Statesboro Magazine January/February 2013

January February 2013

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B usiness s aavy

B uBBa H unt

The Good, The Bad And Me-Ugly

It’s Easy Being Green A Certain Synergy

Working Together

Works

CELEBRATING 65 YEARS...

STILL GOING STRONG!

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Through 65 years FMB has stayed true to its

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institution in Statesboro – Bulloch County because at FMB…You Matter to Us!

201 North Main Street • Statesboro, Georgia 30458 • www.fmbnk.com • 912-489-2600

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FROM THE EDITOR Established March 1, 2000

Jenny Starling Foss Editor

Joe McGlamery Publisher

Melanie Schmermund Art Director

O

ne of the things that I love about Statesboro is, it’s still the kind of town were you bump into people you know. At the post office, at the grocery store, at the movie theater, out shopping, at city hall – it is comforting to live in a community where friendly faces, hugs, and handshakes abound.

This same spirit of community fellowship is ref lected by the group in our feature story, A Certain Synergy. In it, we’re highlighting ten of the community’s economic developers who come together often to share their work on a greater vision for Statesboro’s future.

In this issue we also meet the Statesboro Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce’s 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year, Bubba Hunt. Bubba’s talent for starting up new businesses is equaled only by his amazing talent for inventive marketing and promotional campaigns.

Check him out in his new Clint Eastwood inspired role as The Good guy.

Erica Sellers

Dr. Lissa Leege, Director of the Center for Sustainability at Georgia Southern shares with us how easy it is to Go Green.

She is placing the university and our community at the front of the line in the movement toward sustainability making us all good stewards, saving our valuable resources for the future, and saving us money by doing so! We could hug her for that. And we probably will next time we run into her.

We are so thankful to be able to showcase our friends and neighbors in each issue of Statesboro Magazine. For 2013, we wish you a year full of success and achievement, a year filled with happiness and peace, a year full of many blessings, and lots of affection from those around you.

Frank Fortune Contributing Photographer Statesboro Magazine is proudly produced by:

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, PLEASE E-MAIL: esellers@StatesboroMagazine.com or spersinger@StatesboroMagazine.com FOR EDITORIAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE E-MAIL: MAILING ADDRESS: PHYSICAL ADDRESS: P. O. Box 1084 6 N Walnut Street Statesboro, GA Statesboro, GA 30459 30458 912.489.2181 fax 912.489.2182

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About the Cover

4 • Statesboro Magazine

Sharon Persinger Marketing & Sales Executive

editor@StatesboroMagazine.com

January February 2013

Statesboro’s 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year Bubba Hunt channels Clint Eastwood’s 1966 performance in the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly as he poses for a new ad campaign with the crew from his businesses Pawn City and Car City. The new tagline will follow his successful marketing branding idea - the Good, the Bad, and Me-Ugly. Bubba’s the good one. You saw it here first! Captured by award winning photographer Frank Fortune.

Advertising and Marketing Director

B usin ess s aavy

B uBB a H unt

The Good , The Bad And Me-Ugly

It’s Eas y Gr een

Bein g

A Cert ain Syne rgy

Wor king Toge ther

Wo rks

Circulation Statesboro Magazine is published bi-monthly (six issues a year) at a $20.00 annual subscription rate

by Morris Multimedia, P.O. Box 1084, Statesboro, GA, 30459. Periodical postage paid at Statesboro, Georgia. Postmaster send address changes to Statesboro Magazine, P.O. Box 1084, Statesboro, GA, 30459. The cover and contents are fully protected and may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Statesboro Magazine. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs, transparencies or other materials. They will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. Address letters and editorial contributions to Statesboro Magazine, P.O. Box 1084, Statesboro, GA, 30459. Copyright © 2013 by Morris Multimedia. All rights reserved.

CONTRIBUTORS Statesboro

weddings

Frank Fortune

by

November December 2012

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Frank is the national award winning photographer who holds the distinction of shooting 13 years’ worth of covers for Statesboro Magazine. He recently retired from GSU after having been responsible for capturing the university’s history on film and video for 30 years.

Throughout his career Frank’s enjoyed all aspects of photography, including sports, still-life, landscape, and architecture. He and his wife, Mandy, are the proud parents of children, Jack and Cate.

Sp eci al Ins ert !

Holiday Gift

Guide!

SE duBO diON siVE ENd sENiOr dEfEN

page 4

Angels Among

Out $

4

U

s Sha rin g the Lov e

b lu E

Happy Hanuk kah Spreading the Light

iAn STATE AppAlAch sOuthErN 3, 2012 • PaulsON stadiuM GEOrGia .com NOVEMbEr

vs.

Women’s Cho

GSEagles

Causing

rus

Treble

Proud publishers of Statesboro Magazine, Weddings by Statesboro Magazine, and GSU’s official football program – FLIGHT!

SUBSCRIBE Make sure you never miss a copy of Statesboro’s only full-color lifestyle magazine.

Sign-up on-line at StatesboroMagazine.com.

FOLLOW US on Facebook. We want you to “like” us. Check-out our Facebook page and keep up with the exciting things

38

happening in Statesboro. You’ll find us at Statesboro Magazine.

TWEET A little birdie told us you might want to send little tweets about each issue. Our tag is Statesboro Mag!

WRITE US Send us an email with your comments or suggestions to editor@statesboromagazine.com. You could see your letter in our next issue!

StatesboroMagazine.com

50 January/February 2013 • 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Features T he C ult u r e

14

A Certain Synergy Wr i t t en b y J e n n y S ta rl i n g F o s s Phot og r a p h y b y F ra n k F o rtu n e

38 Being Green is Easy Wr i t t en b y J e n n y S ta rl i n g F o s s

Phot og r a p h y p ro v i d e d b y GS U Ce nt er for Sus t a ina bilit y

photo by Frank Fortune

S outher n H ospita l it y

50 Bubba Hunt Entrepreneur of the Year Wr i t t en b y J e n n y S ta rl i n g F o s s Phot og r a p h y b y F ra n k F o rtu n e O t her p h o to s s u p p l i e d b y B u b b a H unt 6 • Statesboro Magazine

FEATURED COLUMNISTS

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 Calendar of Events.............................................................. 8 The Spiritual Pathway News & Notes................................................................ 10 Written by Rev. Dr. H. William Perry............................................ 59 Look Around.................................................................... 62 The Write Place Written by Lois Griffin.................................................................. 61 Transitions........................................................................ 66 The Garden Gate

Written by Stephanie Tames.........................................................

The View from Here Written by Ric Mandes................................................................

57

From the Editor...................................................................

64 January/February 2013 • 7

Calendar

january Sunday

monday

Tuesday 1

Happy New Year!

6

7

8

Wednesday 2 Art Assc.

Juried Show Averitt Center for the Arts Through January 12th

9

Thursday 3

Friday 4

5

11

12

Classes Begin Spring Semester Bulloch Academy

10

Classes Begin Spring Semester Bulloch County Schools Ogeechee Techincal College

13 Elvis Gospel Concert Starring Russ Lanier as Elvis Emma Kelly Theater 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM

20

14

Elvis Gospel Concert Starring Russ Lanier as Elvis Emma Kelly Theater 7:30 PM

15

Classes Begin Spring Semester

21

16

©iStockphoto.com

28 Railroading in Bulloch Historical Society Meeting RJ’s Steakery Dutch Treat 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

8 • Statesboro Magazine

17

Mexican Muralism GSU Museum Exhibit Opening 7 PM – 8 PM

22

23

MLK Day 27

Saturday

30 28

19

Driving Miss Daisy GSU PAC 7:30 PM

24 Marvelous Wonderettes 1950s Song Review Emma Kelly Theater 7:30 PM

29

18

31

25 Johnny Mercer Review Emma Kelly Theater 7:30 PM

26 Johnny Mercer Review Emma Kelly Theater 7:30 PM

Calendar

february Sunday

monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday 1

2 Gloria Compton Broadway Favorites Emma Kelly Theater; 7:30 PM

February is Black History

Groundhog Day

Month 3

4 Spring Registration Bulloch Parks & Recreation Feb. 4th – 8th 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM

10

11 Winter Holidays Bulloch County Schools Bulloch Academy Feb. 11th – 15th

17

18

Saturday

5

6

7

Newcomers Club St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 10 AM – 12 PM

12

8

9

Clifford the Big Red Dog Emma Kelly Theater 7 PM

Cyrano de Bergerac GSU PAC 7:30 PM

13

14

15

16

19

20

21

22

23

26

27

28

Lincoln’s Birthday

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Hooray for Hollywood GSU PAC 7:30 PM

Washington’s Birthday President’s Day

24

25

Death of a Salesman GSU Center for Art & Theater 7:30 PM

Shop the on-line Main Street Farmers Market StatesboroMarket2Go.locallygrown.net

January/February 2013 • 9

NEWS & NOTES Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter & First L ad y R o s al y n n C a r t e r t o S p e a k a t G SU Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and former first lady Rosalynn Carter will speak at Georgia Southern University’s Hanner Fieldhouse on Feb. 12, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. The remarks will be a part of Georgia Southern’s popular Leadership Lecture Series, designed to provide its students with an opportunity to hear from influential leaders throughout the world. This will be the first time that the former president and first lady have spoken at Georgia Southern.

Carter will be the second U.S. President to speak at Georgia Southern and the visit will mark the first time a president and first lady have visited Georgia Southern together. Former President George W. Bush spoke on campus in 2006. Georgia Southern’s Leadership Lecture Series has included a number of well-known leaders and influencers including former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, political consultants James Carville and Mary Matalin, Toms Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie, Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell, and former United Nations ambassador and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to name a few.

Av

e r i t t

Da

n c e

Di

r e c t o r

Vi

s i t s

Lat

v i a n

Am

b a s s ad o r

Averitt Center for the Arts Director of Dance Jurijs Safonovs recently visited with Latvia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States, Mr. Andris Razans, during a trip to Washington, DC, November 26, 2012. This was Safonovs’ first meeting at the embassy with Ambassador Razans who assumed his post July of 2012.

(L-R) Jurijs Safonovs - Artistic Director “Statesboro Youth Ballet”, Svetlana Korole - Classical Ballet Instructor “Dzirnas”, Andris Razans - Latvia’s Ambassador to the United States, Gunta Razane - Ambassador’s wife, Dagmāra Leja - Latvian folk dance instructor “Dzirnas”, Jelena Jekimova - Modern dance instructor “Dzirnas”, Agris Daņiļevičs - Artistic Director, Improvisational dance instructor “Dzirnas”

Georgia Southern University Student Wins Muhammad Ali Writing Award For Ethics

Georgia Southern University senior Evin Hughes won the first ever Muhammad Ali Writing Award for Ethics. The award, co-sponsored by the Muhammad Ali Center and the Norman Mailer Center and Writers Colony, in partnership with the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), is given to the outstanding college student whose writing reflects Muhammad Ali’s legacy of living a life dedicated to high ethical standards.

Lonnie and Muhammad Ali, and director, screenwriter, and producer Oliver Stone presented Hughes the award and a check for $10,000 at the Norman Mailer Center’s fourth annual benefit gala on Thursday, Oct. 4, in New York City. Actor Alec Baldwin and Tina Brown of Newsweek Magazine and The Daily Beast.com hosted the event, which celebrated renowned and emerging writers alike. Hughes, a Swainsboro, Ga. native, will also receive a week- long writing workshop next summer at the Mailer Center in Provincetown, Mass., travel and hotel accommodations and tickets for the Gala.

10 • Statesboro Magazine

W. S c

o t t

Bo

h l k e

, M.D.

New President of Medical Association of Georgia

Dr. Scott Bohlke of Brooklet, GA., was sworn into office as the president of the Medical Association of Georgia (MAG) in Savannah during the 158th House of Delegates meeting in October 2012. He will serve a one year term. A family physician, Dr. Bohlke graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and completed his residency with the Columbus Regional Healthcare System. He served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, attended UGA on a baseball scholarship, and he played baseball in the Atlanta Braves minor league system. Dr. Bohlke resides in Statesboro with wife, Jennifer and their four children.

Georgia Southern Univers I m pa c t T o p s $ 8 4 6 M i ll i o n

i t y i n

’s Econ 2012

o m i c

Georgia Southern University’s economic impact during fiscal year 2012 topped $846 million, setting a new record for one of the state’s growing research universities. The study, conducted by the University’s Bureau of Business Research and Economic Development (BBRED), noted that the University’s growth, visitor and student spending and ongoing construction projects continue to fuel the area’s growth and economy.

The BBRED report calculated Georgia Southern’s economic impact base on five key areas of University activities: operating expenditures, construction projects, student spending, visitor spending and salaries and payroll. Together, these five areas made up the direct spending values used in this analysis, which this year totaled nearly $504 million.

The report emphasizes Georgia Southern’s role as a cultural center within the region, with activities ranging from unique outreach centers including the Wildlife Center, Garden of the Coastal Plain and Georgia Southern Museum to intercollegiate athletics, live musical and theatrical performances. During the 2011 fiscal year, the University attracted more than 163,300 visitors to Bulloch County, with an estimated impact of $47.4 million.

S o u t h e a s t B u ll o c h H i Chorus Gains Honors

g h

’s

Ten of Southeast Bulloch High’s Advanced Chorus members will perform with the Georgia Music Educators Association’s (GMEA) prestigious All-State Chorus in Savannah, February 21-23. The students auditioned and achieved scores that placed them among the top student vocalists in the state. Three of the students also auditioned and were selected for the more elite 100-member All-State Reading Chorus.

SEBHS’s Advanced Chorus is known for the quality of its performances. The chorus was selected as one of only seven choral groups invited to participate in the Georgia Governor’s Mansion Holiday Celebration December 8-11. They performed a one-and-one-half hour set for guests in the Mansion’s Ballroom.

January/February 2013 • 11

t h i s h o s p i t a l i s p a r t i a l l y ow n e d by p hy s i c i a n s EAST GEORGIA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 1499 Fair Road Statesboro, GA 30458 www.EastGeorgiaRegional.com (912) 486-1000 VOLUME • 1,544 Babies Delivered • More than 90,000 Patient Interactions OUR PEOPLE • 657 Associates • 166 Physicians on Medical Staff • 83 Volunteers • 15,196 Total Volunteers Hours in 2011 OUR FACILITY • Breast MRI Accreditation by American • College of Radiology • Quality Respiratory Care Recognition • Sleep Lab Accreditation • Ultrasound Accreditation • Wound Care Center of Distinction • Joint Commission Top Performer • Georgia Hospital Association Quality Honor Roll GIVING BACK Raised $81,000 in Fundraising in 2011: • United Way • Relay for Life • Auxiliary Scholarships • Food Band Donations • Auxiliary Donations to Women’s and Children’s Abuse Shelter Donated $80,000 in Sponsorships, 2011: • Georgia Southern University Athletics • United Way of Southeast Georgia • Relay for Life • The Averitt Center for the Arts • Newspapers in the Classroom – Educational Sponsorship • A Day for Southern – Georgia Southern University • iGot – Ogeechee Technical College • Boys and Girls Club • The Performing Arts Center at GSU • Area Schools • Alzheimer’s Association • Breast Cancer Foundation

One of our fundamental values at East Georgia Regional Medical Center is our commitment to our local community. We maintain this commitment both collectively as an organization and individually in our personal contributions.

East Georgia Regional Medical Center is extraordinarily proud to have served our community since 1937. Our associates, physicians, and hospital volunteers continuously seek ways to provide the highest quality care available to our patients and to take important health education and awareness information out into our community.

East Georgia Regional’s commitment to quality care has been recognized by The Joint Commission, giving the hospital the distinction of Top Performer two years in a row (2010 and 2011). East Georgia Regional is one of 620 hospitals nation-wide to be recognized in 2011, and one of 244 hospitals nation-wide to be recognized two years in a row. The Georgia Hospital Association has also recognized East Georgia Regional Medical Center for their quality care by placing the hospital in the top category of the Chairman’s List, one of only 17 hospitals in the state to receive this distinction.

About East Georgia Regional Medical Center East Georgia Regional Medical Center is a 150-bed acute care hospital serving Bulloch County and the surrounding areas. Offering a full range of medical services and procedures to patients in the region, the hospital had more than 90,000 patient interactions in 2011.

East Georgia Regional is one of the largest tax-paying entities and employers in Bulloch County, with a total economic impact exceeding $104 million in 2011 alone.

ECONOMIC IMPACT • 657 associates • More than $42 million in employee wages and benefits in 2011 • Provided $53.1 million in uncompensated care in 2011 • Paid in excess of $4.1 million in taxes in 2011

Our Commitment to Quality East Georgia Regional Medical Center brings quality health care to this community with comprehensive services and an experienced team of physicians and caregivers.

As the only comprehensive hospital serving our community, East Georgia Regional is committed to meeting the ever-changing needs of our physicians and patients by investing in modern technology and expanding the services we provide. In the past five years, we have invested $13.1 million for facility and service improvements.

Our associates and physicians are dedicated to providing the highest quality care in the safest environment possible. A reflection of their determination of these two important areas of health care is exemplified by East Georgia Regional Medical Center being honored with multiple awards and certifications over the past three years.

©iStockphoto.com/Ricardo Infante Alvarez

“Coming

together is a beginning.

Keeping together is progress.

Working together is success.”

– Henry Ford (1863-1947) Industrialist 14 • Statesboro Magazine ›› The Culture

A Certain Synergy

by Jenny Starling Foss

T

he meetings are casual and informative. Ten local citizens who share roles in the economic development processes of the area sit down as a committee once a month to talk about how things are going with their respective jobs. There is hand shaking and back slapping, laughter and talk of children and weekend plans. But, when the greeting time passes and each member pulls out a chair to sit down at the table, talk quickly turns to priorities to be considered, things that impact the future of Statesboro and Bulloch County, like workforce development, infrastructure, demographics, master plans, real estate developments, and traffic impact studies.

The committee was the brain child of Dr. Ben “Benjy” Thompson, CEO of the Development Authority of Bulloch County (DABC). Thompson thought it would be a good idea to assemble a group of people in roles similar to his own, to compare notes and share plans and projections. He felt the members could benefit by developing opportunities for cooperation on similar projects thereby saving time and money in the process.

“When we initially convened the group in May 2012, the impetus for me was to share concerns related to my job,” Thompson related. “While I have been

photos by Frank Fortune

involved in economic development for some time, there were issues for which I had no frame of reference to consider.

I had solicited advice from a number of colleagues with the state or other partners. One day, it occurred to me that there are several people in my community, people that I work with regularly and who understand the dynamics of our

County, the Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Southern, Ogeechee Technical College, and Main Street Statesboro/ Downtown Statesboro Development Authority (DSDA). Partnerships have formed between members in support of each other in various projects going on within the community.

“Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a

team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”

– Vince Lombardi (1913-1970) NFL football coach community, from whom I could solicit input. In addition, these requests could come from each of us, and could lead to more opportunities to work together and be more efficient in our time and budgets.”

So far members include representatives from the DABC, the City, the

Recently, Statesboro Magazine was invited by the DABC to attend a committee meeting. We followed up with a series of questions for each member to determine what each individual is bringing to the table and to find out about some of the successes resulting from this dynamic synergy.

The Culture ‹‹ January/February 2013 • 15

“You’ll note that this is a relatively broad mission

statement; however, it supports the traditional role of the DABC in recruiting industry and large business to the community, while at the same time allowing the Authority to be involved in a wide diversity of economic development activities in Statesboro-Bulloch County.”

16 • Statesboro Magazine ›› The Culture

Dr. Ben “Benjy”

Chief Executive Officer

Thompson F unding : “The DABC receives an

annual allocation from the Bulloch County General fund. In addition, the DABC receives payments from real estate transactions related to property owned by the Authority, as well as fees derived from bond issuances through the Authority.”

R eport s t o : A board of directors appointed by the Bulloch County Commission Mission Statement : “The Mission of the Development Authority of Bulloch County is to expand economic opportunities in the Statesboro-Bulloch County area by growing, attracting, developing, and supporting new and existing business in our community.”

When you think of economic development in Bulloch County, it’s hard not to think of Benjy Thompson, in fact, Thompson has made a career of being involved in the economic development of the area. A native of Millen, GA., Thompson has served as founding director of the School of Economic Development at GSU, Acting Dean of External Relations for COBA, Director of the Coastal Rivers Planning & Policy Center at GSU and V.P. for Economic Development at Ogeechee Technical College. He currently chairs the Middle Coastal Unified Development Authority

Development Authority of Bulloch County (DABC)

and serves on the board of Trustees for the Herty Advanced Materials Development Center. All perfect positions for equipping him with the knowledge and perspective he needs for the job he holds today – attracting and supporting industry in Bulloch County.

Thompson understands the law, the numbers, and the need to think “regional.”

He is responsible for marketing our community to industrial prospects with four separate industrial parks located within Bulloch County. The newest one being the 203+ acre Interstate 16 Industrial Park located on the south side of exit 116.

Certainly, job creation and growth at the recently recruited Great Dane and GAF are important to our success. Another metric that is closely related is the health of our existing industries. We work hard to provide support for Briggs and Stratton, Viracon, the Walmart Distribution Center, Braswell’s, Brodie, and other industries in our community.

“However, our success also depends on the health of the other economic sectors. Industrial recruitment relies on a number of factors – good local government; diverse and plentiful retail activity; good, affordable housing; quality of life factors (leisure, arts, recreation); and

“Because of the broad nature of our

mission, the DABC can only succeed through collaboration with the other entities represented by this group.”

He also believes to succeed in attracting industry, everyone has to work together.

“The most basic and traditional metrics of economic development are job creation and capital investment.

many more. In addition, the number one issue for business recruitment, particularly in the industrial sector, is workforce.

The DABC’s efforts to enhance and support these factors play into the success of our organization,” Thompson stated.

The Culture ‹‹ January/February 2013 • 17

“The Committee provides for constructive discussion and information sharing so that we may, as an integrated team, better represent the ongoing economic development interests of Statesboro/Bulloch County and the state, and how each of the members might support ongoing initiatives.”

18 • Statesboro Magazine ›› The Culture

Charles

Vice President for Research & Economic Development

Patterson

F unding : “Offices of research and

economic development are funded from a mixture of state support and indirect costs generated from externally-funded grants/contracts.”

Reports to : Dr. Brooks A. Keel, President M is sion S tat em e n t : “Georgia Southern University is committed to actively engaging industry, government, and community groups to provide expertise and business solutions in today’s knowledge-driven economy. The Vice President for Research currently serves as the Institution’s authorized representative in pursuing partnerships and agreements (grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and other instruments), with entities outside the University, fostering connections to the programs, services, and networks that support innovation and economic growth in the region, the

Dean Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies Georgia Southern University

State, and beyond.”

In his dual role as V.P. for Research & Economic Development and Dean of the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies, Dr. Charles E. Patterson’s responsibilities were best described by Dr. Brooks Keel in the press release announcing Patterson’s appointment as V.P. in the spring of 2010: “As Georgia Southern moves forward in expanding its research efforts, Dr. Patterson will play an integral role in the formation of the research and academic agenda at the University,” said Keel. “The Vice President for Research is responsible for the strategic growth of the University’s research enterprise, which includes everything from encouraging partnerships with industry and other educational institutions to ensuring that all of our undergraduate and graduate students

“I’d like to see continued industrial development which takes advantage of everything this community has to offer: Housing, K-12 schools, technical college, major university and a welcoming community.”

have ample research opportunities. Dr. Patterson’s academic and professional background has prepared him well for this new role.”

In accepting the position of V.P. of Research & Economic Development, Patterson welcomed the opportunity to strategically grow externally funded research, promote economic development, and further the university’s scholarship and creative activity.

One example of success in obtaining external funding for research efforts is the recent $5.1M grant from the National Institutes of Health to create a Center of Excellence in Rural Health in our area.

According to Patterson, “This grant will provide ten new externally-funded positions to be hired at Georgia Southern, in addition to a significant infusion of grantfunded activities in the surrounding communities.”

Patterson sees his role within the committee as a facilitator: “Currently the Office of the Vice President for Research, by virtue of its role in developing relationships and partnerships with external constituencies, serves the role of facilitating community and state discussions of economic development activities, including coordination for external inquiries and information to our many centers, institutes, and administrative support offices within the University.”

The Culture ‹‹ January/February 2013 • 19

“Tourism is big business in Statesboro, Bulloch County and Georgia. There are over 1,000 people employed in the tourism industry with over $111 million in direct tourism spending in Bulloch County alone. Tourism is economic development and our vision fits well with the goals of other economic developers in the group.”

20 • Statesboro Magazine ›› The Culture

Heidi

Jeffers

Funding : Area visitors - 40% of a 5¢ Local Lodging Tax

Reports to : A seven member board of

directors made up of hotel owners/developers and marketing professionals.

Vision Statement : “The Statesboro Convention & Visitors Bureau positively impacts the economic wellbeing of Statesboro-Bulloch County by marketing the area, with its many events, attractions, and accommodations, as an outstanding destination for leisure travel, business travel, meetings and conventions, and by providing quality services to these visitors.”

By nature, the SCVB’s responsibility is to market our community to potential visitors. Most of the national media quality advertising, developed by Executive Director Heidi Jeffers and Marketing Director Becky Davis, is done in “feeder markets” or cities where Statesboro’s potential visitors live. Research captured from area hotels shows that most visitors come from the hubs of the South, places like Atlanta, Jacksonville, FL, Charleston, SC, and Raleigh-Durham, NC. Therefore, you may see an ad prompting readers to Visit Statesboro! in Garden & Gun magazine, a popular quality-of-life publication in the South.

Executive Director Statesboro Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB)

“Visitors to GSU totaled 163,339 with an economic impact of more than $47.4M in 2011.”

In just two years as Executive Director of the SCVB, Jeffers has attracted through her marketing and networking initiatives an unprecedented amount of outside interest in the Statesboro/Georgia Southern community’s attractions and quality of life.

Her efforts so far have resulted in having Statesboro chosen as a destination for 40 national and international travel writers who were touring the state of Georgia last spring looking for interesting locales to write about. That one visit resulted in over 50 articles being written and published about area amenities like the Main Street Farmers Market and the Gardens of the Coastal Plain at Georgia Southern. Host one group, get a return of 50 free positive stories – Jeffers is having a remarkable success rate.

Jeffers also spearheaded the effort, in partnership with Benjy Thompson at the BCDA office and the city, to have Statesboro recognized as a Camera

Ready Community last year. This means Statesboro is on the Film Division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s short list of communities which are ready to facilitate and host film, movie, and television crews. Several interested parties have already scouted locations within the community and one definite film project is currently in development for 2013.

In addition to bringing visitors and recognition to the community, Jeffers is responsible for regenerating the lodging tax funding which is the SCVB’s only source of revenue. Keeping the visitors coming means future funding for the SCVB with portions of the hotel/motel tax also supporting the Averitt Center for the Arts and the Main Street Statesboro/ DSDA programs. Jeffers knows tourists want to visit a friendly community with a lot going on, and she’s wise enough to know it takes good community partnerships to make it happen.

The Culture ‹‹ January/February 2013 • 21

“As the executive staff member of a business club,

one of my chief responsibilities is to Chamber members and their collective desire to support

entrepreneurialism in Bulloch County.”

22 • Statesboro Magazine ›› The Culture

Phyllis

President

Thompson Funding : Chamber membership dues and special events.

Reports

to : Current board chair (Rachel Edwards 2012; Keely Fennell 2013) and Board of Directors’ Executive Committee.

Mission Statement : To enhance the economic prosperity of our members and promote the free enterprise system in Bulloch County.

Purpose : To advance the various economic segments and civic interests of Statesboro and Bulloch County; promote good faith, just and equitable principles in business; engage in and promote such projects as may be consistent with the improvement of the community.

It has been two years since Phyllis Thompson assumed the role of executive director of the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce.

Switching from a long, successful career as a recruiter of physicians for Health Management Associates, Thompson knows exactly what a community needs to draw in top professionals. She has a

Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce

unique perspective on the quality of life components an outsider would like to see in a community like ours. That knowledge and experience works well for her as she promotes the benefits of Chamber of Commerce membership to current and prospective members.

one public face of a very engaged group of business leaders, I think it is part of my job to help gauge and communicate the local business climate, including its opportunities and challenges. “ Thompson sees several advantages to serving on the committee. She is able to keep current on the facts, figures, and statistics that are indicators of the community’s economic health and growth. She believes that anything she learns or shares with other representatives charged with similar tasks helps her to better serve the Chamber’s current and future members. Also, Thompson has found the individual members of the committee, while having different charges and focuses within their respective organizations, share many common goals. By working with the others, Thompson believes the community at large will benefit and that anything she can take away from the economic development table to help her Chamber members is “Good for business.”

“Our discussions on current economic strengths

and opportunities create a synthesis and a common language among

us, enabling us to support each other more optimally.”

As the leader of Bulloch County’s largest group of business associates, Thompson’s role is also to represent the Chamber membership locally, regionally, and statewide. A role she fulfills on the economic development committee, “As

The Culture ‹‹ January/February 2013 • 23

“‘Education

with Purpose’ is

not just a catchy marketing phrase. We want to put people to work!”

24 • Statesboro Magazine ›› The Culture

Lori

Durden

Funding : A mix of federal, state, and local tuition dollars.

how many of those go on to enroll in post-secondary education either here at OTC, another technical college, or even East Georgia or GSU.” R eports

to : Dr. Dawn Cartee, Ogeechee Technical College President M ission Statement : “Ogeechee Technical College (OTC), a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, is a public institution of higher education that contributes to the economic, educational, and community development of its three-county service area of Bulloch, Evans, and Screven counties. OTC provides technical education programs

Ogeechee Technical College

at the associate degree, diploma, and certificate levels utilizing traditional and distance education met hodologies; student support services; adult literacy education; continuing education; and customized business and industry workforce training to the citizens of the communities it serves.” – www. ogeecheetech.edu Vision : OTC will serve as a catalyst for economic prosperity in the region by providing a student-centered environment to prepare lifelong learners to succeed in a global society.

Lori Durden says her mission is “in a nutshell, workforce development.” Her vision of the role she plays as part of the economic development committee is clear – “You really can’t do economic ‘development’ without an educated workforce.” It’s Durden’s job to make sure the businesses and industries located within

track the number of GED graduates we have and “We also

Vice President for Economic Development

OTC’s service area have a skilled pool of workers from which to draw. She also works with industries to offer the necessary training needed to keep existing workers current on job skills.

In addition, Durden is responsible for serving as the local point of contact for federal and state programs that have been inactivated to support industry and to foster business recruitment for Georgia; initiatives such as the Georgia Quick Start program. If an existing industry in the area wishes to update the skill sets of its workers, Durden is there to assess their needs and to foster development of a specific training program for them through Quick Start.

In order to keep abreast of changing needs within her service area, Durden finds value in developing relationships with civic, business, government, and community leaders. Serving on the committee is a good way for her to be involved. “It’s just good to know what the others have going on in their organizations at the time, so it helps keep me in the loop. It’s also an opportunity to brainstorm as a group about a particular issue or to help come up with a solution to a problem. It has helped me have a better understanding of each organization’s mission as well.”

The Culture ‹‹ January/February 2013 • 25

“Obviously, we are all striving for continued

economic growth, development, and job creation in Statesboro/Bulloch County.

Any contribution that I can make on behalf of the City of Statesboro, to my colleagues, in this shared effort, is success.“

26 • Statesboro Magazine ›› The Culture

Mandi L.

Cody

F u n di ng : Cit y of Statesboro

General Fund

R eports

Frank Parker

to :

Cit y Manager

Mission Statement : “Working with

the development community and Mayor and City Council to establish and retain economic development and land use projects that are beneficial to the developer and the community.”

When you’re the Director of Planning & Development for a city the size of Statesboro - home to a nationally recognized research university, an award winning technical college, hundreds of businesses and thousands of residences you must have a pretty big plan. Mandi Cody shares a vision for the future expansion of Statesboro captured in a 20-year Comprehensive Plan developed by area citizens in accordance with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) rules and guidelines.

Cody works to ensure the city’s health for the long term by balancing all aspects of growth including economic development, housing, environmental protection, historic preservation, property maintenance, transportation and aesthetics.

Cody uses the Comprehensive Plan as an important tool in her role to assess the applications of developers and entrepreneurs who wish to build residential

Director Planning & Development City of Statesboro

“Positive

development and economic success

within the City of Statesboro is

positive for the community at large and all of Bulloch County.” developments or businesses in Statesboro.

Other tools of the trade include an area zoning map and a code of city ordinances.

To make doing business in Statesboro easier for investors, Cody and other departmental leaders within the city formed a Right Start Program for potential developers. The Right Start meetings include representatives from the City Clerk’s office, Engineering, Fire, Licensing, Natural Gas, Planning, Public Works, and Water/Sewer, to get a comprehensive look at what it will take to make a developer’s vision a reality. This “one stop shop” makes it easy for investors to submit plans to all departments at once gathering input needed in developing a concept for business before it is formalized and ready for submission.

The Planning & Development Department also offers those considering

going before city council with zoning or variance changes, a Pre-Consultation Meeting. These meetings allow the investor to work with city staff before the application is submitted to identify any problems that may arise during the application process. In addition, Cody serves as Secretary on the Statesboro Planning Commission; a commission made up of citizens appointed by the city council to review zoning variance applications and make recommendations before applications are presented to council for a vote.

As City Planner, Cody also works with other community organizations in preparing for special projects like working closely with the BCDA to provide utilities to industrial sites and working with Georgia Southern on expanding the E-Zone concept to include a fabrication laboratory and incubation center.

The Culture ‹‹ January/February 2013 • 27

“The Primary benefit of being on this committee is

sharing information regarding projects being worked on throughout the county.”

28 • Statesboro Magazine ›› The Culture

Andy

Welch

Funding : Bulloch County Budget Reports to : County Manager Tom Couch County Motto : “First in safety and

service.”

Andy Welch serves as Bulloch County’s “man with the plan.” His job includes assisting County Manager Tom Crouch with operational planning and a wide variety of administrative duties, including program coordination and organization. He also works on development projects needed in implementing all aspects of the county’s plans of operations and its future. From the Bulloch County Parks & Recreation Department to Keep Bulloch Beautiful; from the 911

“Information

Development Services Director Assistant to the County Manager Bulloch County

Office to the County Jail; from dirt roads to the Airport; Welch’s work is large in scope and in geographical area.

Welch assists in developing short and long range plans for many of the county’s departments including recreation, transportation, and public safety.

He gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports, and recommendations made by the County Manager to the County Commission. Welch also researches governmental issues and laws affecting planning standards, plus policies and procedures within county government and provides information or recommendations for development and

sharing regarding

current projects helps us know what type of projects other stakeholders in the community are working on and helps us to coordinate and not duplicate efforts.”

implementation of these.

As part of his job, Andy also develops federal and state grants and acts as the administrator of any grants obtained by the county as needed.

In addition, he oversees the Developmental Services Division of Bulloch County acting as supervisor to the building inspector and all of the support staff. Welch provides technical and computer support to this office when necessary. He makes sure the staff is trained and certified, and prepares annual performance reviews for the inspector and staff as well.

Welch feels Bulloch County is progressive in promoting economic development by funding and coordinating with the Development Authority of Bulloch County, the agency that attracts industrial development. Welch works within the economic development committee to provide updates on what the county is doing and what the county is planning for the future.

Collaboration within the committee has helped him most recently with development of a mobile application for Bulloch County.

The Culture ‹‹ January/February 2013 • 29

“By discussing and fleshing out projects

which have the potential to have a sizeable

impact on our region, each entity is able to foster a sense of ‘buy-in.’”

30 • Statesboro Magazine ›› The Culture

Dr. Dominique

Director

Halaby

Funding : Georgia Southern University,

grants and contracts R eports to : Dr. Bill Wells, Interim Dean of the College of Business Administration (COBA) M ission S tatement : “To aid communities and businesses in Southeast Georgia in understanding the economy and in developing strategies for capitalizing on economic opportunities and/or for mitigating risks.”

Bureau of Business Research & Economic Development (BBRED) Georgia Southern University

nize opportunities and develop strategic plans that help them discover the trends, statistics and facts that matter to their community and businesses. In addition to designing and conducting research projects, BBRED excels in writing research reports and delivering results that are accessible to a wide audience.”

BBRED offers clients choices of various types of research including reports on economic impact, demo-

“There is no doubt that we

are

stronger together. Being

able to share ideas and concepts in this manner enables us to capitalize on that strength.”

Dr. Dominique Halaby is the director of an economic development engine at Georgia Southern known as BBRED. His bureau “conducts applied research on community and business development in Statesboro and a 58-county region of Southeast Georgia to help communities and business leaders mitigate risks, recog-

graphics, business trends, workforce development, feasibility studies, surveys, and data analysis.

With offices housed in the City Campus of Georgia Southern on East Main, Halaby shares space with the University’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Learning’s E-Zone. The

E-Zone consists of classrooms, meeting space, and small office “pods” that can be utilized by businesses during the initial start-up phase. Entrepreneur members can use office space, office equipment, and a physical address for contact with clients. Halaby’s downtown location means he is easily accessible to those new in business seeking research support.

Halaby’s mission fits in with other committee members because “each entity is focused on the growth and vitality of our community. By discussing and understanding each other’s needs and priorities we are able to align our efforts to yield the maximum benefit for our region.”

Halaby has realized a benefit from working with the others. “Some of the members were instrumental in helping host a visit from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration’s State Director. This visit helped foster a strong sense of unity and has positioned us well for a future funding request.”

BBRED also worked with the SCVB to convert visitor numbers that had been collected into data to demonstrate the economic impact visitors to Georgia Southern are having on Bulloch County.

The Culture ‹‹ January/February 2013 • 31

“The old proverb that the strength of the warrior is in the tribe is so very true. Having everyone on board certainly helps each of us do our jobs more effectively.”

32 • Statesboro Magazine ›› The Culture

Russell

Keen

Funded by: Georgia Southern University Reports to : the University President Dr. Brooks Keel

Purpose : “To develop and strengthen

relationships between Georgia Southern University and government officials; ensure the University’s strategic goals receive state support and recognition; interface with the President and Vice President for Research to ensure federal support for the University’s goals; serve as the official point of contact for state and local government constituencies.”

A familiar face around the capitol in Atlanta, Russell Keen is the man responsible for creating higher visibility and recognition for Georgia Southern University by showcasing the university as a center for excellence in higher education worthy of investment. He works with the university president, Dr. Brooks Keel, and other members of Keel’s cabinet in the management and strategy of the University’s governmental relations. Keen is responsible for assisting the president in building relationships with key external constituencies, both elected and appointed, as state and local governments, the Board of Regents, and the federal government.

Keen also serves as a principal advisor to Dr. Keel and other key administra-

Vice President Governmental Relations & Community Engagement Georgia Southern University

tors at GSU on issues relating to state political/governmental developments and decisions affecting the university.

He is the university’s registered lobbyist with the State Ethics Commission and primarily functions as the university’s advocate in the State Capitol.

Keen credits Keel with being a president who understands the importance of economic development for the university, for the region, and for the state.

“Dr. Keel has placed an emphasis on the university’s role in economic development since becoming president of Georgia

“I think the formation of this group and the communication that is taking place is a big piece of the puzzle when it comes to moving

Statesboro and Bulloch County forward and planning for the future.”

He evaluates proposed legislation and develops new legislative initiatives concerning higher education. Keen works with the Chancellor’s Office, the Board of Regents, and other system institutions to foster and maintain relationships and communication with the legislative and executive branches of Georgia state government.

Southern. One way is by creating the position of Vice President for Research & Economic Development to enhance the role Georgia Southern and the Bureau of Business Research & Economic Development can play in influencing economic development throughout Georgia,” Keen stated.

The Culture ‹‹ January/February 2013 • 33

“Committee members support each other. We

encourage new downtown businesses

to join the Chamber of Commerce, and we

partner with the Convention & Visitors

Bureau on special events and other projects.”

34 • Statesboro Magazine ›› The Culture

Allen

Executive Director

Muldrew

Funding : Hotel-motel tax dollars and city allocations.

Reports

to : A board of directors made up of downtown business owners/ managers.

Mission Statement : “DSDA/Main Street Statesboro are committed to the economic development, historic preservation, and beautification of Statesboro’s downtown area. Our purpose is to revitalize downtown economically and socially within the context of historic preservation by increasing financial viability.”

Downtown Statesboro Development Authority (DSDA) Main Street Statesboro

If you see a man with a big smile walking with a small group around Statesboro’s downtown pointing at rooftops and storefronts, you’re probably observing DSDA Executive Director Allen Muldrew hard at work with a new business prospect searching for a great downtown location. Since accepting the position of DSDA and Main Street director four years ago, Muldrew has been hard at work renovating, restoring, and revitalizing the buildings of the downtown district, a large commercial and residential area bordered by Zetterower Avenue on the east and College Street on the west; Northside Drive on the north and Tillman Road on the south.

In partnership with Georgia Southern University and the city, Muldrew was instrumental in opening GSU’s city campus – home to the Center for Ent repreneu ria l Learning & Lead-

“All of the organizations within the group desire an attractive and prosperous

downtown. It is a

reflection of who we are, where we have been, and where we are going.”

ership, an incubator for small businesses and start-up companies located on East Main. In conjunction with the Averitt Center for the Arts, Muldrew filled another vacant building behind city hall with the Averitt’s new dance center and ballet studio.

Developing new residential space downtown is also one of Muldrew’s priorities. In this regard, he is a proponent of developing more loft apartment space, a living arrangement which is attractive to young professionals, couples, and retirees, who research has shown, like to live within walking distance of great food, a variety of entertainment opportunities, and green spaces or parks.

Muldrew also promotes the downtown area to visitors and residents through the planning and implementation of special events like the F1rst Friday celebrations each month, the annual Wedding Walk in February, Scare on the Square in October, and the community Christmas Celebration each December.

These planned special events provide measurable quality of life benefits for area citizens, prospective residents, and small businesses with benefits like increased foot traffic for local merchants and inclusive, often free, first-rate entertainment for the whole family.

The Culture ‹‹ January/February 2013 • 35

A Certain Synergy There is a vision for Statesboro, Bulloch County. It is a vision shared by those whose job it is to ensure the economic development of our area.

There are working master plans at the county and the city levels. Plans that account for expansion of neighborhoods and new retail areas with trees and more green space; there are plans that include a downtown multi-use park; plans for a permanent location for the Farmers Market. There are plans to build a public golf course and an Olympic-class archery range; plans to four-lane some existing roads and to create more bike paths; plans to finish the Ag Arena on Langston Chapel Road and to expand the county offices on North Main Street. Those things will all become reality within the next five years. By then enrollment at GSU should be 25,000 and the Eagles should be playing football in the FBS. The ten planners and the economic

“Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new untapped

alternatives; it values and exploits the mental, emotional, and psychological differences between people.”

– Stephen Covey Motivational Speaker (1932 – 2012) developers who meet together each month with progress reports and problem solving on the agenda are working hard every day to ensure a bright future and an excellent quality of life for residents and students in our community. The committee understands what it takes to

“The best teamwork comes from men who are working independently toward one goal in unison.”

– James Cash “J.C.” Penney American Businessman (1875 – 1971)

36 • Statesboro Magazine ›› The Culture

get the job done – working together.

Thompson summed it up best, “I would like to see our community become the Standard for economic development collaboration for the state. StatesboroBulloch County has benefitted greatly from the work that has been done over the years to the point where we’ve experienced significant population growth, success of Georgia Southern, Ogeechee Tech and East Georgia State, expansion of industrial and retail activity, and much more. However, for us to become the best community that we can be, we have to recognize and understand that the only way we can reach our goals is to work together, leveraging each other’s strengths, and not caring who gets credit.” n

Georgia Southern University Biological Sciences Building

JPB School Garden

Georgia Southern University Library Park

38 • Statesboro Magazine ›› The Culture

Earth Day Solar Panel demonstration

Being

by Jenny Starling Foss photos provided by GSU Center for Sustainability

Y

ou he ar the wor ds “gr een” at Georgia Southern, a part of the Allen and “sustainable” often in the E. Paulson College of Science and Techmedia, the marketplace, and in govern- nology. Biology professor Dr. Lissa Leege ment. The movement to becoming was appointed founding director, and more environmentally responsible has together with Environmental Sustainbeen gaining momentum for some ability Coordinator Moneka Jones, has time in our culture and is now consid- broadened the scope of sustainability and ered mainstream. Identified by several increased the visibility of environmennames: Green, Sustainable, Eco-friendly, tally friendly efforts campus-wide with it has prompted the often-heard usage of impressive results.

Like reducing the amount of waste related terms like carbon footprint, recygenerated at football games during tailcling, and renewable energy.

For several decades scientists, econo- gating in the parking lot and inside mists, and ecologists have been contem- the stadium. By teaming up with Keep plating the future of our planet and the Bulloch Beautiful, the Center is able to limit of natural resources available for place special event recycling containers in future generations, now businesses are “pods” next to dumpsters in the parking planning further into the future with area for collection of aluminum cans and consideration for the amount of resources plastic bottles. Last football season, the that are being consumed by product tailgating recycling program diverted production and by employees and finding from the landfill an average of 1,500 pounds of recyclables at each game. a different kind of green ($) as a result.

Another project involves student At Georgia Southern University, the movement has been evolving for participation with the redesigning of the several years and is now in full swing. Lakeside Café. Students from construcFive years ago, the university made a tion management, interior design, graphic commitment to becoming sustainable design, and hotel & restaurant manageby creating the Center for Sustainability ment programs were encouraged to meet

with Auxiliary Services and make presentations with renderings of a new more sustainable and viable Lakeside Café.

The project provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the individual programs and the students’ commitment to sustainability.

The Georgia Southern relamping project was developed in partnership with Georgia Power to replace incandescent bulbs throughout the campus with compact fluorescent lamps. Student volunteers relamped campus offices, conference rooms, and some residence halls. All replaced light bulbs were recycled. This initiative is the first of its kind within the University System of Georgia and serves as a model for other institutions.

Dr. Leege believes that with programs like these, Georgia Southern can become a model of sustainability for communities as well as other colleges and universities, “GSU is like a miniature city with the same issues for the population: food, waste, and public safety. If we can model sustainability on the university level, then cities can see how to accomplish the same in a community model.”

The Culture ‹‹ January/February 2013 • 39

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40 • Statesboro Magazine ›› The Culture

The Center has the added value of being able to educate students and the public on sustainability, a subject which impacts every discipline. In fact, if a program addresses the three P’s: People, Planet, and Profit, then a course can be developed and considered for the sustainability cirriculum.

In 2011, the university launched a minor in Environmental Sustainability which is open to students of all majors and requires successful completion of an 18-hour concentration. Statesboro and the surrounding area will benefit greatly as students will be asked to perform some type of community/internship project involving sustainability as a requirement for graduation. In addition, all university students are now required to complete one four-hour course in Environmental Sustainability as a part of the core cirriculum.

Georgia Southern’s Continuing Education Department is offering to the public a Sustainable Advisor Certification Program, taught by Dr. Leege, for teachers and others interested in becoming certified to address sustainability issues. This 20-hour course is becoming increasingly popular as businesses are learning the cost savings in addressing environmental impact concerns.

National recognition highlighting Georgia Southern’s continued commitment to an environmentally friendly campus is another benefit of focusing on sustainability for the university. In 2012, for the second year in a row, GSU was named to Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges. The guide is produced in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council and includes colleges and universities with a proven record of addressing environmental issues.

Georgia Southern’s sustainability efforts include other aspects of campus operations as well. For example, all new construction of campus buildings must comply and be certified with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ratings system of recom-

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mendations for high performance green buildings. The new biology building currently under construction is being built to these specifications. To date 30 percent of campus buildings have been retrofitted to make them more energy efficient.

Campus water usage is another area where change has saved money and resources. Drinking quality water is no longer used for watering campus flower beds and playing fields. Over half are now irrigated with treated wastewater recycled for this purpose.

Composting issues are being addressed as well. An “In-vessel” composting system will arrive this spring with the goal of saving and composting waste from food services to use as fertilizer on the same flower beds and playing fields.

In addition to all these campus initiatives, partnerships with many community organizations have been formed with the Center for Sustainability to expand the positive environmental impact in our area. The Main Street Farmers Market is one example. The Farmers Market visits Georgia Southern’s campus twice a month during the growing season to make locally grown products assessable to students and faculty. Buying locally produced food products cuts down on the carbon footprint by eliminating the fuel used for trucking produce and other food products into our area.

Several of the elementary schools, in conjunction with the Statesboro Bulloch Parks & Recreation Department and Keep Bulloch Beautiful, are participating in gardening projects with the Center.

University students interact with school children in planting, growing, and caring for crops, demonstrating the cycle of sustainability in an outdoor handson classroom. The Georgia Southern Museum has a traveling sustainability exhibit geared for middle school and elementary schools which will be ready in April 2013 to go out with teachers to present in classrooms and at special events.

The Center also hosts fairs, special events, and a “No Impact Week” each spring. For one week students, staff,

and faculty are encouraged to reduce their environmental impact by walking, washing clothes by hand, taking the stairs, riding a bike, eating locally produced food, and using non-disposable items.

Dr. Leege has worked hard to focus on sustainability in a positive way. As a result, students have embraced the movement in large numbers. In September 2012, 75% of the voting student body approved being assessed a $10 sustainability fee each semester. Their commitment to leaving our planet in better shape environmentally is impressive. The money collected from the student fee will go toward purchasing the “In-vessel” compactors for food waste recycling.

In December 2012, Georgia Southern entered into a cooperative partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promote research, teaching, outreach, career development and stewardship in environmental sciences, sustainability, and engineering.

The Memo of Understanding expresses the University’s and EPA’s intentions to establish a cooperative working relationship during the next three years. The new partnership is designed to provide additional opportunities for student training and internships, faculty research support, and environmental and public health initiatives.

In signing the agreement, Dr. Brooks Keel, University President stated, “Our goal is to work together with the EPA to develop educated, and highly qualified graduates that are capable of addressing the environmental challenges of the future.”

Dr. Leege believes those students will make a difference as they enter the workforce. “Businesses are understanding that sustainability is critical because it saves them money, the economy benefits from sustainability, and it saves resources for the future,” she said. “We no longer have business as usual. It is the way of the future. Being green saves green.” n Editor’s Note: To learn more about the Center for Sustainability at Georgia Southern and what you can do to make a positive impact visit cosm.georgiasouthern.edu/sustainability.

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46 • Statesboro Magazine

ART IS SMART.

Why is it important to include K-12 artists in Eagle Nation on Parade? Learning to paint, design a website or plan energy-efficient architecture requires mastering skills that are developed through a strong visual arts education. (National Art Education Association)

January/February 2013 • 47

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Bubba Hunt Entrepreneur of the Year

by Jenny Starling Foss

photos by Frank Fortune

photos on right side of the page provided by Bubba Hunt

50 • Statesboro Magazine ›› Southern Hospitality

H

e h as a n outgoing a nd friendly nature that makes everyone immediately feel at ease. He is a good story teller, as his name would imply. He is a self-described optimist.

He has a little bit of P.T. Barnum in his blood; a natural born promoter. He’s a visionary; a dreamer; a man of ideas. He has owned over ten start-up businesses in Statesboro, not counting those he owns in other towns nearby. He is Timothy “Bubba” Hunt, the Statesboro Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce’s 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year.

Bubba was a natural choice. In addition to his talent for starting up businesses, he is a skilled marketeer. He knows how to draw attention and customers by coming up with the attention grabbing advertising campaigns for his businesses. He is well known for the cult following his local cable TV ads have produced in town and on Georgia Southern’s campus for his used car business, Car City and his pawn shop, Pawn City.

Past ads based on characters from the popular movie of the 1980s, The Karate Kid, were outlandish but effective. Just mention “Bubba-san” or “Mr. Me-Ugly” to a local cable subscriber, and you will see instant recognition.

A native of Hinesville, GA, Bubba started out working at pawn shops when he was 16 or 17 years old while still a high school student at Bradwell Institute.

“Hinesville is the pawn shop capital of the world,” he said. “My dad loved pawn shops. Christmas came from pawn shops for us kids. Things like motorcycles, and sound systems.” Bubba learned the pawn shop trade from inside out and the knowledge came in handy when he graduated in 1989 and moved to Statesboro to attend Georgia Southern.

Bubba was an athlete on the Georgia Southern tennis team until he was permanently sidelined by a knee injury after his second quarter at school. He recalls living in Southern Villas at the time and working at a pawn shop – Gallops – his first job in Statesboro. Bubba left Gallops after his knee surgery and went to work at Little John’s Pawn Shop.

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52 • Statesboro Magazine ›› Southern Hospitality

By 1991, Bubba’s high school sweetheart, Kim, had arrived at Southern. They eventually married and established a family with the births of Madelyn, now 12, and Matthew, nine.

Soon after Kim’s arrival at Southern in 1991, Bubba was in business with partner Mark Anderson at Statesboro Gun & Pawn. With an inventory based on mostly guns and jewelry, Bubba felt the store could benefit from expanding to accept larger items from customers, a progressive move he had first observed in Hinesville.

In 1992, Bubba opened his first store in a larger building on Vine Street with an unusual business concept: Security Pawn & Tropical Fish. The store not only offered full service pawn store services, it also offered tropical fish for sale. Starting with 20 aquariums placed strategically within the store to increase customer traffic, the collection grew to 100 tanks over time. Bubba used t-shirts to promote this new venture imprinted with “a guy with money in one hand, standing in water, with fish jumping out.”

Business expansion happened quickly for the young entrepreneur. In 1993, he opened Pawn City at Zetterower Avenue and Highway 80 East. By 1994, he ventured into lending when he opened Campus Cash in University Plaza. In 1995, he branched out to his hometown of Hinesville and opened a Pawn City location there. In 1996, he opened Bubba Golf, first as a department in back of Pawn City, before moving to its own location nearby. As the name implies, Bubba Golf handled wholesale and retail golf equipment.

In 1996, Bubba opened Atlas Paging, a communications company dealing in paging equipment. In 1997, he ventured into custom car audio components when he opened The Sound Shop.

The rapid succession of new store ventures can be attributed in part to Bubba’s recognition of growing trends within his Pawn City store. When items became popular or were frequently requested, he started researching to learn about the trends and to find good store locations.

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Putting Power in Ever y Home 54 • Statesboro Magazine ›› Southern Hospitality

As with most entrepreneurs, Bubba admits to having a few set-backs and to having some harsh on the job training, “From ages 24-25-26, I had no guidance.

I had no financial education. But, I had two caring business men who were my landlords, and who became my mentors: Mr. Charlie Olliff and Mr. Bobby Smith.

Mr. Olliff taught me not to grow too fast; to slow down in expanding. He taught me, ‘Take care of customers and good things will happen.’” Mr. Bobby Smith was a great encourager. He often sent me newspaper articles filled with great advice.

In 1998, Bubba hired his television commercial side-kick Bobby “Bad Credit” Coble away from a managerial position at Food Lion to help him manage his business empire. Bobby brought with him Eric Hood as assistant general manager and director of operations. The partnership has proven to be productive and Bubba credits his team with most of his success. Bobby is now part owner of Pawn City and works with Eric in overseeing all of Bubba’s enterprises. Both have been working with Bubba for 14 years.

One of Bubba’s ventures proved not to be very successful – an ill-fated attempt at selling furniture, a business for which he had only three words to say, “No more furniture.”

The pawn and used car businesses have proven to be very successful for him, however. During the economic downturn of the later part of the last decade, Bubba found himself in a business that was booming. People were cashing in their old gold and jewelry. According to Bubba, in 1998, gold sold for around $ 330 an ounce. In 2013, it is expected to reach $1,600.

The pawn business has also been helped by the popularity of several reality shows currently airing on cable television channels featuring customers who hope to turn their trash into cash: Pawn Stars, Cajun Pawn Stars, Hardcore Pawn, and even an NBC game show in a pawn shop setting – It’s Worth What?

Bubba’s years of entrepreneurial adventure have taught him a few things

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that he now offers as advice to enterprising young people: “You need four things: great people working for you, a good business plan, a good accountant, and a good attorney. Use your circle to help you do the right thing.” He also believes, “that no matter now big or small your company is, it all starts with how you treat your customers.”

Bubba shares his message with Georgia Southern students at the Center for Entrepreneurial Learning & Leadership – the E-Zone – in downtown Statesboro where he lectures and serves as a judge for student business start-up competitions.

There is fearlessness in Bubba shared by most venture capitalists. He’s not afraid to fail. “Failure never scared me.

If I closed, I would come up with something else and open it. Other people give up, but it is in my blood to keep trying.”

Always the idea man, it is also in his blood to keep creating memorable promotional concepts to grab the attention of potential customers and fans everywhere. Like his latest marketing scheme, debuting on the cover of this issue of Statesboro Magazine. It’s based on an iconic 1966 spaghetti western starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach. Bubba’s calling this one - the Good (Bubba), the Bad (Bobby – Bad Credit), and Me-Ugly (Al Deal). And, just like Clint’s character in the movie, Bubba will probably be riding off into the sunset with his share of the gold. n

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Coverage not available everywhere. Service may be limited or terminated without notice for excessive use of a partner network. Terms, conditions and other restrictions apply. Sales tax not included. Muve Music is a trademark of Cricket Communications, Inc. Patents pending. The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

Android is a trademark of Google, Inc. © 2012 HTC Corporation. All rights reserved. The HTC and HTC One logo are trademarks of HTC Corporation. Other third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2012 Cricket Communications, Inc. 10433-8/12

Southern Hospitality ‹‹ January/February 2013 • 55

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56 • Statesboro Magazine

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THE Garden Gate

“A rare old plant is the Ivy green.”

– Charles Dickens

I

t seemed like a good idea at the time. I wanted something to remember my father by, a living connection to someone gone but in another way always present.

And so I tucked a sprig of ivy in my pocket from one of the beautiful flower arrangements sent at his death and brought it home to Georgia where I placed it in a glass of water and set it on the window sill.

Soon, a tiny white root floated like a ghost from where I had pinched the stem from its vine. It wasn’t long before it branched and a tangle of white roots, nearly incandescent, appeared and began pushing toward the confines of its glass home.

That should have been a warning. Ivy is a fast grower. And it refuses to be restrained. But I didn’t know it at the time. I carefully placed the rooted plant in a pot, nurtured it until it was strong enough to go into the ground and then placed it, with the best intentions and a heart full of love, in my backyard.

English ivy (Hedera helix L) has been called the English version of kudzu, and we all know how kudzu chokes every living thing in its path. English ivy not only creates “ivy islands” – vast areas where it alone survives, an apex predatory species – it also becomes so dense and heavy in trees that it fells limbs.

Native to most of Europe and western Asia, early colonists carried it with them to North America bringing a bit of home

Stephanie Tames is a writer and yoga instructor.

Her publications include The Washington Post Magazine, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, The Nature Conservancy Magazine, Self, and Parenting. Her online publications include Salon. She has been a commentator for Georgia Public Broadcasting, and is a regular contributor to Statesboro Magazine.

©iStockphoto.com/Jelena Popic

and what they knew as an active landscape plant favored by wildlife. Here, however, ivy has become so invasive that at least one state has banned its sale.

I don’t think my singular planting can be blamed for the spread of this invasive species in Georgia. It was here long before me. But I admit to the scourge that spreads from my backyard.

Before I realized my mistake one wave of green had grown up, over, and through the back wall while another began marching down the fence line intent on breaching the front yard. It wasn’t long before I saw first-hand ivy’s destructive power. But I couldn’t bring myself to yank it up. I couldn’t poison it. I couldn’t take the shears to what had become thick, steal-like vines.

In time I also realized what had been obvious to others in my family: the seemingly innocuous vine that I had innocently set out to grow as a living symbol of my father had turned out to be more of a symbol than I bargained for. Like my father, ivy is strong-willed and overbearing. And like our real-life fatherdaughter relationship, my relationship with this seemingly innocuous species was fraught with tension above and below the surface.

One of my mother’s favorite sayings was “be careful what you wish for.” For a long time I didn’t really understand what it meant. But it’s pretty clear to me now that my desire to have something living that represented my father was one of those situations.

Maxims or adages like this endure because they alert us to where we might otherwise overlook something. They teach us valuable lessons.

The lesson here is pretty simple: I had to create a different relationship with my ivy, one in which both plant and planter know they must live in harmony. To do so means appreciating the plant but not allowing it to overwhelm. Containment, in this case, means love, as does a healthy give and take.

Another lesson hard learned lesson: Never plant ivy. Oh, and be careful what you wish for. n January/February 2013 • 57

Redefining What’s Possible

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58 • Statesboro Magazine

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Joy

Find

in all Circumstances W

hile in college I was introduced to the writings of Karl Barth, the Swiss churchman who has often been called the most influential biblical theologian of the last few centuries. Later in seminary, as I was preparing to become a pastor, I was required to study some of his books. His 12 volume set of church dogmatics contains more than 7,000 pages, and he wrote another 30 or 40 books as well. It was hard reading, but one thing that came through loud and clear was his joyful response to God’s love and grace. It’s almost like there is a chuckle rumbling underneath his serious words.

Those who knew Dr. Barth verify that he was a cheerful, exuberant man. Once he was on a bus in Basel, the Swiss city in which he lived, when a man entered the bus and sat in the seat beside him.

Barth struck up a conversation. “You are a visitor, yes? And what do you want to see in our city?”

The man replied, “I would like to see the great theologian Karl Barth. Do you know him?”

“Oh, yes,” said Barth. “I shave him every morning.”

The man went away satisfied, telling his friends that he had met Barth’s barber.

Some years ago I read about a question-and-answer session after one of Dr. Barth’s lectures. A man rose and asked Barth what was the most important truth he had learned over the years. Barth, the deep-thinking, brilliant theologian replied: “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.” I love that.

One thing that should characterize all of us is joy. Unlike happiness, which depends so much on

SPIRITUAL PATHWAYS Bill Perry grew up in Live Oak, Florida, a small town just south of Valdosta, GA. After graduating from Stetson University, he earned three degrees from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 2004, he retired as pastor of First Baptist Church of Statesboro after serving that congregation for 22 years. He and his wife, Margaret, registrar of Statesboro High School before her retirement in 2005, have two daughters, five grandsons, and one granddaughter. Bill has been very much involved in community life in Statesboro. He is an avid reader and has been a runner since 1973.

circumstances, joy is a condition of the heart. When a person’s life is lined up correctly with God, joy is the result. I wonder how many times in the Bible we are told to rejoice, to delight in God, to have joy in His presence. We are promised that when Jesus is the Lord of our lives we can rejoice in all circumstances, even the bad ones.

I love the little statement I first heard decades ago: “No God, No Joy. Know God, Know Joy.” A more recent truth I discovered a few months ago in one of Anne Lamott’s books: “Peace is joy at rest; joy is peace on its feet.”

Maybe this will pull these thoughts together. Pastor Matthew Henry, author of the well-known Bible commentary, was approached and robbed one day. When he wrote about the experience he had some interesting things to say: “I’m thankful,” he said, “first, because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse they didn’t take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.” Yep, that’s it. Be thankful and rejoice in all circumstances. n

One thing that should characterize

all of us is joy. Unlike happiness, which depends so much on circumstances,

joy is a condition of the heart. When a person’s life is lined up correctly with God, joy is the result.

January/February 2013 • 59

Tom RiTchie Metter

Heart disease and Mr. You-Can’tFight-The-Gene-Pool.

When his brothers began having medical difficulties, Norman, who has a history of high blood pressure, decided to get checked out. Sure enough, he was diagnosed with coronary artery disease. The team at East Georgia Regional, found several blockages and inserted four stents. A week later, Norman was back on the golf course. And, although his golf game hasn’t really improved, he’s feeling fit enough to walk the course. “Now, instead of 69, I feel like I’m 49, or 39,” he said. Having these life-saving services available locally can make all the difference in a cardiac emergency.

To learn more about Norman’s story or to submit your own, visit EastGeorgiaRegional.com.

1499 Fair Road, Statesboro, GA 30458 EastGeorgiaRegional.com 912-486-1000 This hospital is partially owned by physicians.

Congrat ulat ions to Ogeechee Technical College’s own Lori Durden on her appointment to the Georgia Board of Regents.

Lori Durden Vice President for Economic Development

One Joseph E. Kennedy Blvd. | Statesboro, GA | 912.681.5500 | www.ogeecheetech.edu Equal Opportunity Institution | A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia

60 • Statesboro Magazine

THE WRITE PLACE

Creative Non-Fiction Writers’ Workshop Creative nonfiction is the exploration of fact using the craft of literature. The creative nonfiction genre examines real people, places, and events through evocative, surprising language and unique voice. The various forms of creative nonfiction include personal essay, memoir, and literary journalism.

Betty Smith Franklin will lead a workshop using methods and processes that come from the Quaker tradition and research on writing as a way of knowing. Her essays, poems, and memoir pieces have appeared in various forms and contexts including staged performance.

Sessions will include weekly class discussions and take home writing assignments.

Come to enjoy and extend your writing experiences in a community of writers.

The workshop is designed for beginning, emerging, and established writers.

8-Week Session: THURSDAYS (Jan 17; Jan 31; Feb 14 - Feb 28; Mar 7 - Mar 14, 2013) 3:00 - 5:00PM Registration is required. To register, please call 912.764.1337.

The workshop is free and open to the public.

World Book Night – April 23, 2013 World Book Night is an annual celebration dedicated to spreading the love of reading, person to person. Each year on April 23, tens of thousands of people in the U.S. go out into their communities and give a total of half a million free World Book Night paperbacks to light and non-readers.

For more information and to register to be a giver, access the World Book Night’s website: http://www.us.worldbooknight.org/ Apply by January 23, 2013.

The Statesboro Regional Library and the Zach S. Henderson Library of Georgia Southern University have partnered to serve as distribution centers for givers to pick up their books.

Volunteer book givers are central to World Book Night, putting wonderful books into the hands of light or non-readers in their communities.

Book givers receive 20 free paperback copies of one World Book Night title, chosen from a list of 30 titles selected by a panel of librarians and booksellers. The volunteer book givers personally hand out their copies to complete strangers, people who may never have owned a book of their own.

Lois P. Griffin is Headquarters Librarian at the Statesboro Regional Library. She has experience in both corporate and public library systems. She received her MLS in Library Science from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, and a BA in Political Science from Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia.

Her interests include reading, cooking, playing bridge, and collecting first edition books.

The Burning Swamp Reading Series “It was written that in 2012 A.D. a tribute to the swamp fires and swamp primates of Statesboro, Georgia would be created. So it is written, so it shall be done – every month or so the faculty and students of Georgia Southern will come together with members of the community to share their writing and pay their respects to the ignitable swamplands and their magical inhabitants.”

The readings are hosted by the College of Writing & Linguistics at GSU and are held at Sugar Magnolia Bakery once a month on Thursdays. Visit The Burning Swamp Reading Series on Facebook for updates. Check-out burningswamp.wordpress.com for photos and highlights from past reading events.

©iStockphoto.com/Michael Fernahl

World Book Night special events featuring a community reception, readings by local authors and book discussions are being planned for April, 2013.

Statesboro Regional Library 124 South Main Street | Statesboro, GA 30458 Children & Teens: 764.1344 | Adults: 764.1337

January/February 2013 • 61

LOOK AROUND Se

a

Is

la n d

Ba

Business After Hours Thursday, November 15th

62 • Statesboro Magazine

n k

Statesboro – T h e W r i t e P la c

e

Writers Festival Thursday – Saturday November 1st – 3rd

January/February 2013 • 63

THE VIEW FROM HERE Ric Mandes, a popular essayist, retired after 27 years as Director of Public Relations and Development for Georgia Southern. His memories about growing up and living in South Georgia inspire his writings. He’s a published author and former newspaper columnist for the AJC.

Destiny’s

Man

I

f H. Perk Robins had been the aide to Napoleon he would have told the commander to remove his hand from inside his vest. “You look silly!” If H. Perk Robins had been Van Gogh’s closest buddy, he would have talked him out of cutting off his ear. “Look, you’ve given the best there is in Sunflowers, why the ear?” If H. Perk Robins had been the soldier General Patton had slapped, “Georgie” boy would have awakened the next day with two black eyes.

All this leads to my telling you straight up, he is a guy who senses destiny, who is not afraid to embrace the challenge for the good of the cause. That is why ‘midst his career he was named one of the top ten fundraisers in the USA. Well earned.

All based on taking the step so many feared…the leap of faith.

Higher education in Georgia is better off because of the service, sensibility, and daring of this man as he served Dr. Fred Davison, UGA’s president and later Nick Henry, head dude of Georgia Southern University.

photo by Frank Fortune

64 • Statesboro Magazine

I speak the truth. I punctuate the above with being in this man’s presence back in the l970’s when he offered me guidance and wisdom in putting the finishing touches on the budding GSC Foundation under the insightful leadership of President Pope Duncan.

Perk invited me to Athens to spend two days with him. “Just an afternoon cup of coffee won’t do it, Ric. You gotta bring a change of clothes and your tooth brush and walk with me and get the sense of what a foundation is all about.” What a refreshing experience. What an eye opener, all given to me by this seer, this visionary, this guy who lived in a polished parade of daring.

I remember well one of the first items of business he shared with me in his posh office. “Ric, when you ask folks for money, don’t call it a gift, a donation. Entitle it an investment. And base your calling on these candidates with a plan of action. Set them up for solidarity. Leave them knowing your plan is to find dollars that will enhance the lives of those students who have chosen to come to Statesboro to live and learn. And be patient.

Remember just because that person sitting across from you has the cash, that doesn’t mean he’s supposed to “divvy up.”

Now, join me two decades later. It is fall l988.

I am sitting across the table from recently elected GSC President Nick Henry. I have shared with him how the years at Southern have been a combination of struggle, achievement, as each day with hard-butt commitment, I did all I could to put GSC on the map as the place to be. But now after over thirty years of being a part of her, it was time for me to retire.

Nick, in his gracious manner, explained to me why that would be a foolish move in that he was going to depend on my tenure to offer him guidance. What touched me is Nick meant it. But I had the packet that brought him to the front when I said, “Nick, I hear the thundering herd of technology coming across them mountains. And that sound does not frighten me, but gives me cause to question: Do I have the passion to ‘bring it on over the next five years?’”

Nick took a sip of coffee and gave me the opening I had hope for. “Then we need to begin looking for someone to fill that role,” he remarked. To which I smiled a crooked grin and said, “Nick, I have just the individual who can come in and

take the work I have offered to another level. This guy is a heavyweight and he is available. I have known him forever.

He has remained my friend, counsel, and colleague.”

Within a week, H. Perk Robins walks in my door and looks around and says, “Mandes, what are you doing? You know Athens is where Mary Lou and I belong.

We have fond memories of my time at UGA. And besides that I want to take it easy. I’m an old man,” he grinned.

Nick and Chancellor Dean Propst did a fine job on convincing Perk otherwise.

And for the next six years (retiring in ’95) Robins took the directorship of Institutional Development to another level, beginning with the well earned title of Vice President for Institutional Advancement. He designed and brought to life a Capital Gift’s Campaign; a well gilded Major Gifts Program. He broadened and deepened that gathering every September, A DAY FOR SOUTHERN. How? ‘Cause of his sense of destiny; his ability to want folks to help. And most important of all his first morning on the job, he joined Erk at the Snooky’s wise men council of coffee drinkers.

His work need not be forgotten in the midst of the dramatic strides which engulfed the university after he left. For indeed this writer knows what Perk did in a quiet but powerful manner. He brought an arcade of dignity and purpose as he met with the presidents and gave counsel to what would be the next step in going from raising thousands to millions. He is one of a kind, Perk Robins is.

He could have sat comfortably at Yalta with Churchill, Stalin, and Roosevelt. Why do I say that? ‘Cause Robins just fits in nicely with leaders who dream big; who fear not the night of the unknown. And whose very souls are born to be givers.

Next time you see him and his life’s partner, Mary Lou, don’t overdo it. Just offer as you would Erk, “Way to go Perk…..” n

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201 South Main Street, Suite B | Statesboro, GA 30458 912.489.5812 | www.daltonconsultingandfinancial.com

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January/February 2013 • 65

TRANSITIONS

“Life is eternal and love is immortal; And death is only a horizon, And a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.”

— Rossiter W. Raymond

Mrs. Martha Jewel Rushton Adams

11.27.12

Mr. Willie Lewis Gay, Sr.

10.27.12

Mr. Jefferson Edward Owens, Jr.

10.31.12

Mrs. Neva Loreé Newton Akins

11.12.12

Mrs. Josie Mae Howell Googe

10.25.12

Mrs. Dorothy Sikes Palmer

11.25.12

Mr. John Allen, Jr.

11.11.12

Mrs. Mary Lee Parsons Green

10.08.12

Mr. James L. Parker, Sr.

11.07.12

Mrs. Linda Beasley Aycock

11.01.12

Mrs. Geneva Ennis Heath

10.29.12

Mr. G. Frank Pike

11.01.12

Mr. Charlie “Mack” Baker

10.08.12

Mrs. Mildred Smith Kicklighter Heath

11.27.12

Mr. Nicholas Wilson “Nick” Quick

10.29.12

Miss Jill Diane Balcomb

11.04.12

Mr. Colby Lloyd Herrington

10.12.12

Mr. Steven Riggs

10.05.12

Rev. James Nelson Barnes

10.13.12

Mr. Roscoe Hill

10.26.12

Mr. Steve Riggs

10.05.12

Mrs. Grace Beasley

10.20.12

Mr. Sammie Lee Hills

10.23.12

Mr. Isiah Rock

10.09.12

Ms. Lou Beniman

10.29.12

Ms. Eula Hodge

11.19.12

Mr. Charles Daniels Rogers

11.11.12

Mr. Thomas Berry

11.23.12

Mr. Kermit Hollingsworth

10.19.12

Mr. Michael Jeremy Rowland

10.26.12

Mrs. Martha Farr Smith Beville

10.27.12

Mr. James D. Hudson

10.12.12

Mrs. Beatrice Westbrooks Samples

11.03.12

Ms. Lois Rebecca Billings

10.24.12

Mrs. Dorothy Mae Huff

11.05.12

Mrs. Charlene Angela Nessmith Scott

10.08.12

Mr. Gerald J. Blakely, Sr.

11.02.12

Mrs. Elise Godbee Jenkins

10.28.12

Ms. Mildred Sego

10.21.12

Mr. Ernest Brown Blitch

10.05.12

Mrs. Elizabeth “Miss Libby” Hartsfield Joiner 11.28.12

Mrs. Carrie Edna Shearouse

11.12.12

Mrs. Barbara Sue “Bobbie” Bragg

11.25.12

Mrs. Bethenia “Lady” Jones

10.30.12

Rev. Essie Cornelia Simmons

10.16.12

Mr. Ralph Douglas Brannen

11.21.12

Mr. James Earl Jones, Sr.

10.11.12

Mrs. Patricia Clifton Brown

10.27.12

Mrs. Jane R. Kearney

11.27.12

Mrs. Debra Sue Brown

11.27.12

Mrs. Doris Parker Kelley

11.11.12

Mr. Donald G. Bullard, Sr.

10.19.12

Mrs. Daily Woods Knott

11.21.12

Mrs. Glenda Reynolds Burke

11.06.12

Mrs. Beatrice Quick Lanier

10.15.12

Mrs. Vicki Henault Burnsed

11.08.12

Mrs. Nell McElveen Lee

11.21.12

Mr. Vernon Collins

10.17.12

Mr. Billy Edgon Lovett

11.01.12

Mrs. Susan Owens Collum

10.04.12

Mr. Roger Lovett

11.16.12

Mrs. Opal Smith Crist

11.27.12

Mrs. Virginia Finch Mallard

10.05.12

Mrs. Inez A. Crosby

11.23.12

Mr. James “Bubba” Martin

10.31.12

Mr. Frank Daughtry

10.07.12

Mrs. Erma Jones McCorkel

11.19.12

Mrs. Dorothy “Dottie” Durrence Simmons 11.08.12 Ms. Rosella Smith

10.02.12

Mrs. Ruby Lindsey Smith

11.09.12

Mrs. Edith Gates Smith

11.19.12

Mr. Hubert Pierce Tankersley, Jr.

10.03.12

Mrs. Ernestine Bazemore Tapley

10.27.12

Mr. Don W. Taylor

10.28.12

Mrs. Bobbie Jean Anderson Thompson

11.23.12

Mrs. Virginia D. Toole

09.30.12

Miss Elizabeth Anne Volker

10.22.12

Mrs. Marilyn E. Walden

11.08.12

Mr. James R. Wasdin, Jr.

10.14.12

Mr. Roy Hubert Daughtry

11.30.12

Mr. Lonnie Gene Mercer

10.09.12

Mr. Hilton “Shot” Dowd

11.28.12

Mr. Clinton Tracy Mock

11.25.12

Mrs. Jessie Ruth Cannon Driggers

11.19.12

Mr. Wade Mims Monroe

10.06.12

Mr. Michael West

10.31.12

Ms. Anna Frances Dupree

11.20.12

Ms. Thelma Lee Moore

10.20.12

Mr. Ray Whitaker

10.03.12 10.05.12

Mr. Eddie Dyches

10.03.12

Mrs. Esther Barnes Mulling

11.16.12

Mr. George Wilson

Mrs. Ruby Nell Edge

11.13.12

Mr. Terry James Murphy

10.09.12

Mr. Walter Henry Wilson

10.04.12

Ms. Angela Jean Smith Elliott

10.09.12

Mrs. Annie Mae Murray

10.28.12

Mr. Clinton Wilson

11.17.12

Ms. Vicki B. Evans

11.14.12

Mrs. Betty J. Glisson Newman

10.23.12

Ms. Betty Upchurch Worthington

10.17.12 10.08.12 11.05.12

Mr. Archie Douglas “Doug” Finch, Sr.

10.22.12

Mr. Paul Keller “P.K.” Newton

11.19.12

Mr. Keith William Wright

Ms. Mary JoAnn Futch

11.04.12

Mrs. Ollie Owens

11.08.12

Mrs. Fran Wilder Young

66 • Statesboro Magazine

Simple Banking, Bulloch County’s Way

It’s really an easy concept. By going local, you can make an empowering Bulloch County investment.

The money deposited into Citizens Bank is reinvested in ways that have developed the Statesboro area since the opening of a loan production office in 2006. Your relationship with us continues to allow our bankers to assist home buyers, small business owners, residents, area students and philanthropies.

So remember, Citizens Bank is here to help you and Bulloch County realize our goals and dreams.

It’s just that simple.

425 Commerce Drive Statesboro, tatesboro, GA 30461

(912) 871-2971

www.cbofbc.com

Like Bruce Yawn, our roots in the community run deep and the ties that bind us are strong. Since 1901, Sea Island Bank has been proud to call Statesboro home. Our company has a rich history in tradition of doing the right things, caring for people, building relationships, and supporting our community. It is a commitment we share with you today, and nothing is more important to us.

Statesboro • Savannah • Metter 489.8661 • www.seaislandbank.com Sea Island Bank is a division of Synovus Bank. Synovus Bank, Member FDIC, is chartered in the state of Georgia and operates under multiple trade names across the southeast. Divisions of Synovus Bank are not separately FDIC-insured banks. The FDIC coverage extended to deposit customers is that of one insured bank.

Bruce Yawn, Sea Island Bank Board Chairman, Development Authority of Bulloch County Board Chairman, and Board Member of East Georgia Regional Medical Center