Statesboro Magazine Jan/Feb 2020

January February 2020

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HE’S ALL IN STEPHEN PENNINGTON

WEST SIDE STORY JOSH WHITFIELD SKIP ALFORD CHAMBER PRESIDENT

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JIANN-PING HSU COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH

R an k e d # 1 Best School for a Master’s in Public Health!

“Beating out Brown University for the #1 spot is Georgia Southern University with a 90.53 score.”

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from the editor

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new year always brings a fresh start. In this our annual Economic Development issue of Statesboro Magazine, we take a look at some of the new faces in town and get an update on some new industry figures that show we have a bright future ahead!

In West Side Story we learn about Chamber of Commerce 2019 Business Leader of the Year Josh Whitfield and his vision for the West District, Statesboro’s newest and most innovative development designed for living, working and playing. Find out how Whitfield grew his sign business from a friend’s garage to an over 50,000 square foot creative marketing center in historic downtown Statesboro.

We also get to meet the new Executive Director and President of the Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce, Skip Alford, who started work on January 6, 2020. Alford’s background of 20 years in the Air Force, hospitality management and Chamber administration gives him a broad set of skills and perspective on how to move Statesboro forward. Read about Alford’s plans to help make Statesboro the number one place to do business in Georgia!

Inside we also meet Stephen Pennington, the new CEO of EGRMC. Pennington sat down with us to talk about the new culture of excellence at the hospital and bringing together the team to make it happen. “I’m excited to be here at this time,” Pennington said. “I feel the hospital, the university and the community are becoming re-energized and I’m excited to be a part of that.”

We’ve just gotten the latest figures on Manufacturing from the Bulloch County Development Authority. In our story “The Sweet Spot for Manufacturing” we share how much Bulloch County produces; plans the BCDA has for showcasing the county to potential industries and making a place for those industries to locate near the interstate and the port of Savannah.

We also have very special sections highlighting our Leading Lawyer, Women in Business and Industry Leaders in Statesboro. Plus a feature on staying active to get you in shape for your own fresh start this New Year.

Enjoy!

Jenny Foss, Editor

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contributors

Doy Cave From Eagle Nation is a column brought to you by Georgia Southern University, where we cherish our place in the larger Statesboro community. In each issue, we hope to bring interesting and informative stories to the readers of Statesboro Magazine.Doy Cave is the Marketing Content Manager in the Office of Marketing and Communications at the University, and resides with his family in Statesboro.

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Frank Fortune Frank is the national award winning freelance photographer who holds the distinction of shooting 20 years’ worth of covers for Statesboro Magazine.

He retired from Georgia Southern 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 teens, Jack and Cate.

Rev. Dr. H. William Perry 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.

Lazar Brown Oglesby Lazar Brown Oglesby is the owner of Honey Catering and Café and Dolan’s BBQ both located in Millen and Honey Too located in Statesboro. Lazar attended Ogeechee Technical College where she earned a Culinary Arts degree. In 2012 Lazar followed a lifelong dream and opened Honey Catering and Café. She enjoys cooking Southern food with an adventurous twist! Lazar is known for her famous cheesecakes of which she has over 100 flavors. Lazar recently started the Honey Blog to share her recipes and stories.

Ric Mandes 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.

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table of contents

THE CULTURE West Side Story Josh Whitfield

16

Skip Alford New Chamber President

22

The Sweet Spot for Manufacturing Bulloch County

32

He’s All In Stephen Pennington

48

BONUS SECTIONS Industry Leaders

26

Women in Business

36 41

Get Active!

IN EVERY ISSUE From the Editor Calendar of Events News & Notes Look Around Transitions

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FEATURED COLUMNISTS Buzz Bites

54

Written by Lazar Brown Oglesby

True Blue GS

58

Written by Doy Cave

The Spiritual Pathway

60

Written by Rev. Dr. H. William Perry

The View from Here

62

Written by Ric Mandes

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ESTABLISHED MARCH 1, 2000

Jenny Starling Foss Editor

Joe McGlamery Publisher

Hunter McCumber Senior Art Director

Erica Sellers Advertising & Marketing Director

Frank Fortune Contributing Photographer Statesboro Magazine is proudly produced by:

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, PLEASE E-MAIL: esellers@StatesboroMagazine.com FOR EDITORIAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE E-MAIL: editor@StatesboroMagazine.com MAILING ADDRESS: PHYSICAL ADDRESS: P. O. BOX 1084 16 Simmons Shopping Statesboro, GA 30459 Center p: 912.489.2181 Statesboro, GA 30458 f: 912.489.8613

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HE’S ALL IN STEPHEN PENNINGTON

WEST SIDE STORY JOSH WHITFIELD SKIP ALFORD CHAMBER PRESIDENT

January/February 2020

ABOUT THE COVER He’s got vision. Josh Whitfield of Whitfield Signs fame has the idea for a unique business, residential, event venue and green space area downtown called The West District. He invites everyone to become a part of Statesboro’s most innovative place to live, work, and play. Captured in front of the iconic water tower by award winning photographer Frank Fortune.

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the calendar

JANUARY 18 INCENSE & PEPPERMINTS 7:30 P.M. $20/PERSON EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Musicians from local bands which were popular in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s will share the stage to play their favorite songs for the second year in a row.

JANUARY 20 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PARADE 4:00 P.M. DOWNTOWN STATESBORO

JANUARY 25 BEHOLD: HERE COMETH THE DREAMER 7:30 P.M. TICKETS $12/PERSON, STUDENTS $8/PERSON WHITAKER BLACK BOX THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., theater director Mical Whitaker has assembled local artists and the area’s most distinctive voices to bring to life the words of poets Langston Hughes, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Maya Angelou, and Jill Scott, among others. An inspirational fusion of music and spoken-word performances, this event was created especially for the Averitt Center’s Whitaker Black Box Theater.

JANUARY 23 BAREFOOT COMEDY: BENGT WASHBURN 8:00 P.M. $15/PERSON, $10/STUDENTS WHITAKER BLACK BOX THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Originally from Utah, Bengt grew up the youngest son in a small Mormon family (7 kids) in a large Utah town (1,200 people). At nineteen, he was given a ten speed bike, two polyester suits and a plane ticket to Seattle, Washington, where he served his twoyear tour of religious duty as a missionary for the LDS (Mormon) church. He returned home two years later with buns of steel and life experiences that would translate into twenty minutes of solid comedy material. He has appeared on Comedy Central‘s Live at Gotham, the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and on Conan on TBS. He has performed in forty states, on four continents, at the 2002 Winter Olympics and in Canada.

JANUARY 23 LEADERSHIP BULLOCH ALUMNI KICK-OFF EVENT 5:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. SOYUMI ASIAN KITCHEN

Make plans to attend our 2020 Kick-off Event on Thursday, January 23rd at Soyumi Asian Kitchen. It’s a great chance to network with other Alumni and pay your 2020 Leadership Bulloch Alumni dues.

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JANUARY 30 THE SECOND CITY: IMPROV ALL-STARS 7:30 P.M. TICKETS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Chicago’s legendary comedy theater presents, “The Second City: Improv All-Stars,” an irresistible hour of improvised comedy performed by the industry’s up-and-coming talent. These masters of the form will astound with their skill and wit – all without the aid of scripts or sets. Fresh, fast, and always spectacularly funny, The Second City has launched the careers of legends like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, and many more.

2019

January & February

FEBRUARY 1 THE MUSIC OF THE EAGLES 7:00 P.M. TICKETS $30/PERSON EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Come and enjoy an evening of the music we all love so much. Russ Lanier presents, “The Music of the Eagles.” Benjy Thompson, Perry Zeigler, Mandy Fowler, Russ Lanier and Brandi Harvey will be accompanied by the musicians of the Dark Desert Highway Band.

The audience can take a trip down memory lane and sing along to favorites such as Best of My Love, Take it Easy, Seven Bridges Road, Witchy Woman, Already Gone and many more. Musicians include Jackie Skinner on lead guitar, Mike Crews on bass guitar, Duane Borba on percussion, Allen Amason on drums, and Rhett Mouchet on keyboard. Proceeds benefit the Georgia Police K-9 Foundation. Tickets are reserved seating only, so get your tickets NOW at www. averittcenterforthearts.org.

FEBRUARY 6 EDUCATING RITA TICKETS $16/PERSON, MEMBERS $14, STUDENTS $10 WHITAKER BLACK BOX THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Educating Rita is a witty yet poignant look at a working class woman’s attempts to change her social circumstances through pursuit of an Open University qualification. Her tutor Frank, a frustrated poet, academic, and alcoholic, is less than enthusiastic about taking on Rita as a student. However, he is fascinated by her take on life and realizes that she has academic potential. Through a series of events, Rita and Frank’s friendship goes to pivotal highs and earth-shattering lows. Educating Rita is one of Willy Russell’s best known plays, drawing on every emotion to produce a profoundly moving, yet also hilarious two-hander. www. averittcenterforthearts.org.

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FEBRUARY 14 FRANK & ELLA 7:30 P.M. TICKETS $20/PERSON EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

This evening celebrates the lives of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, two powerhouses who made major impacts in the shaping of American music. Sinatra thought the world of Ella! He said: “Ella Fitzgerald ... is the greatest popular singer in the world, barring none-male or female.” With a rich friendship that lasted through many decades, it is a pleasure to honor them with two of Savannah’s finest singers. Trae Gurley’s voice embodies the heart and mind of jazz greats. His influences are vast, but his voice specializes in the smooth sounds of Sinatra and the sophisticated styling of The American Songbook legends. Laiken Love has captured the hearts of many, with a voice that can fill a room and sweeten your heart.

FEBRUARY 22 8TH ANNUAL CHOCOLATE RUN: 5K, 10K AND FUN RUN 8:00 A.M. TO BENEFIT OPEN HEARTS COMMUNITY MISSION GEORGIA SOUTHERN RAC PAVILION 3300 OLD REGISTER ROAD

FEBRUARY 7 F1RST FRIDAY: DOWNTOWN DATE NIGHT 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. DOWNTOWN STATESBORO

Date night downtown Statesboro. Walk downtown Statesboro and enjoy an evening of shopping, dining and entertainment.

Enjoy our sweet 5K/10K Run through the beautiful Georgia Southern University Campus in Statesboro, Georgia. As a reward for your participation in the race to raise money and awareness for the Open Hearts Community Mission, we will indulge you with some sweet treats and our race t-shirt. Entry Fees Range from $10 for Fun Run to $40 for 10K. On-line registration at www.thesweetestrace.com through 2/21/20.

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2019

the calendar

January & February

FEBRUARY 22

FEBRUARY 28-29

3RD ANNUAL TSA BENEFIT CONCERT FEATURING THE DUKES & MICAHLAN BONEY 7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. TICKETS EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

BETHANY’S FATHER/DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT FRIDAY @ 6:00 P.M. & 8:00 P.M.(6TH GRADE & OLDER), SATURDAY @ 5:00 P.M. & 7:30 P.M. $40.00 PER COUPLE - 5TH GRADE & YOUNGER $60.00 PER COUPLE - 6TH GRADE & OLDER $15.00 EACH ADDITIONAL DAUGHTER - PER AGE GROUP THE BELLE HOUSE 380 WESTSIDE ROAD

The 3rd Annual Technology Student Association (TSA) Benefit Concert is an event to help raise money for students going to Georgia Technology Student Association State Conference in Athens, GA. TSA is an organization for students who have an interest in all forms of engineering and technology.

Bethany’s Father Daughter Date Night is an annual date night for Daddies and Daughters in honor of Sarah Bethany Green. Bethany’s parents, Boyd and Brooke Green with their daughter Bryn and a dedicated group of supporters have hosted this night since 2006. The first few dances, from 2006 – 2011, raised money to help fund an addition to Ogeechee Area Hospice, appropriately named, “Bethany’s Place.” Each year since, the money raised has been donated to families with children who have medical needs. This year’s dance is in honor of Ella Webb. “A night you’ll always remember and she’ll never forget.” A local tradition for area father’s & daughters. Event includes DJ& dancing, finger foods for younger girls, seated dinner for older girls, t-shirts for the daughters, $5 corsage coupon from The Flowergirl, 5” x 7” keepsake photo.

FEBRUARY 28 FEBRUARY 27-MARCH 1 GODSPELL 7:30 P.M. TICKETS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Presented in partnership with Georgia Southern University’s Theatre & Performance program, Godspell boasts a score with chart-topping songs, led by hit “Day by Day.” In the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden), a small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as Jesus’ messages of kindness, tolerance, and love come vibrantly to life.

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ONE: EDDIE FRAZIER 7:30 P.M. TICKETS $15/PERSON, STUDENTS $12/PERSON WHITAKER BLACK BOX THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Eddie Frazier has been teaching drama at Statesboro High School since 2001, and has been the theater director since 2004. He’s directed dramatic pieces such as Wit, Suddenly, Last Summer, ‘night, Mother and The Whales of August, as well as numerous large musical theater productions such as The Jungle Book, 101 Dalmatians, Cinderella, Charlotte’s Web, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, and Mulan.

He also directed 9 to 5: The Musical, ‘night, Mother and Guys and Dolls, for the Averitt STARS; was the voice of Audrey II in the STARS production of Little Shop of Horrors, and co-directed the Averitt Youth Theater’s production of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. He recently starred as Uncle Fester in The Addams Family at the Averitt Center.

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January/February 2020

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News & Notes

Sponsored by:

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The Johnson Firm, P.C. Attorneys & Counselors

Y O U H AV E A C H O I C E Attorney Francys Johnson

www.francysjohnson.com | 912.225.1600 | 51 East Main Street

Doing Justice, Loving Mercy, Walking Humbly.

— Micah 6:8

Josh Whitfield Chosen 2019 Business Leader of the Year

On December 3, 2019, at the Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, Josh Whitfield of Whitfield Signs was named 2019 Business Leader of the Year. Whitfield, a Statesboro native, graduated from UGA with a degree in economics and worked in the Atlanta area before returning home to open Whitfield signs in 2011.

Since then, he has grown the marketing business, and been the visionary behind The West District, a new business and residential complex encompassing the old West Building Materials site in downtown Statesboro. Whitfield and partners, Brian Kent and Delan Gaines, have redeveloped the West District to include an events center and green space in what was once a dilapidated warehouse section of the city.

Whitfield was honored for his work in helping to transform downtown with the revitalization of two city blocks, and the leadership shown in providing jobs to fuel the economy of Statesboro for years to come. For more about his business visit www.whitfieldsigns.com. To learn more about the West District visit www.westdistrictstatesboro.com.

Caring Closet Project Begins Anew

The Caring Closet, now located in suite 900 at the Outreach Center at 515 Denmark Street in Statesboro, will begin in January, 2020, providing free supplies and educational materials once a month to family caregivers of later stage Alzheimer’s patients, on Fridays from 10:00 a.m.

- 1:00 p.m. Organizers project 80% or great MaintenanceLogo-900x350-1 er of the recipients will be residents of Bulloch County, however, caregivers from other counties in the region are also welcome to the assistance. Donations of supplies for end stage Alzheimer’s patients are also accepted.

The 8th Annual Rockin’ Out Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation concert is scheduled for March 20, 2020, at the Blue Room, and features Rumours, a Fleetwood Mac Tribute band. Tickets are now on sale.

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Pictured above (L-R): Portal Elementary Vice-Principal Kent Brannen, GA DNR Environmental Review Coordinator Anna Yellin, Portal Elementary School Principal Carolyn Vasilatos, Portal Elementary STEM Lab Teacher Stephanie Hodges, and GA DNR Outreach Coordinator Linda May.

Portal Educator is Georgia’s Top Conservation Teacher of the Year

Portal Elementary School’s STEM Lab teacher, Stephanie Hodges, is the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Conservation Teacher of the Year. She was selected by the state agency based on the Pollinator Paradise project she proposed to the Wildlife Conservation section of the Georgia DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division. Representatives from the DNR visited Portal Elementary on November 25, 2019, to present Hodges with a $1,000 grant to help fund her project.

The main focus of Hodges’ Pollinator Paradise project is the installation of a permanent Monarch Recovery Garden at the school as an expansion of its existing outdoor classroom. It will provide opportunities for students to learn about life cycles, ecosystems, food chains/webs, adaptations, plant cells, plant parts, and habitats as they design and create a garden habitat for a variety of Georgia pollinators. Pollinators are animals that are essential to our ecosystem because they move plant pollen from one flower to another, aiding in plant reproduction.

Hodges has applied for and received more than $36,000 in grants to fund innovative student learning experiences and faculty professional development at Portal Elementary. In 2002, she received a Georgia Department of Education Outdoor Classroom Grant, the Georgia PRISM Grant in 2004, the Lowe’s Classroom Toolbox Grant in 2006, a WalMart Community Grant in 2018, and more than $12,000 in innovation grants from the Bulloch County Foundation for Public Education.

In November, Hodges was named the Bulloch County Schools Teacher of the Year from 15 school-level nominees. A veteran educator with 28 years of experience, Hodges has served Bulloch County for 27 years and Portal Elementary for 19 years. When the school district implemented STEM labs in each of its nine elementary schools four years ago, Hodges eagerly accepted the new role.

Her peers at Portal Elementary have selected her as their school-level teacherof-the-year three times (2003, 2017, 2019). She will represent Bulloch County in the Georgia Teacher-of-the-Year competition in May 2020, and possibly advance to the national teacher of the year competition in January 2021.

Wear-A-Pair 2020

Leadership Team Announced for Holiday Inn Express

For the second year in a row, Wear-A-Pair, an initiative of the Georgia Southern University Counseling Center, will give men and male-identified community members a chance to show support for survivors of sexual violence by wearing a pair of red high heels to raise money for the Teal House, Bulloch County’s Sexual Assault Center. For a $20.00 donation, a pair of the Walk-AMile heels will be taken to the place of business of the recipient and a photograph taken of them to post on social media in solidarity with survivors.

This year’s event will begin in mid-February and culminate in the Walk-A-Mile-in-HerShoes event scheduled for April 7, 2020. To participate or nominate a recipient, visit www.GeorgiaSouthern.edu/SART or call (912) 478-5541.

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(L-R) Hayley Hill Brannen, Bayler Brannen, Josh Brannen, Jason Brannen, Lehman Brannen and Sharon Brannen.

Lehman Brannen 2019’s Farmer of the Year

Bulloch County farmer Lehman Brannen was honored as the 2019 Farmer of the Year at the Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce Farm City Week Luncheon held on Friday, November 22, 2019, at the Ogeechee Technical College Natural Resources Building.

The announcement followed video presentations of “A Virtual Farm Tour” and a brief introduction of Lehman Brannen. Brannen accepted the award with his wife, Sharon, and sons, Jason and Josh, who farm with him in Register. The award comes with a commemorative sign to be displayed at the Brannen farm.

Brannen and his family have been farming in Bulloch County for over 50 years. These days, Lehman, Jason and Josh grow mostly cotton and peanuts, with corn or soybeans added in periodically for rotation purposes.

The Holiday Inn Express Statesboro hotel has named Meagan Johnson Lee, Director of Sales, and Ted L. Hasbrouck, General Manager, of its 91-room hotel located at 427 South Main Street. The hotel is set to open early 2020.

In her new role, Lee will be responsible for sales and marketing for the hotel and will primarily work with group and corporate travel. She began her hospitality career as the Assistant Sales Manager for the Holiday Inn Statesboro – University Area, where she held roles of increasing responsibility including the position of Front Desk Manager and finally, Director of Sales. She worked as the Director of Sales for five years until September of 2018, when she accepted a Sales Representative position with Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Lee holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Georgia Southern University and a Master of Science degree in Marketing from Clemson University.

In his role as General Manager, Hasbrouck will be responsible for day-to-day overall operations of the hotel. Hasbrouck has over 45 years of hospitality experience and first started in the hospitality industry working as a front desk agent while attending Texas State University. He began his career as a General Manager in 1984, and has since managed top hotel brands including Hilton, Sheraton, Marriott, and a total of seven Holiday Inn hotels. Many of the Holiday Inn hotels Hasbrouck managed were repeat award-winning hotels, in the top 5% in the brand.

The hotel, located at 427 South Main Street is owned and managed by Blue Mile Hospitality, LLC, under a license agreement with InterContinental Hotels Group. The Holiday Inn Express brand is part of IHG’s diverse family of brands in nearly 100 countries and territories. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is one of the world’s leading hotel companies. The scale and diversity of the IHG family of brands means that its hotels can meet guests’ needs whatever the occasion – whether an overnight getaway, a business trip, a family celebration or a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations.

January/February 2020

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Your City STATESBORO, GA

APPROXIMATELY $100M INVESTED IN THIS COMMUNITY WITH OVER $300M IMPACT

912-764-5468 / 50 East Main Street, Statesboro, GA www.STATESBOROGA.gov / facebook / twitter / Mayor Jonathan McCollar The City of Statesboro uses an innovative approach to doing business! We partner with private, public, and non-profit entities to recruit, retain, and expand local business with programs such as Right Start and the GS Entrepreneurial Zone FabLab, and by redeveloping areas with Tax Allocation Districts (TAD) funds. Statesboro is a place your business can call home!

GICH Program 3-Year Program Statesboro is one of five Georgia communities newly accepted into the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing, or GICH, in which a team of local people will develop and pursue a program to improve housing. The objective of the Initiative is to help communities create and launch a locally based plan to meet their housing needs.

GICH participation will give Statesboro added points in scoring systems used to rank applications for certain grants and low-interest loans.

Statesboro, #23 2018’s Best Small City To Start A Business By WalletHub.com Statesboro – Forbes Magazine’s 2017 Place You Can Afford To Be An Entrepreneur

Josh Whitfield 2019 Business Leader of the Year The StatesboroBulloch Chamber of Commerce named Josh Whitfield, local entrepreneur and owner of Whitfield Signs and The West District, as their 2019 Business Leader Of the Year. The business now occupies a 50,000 square foot facility in downtown Statesboro. Whitfield Signs also serves as the anchor of Whitfield’s visionary West District revitalization project.

$5M PROJECT Voter approved TSPLOST

$4.75M PROJECT

Old Register TAD Tormenta Stadium Project With Road Construction

$20M PROJECT

creekonthebluemile.com

THE CULTURE

west side story

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WEST SIDE STORY Josh Whitfield WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS

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tatesboro’s West Side Story has in the lead role Bulloch County native Josh Whitfield, with supporting roles being played by local builder Brian Kent and Optim Orthopedist Dr. Delan Gaines.

Their story is an Oscar-worthy tale set against the backdrop of the old warehouse district of downtown Statesboro, where they have turned a couple of abandoned buildings into an innovative business and residential development called The West District.

Whitfield’s “Oscar moment” happened recently when he was called to the stage at the 98th annual meeting of the Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce to accept his award as the 2019 Business Leader of the Year. He was recognized for growing his small company, Whitfield Signs, founded in Brian Kent’s garage in 2011, to a national brand, and for developing the West District, potentially a $15 million upscale blend of business, green space, event space and residential development that’s Statesboro’s newest place to live, work and play.

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west side story

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The son of Michael and Deborah Whitfield grew up and attended schools in Statesboro before being accepted to the University of Georgia, where he attained a bachelor’s degree in economics. He lived and worked for DeNYSE sign and architectural services company in the Atlanta area for several years before returning home with wife Lauren, to raise their two daughters, Harper, now 9, and Emery, now 7.

“I think Statesboro is a great town to raise children,” said Whitfield. “I wanted to create something that would appeal to the thousands of college students who would be looking for jobs after graduating, to keep them here. I think we can offer them the same kind of exciting opportunities right here in Statesboro that they would be looking for in a bigger city.”

Whitfield’s vision was to bring that DeNYSE level of creative marketing to Statesboro. He moved Whitfield Signs from the second location, opened in 2013, on the U.S. Highway 301 bypass near the mall area, to downtown’s historic district. He purchased the old West Building Materials building which had been vacant for several years. Whitfield researched the historical significance of the building and found that formerly the foundation of the building held warehouses dating back to 1909.

“I like the idea of the historical significance of the foundation,” said Whitfield. “I like it that we’ve taken that foundation and started to build something lasting for the future of Statesboro.”

Whitfield was encouraged by the support he received from the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority and the City of Statesboro.

“The neat thing is, people have a passion for downtown no matter their political affiliation,” said Whitfield. “Revitalizing our downtown is something everyone can get behind. We can all share in a common goal.

The city, the business community, business leaders – everybody brings new ideas for a common goal. I have learned throughout this process that with the right people anything’s possible.”

In addition to business partners Kent and Gaines, Whitfield credits his success to a creative and dedicated staff.

“I have an incredibly creative design team,” said Whitfield. “If you can think it up, we can make it. Our production team can build the design, and our installation team can make sure it’s up and working.

We offer the best customer service from concept to installation. We want to help our customers tell their own stories. We create the cover of the book to tell how great their company is.”

Whitfield has a staff of 22 designers, production personnel and installers. They work in open spaces filled with design elements in an innovative atmosphere that fosters their creativity. Employees are encouraged to January/February 2020

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THE CULTURE

west side story use the space and move around to work, not be stuck in one spot or cubicle all day.

“We think that by giving our employees flexibility in their working environment, we will get the best result by allowing their creativity to flourish,” said Whitfield. “The whole West District has Wi-fi, so our employees can work inside or outside or anywhere on the property.”

Whitfield sees the West District as a concept rather than a brick and mortar business park.

“The West District is not something we are building,” he said.

“We are providing the canvas for other businesses to build their space. Through this everybody has a chance to be a part of it. We are offering the opportunity for everyone to be a part of the revitalization and rediscovery of downtown.”

Whitfield is currently working on a 7,000 square foot event center called The Yard. He hopes to offer the event facility as a venue with adjoining green space shared by the business park.

“We will have both indoor and outdoor spaces available,” said Whitfield. “We will have bride and groom lounges for those wanting to get married in downtown Statesboro. Hundreds of couples get engaged in Statesboro each year, that’s why they call it Sweetheart Circle. We want to allow them to get married in Statesboro in an exciting setting as well. So they will always have a connection here. It will rival any event facility you could book in Savannah or Charleston. You’ll be able to add as much or as little decoration as you like.”

Later Whitfield hopes to add interactive pieces like games built into the sidewalks and play areas for children. He hopes to create a pedestrian atmosphere with design elements that give a nod to the areas past.

“We are thinking old tobacco baskets for signage,” said Whitfield.

“We really want it to be an interactive place for the community.”

Community is something that Whitfield feels strongly about. He believes in giving back and has helped in creating Airport Day, supporting the Statesboro Service League’s projects and working with Chris Yaughn at 7-mile Ranch.

“I think you should give back and help others any way you can,” said Whitfield.

Whitfield has also given back by designing elements in the football museum in Georgia Southern’s Ted Smith Family Football Center.

“95% of our employees are from Georgia Southern,” he said.

“We’re true blue.”

Another way he has left a mark on Statesboro is in the development of the Blue Mile signs at the main entrance to Georgia Southern.

“That was literally drawn on a napkin,” said Whitfield. “I took the drawing to my designers and they came up with the actual signs.

Production made it all happen. We were honored to be able to help in creating a gateway to the community.”

Whitfield says his team doesn’t just do signs. “We can create anything that you can imagine,” he said.

To give the West District its own flavor and identity, Whitfield and his team created a water tower with the West District emblem burnished on the tank. It has become the icon that identifies the district, along with a vintage truck parked on a pad in front of Whitfield Signs.

“We will soon be home to Ranco Event Rentals as well,” said Whitfield. “There will be further upcoming announcements of things developing in the near future.

“In the West District, we want to offer the experience of being a part of downtown. We will be creating our own events soon. We will be beginning Food Truck Fridays to offer an alternative dining experience at the West District for those working downtown,” said Whitfield. “We want downtown to truly be a place where you can live, work, play and have the kind of experience that makes you want to come back. Something that everybody can be proud of.” S

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They have homegrown values, just like us.

Phillip Blanchard Owner, Blanchard Equipment Customer Since 2000

Queensborough takes pride in being a local resource for financial services.

But we’re more than just a bank.

We live, work, and invest our time and resources right here 24/7. Your success is our reward and giving back has been part of our DNA since 1902.

We are your Qmmunity bank.

G E O R G I A’ S C O M M U N I T Y B A N K since 1 9 0 2 To hear more of Blanchard’s story visit www.QNBTRUST.bank/Qmmunity QUEE-19010CR

THE CULTURE

new chamber president

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Skip Alford New Chamber President WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS

Skip Alford remembers visiting the home of his brother-in-law in Cordele, Georgia, and the loudest noise being the wind in the pines.

It was crisp and cool. There was a bonfire. He thought about how similar South Georgia was to where he grew up in Clinton, Mississippi. A nostalgic feeling that made him think, “Home is where the heart is.” It wasn’t long before the Air Force, hospitality industry and Chamber of Commerce veteran found his way to Statesboro, where he recently bought a home and started January 6th as the new Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce President.

When Alford’s 20-year service in the Air Force ended, he had completed a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Troy University and was looking for a new career. His wife, Sue, spotted an ad for a Concierge at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida, where they were residing. He was way overqualified, but thought the job would allow him to work directly with the public, something he loved. At the Sunspree Resort, Alford managed to flourish under the direction of Leila Hilton, the hotel’s general manager. She recognized his leadership and marketing skills and soon promoted him, all the way up to a management position.

“I really learned great lessons from my military career and from working with Leila. I credit the military with teaching me discipline and how to follow protocol,” said Alford. “Leila taught me to pay attention to the details and how to provide excellent customer service by going the extra mile.”

Alford’s work in the hotel industry led to volunteer service with the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce where he became Chairman of the Ambassadors. Alford ended up joining the Chamber staff as Director of Membership where he worked under another mentor, Lance Allison, who encouraged him to get further training within the chamber industry, and to start developing himself as a CEO. Alford graduated from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Management and later was selected as the President of the Chamber of Commerce in Panama City Beach. Through connections he had established throughout the network of chamber executives within the Institute of Management, Alford was able to further his career by serving as CEO of the South Dade Chamber of Commerce in Homestead, Florida, as well as president & CEO of the Greater Palm Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce. He now also sits on the Board of Regents of the U.S. Chamber Board of Management.

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THE CULTURE

new chamber president

“I love the Southern culture here.

I think the potential for growth is enormous. There is a current energy coming from young professionals who are developing small businesses, it’s a good environment to be a part of.”

SKIP ALFORD

Alford comes to Statesboro from Palm Harbor, Florida. His move from serving tourist destinations to a small university town provides new opportunities and challenges Alford is looking forward to.

“I’ll tell you, I really wanted to experience the small town life and the amazing amount of opportunities that working in a place like Statesboro offers,” said Alford. “I see a strong, vibrant town with nothing but fantastic prospects for the future.”

Alford wants to get to work immediately with three initial goals in mind: 24 statesboromagazine.com

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“Number 1. To do everything possible to promote Statesboro on a grand scale. Number 2. To develop the workforce. I want Statesboro to be known as a place that develops talent, so that we become the best place in Georgia to work and play. Number 3. To think generationally. I want people to be proud to live here and raise their children here. I want to make sure we have a future where Statesboro is known as a strong, vibrant community with plenty of opportunity, somewhere Georgia Southern graduates will be proud to stay and call their home.

“I want to be a part of developing that for the future,” said Alford.

“Georgia is the most popular state for doing business. There is enormous, unlimited potential here for growth. I can feel the current energy of the community. In addition to a dynamic business climate, there is plenty of golf, fishing, hunting and football!”

Alford is something of a sports enthusiast. His father played professional baseball on a farm team for the Baltimore Orioles, so Alford played plenty of baseball growing up. Wife, Sue, homeschooled all three of the Alford’s sons and found a karate program to keep them active. At age 42, Alford joined them and now holds a black belt in Kenpo karate.

He also enjoys a good round of golf.

“I believe in staying in good physical shape,” said Alford. “I stay in good shape and keep active because I believe that everywhere I go, I take the Chamber with me. It is not just what I do, it is who I am.”

As the Chamber’s Executive Director, Alford has his eye on several initiatives affecting the future of Statesboro.

“I think that Josh Whitfield of the West District winning Business Leader of the Year is significant,” said Alford. “Creating a vibrant downtown will always be a goal and I think Josh has demonstrated great vision by developing the West District, creating jobs, making room for new businesses and beautifying the downtown area. That’s an exciting development. I’m also delighted about the Blue Mile and the Creek projects. I think that commitment to developing a restaurant, retail and entertainment district for Statesboro is going to help make it a place where everyone wants to come. As Statesboro grows, I want to be a part of helping those projects along.”

Alford is also interested in the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH), which offers communities a three-year program of collaboration and technical assistance related to housing and community development. The objective of the Initiative is to help communities create and launch a locally based plan to meet their housing needs.

“We have some challenging properties,” said Alford. “I think we can develop a plan for improvements by applying for state and federal funding so that we can offer housing for workers – something they can afford.”

Although developing a strong workforce and creating a vibrant business climate are on the top of Alford’s agenda, he really wants to promote and market what’s best about Statesboro in a big way.

“I love the Southern culture here,” said Alford. “I think the potential for growth is enormous. There is a current energy coming from young professionals who are developing small businesses, it’s a good environment to be a part of.

“I’ve always believed that if you’re gonna eat, eat good,” said Alford.

“When I was here to interview, we ate at the Beaver House and we had the best fried chicken. On the platter, I saw a pully-bone. It’s the little things like that, that set the tone for a place. That was a sign to me that Statesboro would be a charming place to work and live. I mean when was the last time you saw a pully-bone and were able to see your wish come true?” S

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January/February 2020

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industry leaders

Industry leaders

WE LIVE HERE

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The backbone of our region’s strong economy, is the vibrant industries that are located within the area.

These drivers of the economy are foremost in terms of innovative thinking, focusing on outstanding quality, and investing in the community at large.

From diverse areas including agricultural lending and economic development to flow meters and bearings; these companies are leading the way in investing in the community by providing outstanding employment opportunities, expanding facilities, and developing new ways to provide valuable services to their respective industries and to the residents of Bulloch and surrounding counties.

Ag South Farm Credit CEO Pat Calhoun reported in February 2019, that the customer-owned cooperative distributed more than $20 million to its customers. The distribution represented 100 percent of the cooperative’s allocates surplus for, 2013 and totaled $20.2 million.

An initial cash distribution of more than $8.6 million of AgSouth’s 2013 profits was distributed to the cooperative’s members in cash in early 2014. Calhoun said that, “For over three decades, AgSouth’s cooperative business model has allowed for significant distributions of profits to our members. A portion of our profits are held in surplus to make sure the company remains financially strong while staying competitive. Our members typically get 30 percent of the distribution in cash once profits have been calculated each year, and the remaining 70 percent at a later date. We are very proud of our 31-year history of returning allocated surplus on a 5-year revolvement.”

CFO Bo Fennell added that, “AgSouth remains financially strong and will be returning another healthy distribution of approximately $34 million to our members from our 2018 profits. Thirty percent, or $10.2 million, will be distributed as cash this spring, with the remaining $23.8 million being distributed at a future date.”

Koyo Bearings, a division of JTEKT Corporation located in neighboring Screven County, is a global leader in engineering and manufacturing automotive systems, bearing solutions, and high-performance machine tools.

In May of 2019, Koyo was chosen as “The World Trade Center Savannah’s International Business of the Year.”

It was cited that every Ford and GM vehicle in North America has a solid rear axle bearing that is manufactured at the Koyo plant in Sylvania. Koyo, which has Japanese ownership, is global in scale with 30 percent of its products going to export through the facilities of the Georgia Ports Authority. They started in Southeast Georgia in 1973 as the Torrington Company. In the ensuing 46 years, the bearing manufacturer has nearly doubled its physical space while lifting the payroll to $30 million, annually. The business is 55 percent automotive and 45 percent industrial. Koyo components are in satellites as far away as Mars. It is also notable that Koyo’s employee turnover is less than five percent per year.

Manufacturing Innovative Products and Building Dynamic Leaders

KOYO BEARINGS NORTH AMERICA WORLD TRADE CENTER SAVANNAH – 2019 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR SYLVANIA , GA MANUFACTURING PLANT

https://jtekt-na.com

LOANS FOR

Land, Farms and Homes

Statesboro Branch 40 S. Main Street | Statesboro, GA 912-764-9091 | AgSouthFC.com

LOANS FOR L AND, FARMS AND HOMES January/February 2020

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WE LIVE HERE

industry leaders The Bulloch County Development Authority offers prime industrial sites and acreage with easy interstate and port access to business prospects throughout the year. The BCDA is currently working on improvements to Southern Gateway Commerce Park located at I-16 and U.S. Highway 301 South. The Park is less than 45 minutes from the Port of Savannah and provides an ideal location “for advanced manufacturing to leverage port access or for warehousing to take advantage of our strategic location.” The Park is certified as a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) cite. Which means it has been pre-certified and pre-qualified as an industrial site for which the due diligence has been completed prior to a prospect’s visit. This allows for fast-tracking of the construction process for potential industries. The GRAD program can have a very positive impact on a community. Since the program’s inception in 2008, more than 3,000 jobs have been created on GRAD sites. The GRAD due diligence requirements include surveys of a site’s topographical, geotechnical, wetlands and environmental conditions.

The GRAD Certification is valid for thirty-six (36) months after which the site may be subject to renewal. In addition to Southern Gateway Park, Bulloch County is home to Gateway Industrial Park – II which is home to Great Dane and provides rail access for shipment of products; Perimeter Center Park for smaller commercial tenants adjacent to Ogeechee Technical College; Airport Industrial Park adjacent to the Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport, a strategic location for manufacturers within the Gulfstream Aerospace supply chain; Gateway Industrial Park – I, which has less than 100 acres remaining, opened in 1994 and is home to a Walmart Distribution Center, Briggs & Stratton small engine manufacturing facility and Viracon’s architectural glass fabrication facility. S

SHOWCASING OUR COMMUNITY TO THE WORLD

$980 MILLION IN TOTAL MANUFACTURING OUTPUT IN 2019

BULLOCH COUNTY

ADVANTAGEBULLOCH.COM | DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF BULLOCH COUNTY 28 statesboromagazine.com

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Thank you Bulloch County for investing in K-12 public education.

For a complete list of E-SPLOST IV projects and their progress, visit www.bullochschools.org/esplost

Bulloch County voters approved a fourth, one-cent education special local option sales tax (E-SPLOST) in Nov. 2017. This allowed the Bulloch County Board of Education to secure $43 million in bonds to make capital improvements in our community’s school and athletic facilities.

Two community committees reviewed, identified and prioritized projects for the district’s 15 schools. In the first two years of the five-year E-SPLOST IV period, more than 30 projects have been completed or are in the planning and design phase.

150 Williams Road, Suite A | Statesboro, GA 30458 T: 912.212.8500 | F: 912.212.8529 For more information, visit www.bullochschools.org/ESPLOST

WE LIVE HERE

leading lawyer

Leading

LAWYER This year we are highlighting an outstanding area attorney who is a committed community leader in her church, through charitable service, membership in professional associations, countless hours of volunteer work, and supporting local schools and businesses. April Stafford of Stafford Law Group, LLC, is upholding a nine year legacy of providing professional services from the simplest legal matters to unexpected legal crises within her specialty of family law.

Whether you need help in the areas of child support and custody issues, divorce or adoption of a child, Stafford Law Group can assist you in navigating through the often daunting processes of the legal system. They also offer services in the areas of real estate, personal injury and criminal defense if needed.

When selecting the best lawyer for your family’s needs, you can put your trust in the attorney who specializes in focusing full attention on her clients, providing clear and precise explanations, and advice on how to resolve any legal matter. People find comfort in the solid judgment and expertise of the Stafford Law Group. S

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STAFFORD LAW GROUP, LLC APRIL R. STAFFORD STAFFORDLAWGROUPLLC.COM | 117 S. ZETTEROWER AVENUE, STATESBORO, GA 30458 | 912-764-5555 Years in Business: 9 Concentration: FAMILY LAW/REAL ESTATE/CRIMINAL/PERSONAL INJURY Honors/Awards: 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 BEST OF THE BORO – BEST ATTORNEY; 2017 STATESBORO MAGAZINE’S FABULIST WINNER – MOST FABULOUS ATTORNEY; 2018 FABULIST WINNER – MOST FABULOUS REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY Our motto is… TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK Our biggest case was… At Stafford Law Group, LLC, we consider all our cases to be important. There is no case that is necessarily “bigger” or that deserves more attention than another. We devote our time and dedication to ensure that all cases are represented to our full potential. Stafford Law Group, LLC takes pride in ensuring all clients have a successful and satisfactory outcome for their personal cases no matter if it is a simple name change or a custody action.

Our biggest accomplishment was… Being a leading female attorney among so many top performing colleagues Our charity of choice is… Statesboro Bulloch County Breast Cancer Foundation Our biggest passion is… At Stafford Law Group, LLC, we have a large practice that ranges from minor child support issues to complex adoptions.

Working in the family law field, we are seen not only as legal representation, but also act as advisors and are happy to offer a shoulder to lean on in a time of need. Family law can be emotional for all parties involved, but in the end, the outcome can be satisfying when your client gains custody of a child or is granted an adoption of a child. Stafford Law Group, LLC, takes pride in representing our clients in such cases without hesitation or regard to the time-consuming issues that may arise, as our clients are most important to us and we demonstrate that within the courtroom.

WE LIVE HERE

the sweet spot for manufacturing

The Sweet Spot fo

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or Manufacturing WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS

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the sweet spot for manufacturing

W

ith a sound manufacturing base, proximity to a world class port, access to rail and interstate highways, plus the strong workforce development programs provided by a regional university and two colleges, Bulloch County provides a premier location for industry. The relatively low cost of living in Southeast Georgia, combined with a ready, available and trained workforce, means that our area continues to attract industrial prospects. Our Bulloch County Development Authority (BCDA) markets our area as “The Sweet Spot for Manufacturing.”

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Since 1994, when Gateway Industrial Park I opened on U.S. Highway 301 South, and became home to the largest Walmart Distribution Center in the U.S., (which has now been here for 25 years!), Bulloch County has grown the manufacturing segment of the local economy to include four industrial parks.

The newest one, Southern Gateway Commerce Park, is a pad-ready site with a water tower and in-road infrastructure located on U.S. Highway 301 South at Interstate 16, exit 116.

With the later addition of Briggs & Stratton, small engine manufacturer, and Viracon, architectural glass fabricator, to Gateway I, manufacturing now ranks fourth in private sector employment in the County, only surpassed by retail, hospitality services (hotel & restaurant), and healthcare.

The latest available figures show that industry directly employs 2,068 people and the activities needed to support manufacturing jobs in the area are responsible for an additional 2,153 secondary jobs in areas such as health care and social services, entertainment and recreation, and others.

According to Benjy Thompson, CEO of the Bulloch County Development Authority, “The impact of manufacturing shows a direct return on investment for Bulloch County.

It is easy to recognize the value linked to having a diverse manufacturing sector within our community and region.”

Latest figures in Georgia Southern’s Business Innovation Group’s Bureau of Business Research & Economic Development report show that the total impact in direct output (revenues) from manufacturing in Bulloch County is estimated to be nearly $928 million. An additional $184 million is added to local Gross Regional Product (GRP) as a result of local purchases made by the manufacturers and their employees. These direct expenditures generate a secondary impact of $128 million in GRP, due to links between manufacturing and the rest of the economy.

“Overall Manufacturing Output for those industries has remained at around $1 billion for the last few years,” said Thompson. “A very significant segment of our overall economy.”

Because of the demand from these manufacturers for trained workers, the Bulloch County Board of Education, Georgia Southern University, Ogeechee Technical College, and East Georgia Regional College all have programs to insure students are prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation or completion of special training programs, some created specifically for the industry in need of specialized skills in new hires.

“Due to the high quality products of our manufacturers, the companies provide excellent earnings and growth opportunities for people with varying levels of education,” said Thompson. “Our manufacturers even hire high school graduates who possess a strong work ethic.”

Ogeechee Technical College answered the call from manufacturers for qualified maintenance technicians by building a 35,000 square foot, $9.1 million Industrial Technology Building which features a new mechatronics lab with state-of-the art equipment sponsored by industries

available for manufacturing, telecommunications, warehouse distribution, research & development, Direct Indirect Induced Total Revenue Purchases Transactions Impact processing and Output $625.91m $183.61m $80.44m $889.96m tourism industries.

GRP 151.55m 72.87m 41.76m 266.18m Incentives are offered Total Payrolls 86.53m 40.82m 21.13m 148.48m by the state to help attract Total Employment 1,904 1,261 694 3859 industry to Georgia.

An initiative former Governor Nathan Deal in the region to be used to train workers. The new building and current Governor Brian Kemp agree on. Their also houses the Electrical Technology and Logistics programs pro-stance on attracting new business and industry and the college’s supply functions. The building houses an to the state resulted in Site Selection Magazine additional $1.6 million in equipment and furnishings. naming Georgia No. 1 in the nation for “attractive Other steps have been taken in support of workforce development business climate” in November 2019, a distinction

by Ogeechee Tech and Georgia Southern which streamline the that Georgia has held for seven straight years. transition from a technical degree to a bachelor’s degree for students.

Governor Kemp was quoted in a Georgia In August 2019, OTC’s president, Lori Durden, and Georgia Department of Economic Development press Southern president, Kyle Marrero, signed an agreement release saying: “I am incredibly proud that Georgia which widens the range of credits accepted to move from a has received the No. 1 ranking from Site Selection two-year associate’s degree to a four-year bachelor’s degree. for the seventh year in a row. From day one of my This makes it easier for students and helps to insure that the administration, we have been laser-focused on creating region’s workforce is trained for the present and the future. It’s opportunities for hardworking Georgians in every equipping graduates to take advantage of the great opportunities corner of the state. Our efforts to cut burdensome employment in area manufacturing companies provides. regulations, continue developing a world-class Currently the agreement covers those who have studied workforce, and market all regions of the Peach State information technology, logistics, intermodal transportation, through the formation of a Rural Strike Team have not criminal justice or criminology at Ogeechee Tech. They will gone unnoticed, and this announcement affirms that.” now be able to move credits to Georgia Southern and apply The Rural Strike Team was developed by the them towards a four-year degree instead of losing credit Governor to support areas of the state outside hours, repeating classes or having to start from scratch. of Atlanta in luring industry. The Team hopes Dr. Marrero has also initiated an Education Collaborative to partner with elected officials and economic between the educational institutions in the area with a goal developers to highlight the assets of every corner to have all students enrolled in training for a career whether of Georgia. Another program that helps the DSDA in technical college, the University or the military. The group attract business and industry to our area. includes Durden, Bulloch County Superintendent of Schools Bulloch County remains a “sweet spot” for Charles Wilson, and Dr. Marrero, along with Thompson and manufacturing because of location, workforce the CEO of the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce, preparedness, incentives for new industries, plus Skip Alford, representing the area of economic development. available space, already set aside in the county, “Local manufacturers recruit and hire directly from local with the infrastructure in place to support institutions,” said Thompson. “They also provide differential any new industry ready to locate here.. S rewards for postsecondary certificates Total Manufacturing Output Annual Economic Impact of Bulloch County Manufacturing (2020)

and bachelor’s degrees and associate’s degrees earned by employees.”

In addition to workforce preparedness, Bulloch County is classified as a Tier 1 County for the purposes of the Georgia Job Tax Credit Incentive. Therefore, projects creating new jobs in Bulloch County may be eligible for a $4,000/job tax credit, which may be used to offset income taxes or against withholding. The incentive is the highest tier the state offers and is

Leading Bulloch County Manufacturers Business Product Type Employment Briggs & Stratton Small Engines 544 Viracon Architectural Glass 503 Great Dane Trailers Refrigerated Trailers 483 MD Building Products Extrusion Parts 104 Braswell’s Jams, Jellies, Dressings & Sauces 99 Brodie Specialized Flow Meters & Valves 71 WL Plastics Plastics 51

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women in business

n i n e Wom

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One thing is for sure: Women learn a great deal when growing a company. No matter the type of business, there are so many people, moving parts, and things that can go right or wrong that navigating the process is equal parts exhilarating and harrowing. When a business leader is looking to develop a new product, expand into a new market, or increase revenues, their ingenuity and strength of leadership really shines.

We’re featuring two of Statesboro’s leading Women in Business, shining a spotlight on local realtor Valerie Thompson of Caldwell Banker Tanner Realty and entrepreneur Summer Clark of Small Cakes Bakery. Both ladies are servant leaders within the community, as well as, leaders within their separate industries.

Each is in effect a CEO responsible for their own market analysis, branding, business planning, selling, strategy, organization, financial planning and projections. S

Valerie Thompson, Real Estate Agent Coldwell Banker Tanner Realty 1201 Brampton Ave., Statesboro, GA 30458 (912) 690-1519 buysell-homes.com Years in Business: 4+ Honors/Awards: Statesboro Board of Realtors’ Distinguished Sales Society (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019); Coldwell Banker’s International Diamond Society (2018); Statesboro Herald’s 40 Under 40 (2014) My mission/motto is: Buying with Confidence. Selling with Success.

The best business advice I ever received was… The Sundown Rule: Make everyone feel they are important enough to follow up before the sun goes down, even if you don’t have all the answers yet.

I stay involved in the community by… being an active member in the Statesboro Service League, Professional Women of Statesboro and the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce. It is important to me to be both socially and philanthropically active in the community that supports me.

My biggest strength is… Communication and Relationship Building. Keeping clients updated throughout the home buying and selling process is a must. They trust me to help and ensure they are well-informed to make important decisions.

Word of wisdom I would offer other women in business… It’s ok to be confident. Be proud of your accomplishments and stand up for what you believe in.

What are some strategies that can help women achieve a more prominent role in their organizations? Continue to Speak Up and Stand Out! Always remember to encourage and appreciate all colleagues no matter their status. A little kindness always goes a long way.

What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?

The best leaders are also great followers. Never be too big to roll up your sleeves and get in the trenches with the rest of the team.

Through this, you will also gain respect from those that look up to you.

What is your ‘why’? My family. I work hard to be able to be there for them while also balancing a successful career.

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Description of the business: Smallcakes is Statesboro’s newest dessert shop located in The Market District. We bake 18 flavors of cupcakes daily and offer the frozen yogurt and toppings that La Berry was famous for. We also offer custom cakes and other bakery items such as macarons, brownies and PUPcakes! Smallcakes has been featured on Cupcake Wars and voted “The best place to get a cupcake” by USA Today.

Tools of the trade: We have over 200 recipes so there is always something new! 14 Daily cupcake flavors and 4 specialty cupcake flavors rotate daily!

At Smallcakes, everything is baked fresh daily and made with love. You can pair any of our cupcakes with our Frozen Yogurt and make what we call a ‘‘Smallcakes SMASH” which is layers of cake and ice cream made just for you, the way you want it, right on the spot!

My mission/motto is: Our mission is to offer the ultimate dessert experience for those who are looking to treat themselves, who are celebrating a life event or just need a pick me up on a bad day! Our team is eager to provide the best customer service possible and we never stop asking ourselves “how can we better serve those who walk through our door each day?”. We know we have done our job when you leave with a smile!

The best business advice I/we ever received was …

I have been an entrepreneur for almost 10 years now, owning a variety of retail businesses and the best advice I have received is to be of a mindset for growth. This applies to any and every type of small business. Growth can take on many forms. It can be new menu items /product lines, additional locations, a spinoff of the current product or services you already offer and more. Businesses are either moving forward or backwards, you cannot stay stagnant. However, you must perfect your processes and operations before you can expand. Knowing your numbers is crucial as well. Experience has also taught me that you must know when to grow and when to say whoa. Too much growth, too fast can be detrimental to quality and profits.

Word of wisdom I/we would offer other women in business …I would encourage women in business to cultivate relationships with other women in business! My personal network of these women provide me with invaluable wisdom, insight, encouragement and advice. So often I need someone who can relate to the ups and downs that come with owning a business, the challenges can be overwhelming at times and having someone else to call who “gets it” is such a blessing. I love how common it is to find women supporting other women in business.

What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career? The best leadership lesson I have learned is to use the FBI method when giving feedback and recognition. FBI stands for feeling, behavior, impact. So if offering praise or criticism state how you are feeling about the situation, what their behavior was and the impact those actions had on the business / organization. I have found this to be a very powerful tool for communicating effectively and it’s helpful to train your staff to use this method when addressing issues as well.

What is your ‘why’? My family is my ‘why’. I am a wife and a mother to 3 little ones. My mom was a stay-at-home mom and my heart’s desire was to do the same. However, my husband suffered a head injury shortly after we were married and has since suffered from chronic pain. Being a small business owner has allowed us to provide for our family and have the flexibility that comes with being your own boss so I am able to still do a lot with my kids. I am like every other woman, trying to juggle it all and find that perfect work life balance. I am so very thankful for each of our customers who shop local and support family owned businesses like ours.

Smallcakes Summer Clark, Owner 1100 Brampton Ave, Statesboro, GA 912-681-9866 smallcakesstatesboro.com Years in Business: 1st year January/February 2020

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active

WE LIVE HERE

get active In addition to eating high-quality foods, physical activity can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight. Getting regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your health. It lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers, and it can also help control stress, improve sleep, boost mood, keep weight in check, and reduce the risk of falling and improve cognitive function in older adults. „

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WE LIVE HERE

active

NINE SIMPLE WAYS TO SQUEEZE IN

some exercise Looking to get more exercise but can’t seem to find the time?

Take advantage of every spare moment to get moving.

1. Do a few squats while you wash your hands 2. Dance while you clean up your house 3. Do some strength exercises (such as sit-ups) during

commercial breaks while watching television 4. Stand on the tips of your toes while doing the dishes to work your calf muscles 5. Flex your arms while carrying groceries 6. Whether you’re at the office or the mall, make it a rule to take the stairs rather than the elevator or escalator 6. Park far away from building entrances 7. Walk or ride your bike to work or, if that isn’t

It doesn’t take marathon training to see real health gains. A 30-minute brisk walk five days a week is all most people need. Getting any amount of exercise is better than none.

Being a “couch potato” may be harmful even for people who get regular exercise. Regular physical activity helps the body function better – it keeps heart disease, diabetes, and a host of other diseases at bay, and is a key component for losing weight. The precise amount of exercise needed to achieve or maintain a healthy weight varies based on a person’s diet and genes. The American College of Sports Medicine 42 statesboromagazine.com

January/February 2020

feasible, park a few minutes away from your office and walk the rest of the way 8. Stand, don’t sit, while riding public transit 9. Stretch your muscles during coffee breaks You see: it’s easy to get active during the day, no matter how busy you are.

and the American Heart Association support the idea that “more activity increases the probability of success.”

How much exercise do you need? Physical activity guidelines — including strength training and flexibility training — explain how much you should be moving. Keep exercise safety in mind, too.

Physical activity can also help people maintain weight loss.

Among the nearly 3,700 men and women who are part of the National Weight Control Registry, a group that includes only people who lost more than 30 pounds and kept them off for at least a year, the average participant burns an average of about 400 calories per day in physical activity.

That’s the equivalent of about 60 to 75 minutes of brisk walking each day, or 35 to 40 minutes of daily

jogging. But there’s quite a bit of variation from participant to participant—some require more physical activity to keep the weight off, some require less.

Exercise and physical activity benefit the body, while a sedentary lifestyle does the opposite – increasing the chances of becoming overweight and developing a number of chronic diseases.

Only about 30 percent of adult Americans report they get regular physical activity during their leisure time—and about 40 percent of Americans say they get no leisure-time physical activity at all.

Research shows a strong link between television watching and obesity. Researchers followed more than 50,000 middle-aged women for six years, surveying their diet and activity habits. Findings showed that for every two hours the women spent watching television each day, they had a 23 percent higher risk of becoming obese and 14 percent higher risk of developing diabetes. It didn’t matter if the women were avid exercisers: The more television they watched, the more likely they were to gain weight or develop diabetes, regardless of how much leisure-time activity and walking they did. Long hours of sitting at work also increased the risk of obesity and diabetes.

An association has also been found between spending less time watching television and a lower risk of overweight and obesity in older adults, regardless of whether participants met physical activity guidelines. The study followed 1,806 participants between the ages of 65 and 74. Participants were put into one of four categories based on television viewing time. The less time spent watching television, the lower the

participants’ risk of becoming overweight or obese.

Another study analyzed the global effect of inactivity on the increase of diseases. The researchers estimated that physical inactivity accounts for 6% of the burden of heart disease, 7% of type 2 diabetes, 10% of breast cancer, and 10% of colon cancer. Inactivity also causes 9% of premature mortality. These staggering statistics put the true dangers associated with inactivity into a global perspective.

More recently, studies have found that people who spend more time each day watching television, sitting, or riding in cars have a greater chance of dying early than people who are more active. Researchers speculate that sitting for many hours may change peoples’ metabolism in ways that promote obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. It is also possible that sitting is a marker for a broader sedentary lifestyle.

Furthermore, staying active does not mitigate the harmful effects of sit time. As you plan your daily activity routine, remember that cutting down on “sit time” may be just as important as increasing “fit time.”

To help you stay active and get moving, Statesboro has facilities for all fitness levels with dieticians and personal trainers to assist you in becoming the new you. If you need nutritional guidance, there are specialty stores and medical weight loss programs available to help you manage your dietary intake. If you prefer the social aspects of getting fit, or if you really want to feel good while improving your health, you may enjoy supporting one of the local 5k or 10k benefit runs in 2020. Whatever you choose, make a plan to incorporate more opportunities to get moving in 2020! S

January/February 2020

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FABU NOMINATE

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WINNERS ANNOUNCED

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THE CULTURE

he’s all in

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He’s All In Stephen Pennington, CEO of EGRMC WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS

O

ne of East Georgia Regional Medical Center CEO Stephen Pennington’s favorite motivators is former Auburn head football coach Gene Chizik. Coach Chizik led the Auburn Tigers from a 5 – 19 losing season to an undefeated season and the national championship title in less than three years, earning Associated Press SEC Coach of the year for 2010. Coach Chizik wrote a memoir, All In, about his experiences. In the book Pennington finds valuable lessons on how to motivate a team.

“What Chizik says is that you have to be all in in whatever you do,” said Pennington.

“I believe in that approach for the team of employees and physicians at the hospital, as well as for my family.”

Pennington has been with Community Health Systems (CHS), the company that owns EGRMC for 20 years. He has been a CEO of various hospitals for the company for 17 years, starting at age 30. Most recently he was Vice President of Operations for a 15 hospital group, spending many hours on the road traveling from Indiana to Florida.

Prior to coming to here as CEO, Pennington oversaw operations for EGRMC as one of his hospitals, and visited here periodically.

“I really liked Statesboro,” said Pennington. “I always found it to be a great hospital here and a very giving community. When I decided it was time to get off the road and find a place to put down some roots and spend more time with my family, Statesboro seemed like a great place to do just that.”

Pennington moved here along with his wife Sheri and children, Grayson (21) and Kate (15), in 2019.

“I’m enjoying spending valuable time with my family,” said Pennington. “My son, Grayson transferred from Murray State to Georgia Southern. He graduated in December. Kate is at Southeast Bulloch and I’m proud that she already has a routine down.

It was a tough time for her to move, I know. I’m very fortunate to have a great family.

They’re all in as a family, too.”

Now that he’s home, Pennington is free to address the challenges of being administrator of a hospital that has been struggling in the past couple of years in some areas of patient satisfaction and with declining industry safety scores. Pennington looks forward to what he considers opportunities to lead EGRMC in the right direction.

“My goal is to make EGRMC the best in the U.S,” said Pennington. “The community expects excellence. I’m really moved that people seem to care more here than anywhere else I’ve been.”

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THE CULTURE

he’s all in Pennington holds a Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Alabama, and a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from the University of Tennessee. He recently graduated as a member of the Nashville Healthcare Fellows Class of 2019.

Just like Coach Chizik, Pennington has an impressive record of successes. He has helped many hospitals in the CHS family reach and exceed their potential. While serving as CEO at CHS hospitals throughout the Southeast, Pennington led his teams to achieve multiple clinical accreditations by improving curative resources and quality standards. In the communities he served, Pennington was able to improve patient access to Oncologists, Urologists, Cardiologists, and General Surgeons through recruitment. His record of success in turning hospitals around makes him a great match for EGRMC and a good fit for Statesboro.

He grew up in the small town of Oneida, Tennessee, population 900, located on the Tennessee – Kentucky border. He met wife, Sheri, on New Year’s Day 1994 at a Tennessee/Kentucky bowl game party. All of the couples at the party left their kids at one of their homes nearby and Sheri was babysitting. They were married two years later on December 12, 1996.

Pennington credits his family with much of his success.

“My wife shows me great love and support,” he said. “And, my parents were very influential. They were a good blend.

My father drove for excellence in all three of us children, and my mother had a big heart, always looking out for others. That’s where I learned that you have to serve in order to lead. I also had great mentors throughout my life: coaches, teachers, and pastors.”

Pennington brings that servant leadership approach to EGRMC, where he has a three-area focus: 1. Patients, 2.

Physicians, and 3. Employee Satisfaction.

“In healthcare, we never stop, we’re open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. We have to deliver that excellence all the time.”

STEPHEN PENNINGTO

“If we follow that plan, everything else will fall into place,” said Pennington, “We will work on improving by putting a great team of employees and physicians together. I believe in being a team player. I feel one of my greatest successes has been that the administrators who followed me at the hospitals I served, 50 statesboromagazine.com

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did well. I enjoy seeing others succeed.”

Pennington also believes that to be a great CEO you have to show people you care. He likes to talk to his employees, the physicians, patients, the public and the board of directors to draw from all of them in making the hospital the very best. He wants people to share with him their visions of what EGRMC should be for the community.

Like Chizik, he’s on a mission to turn things around.

“I would like most to be the catalyst that brings out the best in everyone,” Pennington said. “I’m excited to be here at this time. I feel like the hospital, the university and the community are becoming re-energized with Charles Penny as the new city manager, Skip Alford as the Chamber leader, and Dr. Kyle Marrero as president of Georgia Southern, it’s a great time to be here. I can feel the energy from people like Dr. Marrero, you can tell he’s all in, too.

“I also think we have a very committed board,” said Pennington, “with people who are invested in the community for the long haul and want us to succeed, like Kenny Stone and Billy Hickman. I get energy from having them to work with as well.”

Although operating a hospital is serious work, Pennington hopes to build a comradery with staff and physicians. Something that is already taking place with monthly recognition for employees who have demonstrated excellence and recognition of milestones like birthdays and anniversaries. There is now an “Employees of the Month,” an “Employee of the Year,” and the

“Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses,” recognition which builds morale and incentivizes good work.

“I believe in hiring people more talented than me,” said Pennington. “And in building a good team.”

His greatest challenge is in making sure everything is well-balanced and staying focused on the goals every day.

“Our nature is to say we’ve reached a goal,” he said. “In healthcare, we never stop, we’re open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. We have to deliver that excellence all the time. It has to be part of the culture. I want the community to know, we own it. From employees to physicians to me. Seeing the long term employees owning it more than in the past makes me want to be better for them and for the community. We only have so long to make a difference. And, I have a plan for all of us at EGRMC to follow: 1. We’re always obsessed with safety for patients and fellow employees, 2.

We always have to be kind, 3. We always do 1. & 2. We just need to get a little better every day.”

Pennington summed up his approach by saying, “My ultimate goal is to hardwire patient and employee satisfaction in an ‘All in,’ ‘Always’ culture by being a good servant leader and by fostering great teamwork.”

Sounds like the perfect game plan. S

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WE LIVE HERE

buzz worthy bites

Fishing Trip WRITTEN BY LAZAR BROWN OGLESBY

T

aking a trip every now and then is just what the doctor ordered to cure a tired body and soul. After a hectic wedding season, I ventured some 500 miles west. Catching fish, mainly reds and specks, was the name of the game. Redfish, red drum, spot tail, spots, speckled trout, sea trout, paper mouths, and channel bass are all names for a sporty little fish that pulls like heck at the end of a line. They are pretty good eating too.

My husband, Johnny, my sister, Mary Beth, and I were the last remaining participants of a fishing trip originally planned for eight. We drove the 10-hour trek past New Orleans to Apple Jack fishing camp in Port Sulphur, Louisiana. We navigated through a rough looking trailer park and topped a steep levee to reveal rows of houses on stilts lining a road flanked on either side by water. The waterside community reminded me of my place on the Ogeechee River back in Georgia and I knew I would come to love this fish camp far from home.

The next morning, we were awakened by the icy wind whistling through the pilings under our house.

We arose early with the sun and bundled in layers of clothing to combat the cold front that had crept in during the night. Our guide, Jerry, greeted us next door as we clambered into the boat. We made the bone-chilling ride to a fishing spot near three large pipes, which Jerry assured us ushered in all types of fish, and hopefully reds and trout would be abundant. He baited our hooks with live shrimp and helped us girls with the first few casts. Mary Beth drew first blood with a keeper red. Our faces were cold and wind burned, but we didn’t even feel the sting because the fish were biting and we squealed with delight every time we felt that sharp tug on our line. We limited-out early on reds the first day.

The second day fishing started out slower. Some fellow fishermen beat us to our spot at the pipes.

We relocated up a long alley of sawgrass peppered with golden rod and cast into a bend where a stream funneling into the alley. We caught a of water was few reds and even a trout. Jerry guided us to a few other spots but we couldn’t seem to find a good hole.

Towards the end of that last day Jerry floated us into shallow water surrounded by grass flats at the end of Grand Bayou. Water rushed through a narrow cut 54 statesboromagazine.com

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h s i F d Re e ll i v n e i B January/February 2020

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WE LIVE HERE

buzz worthy bites

between the flats. After casting into the rushing water, we pulled out red after red. We arrived back at camp that day with bragging rights and a cooler full of reds, trout, sheepshead, and even a few catfish.

The guides cleaned our fish with a lightning speed garnered by hours of practice.

With our fish packed safely away in a cooler full of ice we set out on the second leg of our journey.

We headed back east to one of my favorite places, New Orleans. A self-professed homebody, I feel out of place at social gatherings, cringe at the thought of attending large sporting events with big crowds, and only venture to concerts if they are in tiny obscure venues, but drop me in the middle of the French Quarter and my senses come alive. I love watching people from every walk of life flow like an undulating river down Bourbon Street and all of its many tributaries.

“There’s no such thing as bad food in south Louisiana.

It’s on a level with heroin.”

JAMES LEE BURKE

I couldn’t wait to take a familiar turn onto Royal Street and peer into the kitchen window of Brennan’s. I always feel a sense of comradery with those guys and marvel at the organized chaos only someone in the food industry could understand. On the way to Felix’s Oyster Bar we floated along on notes of jazz as we joined a wedding party being escorted down Iberville by a brass band. At Felix’s we chose to sit at the bar where we requested an order of oysters prepared every way they offer: buffalo, Bienville, char-grilled, Rockefeller, and du jour. The oysters du jour was topped with a crawfish sauce laced with sherry. We washed the oysters down with Dixie beer and talked shop with the bartender. We were in awe of Linda, a waitress in her early seventies, and giggled as we watched her down a shot of tequila from a Starbuck’s cup. We ended our night with Frenchies (a champagne cocktail) at Prohibition. Heading out early the next morning café au lattes and beignets from Café Du Monde were the perfect parting gift from the Big Easy.

Returning home refreshed and recharged I wanted to capture Louisiana in a single recipe. Combining our haul from the fishing trip and a traditional topping for oysters, I married the flavors to represent the tastes of our trip to Southern Louisiana. S

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INGREDIENTS:

½ cup shallots, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, finely minced 4 Tbsp. butter 4 Tbsp. flour 1 cup chopped mushrooms 1 cup chicken broth 1 cup half and half 1 egg yolk 1/3 cup dry white wine 1 cup peeled and deveined shrimp, chopped Salt and Pepper to taste 4 Red Fish filets 1 cup crushed Ritz® crackers 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 Tbsp. butter Lemons and Fresh Parsley

PREPARATION:

Sauté the shallots and garlic in butter and slowly stir over a very low heat until the onions are well cooked, but not brown. Sprinkle with the flour and cook until the flour begins to brown. Add the mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add chicken stock and half and half and stir until smooth. Beat the egg yolk into the wine and add to the chicken broth mixture.

Season with the salt and pepper, and cook over a low heat for 15 minutes until thickened. You may need to add chicken broth if mixture gets too thick. Add shrimp and cook until just pink.

Place red fish in baking dish and season with salt and pepper. Cook filets for 10-15 minutes until just done.

Mix crushed Ritz® crackers, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter together for topping.

Spoon the sauce over each filet and sprinkle with Ritz® topping. Return to the oven and bake until Ritz® mixture is lightly browned.

Garnish with lemon and parsley. Serve with rice or grits.

THE RESULTS! REVEAL PARTY ON MARCH 10, 2020!

STATESBOROMAGAZINE.COM/FABULIST

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BUS BEN WO HOM

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WE LIVE HERE

true blue

Finding Cupid in the Chaos WRITTEN BY DOY CAVE

R

andy Pausch, in his best-selling book, The Last Lecture, made a statement that has wedged itself into my mind: “Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.” Wow! Those words have caused me to look back at my life, and look forward to the days ahead. Perhaps it’s because of the truth of another saying: “When we succeed we celebrate, when we fail we evaluate.”

When my children were little, Valentine’s Day was just another day for my wife and I to trade naps.

We had three toddlers and a baby at the time — all in diapers, and all with the uncanny ability to unleash astounding levels of danger and destruction before you could say, “Please, not on the carpet!”

We’ve fared a little better since then. As our children have become teenagers who can (sometimes) adequately dress themselves, (oftentimes) handle physical objects without breaking them and (usually) avoid placing themselves or others in dangerous situations, we’ve ventured on the occasional date. And by occasional, I mean a couple of times last year.

As sad as it might sound, I think most parents are in the same boat. Professor Jeff Klibert, Ph.D., from the Department of Psychology at Georgia Southern, says the reality of being invested in a busy family life is that it can sometimes be at odds with bringing couples together.

“As couples become a little bit more entrenched with the development of their kids and maintaining work, their lives seem to almost naturally separate them,” he said. “It’s harder to keep those connections and help them come together at some point in time. So, in a lot of ways, I would say the majority of couples seeking couples therapy, this is one of the bigger issues.”

So, in the midst of work and kids and the busyness of life, how do you spend meaningful time with your better half on Valentine’s Day? Or any day?

It’s All About Connection Klibert says the first thing to remember is the goal of Valentine’s Day or a date night or even just a conversation on the couch is all the same — connection with your spouse or partner.

“In terms of sustainment of healthy marriages, finding ways to generate positive emotions and connecting with each other — that’s what makes relationships go,” he said. “So the more you give opportunity for them to spring up, the healthier relationships can be.”

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These connections don’t have to be complicated, and they don’t have to happen during “dinner and a movie.” They can be simple conversations in the kitchen while your partner is preparing a meal. They can be sing-a-longs on a car ride to an event. They’re simple, but they make all the difference.

What to Expect When You Have Expectations One of the most stressful things about Valentine’s Day is trying to create a “perfect” day for your better half. Klibert says this can cause your spouse to shoot for the moon (or expect it in return) and be disappointed by the results. The key, however, is in talking about plans or expectations.

It doesn’t mean you can’t make big plans, dial up the romance or surprise, it just means you can get an idea of what’s special and meaningful to your partner to make them feel loved.

“If I can communicate with my partner, I get a little more realistic about what my partner is hoping,” said Klibert. “And then I can kind of just settle in there, focus on the most meaningful part without getting overly expansive in terms of what Valentine’s ‘should be.’”

Save Time for Savoring Klibert says when couples set aside time for a date, and then “just let the date happen,” they can miss out on making it enjoyable or meaningful.

Once you’ve planned a date, Klibert says you should take time every day during the week to “savor” or “relish” the idea of spending time alone with your partner. By generating positive emotions, you look forward to the time with your loved one even more.

“I think that relishing piece really does more for people than the actual going on a date because it reminds people that they are going to connect,” said Klibert. “I think a lot of that prep time helps make those very loving and kind, tender emotions come to light during a date.”

No matter what you plan to do for your loved one this Valentine’s Day, make sure you take the time to remove the distractions and connect in a meaningful way.

“The reality is most relationships are not built on spontaneous moments,” said Klibert. “They’re built on just intentional, mindful celebrating with each other.”

And if that celebration ends with you and your spouse sleeping through a movie while holding hands and spilling popcorn in the aisle, I’d still call that a win. S

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the spiritual pathway

Failure = Growth WRITTEN BY REV. DR. H. WILLIAM PERRY

R

andy Pausch, in his best-selling book, The Last Lecture, made a statement that has wedged itself into my mind: “Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.” Wow! Those words have caused me to look back at my life, and look forward to the days ahead. Perhaps it’s because of the truth of another saying: “When we succeed we celebrate, when we fail we evaluate.”

I was a college student studying for the ministry when one of my professors told me that the Baptist churches of the Fort Pierce area of South Florida were having a youth Sunday in a couple of weeks and wanted ministerial students to go down and preach. I was thrilled to have the opportunity and made preparations to go. On the day before youth Sunday I boarded a Greyhound bus for Fort Pierce. The next morning I was introduced and stood at the pulpit to preach. After reading scripture I began to quote a poem: “I was the rich young man who came to Christ long years ago when I was in my youth. I sought the answers to eternal life and knew that He alone possessed the truth.” At that point my mind went blank. I couldn’t remember the rest of the poem. I couldn’t remember the points of my sermon. I couldn’t remember anything. I hemmed and hawed for a minute or two, then sat down. Humiliated. I sure didn’t get what I wanted, to deliver a message that would honor Jesus. But I did get experience, and that has helped me for the past sixty years. In the hundreds of sermons I have preached since then, I have never begun with a poem, and I have never stood at the pulpit without notes that remind me of what I plan to say.

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From a terrible experience I learned important truths.

I spent the night in the hospital when my Daddy was critically ill.

During the night I was awakened as he struggled to breathe. I stood over him, patted his hand, but said nothing. He died. Why in the world didn’t I say, “Daddy, it’s going to be okay? You have made spiritual preparations to die. Jesus will welcome you into the Heavenly Father’s presence. It’s okay, Daddy.” But I said nothing. I’ll never treat people that way again.

We learn from our experiences.

A man grew up poor, and one of his dreams was to own a beautiful house on a nice street. In his middle age he achieved his dream. The house was magnificent. In order for people to see it day and night he left the lights on in the front rooms all night every night. Sometimes he would walk outside to the front sidewalk and look with pride. After the first month, when the electric power bill arrived, he looked at the huge amount he owed and said, “I’ll never do that again!” No more lights at night.

On and on I could go.

Gary Player lost a golf tournament one week, not because he played poorly, but because he failed to sign his score card. I guarantee you he never forgot to do that again.

Aren’t you glad we have second chances? Not always with the same people, but when we fail we gain experience and we learn to evaluate. And those who fail us need to be forgiven, just as we need forgiveness when we fail. Life is full of opportunities. Grow, even when you fail. S

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the view from here

The Renaissance Man Part 2 WRITTEN BY RIC MANDES

Y

ou may remember I am reflecting on the amazing story of John Eidson, who succeeded Mr. Zach Henderson upon his retirement in 1968, concluding a masterful service of over 41 years, 21 as Dean, and 20 as President of Georgia Southern College.

John walked to headquarters for two and one half years. As Dean of the College Of Arts and Sciences in Bulldog land, John was noted for his drive for the best, and did he ever bring his rodeo to Georgia Southern.

For those who read my first recording in the last issue of Statesboro Magazine, of John succeeding at getting Chancellor Simpson’s permission to appoint a vice president, the first ever for a College. And adding injury to the request, he ask for permission to appoint D. Pope Duncan, who was holding the position as president of South Georgia College at that time.

John’s strategy and appeal came from one source: he never gave up the pursuit. A noted Tennyson Scholar, who spent a summer month in England’s Queens College as a visiting professor, he also led a seminar on Chaucer in fluent German. But John put those scholarly activities to rest for the two and a half years he led Blue Nation.

John’s astonishing feats for Southern came from the determination of a heavyweight boxer, never letting up. As a result of John’s appeals, he turned departments and divisions into schools led by Deans. When John took the helm, Southern had just been awarded funding for a new library. What does John do about making certain this facility would become a formation of the right order? He calls his dear friend Dr. Rick Harwell, head librarian at Boston College and one of the five most noted librarians in the country. John’s persistence prevailed. And Harwell stayed with John long after the library was completed and named Henderson Library.

Dr. James Oliver, his wife Sue, and their two sons were living in Athens, while Dr. Oliver, an endowed scholar from Berkeley in the field of acarology, was serving on loan as an associate professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia. Oliver has initially interviewed with Eidson at UGA. John remembered Oliver’s impressive research and proceeded to call his home every Sunday night, doing his best to convince Oliver what a sensible move it would be to become a member of the Southern faculty.

“If you came to be us,” quoted John, “Waynesboro, (Oliver’s home town), would be right up the road.” John never gave up and won.

Jimmy once shared with me, “I really think I went with John just to stop those Sunday night calls.”

I became good friends with Jimmy (Dr. Oliver). During the course of his career he supervised the research of 30 master’s students, nine Ph.D. students, and 30 postdoctoral students from 11 countries. He published 12 book chapters and more than 250 refereed papers. He was a popular speaker and gave lectures in 24 states, 19 countries, and at numerous universities including Cornell, Harvard, Texas A&M, and Yale. His work is world renowned. So much so, he was invited to speak and direct a seminar in Prague. But there was the Iron Curtain. Officials with the National Science Foundation prevailed on Jimmy’s behalf. When he walked into the hotel lobby, it is well known several western scholars met him with celebration.

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Photo Left: Dr. John Olin Edison, President of Georgia Southern College.

Photo Below: The late Dr. James Oliver, Callaway Chair in the Institute for Georgia Plain Science at Georgia Southern University. Founding director of Georgia Southern’s Institute of Arthropodology and Parasitology (IAP).

Let it be known, Jimmy’s project proposals to The National Institute of Health and the National Science Foundation, across his years, resulted in awards of more than $12 million in research grants and contracts coming to campuses supporting his masterful advanced work. Edison named Jimmy recipient of the Callaway Chair, an endowed appointment funded when Bo Callaway asked Mills B. Lane, CEO of the C & S Bank, to appropriate one chair to colleges and two for universities.

I recall clearly when John called me to visit him for just a minute. He closed the door and sat across from me. “Ric, I’ve been thinking, has anyone thanked Mr. Mills by inviting him to lunch to meet Dr. Oliver? Will you see if you can get that done?”

Two weeks later John stood at our local airport watching the C & S jet banking for a landing. The meal was barbecue, Brunswick stew and slaw, iced tea and plenty of white bread.

John’s remarks were brief and right on. So were Jimmy’s. Mr. Lane’s response was baptized in warmth as he allowed Georgia Southern was the only unit of the University System to reach out with such appreciation.

On the way back to the airport, Mr. Lane remarked, “You know, John, one of my wife’s favorites is Brunswick stew. With that, John turned down the side street, walked into the cement building on Vine Street known as Vandy’s, and returned with a quart of stew.

“John, you are gracious. Thank you for this,” said Lane. To which John quipped, “You know, it just occurred to me, that quart of stew might be worth another Callaway Chair.”

Mills replied with a wink, “You got it John. I’ll start the paperwork tomorrow.”

The precedent of John Olin Eidson’s two and a half years as president of Georgia Southern College left a legacy for those magnificent scholars later chosen to lead BLUE NATION: Pope Duncan, Nick Quick, Dale Lick, Harry Carter and Nick Henry. S

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look around

2019 FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl Georgia Southern Eagles vs The Liberty University Flames December 21, 2019 | 2:30 p.m. Kickoff CBS Sports Network | Exploria Stadium | Orlando, Florida

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November/December January/February 2020 2019

Novembver/December January/February 2020 2019

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transitions

“At the end of the day your feet should be dirty, your hair messy and your eyes sparkling.”

– Shanti

Mr. Sidney Stanley Bazemore

10.02.19

Mrs. Hazel McGlamery Hartley

10.04.19

Mrs. Annette Barnes Prince

09.15.19

Mrs. Sandra Pruitt Brack-Engles

10.21.19

Mr. Lawton “L.W.” Hendley

10.04.19

Mr. Perry Wayne Ranew

10.30.19

Mr. Jack Avant Brannen

10.24.19

Mr. Sam Lewis Hendrix, Jr.

09.16.19

Mrs. Maydel Lester Reese

10.08.19

Mr. Edwin Andrew “Andy” Brantley

09.26.19

Mr. Jack Rush Hicks, Sr.

10.27.19

Mr. Rex Marvin Rigdon

10.26.19

Mr. Jimmy Ray Brown

10.02.19

Ms. Linda Julia Cobb Hill

10.15.19

Rev. Ruben Vance Riggins

10.26.19

Mrs. Willie Mae Odum Bush

09.06.19

Mrs. Mary Adina Hill Hodges

10.09.19

Deacon Marvin N. Riggs

10.17.19

MSGT (Ret.) Roger Butler

10.22.19

Mrs. Wanda Hendrix Holloway

09.12.19

Mrs. Magdalene Roberts

09.30.19

Mrs. Norma H. Cannady

09.13.19

Mr. Harvey “Buck Jo” Howard, Jr.

09.18.19

Mrs. Lola Mae Fields Robinson

09.13.19

Dr. Lon Melson Carnes, Jr.

09.25.19

Mrs. Susan Mikell Ingle

09.25.19

Mr. Marcellus “Marc” Ross

10.04.19

Mr. William Rogers Cary

09.25.19

Mr. Donald H. Lanier

09.07.19

Mrs. Evelyn Rozier

09.09.19

Mr. Tristan Michael Clemmons

09.05.19

Mrs. Jewel Bullard Lanier

10.02.19

Ms. Marcia Boyd Rushing

10.18.19

Mr. Jamie E. Coker

10.04.19

Mrs. Mattie Latimer

10.21.19

Deacon Willie Robert “Bobby” Scarboro

09.17.19

Mr. Jack David Colley

09.19.19

Mrs. Juanita Sapp Lee

10.06.19

Mr. Wali Shaheed (aka Clinton Burke)

09.13.19

Mrs. Miriam Elaine Rogers Conner

10.14.19

Mrs. Jacqueline Warren Lee Malphrus

10.02.19

Mr. Charles Alvin Smith

09.11.19

Mr. Clifton Wilbur “Clif” Coto

09.14.19

Ms. Diane Marshall

09.11.19

Mr. Billy Ray Steptoe

10.26.19

Mr. Lemuel Adam Deal

09.21.19

Mr. Rufus L. Miley, Jr.

10.08.19

Mr. Thomas Marvin Stidham

10.01.19

Mrs. Brenda Baldwin Deloach

10.31.19

Mr. Edward “Toolum” Mincey

09.07.19

MSGT (Ret.) Bobby Gene Still

10.12.19

MSGT (Ret.) Donald Douglas

09.21.19

Mrs. Adrienne Angerine Moody

09.14.19

Mrs. Carolyn Finch Street

09.26.19

Mr. Charles Eason

09.10.19

Mr. Thomas L. Moore, III

10.14.19

Mr. George Tassey, Jr.

09.30.19

Judge Tom A. Edenfield, Sr.

10.15.19

Dr. Lindy H. Morgan

10.18.19

Mrs. Beverly Newton Thibodeau

09.24.19

Mr. Lawrence John “Jack” Fetterly, III

09.07.19

Mrs. Barbara “Bobbie Jean” Morris

10.28.19

Miss Cassandra Enice Thomas

09.10.19

Mrs. Vera Mae Goodman Flowers

09.25.19

Mrs. Rebie Geraldine Brannen Motes

10.25.19

Deacon David Washington, Jr.

09.29.19

Ms. Michal Lejeune Floyd

09.25.19

Mrs. Faye Newton Nelson

10.08.19

Dr. Robert L. West

03.23.19

Mr. Milton Eugene Futch

09.07.19

Mrs. Hazel Scott NeSmith

10.22.19

Ms. Celia White

09.30.19

Mr. Don Chance Gillespie

10.24.19

Mrs. Fannie Sue Ellis Nutting

09.14.19

Mrs. Jacquelyn Knight Wiggins

10.27.19

Mrs. Sandra Pruitt Green

01.06.19

Mrs. Tammy Elaine Muns Oglesby

10.07.19

Mrs. Mary Maxine Williams

10.25.19

Mr. Stephen Greene

10.11.19

Mr. Truman Parker Page

10.03.19

Mr. Bernard LeVaughn “Woody” Woods

09.19.19

Mrs. Pearline Hagins

09.15.19

Dr. Larry Eugene Price

09.10.19

Ms. Linda Carol Yarbrough

10.18.19

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Wishing You A Happy and Prosperous New Year!

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