Connection The
Showcasing the best of Polk County
Official Publication of
THE CHAMBER
Georgia www.polkgeorgia.com
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
Bussey’s Florist Holmes Clothing
Glitz n’ Glam
Lovely Living
Table of Contents
Welcome News: Events Calendar: Connection News:
Page 2 Page 3 Page 4
Connection News Connection News Connection News:
Page 5 Page 7 Page 8
Happy New Year! With the Holiday Shopping Season over, don’t forget that you can still Shop Polk First for your everyday needs. Shop Polk First with your local grocery store. Shop Polk First with your local florist. Shop Polk First with your local pharmacy. Shop Polk First with your local hardware store. Shopping local doesn’t only qualify for the Holiday Season, you can shop local all year long. I have found that shopping in my local shops, I have not only purchased quality products but I have also made some quality friends! I have been given sound advice with my purchase and in general day to day happenings. Shopping local has given me a sense of community awareness. Not only have I been able to give back to my community, I have helped support a business owner’s family. I am able to see first-hand the effect that shopping local can have; a new bicycle for a little boy, ballet lessons for a little girl. Seeing this gives me a sense of pride of where I live. I love my community and especially the people in it. If I can make even the smallest difference, then I have accomplished a lot. I encourage YOU to THINK LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL, BUY LOCAL and BE LOCAL! You can make a difference too! SHOP POLK FIRST! Polk County Chamber of Commerce 133 S. Marble Street | Rockmart, GA 30153 609 S. Main Street |Cedartown, GA 30125 P: 770-684-8760 F: 678-224-5320 info@polkgeorgia.com | www.polkgeorgia.com
Events Calendar January 20 Special Rise and Shine Breakfast A special Rise and Shine Breakfast held by the Polk County Chamber of Commerce will be given on Wednesday, January 20 at 7:30 AM at the Rockmart Community Center. The Chamber will be presenting its 2016 Chamber Committee Structure and Objectives. Call for more information at 770-684-8760.
Boasting a state-of-the-art audio and visual system, the venue hosts numerous Country, Contemporary Christian, Southern Gospel and Bluegrass concerts, along with other family-friendly events. Conveniently located off I-20 Mill Town Music Hall is in Bremen, GA on 1031 Alabama Avenue. For more information or to purchase tickets go to www.milltownmusichall.com or call the box office at 770-537-6455.
February 6 A Journey into The Musical Past The Polk County Historical Society (PCHS) will present a Musical Production called ‘A JOURNEY INTO THE MUSICAL PAST’. The concert will feature music from the last half of the 19th Century and will be performed at the Cedartown Civil Auditorium at the corner of East Ave. and Philpot St. A wide variety of music will include selections performed by The Debonairs, The Cave Springs Male Chorus, and The 8th Regiment Band with the headliners being the Emmy winning Un-Reconstructed String Band. Tickets will sell for $10.00 each. They may be obtained at Bradford’s Drugs, Croker Hardware or from PCHS members. They will also be on sale at the PCHS Museum on Wednesdays between the hours of 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM; and on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Musical selections will include ‘Deep River, ‘Londonderry Air’, ‘I Dream of Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair’, ‘Walk in Jerusalem Just like John’ ‘No Tears in Heaven’ and much, much more music of the period. Many are familiar with The 8th Regiment Band from Rome. Several local musicians perform in this group. They play music covering the last 50 years of the 19th century. The Unreconstructed Band specializes in music from the War Between the States as well as Celtic music, which is almost timeless. This concert will be the beginning of a campaign to secure funds for maintenance and handicap accessibility of the Hawks Children’s Library Building at 205 S. College Street, in Cedartown. The historic building houses the Polk County Historical Society’s Museum. As the building ages more routine upkeep is required. Many citizens of this area remember the J. Neil Reid Building as “their library” and those who value architecture know it is a local treasure in more ways than one as Mr. Reid was one of the great southern architects of his time. For questions or more information please contact Ellen Hester, President, Polk County Historical Society at ellensnoww@yahoo.com or (770) 748-7488.
Upcoming Events Saturday, January 9 – An Evening with Steven Curtis Chapman, 8:00 pm – Tickets $50 Premium, $45 Reserved and General Admission Saturday, January 16 – Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, 7:30 pm – Tickets $35 Premium, $30 Reserved and General Admission Saturday, February 6 – Mickey Gilley, 7:30 pm – Tickets $40 Premium, $35 Reserved and General Admission Saturday, February 20 – John Anderson, 7:30 pm- Tickets $40 Premium, $35 Reserved and General Admission *All Ticket prices increase by $5 at the door (after 5:00 pm night of show). Rockmart Cultural Arts Center Discover the ART in RockmART! Classes are offered in: Calligraphy & lettering, Colored pencil, Drawing, Guitar, Mommy & Me, Mosaic Tile Art, Painting- Oil, Acrylic, or Watercolor, Photography, Piano, Portraits, Pottery and Whittling. Email- rcac@rockmart-ga.gov or call 770-684-2707.
March 18- 19 WELSHfest Join us in downtown Rockmart for the only Welsh-centered festival in Georgia. There will be great Welsh and local entertainment, fun and educational events, a great vendor’s village and great fun for the whole family. Events included in this year are The Big Welsh Bike Ride & Historic Bicycle Show, The Welsh Tea Room, The Welsh Long Bow demonstration, Honey show, Bus Tour to the Historic Van Wert Chapel, Lectures and Tours and Meet the Morgan’s in the Rockmart Historical Museum. And this year on Friday night at the Historic Van Wert Church you can enjoy hymn singing by candlelight led by Choir Director Ron Chalker. A free will offering will be taken to support the preservation of the Historic Van Wert Chapel & St. Peter’s Church, Carmarthen, Wales. Mill Town Music Hall is committed to providing West Georgia Visit www.welshfest.vpweb.com for more information. with a quality wholesome entertainment. It is the largest facility of its kind in West Georgia and comfortably seats 1,000 people.
Connection News:
New & Familiar Faces of the Chamber Glitz-n-Glam Boutique
Carolyn Moore of Rockmart is the owner of Glitz n Glam Boutique located at 640 Goodyear Street in Rockmart. Carolyn is married to James D. Moore and they also pastor the House of Restoration Outreach Church at 164 Prospect Rd. “I have always had a passion for fashion, which has been my driving force to open Glitz n Glam. I learned from my mother Josphine Whatley the importance of dressing appropriately for any occasion and how important it is for success.” Carolyn states. “I have worked hard to make my dream of owning a Boutique a reality and this year was just right. After searching for the right location to locate my business, I finally found the right place and here I am.” Carolyn offers the hottest trends and unique fashions to meet the budget of local families. You can find your perfect ensemble to fit your business needs or a day around town. Glitz n Glam has everything you need to complete your look from accessories to shoes! So clean out your closets and get ready to shop at Glitz n Glam Boutique. Gift Certificates are also available. Glitz n Glam is open 10 AM to 6 PM Tuesday thru Saturday and closed on Sunday and Monday. Give them a call at 678-685-6566 or visit them today.
Bussey’s Flowers, Gifts & Decor
Todd Bussey is the owner of Bussey’s Flowers, Gifts & Décor located at 302 Main Street in Cedartown. Bussey’s is a locally owned and family operated florist and gift boutique. Todd and his talented designers can help you find that perfect style to fit any floral or gift occasion you have. From fresh flowers, unique gifts to home décor, events and weddings, Bussey’s offers you a wide variety of ways to express your every occasion. Bussey’s Florist & Gifts was named the Polk County Chamber 2014 Small Business of the Year last year. Bussey’s Florist is also a member of the Society of American Florists, American Institute of Floral Designers and the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce. Bussey’s Florist has been a member of the Polk County Chamber for over six years. Bussey’s Florist is open 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Monday thru Friday and 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturdays. Give them a call at 770-748-4055 or visit them online at www.busseysflorist.com.
Lovely Living
Alisa Mullinax & Taylor are the owners of Lovely Living located at 139 Cherry Street in Rockmart. Lovely Living brings to you a unique blend of new and vintage finds for the art of a beautiful home. They also carry unique handcrafted gifts from local artists. You can find your perfect gift of home with candles, jewelry, wall décor, relaxing throws and so much more! Lovely Living offers you invaluable service with their selection and knowledge of their beautiful decorated treasures. Lovely Living is open 10 AM to 6 PM Tuesday thru Saturday. Give them a call at 678-883-9228 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lovelylivingdecor.
Holmes Clothing Store
Stephen and Bruce Casey are the owners of Holmes Clothing Store located at 235 Main Street in Cedartown. Holmes Clothing Store has been offering young and seasoned gentlemen fashionable style since 1895. Holmes Clothing brings casual to business attire plus offers the accessories to complete the look each gentleman desires. Looking for a nice business suit? Holmes has just what your looking for, from custom suits to in house tailoring they can suit you up to meet your needs. They also offer Tuxedo rentals, free gift wrapping for any occasion. You will find service with a smile and knowledgeable staff to help you with your shopping needs. Holmes Clothing Store has been a member of the Polk County Chamber for over six years. Holmes Clothing Store is open Monday thru Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM. Give them a call at 770-748-1455 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Holmes-Clothing-Company.
Connection News:
Welcome New Members! Serenity Place Animal Rescue, Inc. Teresa Hagar P.O. Box 755 Rockmart, GA 30153 678-230-2100
WG Wireless- Cedartown Ben Ferguson 1552 N. Main Street Cedartown, GA 30125 770-748-0329
Rockmart Church of God William Duke 1200 N. Piedmont Ave. Rockmart, GA 30153 770-684-7087
NGA Staffing 604 Goodyear St. Rockmart, GA 30153 678-685-3131
WG Wireless- Rockmart Ben Ferguson 1715 Nathan Dean Bypass Rockmart, GA 30153 770-684-2138
Lovely Living Alisa Mullinax 139 Cherry Street Rockmart, GA 30153 678-883-9228
Visions Life Coaching Vicki Brown 318 Main Street Cedartown, GA 30125 678-901-3091
Glitz n Glam Boutique Carolyn Moore 640 Goodyear Ave. Rockmart, GA 30153 678-685-6566
Slate Street Book Exchange Michael Rogers 224 Slate Street Rockmart, GA 30153 770-318-0202 Smith, Treadaway & Joffe, LLP Andi Watson 901 N. Broad Street, Suite 350 Rome, GA 30161 706-291-0040
The mission of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce is to enhance the quality of life by supporting and promoting business, industry, education and government. We are committed to seeing our Community thrive and we offer our members a wide variety of services. We not only promote your business, but we also promote Polk County because when the area grows, your business grows. Thank you to each and every one of our members you are what makes the Chamber great! If you are interested in learning more about the Chamber and the services we offer contact the Chamber Staff at 770-684-8760 or email info@polkgeorgia.com.
Connection News:
Polk Partnerships with Purpose—A Focus on Jefferson Southern Corporation Jefferson Southern Corporation (JSC) is a Tier One automotive supplier to Honda Manufacturing, producing automobile components for the popular Honda Pilot and Odyssey. JSC is bringing valuable industry and employment to Polk County and more recently, an opportunity for students in the district to learn about exciting new careers available locally. By employing manufacturing production associates, tool and die maintenance technicians, maintenance technicians, quality associates and material handlers; JSC has focused on the need to fill these high skilled positions. Jefferson Southern Corporation is a committed partner to Polk County College and Career Academy, chartered effective July 1, 2015. This partnership will include the launch of the Jefferson Southern Junior Engineers/Robotics program in the fall of 2016. JSC has been working with instructor, Corey Smith, in equipping the classroom to model essential functions in the JSC plant. Smith thanks JSC stating, “The value-added components JSC is adding to my classroom focuses on preparing students for the real world of work. Coming from industry, I see this program being even more beneficial to the upcoming students as they prepare for careers. There is a dire need for the skilled professionals in the labor force and this program will provide just that here in our community. I look forward to helping change the lives of students through our continued partnership.” The partnership forged between Jefferson Southern Corporation and the Polk County College and Career Academy will allow students to graduate with the transferrable skills needed for viable employment. In addition, JSC is providing internship experiences for PCCCA seniors as Welding Maintenance Jr. Technicians allowing students to transfer knowledge gained in the classroom to the worksite. However, JSC hasn’t stopped there; they are also sponsoring the middle school Robotics program getting students excited about programming, robotics and hopefully the engineering/robotics career pathway thus creating a pipeline of students for PCCCA. Recently, the Rockmart Middle School Robotics team competed at their first LEGO League Trash Trek Challenge and won first place in mechanical design and strategy and innovation programming. The investment JSC is making in the students of Polk School District and Polk County College and Career Academy truly is a partnership with purpose benefiting everyone involved, especially the Polk County community.
For Advertising Information call Todd Britt at 770-748-1520
Silver Comet Trail
The Silver Comet Trail is located 13 miles northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. It's free of charge, and travels west through Cobb, Paulding, and Polk counties. This quiet, non-motorized trail is for walkers, hikers, bicyclists, rollerbladers, horses, dog walkers, and is wheelchair accessible. Parking & Trail Access
Mile Marker
Elevation (Ft)
South Cobb Dr.
-1.00
1015
Mavell Rd. Fontaine Road Concord Road Floyd Road Carter Road Sailor’s Parkway Florence Road Hiram Paulding County Chamber of Commerce Tara Drummond
0.00 1.20 2.60 4.20 8.60 9.40 11.60 14.66 14.66
925 906 887 1021 948 984 946 1001 1001
20.23
1035
Rambo Nursery Coot’s Lake Van Wert Rockmart Riverwalk Nathan Dean Park Don Williams Grady Road Cedartown Depot Martin Trailhead Esom Hill Stateline Gateway
22.22 33.49 36.06 37.66 38.76 44.90 45.80 51.30 52.90 61.20 61.50
941 930 807 749 748 864 904 796 824 923 922
(Note: This is considered part of the Silver Comet Extension)
(previously Dallas Trailhead)
(Georgia-Alabama Line)
Attractions Guide Landmarks and Historic Areas Cedartown
POLK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY/MUSEUM Formerly Hawkes Children’s Library, the museum contains the history of Polk County. The building was designed by J. Neel Reid, famous Georgia architect, and was built in 1924. The site is on the National Register of Historic Places.
POLK COUNTY COURTHOUSE #2 At 100 Prior Street, this building was designed by Otis Clay Poundston in Neoclassical Revival Style and constructed in 1935. It was originally City Hall, but is now used as a courthouse annex.
CEDARTOWN MURAL Completed in 1999, the mural is located in downtown Cedartown. The project was designed and completed by local artists and volunteers from The Art Lover’s League of Cedar Valley. The mural is a collage of well-known structures in Cedartown including many historic sites such as Hawkes Children’s Library and County Courthouse #2.
CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL
Outside Courthouse #2 is a Confederate monument erected in 1906 by United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate veterans.
ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH Built on West Avenue in 1883, this is the oldest church still in use in Cedartown. The church has been maintained in its original state except for the outside color. Sterling Holloway grew up in this church.
BOOZ HOTEL This structure was built in the 1800s and operated as a hotel in the 1890s. Located across the street from the Polk County Historical Society.
BIG SPRING Located on Wissahickon Avenue, this was the site of a ballground and ceremonial dance ground of the Cherokee Indian natives until the early 1800s. It is the second largest limestone spring in the South and produces an average of 4 million gallons of water per day.
DOWNTOWN CEDARTOWN In 1988, Cedartown became a “Mainstreet City” and is a registered site in the National Register of Historic Places. The last decade has seen much renovation in the downtown area including second floor residential availability, new businesses and remodelings. 770-748-2090. HIGHTOWER FALLS Originally the site of a wooden grist mill purchased by Elias Hightower in 1846 and converted into a facsimile of the Whitney cotton gin. Mr. Hightower also constructed a three story mill on the site in 1850 using the 60 foot Falls for power. The mill was once a vibrant mercantile center near Cedartown. Sherman’s men ate and slept here on their march through the state, but spared the mill from the fate which befell so many others. Hightower Falls is presently a private group facility available for special occasions. Call (770) 748-8588 for more information.
OLD MILL Located on Hwy. 27 South, this structure was built by slave labor in 1848 for Asa Prior who came to Polk County in 1837. The first miller was a slave named “Old Allen” and the structure was operated as a mill until 1945. It was renovated and operated as a restaurant by Mr. And Mrs. Robert Stephens from 1960-1991. It was purchased by Ann and Jimmy Madden in 1997.
Veterans Memorial
There are two in Polk County. One in Cedartown at the corner of East Avenue and Greenwood, behind the Library. The other is located in Rockmart on Veterans Plaza. Both were built to HONOR and MEMORIALIZE the Veterans of Polk County. Annual Services are held on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
Landmarks and Historic Areas Rockmart/Aragon
VAN WERT
Created in 1832 from the village of Cleantown, Van Wert was made the seat of Paulding County. It was known for slate, iron, gold and fertile farmland and served as the county seat until Polk County was formed from part of Paulding in 1851 and the county seat was moved to Cedartown. Van Wert was awarded a Historic Township of Georgia by the Department of Community Affairs.
VAN WERT METHODIST CHURCH
Built in 1857 by Rev. Wm. Simpson, Van Wert Methodist Church is one of the oldest structures in Polk County. The Van Wert Church Restoration Group, led by Greg Gray, is renovating the structure.
ARAGON-EUHARLEE PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCH In Aragon, the oldest church still in use in the County.
ROCKMART MURAL
The mural was created in 1997 and painted on the side of Morgan Hardware on Marble Street. The mural was created by 180 volunteers over a three week period and was part of a celebration of Rockmart's 125th anniversary.
THE GOODYEAR MILL
In 1929, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company selected Rockmart as the site for one of its clearwater mills. They built a multi-million dollar plant on what is now Goodyear Street and gave Rockmart "the biggest boost it has ever received in its history." Goodyear sold the plant in 1987 and it is now owned and operated by Meggitt Polymers & Composites
GOODYEAR MILL VILLAGE
In the 1930s, Goodyear built a modern village with approximately 180 homes, two tennis courts, a baseball field and a golf course directly across the street from the mill.
CITY HALL
The Rockmart Municipal Complex located on N. Piedmont Ave, is now considered "City Hall". The complex includes the Administrative Services Building, Cultural Arts Center,Recreation Department, and Rockmart Police Department. The complex is located on what was originally the site of the Piedmont Institute College, which was replaced later by Rockmart High and Middle Schools which later became known as Rockmart High School.
ROSE HILL CEMETERY/GAZEBO
On Elm Street, the land for the cemetery was donated to the town. The gazebo, constructed in 1891 is now considered one of Rockmart's most recognizable historic landmarks. The cemetery site also offers a spectacular view across Rockmart.
EUHARLEE CREEK/SEABORN JONES PARK
A city park, Seaborn Jones Park sits in the middle of downtown Rockmart along the banks of the Euharlee Creek. The name Euharlee comes from the Cherokee or Creek Indians and means "she laughs as she runs." ROCKMART HISTORICAL MUSEUM The recently opened Rockmart Historical Museum is a must to see for anyone interested in history. It chronicles the unique history and culture of Rockmart with heirloom contributions of items and photos supplied by members of the community. Of particular interest art the items concerning "Welsh" Rockmart, with its miners and slate industry, chapels and slate roofs. The museum is located in Old City Hall Building at 133 Marble Street, next to Seaborn Jones Park.
DODGE & DAVIS AT PEEK SPRINGS Near Aragon's City Hall, camping place of General Grenville Dodge's 16th AC of McPherson's Army of Tennessee. Later, Brig. Gen. J.C. Davis' 2nd division, 14th Corps Army of the Cumberland camped here en route from Rome to Dallas, Ga. These troops were part of the right wing of General Sherman’s forces moving to outflank General Johnston’s army at Allatoona Pass. This resulted in 10 days of battle at New Hope Church, Dallas and Pickett’s Mill in Paulding County.
Leisure Life in Polk County Cedartown Performing Arts Center
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
Nathan Dean Sports Complex
The pride of the City of Cedartown, The Cedartown Performing Arts Center locat- Rockmart’s primary recreational park for softball and baseball. The park also coned at the Cedartown Auditorium, presents a wealth of premium entertainment tains a track and a playground area. Pavilions are also located through the park. each year from the Atlanta Symphony to touring Broadway plays. The Performing Pleasant Valley Course Arts Center also sponsors enrichment programs for children in Polk and surroundNine hole, public golf course. 770-684-5961. ing counties through workshops and performances. 770-748-4168.
West Theater This 1941 Art Deco style theater hosts first run movies for both children and adults.
Peek Park On North College Street, this beautiful city park is located on land donated by Captain J.A. Peek. It contains tennis courts, playground and picnic areas.
Bert Wood Youth and Athletic Complex Softball and baseball fields, gymnasium, track, cabin, playground, and Senior Center make up this recreational facility in Northwest Cedartown. Government sponsored and volunteer activities abound almost year round.
Cherokee Golf and County Club This private facility off Cherokee Road contains an 18 hole golf course, four tennis courts, a swimming pool and beautiful clubhouse with dining facility. The club hosts many local fundraising golf and tennis tournaments as well as member-related events. 770-748-2800.
Cedar Valley Arts Festival
Silver Comet Trail The Silver Comet Trail is a paved, converted rail trail spanning more than 60 miles from Smyrna GA to the GA/AL border in Polk County. Here the trail joins the Chief Ladiga trail for another 33 miles to Anniston, AL. The two trails provide 95.5 continuous paved recreational miles not available to motorized traffic. The longest segment of the Silver Comet in one county is 29 miles through Polk. The Depot in Rockmart provides water and restrooms and is next to Seaborn Jones Park. Snacks and restrooms are available at the Depot in Cedartown which houses several offices including the welcome center and museum of local memorabilia. The first foot of the Silver Comet Trail was poured on July 9, 1998 in Cobb County, GA.
Polk County Homespun Festival An annual event sponsored by the Polk County Chamber of Commerce held on the third weekend in July in Seaborn Jones Park. Local and regional crafters display their wares throughout the park. Continuous entertainment is a highlight of the festival as well as many games and events throughout the park. 770-6848760.
Aragon Barbeque Patriotism at its peak, the annual barbeque is held on the third Saturday in June. Great food, a variety of games and a softball tournament are highlights.
An annual festival is held on the last full weekend in April. This event is sponsored by the Cedartown Junior Service League. Local and regional artists display their Tom Pittman Field and Jake Belk Park craft as do the children of Cedartown whose works are displayed throughout Aragon’s two city parks both have recreational and picnic facilities. Peek Park, the site of the festival.
Meadow Lakes Golf Club Meadow Lakes is a public facility in North Polk County offering 18 holes of championship golf as well as a clubhouse, banquet facility, and swimming pool. The club regularly hosts tournaments and lessons are offered by the PGA Golf Professional. Call for tee times on the weekends. 770-748-4942
The Rock Campground, RV and Music Park located near the Silver Comet Trail on Mile Marker 34. With over 100 RV sites w/ Power & Water, Cabins, Fishing, Entertainment, Silver Comet Trail Access, Creek, Picnic Tables, Showers- Camping and Special Events. This facility is open year round. 130 Forsyth Lake Rd., Rockmart- 770-684-8519.
Rockmart Civic Arts Commission Promotes and hosts various arts activities in the city and maintains the city’s Art Center on Piedmont Avenue, Rockmart. 770-684-5454.
Seaborn Jones Park A city park along the banks of Euharlee Creek in downtown Rockmart. Complete with picnic tables and a gazebo.
Welsh Festival
Mae'n dod Gwy! Cmry!/Rockmart hosts the only Welsh festival in Georgia, featuring lively Celtic music, Welsh food and Bar-B-Que, plus tours of the historical Van Wert Church and graveyard where Welsh miners and Civil War soldiers are buried. It is held on the quad (square) next to the Old City Hall Building, 133 Marble St. in the heart of downtown Rockmart. Welshfest is held the 3rd Saturday in March.
Polk County at a Glance LOCATION AND LAND AREA Polk County, consisting of a 312 square mile area, is near the center of the South's three largest industrial centers: Atlanta, 45 miles east; Birmingham, 85 miles west, and Chattanooga, 83 miles north. Surrounded on four corners by mountains, Polk County is a land of dramatic contrasts from the city of Cedartown which lies on a gentle plain to Rockmart with its rocky hills and deep valleys.
GOVERNMENT Polk County is governed by a six member Board of Commissioners elected for four-year staggered terms. The chairman is elected from the board for a one-year term. Cedartown, the county seat, is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners who elect a commission chairman from amongst board members and appoint a City Manager. The city of Rockmart is governed by an elected mayor and five council members who elect a City Manager. Aragon is governed by a mayor and four council members. Full-time police and fire departments are maintained in all three areas and the county for the protection of all residents.
INDUSTRY Polk County boasts a wide array of existing industry and takes pride in its success in new industry recruitment in the last decade. The top ten industries employee some 3,700 people and include both manufacturing and service.
CLIMATE A moderate climate with seasonal variation creates an excellent environment for outdoor activity throughout most of the year: January average minimum/maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32/55 degrees July average minimum/maximum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67/83 degrees Average annual rainfall is 50" based on ten year data. Relative humidity is 69.7%.
POPULATION 42,709 people reside in Polk County including 10,021 in Cedartown, 4,242 in Rockmart and 1,039 in Aragon.
TRANSPORTATION
Major trucking lines and both CSX and the Norfolk Southern Railway system link Polk County to points in all directions. Hartsfield/Jackson International Airport is only one hour away while Cornelius Moore Airport in the middle of the county provides a paved and lighted 4,000 ft. runway. The new $15,000,000 state of the art Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport is only 8 miles from Polk County. Four lane Highway 278 east links Polk County to Atlanta via I-20. Other main arteries include U.S. Highway 27 and 113.
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON COMMUNICATIONS Two newspapers, the Cedartown Standard and the Rockmart Journal, and two radio stations, WGAA Cedartown and WZOT Rockmart, keep county residents informed of local, regional and national happenings.
EDUCATION Educational institutions in the county include six elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools and a regional vocational-technical school. Two private schools are maintained and county residents have easy access to three additional private schools in a neighboring county.
UTILITIES Georgia Power and Carroll EMC service electrical needs in Polk County and gas is distributed by Atlanta Gas Light Company and sold by several suppliers. The cities of Cedartown and Rockmart operate sewage treatment facilities and have their own water supply via a spring-fed gravity system in Cedartown and Euharlee Creek in Rockmart. The county’s water supply originates with three springs and one well. BellSouth provides a first-rate telecommunications system and cablevision is provided by Charter Communications.
HEALTHCARE Polk Medical Center is located in Cedartown. Numerous physicians, dentists, chiropractors and other health care proviers are throughout Polk County. Immediate Care facilities are also available.
POLK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The main office of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce is located at 133 South Marble Street in Rockmart. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. The Chamber also maintains a Cedartown office in conjunction with the Cedartown Welcome Center at 609 S. Main St.. Cedartown office hours are Mon.-Fri., 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Call the Chamber office at 770-684-8760.
Connection The
Advertisers Index:
Showcasing the best of Polk County Official Publication of
THE CHAMBER
Georgia
Published by: News Publishing Company P.O. Box 1633 Rome, GA 30162
www.polkgeorgia.com
Georgia Power.........................................7 Redmond Physician Network..................7 Coosa Dental Associates..........................7 Holmes Clothing......................................7
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
133 South Marble Street Rockmart, GA 30153 770/684-8760 Fax: 678/224-5320 609 S. Main St. Cedartown, GA 30125 www.polkgeorgia.com
For Advertising Information call Todd Britt at 770-748-1520 Editorial Content by: Polk County Chamber of Commerce 770/684-8760