MBConnect

Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber Official Publication

EGGS & ISSUES 20th ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC LAFAYETTE CELEBRATION 2015 STAR STUDENT

Spring 2015

Georgia College gives back to the Milledgeville and Baldwin County communities.

Through ENGAGE, Georgia College participates in community-based learning initiatives that help shape our students while making positive contributions to the area.

Discover more at gcsu.edu/qep

Table of Contents

2015 Board of Directors

Chair

David Luke, Flipper Chapel AME Church

Past Chair

Welcome.......................................4

Dale Young, Georgia College

Chair Elect

Tom Glover, Cogentes

Treasurer

Keystone Investors.....................5

Brian Robinson, Century Bank & Trust

Secretary

Gary Thrower, Cornerstone Medical Staffing

Eggs & Issues...............................6 STAR Student..............................8 Lafayette Celebration.................9 Ribbon Cuttings........................10 Welcome New Members.........11 Economic Outlook....................15 20th Annual Golf Classic.........16 Young Professionals.................19 Member To Member News.....20

Billy Matthews, Bug House Pest Control Brione Burrows, Central Georgia Technical College Cameron Williams, Williams Funeral Home Claude Thorn, Milledgeville County Club Coni Moore, Elite Gym Courtney Tollison, Coldwell Banker SSK Realtors Dr. Noris Price, Baldwin County Board of Education Frank Pendergast, The Brick Fred Godin, Windstream Joannah Hollis, Northrim Investments Janice Sharp, Wal-Mart Mandy Petty, Cansino & Petty, LLC Mike Martino, Bodyplex Milledgeville Natacha Ansley, The Market Basket

Ambassadors Chair: Kelly Moore, Servpro Amy Miller, Robins Federal Credit Union Colin McCulley, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Dawn Williams, BB&T Bank Gerald Andrews, Tidal Wave Auto Spa Jennifer Minshew, Magnolia State Bank Jessi Cox, Georgia College Admissions Kristy Johnson, Georgia College GIVE Lauren Abis, Central State Hospital LRA Laurie Wallace, Baldwin High School WBLA Lindsey Bailey, Ocmulgee Inc. Lynn Futch, Chaplinwood Health & Rehabilitation Melissa Fort, Craig-Massee Insurance Agency Randy Moody, Milledgeville Country Club Wes Cobb, Craig-Massee Real Estate

Staff 130 S. Jefferson St. | Milledgeville, GA 31061 www.milledgevillega.com | chamber@milledgevillega.com Phone: 478-453-9311 | Fax: 478-453-0051

Angie Martin , President & CEO Ansley Burgamy, Communications Director Laura Brink, Public Relations Intern

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Welcome Angie Martin The Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Angie Martin as the new President & CEO beginning March 16th.

“I am very excited about the opportunity”, said Martin.

Angie Dalrymple Martin, born in Atlanta, moved to Milledgeville in 1989.

After graduating from Baldwin High School, Martin attended Furman University and then transferred to Georgia Southern University where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Arts and Minor in Music in 2003.

Martin has over 10 years of on-site and executive multi-family property management experience. Most recently, she served as Area Director for The Worthing Companies, based out of Atlanta, where she managed a portfolio of over 1,400 units and 30 staff members throughout the Southeast.

Her main focus was in property supervision and operations, financial preparation and marketing efforts.

Martin is an active member of Milledgeville First United Methodist Church, where she sings in the choir. She has also acted in several local productions with the Milledgeville Players and starred in “Oklahoma” at Macon Little Theater. Martin is a past Board Member and President-Elect for the MidGeorgia Apartment Association and is an alumna of Zeta Tau Alpha. Angie is married to Philip Martin and has one step-son, Trent, and two furry children, Coco and Suzi Q. Rev. David Luke, Board Chair, said he is very pleased with the choice of Martin who was among over twenty applicants reviewed by the selection committee. Her professionalism and past work experience made her the unanimous choice of the selection committee and the Chamber Board of Directors. The Chamber Board is expecting her to take a look at the organization, review the current status and provide them with a plan for moving the Chamber forward.

“We are excited to welcome Angie Martin to lead our Chamber during this period of dynamic growth and change,” said Lyn Chandler Interim President/CEO.

Health Insurance Options Individuals - Families - Medicare

We represent top ranked insurance companies to insure you receive the best coverage, plan and price.

Call 478-453-7092 Debbie Fry 4 - MBConnect

3015 Heritage Rd Suite 5 Milledgeville, GA 31061 medsupagent65@gmail.com

KEYSTONE

Investors

Our Keystone Investors are the most elite group of Chamber members who support the Chamber’s mission by making a significant annual investment beyond their standard dues.

Keystone Investors are acknowledged for their commitment to the economic growth of our community. We offer six Investors Levels Bronze, Silver, Golf, Platinum, Diamond and Sapphire, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

Keystone Investor members receive greater visibility throughout the year through prominent inclusion in the Chamber’s publications, business directory and numerous special events.

Interested in being a part of this exclusive group? Please contact the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce or visit us at MilledgevilleGa.com for details.

PLATINUM Century Bank & Trust Exchange Bank The GEO Group, Inc. Georgia College Georgia Military College Magnolia State Bank

GOLD Central Georgia Technical College Charter Cogentes Sun Trust Bank

SILVER Bug House Pest Control Fowler Flemister Concrete, Inc. Tri-County EMC Triumph The Union Recorder Windstream

BRONZE BB&T Chaplinwood Health & Rehabilitation Coca-Cola Department of Veterans Service Georgia Power Green Acres Health & Rehabilitation MidSouth Community Robins Federal Credit Union Sinclair Custom Award Designs Wilkinson County Bank 165460

DATA VOICE NETWORK CLOUD Emily Lim • Enterprise Technology Solutions 750 N. Jefferson St, Milledgville, GA 31601 478-451-6760 • emily.lim@windstream.com MBConnect - 5

Eggs & Issues: State of the City

On January 21st at the Eggs & Issues: State of the City, sponsored by Magnolia State Bank and CGTC Acting Mayor Jeanette Walden shared about the cities numerous accomplishments and plans for the future.

Several other city officials accompanied her presentation including: City Manager Barry Jarrett, Police Chief Dray Swicord, Fire Chief Tom Dietrich, Finance Director Brenda Josey, Main Street Director Carlee Schulte, and City Planner Hank Griffeth.

Some of the most prominent accomplishments were Deep Roots Festival drawing nearly 15,400 visitors to downtown, the face-lift of the Nearly 100 attendees listen to Walden’s update on the City of Milledgeville. pedestrian tunnel downtown and receiving the Bronze Level designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community. Walden also recognized Chief Swicord and his department, who won first place in the 26-50 officer’s category at the 14th Annual Governor’s Challenge Awards.

“As we embark into 2015, it is our goal to excel in our efforts to provide our citizens with greater economic opportunities, top notch services, and a quality of life that will make you all proud to call the city of Milledgeville home.”

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Eggs & Issues: State of the City

On February 18th at the Eggs & Issues: State of the County, sponsored by Magnolia State Bank and CGTC, several county officials gave an update to nearly 100 local business leaders and community stakeholders.

Although many issues have faced our community, County Manager Ralph McMullen and fellow county leaders shared of recent progress and their optimistic outlook for the future of Baldwin County. Commission Chairman Sammy Hall said that although the county is not quite where it needs to be, they are working on it.

E&I Sponsor Bill Jones, Magnolia State Bank President, welcomes attendees as they enjoy breakfast from The Local Yolkal Cafe.

McMullen bragged on Finance Director Dawn Hudson and her staff for their recent national recognition for financial reporting. McMullen shared of three C’s that lead to the county’s success: coordination, cooperation and communication. “We are a team here in the county,” McMullen said. “Like Sammy said, we cannot do what we do without having the cooperation from all of our elected officials.

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STAR Student

The PAGE STAR program recognizes high school seniors for their academic achievement.

The Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club of Milledgeville, Georgia College and Georgia Military College sponsored the event held at the Milledgeville Country Club on February 26th.

To obtain the STAR nomination, high school seniors must have the highest score SAT and be in the top 10 percent of their class. When the student is named, they choose a STAR Teacher that has greatly impacted their academic career.

Morgan Pendergast from Baldwin High School was named the winner for Baldwin County and she selected her math teacher Jack Shepherd.

Pendergast will move on to the state competition. Catherine Nelson won for GMC and she selected her AP biology teacher Emily Fairbrass.

Phillip Jones won for JMA and selected his second grade teacher Anne Smart.2/19/15 ACS Peace of Mind

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190th Lafayette Anniversary Celebration

On March 27, 2015, Mr. W. J. Usery, Jr., former U.S. Secretary of Labor under President Gerald Ford, the Citizens of Milledgeville, Georgia College, and Georgia Military College will host the 190th Anniversary Celebration of General Lafayette’s 1825 visit to Milledgeville.

During his March 1825 visit, the Marquis de Lafayette met with Revolutionary War veterans from Milledgeville and surrounding counties and also with a veteran who helped carry the wounded Lafayette off the battlefield at Brandywine. His reunion with veterans was followed by a grand celebration hosted by the Governor of Georgia on the grounds of the Old Capitol Building.

As a prelude to the 190th Anniversary Celebration, two renowned authors will present lectures about General Lafayette. Both lectures are free and open to everyone in the community and will be held in the Legislative Chamber of the Old Capitol on the campus of Georgia Military College. On March 11, at 6:30 p.m., Laura Auricchio, author and New School Dean of Undergraduate Studies, [The Marquis, Lafayette Reconsidered, Knopf 2014] will present a lecture on “Lafayette’s Abolitionist Views.” Ms. Auricchio will also speak about Adrienne de Lafayette and her role as the wife of the Marquis during the American and French Revolutions, her time on death row during the French Revolution, and her time spent in an Austrian prison with her husband.

On March 25, at 6:30 p.m., Marc Leepson, author, historian, and journalist [Lessons Leadership from the Idealist General, Macmillan 2011] will present a lecture on “Lafayette: Lessons in Leadership.”

in

The Friday, March 27, 2015 celebration will include a variety of events including: • 10:00 a.m. - Parade from the Old Governor’s Mansion to GMC • 11:00 a.m. - Welcome ceremony for “General Lafayette” on the grounds of GMC • 12:30 p.m. - Community picnic on the grounds of Georgia Military College • 6:00 p.m. - Sunset gathering at the Old Governor’s Mansion • 7:00 p.m. - Concert on the campus of Georgia College

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Ribbon

Harmony Hospice

110 Harmony Crossings Eatonton, GA 31024 (706) 923-4677 www.harmony-hospice.com

Cuttings

Checkers

1860 N Columbia St. Milledgeville, GA 31061 (478) 501-0652 www.checkers.com

We want to celebrate with you Let us know if you have moved or expanded.

Procome Wireless

101 South Wayne Street Milledgeville, GA 31061 (478) 456-9297 www.procomwireless.net 10 - MBConnect

Email the details to aburgamy@milledgevillega.com.

Welcome Our Newest Members Air Concepts of Middle Ga. Terry Lowery 1301 N Columbia St Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-363-1851 airconofmidga@windstream.net

CWC Photography Maryllis Wolfgang 411 Lawrence Rd NW Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-457-5084 gallery@crazywcreations.com

Kwanzi Watts Five Star Toyota 2401 N Columbia St Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-543-9451 kwatts@fivestaronline.net

C&C Community Services, Inc Kathy Cummings 2367-B Anthony Way Milledgeville GA, 31061 678-509-4278 kathylene.c@gmail.com

Dairy Queen Al Autry 1105 S. Wayne Street Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-452-9620 alautry70@gmail.com

Fraley’s & Associates Enterprise Reverand Tony Fraley 341 E. Franklin Street Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-457-0068 tefraley@windstream.net

Checkers Chasity Colvin 1860 N Columbia St. Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-501-0652 checkers3467@gmail.com

Five Star Food Service, Inc. Glenda Coffman 8100 Industrial Hwy Macon, GA 31216 478-785-0620 glenda.coffman@5star-food.com

Garden Care, LLC Wesley Segars 1000 Harrington Dr Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-451-9495 garden_care@yahoo.com

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Medical Arts Pharmacy 5

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$4 Perscriptions Shorter Wait Times Diabetic Shoes & Supplies Compounding Submit Refill Requests 24 hours a day

(478) 452-1222 811 N Cobb ST Milledgville Next to Oconee Regional MBConnect - 11

Welcome Our Newest Members Health Insurance Options Debbie Fry 3015 Heritage Rd, Suite 5 Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-453-7092 medsupagent@gmail.com

Live Healthy Baldwin Dr. Jim Lidstone Campus Box 112 Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-445-2133 jim.lidstone@gcsu.edu

Marco’s Pizza Susie Lightfoot 290 Heritage Place Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-295-3570

I Heart Media-Q106 Radio Thomas Bacote 7080 Industrial Highway Macon, GA 31206 478-781-1063 thomasbacote@iheartmedia.com

M&R Marketing Group Matthew Michael 3985 Arkwright Road STE 104 Macon, GA 31210 478-621-4491 hey@mandr-group.com

Mediqor Brandon Hopper 1820 North Columbia St. STE B Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-387-0016 brandon@mediqor.com

Jeckil Promotions Karen Wise 30 Perimeter Park Dr Atlanta, GA 30341 770-452-9894 karen@jeckil.com

Macon E. District A.M.E. Church Alan Wicker 2547 Allison Drive Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-452-3278 alanglo@charter.net

Nexus Pain Center Katrell Pinkston 111 Fieldstone Drive STE 104 Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-414-9900 kpinkstonnexus@gmail.com

Georgia War Veterans Home Personal Care at Its Finest for Veterans of War 2249 Vinson Hwy., Milledgeville, GA 31061 For more information contact the Admissions Coordinator at 478-445-4295

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The GWVH is a 375-bed residential facility providing around-the-clock skilled nursing care for veterans.

Services provided include but are not limited to:

• • • • • • • • •

Psychological PsychologicalServices Services • j Nutritional Counseling Nutritional Conseling Field Service Office Onsite Wound WoundCare Care • j Dental DentalServices Services Recreational RecreationalTherapy Therapy • VAj Outpatient Physical Clinic Onsite PhysicalTherapy Therapy Speech SpeechTherapy Therapy Therapeutic Activities Theraputic Activites AAState-of-the-Art State-of-the-ArtMemory Memory Support SupportUnit Unit

Voted Best Pizza in Baldwin County!

101 West Hancock St Milledgeville, GA 31061

478-452-5003 facebook.com/AmiciMilly www.amici-cafe.com

A Taste of Southern Elegance in a Relaxed Atmosphere 114 S Wayne Street Open Tues-Sat from 5 PM - 10 PM 478-454-4181 www.aubrilanes.com

Come See Why Downtown Milledgeville Is A Great P lace Downtown Restaurant and Bar featuring one of Middle Georgia’s Finest Craft Beer Selections.

Voted Milledgeville’s

“Best Downtown Restaurant” HOME OF “BRICK OVEN” PIZZA, PASTA, CALZONES, SALADS, SANDWICHES, WINGS & MORE

120 W Hancock St Milledgeville, GA 31061

478-414-1975 www.buffingtons.net

136 W HANCOCK ST, MILLEDGEVILLE,GA

478-452-0089

WWW.THEBRICKINFO.COM

To Live, Work, P lay and Visit!

117 W Hancock St, Milledgeville, GA

J.C. GRANT COMPANY ESTABLISHED 1886

478-295-0098

(478)452-2222

116 S. Wayne St Milledgeville, GA 31061

Breakfast - Brunch - Lunch

Shop Local

With you for all those special moments

Dine Local

Come see us at our new Wayne Street Location!

Go outside

and play!

(478) 452-3890

110 N Wayne St., Milledgeville, GA 31061 www.OconeeOutfitters.com

April Sounds of Spring

May JazzFest

June Beach Bash

Welcome Our Newest Members Pendergast Properties, LLC Frank Pendergast 136 W Hancock St. Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-456-0399 fpendergast@yahoo.com

R&R Home Builders, Inc. Rhonda Gardner 230 Highway 18W Gray, GA 31032 478-986-6912 rrhomebuilders@gmail.com

Wallace Graphics John Wallace 1625 Rock Mountain Blvd #5 St. Mountain, GA 30083 770-723-0202 john@wallacegraphics.com

Procom Verizon Lataurien Lewis 101 S Wayne Street Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-456-9297 llewis@procomwireless.com

Slater’s Funeral Home, Inc. Floyd Griffin 244 North Wayne Street Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-452-2414 slatersinc@windstream.net

Watkins Properties Michael Watkins 127 Grimes Rd NE Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-288-0671 mew4749@gmail.com

Your business or organization could be listed here.

Call the Chamber today to discuss our membership plans.

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Economic Outlook Business and community leaders gathered on February 12 at the Macon Centraplex to attend the Middle Georgia Economic Outlook hosted by the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. Attendees heard from economists reflecting on 2014 and making projections for 2015 concerning Middle Georgia’s economic forecast.

Aleksandar “Sasha” Tomic, associate professor of economics at Mercer University shared the results of a survey he conducted with over 200 local business owners. Overall, business owners are cautiously optimistic for 2015. Companies expect to hire in 2015, and 38 percent of respondents said they are likely to expand their businesses within the year.

Benjamin Ayers, dean of the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business provided an outlook at the state’s economic position.

One of the top reasons for optimism about Georgia’s economic growth is due to a “renaissance in manufacturing activity, which is notable because the state lost four out of every 10 manufacturing jobs it had in the past decade. “Low domestic natural gas prices and rising production cost in China, along with concerns about product quality, intellectual property rights and managing risks, will help the state win more projects this year,” Ayers said.

Georgia’s unemployment rate is expected to decrease by a full percentage point from its current rate of 7.2 percent this year. The turnaround in real estate and more favorable demographic trends will help Georgia’s financial institutions.

However, “for the first time since the Great Recession, Terry College of Business forecasts a rate of economic growth that exceeds Georgia’s long-run average rate of growth,” Ayers said. “We will outperform the average state in 2015.”

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20th Annual Golf Classic For 20 years, the Chamber has hosted a golf classic in the spring to provide an afternoon of networking and fun for our members and volunteers.

Take your chance at winning some fantastic prizes throughout the day with contests for putting, longest drive and closest to the pin.

The day wraps up with the notorious Golf Ball Drop, where we lift hundreds of golf ball’s in a tractor over the 18th hole and whichever lands nearest the hole wins $1000. Tickets for the Golf Ball Drop are 1 for $5 or 5 for $20.

We are expecting our 20th Annual Golf Classic to be great! It will be held at the Milledgeville Country Club on Monday, April 13th. The tournament serves as the Chamber’s largest “non-dues” revenue producer and serves to offer a great return on investment for both the player and sponsors alike.

It’s not too late to help sponsor the tournament or purchase tickets for the Golf Ball Drop, contact the Chamber office today (478) 451-9311.

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20th Annual Golf Classic

Golf Ball Drop

1 for $5 5 for $20

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Searching for ways to

$AVE? Save 7.5% on your Annual Workers’ Comp Premium Join us for an informational workshop, presented by Chuck Wade, State Director for the Council on Alcohol and Drugs.

May 6th at 8am 130 S. Jefferson Street The Chamber Board Room Free for Members Thank you to these participating member businesses:

Century Bank & Trust Childre Nissan Ducts Unlimited KC Eady Insurance

Mike Wood Builders ServPro Overview, Inc.

a portion of the funds raised go directly to support the initiatives of KMBB. The group is now embarking on a new initiative designed to tutor and encourage youth in the community, Mentor 365.

The Milledgeville-Baldwin County Young Professionals group is designed to energize, engage and empower young professionals in the community through personal and professional development.

Young Professionals provides opportunities for members to actively shape the future of Milledgeville-Baldwin County through networking events and community outreach.

“It’s a great opportunity to connect with others in the community. I’m not from Milledgeville so the YP’s have definitely helped me feel at home. Through the group, I’ve been introduced to community leaders and activities that I probably wouldn’t have had access to otherwise,” said Sara Stone, 2014 Milledgeville-Baldwin Young Professional of the Year.

In existence for almost five years, the group has led the initiative of Keep Milledgeville-Baldwin Beautiful (KMBB). . The group’s annual fundraiser, the Thriller 5k & Fun Run, is hosted on the eve of Deep Roots and

District 4 Alderman Walter Reynolds said, “The Young Professionals are an important organization because of the role they play in shaping the future of Milledgeville and Baldwin County. The YP’s have proven that they are capable of affecting positive change in our community through engagement, volunteerism and philanthropic efforts.”

We want to ensure that our community attracts and retains young talent, so we are actively seeking new members. Anyone under 40 is welcome to attend meetings on the second Tuesday of every month in the Chamber Board Room and lunch is provided.

“The future of any community depends on its youngest stakeholders being prepared to take on leadership roles in business, education, government and non-profit organizations. The YP’s work for both individual and collective accountability and responsibility in all areas of public life,” continued Reynolds. For more information contact Tommy Cook at edgartcook@gmail.com

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Member To Member News C&C Community Services Seeks Support

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federal program that provides reimbursement for healthy meals and snacks served to children from low-income areas during periods when schools are closed for vacation. C&C Community Services is a proud sponsor of this program. Please join First Lady Deal and Kathy Cummings in bringing this program to Baldwin County on a Federal Level by volunteering, hosting a fundraiser or offering building space. We are looking forward to building a team in effort to better serve our community. For more info email kathylene.c@gmail.com.

Craig-Massee Insurance Purchases Wilkinson Insurance Craig Massee Insurance has recently purchased Wilkinson Insurance Agency. For the time being, Craig Massee Insurance will operate out of their headquarters at 1947 North Jefferson St. as well as the newly acquired site at 221 North Wayne Street. This gives us the opportunity to

pay your way a prepay billing solution

Purchasing electricity before you use it, like you would gas and groceries, allows you to control your budget and pay how much you want, when you want. With pay•your•way, you can make payments 24-hours a day, by check or cash, at our Paysite Kiosk locations.

And there are no security deposits or late fees. Sign up today by calling Tri-County EMC at 1.866.254-8100. Learn more at tri-countyemc.com.

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represent new insurance companies. Please be patient with us as we go through this transition, I have an excellent staff and our first concern is the customer.

Dean Clark Expresses Thanks I would like to thank the Chamber, Chamber members, customers and friends for your support in my absence from Clark Brothers Plumbing. I underwent spinal surgery December 3rd and hand surgery February 11th. My rehab has been extensive. I want to thank my brother and crew for taking the reigns in my absence.

We have been short handed, so we really appreciate your patience as we work to take care of your plumbing needs. I hope to get back in full swing by April 2015. Again Thanks & God Bless!

Magnolia State Bank Announces Employee of the Quarter Magnolia State Bank is proud to announce Debra C. Seaton as the bank’s Employee of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2014. Ms. Seaton, who has been employed by the bank as the Regional President’s Executive Assistant since September 2010, was selected due to her willingness to assist both customers and fellow employees. Deb, who is also the Head Loan Processor for the three branches, takes pride in her work. She is always looking for ways to improve loan-processing procedures in an effort to be more efficient and to better serve our customers. She is well respected, very professional, and has a great rapport with all the bank employees. Ms. Seaton is a true asset to the bank.

Member To Member News Fall Line Farmers Market Moves To Harrisburg Park

Big changes are planned for the Fall Line Farmers Market, which is moving to Harrisburg Park beginning Saturday, April 4th and will be open every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 9 to noon through September. All SNAP/EBT participants will be able to double the value of their food dollars through a generous grant from Wholesome Wave Georgia, which has been awarded to our market to help increase consumption of healthy, locally produced food - and to support the hardworking growers and makers of this food! Our “producers only” market is an initiative of the Milledgeville Community Garden Association, which built the Lucille Harris Community Garden at the Baldwin County Parks & Recreation Dept., which also boasts many other amenities that make it a great destination for everyone! The park is located at 237 Harrisburg Rd. For more information contact Notasha Chester, Market Manager, at fall.line.farmers.market@ gmail.com or visit us on Facebook!

with 100 to 299 Beds category. These annual awards recognize Georgia health care organizations for achievement in reducing the risk of medical errors and improving patient safety and medical outcomes.

NEXus Pain Center Welcomes New Employees The NEXus Pain Center of Milledgeville is excited to welcome three new members to our team. Michelle Jones, RN is a native of Milledgeville and has worked on and off at Oconee Regional Medical Center for the past 14 years before joining our staff. Shawn Crosby is from Sandersville, GA and has lived in Milledgeville since 2004; she previously worked at MCCG Emergency Services. Shannon Reynolds, Nurse Practitioner is a native of Milledgeville and has worked as a registered nurse in the emergency room at Oconee Regional Medical Center for 10 years.

Oconee Regional Medical Center Wins Award

The Partnership for Health and Accountability (PHA) presented its prestigious Quality and Patient Safety Award to Oconee Regional Medical Center for its project that improved quality of care in the intensive care unit (ICU). The project, titled “It Matters: Right Location, Right Care, Right Physician – Best Outcome” won third place in the Hospitals

LAV Plumbing LAV Plumbing has moved to a new office located at 2941 North Columbia Street. Please visit us in our new location Monday through Friday, 7am to 4pm or visit our website lavplumbing.com.

Spectrum Business® Fiber Internet

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Everyone is invited to attend and recognize General Lafayette’s service to our nation during the American Revolution!

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190th Lafayette Anniversary C E L E B R AT I O N

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10:00 a.m.

Parade from the Old Governor’s Mansion to Georgia Military College 11:00 a.m.

Welcome ceremony for “General Lafayette” on the grounds of Georgia Military College 12:30 p.m.

M IL A LE Community picnic on the DGEVILLE, G grounds of Georgia Military College

190th Lafayette Anniversary Celebration @Lafayette190 190th Lafayette Anniversary Celebration

6:00 p.m.

Sunset gathering at the Old Governor’s Mansion 7:00 p.m.

Concert on the campus of Georgia College

Member To Member News Top Cut Lawn & Landscaping Acquire New Location Top Cut Lawn & Landscaping LLC has recently acquired a new location to better serve its customers.

It is located on 260 Meadow Ridge Circle off of Dunlap Road.

Construction will start on a shop/office late Summer and will be completed this Winter. Pictured above is Top Cut owner Kevin Kirby left and employee Wesley Zant right at Top Cut’s new location. For more information about Top Cut, visit their website at topcutga.com or call 478-227-9669.

Harmony Hospice Honors Volunteers We are so pleased to have had the opportunity to honor our amazing Harmony Hospice Volunteers! We are grateful beyond measure for their commitment to service and their important connection to our patients and families. We hosted a breakfast to honor their service and offer some gifts of gratitude. Our Volunteer Coordinator, Rhonda Mills gave several area businesses

the opportunity to love on our volunteers. A sincere thank you goes to the following businesses Kroger, Dunkin Donuts, ChickFil-A, Lowe’s Starbucks, Belk in Milledgeville and the following businesses Ingles, Zaxby’s, Oconee Interiors, Christine’s Jewelers & Accessories, Ace Hardware in Eatonton. We are lucky to live and work in a community where we continually get the feeling that “We are all in this together”. We are, as always, hard at work caring for patients and families in the area and could not do it without our wonderful volunteers. Thank you!

GWM Announces 2014 Creative Writing Contest Winner The Georgia Writers Museum has named Tequila Lewis as their 2014 Creative Writing Contest Winner for her story “My Own Danged Knight.”

As a single mother of two children, Tequila has a busy schedule, but this does not inhibit her love of literature and writing. Tequila’s stories stood out to the judges each year for her use of various vernaculars, narrative, philosophical references, and her parable style structure. The museum’s Creative Writing Contest for 2015 will open for entries in June and remain open until August.

“W

hen I relocated my family to Milledgeville we were faced with a lot of ‘news.’ New house,

new business, new schools, new jobs and new bank.

Century Bank was there to help us every step of the way. They welcomed us with open arms, helping us with business financing, personal banking and retirement planning. Their personalized, friendly service was just what we needed and it helped us begin to feel a part of this community.”

- Cliff Charnes

Let Century Bank & Trust help with your business needs.

From commercial mortgages for purchase or construction to term loans for equipment purchases, lines of credit and more.

We want to be a part of your business’ success. Talk to us today!

Pictured (l to r): The Charnes family – Cliff, Kinsey, Jennifer, and Caroline.

www.centurybankonline.com

Downtown - 141 S.Wayne St. l Milledgeville l (478) 453-3571 Northside - 1800 N.Columbia St. l Milledgeville l (478) 453-7631 LPO - 6169 Lake Oconee Parkway l Greensboro l (706) 453-0553

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Design

Design

Print

Print

Mail

Mail

Sign Division • BUSINESS PRINTING

Banners

Yard Signs

• DIRECT MAIL Banner Stands SERVICES • WIDE FORMAT PRINTING

Wall Applications

Canvas

Window Decals

Foamcore

Our Voice Over IP (VoIP) phone service provides: •

Low, fixed monthly rates for unlimited local and US 50 long distance calling Customizable features to fit your business needs No upfront capital investment in equipment Scalability to grow as your business grows

• NEWSLETTERS Magnets

•

• DIGITAL PRINT ON DEMAND

• •

• AND MORE!

Call us today to learn more about our service at (478) 451-9601

Backlit

478-452-7721 478-452-7721 www.studiodesignsprinting.com

WWW.STUDIODESIGNSPRINTING.COM

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Want to save money each month on your phone bill?

Is your outdated phone system meeting your business needs? We can help!

(478) 387-4980 www.cogentes.com

Member To Member News MidSouth Host Early Learning Center Students

The Milledgeville branch of MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union recently hosted classes from the Early Learning Center to help them celebrate their 100th day. Students were given a tour of the branch lobby, vault and safe deposit boxes.

The students were shown how to have their coins counted through a machine, and then exchanged their receipt for cash at the teller line. To commemorate their visit, each student received a dime saver to encourage them to keep saving.

MidSouth Community FCU was originally chartered as Bibb Teachers Federal Credit Union, and has since grown to $217 million in assets and a membership that includes more than 31,000 members. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school within their 13-county community charter. MidSouth Community FCU is a local not-for-profit financial cooperative, owned and operated by its members.

Lake Country Gymnastics & Cheer Teams Set Records The Lake Country Gymnastics team (LCG) and the Lake Country All Star Cheer Competition Team (LCA) started their competition season in January and have done remarkable! There

have been some record setting individual scores (9.50 + ) and some awesomely high all around scores (37.025 – 37.50). In their biggest competition meet this season (The Made in the USA) with over 700 competitors, these girls place over 10 1st finishes!! We are looking forward to the State and Regional competition held in April and May.

The LCA team has had 4 competitions traveling to Atlanta, Dalton and Birmingham. They have posted two 1st place finishes in their Senior Level 3 Division, where they received a bid to The Spirit of Champions Worlds Championship, a 3rd place finish, and an impressive 5th place finish at Cheersport Nationals! The Cheersport Nationals is one of, if not the biggest, All Star cheer competition in the nation! Placing a 5th place finish was a huge accomplishment from a small 13 girl team with only 2 years in their pocket!! We are ever so proud of them and hope to take the Beach National championship in March 2015.

Need A Nerd New Location We have moved into our brand new location at 110 North Wayne Street in downtown Milledgeville. Come see the beautiful renovation and let us help you with all your cell phone and computer repairs.

Beckham’s Used Cars Quality Pre-Owned Vehicle in Milledgeville, GA

“Coverage you can count on from people you know.”

Jim Fain, Owner (478) 804-0066 www.beckhamfainins.com

Over 40 years of service and giving to Milledgeville

Doyle Beckham, Owner (478) 452-1909 www.beckhamsautos.com MBConnect - 25

Member To Member News The Fun! Faction Adds Laser Tag The Fun! Faction celebrated its fourth birthday in January with lots of changes. Our name changed from Fun! Factory to Fun! Faction (fac·tion n. group of people with a special interest) our special interest is fun! We proudly presented state of the art laser tag to our customers in January. Milledgeville now boasts the only laser tag area within 50 miles at Fun! Faction! Laser tag is a non-violent sport using phasers, not guns and vests with targets, which are tagged.

An excellent team building sport, which incorporates self-discipline, respect, eye-hand coordination and team building along with fun! Birthday parties can now be bundled with laser tag games! Just ask us how or visit our website www.gafunfaction.com.

SWITCH on SAVInGS

Sinclair Christian Academy Open Enrollment Sinclair Christian Academy (SCA) has begun accepting applications for the upcoming school year. For the 2015-2016 school term, we will offer Kindergarten through 6th grade.

The staff at SCA is dedicated to providing the children of our community with an educational experience in which Jesus Christ is alive and God’s Word and love are integral parts of each day. Additionally, our challenging curriculum will give them the opportunity to excel academically, while being part of a loving, nurturing environment.

We are excited and humbled by what God is doing here at SCA. Our host church, Sinclair Baptist, our school-board, as well as our staff are all committed to this ministry. We consider it an honor to be the hands and feet of Jesus, pointing students and their families to Christ.

Please call or stop by for a tour of our campus. You may contact Mrs. Toy Carter, principal, at 478-452-4242.

Reduce energy costs with Georgia Power’s Commercial Energy Efficiency Program Georgia Power’s Commercial Energy Efficiency Program makes incorporating energy-efficient improvements into your business even more attractive. Available incentives help you reduce the cost to install high-efficiency equipment, resulting in lower energy use and costs. Incentives apply to: • • • •

Lighting • Reflective Roofing Custom Savings • Heating & Cooling Water Heating & Water • Small Commercial Food Service & Grocery

Whether you’re replacing older, inefficient equipment or installing high-efficiency equipment during new construction, Georgia Power’s incentives are available to help defray the initial cost.

For more information, call us at 1-877-310-5607 or visit georgiapower.com/commercialsavings.

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This is what you’ve worked for.

Now relax and enjoy it!

Retirees, active professionals and empty-nesters will love the cottage lifestyle in this gated community. Whether you purchase or lease your one or two bedroom patio home, you’re only minutes away from the colleges, historic downtown Milledgeville and over 33,000 acres of lakes. Come enjoy life and get to know your neighbors again!

1010 Fernwood Drive

(off Highway 441 in Milledgeville)

Call Nancy Fullilove for a tour

(478) 414-1234 www.thecottages.us

Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber P.O. Box 751 Milledgeville, Ga 31061

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MILLEDGEVILLE, GA PERMIT NO. 135

Upcoming Events

Golf Ball Drop Tickets

Join Us Monday, April 13th 1 for $5 1pm at the 5 for $20 Milledgeville Grand Prize Country Club $1000

UPDATE YOUR INFO TODAY Please email the following to chamber@milledgevillega.com to ensure your listing is correct in our new Membership Directory coming out July 2015.

Business Name Contact Name Category Business Address Phone Number Email Website

April 13 20th Golf Classic 1pm Milledgeville Country Club April 14 Young Professionals 12pm Chamber Board Room April 15 Eggs & Issues 7:30am Breakfast 8am Program CGTC Conference Center May 6 Drugs Don’t Work Kick-Off 8am Chamber Board Room May 12 Young Professionals 12pm Chamber Board Room May 20 Eggs & Issues 7:30am Breakfast 8am Program CGTC Conference Center Full Calendar milledgevillega.com