Progress edition 2014

INSIDE INTRO & ECONOMICS: An introduction/Page 2 Forecast indicates state will outpace national average growth this year/Page 2 Community strategic planning enters next phase/Page 3 Middle Georgia Regional Unemployment analysis/Page 4 Georgia Quick Facts/Page 5

Johnny Grant speaks on the community survey results and the next phase in the strategic planning process.

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Progress 2014

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INTRO

PROGRESS 2014

elcome to The Union-Recorder’s 2014 Progress Edition, a reflective look at growth and development in sectors of Baldwin County.

In this installment of our annual publication, we’ve selected “Blueprint for the Future” as our theme. Inside you’ll find highlights of many of the keys to Baldwin County’s efforts for formulating an effective blueprint for its future. Our sections provide a glimpse at education, business, industry, health, tourism and local government.

We also share insight on the economic forecast statewide as well as names and contact information for some of the community leaders at the helm.

Each section of our Progress Edition 2014 includes features and information that provides an indication on where our community stands, where it’s going and what areas are helping to shape Baldwin County’s new blueprint.

We hope that our 2014 Progress Edition gives readers insight into where several Baldwin County projects and programs are in their development, and that it gives you, our readers, a better sense of the local economic climate and how it is helping to shape the blueprint of the future.

W

Natalie Davis

Georgia’s oldest continuously published newspaper.

The Southern Recorder, Est. 1820 The Federal Union, Est. 1830 The Union-Recorder, Est. 1872

Contact Us: Publisher Keith Barlow (478) 453-1441 Managing Editor Natalie Davis (478) 453-1462 Advertising Erin Simmons (478) 453-1437 Circulation Director Michael Evans (478) 453-1401 A nhi newspaper The Union-Recorder is published Tuesday morning through Saturday morning by Newspaper Holdings Inc. at 165 Garrett Way in Milledgeville, GA 31061

NATALIE DAVIS, MANAGING EDITOR

A look ahead Forecast indicates state B will outpace national average growth this year In addition, at 1.3 percent, Georgia’s population growth will outperform the national average of 0.9 percent.

ATHENS — uoyed by rising home prices, smart economic policies and new jobs, Georgia’s economy will rise more than the national average next year. That was the message delivered by Charles B. Knapp, interim dean of the Terry College of Business and president emeritus of the University of Georgia, at the Georgia Economic Outlook luncheon held Dec. 11 in Atlanta.

“Private sector job growth will be well balanced in 2014, which reduces the risk of recession because Georgia’s growth will not be dependent on the performance of just one or two big economic sectors,” Knapp

said. “The fastest job growth will occur in construction, followed by professional and business services, and mining and logging.”

The Economic Outlook series travels to 12 cities throughout the region, providing a complete picture of what the coming year brings for the local, state and national economies.

Sponsored by the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, the series relies on the sound reasoning of the Selig Center for Economic Growth. Its goal is to explain Georgia’s model for growth, trends shaping the nation’s economic focus See

FORECAST, page 4

Progress 2014

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PROGRESS 2014

INTRO

Next phase Community strategic planning enters next phase The phases of strategic planning for economic development include information gathering, information analysis, setting goals and action items then implementation

By FELICIA CUMMINGS

An analysis of findings from the 1,523 survey responses revealed a number of areas in need of improvement within the community as well as specific groups in the county that are unrepresented.

U-R file photo

Grant works as the director of Community Engagement and Economic Development for Georgia College and is chair of the strategic planning committee. availability of jobs in the area as well as resources for a better education system.

Grant said he was not surprised by this finding and that education and employment must progress together for better results.

“In order to reach success in economic development you’ll have to simultaneously work on several community fronts at the same time,” he said.

Because of this predominant factor in the survey responses, measures to increase the value of K-12 education and ways to prepare citizens for employment will be two immediate action See

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tee is in the midst of the information analysis phase and gradually moving toward setting goals to improve the quality of living in Milledgeville and Baldwin County.

“Initially we hoped we would be at a point where we completed the vision statement and started implementation by the end of May, but I don’t know if we’re going to meet that timeframe.”

He added that most of the committee’s time in the analysis phase is devoted to looking at feedback from Community Input Surveys that were offered to the public in February.

“It’s better to do it right rather than do it quickly,” said Grant.

An analysis of findings from the 1,523 survey responses revealed a number of areas in need of improvement within the community as well as specific groups in the county that are unrepresented.

Common goals that appeared consistently among several responses were the need for an increased

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illedgevilleBaldwin C o u n t y Community Strategic Planning initiative progresses toward a concrete objective as the process continues to transition from information gathering to information analysis.

When former state senator Johnny Grant received the title of chairman for the committee, he was more than willing to play his part in fostering Baldwin County and City of Milledgeville economic development.

Grant works as the director of C o m m u n i t y Engagement and E c o n o m i c Development for Georgia College. “ C o m m u n i t y engagement is at the core of any community’s willingness to progress,” said Grant.

The phases of strategic planning for economic development include information gathering, information analysis, setting goals and action items then implementation, according to Grant.

As of now, the strategic planning commit-

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Forecast Continued from page 2 and what different cities across the state can expect in the months ahead.

According to the forecast, prepared by the Selig Center for Economic Growth, the state’s inflation-adjusted GDP will grow at 3 percent next year, with an influx of 1.8 percent more jobs. In contrast, the nation’s GDP will see a 2.3 percent growth rate overall with 1.5 percent increase in the jobs.

Last year, the state’s growth was more modest, with the economy growing by about 2 percent. The changes, due in large part to development policies like the Georgia legislature’s deal closing fund, are set to help Georgia make up its jobs lost in the Great Recession by mid-2015.

“One factor behind the broadening base of job growth is the upturn in manufacturing activity, which is noteworthy given that since the turn of the millennium, Georgia has lost four out of every 10 manufacturing jobs,” Knapp said. “In 2012 and 2013, we’ve seen major project announcements in aircraft, automobile, construction equipment, life sciences and flooring manufacturing.”

In addition, at 1.3 percent, Georgia’s popula-

tion growth will outperform the national average of 0.9 percent. The influx is due, in part, to heavier migration to Georgia. In the next year, about 61,000 people will move into the state, up from 29,000 in 2009.

It isn’t all good news, however.

While Georgia’s private sector will be growing in 2014, the public sector will drag.

Because federal spending makes up a higherthan-average portion of Georgia’s GDP at 6.9 percent, cuts there will

hurt. Reductions to defense spending will be especially harmful, as many Georgia communities rely on military bases for their economic lifeblood.

In addition, Georgia still lags the nation in K12 education, with eighth graders ranking 40th among states in math, 34th in reading, 31st in science and 27th in writing.

“To fully leverage Georgia’s newly restructured privatesector economy we See

FORECAST, page 8

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What they earn

Source: Technical College System of Georgia

Continued from page 3 items.

The survey results also demonstrated that certain groups are not well represented in the findings, thus creating a misrepresentation of their voice among the community.

Between the digital and paper surveys that were completed, more than 80 percent of the respondents were Caucasian.

Fourteen percent were AfricanAmerican.

In an attempt to reach a larger population of AfricanAmerican residents, a series of focus groups were set up in local churches. According to Grant, a community the size of Milledgeville and Baldwin County can only grow if all citizens are included in the action process.

“We wanted to try and find another way besides the input surveys. We started setting up a series of focus groups at churches in the hopes that a small group setting would bring in more of the AfricanAmerican population,” said Grant.

Another area that was lacking in respondents was the Hardwick area of Baldwin County.

Focus groups were needed for this misrepresentation as well.

Grant said through the focus groups, “thought leaders” have been recognized in the community from all areas from Hardwick to Lake Sinclair. The goal is to speak with the thought leaders and have them tell the committee what they see as possibilities for Baldwin County.

“We do want to have representatives from different groups,

Baldwin County working adults and homeowners also made up a majority of the respondents.

Grant said they are now looking into ways to reach the

Georgia Quick Facts • State GDP will grow at 3 percent • Nominal persona income will grow by 5 percent • In-migration will rebound and the birth rate will increase • Georgia will gain 4,100 manufacturing jobs • Single-family home starts will rise by 36 percent • Job growth will remain at 1.8 percent • The Atlanta metro area will add 57,800 jobs (up 2.4 percent) • Unemployment will average 8 percent, 0.5 percent lower than 2013 • The risk of recession is 30 percent (down from last year’s 40 percent) • Job losses will continue in the public sector

population of the area that rents.

In an earlier statement by Grant, he reiterated in order for Milledgeville and Baldwin County to come together, there must be some kind of unified direction.

“We need the entire community to get behind this initiative

in order for things to start happening.”

Analysis of feedback will continue over the next six months. He said that a vision statement and goals is projected by early summer.

“I hope by fall we are ready to roll up our sleeves and get some of this work done,”

said Grant. “I think the community has seen enough talk and are ready to see action.”

Once action items have been identified and implemented, a monitoring process will be created to determine whether improvements are being made to the community.

U.S. Quick Facts • GDP growth will be 2.3 (up from 1.6 percent) • Wages will grow by 2 percent • Benefits will climb by 4 percent (due to health insurance costs) • Existing home prices will rise by 5 percent • New single-family home starts will increase by about 25 percent • Gain in consumer spending will be 2.2 percent, up from 1.8 percent • Totally nonfarm employment will increase by 1.5 percent • Unemployment will drop to 7.2 percent • Private spending for new nonresidential construction will increase • Risk of recession stands at 30 percent Source: The University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business

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MilledgevilleBaldwin County Development Authority Profile Development Authority Executive Director Matt Poyner Board members Paul Dean Chat Daniel Henry Pope Quay Fuller Ed Walker Cheryl Crumbley Brad Prosser Merlin Fechner Karen Rowell

MilledgevilleBaldwin County Chamber Profile CEO April Bragg 2014 Board of Directors Leadership Team Chair Dr. Dale Young, Georgia College Past Chair Terry Kennedy, Exchange Bank Chair-Elect David Luke, Flipper Chapel AME Church Secretary Natalie Davis, The Union-Recorder Technology Tom Glover, Cogentes Directors Tommy Cook, Need A Nerd Carol Goings, Baldwin County Board of Education Joannah Hollis, Northrim Investments Natacha Knox, The Market Basket Dr. Heather Langston, Oconee River Greenway Authority Merritt Massey, State Farm Insurance Billy Matthews, Bug House Pest Control Amit Patel, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Frank Pendergast, The Brick Mandy Petty, Cansino & Petty, LLC Claude Thorn, Milledgeville Country Club Courtney Tollison, Coldwell Banker SSK Realtors Brian Williams, Georgia Power Company Cameron Williams, Williams Funeral Home

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HOPE recipients

Source: Technical College System of Georgia.

Forecast Continued from page 4 need to adjust our priorities to put much greater emphasis on educational achievement,” Knapp said. “ That will be critical in terms of improving

Georgia’s competitiveness, which ultimately determines our standard of living.”

The National Forecast While Georgia will outpace the U.S. economy in 2014, the nation will also see improvement, with a 2.3 percent growth of GDP (up from 1.6 percent last year).

The primary driver of GDP growth will be private domestic demand, rather than the fiscal stimulus or net exports.

Indeed, sustained growth nationwide relies on a few factors, including increased spending on both new and existing homes, thawing credit markets,

higher wages and businesses’ spending on new equipment and technology.

In addition, crude oil and gas prices are expected to remain at 2013 levels through the new year, and limited inflation should reassure the bond markets and the Federal

Reserve.

In 2014, consumers’ inflation-adjusted spending for goods will increase much faster than spending for services, with spending for durable goods growing more than twice as fast as spending for nondurables.

While uncertainty will

decline throughout the year, the risk of enduring another recession (30 percent chance) continues to hinge upon federal fiscal policy, oil price shocks and financial panic from the European Union.

Source: The University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business

INSIDE EDUCATION: Georgia College Newell Scholar encourages community partnerships/Page 2 Report: Spending associated with CGTC has $95 million impact in region/Page 3 CGTC, GC partnership formed to create more post-secondary options close to home/Page 4 Baldwin County BOE continues search for next superintendent/Page 4 GMC moving toward offering bachelor’s degree program/Page 5 GMC Wellness Center slated for May opening/Page 6

Georgia College 2014 Newell Scholar Leon Johnson.

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PROGRESS 2014

Campus & Community Georgia College Newell Scholar encourages community par tnerships The Newell Scholar for 2014, Leon Johnson, has been working consistently to bring community involvement to Georgia College students as well as promote partnerships within the Baldwin County community.

By FELICIA CUMMINGS

he Martha Daniel Newell V i s i t i n g Distinguished Scholar Program was established in 2011 with an endowment from Georgia College alumna, Martha Daniel Newell.

The program is designed to strengthen the college’s liberal arts mission by providing an opportunity for the college community to work alongside a nationally recognized scholar-inresidence.

When Johnson first learned of the Newell Scholar 2014 honor, he said he was “very excited about the possibility of taking art and creating communication outside the classroom environment.”

He also expressed his delight in how quickly the community responded to his work.

“I was impressed with the speed at which the relationship with community partners deepened so quickly,” he said.

Thus far Johnson, who is visiting from

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Detroit, Mich., has provided the community with an abundance of opportunities to experiment, learn and network in conjunction with his art.

He set up a field station at Blackbridge Hall Art Gallery through March 28 “that offers creative investigations in progress, exhibited works, discussions and lectures, workshops in book binding and a location for research and reading,” according to a Georgia College press release.

The gallery features an exhibition of Johnson’s work, curated by art major Emily Strickland.

Johnson understands his role as a Newell Scholar and makes it his goal to open the doors of his classroom to the community.

“My main objective is to stimulate and create community involvement outside the school curriculum,” said Johnson. “I hope to create a

The Newell Scholar program is designed to strengthen the college’s liberal arts mission by providing an opportunity for the college community to work alongside a nationally recognized scholar-in-residence.

GC Communications

Above: Newell Scholar Leon Johnson prepares food for an event at Andalusia. Below: Johnson serves food at the Brown-Stetson-Sanford House event. chorus of information among both students and the community as opposed to individual voices of the academy.”

Johnson is an educator as well as a media artist whose work includes painting, sculpture, installation, performance, food events, print media, video, photography, bookmaking and curatorial practices.

His work demonstrates how the two titles work hand in hand.

“As an educator and an artist, the two roles must work collaboratively in order for both the teacher and the student to be successful,” he said.

He is the type of teacher who works alongside his

students, giving them a chance to witness the process of creating and an opportunity to learn from their mistakes.

“I love the potential for my process to parallel their process,

failures and all,” he said.

His seminars are designed to engage the community at-large.

“With open seminars you never know who will show up. It could

be students, woodworkers, farmers, or just someone interested in the buzz of the event.

“I try to deliver content so that it resSee

PROGRAM, page 6

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PROGRESS 2014

Economic impact Repor t: Spending associated with CGTC has $95 million impact in region Central Georgia Technical College’s economic impact within its 11-county service area results in $95.5 million annually, according to a recent study.

From staff reports

ccording to Dr. Jeffrey M. Humphreys, director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, the $95.5 million represents the combined total economic impact of both Middle Georgia Technical College (MGTC) and the former Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC).

The new Central Georgia Technical College was formed by the merger of these two colleges in July 2013.

The economic impact is in a new report from Humphreys that details his analysis of economic data from the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) for the 2012 fiscal year, the year prior to the merger of CGTC and MGTC. The study also found that the college’s spending results in a combined 1,285 public and private sector jobs.

Humphreys reported that statewide, for each job created on a TCSG college campus, one off-campus job exists because of college-related expenditures. One in every 264 non-farm jobs in Georgia, he said, occurs because of spending associated with a TCSG college.

"The fundamental finding is that each of the TCSG colleges, including Central Georgia Technical College, creates

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U-R file photo

CGTC students in the new health sciences facility work in class in this file photo. substantial economic impact in terms of output, value added, labor income and employment. These economic impacts demonstrate that continued emphasis on technical colleges as an enduring pillar of the regional economy translates into jobs, higher incomes, and greater production of goods and services for local households and businesses,” said Humphreys.

The TCSG commissioned Humphreys to calculate the importance that spending

connected to the state’s technical colleges has for their service delivery areas, which range in size from two to 11 counties. CGTC has one of the largest service delivery areas in the system, serving 11 counties including Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Dooly, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach, Pulaski, Putnam and Twiggs. Several categories of college expenditures were reviewed for the study, including personnel salaries and

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indirect spending in communities throughout Georgia, and was a factor in almost 15,000 public and private sector jobs.

“The spending factor alone is a sizable return on the state’s investment in the TCSG, and it would be significantly higher if we were to add the economic value that our graduates create once they leave college and meet employers’ needs for a skilled workforce,” said Ron Jackson, commissioner of the TCSG.

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we expect to have an even more significant economic impact on the middle Georgia region by educating a well-qualified workforce that will, inturn, lead to an even more successful and robust economy.” said Dr. Ivan Allen, president of Central Georgia Technical College.

Statewide, the $315 million state appropriation for the TCSG in 2012 helped to train almost 153,000 technical college students, contributed to $1.2 billion in direct and

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fringe benefits, college operations, capital construction projects, and student spending, to name a few.

The result, put in the context of the taxpayer investment, indicated that the $20.8 million state appropriation for both MGTC and CGTC in 2012 supported the enrollment of 14,639 students, generated $95.5 million in local spending, and helped to sustain almost 1,300 college-related jobs.

“As our campuses and programs expand,

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Partnership in place CGTC, GC partnership formed to create more post-secondary options close to home A partnership solidified late last year aims to create more post-secondary opportunities for local students.

From staff reports

fficials from C e n t r a l G e o r g i a Technical College and Georgia College signed off on a formal agreement to explore new avenues for students to transition from one school to the other more seamlessly as they pursue their education.

CGTC President Dr. Ivan Allen and GC President Dr. Steve Dorman were joined on the local CGTC campus by Ron Jackson, Technical College System of Georgia commissioner, in making the announcement.

Jackson said the local agreement and similar plans across the state are offshoots of Gov. Nathan Deal’s ambitious directive to add

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250,000 additional college graduates over current levels to Georgia’s population by 2020.

To see the governor’s goal come to fruition, Georgia schools must stream-

Associate degree programs from CGTC will soon more easily transition into fouryear programs like those at GC or any other university around the state.

Jackson and

eorgia Gov. Nathan Deal aims

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to add 250,000 additional college graduates over current levels to Georgia’s population by 2020.

line the process and move students through higher education systems more quickly, he said.

By generating avenues for students to obtain credits faster, they won’t have to repeat courses when they transition from a technical college to a four-year school or vice versa.

University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Hank Huckaby and their respective boards are working on fostering similar partnerships between other schools.

The technical college system awarded 35,000 college credentials in 2012 and has produced 28,000

U-R file photo

GC President Dr. Steve Dorman, CGTC President Dr. Ivan Allen and Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Ron Jackson sign off on the agreement forming the GC-CGTC partnership. graduates this year.

Already,

thus 27

far core

technical college courses, available at all but two TCSG

schools, are transferable to any four-year school in the state.

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Four-year program GMC moving toward offering bachelor’s degree program HB 763 opens door for four-year bachelor’s degrees at GMC From staff reports

U-R file photo

Davis has worked in the Technical College System of Georgia for 22 years.

ecent legislation passed in the 2014 Georgia General Assembly session helps lay the foundation for Georgia Military College to offer a four-year degree program.

House Bill 763 will allow the twoyear college to offer a bachelor’s degree.

In October 2012, Central Georgia Technical College President Dr. Ivan Allen allowed GMC to survey CGTC students in order to determine if there was an interest in the bachelor of applied science degree program. Of the 587 respondents, 385 students indicated an interest in pursuing the four-year degree at GMC. The bachelor of applied science degree program will assist graduates of institutions under the Technical College System of Georgia attaining four-year bachelor’s degrees.

The college must now get permission from the Commission on Colleges of

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the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and submit a prospectus to increase its offerings, according to Dr. Mike Holmes, vice president of academic affairs at GMC. School officials and state leaders have all indicated that they do not foresee issues with the process. HB 763 will now travel to Gov. Nathan Deal’s desk for final approval.

“It could take up to six months or up to a year to get approval from our accrediting agency,” Holmes said.

“We’re currently working on our fiscal year 2015 budget and there’s nothing included in the budget now for the bachelor’s degree program. I anticipate to have it entered in the FY16 budget so we can hopefully implement the program in fall 2015. We will need to hire more faculty with a doctorate in business management. We have one at the Milledgeville campus, and I will probably utilize her when we develop the program.”

Davis is new VP of satellite operations at Central Ga. Tech Took the helm in February in new role From staff reports ana Davis assumed the vice president of satellite operations position at Milledgeville’s Central Georgia Technical College campus in February. The position was formerly held by Hank Griffeth since 2007. Griffeth took on a new role as the director of operations for the MilledgevilleBaldwin County Chamber of Commerce and the Development Authority in early March.

“I’m extremely excited about my new opportunity to serve our students and CGTC in a different capacity,” she said. “This position provides leadership for the college’s operations in Baldwin, Jones, Putnam, Monroe and

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Crawford counties.”

Davis has worked in the Technical College System of Georgia for 22 years. She began her career at Ogeechee Technical Institute in 1991 as an accounting instructor before serving in various positions, including department chair for the business department, director of financial aid, vice president of administrative services and executive director of facilities management.

“I started working closer with students early in my career when I taught accounting,” she said.

“I’m enjoying the idea of coming back to work closely with students and our program offerings.”

Caldwell leads GMC as 21st president

U-R file photo

Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV officially retired from active duty in the U.S. Army and was inducted as Georgia Military College’s 21st president during a public ceremony held last November. During the ceremony Caldwell was honored as the first-ever Army recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal.

He received this award for his work as the Commanding General of U.S. Army North (5th Army), U.S. Northern Command’s Joint Force Land Component Command and Army Service Component Command, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas from December 2011 to August 2013. Caldwell officially began work as GMC’s president on Nov. 1. He succeeds Maj. Gen. Peter Boylan (Ret.) who retired last summer and now serves as GMC’s president emeritus.

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Health & Wellness GMC Wellness Center slated for May opening State-of-the-art facility adds 55,000 square feet to Cordell Events Center space

From staff reports

he new Georgia Military College Health and Wellness Center is slated for completion in May. The new state-of-the-art facility will provide appropriate space to educate GMC preparatory and

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college students on health, nutrition and fitness once complete in early May. The facility adds 55,000 square feet on three levels on the north side of the Cordell Events Center and is integrated into the existing

building.

It features two multi-purpose courts, an elevated walking and running track, classrooms, weight and cardio training spaces, athletic storage facilities, staff offices and locker rooms.

New facility open

Baldwin County Education Profile Sinclair Christian Academy 102 Airport Rd. Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-452-4242 www.sinclairconnect.com/sca/ John Milledge Academy 197 Log Cabin Rd NE Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-452-5570 Head of School: Mark Hopkins www.johnmilledge.org/ Georgia Military College Prep 201 E. Greene St. Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-387-4900 Principal: John Thornton www.prep.gmc.cc.ga.us/ Baldwin High School 155 GA Highway 49 West Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-453-6429 Principal: Dr. Jessica Swain www.baldwinhighschool.net/index.html Oak Hill Middle School 356 Blandy Road, NW Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-457-3370 Principal: Dr. Linda Ramsey www.baldwin2.oak.schooldesk.net Blandy Hills Elementary 375 Blandy Road Milledgeville, GA 30161 478-457-2495 Principal: Charlene A. Thorpe www.baldwin2.blandy.schooldesk.net/ Creekside Elementary 372 Blandy Road Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-457-3301 Principal: Tracy Clark www.baldwin2.creekside.schooldesk. net/ Eagle Ridge Elementary 220 N. ABC Street Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-457-2967 478-457-2478 Principal: Jeanette Scott www.baldwin2.eagle.schooldesk.net/

U-R file photo

Local and state dignitaries, educators, students and community partners gather in this April 2013 file photo to celebrate the opening of Central Georgia Technical College’s new Center for Health Sciences facility. The $17 million building enabled the satellite campus to expand its course offerings and provide more programs of study to local students.

Program Continued from page 2 onates with everyone in the hopes that the conversation will move outside the seminar and bring these different groups together.”

His projects and classroom work take students through the history and culture of Milledgeville.

“We’re only halfway through and we’ve done an extraordinary amount of work already.” The show, titled “The Deposits: Vestigial Enclaves,” features a series of photographs of people within the community. In these photos, Johnson said he aimed to demonstrate a spectrum of different emotions while using the body as a landscape.

His seminar titled “Taken Aback” has students participating in field research that explores mysteries and history of Milledgeville.

He said he hopes that his seminars and classroom work will make conversations among the Milledgeville community just a little richer than before.

He will also host three open

presentations where students and the Milledgeville community can learn more about his work as an artist.

Upcoming presentations dates are slated for April 4 and May 2, coinciding with the First Friday events in downtown. The presentations have taken the form of dinners and working with local farmers and cooks.

Johnson said so far his expectations have been exceeded and he is highly impressed by both college faculty and members of the Milledgeville community.

“The community has proven to be very powerful and positive allies in this entire experience,” he said.

Johnson is not alone in his endeavors to bring a diverse mix of culture and art to the community.

Jonathan Kung, a Hong Kong chef from Detroit, visited the campus to work with Johnson in a one-nightonly pop up restaurant event.

Future events will include Megan O’Connell, Johnson’s partner of Salt & Cedar letterpress studio in Detroit and Iain Kerr, Maine University professor, an internationally recognized artist and writer and founder of Spurse, an experimental consultation service.

CASH IN A HURRY

Cash for Graduation, Summer Vacation, Pay off High Interest Title Loans

Cash Advances $100 to $1,500 NORTHSIDE LOANS HARDWICK FINANCE 943 N. Columbia Street 478-453-3771

100 S. Wayne St. 478-452-0518

LEE LOANS

998 N. Jefferson St. 478-452-5591 158539

Midway Elementary 101 Carl Vinson Road Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-457-2440 Principal: Antonio Ingram www.baldwin2.midway.schooldesk.net/ Early Learning Center 100 N. ABC St. Milledgeville, GA 31061 478-457-2461 Director: Blanche Lamb www.baldwin2.elc.schooldesk.net/

Baldwin County BOE continues search for next superintendent Once candidates go through the interview process, GSBA recommends for the school board to select three finalists to be publicly announced.

From staff reports

Baldwin County Schools district with candidates determined Superintendent Geneva Braziel to be appropriate for consideration. announced her resignation to the In January the board launched board of education last fall. Since an online survey for parents and then the board has worked to solidfy other members of the community to a timeline for the relay input on what process of hiring a qualities they’d like new superintendto see the next ent. school superintendBraziel served two ent possess. They terms as superinsurvey submission tendent for the deadline was earliDistrict 1 school district. Her er this month. A Gloria Wicker current three-year summary of the sur(478) 457-6413 contract ends Nov. 1, vey results will be gwicker@baldwin.k12.ga.us 2014. Her resignagiven to the school tion is effective June board for its use as District 2 30. the applications are Harold B. Simmons In December, reviewed and select (478) 804-0087 the school board candidates are hsimmons@baldwin.k12.ga.us signed an agreeinterviewed. ment with the In March the District 3 Georgia School school board conLyn Chandler Boards Association ducted a public (478) 453-2714 (GSBA) to allow forum facilitated by lyn.chandler@baldwin.k12.ga.us GSBA to conduct the a GSBA representainitial search and tive where attenDistrict 4 evaluation for a new dees were given the John Noah Jackson school superintendopportunity to (478) 456-0213 ent. GSBA’s contract express their jjackson@baldwin.k12.galus states that it will desires with promptly and proregards to the District 5 fessionally conduct superintendent’s Wes Cummings a search for a new post.

(478) 456-0755 superintendent for Once candiwcummings@baldwin.k12.ga.us the district, involvdates go through ing the advertising the interview and solicitation of applications, pro- process, GSBA recommends for the cessing applications, screening can- school board to select three finalists didates, receiving recommendations to be publicly announced. The board and evaluations of candidates, per- anticipates having a new superinforming evaluations of candidates, tendent in place by the start of the and submitting a report to the school 2014-2015 school year.

Baldwin County Board of Education Profile

INSIDE GOVERNMENT: GOVERNMENT CSHLRA finalizes plans after legislative initiatives/Page 2 Correctional health care company closes on CSH property/Page 3 Tax abatement schedule aims to spur capital investment/Page 4 GMC bill, Georgia College funding part of local items approved/Page 4

State, city and county leaders join CSHLRA leaders for the Bostick State Prison sale announcement.

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Moving forward CSHLRA finalizes plans after legislative initiatives The Central State Hospital Legislative Initiative committee, which started as a grassroots joint City of Milledgeville and CSHLRA effort, looks forward to the possibilities of marketing CSH land.

By FELICIA CUMMINGS

he Central State Hospital L o c a l Redevelopment Authority (CSHLRA) is moving forward with the sale of campus land thanks to major legislative initiatives passed in Atlanta.

The CSHLRA’s main objective is to make the Central State Hospital (CSH) campus the “economic engine that it truly can be,” said Executive Director Mike Couch.

He added that its mission is to develop long term strategies for the CSH campus with a focus on job creation and education.

With the passing of two key bills, HB 495

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and SR 788, CSHLRA is on its way to achieving its goal.

House Bill 495 allows only state delegates that have specific property in their district to veto a state property transaction.

This bill will cut approximately 400 days off the transaction time, according to Couch.

“The whole procedure of transferring state-owned property to private usually takes about 520 days to close. In order to get our properties ready for sale we need to start working on the process sooner, and this bill will allow us to do just that.”

Senate Resolution 788, also referred to

U-R file photo

City, state and county leaders join CSHLRA board members for a recent announcement in this file photo. With the passing of two key bills, HB 495 and SR 788, CSHLRA is on its way to achieving its goal to make the Central State Hospital (CSH) campus the ‘economic engine that it truly can be.’

What are BH 495 and SR 788?

Two key pieces of recently approved Georgia General Assembly legislation will soon have a major impact on the CSH campus.

HB 495 allows the Central State Hospital Local Redevelopment Authority to work directly with the State Proper ties Commission (SPC) for any proper ties valued under $500,000. HB 495 allows only state delegates that have specific proper ty in their district to veto a state property transaction. This bill will cut approximately 400 days off the transaction time for proper ties.

The State Proper ty Omnibus Bill (SR788) will be used to declare the proper ties surplus to the current missions of Georgia Depar tment of Corrections (DOC) and Depar tment of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) at the CSH.

as the State Property Omnibus legislation, covers anticipated property transfers between the 2014 and 2015 Georgia legislative sessions. The bill will be used to declare the properties surplus to the current missions of the Georgia Department of Corrections and Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) at CSH. The CSHLRA is anticipating the bills to allow faster access to properties for privatization of stagnant hospital real estate totaling more than 2,100 acres.

“I have to give full credit to our state and local politicians,” said Couch. “Without their leadership and support, we wouldn’t be moving ahead as efficiently as we are today.”

Central State Hospital Local Redevelopment Authority Profile Mike Couch, CSHLRA Executive Director Quay Hurt Fuller, Chair Dudley Rowe, Vice Chair Dr. John Ferguson, Treasurer Dr. George Martinez Bruce Vaughn Dr. Nolan Stephens Russ Walden Dr. Stanley (Stas) Preczewski Johnny Grant Jeanette Walden, Ex Officio Henry R. Craig, Ex Officio

The Central State Hospital Legislative Initiative committee, which started as a grassroots joint City of Milledgeville and CSHLRA effort, looks forward to the possibilities of marketing CSH land.

Couch said that the goal of the CSH Legislative Initiative is “to have legal process that makes

the CSH campus market-ready to facilitate job creation while protecting an asset of all Georgia taxpayers.”

As the CSHLRA moves forward after legislative bills have passed, the first sale of land at the former state hospital closed March 6. It includes the former Bostick building site and 16

acres of land for development by CorrectHealth LLP, an Atlanta-based company.

“The negotiations for CorrectHealth are going to amount to a big event for the development authority,” said Couch.

CorrectHealth is physician-owned and operated, specializing in correctional health care.

Couch said the sale is significant for the CSHLRA because it will result in the first private ownership of any site at CSH. “The Bostick building in its current condition had no future market value or potential for reuse,” said Couch.

CorrectHealth plans to demolish the existing building and construct a state-ofthe-art geriatric care facility valued at See

CSHLRA, page 3

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PROGRESS 2014

Bostick deal

GOVERNMENT Milledgeville City Council Profile Mayor Richard Bentley 478-452-5158 rbentley@milledgevillega.us

Correctional health care company closes on CSH property State accepted CorrectHealth's $50,000 bid for the former Bostick State Prison facility last October.

District 1 Dr. Collinda J. Lee 478-452-4217 clee@milledgevillega.us District 2 Jeanette H. Walden 478-452-5604 jwalden@milledgevillega.us

From staff reports

orrectHealth LLP, an Atlanta based correctional health care company, will create a continuing geriatric care facility for a large parolee population not currently served by Georgia prisons in the former Bostick State Prison facility on the Central State Hospital campus.

The new facility is tabbed for a late 2015 o p e n i n g .

CorrectHealth will demolish the existing building and construct a “state of the art” geriatric care facility valued at more than $20 million when completed. The new building will have 280 beds.

The state accepted CorrectHealth's $50,000 bid for the former Bostick State Prison facility last October.

The State P r o p e r t i e s Commission (SPC) completed the deed for execution on Jan. 9.

At that time, involved parties realized CSH has to establish a public easement in and out of the 16acre Bostick parcel.

The new Bostick Nursing Center will hire more than 200 permanent staff members offering a

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District 3 Denese Shinholster 478-452-0465 dshinholster@milledgevillega.us District 4 Walter Reynolds 478-363-3684 wareynolds@live.com District 5 Richard Mullins Jr. 454-7461 rmullins@milledgevillega.us District 6 Stephen Chambers 454-6365 citydistrict6@gmail.com

State Profile State House of Representatives House District 145 Rep. Rusty Kidd 478-452-1354 rusty.kidd@house.ga.gov U-R file photo

CorrectHealth LLP, an Atlanta based correctional health care company, will create a continuing geriatric care facility for a large parolee population not currently served by Georgia prisons in the former Bostick State Prison facility on the Central State Hospital campus. tremendous boost to Milledgeville's local economy not to mention construction jobs.

CorrectHealth is physician owned and operated and provides cost-effective, comprehensive high quality health care services to correctional facilities.

The company currently oversees the correctional health care to nearly 15,000 inmates in more than 40 facilities in the southeastern United States and is the largest private

CSHLRA Continued from page 2 more than $20 million when completed in the projected year of 2015.

The project will bring jobs to Milledgeville’s local economy. Once completed, the 280-bed facility will employ more than 200 permanent staff members.

Besides the CorrectHealth land sale, the CSHLRA is still active in other projects as well. These current projects include Employee Education Assistance, film projects in partnership with the

provider of correctional health care in the state.

The Georgia Department of Corrections (DOC) closed the 700-bed Bostick State Prison effective May 1, 2010 to save on DOC operational costs.

Bostick is an old 1950s dorm that was converted to a prison in 1987.

The facility was considered a “non-enduring” infrastructure because it lacks the safety features of other state prisons

and required more staff to secure. The prison previously housed medium security inmates, as well as those with special needs.

The prison sits at the end of Lawrence Road.

State Senate Senate District 25 Sen. Burt Jones 770-775-4880 burt.jones@senate.ga.gov **US Congress District 12 Rep. Paul Broun 706-549-9588 ***US Senate Saxby Chambliss (478) 741-1417 U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson 770-661-0999 **Broun is seeking a U.S. Senate seat and will not seek another term in Congress’ District 12. ***Chambliss is not seeking another term.

Milledgeville Convention & Visitors Bureau, intern programs with Georgia College, Solar Initiative Submission to Georgia Power, as well as additional state agency and federal funding projects.

The CSHLRA was created in 2012

by Georgia HB 815 with the specific mission of planning for and executing the redevelopment of the CSH campus and they intend on continuing this effort.

“The five original doctors who created central state created it on hope,” Couch said. “CSH is still a place of hope and we’re working hard to play our part in creating new industry in this community.”

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100 S. Wayne St. 478-452-0518

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998 N. Jefferson St. 478-452-5591 158539

00158225

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Legislative rewind GMC bill, Georgia College funding part of local items approved Local members of the delegation have also continued working out the details relating to the 215-mile Fall Line Freeway (FLF) project. he Senate adjourned Sine Die on Thursday, March 20, but not before we made numerous steps in the right direction for Baldwin County and District 25.

This year, I was lucky to collaborate with members of the Baldwin County delegation to pass initiatives that will boost and solidify future economic measures within and around the county.

To account for the rise in enrollment at Georgia College, we were able to secure $3.9 million for the repurposing of Mayfair and McIntosh Hall. Mayfair Hall will house all student recruitment functions while McIntosh Hall will serve as additional academic space in the core of campus. In addition, the school will receive $1 million in funds will go to the school for purposes deemed necessary by the administration.

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In another move to help our colleges, we passed House Bill 763, which will allow Georgia Military College (GMC) the ability to offer students a four-year Bachelor of Applied Science Jones degree. Currently, GMC operates on a two-year system and only offers associates degrees; HB 763 will allow students more educational opportunities and will provide companies with a skilled, technical work force.

In an attempt to bring about more repurposing of buildings and anticipate real estate transactions for the upcoming year, the General Assembly passed Senate Resolution 788, which authorizes the conveyance of certain state owned real

property located in Baldwin and Wilkinson counties. In line with SR 788, we passed House Bill 495, which expedites the sale of state property by removing the General Assembly from the conveyance process for property appraised under $500,000.

This will allow for a majority of surplus materials to be available for redeveloping, for example Central State Hospital.

Also, local members of the delegation have continued working out the details relating to the 215-mile Fall Line Freeway (FLF) project.

Through meetings with the joint authorities of Baldwin and Wilkinson counties, we were able to negotiate a deal that will make property at the four corners located at the intersection of the FLF and US Highway 141 affordable for future development.

Although it was a fairly quick leg-

islative session, I had the privilege to welcome and speak with students from Baldwin Leadership. It was great to meet with these promising students and served as a reminder of how bright Georgia’s future is.

Thank you for visiting the Capitol and I wish you the best of luck and continued successes.

With a prestigious educational institution on the rise and land ready for development, we are continuing to move in the right direction for Baldwin County. I look forward to continuing initiatives on your behalf, if there are any issues you wish to have addressed, I would love to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to contact my office at 404-656-0082 or via email at burt.jones@senate.ga.gov.

State Sen. Burt Jones represents the 25th District of Georgia.

Tax abatement schedule aims to spur capital investment In partnership with legal counsel and Georgia Power, the Development Authority drafted three different schedules for tax incentive purposes.

The tax abatement schedules cover five, 10 and 15 years.

From staff reports

h e MilledgevilleB a l d w i n County Development

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Authority created a simple, yet enterprising industrial tax abatement schedule earlier this year to encourage capital investment.

In partnership with legal counsel and Georgia Power, the D e v e l o p m e n t Authority drafted three different schedules for tax incentive purposes. The tax abatement schedules cover five, 10 and 15 years.

The measure has gone before local bodies and has been approved by city, county and school board officials.

The government granted action

encourages capital investment by reducing or exempting a certain entity from taxes for a specified period.

The schedule is a competitive economic development tool other communities use exclusively.

Baldwin County must establish one to stay with the times, according to D e v e l o p m e n t Authority Executive Director Matt Poyner.

Milledgeville and Baldwin County compete within the state, region and globally for these big buck companies.

For example, incoming companies with 25

jobs and $10 million investment would qualify for the fiveyear, 50 jobs and up to $100 million makes the 10-year incentive schedule and at least 100 jobs with more than $100 million spent clicks the project into the 15-year abatement slot. Big investment with low job yield doesn’t apply with the schedule.

“We have to have these abatements in place to be competitive in Middle Georgia,” Poyner said.

“This gives me the leeway to make these propositions to companies instead of having to come to the board to ask for approval.”

Baldwin County Commission Profile District 1 Emily C. Davis 478-451-7105 ecdavis@baldwincountyga.com

District 2 Tommy L. French 478-288-1172 tfrench@baldwincountyga.com

District 3 Sammy Hall 478-932-5662 shall@baldwincountyga.com

District 4 Henry R. Craig 478-452-2531 hcraig@baldwincountyga.com

District 5 John H. Westmoreland 478-387-5315 158386

jwestmoreland@baldwincountyga.com

INSIDE BUSINESS: BOOST business incentive program growing in support and success/Page 2 Downtown farmer’s market gets new pavilion just in time for new season/Page 3 Film industry growing locally/Page 3 New orthopedic surgeon comes to Milledgeville/Page 4

New businesses, relocations spring forth/Page 6 Movement begins at Kroger outparcel sites/Page 8

New owners celebrate the ribbon cutting for The Antebellum Inn.

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BUSINESS

Loal business boost BOOST business incentive program growing in support and success Program objective is to support small local businesses and entrepreneurs with funding opportunities.

By FELICIA CUMMINGS

very business, whether big or small, can benefit from an extra boost, especially when it comes in the form of financial gain.

BOOST, an incentive created by the D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t Authority (DDA) and Milledgeville Main Street continues to provide support and additional financial support to downtown businesses in Milledgeville.

According to DDA and Main Street Director Carlee Schulte, the program’s main objective is to support small local businesses and entrepreneurs with funding opportunities.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our community,” she said.

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The program was launched in July 2013 coinciding with recognition of Georgia’s Small Business week.

“We thought it would be a great program to not only help celebrate our small businesses but also as a way to give them a financial boost,” she said.

She added that BOOST also encourages dialogue and collaboration between business owners and the community.

The incentive program started with roughly 30 charter members but has quickly expanded to close to 50. There is no set limit to the number of investors.

The grant amounts range from $100 up to $1,000. Only a $200 per year commitment is expected from investors.

These charter mem-

U-R file photo

Main Street Director Carlee Schulte leads the way to present a check to BOOST recipient Metropolis Cafe in this March file photo. bers also referred to as BOOSTERS donate

Money For A Summer Vacation?

College Fund?

Graduation?

Home Repairs?

Need to Pay Off High Interest Loans?

We Can Help.

The Sooner, The Better

NORTHSIDE LOANS 943 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville, GA

478-453-3771

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$200 to the program per year. The investment group is in charge of choosing the most deserving candidates. They also determine the specific amount of each

grant to be awarded.

“Being an investor doesn’t take up much time and members have the option of voting by email if they can’t attend a meeting,” she said.

Investors only meet quarterly to read through applications, agree upon a dollar amount and cast their vote.

The first set of grants was awarded in August 2013. The recipients were Amici Italian Café, Hair Bar and Blossoms Florist.

Each small business received $1,000 from the incentive program.

“We received nine applications during the first round and it was a close one when it came down to picking candidates,” said Schulte.

Business owners are only eligible for the grant once per year.

By the second round, the applications increased to 13.

“I was so excited to See

BOOST, page 3

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BUSINESS

Market ready Downtown farmer’s market gets new pavilion just in time for new season The Market Park Pavilion, located downtown, serves as the new home for the Milledgeville Marketplace Farmer’s Market.

By FELICIA CUMMINGS he long awaited moment has finally arrived.

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The City of Milledgeville Farmer’s Market is not only celebrating its sixth season, but there’s also a new Park Pavilion, ready for farmers and local produce vendors to utilize and residents to enjoy.

The Market Park Pavilion, located downtown, serves as the new home for the Milledgeville Marketplace Farmer’s Market.

“We think it’ll be a benefit to the community in many ways,” said Main Street Director Carlee Schulte.

The new market pavilion’s beginnings go all the way back to the initial idea of having a farmer’s market in the city.

Before 2009, area farmers and vendors traveled to neighboring communities to sell their locally-grown produce at markets due to a lack of a farmer’s market in Milledgeville.

Milledgeville Main Street set out to change that.

According to Schulte, the Main Street committee felt that by bringing a farmer’s market to the community it was a great way to give residents an opportunity to find fresh grown items within walking distance.

After a consensus for a farmer’s market was reached, next came the decision on a location.

“The farmer’s market started in a parking lot originally, but we wanted to move it off of the hot asphalt and onto a grassy area for more comfort,” said Schulte.

The downtown farmer’s market moved to a new location on the grassy area next to the Golden Pantry during 2012, but a few issues for shoppers still existed.

Summer temperatures as well as unpredictable weather conditions created minor discomfort for both farmers and buyers. Also, the nearest restrooms were located at the Golden Pantry.

See

MARKET, page 5

Film industry growing locally

U-R file photo

Pictured is a scene from production on the film, ‘Crimes & Mr. Meanors’ which was shot at Milledgeville locations last fall. The movie is one of a string of film opportunities brought recently to Milledgeville and Baldwin County. The CW network series ‘The Originals’ filmed an episode at CSH in January. Statewide, more than 140 video productions utilized the state of Georgia last year resulting in $933 million spent and an economic impact of $3.3 billion. The recent CW network episode brought a $313,000 economic impact to the area, according to a recent Eggs & Issues presentation.

U-R file photo

Hair Bar owners celebrate as one of the first batch of BOOST recipients.

BOOST Continued from page 2 see that the program had gained momentum,” said Schulte.

Three businesses received $1,000 dollar grants each the second go around with BOOST as well. Owners of Need-a-Nerd, Chandler Brothers Ace Hardware and The Milledgeville Film Festival were pleased to receive an extra boost from the DDA. The BOOST program is currently in its second year of operation.

According to a press release, during 2014 the BOOST program will give away $8,000 worth of grants with $2,000 being awarded each quarter to two business who are chosen as candidates.

Similar to the first round, nine applications were received

during the third round of BOOST. The winners were The Lemon Tree and Metropolis Café.

Initially, the thought process behind the idea was to focus on downtown businesses, but based on the progress of the program, the DDA is considering expanding its focus.

“BOOST is a great way to encourage local investments into the community and we hope to look into different ways in which we can continue to help the economy in Milledgeville,” said Schulte.

Round four BOOST applications are due by May 28. Anyone interested in applying or has questions about becoming an investor can call Carlee Schulte at Milledgeville Main Street at 478-414-4014.

Visit the program’s website at www.boostmilledgeville.com.

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PROGRESS 2014

Ortho care New orthopedic surgeon comes to Milledgeville Oconee Regional Medical Center welcomes Dr. James H. Extine to Oconee Orthopedics

By FELICIA CUMMINGS

c o n e e Orthopedics recently welcomed a new orthopedic surgeon to its staff.

Joining Dr. Steven Niergarth is Dr. James H. Extine.

Extine brings more than 16 years of experience to the company, specializing in hip and total joint replacement, foot, ankle, hand, pediatric orthopedics, orthopedic trauma and sports medicine.

Extine comes to Milledgeville from Winchester, Tenn. where he previously worked as an orthopedic surgeon.

The decision to come to Milledgeville came down to three essential factors, according to Extine.

“My wife and I were looking to relocate to a community that needed a surgeon but

O

was also a place that offered good schools and at the same time would allow me to spend time with my family. Milledgeville seemed to fit all three criteria.”

He has been married for 14 years and has five children. His youngest, Elijah, 11, started attending John Milledge Academy a week after their move to the community.

After only a week in Milledgeville the doctor said he is enjoying the community.

It may be Extine’s first time living in Baldwin County, but it’s not his first time settling down in Georgia. With his father being part of the military, Extine and his family have lived all over the United States.

“I lived in Georgia

before I started school then we moved back after elementary school. A couple of years later we were moving again,” he said.

Sports medicine has always fascinated Extine and he considers himself a sports fanatic. He has performed as an athlete in several different sports fields. He said although he has competed in football, wrestling, baseball and basketball, his drive to become a doctor outweighed his desire to play sports once he reached college.

Extine received his doctorate of osteopathic medicine and surgery from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Michigan

U-R file photo

Extine received his doctorate of osteopathic medicine and surgery from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Michigan State University.

State University.

He compares the road he traveled to becoming an orthopedic surgeon to competing in a sport. He said that the main objective for both is to stay focused by keeping the mind on the goal ahead.

As an athlete, he understands what his patients go through during an injury.

“I think most people

view surgeons as being detached from their patients, but I remember how it felt when I had surgery on both knees so it’s easier for me to put myself in their shoes.”

Dr. Extine officially began seeing patients at Oconee Orthopedics March 24.

“I’m looking forward to working here

and becoming part of the community,” he said.

Oconee Orthopedics is located at 1201 Columbia Drive. The staff includes two board certified physicians and a nurse practitioner who is also a certified athletic trainer.

For more information or to make an appointment call 478451-0040.

Terry Ho’s Hibachi Express opens

2249 Vinson Highway • Milledgeville, GA 31061

Terry Ho’s Hibachi Express officially opened for business in April in the former Long John Silver’s and A&W All American Food restaurant building next to Pizza Hut on North Columbia Street. The Japanese fast-food eatery serves up Asian-inspired foods, including egg rolls, salads, wraps, hibachi meats, noodles, fried rice and grilled vegetables with Terry Ho’s famous yum yum sauce.

U-R file photo

Our Mission: The staff at Georgia War Veterans Home is committed to providing the highest quality care to veterans with skilled nursing care needs while seeking to improve their quality of life. This includes providing support to the Veterans in all activities of daily living in a setting that is as home-like as possible.

• Around the clock skilled nursing service • Routine therapy • Leisure activities • Medical services • Dental services • Psychological services • Nutritional counseling • Nutritious meals and snacks • Therapeutic recreation • Recreation center • Outdoor pavilion • Miniature golf course • Bus and two vans • Large library with free internet access Contact:

The Admissions Coordinator Office: (478) 445-4295 • Fax (478) 445-5583 Email: vyoung@uhs-pruitt.com

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BUSINESS

Hobby Lobby opens to eager area customers The ceremonial first ribbon was officially cut on the newest Hobby Lobby store in October. The Milledgeville location marked the arts and crafts retail chain’s 26th store in Georgia.

Hobby Lobby is located in the Heritage Walk Shopping Center’s former Kroger location. Departments include floral, fabric, needle art, custom framing, baskets, home accents, wearable art, arts and crafts, jewelry and scrapbooking and paper crafting supplies.

U-R file photo

Department of Agriculture. The grant was received in 2012 followed by papers to sign, documents to draw up, and rules to adhere to from the USDA. Construction on the building began in 2013 causing the marketplace to return to its previous parking lot l o c a t i o n .

Milledgeville City

Felicia Cummings/The Union-Recorder

The pavilion was created through a $42,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture. The grant was received in 2012 followed by papers to sign, documents to draw up, and rules to adhere to from the USDA.

Continued from page 3 Based on suggestions from the community, Schulte said she decided to pursue the task of providing a pavilion for the marketplace.

“I didn’t really know if anything would come out of it, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to at least try and see,” she said.

She said she knew that most farmers mar-

a building for the farmers’ market also gives the vendors a sense of ownership and helps them feel welcomed and wanted in the community.

“Having a permanent structure rather than a designated area gives them more of an ownership of that location,” she said.

The pavilion was created through a $42,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant from the United States

140 East Andrews Street Milledgeville, GA 31061

478-452-5523 or 800-659-6763 www.southsideequip.com

157868

Market

kets were held in pavilions so she began her research to bring one to Milledgeville.

Through her diligence the pavilion became more than just a pipe dream.

The new pavilion has been designed to be attractive to patrons, providing shelter from the weather and shade from the heat, said Schulte. The pavilion also comes equipped with restrooms.

She added that have

Council approved a contract with Dryer Construction for the new structure.

“It’s been a long road just getting things done but it’s exciting to finally see it up after so much time and energy went into it,” said Schulte.

Space within the pavilion will also be available for rent for community activities

and events.

Beginning Saturday, April 5, the Green Farmer’s Market will be held at the new Market Park Pavilion from 9 a.m to noon.

“The pavilion is not only a great addition to the farmers’ market, but it’s also a wonderful new attraction that Main Street is very proud of,” said Schulte.

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BUSINESS

New businesses, relocations spring forth

U-R file photos

The past year has brought forth several new retail businesses for Baldwin County. Pictured clockwise (from top): Milledgeville Counseling Center; Antebellum Inn; and Wells Fargo celebrating its relocation to 3008 Heritage Road NE.

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Progress 2014

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Progress 2014

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BUSINESS

PROGRESS 2014

Breaking ground Movement begins at Kroger outparcel sites Dirt moving at retail, office, restaurant space two years after Kroger relocation From staff reports

onstruction kicked of in March at the outparcel areas at Milledgeville’s Kroger location. An Oconee Regional Medical Center primary care center, a Great Clips and a restuarant have committed as tenants in the shopping center, while the fourth tenant is still in the negotiating stage.

Kroger sold three outparcels adjacent to the building to The Sofran Group last year for the purpose of building a shop space.

Founded in 1980 in Canada, The Sofran Group has expanded its operations to current offices located in Atlanta and Florida.

The company has developed more than 8 million square feet of commercial property across 10 states, according to the Sofran website.

Since 1990, RW Smith Company has specialized in retail and office construction throughout the southeast as a general contracting firm. Retail experience includes Borders, CVS, Ingles, Kohl’s, Kroger, Mellow Mushroom, Office Max, Staples, Starbucks, Subway, T.J. Maxx and Walgreens.

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U-R file photo

Work began earlier this year at the Kroger outparcel locations.

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