Troup Trends | February 2022 Issue

February 2022

www.lagrangechamber.com

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JOHNCARE

John Petrick loves the simple life – like crisp wind in his face during his morning bike ride and the spin of the reel on his fishing rod when he’s hooked a “big one.” Perhaps he revels in simplicity because, beneath the surface, John’s heart health is rather complicated. With diagnoses of ventricular tachycardia (VT), atrial fibrillation (AFib) and congestive heart failure, one thing is certain – John’s heart requires tailored treatment. That’s why he chose Wellstar.

Here, we know every person’s heart is one-of-a-kind. At Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center, our entire team of general and interventional cardiologists as well as electrophysiologists treat conditions from murmurs to heart attacks. Patients with complex cases can access advanced heart failure and structural heart care experts. And, when it comes to our world-class cardiac surgeons, your heart is in the best hands.

That way, you can focus on the more important things in life.

Which, in John’s case, is going fishing. wellstar.org/westga 2

February 2022

HEART CARE | PRIMARY CARE | HEALTH PARKS | HOSPITALS

February 2022 VOLUME IX, 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: Jamey Jackson TalentKinect Past Chair: Dale Jackson,

Beacon Brewing, Co.

CONTENTS

Jackson Services Chair Elect: Brandon Eley, EleyDigital Secretary/Treasurer: John Westmoreland, CPA Boatwright

CHAMBER STAFF President:

20 | Movers, Shakers, Risk-Takers

4 | A Letter from the Chairman 6 | Cover Story Wild Leap Brew Co.

24 | Business Spotlight

10 | Cover Story

25 | Chamber News

Kleen-Tex

Beacon Brewing Co.

26 | Spotlight on Hogansville

12 | Community

Like Nascar on Bikes

27 | Business Spotlight

14 | Community Oliver & Annie Greene

28 | Spotlight on LaGrange

Long Live Tattoo

15 | Education

29 | Healthcare

Hello Troup County Community

Healthy Habits

Leslie Traylor

16 | Spotlight on Troup County

37 | Small Business

Accountant:

18 | Spotlight on Non-Profit

Connie Hensler Director of Member Engagement:

Melanie Key, CPA

Production is the Theme

38 | History

Circles of Troup County

A Southside Story

41 | Spotlight on West Point

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

42 | Leadership

Youth Leadership Graduation

February 2022

DESIGN Jayme Ogles This publication is produced by the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce. Reproduction in whole or part of this publication 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 article or advertisement is not an endorsement by the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce.

ON THE COVER Wild Leap Brew Co.

Photo by Atomic Brand Energy

Troup Trends is published quarterly by the LaGrangeTroup County Chamber of Commerce. Please send news items, suggestions, advertising requests and comments to:

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

www.lagrangechamber.com

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www.lagrangechamber.com

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FROM

THE

CHAIRMAN

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ince 1911, the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce has been active in promoting local businesses, enhancing the business climate for members and promoting economic growth in Troup County. It is an absolute honor for me to serve as chairman of the LaGrange Troup County Chamber of Commerce. As a Chamber board member for several years, it has been wonderful to work with a committed board of directors and staff to become “best in class” as the voice of business in Troup County.

My main goal as chairman is to continue to bring increased value to our members this year in order to improve and expand their businesses.

The Chamber’s leadership team is committed to supporting our local businesses and organizations in any way possible with meaningful services, workshops, trainings and conferences. I’m hopeful that all our members, and prospective members will benefit from determining which programs are best oriented to getting their business to the next level.

The membership of the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce has never been more impressive, with small and large businesses, leading regional institutions, diverse non-profits and companies from a multitude of industry sectors throughout the region. I encourage our companies and business leaders to engage with us to experience the value that the Chamber has to offer to you and your business. Please attend or sponsor an event, read our newsletters, volunteer, or connect with our Chamber staff. I encourage There is a genuine excitement in the air of you to make the most of your membership and Troup County and there is a collaborative sense contribute to the continuing prosperity of our of partnership in continuing the efforts to make local community. I look forward to working with our community an even greater place to live you all, as we grow together. and do business. I look forward to continuing the Chamber's long history of connecting the network of businesses, non-profit organizations, and our local officials to develop our community. Amplifying the growth that we've experienced and the value that our members are producing is something that I am overjoyed JAMEY JACKSON to advance as we move into the future.

The LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce understands that in order to have a strong economic environment you must have a strong community. We are truly blessed in our community to have leaders, business owners, educators and citizens who realize that we all share in the responsibility of creating economic success and prosperity. A strong and active local business community is good for everyone.

I want to thank our Immediate Past Chairman Dale Jackson for his strong leadership during an immensely difficult time of a lingering pandemic. Dale’s vision and leadership as chairman created membership growth and retention, event creation and new connections for the Chamber throughout Troup County and the surrounding area. I truly believe that our community and our chamber will continue to emerge from these opportunities stronger and better prepared for a bright future.

Chairman, Executive Committee LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce

Contributors TODD CARLISLE UGA Small Business Development Center RYLEE GOVOREAU City of Hogansville PEPPER HAGEBAK, Azalea Storytelling Committee LAURA JENNINGS LaGrange Art Museum FAITH J. JONES, Kia Georgia ANDREA LOVEJOY Community Member LEWIS O. POWELL, IV, Research Archivist, Troup County Historical Society BRIAN SHUMATE, PH.D. Superintendent TCSS SHELLEY STRICKLAND Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center

Special Thanks to Our 1911 Society Presenting Sponsors!

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February 2022

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WILD LEAP BREW CO.

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he beginning of the Wild Leap story is well known.

Two enterprising and ambitious Atlanta friends and a gifted brewer left thriving careers to follow their dream of creating approachable and inventive styles of craft beer in the former Westbrook Tire building in downtown LaGrange.

Now, less than five years after founders Anthony Rodriguez and Rob Goldstein and brewmaster Chris Elliott took their personal wild leap, their vision has not only taken shape. It’s taken off.

In January, Wild Leap was named 2021 Brewery of the Year by Beer Connoisseur magazine. “For the first time in our history, a brewery submitted a staggering three

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beers that received World Class rating, making them our runaway Brewery of the Year for 2021,” the Beer Connoisseur editorial department wrote. This marks the first time in the twelve-year history of the Official Review that a brewery received three World Class ratings in a calendar year. Wild Leap also submitted an additional nine beers that received scores in the Exceptional range and a whopping 16 beers within the Top 150 Beers of the Year category.

It was the second significant honor in just the past six months. Last August, Wild Leap was named to the Inc. 5000, the business magazine‘s annual list of America’s 5,000 fastest-growing private companies. Not just beverage companies,

Photo credit Atomic Brand Energy

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On the local scene, the tasting room has become a popular hangout and special outdoor events, like a summer Luau, fall Taco Fiesta and Grilled Cheese and Soup Showdown, regularly attract major crowds.

Planning and staging events “is in our DNA,” Goldstein said. He and Rodriguez began working together producing large scale beer, music and food festivals long before their Wild Leap days.

“It’s always been important that the brewery be family friendly. You’ll see children, young parents, grandparents and everyone in between. The community embraces the events and participates,” Goldstein said.

After being named “Best New Brewery of 2019” by USA Today, the company launched a second product line, Wild Leap vodka, and added handcrafted cocktails to the taproom fare. A pandemic-inspired line of canned, ready-to-drink premium cocktails soon followed, and contributed significantly to Wild Leap’s revenue growth.

The numerous awards, innovative product lines and a talented sales force have created new opportunities for increased visibility across the southeast.

From iconic venues like the Fox Theatre and Mercedes Benz Stadium to strategic partnerships with The Dogwood Festival and Six Flags Over Georgia, Wild Leap continues to find ways to reach new fans. all companies — health, tech, service, entertainment and more. Wild Leap, in fact, ranked 356, placing it near the top of the best of the best.

“Brains, bravery and optimism propelled these businesses to our annual fastgrowing list,” said the magazine, which has a monthly audience reach of 25 million.

The recognitions, LaGrange Mayor Jim Thornton said, show Wild Leap is “a great entrepreneurial success story,” that has been good for LaGrange.

“We are incredibly honored,” said cofounder and Chief Marketing Officer Rob Goldstein. “We are grateful for the accolades, but plan to keep our heads

down and keep the pace.”

The pace is blistering. And impressive.

“Our intention from the outset, was to scale Wild Leap into a large regional and, ultimately, national brewery,” Goldstein said.

Wild Leap now produces 15,000 barrels annually in the Main Street brew house, which has been expanded five times. In addition to about five core beers, they continually introduce new brews in a seasonal rotation.

Andy Fritchley of Atomic Brand Energy has worked with Wild Leap since before it opened and said he realized early on they were going to be big.

Wild Leap recently added a second LaGrange production facility, and Wild Leap products are widely distributed across Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. The company ships beer to customers in 12 states with more on the way, and Wild Leap beer is available in 15 foreign countries throughout the world.

Goldstein credits their rapid growth to a “dynamite team” of hard workers with varied skill sets and a consistent, determined focus on a clear mission.

“They are so smart, so savvy, so strategic, I knew this would be their trajectory.”

“From the very beginning, we set out to create an excellent, high quality product

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S T O R Y and to develop branding and marketing that stood out in a very crowded field.“ With its distinctive bison logo and heavy social media presence, Wild Leap has managed to do just that.

In addition to Goldstein, key members of the team include co-founder and CEO Anthony Rodriguez, CBO Chris Elliott and Brittany Knecht, general manager, and, as Goldstein puts it, “the glue that holds all of this together.”

The company now has more than 50 employees and prides itself on a work environment that “feels like family.” They have a significant percentage of female management, prefer to promote from within and find local talent, including LaGrange College and Auburn students and alums.

“Our company culture is super important.

We work hard and long hours, but we are respectful and encourage each other to grow and progress,” Goldstein said.

The company loves it, he added, “when someone advances from keg washer to production leader.“ For a company developed on strategy, it was almost by accident that the founders discovered LaGrange. Rodriguez, who worked in the beer industry, and Goldstein, who was in event planning and promotion, had partnered on the side to stage a variety of major festivals.

Rodriguez visited LaGrange to explore the possibility of holding a beer festival in 2015. It worked out, was a major success, drawing thousands, and the organizers found themselves falling in love with LaGrange.

They liked that the city was business friendly. “We were used to it being a lot more difficult” in Atlanta, Goldstein recalls.

When Rodriguez spotted the vacant and deteriorating Westbrook building and thought it had potential as a brewery, the lightbulb came on.

“We started thinking, ‘Maybe there’s another way,’” Goldstein said.

The Downtown Development Authority, Callaway Foundation, Chamber and city leaders were supportive. The festival had shown the community’s interest. The Wild Leap story was under way.

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C O V E R “We are very grateful for the way it developed,” Goldstein said. “We take it seriously that Wild Leap is an example of what can happen inside a company and in the place it’s located. We are strong advocates for LaGrange and why other people should consider starting something here.”

S T O R Y

PROSPERING DURING THE PANDEMIC

Despite all the growth, company leaders are quick to say the Wild Leap story is far from written.

“We absolutely believe this is the beginning of our story. We have exciting plans for new ventures, new products, new product categories,” Goldstein said.

The next “wild leap,” in fact, will be a soaring one. Wild Leap will open a second location in Atlanta’s Centennial Yards South, the first phase of a multibillion-dollar mega development now taking shape in a former railroad “gulch” within walking distance of Mercedes Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena and the World Congress Center. The potential is obvious, and as an anchor tenant, Wild Leap’s high visibility and award-winning reputation is almost sure to create more opportunities.

Relocating, Goldstein emphasized, will not be one of them.

“Without a doubt” he said, Wild Leap is committed to LaGrange.

“LAGRANGE IS OUR HEADQUARTERS, LAGRANGE IS OUR HOME AND ALWAYS WILL BE.” That’s welcome news to Mayor Thornton.

“Wild Leap has been a wonderful addition to LaGrange. They helped start a revitalization of the south side of downtown and brought a new tourism destination to our city. Their incredible success and expansion in just a few short years has enhanced LaGrange’s brand around the state.

“As I travel around Georgia, I am constantly asked about Wild Leap, and I hear rave reviews. I’m looking forward to many great new success stories as Wild Leap continues to grow and expand,” Thornton said.

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n the day the NBA season was canceled in March, 2020, a shipment of shiny new beer tanks arrived at Wild Leap in LaGrange. They waited for months on the delivery.

loyal customers and many new fans responded.

Suddenly, as pandemic-related shutdowns closed bars, restaurants and businesses nationwide, Wild Leap leaders faced a frightening question: “How are we going to fill these tanks now?”

The popular craft cocktails made with Wild Leap vodka, however, had never been packed for to-go sales before.

The team then devised a way to batch cocktails in 45-gallon drums and can them using their existing canning lines.

The ready-to-drink cocktails “caught fire.”

It got worse. Trucks loaded with Wild Leap craft beer headed for the Final Four festivities in Atlanta literally had to turn around when the NCAA canceled March Madness.

“Amazingly, we didn’t miss a beat in terms of taproom revenue,” Goldstein said.

“It was a huge help, not only in keeping revenue up, but keeping our workers,” Goldstein said.

“We very quickly knew we had to act,” said Rob Goldstein, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Wild Leap. “It wasn’t just our livelihood on the line, but our staff and our community.”

Retailers started calling for the cocktails, so Wild Leap took their best-selling cocktail recipes, worked with a beverage lab to make them shelf-stable and watched sales climb steadily.

Company leaders “locked themselves in a conference room” and didn’t come out until they had a plan.

“It gave us a whole new revenue stream, and it’s still doing very well,” Goldstein said.

For the next 15 months, with the taproom closed, they operated out of a 10-foot tent in front of the brewery, heavily promoting curbside sales. Their

Best of all, he said, the company made it through the lockdown phase of the pandemic without having to make staffing cuts at the brewery.

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Photos: Payton Koehler

BEACON BREWING CO.

rowing up in LaGrange, Chase Hudson spent a lot of time in the then-bustling Hillside community, a centerpiece of LaGrange’s mill neighborhoods.

“In those days, Hillside had as much as downtown,” he recalls. “I hated seeing so many empty buildings after the mills closed.”

Those memories influenced Hudson in 2017 as he began scouting locations for a new business. Already an established restaurateur, with fine dining eateries C’Sons and Mare Sol downtown, Hudson was intrigued by the idea of opening a brewpub. The building at 700 Lincoln Street offered the rustic charm he was was seeking. Better still, it was around the corner from his boyhood hangout, the legendary soda fountain and lunch counter at the former Smith-Hillside Pharmacy.

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Beacon Brewing Co. opened in fall 2018 with a menu featuring “Asian food with Southern flair “and approachable, innovative craft beers made on the premises.

Hudson had been struck by the similarities between traditional southern and Korean foods, each with an abundance of pickled, fermented, cured or smoked specialties.

“The two flavors work so well together,” he said, inspiring menu options like ramen bowls, braised greens and Waygu beef hotdogs with Asian slaw.

“It’s really growing quick, “ Hudson said.

Evidence of that is apparent as construction moves ahead on an expanded brew house with larger, more modern and efficient equipment. They’re also adding a full indoor kitchen to replace the current food truck and a lounge with separate entry, to be furnished with comfy sofas and coffee tables.

The popular outdoor tables and green space will remain, Hudson said, along with the laidback vibe.

As for beer, Hudson said he likes the old European model, where every town had its own brewery.

“We want to be very inviting, very casual, definitely a family place where children can play. It’s more of a hangout, more of an experience than just going out to eat.”

Though challenged by the pandemic and related labor shortages, Beacon has not only survived, but thrived.

Though the expanded brewhouse will be more efficient, the goal is not to grow significantly.

C O V E R

“Distribution is not our focus,” said Hudson, who expects the brewery output to remain well under its license limit of 10,000 barrels per year.

Beacon beers are available at stores in Troup County and a few DeKalb locations, but most beer is sold on-site or at the sister restaurants.

Staying small doesn’t mean aiming low, Hudson explained. In mid-2020, Beacon brought in Dave Hash, a graduate of the well-established brewing school at the University of California/Davis, as head brewer.

“He’s brought a level of professionalism and assurance to our beer that I didn’t dream possible at this point,” Hudson said.

A professional brewer since 2016, Hash says beer has developed into “a perfect culmination of art and science,” and he enjoys “letting my creativity develop new sensory experiences while my analytical side pays homage to brewing science. In a nutshell, I strive to bring out the harmony between innovation and tradition.”

From the outset, tradition has been a big part of Hudson’s plan. The name

S T O R Y

Beacon is a nod to newsletters of that name put out by Callaway Mills during the 1940s and 50s. Walls are decorated with original art painted from photos in old editions of the Beacon newsletters, some salvaged from a dumpster by Hudson’s grandfather, Tommy Clem. Two of Beacon’s first beers, Alice’s Hands and Fuller’s Earth, were named for his great grandparents, Alice and Fuller Callaway, Jr. Another, Clem the Clown, honors his grandfather Clem.

In a larger sense, by bringing attention, business and jobs to Hillside, Hudson wants Beacon to be part of the ongoing effort to revitalize the historic neighborhood. One of Beacon’s most popular beers, Hillside IPA, is a “charitable beer” with one dollar from every pint or six-pack sold at the brewery going to DASH, a non-profit focused on neighborhood redevelopment and sustainable housing.

Additionally, Beacon will be a vendor and active supporter at the Junior Service League’s Taste of the Town festival, which is partnering with DASH and moving to Hillside on April 9 in conjunction with the Hillside Art and Music Festival.

“That’s what it’s all about,” Hudson said. www.lagrangechamber.com www.lagrangechamber.com

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LIKE NASCAR ON BIKES

LaGrange Cycling Classic Rolling Back April 24

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Photos: Atomic Brand Energy

competing in various skill categories for points, prizes and places on the podium.

lending high speed, high intensity and high entertainment value, the exciting sport of criterium racing returns to downtown LaGrange on April 24.

Kuerzi, facilities manager of Troup County Parks and Recreation Department and a member of the organizing team.

This year’s series begins April 22 in Spartanburg, S.C., moves to Hapeville on the 23rd and then LaGrange on the 24th.

After a swing to Walterboro, S.C. and two other cities, there’s the famous Twilight Criterium in Athens on April 30 and the closing race May 1 in College Park. Last year’s team championship winner was from Team Medellin from Colombia.

HERE ARE THE BASICS

PERFECT COURSE

A criterium or “crit” is a multi-lap race on The LaGrange Cycling Classic earned rave a closed circuit in a city. Unlike road racing, reviews for its inaugural event last August. where riders whiz by only once, criterium Hundreds of spectators lined the streets, racers zoom past dozens of times, taking cheering, tailgating and ringing traditional tight turns at 30 mph, allowing plenty of cowbells as colorfully-clad riders flashed by free, up-close spectating in a festival-style in race after race. environment.

Local organizers aim to make the 2022 “It’s like NASCAR on bikes,” Kuerzi said.

Classic bigger, better and even more “A criterium race is all about speed,” adds exciting for spectators.

Rick Brock, another organizer and owner “We learned so much and had such a of Goldens Bikes on Lafayette Square. But positive reaction from the community. Our speed is not the only similarity to NASCAR. goal now is to build on that successful start,” said Bill Hunnicutt, executive director A crit race features a pace car (LaGrange’s is provided by sponsor Kia.), high performance of LaGrange Downtown Authority and vehicles, teams, drafting, sponsors, strategy leader of an enthusiastic team of local and, yes, the occasional crash. organizers.

One priority is to expand the community’s The LaGrange Cycling Classic is part of a understanding of criterium racing and what Speed Week series of eight races held over ten days, each in a different Georgia or it’s all about.

South Carolina city. The races draw top U.S. “But you really don’t have to know all about and international riders, male and female, racing or be a rider to enjoy it,” said J.J. successful pros and talented amateurs,

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Last June, LaGrange snagged a spot in the series after Charleston, S.C., dropped out when the races were delayed from April to August due to Covid. With just 60 days to prepare, the organizers demonstrated speed of their own. Hunnicutt and the team rallied sponsors, worked with downtown businesses, lodging vendors, city government, GDOT, the local cycling community and more to pull the event together. Andy Fritchley of Atomic Brand Energy went into overdrive to develop branding, a web site and marketing for the event. Volunteers from the LaGrange College basketball and football teams provided invaluable help in setting up and breaking down the course.

Although a newcomer to the long-standing series, LaGrange was an instant hit with the racers because of the quality of the course, Brock said.

The loop begins and ends near Del’Avant, moving up Main to Lafayette Square to Bull Street, then back to Main after a tricky sweeping turn in the Overlook Park area.

“The course is a criterium racer’s dream,” said Brock, a beautiful ride along charming streets with challenging turns and just the right degree of difficulty.

“It’s the perfect set up for a crit race,” Brock said.

It’s great for spectators, too, said LaGrange resident Karen Cooper, who attended the 2021 race with her husband, Joe. Not only had she not been to a criterium race, she didn’t even know what it was.

“We went because we like to support things in LaGrange,” Cooper said. “And because

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we like to try new things.”

She’s glad they did.

“The crowd was great, and it was fantastic to see those bikes flying by us,” said Cooper.

That’s the crowd experience the organizers hope to build on and amplify, Hunnicutt said. Last year, alumni groups from UGA and Auburn set up tailgating tents. Organizers hope others do the same, but emphasize that any place along the route offers great views and local businesses will be open to offer food and drink.

lagrange cycling classic USA Crits • Speed Week Series

GROWING ROOM

“The beauty of it is that it brings a whole new audience to experience LaGrange,” Tilley said, “and it’s mostly young families from across the Southeast, a great demographic to reach.”

In this time of pandemic, she added, LaGrange Cycling Classic is exactly what people are looking for – outside, family friendly and affordable.

“It’s basically a perfect event for many reasons.”

Lafayette Square

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TURN 1

TURN 2

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START/FINISH

Main St.

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Broome St.

Fran k Tig ner

STAGE

VIP ACCESS

Morgan St.

Bull St.

Lafayette Pkwy

Lewis St.

Even at a smaller scale, the LaGrange Cycling Classic has strong potential as a tourism event, noted Kathy Tilley, President and CEO of Visit LaGrange. Dedicated cycling enthusiasts follow their favorite races or racers, plus the festival atmosphere attracts visitors.

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Broad St.

“We’d like it to be something people look forward to every year,” he said.

That ambitious goal will take time, he adds, but it’s not unrealistic.

Athens launched its “Twilight Criterium” more than 40 years ago and now draws about 50,000 each year. Twilight has grown into a full-scale festival, considered the “Super Bowl” of Criterium races and earning bucket list status within the cycling community.

Ridley Ave.

Church St.

Lewis St.

“The overarching goal,’” Hunnicutt said, “is to grow the LaGrange Cycling Classic into a weekend-long community event.” That could include things like kids’ races, fun family activities , music and plenty of food, entertainment and partying.

Haralson St.

Criterium Race Course Free Parking Downtown Block Party

Cyclist & Race Officials Parking Only

Byron Hurst St.

TURN 3

TURN 4

Overlook Plaza

E. Depot St.

Live Music Wild Leap Brew Co.

Friday, August 27. 2021

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Spotlight on Community Leaders Oliver and Annie Greene his colleagues were equally qualified.

Having lived a life that has spanned many decades, Annie has witnessed countless remarkable changes, events and inventions such as World War II, television, astronauts walking on the moon, computers, cell phones, and nuclear power.

As the artist reflects on all the many changes in the world, she pinpoints the civil rights movement as the most important milestone. “Segregation meant the playing field would not be level. Remember, it was supposed to be ‘separate but equal,’ but equal was not part of segregation’s equation,” Annie wrote in her book.

As life-long learners and retired from admirable careers in public education, the couple have often expressed amazement that area citizens do not take advantage of the low cost and often free happenings in this community that enrich minds.

An active supporter of the arts, Annie is also a well-known artist and author of three books. Her yarn art works are her claim to fame but she is also an exceptionally talented artist in many media. Her book entitled “What Color is Water? Growing 14

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Up Black in a Segregated South” is a must read year ‘round but especially poignant during Black History Month.

“When I read this book I was moved to tears,” said Jeff Denny, a local resident who collects Annie’s art. Annie said she felt compelled to capture this difficult era in history in an educational and interesting way.

“This book is a collection of stories and art that represent my life growing up in the segregated South. Despite obstacles and challenges, I have been blessed,” the artist wrote.

Annie encountered one such challenge as a young woman shopping for a new hat, her signature look. Entering a hat shop on the LaGrange Square Annie was directed by the owner to the back of the store where there were two tables piled high with hats for “colored” women. The hats were not displayed, just stacked. Annie was asked to put a piece of plastic on her head before trying on hats. She never returned to that store.

When integration took place in the county school system, Oliver and the two other Black principals were made assistant principals. The principal positions were given to White men, although Oliver and

Parents to two exceptional and highly successful adult children and two grandchildren, Oliver and Annie have great concern over the deterioration of the family unit and the lack of parental oversight in teaching children how to be motivated to improve themselves.

“There is still so much work to be done.

We must constantly work together to develop sound educational programs to help every American citizen gain a better understanding of the principles that are the foundation of the U.S. Constitution,” concluded Annie in her book.

LaGrange and Troup County have certainly benefitted from the perseverance of these two role models – Oliver and Annie Greene.

Photos: Jenna Calleen Photography

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f LaGrange had a king and queen they surely would be Annie and Oliver Greene. This couple, married for 64 years, are great patrons of the arts and community-wide events. Before COVID demanded a much more cautious approach to public outings, the Greenes could be seen taking in every theatrical production, musical performance, art museum, art gallery exhibition opening and guest speaker events. Looking every bit like the statuesque movie stars from the 1950s, their style is iconic. Annie always dons a fashionable hat and lovely dress. Oliver also wears a hat, suit and tie. Oliver could teach a class on gentlemanly manners, always quick to open the door for Annie or offer her his hand.

“My experiences as a child during this period taught me to be resilient, to work hard, and to pursue my dreams. Oliver and I raised our children to be the same way. I often told them to ‘put yourself in a position where you can’t be denied.’ This means be prepared, well-trained and well-educated so that lack of experience or education will not determine your future,” she states in the book.

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HELLO TROUP COUNTY COMMUNITY:

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s we are planning for the future of education in the Troup County School System (TCSS), we continue to strive to become a ‘Premier School System’ in the state of Georgia.

OUR MISSION

Core Value 5 – INTEGRITY

The Troup County School System is committed to educating ALL students using creative and innovative strategies that provide 'A Place For Every Kid.'

Over the course of 2021, stakeholders, community members and TCSS staff conducted strategic planning sessions to create our new mission, vision, values and goals. At the December board meeting, the TCSS School Board adopted our new strategic plan - Vision 2025. The document outlines our values and strategic goals that will guide our work in the coming years so that we can focus on what matters, student success!

Core Value 1 – CONNECTION

We value the pride of accomplishment that is earned when students understand the importance of being honest, ethical, passionate, and accountable in their endeavors.

The strategies will set us on a course to improve achievement, reduce opportunity gaps for students and transform the Troup County School System for years to come.

We value diverse, inclusive opportunities so that all students may discover a learning community or communities where they find acceptance, happiness, and motivation, thus helping us to live up to our motto ‘A Place for Every Kid.’ Core Value 2 – EQUITY We value access for every student, no matter their background or socioeconomic status, to resources, programs, and experiences that open doors to future success.

Core Value 3 – ACHIEVEMENT

In the coming weeks, there will be copies of the TCSS Strategic Plan available in multiple public places and offices across Troup County. Below are our vision, mission, core values and strategic goals we’ve identified that define our school system in the future:

We value rigor in academics so that students will internalize the skills needed to be fluent in reading, mathematical operations, and critical thinking while also developing a strong foundation for postsecondary learning.

OUR VISION

Core Value 4 – RESILIENCE

Our Vision is to be a school system that is adaptable, flexible and creates innovative programming that will prepare our students to pursue their passions and to ultimately prepare them for post-secondary education and careers.

We value perseverance, determination, confidence, and responsibility as traits that must be developed in young people so that they understand the importance of goal-setting and of the hard work that will elevate them to their highest potential.

Core Value 6 – COMPASSION We value producing graduates who have matured into young adults who are servant leaders and who display empathy and a thirst for lifelong learning.

Strategic Goals: Goal 1: Focus on Student Success and Well Being Goal 2: Ensure Equitable Opportunities for All Goal 3: Focus on Recruiting, Inducting, and Retaining Quality Staff Goal 4: Cultivate the Capacity of the School System to Function as a Flexible and Adaptable Organization Goal 5: Lead in the Cultivation of Relationships and Strategic Partnerships between the School System and Parents, and among Agencies and Organizations which Provide Services to Children As always, thank you for your continued support of the Troup County School System.

Sincerely,

Brian Shumate, Ph.D. Superintendent www.lagrangechamber.com

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SPOTLIGHT ON TROUP COUNTY

AZALEA STORYTELLING FESTIVAL

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nce merely the brainchild of two local educators, one librarian, and one renowned storyteller, LaGrange’s own Azalea Storytelling Festival will mark its 25th Anniversary the first full weekend of March 2022, making it one of the longest running and most successful storytelling festivals in the country!

Way back in the mid-1990s, local storyteller Pat Gay and Dr. Evelyn Jordan began dreaming of a local storytelling festival.

Mrs. Gay was the Children’s librarian at LaGrange Memorial Library, and her position involved storytelling on a regular basis. She’d lived in New Orleans, a city rich in the storytelling tradition, and fell in love with the art form there. She traveled around Georgia attending storytelling events and sharpening her own way with a story.

Dr. Evelyn Jordan was serving as Chairperson of the Education Department at LaGrange College when she and Mrs. Gay began talking about a festival.

Together, they approached the Artist in Residence at the college and asked him if he thought a festival here would be possible. His legendary reply was, “Yes! And I’ll help you!”

The Artist in Residence happened to be the inimitable Donald Davis, one of the best known and most loved storytellers of our time.

Thinking four heads would be better than three, the group of dreamers brought Joyce Morgan-Young, then Assistant Superintendent of Troup County Schools onto the team, and from there the planning and scheduling and learning began. A storytelling festival was really going to happen in little ol’ LaGrange!

The first Azalea Storytelling Festival was held in the LaGrange College Auditorium, in March of 1997, with folding chairs and a shiny gym floor and three marvelous tellers- Donald Davis, Ed Stivender, and Kathryn Tucker Windham. Twenty-six years later, The Azalea Storytelling Festival is still in that auditorium, but it has been transformed into a world-class concert performance space, with fantastic acoustics and comfortable seating for the throngs who come to listen to stories each year.

Storytellers often say that it’s the best storytelling venue in the country!

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Throughout the years, “The Azalea”, as it’s fondly referred to by members of the committee, has maintained the highest standards regarding the talent that it brings to LaGrange. Planning for festival lineups begins years in advance with visits to storytelling events and discussions about who among the tellers might be the best fit for “The Azalea”. Artistic Director Carol Cain researches tellers carefully and gives recommendations for future tellers. Usually, there are four nationally known storytellers at each festival, curated to work well together and provide the absolute best experience for the audience.

The Azalea Storytelling Festival has received several awards in the last quarter century, including The National Storytelling Membership Association’s Regional Leadership Award, and it was chosen by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of their top twenty events in the south in 2011. Each year the three-day festival draws around 2000 visitors to the area, helping to bring tourist dollars to LaGrange through restaurant sales, shopping and motel stays.

Happily beneath the umbrella of the Lafayette Society for The Performing Arts (LSPA), which sponsors and offers guidance and business office support to the festival, the Azalea Storytelling Festival has developed and maintained lasting relationships with several local entities and has been able to turn what began as a oneweekend-a-year event into a year-round endeavor, rich with opportunities to hear and tell stories. In October of each year, Hills & Dales sponsors and hosts “Stories in the Gardens”, a free event held in the pecan grove at the historic estate. Featuring regional and local tellers, it has become a beloved and anticipated occasion and

just last fall celebrated its tenth annual performance! February, and the Friends of the LaGrange Memorial Library, brings “A Taste of Storytelling”, another opportunity to hear regional and local tellers, in an effort to whet the “appetite” for storytelling and the festival soon to follow. A more casual way for locals to participate in storytelling, LSPA presents “Stories with Friends.” This is a monthly meeting of those interested in telling stories, working on projects underway, or just having fun listening to others tell.

The Azalea Storytelling committee is cochaired by Joyce Morgan-Young and Linda Hart, and many of its members have been around since the beginning. Sadly, two of the three founding members have slipped the mortal coil; Pat Gay passed away in 2016, and Dr. Evelyn Jordan two years later in 2018. While others have stepped in to fill the empty spaces at meetings, the absence of these women who had a dream will always be felt.

The Azalea Storytelling Festival is always held during the first full weekend in March.

This March 4-6, the committee and LSPA are thrilled to present the 25th anniversary festival! Two of the storytellers who performed at the first festival will be back to help celebrate! Festival favorites Donald Davis and Ed Stivender, who were there at the beginning will be here this year, as well as our own Carol Cain; and Josh Goforth and Kevin Kling will round out the tellers nicely.

Information and tickets for the festival will be available online at www.LSPArts. org, by phoning LSPA at 706-882-9909. In addition, tickets may be purchased at the LSPA Business Office at 214 Bull Street in downtown LaGrange, Georgia.

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SPOTLIGHT ON NON-PROFIT

Circles of Troup County manufacturing meth with my dad,” she said.

She was a regular user before eighth grade. Her young adult years followed an addiction pattern: prison, homelessness, pregnancy, losing custody of her children.

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pending her first tax refund check was a lot of fun.

“I bought new clothes, a new phone, got my hair done and my nails. I paid for my friend and I to get matching tattoos. I got the kids new clothes and just passed out money to anyone who needed some,” said Kimberly Toney. “The one smart thing I did was pay my car insurance for a year. I didn’t want to, but I knew I had to have my car. I was so used to not having money that when I finally had some, I didn’t know what to do with it.”

Money management wasn’t a skill Toney had learned. She grew up with parents who were both addicts and at 12 years old her stepmother introduced her to marijuana and meth– both on the same day.

“On Father’s Day when I was 12, I started

Eventually, Toney landed at Calumet Center for Healing and Attachment in LaGrange – a transition home for women and children. On Thursdays, along with others at the center and from the community, Toney attended classes at Circles of Troup County.

Circles of Troup works with low-income families to help them reach their goals for self-sufficiency. The organization uses a relational strategy to support both parents and their children moving out of poverty. Families average 18 months in the program to reach 200% of the federal poverty level.

“Our financial strategies are geared to people who don’t make enough money,” said Holly Roberts, Circles coach who teaches the financial strategy classes. “We talk about basic budgets, money in and money out, and about wants vs. needs.

Often people feel alone in their financial situations because they don’t know who to talk to about it. We talk about it all, but we’re factual and we have empathy.

Whatever situation you’re in, that’s where we start. We know that there’s absolutely no benefit in beating people up for their decisions.”

back child support for her children’s care while she was in prison.

“My finances were a mess, I didn’t know what I was doing. I was always trying to make it last, but it didn’t,” she said.

With tools from Circles classes, she began setting weekly money goals leading to a full-time job, made a budget, a savings account and an affordable payment plan for child support.

“It’s good to be able to look at my money and know what I can do with it. It’s also good having a network of people I can go to if I have a question,” she said.

That’s a key to the success of Circles, said Roberts.

“The people who come to Circles are ready to make a change. We have knowledge we share, but we also connect them with people to help them longterm,” she said. “We’re also willing to go at the pace they’re ready for. We revisit and relearn what someone didn’t learn the first time. It’s a huge amount of information to take in and we know that.

It’s also powerful to be in the room with others who are on the same journey.”

As with most Circle Leaders, Toney’s growing financial stability has led to other successes. She has regained custody of her two boys, she celebrated 4 years of sobriety and she’s scheduled to begin a college program this summer.

With ten years of data, Circles participants – called Circle Leaders – average a 70% increase in income in 12 months.

When Toney first came to a Circles weekly meeting, she was making $109 every two weeks, working about 30 hours a week.

One of her biggest expenses was the $20,000 she owed the state of Georgia in 18

February 2022

Kimberly Toney

Photos: Sara Arnold, Será Será Photo & Design

SPOTLIGHT ON NON-PROFIT

“I like having a budget. When you spend all the tax refund money, you realize those nails last about 15 days and the clothes are eventually forgotten. Now I have money left over at the end of the

month – even after I’ve put money in savings.

I can tell my kids, ‘Turn those lights off, you don’t pay the light bill, I do!’ and that feels really good,” she said.

Circles of Troup County meets weekly, with a meal from 5:30-6:15 and a meeting/classes/children’s program from 6:15-7:45 p.m. on Thursdays at Troup Baptist Association, 1301 Washington St., LaGrange.

Community members, volunteers and anyone interested in Circles are welcome to attend.

For more information, follow Circles of Troup County on Facebook and Instagram and check out the website circlesoftroup.org

www.lagrangechamber.com

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MOVERS, SHAKERS, RISK-TAKERS

MOVERS, SHAKERS, RISK-TAKERS Wellstar West Georgia Welcomes New Physicians

Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center recently welcomed several new physicians to the team, including: Dr. Coney Bae, Dr. Samer Kabbani, Dr. John Woody Major, Dr. Janese Latimer-Pierson.

Specializing in bariatric and general surgery, Dr. Bae is certified by the American Board of Surgery. She completed her residency at Northwell Health and bariatric and minimally invasive surgery fellowship at Cleveland Clinic Florida. She earned her medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. For more information, contact Dr. Bae’s office: Wellstar General Surgery Bariatrics, (706) 880-7321.

Specializing in interventional cardiology and cardiovascular disease, Dr. Kabbani is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine – Interventional Cardiology. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation and his fellowship in cardiology at the University of Vermont, Fletcher Allen Health Care. In addition, he completed Advanced Training for Interventional Therapies for Peripheral Vascular Disease at Christ Hospital, The Linder Research Center. He earned his medical degree from the American University of Beirut. For more information, contact Dr. Kabbani’s office: Wellstar Cardiovascular Medicine, (706) 242-5100.

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General Surgeon Dr. Major completed his residency at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine and earned medical degrees from Mercer University School of Medicine and Ross University School of Medicine. He is a member of the Southeastern Surgical Congress and resident member of the American College of Surgeons. For more information, contact Dr. Major’s office: Wellstar General Surgery at (706) 880-7204.

Specializing in hyperbaric medicine and wound care management, Dr. LatimerPierson completed her emergency medicine residency and pediatric emergency medicine fellowship at Orlando Regional Medical Center. She earned her medical degree from University of South Florida College of Medicine.

She is a member of the American Medical Association and the American Telemedicine Association. For more information, contact Dr. Latimer-Pierson’s office: Wellstar West Georgia Wound Care Clinic at (706) 880-7199

John Asbell, Georgia Power’s LaGrange Local Manager, has been chosen as the new Area Manager in the Metro North Region in Atlanta. John will be responsible for the community & economic development activities along with legislative and operations support for North Fulton and North Dekalb counties.

Bentina Terry, Georgia Power SVP, Region External Affairs & Community Engagement recently shared, “We are pleased to have someone with John’s experience join the Metro team. For the past twelve years, John has served as a Local Manager for Troup, Harris & Talbot counties, which includes support for one of Georgia Power’s largest customers, Kia Georgia Inc. Since joining Georgia Power in 1991, John has served as a leader in Customer Service, Human Resources, Marketing & Sales, and Region Operations.“ In the community, John serves on the board for the Middle Chattahoochee Water Council, The United Way of West Georgia ,The LaGrange College Leadership Council, Harris County Chamber of Commerce & The Legacy Project of the LaGrange-Troup County Homeless Coalition. John is a past Chairman of the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce and chaired a number of committees including Tourism & Adult Leadership.

“The LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce has been an incredible partner with the Georgia Power Company with regard to our shared goals of increasing both the quality of business and life in the Troup County region. I will forever be grateful for the friendships and partnerships that the Chamber and community have allowed me and my family.”

MOVERS, SHAKERS, RISK-TAKERS

GEORGIA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT LaGrange Mayor Jim Thornton took the oath of office as the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) President on August 8, 2021. The ceremony took place during the GMA’s annual meeting in Savannah, Georgia. Mayor Thornton was first elected to the LaGrange City Council in 2009, and after serving one full term on the council, was elected Mayor in 2013. Within GMA, he has served on the Board of Directors and has previously chaired the Legislative Policy Council, the Federal Policy Council, the Member Services Advisory Council, and the Municipal Government Policy Committee. Thornton was appointed as a co-chair of the recently established GMA Equity and Inclusion Commission. Thornton is the third LaGrange mayor to serve as President of GMA. LaGrange Mayor R. S. O’Neal was elected President of GMA in 1944 and LaGrange Mayor Frank Tigner was elected President of GMA in 1955.

Numerous LaGrange mayors and city council members have served on the Board of GMA and on its various committees throughout the history of the organization.

Mayor Thornton takes the oath of office as GMA President August 8, 2021

MOST NOTABLE

Georgia Trend Magazine named LaGrange Mayor Jim Thornton as one of its 50 Most Notable Georgians on its 2022 list. The list recognizes leaders who are making a significant impact in their community and across the state.

Michael Coniglio, City of LaGrange Parks Director In 2021, the City of LaGrange created the new position of Parks Director.

Michael Coniglio was hired to oversee and maintain all city parks, The Thread, Sweetland Amphitheatre and Lafayette Square. Coniglio will also oversee the city’s litter cleanup campaign, Leaving LaGrange Better Than We Found It. Michael has decades of experience in Construction Management, Special Projects, Pest Management, Snow and Ice removal and Landscape Management. He and his wife Kesha live in Troup County. If you have any questions about parks please contact Michael at mconiglio@lagrangega.org.

JAMES T. JACKSON JOINS CAPITAL INVESTMENT SERVICES At Capital Investment Services, we have been blessed with a wonderful group of clients and excellent team members who hold fast to our “Client First” approach to relationship management. Because of this approach and our investingsimply portfolio strategy, we have continued to grow and the need for an additional financial advisor became clear.

It is with excitement that we announce that James T. Jackson will be joining Capital Investment Services in the role of Financial Advisor and Business Development Strategist. When James was asked about his new adventure, he said “As someone who was born and raised in LaGrange, it excites me to be able to join a local firm that has been able to help so many families and businesses in the community.

It feels like yesterday that I was playing in the Patti Teaver Tennis Classic with my dad or going to our youth group on Sunday night at First United Methodist Church. I look forward to being a part of

this incredible group at Capital Investment Services and continuing to help people reach their financial goals while giving back to the city that has provided so much for me.” James is a graduate of Auburn University and holds both the Series 7 and Series 66 Securities Licenses. He is married to Stephanie Jackson and they have two wonderful children. He resides in LaGrange and is an active member of First United Methodist Church.

As Capital Investment Services continues to grow, our focus remains on putting the client first while offering innovative financial solutions in a complex marketplace. When asked about the road ahead, Bobby Lumpkin, Managing Partner of Capital Investment Services, said, “I am looking forward with excitement and very thankful that James decided to join our team. It was essential for me to find someone that views the relationship with the client as priority one. I am confident that James will do a wonderful job as a part of our team.”

James will be located in the Capital Investment Services office in LaGrange and can be reached at 706-298-2353.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Capital Investment Services, LLC is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

www.lagrangechamber.com

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NEED HELP FINDING A PHY Wellstar Medical Group offers you a choice.

Olumide Ajayi, MD Wellstar Medical Group Family Medicine 1497 Lafayette Parkway LaGrange, GA 30241 706.880.7335

Jennifer Carter, MD Wellstar Medical Group Hematology & Oncology 1514 Vernon Road LaGrange, GA 30240 706.812.2426

Salman Fidahussein, MD Wellstar Medical Group Pulmonary Medicine 1551 Doctors Drive LaGrange, GA 30240 706.880.7222

Alexander Gedevanishvili, MD

Wellstar Medical Group Cardiovascular Medicine 1602 Vernon Road, Suite 300 LaGrange, GA 30240 706.242.5100

Coney Bae, MD

J. Robert Coggins, MD

Tom Gore, MD

Joy Baker, MD, FACOG, PMH-C, C-EFM, MT (ASCP)

Facia B. Dew, DO

Torey Harden, MD

Cameron Body, MD

Nayab Dhanani, MD

Samer Kabbani, MD

Srinivas R. Bramhadevi MD, FAAFP, MBA

Rod Duraski, MD

Ravina Kadam MD, CCD, FACP, CDE

Wellstar Medical Group General Surgery 1600 Vernon Road, Suite A LaGrange, GA 30240 706.880.7321

Wellstar Medical Group Obstetrics & Gynecology 1602 Vernon Street, Suite 200 LaGrange, GA 30240 706.880.7252 Wellstar Medical Group Gastroenterology 1551 Doctors Drive LaGrange, GA 30240 706.880.7311

Wellstar Medical Group Family Medicine 1497 Lafayette Parkway LaGrange, GA 30241 706.880.7335

Wellstar Medical Group Gastroenterology 1551 Doctors Drive LaGrange, GA 30240 706.880.7311

Wellstar Medical Group Primary Care 303 Medical Drive, Suite 406 LaGrange, GA 30240 706.880.7119

Wellstar Medical Group Family Medicine 2000 Billy Tucker Circle Hogansville, GA 30240 706.880.7188

Wellstar Medical Group Internal Medicine 211 East Broad Street Pine Mountain, GA 31822 706.845.3494

Wellstar Medical Group Cardiovascular Medicine 1602 Vernon Road Suite 300 LaGrange, GA 30240 706.242.5100

Wellstar Medical Group Pediatrics 301 Medical Drive Suite 504 LaGrange, GA 30240 706.812.2655

Wellstar Medical Group Cardiovascular Medicine 1602 Vernon Road, Suite 300 LaGrange, GA 30240 706.242.5100

Wellstar Medical Group Internal Medicine 300 Medical Drive, Suite 704 LaGrange, GA 30240 706.880.7361

Robinette King, MD Wellstar Medical Group Obstetrics & Gynecology 303 Medical Drive, Suite 405 LaGrange, GA 30240 706.242.5099

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February 2022

YSICIAN? Kalyani Rajeev MD, FAAP

Mandy Snyder, NP

John Woody Major, MD

Charles Roberson, MD

Ashley Stewart MD, FACS

Shawn Mathews, MD

Eugene Schaufler MD, FACOG, FAAP

Nchang Taka, MD

Madhavi Naik, MD, FACOG

Margaret Schaufler MD, FACOG

Robert Taylor, MD

Weredeselam Olango, MD

Vincent Scoglietti, MD

Karin Whitlock Taylor MD, FAAPMR

Wellstar Medical Group General Surgery 1600 Vernon Road, Suite A LaGrange, GA 30240 706.880.7321

Wellstar Medical Group Rehabilitation Medicine 1555 Doctors Drive, Suite 102 LaGrange, GA 30240 706.298.5592

Ariyo Olobatoke, MD

Richard S. Simmons MD, FACP, FCCP

Venu Thirukonda, MD, FACP

Gail Knight, MD

Wellstar Medical Group West Georgia Hospice 1510 Vernon Road LaGrange, GA 30240-4131 Phone: 706.845.3905

Wellstar Medical Group General Surgery 106 Lukken Industrial Drive West LaGrange, GA 30240 706.880.7450

Wellstar Medical Group Ear, Nose & Throat 300 Medical Drive, Suite 705 LaGrange, GA 30240 706.880.7144

Wellstar Medical Group Obstetrics & Gynecology 106 Lukken Industrial Dr. West LaGrange, GA 30240 706.880.7204

Wellstar Medical Group Neurology 303 Medical Drive, Suite 401 LaGrange, GA 30240 706.242.5161

Wellstar Medical Group Pulmonary Medicine 1551 Doctors Drive LaGrange, GA 30240 Phone: 706.880.7222

James Parker, MD Wellstar Medical Group Family Medicine 599 3rd Avenue West Point, GA 31833 706.242.5081

Wellstar Medical Group Pediatrics 301 Medical Drive, Suite 504 LaGrange, GA 30240 706.812.2655

Wellstar Medical Group Orthopedics 300 Medical Drive, Suite 707 LaGrange, GA 30240 706.880.7320

Wellstar Medical Group Gynecology 1555 Doctors Drive, Suite 102 LaGrange, GA 30240 706.880.7266

Wellstar Medical Group Gynecology 1555 Doctors Drive, Suite 102 LaGrange, GA 30240 706.880.7266

Wellstar Medical Group Pulmonary Medicine 1551 Doctors Drive LaGrange, GA 30240 706.880.7222

Wellstar Medical Group Family Medicine 454 LaGrange Street Greenville, GA 30222 706.845.3599

Wellstar Medical Group General Surgery 1600 Vernon Road, Suite A LaGrange, GA 30240 706.880.7321

Wellstar Medical Group Cardiovascular Medicine 1602 Vernon Road, Suite 300 LaGrange, GA 30240 706.242.5100

Wellstar Medical Group Radiation Oncology 111 Medical Drive LaGrange, GA 30240 706.845.3544

Wellstar Medical Group Hematology & Oncology 1514 Vernon Road LaGrange, GA 30240 706.812.2426

Jingzi Shang, MD

Wellstar Medical Group Neurology & Sleep Medicine 303 Medical Drive, Suite 401 LaGrange, Ga. 30241 706.242.5161

To learn more visit Wellstar.org www.lagrangechamber.com

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

KLEEN-TEX REOPENS US MANUFACTURING IN LAGRANGE

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leen-Tex, a global manufacturer of commercial and residential entrance mats, marks its reentry into the US market with the opening of a new production facility. Kleen-Tex exited the US market in 2008 to focus on growth opportunities within its international businesses located within Europe, Asia, South Africa, and Brazil. After importing products from some of these locations, the company decided it was time to reestablish manufacturing in the town of their original founding.

“We’re excited to be coming back with even better products, a long-term growth strategy and a wealth of global experience,” explained CEO Bruce Howard. “We look forward to serving past customers once again, as well as developing new and exciting sales channels for our Hurley Link Mats and Studio 67 Residential Mats.”

Upon the purchase of their current 50,000+ square-foot manufacturing plant, KleenTex engaged in building renovations, installation of equipment, and recruiting, hiring and training of team members.

“Incredibly, the building purchased is the same one where my father and I started the business in 1967,” stated founder Ralph Howard, Jr., and where the duo first envisioned and developed the rubberbacked, washable floor mat. This product would become an essential part of the Industrial Laundry industry worldwide.

“With our return to LaGrange, the KleenTex worldwide success story can be seen as truly coming full circle,” interjected Jocelyn Howard Scott, EVP.

Kleen-Tex USA, LLC 210 Lukken Industrial Drive, E LaGrange, GA 30241 404-991-5511 kleen-tex.com 24

February 2022

C H A M B E R

N E W S

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! 2Impact, LLC 300 Commerce, LLC A & W Tax Service Abbottsford Farms Acceptance Insurance LaGrange ASTORIA SERVICES, LLC Atomic Brand Energy B Clean Beautiful Beginnings Bob Carlson, Community Member Cell Wiz, LLC CheesyMac Deli Chicken Salad Chick Chop House Axe Throwing Circles of Troup County Clockwork Performance Training Crave Cookie Company, Inc. CRLG Manufacturing LLC Daeha-America, Corp.

Debbie Burdette, Community Member Destiny Church LaGrange Dream Beauty & Spa Drive Bar LLC DSPII WayPoint D’Luxury Events, LLC Elite Marketing Company Wicked Wrench Automotive Ellen Smith, Community Member Enrichment Services Program, Inc. Fabframez FeatureS of Tomorrow Foundation Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Georgia Living Senior Home Care Goodwill of the Southern Rivers Great Southern Agency Grooming By Sav LLC Haug Law Group, LLC Heart’s Cleaning Services, LLC I-Master Corp.

Jeffrey W. Brown, Community Member Jake Behr, Community Member JLC Global LLC John Carden, Community Member Just Peachy Waxing LLC K&K Klassic Klothing Ketter’s Cabinetry Kodak Momentz Selfie Museum Lagrange Clean Cans LaGrange Heritage Senior Living Lavish Luxe Bridal Boutique LeaderSci, LLC Little Lions Preschool Local Groundz Coffee Co. Long Live Tattoo And Gallery 397 Media Group Mando Medicare Answers Now Mike Gilmartin, Community Member Miss Middle West Georgia Scholarship Organization Mixon Products Not Another Smoothie Shop OakMae Development Organizations & Non-Profits Pavement Repair Solutions LLC Premier Medical Training Services, LLC

Pretty Good Books Providence Staffing LLC Regional Infectious Diseases and Infusion Center, Inc. Restore Pressure Washing & Soft Washing, LLC Scup Coffee House Signode - ITP Signs Incorporated Sleep in Heavenly Peace Solar Tyme USA, LLC Splat City Paintball, LLC StepStone Family and Youth Services Sweet Roast Cafe T-Mobile TalentKinect Tara’s Personal Chef and Catering Services,LLC Teachable Moments Inc., Early Learning Center

The A3 Company The Law Office of Roberta A. Robinson, LLC The Exchange at 1105 The Hart Family Foundation, Inc. The Local Chiropractic The Lofts The Phoenix Tournesol, LLC TSD Tax and Business Solutions TWFG Insurance Services Victoria Jewelry & Repair Webb’s Heating and Air Industrial Supplies & Services Whispering Hills Memorial Nature Preserve WRBL News 3 WTVM News Leader 9 Yippee Machine & Fabricating Inc.

Mable Smith Sharp

www.lagrangechamber.com

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SPOTLIGHT ON HOGANSVILLE

Housing in Hogansville: Find Your Home Here

“I

n a shift away from gated golfcourse communities, ungated developments are designed to create a strong sense of place, with neighbors, a coffee shop and the town dentist all within walking distance (Wall Street Journal).” Fortunately, Hogansville has all of this to offer and more, appealing to homebuyers’ shifting thoughts about relocating to a rural community and the desire for a strong sense of place. With the recent grand openings of Station Coffee, the Grand Hotel, Georgia Wholesale and more, Hogansville is both experiencing growth and preparing for it. In addition to filling vacant storefronts, Hogansville completed an $8.7 million upgrade to the city’s wastewater treatment plant last year. With new businesses, its prime location nestled between larger cities and metropolitan areas, and a significantly increased capacity for water and sewage treatment, Hogansville is well-suited for growth. Along with growth comes the need for additional housing,

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and Hogansville has multiple plans and approvals for new subdivisions and housing developments. At a city council meeting in early July 2021, the preliminary plats were approved for Huntcliff Phase II, adding 83 single family homes to the existing subdivision, and Shallow Creek Phases 2 and 2a, adding 38 single family homes to the current subdivision. Additionally, in March 2021, the Hogansville City Council approved the preliminary plat for Williams Street Townhomes, a proposed 169-lot townhome development, and Jones Crossing Subdivision with 178 single family homes off Main Street.

With new residents comes the need for new amenities, and Hogansville has something to offer for everyone. They are currently working on a project to renovate the amphitheater, completed Phase V of the Tower Trail that connects to the historic downtown, and have made significant sidewalk improvements. In addition to these projects, improvements have been made to Lake Jimmy Jackson

by remodeling the beach area, adding pavilions, a dock for kayaks and canoes, with additional renovations still pending such as a playground and volleyball court.

Construction began in July 2021 on Isaiah Lofton Park, commemorating the former Hogansville postmaster who survived an attempted assassination in 1897, and more projects are sure to follow. Hogansville continues to improve its infrastructure and services to facilitate even more compatible economic and residential development without loss of its unique charm and character that enhances the strong sense of place homebuyers are looking for.

BUSINESS

SPOTLIGHT

Looking for great artwork? Look no further

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ong Live Tattoo and Gallery is delivering great artwork with friendly customer service. In January 2020, owner Colby Daehler (with 14 years of tattoo experience) decided to begin work on a tattoo studio that would stand apart from the others by offering custom unique artwork and allow local artists to display their artwork in the studio.

As they continue to move forward and add to their staff to better serve you, everyone is invited to come check out and participate in the art they have in their gallery.

Their aim is to give their clients: ● ● ● ●

In April 2020 (in the middle of the Covid pandemic) Colby opened Long Live Tattoo and Gallery in LaGrange. Working without a staff and under strict guidelines to keep the clients and himself safe, he pushed on for an entire year before gaining the very talented Elijah Pilgrim to join the crew.

Long Live Tattoo And Gallery, wants you to visually tell your story through their art. The more unique the tattoo, the better. Their goal is to take your artistic vision and exceed your expectations.

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Unique one of a kind tattoo A nice clean environment Professional work A friendly staff Quick response to tattoo inquires Top of the line aftercare with detailed instructions on caring for your tattoo

Tattoos should last forever, and they will give you a memory that will stand the test of time.

LONG LIVE TATTOO AND GALLERY 1300 Lafayette Square, Suite G LaGrange, GA 30241 770-296-6276

www.lagrangechamber.com

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SPOTLIGHT ON LAGRANGE

Georgia Municipal Association Cities United Summit

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he City of LaGrange was well represented at the 2022 Georgia Municipal Association Cities United Summit in Atlanta January 22-24. The city’s elected leadership participated in this weekend including Mayor Jim Thornton, Mayor Pro Tem Willie T. Edmondson, Councilman Mark Mitchell, Councilman Nathan Gaskin and Councilman Jim Arrington, City

Manager Meg Kelsey, LaGrange Youth Council Chairperson Millie Criswell, Vice Chairperson Addie Eiland and several other city staff members. GMA provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and technical consulting services to Georgia municipalities. This weekend's events provided leadership training for our city’s delegation.

IN MEMORIAM

LeGree McCamey Pictured from left to right, front row: LYC Vice Chairperson Addie Eiland, Former LYC Chairperson and LYC Advisor Zoie Mitchell, Mayor Jim Thornton, Councilman Nathan Gaskin. Back row: LYC Chairperson Millie Criswell, LYC Advisor Adam Speas & LYC Advisor Jeremy Andrews.

Pictured from left to right, front row: LYC Vice Chairperson Addie Eiland, LYC Chairperson Millie Criswell, Cathy Arrington, Former LYC Chairperson and LYC Advisor Zoie Mitchell, Diana Mitchell, LYC Advisor Adam Speas. Back row: LYC Advisor Jeremy Andrews, Assistant City Manager Bill Bulloch, City Attorney Jeff Todd, City Councilman Jim Arrington, City Councilman Mark Mitchell, Mayor Pro Tem Willie T. Edmondson, City Councilman Nathan Gaskin.

LaGrange Mayor Jim Thornton currently serves as GMA President

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On January 20, 2022, the City of LaGrange lost one of its beloved community leaders, District 2 city council Member LeGree McCamey. Serving as a member of City Council for more than 14 years, McCamey is fondly remembered by his fellow council members as a team player and consistent advocate for the constituents of District 2, as well as the entire city.

Born and raised in LaGrange, McCamey was a graduate of LaGrange High School. He later earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees of Music at the University of West Georgia. Mr. McCamey returned to LaGrange and served as the longtime Minister of Music for First Baptist Church Fannin Street.

In addition to his leadership role as an elected official, McCamey had a long and distinguished record of community, civic, and church service. He served as a Board member of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, served as Assistant Conductor of Sons of LaFayette Male Chorus, and composed and recorded the 1994 West Georgia Regional United Way theme song “Reach Out.”

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Habits to Become the Healthiest You in ‘22

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mall changes add up to big results.

By incorporating simple habits into your life, you can kickstart your wellness journey and stay on track for the long run.

Schedule a wellness exam Seeing your primary care provider at least once a year is the single most important thing you can do for your health.

At your annual exam, your physician will help keep you healthy and reach your wellness goals. They screen for diseases to stay ahead of medical issues and check in on your overall well-being.

Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to prompt you to book an appointment. You can also use an important date, such as your birthday, anniversary or holiday, as a marker to remind you to schedule a visit.

Get moving to stay well If you’re focused on improving your fitness routine, put a plan in place to be more active and drop the extra pounds. According to Wellstar Internal Medicine Physician Dr. Asher Niazi, consistency is key to succeed.

“Raise your heart rate 45 minutes a day, at least five to six days a week,” Dr. Niazi said, stressing the importance of regular activity.

“You don't have to go into the gym and spend two hours working out. Exercise can be as simple as going on a brisk walk.”

For those looking to slim down, your healthcare provider can help jumpstart your health journey with a tailored diet and exercise plan.

Set a sleep routine According to Wellstar Family Medicine physician, Dr. Srinivas Bramhadevi, “We need our brain ‘battery’ to be recharged enough every night through quality sleep, so that we can be energetic the next day.’’

Having a bedtime routine is essential to catch more Z’s over the year. When you wake up feeling rested, you often feel more productive and energized throughout the day.

Get started by setting a specific time to go to sleep — and sticking to it. Make sure you reserve at least seven to nine hours per night for sleep.

Limit your screen time before getting in bed.

Bright screens from a phone, computer or TV can keep your brain awake and make it harder to fall asleep.

If you’re having trouble getting to sleep, have a decaffeinated cup of tea or take a warm bath to help you relax.

Eat a balanced diet Dr. Ravina Kadam of Wellstar Internal medicine said, “Proper nutrition is the key. We are what we eat! When the diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When the diet is right, medicine is of no need.”

When it comes to losing weight, many people look for a “quick fix” which can often create unhealthy ways of eating. Creating a healthy eating plan from the start can help avoid any fad diet pitfalls.

Nutrition plans that restrict or eliminate food groups, and those with extreme calorie deficits are difficult to maintain and can often produce more weight gain or undesired results, according to Wellstar Registered Dietitian Kelly Prian.

Diet trends can also create a negative relationship with food, which can make it harder to achieve your goals. Kelly Prian shared that those with long-term success focus on maintaining a plan that enables steady weight loss over time.

A healthy nutrition plan is balanced and emphasizes on whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low fat dairy, nuts and seeds, and whole grains.

Try not to overcomplicate healthy eating.

Focus on starting with small changes like filling half your plate with vegetables, or have fun trying new recipes.

“Think of self-care as a form of personal healing and a way to strengthen resilience,” Dr. Gomez explained. “Much like the way exercise enhances physical health, self-care enhances mental health.”

According to Dr. Gomez, even small acts of intention can turn tasks we do on “autopilot” into more meaningful experiences.

“When washing your hands, give yourself a hand massage,” Dr. Gomez shared.

“When driving, use red lights to practice deep breathing. Listen to a book on tape or language lessons rather than the radio, or call someone to reconnect.”

If you feel overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, contact a behavioral health specialist.

“Working with a mental health provider is different than speaking with a friend, or even a ‘life coach,’” Dr. Gomez said. “Mental health professionals are trained and licensed to address psychological or emotional wellness.”

Stay safe during the pandemic With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, things may feel uncertain. However, there are several steps you can take to protect your health.

Focus on what you can control. Get the COVID-19 vaccine and booster, if eligible. You should also continue following the 3Ws — wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance around others.

No matter what your resolutions may be this year, be sure to incorporate habits to become the healthiest you in 2022.

Take care of your mental health Self-care is an important aspect of your mental well-being, and should be made a consistent part of each day.

“Make self-care a priority and a non-negotiable,” said Dr. Rebecca Gomez, Wellstar clinical health psychologist and Clinician Resiliency & Well-Being Program Lead. www.lagrangechamber.com

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C H A M B E R

E V E N T S

Join us in celebrating our members!

Ribbon Cuttings, Anniversary Celebrations and Grand Openings

Dream Beauty & Spa 2170 West Point Road, Suite 31, LaGrange

S Cup Coffee House 1605 Vernon Road, Suite 1300, LaGrange

Tournesol & Southern Accents 612 Lincoln Street, LaGrange

Visit LaGrange Visitor Center 206 Ridley Avenue, LaGrange

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KleenTex & Studio 67 210 Lukken Industrial Drive East, LaGrange

TSD Tax and Business Solutions 307 S. Lewis St., LaGrange

The Phoenix Apartments 1006 Whitesville Road, LaGrange

“There are two types of people in this world: those who are my friends and those who are yet to be my – Johnny Isakson friends.”

Let’s strive this year to reconnect with our friends and make new ones.

800-476-0719 | LaGrange, Georgia | www.rtsystems.com Botox/Xeomin Juvaderm & Versa Facial/Lip Fillers IV Hydration

We’re OBSESSED with creating PROFITABLE online EXPERIENCES

Bio-identical Hormone Optimization Low-Testosterone

& The Wellness Center

Boutique Healthcare Facial Esthetics Wellness/Urgent/Primary Care Home/Office/Hotel Visits

E-Commerce Consulting

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Full Service Solutions from Strategy to Implementation EleyDigital is a small team of specialists

Visit www.eleydigital.com

in online marketing, e-commerce, and

connect@eleydigital.com

web design & development with more

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Lab Services Medically Supervised Weight loss (Adipex/Phentermine/ Semaglutide) B-12/MegaBurn Injections Boutique Medicine (Primary Care & Urgent Care)

117 Main Street LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 298-6380 office (678) 234-5229 mobile wellnessrex@outlook.com www.thebeautybarlg.com

Home/Office/Hotel Visits Telemedicine www.lagrangechamber.com

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E V E N T S

EARLY BIRD BREAKFAST November

STATE OF EDUCATION

Presented by Jackson Services and sponsored by Houze & Associates, our "State of Education" lunch featured Dr. Brian Shumate, Superintendent, Troup Co. School System and Dr. Julie Post, President, West Georgia Technical College.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Malcolm Mitchell, Author, Super Bowl Champion and Founder of Share the Magic Foundation was our featured speaker at our last Early Bird Breakfast of 2021. Special thanks for our Gold sponsor, Twin Cedars Youth & Family Services Inc. and registration table sponsor, Wingate by Wyndham.

Safety Council

Safety Council, presented by HyundaiTransys Georgia Powertrain met in December at Thinc College and Career Academy. Our guest speaker and breakfast sponsor, Dr. Michael Duchynski, Senior Medical Director at Piedmont Urgent Care provided a medical marijuana update for employers.

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It was a night of Music, Mixing and Mayhem at Pure Life, presented by Results Property Management for our Women in Business networking event.

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E V E N T S

The 45th annual Christmas Parade, presented by Kimberly-Clark was held December 2 in Downtown LaGrange. “A Magical, Musical Christmas” was the perfect theme for our 2021 Grand Marshal, Stacey Hardigree. Hardigree, a LaGrange native, is a life-long member of our fine arts community and is the conductor and artistic director for the Young Singers of West Georgia.

www.lagrangechamber.com

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E V E N T S

ANNUAL MEETING 2022 SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: PRESENTING SPONSOR: Wellstar Health System GOLD SPONSOR: RT Systems, Striffler-Hamby Mortuary SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD SPONSOR: Colony Bank

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resented by Wellstar, the Chamber met for its Annual Membership Meeting at Great Wolf Lodge on January 25. Awards were presented and the membership voted on a slate of officers and Board of Directors to lead the Chamber in 2022.

Photos: Tiffani Bray Photography.

HYPE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AWARD SPONSOR: Hyundai Transys Georgia Powertrain IDA TARVER JONES VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD SPONSOR: Annie and Oliver Greene TABLE SPONSORS: GO Realty, Renasant Bank, Results Property Management, Southstate Bank, Gay & Joseph CPA, PC., Daniel Realty & Insurance Agency, Malone Workforce Solutions, Diverse Power, thINC College & Career Academy, Callaway Foundation, Inc., Hills & Dales Estate, J.K. Boatwright & Co., P.C., Restore Pressure Washing & Soft Washing, Jackson Services, City of Hogansville STAR SPONSOR: Geotechnical & Environmental Consultants, Inc., Home2 Suites

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2022 Chamber Board Chairman Jamey Jackson recognizes outgoing Chairman Dale Jackson for his outstanding leadership

C H A M B E R

E V E N T S

SMALL BUSINESSES OF THE YEAR Pure Life Studios

Airforce Heating & Air

Goldens Bikes

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Duracell

NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR Circles of Troup County

MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR Hyundai Transys Georgia Powertrain

HYPE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Donte Lane

COMMISSIONER RICHARD ENGLISH JR. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Wanda Walker

IDA TARVER JONES VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD Renae Willis

OTTO KORTH DIPLOMAT OF THE YEAR AWARD John Cipolla (accepted by David Curry)

TOM HALL INNOVATION AWARD Dr. Robert Tucker

JANE FRYER AWARD Bill Stankiewicz

www.lagrangechamber.com

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We look forward to partnering with you!

Jill and Jay Harman

and the teams at American Solutions and American Diversity 706-812-5785 | 706-882-0688 jillharman@americanbus.com jharman@americanbus.com

Our Solutions Direct Mail Solutions eCommerce Solutions Fixtures & Displays

Custom Branded Merchandise is our speciality, but we do so much more - let’s talk!

Group Purchasing Organization GPO Kitting & Fulfillment Solutions Marketing Solutions Office Supplies Print & Document Solutions Promotional Products Reporting Solutions

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S M A L L

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Production is the Theme

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hether working fully remote, a hybrid schedule, or back in the office full time, production continues to be a theme. Production in terms of how many hours people are working and the amount of effort people are putting in during those hours. Depending on the situation, for some productivity has increased exponentially, others are feeling overworked, and some have had a challenge getting started. Whatever side a person may find themselves on, the commonality among all is the amount of time we have each day. One question that is continually asked is how do we manage that time more effectively and efficiently based on the current needs of the business and the priorities that have been set? Here are a few thoughts that may help: First, this may sound obvious, but identify and set goals. This can be done several ways from the overall progress of the business down to the personal level. Not only set these goals but write them down

and keep them in a place where they are always visible. Having them visible will provide a constant reminder of what is important.

Second, break these goals down from a monthly, weekly, and daily perspective.

Breaking it down to a manageable and more detailed level will help set priority and order of task.

Third, segment and plan the day out.

What part of the day is most productive?

If possible, use that part of the day to accomplish those task that are the most challenging or least desirable to do.

Fourth, build out the schedule for each day the preceding afternoon or night.

Doing it ahead of time can provide a jumpstart to the next day. As with all things, task and priorities may change depending on what is on fire the next day, but the important thing is developing the habit of creating the schedule.

Fifth, consider blocking out certain parts of the schedule where there are no interruptions allowed. This may be for a very limited block of time, but certain tasks need full attention without any interruptions. This would include emails

dinging, text message notifications, phone calls, and other interruptions.

Sixth, what type of balance is needed?

Having a work life balance for some is extremely important, for others it is about growing the business. The season the business is in can somewhat dictate the balance that is needed.

Lastly, be consistent. This can be a challenge at first and require more time than anticipated however with practice and implementation it can pay dividends.

Consistency and hard work win every time!

NEED HELP WITH YOUR SMALL BUSINESS? Contact Todd Carlisle with the UGA Small Business Development Center at (706) 569-2651 to schedule a consultation in our LaGrange office.

www.lagrangechamber.com

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A South Side Story

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very corner of Downtown LaGrange is bursting with history.

But, the history of the corner south of the Square at what is now Lafayette Square and Bull Street, the one occupied by Lafayette Plaza, is especially interesting.

In October of 1862, the country was embroiled in the Civil War and Mary Curtright had not seen her husband in months. Writing to her from Harrodsburg, Kentucky, Captain John Cornelius “Jack” Curtright explained that a visit home to LaGrange would be a “violation of what I consider best for my company & country.” He was the commander of Company E of the 41st Georgia Regiment, a unit that styled themselves as the “Troup Light Guards.” The regiment was serving in Kentucky under the leadership of Confederate General Braxton Bragg seeking to bring the state into the fold of the Confederacy. At the conclusion of his letter, he implores his wife to settle his business’ accounts “right away. The fall is now here & I suppose the farmers will have cotton. He [presumably Curtright’s bookkeeper] must take it in settlement.”

Prior to the war, Capt. Curtright operated his mercantile on the corner of Court Square and Bull Street. An 1860 advertisement describes him as a Wholesale and Retail Grocer and shows him selling corn, bacon, tobacco, flour, coffee, and, oddly, nails and “a large lot of Iron and Plow steel.” However, two ads appearing in the October 17, 1862 edition of the LaGrange Reporter reveal the dire

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A LaGrange Fire Department ladder truck tests its ladder on the LaGrange Banking & Trust Building straits Curtright and many other local businessmen were in: “Desiring to close up my business…immediately, I propose to take in payment of debts due to me, COTTON, CORN, WHEAT &C., at the Very Highest Market Prices…CONFEDERATE BONDS or TREASURY NOTES, better than money with me.” Sadly, just a few days after this ad’s appearance, Curtright’s wife and three small children would be informed that he had been killed in Kentucky.

As the captain of the Troup Light Guards, Curtright led his men into battle on October 8th near a small creek near the crossroads settlement of Perryville. Ten men from his regiment lost their lives in the fierce battle that day. According to family tradition, his enslaved manservant, Berry, found the body and buried it on the battlefield marking it with a cedar board.

Years later, one of Curtright’s daughters married a Methodist minister, Warren Candler, who would eventually become a noted bishop in the church. In 1919, after giving a speech in Lexington, Kentucky, Candler mentioned that his father-in-law was buried somewhere near Perryville. An older gentleman happened to recall the burial spot of a Confederate officer, and the remains were recovered and miraculously identified as those of Capt. Curtright.

The remains were brought to LaGrange where they were buried next to his wife in Hill View Cemetery following a service conducted by Bishop Candler.

What became of the building that Curtright occupied is unknown, though there is a possibility it was burned by Union Colonel

Oscar LaGrange who marched through town in mid-April of 1865. This is the same unit that legend holds was challenged by the Nancy Harts as they marched into town.

While they promised to not destroy any of the homes and churches here, they did destroy the depot, several mills, and other parts of downtown.

A few years after the war, Anderson D. Abraham (pronounced “Abram”), who commanded Company F of the 41st Regiment from Meriwether County alongside Curtright’s Company E, opened his own mercantile with partners Dr. Hezekiah Wimbish and Virgil L. Hopson on the north side of the square. In 1871 or 1872, Abraham decided to open the LaGrange Bank and Trust Company adjacent to his store on the northeast portion of the square. He had a fine building constructed for it and hired some of the best craftsmen in the area to appoint it.

The LaGrange Reporter notes that the vault was constructed using granite from Stone Mountain. Abraham was engaged in running the bank for several decades until his death in 1895.

In 1906, the bank commenced construction on a grand bank building at the corner of Bull Street and Court Square. The building was built to provide commercial, office, and living space in addition to the bank. Just like their original building, the new bank was outfitted with a state-of-the-art vault, one so modern that it commanded a full-page description in the LaGrange Reporter. The new bank opened the second week of November with King Hardware sharing the first floor, Bedford Heard’s grocery store

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Grave of Capt. Curtright in Hill View Cemetery

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LaGrange Banking & Trust Building, 1925

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Space once occupied by the old bank building is now filled with Lafayette Plaza

square became a greenspace.

In 1941, Arthur E. Mallory, Sr. reorganized the bank as LaGrange Bank and Trust Company.

Under Arthur E. Mallory, Jr. in 1968, the lovely bank’s appearance was altered with the addition of aluminum strips being applied to its façade.

The old bank building goes up in flames, May 8, 1994

on the basement level off Bull Street, a ladies’ millinery shop on the second floor as well as several law and medical offices.

In addition to office space, the second and third floors offered living space for “our bachelar [sic] friends who happen to be homeless.”

For several decades, the building’s many offices were occupied by a revolving cast of businessmen, attorneys, physicians, and insurance salesmen. Following the great stock market crash of 1929, the LaGrange Banking and Trust Company began to show signs of weakness and in April of 1931, the bank was closed by the state and put into receivership. Thus, it joined in the long line of banks that closed during this period due to financial strain. Apparently, the bank remained in receivership throughout the remainder of the 1930s.

On November 5, 1936, the bank building witnessed the burning of the magnificent domed 1904 courthouse just across the street in court square leaving just a brick shell. After the ruins were demolished, the

This bank was renamed in 1980 to Commercial Bank & Trust and the bank’s headquarters moved from its original location on the square to a new building on North Greenwood, across from St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. The empty building was later occupied by a linens business before Furniture Liquidators opened in 1992. While the 1968 attempts to “modernize” the building with aluminum strips did little to improve the beauty of the building, few complaints were heard until Furniture Liquidators installed a large inflatable pink sofa on the roof of this historic structure as an advertising ploy. A volley of grumblings from local residents did nothing to resolve the situation.

The courthouse fire in 1936 would serve as a prelude to another tremendous fire on the square, this time consuming the nearly 90-yearold building. Around 9 o’clock on the evening of Sunday, May 8, 1994, a police officer reported a fire on the first floor of the Furniture Liquidators building. Over the next few hours, the blaze consumed the entire building and much of the neighboring structure, which was occupied by Vision World and Unforgettably Yours, a ladies’ specialty shop. Flames, some estimated at reaching a height of 250-feet shot into the air illuminating the square and visible from I-85, totally destroyed the building leaving only smoldering brick ruins by the next morning. The LaGrange Fire Department dumped an estimated 4,200 gallons of water per minute, using an estimated 1.5 million gallons total to control it.

Investigators were never able to pinpoint the cause of the fire.

Having lost one of the anchor buildings on the square, local leaders came together to fix the gap. A plaza was proposed for the site to provide an attractive space adjacent to the Chamber of Commerce. The plaza was opened in May of 1997 and was described in the LaGrange Daily News

Drawing of the LaGrange Banking & Trust Building

New safe installed in the LaGrange Banking & Trust Building, 1906

The bank name was once painted on the east side of the building

as “making something glorious” from the devastating scar left by the fire. This move has continued a thread of history that has witnessed the tragedies of war, economic downturn, and ultimately fire all overcome by triumphs that reflect the spirit of the citizens of LaGrange and Troup County. www.lagrangechamber.com

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SPOTLIGHT ON WEST POINT

LaGrange’s Stuart Countess first American CEO to lead Kia Georgia plant

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ia Georgia made history recently with its appointment of its first American president and CEO. The change signifies a shift from the Kia Corporation’s appointment of executives from its global headquarters in Seoul.

Stuart Countess was recently named president and CEO at the West Point plant, following the retirement of Jangsoo “Jason” Shin, who held the position since 2017.

Countess, a resident of LaGrange, is not new to the area and has strong ties to the community, including receiving a master’s degree from LaGrange College.

He was hired at Kia Georgia in 2008 after spending 13 years at Mercedes Benz US International in Vance, Ala. where he served in numerous leadership positions within the production and quality departments.

In his first position at Kia Georgia, he served as a senior manager of the general assembly shop. Throughout the years he was promoted to director of quality, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Operating Officer (COO).

As COO, Countess was responsible for leading the plant’s production and quality divisions, overseeing the operations of the four manufacturing shops, as well as the departments of quality control, quality assurance, production control and maintenance.

From COO, he takes the lead as president and CEO.

“I am honored to have been selected to lead such an outstanding organization,” Countess said. “Kia Corporation will focus on different markets from a ‘regional’ approach and part of this approach is to localize leadership in support of being more integrated and supportive of the specific market. Kia Georgia has been at the forefront of this opportunity for many years, due to its great success and top leadership.

I look forward to continuing the past successes and creating new history with the Kia Georgia team.”

Countess is one of the most experienced managers at Kia Georgia. He says the past 14 years have passed quickly and he plans to continue working collaboratively with each department at Kia Georgia as well as its community partners.

“We have created success,” he said.

“Understanding the processes and procedures of the entire company has been an invaluable experience, and I look forward, in my new role, to finding synergies across the different areas that will take us to the next level.”

Countess said his approach to leadership at Kia Georgia will be to listen to his team.

“I think the main responsibility of any leadership function is to listen to others in the company and make solid, informed decisions,” he said. “All of our prior CEOs relied on their past experience and the counsel of the rest of the leadership team in making their decisions. I plan to do the same. We’ve accomplished many successes here by following our core philosophy and trying to do the right things, so any changes we make will need to be based on solid facts and data, with the best interests of the company and its team members in mind.”

His first priorities in his new role will be to successfully launch the new 2023 Sportage – recently announced as the fourth vehicle that will be assembled at the plant.

“The Sportage is extremely important to the Kia brand and Kia U.S.,” Countess said.

“Kia Georgia was selected to build this vehicle because of its past successes, such as the Telluride. I am challenging my team to work together and make this vehicle the next benchmark.”

In addition to building its fourth vehicle, Countess said the plant will continue to focus on developing and implementing Kia’s brand transformation – Plan S. “This is about our future,’ he said. “There are many components to Plan S, including electric vehicles, smart factory concepts, and renewable energy, to name a few.”

Additionally, Countess said he will focus on promoting a work environment that brings out the best in all team members.

“We will provide opportunities for our team to learn and develop individually and achieve success together as well as supporting others in their times of need,” he said. “We have celebrated many accomplishments in a relatively short time by working as One System, One Team, and I’m happy to be a part of this outstanding, world class team.”

Countess holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Alabama. He received his master of business administration from LaGrange College.

Countess and his wife Dana have raised four children, now all grown, and they have two grandchildren. They reside in LaGrange.

www.lagrangechamber.com

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YOUTH LEADERSHIP GRADUATION Leadership Troup graduates. This year’s Youth Leadership class was led by board member and Youth Leadership Chairperson Tessia Wilder and CoChairperson Molly Fulghum, along with facilitators including Katie Brown, Gerald Wyatt, Debbie Burdette, Renae Willis, Monica Barber, Veronica Dowell, Ginger Booton, Rebecca Roth-Nicks, Karen Freeman, Sheri Cody, Mike Angstadt, and the Twin Cedars team.

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ongratulations to the Youth Leadership graduating class of 2021!

Thirty-nine local high school students graduated from Youth Leadership on Tuesday, November 16. Our guest speaker was LaGrange community leader Jeff Lukken. Jeff is the Director of the Wilkinson Family Servant Scholar Program and an assistant professor in political science at LaGrange College.

Part of Leadership Troup, which is an affiliate organization of the Chamber, the Youth Leadership program gives future leaders insight into how they can positively contribute to their communities and schools, reaching far into their adult lives. Both the adult and youth programs are governed by a volunteer board of

The Youth Leadership curriculum was revamped seven years ago by the J.W. Fanning Institute at the University of Georgia. Entitled “Youth Leadership in Action,” the goal of the curriculum is to embolden each of our youth participants to achieve more, to do more, to be more.

During this year’s program, the students, from both local public and private schools, participated in nine sessions that covered a range of leadership-related topics and activities, including: • Building Teams • Ropes Course • Understanding Leadership • Communicating Effectively • Etiquette Dinner

• Appreciating Differences • Managing Conflict • Substance Abuse and Suicide Prevention • Setting Goals, Making Decisions, and Mapping Your Community Tessia Wilder and Molly Fulghum expressed their gratitude and honor to have the opportunity to work with the amazing young leaders of the class of 2021 and give a special thanks to all those who helped make the Youth Leadership 2021 program a success.

Thanks to the community leaders facilitating the sessions, the Leadership Troup Board members, the sponsors, Twin Cedars, Camp G. Lumpkin, LaGrange College and the wonderful leaders at LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce.

Thanks to our Youth Leadership sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: Point University T-shirt Sponsor: National Management Resources Session Sponsors: JB Legacy Enterprises, MOBIS, Diverse Power

2021 CLASS Bo Beall Maya Billingslea Alexis Burke Karsten Butler Joel Davidson Cadence Davis Morgan Doughman Catherine Claire French Faith Gipson Demetri Hatten Madison Hester Emmi Horlander Avery Hudson 42

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Jarrett Hyde Will Keeter Blake Kendrick Caroline Kersey Charlie Key Davis Knight Alisa Lee Kadyn Lewis Kamiya Lockhart Ryleigh McClanahan Landen Mims Christopher Moore Maddie Morman

Holly Nelms Alyssa Parker Addison Paul Emma Paul Madison Petite Zoe Pike Emma Prestridge Charlsie Reed Candace Shoger Inness Silcox Lizabeth Simmons Leila Thomas Serenity Woodyard

www.lagrangechamber.com

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Melissa Lau, MD Orthopaedics & Spine Emory Orthopaedics & Spine is proud to announce the addition of Melissa Lau, MD, to our growing orthopaedic practice. At the Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center, our physiatrists (physicians trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation) specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of acute back and neck pain and injuries.

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February 2022

the care you expect. the professionals you know. a name you trust.

1805 Vernon Rd, LaGrange GA 706.884.2691

www.southernorthopedics.org facebook.com/emoryatlagrange