was one of only seven city officials to achieve this distinction.

The Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute, in collaboration with the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, offers nationally recognized training for city officials. Gaskin’s completion of this program highlights his commitment to professional development and effective leadership.

“It’s been a lot of hard work and sacrifice,” said Gaskin. “I thank God, my family, the citizens, GMA, and the City of LaGrange for their support. This achievement reflects our shared dedication to improving our community.”

Larry Hanson, GMA CEO, said, “Councilman Gaskin’s achievements benefit LaGrange and strengthen his effectiveness as a city official.”

Rob Gordon, Director of UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, added, “The institute remains committed to providing training that makes a difference in the lives of city officials and their communities.”

Dr. Baker Named West Georgia Medical Center's Physician of the year

Dr. Joy Baker has been recognized as West Georgia Medical Center’s Physician of the Year, an honor that reflects her dedication to patient care, advocacy, and medical excellence. As an obstetriciangynecologist, Dr. Baker has spent more than 15 years ensuring women in LaGrange and beyond receive the highest quality healthcare.

A LaGrange native, Dr. Baker’s passion for medicine is deeply rooted in her hometown. She earned her undergraduate degree from LaGrange College before obtaining her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine. After returning to LaGrange over five years ago, she has become a leader at Wellstar West Georgia, serving as the Quality Director for Women’s Health and playing a key role in advancing patient care and safety.

Beyond her work in the hospital, Dr. Baker is a strong advocate for women’s health policy. She has worked at both the state and national levels to push for expanded healthcare access, particularly for maternal health. She also educates the community through her YouTube channel, Delivering Joy, where she covers important women’s health topics.

Her recognition as Physician of the Year is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the well-being of her patients and the broader community.

Pike Promoted to CTAE Director

Dr. Jennifer Pike has been promoted to the position of Career Technical Agricultural Education (CTAE) Director for the Troup County School System. This recognition highlights her dedication to advancing educational opportunities and fostering growth in career and technical education within the district.

Dr. Pike's leadership has already made a significant impact at the Troup-Harris Innovative New Careers (THINC) College & Career Academy, where she has worked tirelessly to support students in pursuing vocational and technical pathways. With her new role, Dr. Pike will oversee the district’s CTAE programs, furthering the commitment to providing students with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in today’s workforce.

Rice Recognized by International Dyslexia Association

Helen Rice, LaGrange resident and State Board of Education member, received the Leadership in Literacy Award from the International Dyslexia Association for her work advancing dyslexia awareness and legislation in Georgia.

Since the passage of SB48 in 2019, which mandates dyslexia testing for pre-kindergarten through secondgrade students, Rice has focused on understanding dyslexia’s impact on education. A former English teacher in Hall County, Rice worked on the Georgia Dyslexia Handbook and served on the Georgia Dyslexia Task Force, which met in late 2022 to update screening guidelines.

“When I first joined the board, I met three people from Georgia Decoding Dyslexia whose children were dyslexic. I’ve always had concerns about kids with reading difficulties,” Rice said.

Rice spent 13 years with the group learning how to better support children with dyslexia. “The right screener with the right resources can help a student read,” she said. The 2019 law ensures all children in Georgia are screened for dyslexia.

Governor Kemp saw the importance of understanding why some children struggle to read. “There’s a reason. They’re smart, but their neurological processing is different,” Rice said. Screening helps identify students in need.

Rice also supported House Bill 538, which implements structured literacy using phonics, spelling, vocabulary, and fluency. “For the first time, all districts will be aligned to teach this way. It’s going to make a difference because every child will learn to read this way,” Rice said.

MOVERS, SHAKERS, RISK-TAKERS

Collins Earns Professional Engineering License

Tyler Collins, System Engineering Supervisor at Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC), has earned his Professional Engineering (PE) license, a prestigious certification that takes a minimum of eight years to achieve.

To earn his PE license, Collins completed a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited program, passed a comprehensive five-hour exam, worked for four years under the supervision of a licensed PE, and submitted an extensive application to the state, culminating in an eight-hour final exam.

"Achieving a PE license is the highest credential in the engineering field," Collins said. "It demonstrates my commitment to providing value to my community through the work I oversee. Earning this certification has significantly impacted my career and my role in Carroll EMC, further motivating me to contribute to the growth and success of our area."

Collins’ journey with Carroll EMC began in 2013 as a student employee, followed by a co-op position in the system engineering department in 2015. He was hired as a System Engineer in 2018 and promoted to System Engineering Supervisor in 2024. In his current role, Collins manages the co-op’s control center, electrical software system, and emerging electric vehicle program.

With the PE license, Collins is authorized to sign and seal construction work plans and drawings, and he is required to continue his professional development through ongoing education to maintain the certification.

"Tyler’s accomplishments as both an engineer and leader are commendable," said Jarrod Kilgore, Manager of System Engineering at Carroll EMC. "He has played a key role in system planning, technology improvements, and electric vehicle initiatives, and this licensure further solidifies his importance to our cooperative and its members."

Walker Named WGTC Adult Education Teacher of the Year

Willie Walker has been named the 2025 Adult Education Outstanding Teacher of the Year (OTOY) by West Georgia Technical College (WGTC). He will represent the college at the Dinah Culbreath Wayne Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Leadership Institute in March 2025.

The OTOY program recognizes teachers who make a significant impact through instruction, innovation, and leadership. Walker, with over 10 years in education, has served as an Adult Education instructor at WGTC for two years, teaching math and science using handson learning and real-world scenarios. He also developed math boot camps.

Walker helped relaunch the Adult Education correctional program in Carrollton, assisting inmates in earning their GEDs.

“Willie Walker’s passion for teaching and care for his students’ success sets him apart,” said Rebecca Wheeler, Dean of Adult Education. “He meets students where they are and helps them reach their full potential, making a lasting impact on underserved communities.”

Smoothie King 1510 Lafayette Parkway, LaGrange

Ink Up Art Studio 309 Mooty Bridge Road, Suite B, LaGrange

Emory LaGrange Physical Therapy 1801 Vernon Road, LaGrange

Community Family Foundation 1802 Whitesville Road, LaGrange

Sejong

Hillside Montessori

Ribbon Cuttings Continued

Communities In Schools

220 Fort Drive, Building F, LaGrange

The Remy Apartments

300 Commerce Avenue, LaGrange

EARLY BIRD BREAKFAST

NOVEMBER

Early Bird Breakfast, sponsored by Jackson Services, featured an inspiring talk by Mr. Griff Lynch, President & CEO of the Georgia Ports Authority. He shared valuable insights into the economic impact of Georgia’s ports, emphasizing recent and future infrastructure investments and their critical role in supporting Troup County's manufacturing industry.

SAFETY COUNCIL

The Q4 Safety Council speaker was Alfred Gardner, Senior Human Resources Consultant with the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership at Georgia Tech. Alfred introduced GaMEP's “Securing Your Workforce in the Intelligence Age” to our group. Special thanks to our sponsor, Herc Rentals.

BUSINESS BOOK CLUB WOMEN IN BUSINESS

The Chamber's Small Business Book Club wrapped up another great quarter of reading! This time, we explored Never Split the Difference and The 5 AM Club, diving into powerful insights on negotiation and productivity. Looking forward to the next round of discussions and growth!

VOICES OF LEADERSHIP IN GOVERNMENT

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

The LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce has been the go-to economic development organization for regional leaders for over a century. In 2024, numerous chamber members collaborated to enhance teamwork, company growth, community development, and regional prosperity.

Membership

740

56 RIBBON CUTTINGS

9 EARLY BIRD BREAKFASTS

BUSINESS BOOK CLUB DISCUSSIONS

MEMBER ORIENTATIONS

5 CANDIDATE FORUMS 2 GOLF TOURNAMENTS 5 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

4 BUSINESS COUNCILS

4 STATES OF COMMUNITY

1 PARADE 1 WOMEN IN BUSINESS EVENT

10 MINORITY BUSINESS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM GRADUATES

9,125 FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS

2,348 INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS

107,974 W2B SENDS

4 SAFETY COUNCILS

102

4,800 TROUP TRENDS DISTRIBUTED

WELCOME 2024 NEW MEMBERS

85 South Fun Zone

Accessory Component Repair

Advenir at Mallory Lake Apartments

Allen's Gutter Systems

Apple Moving

Authentix LaGrange

Benefield Capital

Bikel Frenelle Realty

Biker Gear of Lagrange

Birds on a Wire Photography

Blossman Gas and Appliances

Bradley Van Pelt State Farm

Casa Pirul Restaurant

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper

Church Emerge Outreach Ministries

Cintas

Cloud 9 Smoke & Vape LaGrange

Community Family Foundation

Company Name

Cooters Catfish

Creative Call-Ins

Creekview Vista

Dickey's Barbecue Pit

Dominion EmpowermentInternational School of Ministry

Donnie's Lawn Care

Easterseals West Georgia, Inc.

Ellison Brothers BBQ

ELVTD Youth and Mentoring, Inc.

Fatdaddy's

Fifty Shades Of Pain Inc.

Firing Pin Shooting Sports

Firm Foundation Therapy

FOR Troup

Fountain Gifts & Ye Olde Red

Door Antiques

Genius Clean Janitorial LLC

Georgia Bone and Joint

Glass Doctor Auto of Columbu

Gray & Grace Beauty Lounge and Extension Bar

Griffin Modern

Hamilton

Highland Living Magazine

Hometown Market

Hughston Homes Builders

INK UP ART STUDIO

Inspyre Consulting

Interior Designs by Nicole Furniture Sales

Vacay Valet

Jackrabbit Junk Removal

JC Movers & Senior Transitions

Juanitos Mexican Restaurant

Kirby Pike Engineering

Lagrange Body Lab

LaGrange Dynamic Hockey

Lake-West Boat & RV Storage, LLC

Law Office of Ellene Welsh

Let's Social Enterprise

Lovejoy Law Firm

Major Surgical & Vein Clinic

Mane Studio Salon

Masston Profits LLC

McCarley Moving & Storage

Med2You

Mezick Manor

Middleton Insurance Agency

MSCAPES

Nolen Electrical & Lighting

NOVA INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS, Nutrivert Inc.

Obeyda Wings

Outdoor Detail, LLC

Peurie Culinary Entertainment Services

PaBella Winery and Vineyard

Pay It Forward 2K15 Inc

Prose Lagrange Apartments

Rapid Roll Off

Roof Hero

Run Downtown

Smoothie King

Snasy.org

Southern States

Spice Wing

Start Now CF & P Inc.

StayAPT Suites LaGrange

Sunset On Main

The City Menus

The Crafty Jaybird

The Dapper Den

The LaGrange Troup County

Homeless Coalition

The Royal Theater

The Social Lagrange

The Steeping Shai

This is it! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Que

Trinity Air, Inc.

Trips & Views

Troup-Coweta Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

We Care Private Home Care

2024 ChristmasLaGrangeParade

Duracell West GA Hauling & Grading, LLC

Business of the Year

Sheridan Construction

Small

Angel Care Living Assistance Services

Small Business of the Year

Tiffani Bray Photography, LLC

Small

Wayne Davis Concrete

Small Business of the Year Tournesol

Otto Korth Diplomat of the Year

Michael Holle

Ida Tarver Jones Volunteer of the Year

Shannon Lawson

George Bailey Spirit of Community Award

Judge Michael Key

Chairman's Award

April Bartley

Jane Fryer Community Impact Award Development Authority of LaGrange & the LaGrange Development Authority

2024 Chairman of the Board, John Westmoreland, passing the gavel to 2025 Chairman, Summer Deal.

Commissioner Richard English Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award

Mike Wilson

Manufacturer of the Year

Kia Georgia

MEET THE 2025 CLASS

Bre Allen

Julie Ambrose

Brock Barfield

Danielle Beasley

Brooke Blackwell

Tiffani Bray

Dr. Kwame Doh

Pepper Ellis-Hagebak

Ashley Ginn

Tracie Halcrombe

Josh Hale

Amie Hendrix

Megan Hudson

Tanner Johnson

Dr. Jacqueline Jones

Christy Keeth

Derek Kriegel

Elissa Lamoree

Donte Lane

Cynthia Marshall

Lucinda Montgomery

Rhonda Peterson

Dhayna Portillo

Joshua Rumohr

Lizzie Simpson

Kevin Strumpler

Jacole Todd

Mitchell Turnham

Jeff Wright

Great Wolf Lodge

Southstate Bank

Georgia Power

Community Bank & Trust

Synovus

Tiffani Bray Photography

Emory Healthcare

Three Points Frame Shop

Barnes Gibson Partners Architects, LLC.

Joy Inside Tears

Fokker Services Group

Malone Solutions

Coldwell Banker Spinks Brown Durand

Chicken Salad Chick

Troup County School System

Duracell

Callaway Foundation, Inc.

D. Lane Agency

Kimberly-Clark

West Georgia Technical College

Kia Georgia

City of Hogansville

Twin Cedars Youth and Family Services

Sweetland Amphitheatre

Terracon

Start Now CF &P

Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center

Tournesol

Leadership Troup 2025

The 2025 Leadership Troup year is off to a great start.

Leadership Troup, presented by Malone Solutions, has educated local professionals about the issues and concerns of the community since 1991. The program spans eleven months and includes leadership modules created and taught by faculty from West Georgia Technical College.

Topics covered during the sessions include: Social Issues, Civic Engagement, Education, Healthcare, Economic Development, Tourism, and Manufacturing along with learning new perspectives on leadership from WGTC faculty.

Troup County Schools Celebrate Title I Achievement

Troup County School System is proud to announce that four of its schools have been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education for outstanding performance and improvement for the 2023-2024 school year. The results were made public in December 2024.

Hillcrest Elementary School has earned the prestigious Title I Distinguished School designation for the third consecutive year. This remarkable achievement places Hillcrest among the top 5% of highest-performing Title I schools in Georgia, based on combined English Language Arts and math mastery scores from the most recent statewide assessments. Only 82 schools statewide received this honor.

Three other Troup County schools – Berta Weathersbee Elementary, Hollis Hand Elementary, and West Point Elementary – have been named Title I Reward Schools. These schools demonstrated significant growth, ranking among the top 5% of most-improved Title I schools in Georgia. The Reward School designation is based on a comparison of content mastery scores from the past two years of statewide assessments, with 79 schools receiving this recognition statewide.

To be eligible for these distinctions, schools must be Title I funded and not

currently identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) or Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI).

“We are incredibly proud of the students, teachers, and staff at Hillcrest, Berta Weathersbee, Hollis Hand, and West Point,” said Dr. Rachel Hazel. “These recognitions are a testament to their hard work and dedication to academic excellence. They exemplify the commitment of the Troup County School System to providing a high-quality education for every student.”

This accomplishment highlights the dedication and hard work of the entire Troup County educational community. Congratulations to these schools on their well-deserved recognition!

**What is Title 1? The Troup County School System benefits from many of the educational programs funded by the federal government. This funding allows TCSS to offer additional training, instruction, technology, and other critical services not provided for through state and local education funds.

Title I Funds are used to supplement schools/system budgets. Title I funds are not used to supplant (take the place of) local, state, or other federal funding. More info about Title 1 and our Federal Programs Department, visit https://www. troup.org/departments/federal-programs.