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March 2012 Henry County Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
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in this issue
Chairman’s Message 2
Business Profile 3
Calendar 4
HC Day at Capitol 5
Maximum Marketing 5
It’s Happening in Henry 6
New Members/Renewals 7
Trends & Forecasts 10
Chamber Briefs 11
March BBL/2012 Exec. Committee 12
Annual Banquet 13
Business After Hours 14
Ribbon Cuttings 15
Edward Jones 16
The Henry County Chamber of Commerce serves as the voice for
the business community, provides quality services and programs that
meet the needs of its members, improves the economic environment
of the community and creates a legacy of leadership for the future.
A H E N R y C o u N T y C H A M B E R o F C o M M E R C E P u B L I C A T I o N y o u R B u S I N E S S I S o u R B u S I N E S S
H A M P T o N | L o C u S T G R o v E | M C D o N o u G H | S T o C k B R I D G E MARCH 2012
HCCC Endorses Metro Atlanta Regional T-SPLOST Referendum
Citing the need to address Metro Atlanta’s traf-fic congestion and the opportunity to ignite Atlanta’s recovery from the Great Recession, the Henry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to en-dorse the regional Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST) referendum to be voted on in the Georgia Primary Election on July 31, 2012. The board, representing nearly 700 Chamber members, voted during its regular monthly meeting on February 22, 2012, at the Chamber. There was general consensus that, given the importance of Henry County’s transpor-tation infrastructure to local businesses, the vote repre-sented the collective interest of member businesses. The regional T-SPLOST, a one-cent sales tax to be lev-ied over a ten-year period, is projected to yield over $7 bil-lion in revenue with $279 million of it generated in Henry County. The direct return to Henry County on already identified road projects is $193 million, plus another $74 million to be returned to Henry’s four cities for transporta-tion improvements, plus $11.8 million for continuation of Henry County’s GRTA Xpress Bus service. That’s a direct return to Henry County of over $278 million. “The Metro Atlanta Region generates more sales tax revenue than any other in the State of Georgia,” said Chairman Danny Brown, “but currently, that money does not all stay in the region, it’s distributed statewide like most other taxes. T-SLOST revenues will all be spent within the Metro Atlanta Region where they are col-lected. As a businessman, I consider a better than 99% return on our tax investment a great ROI for Henry County and with over 69 percent of Henry County resi-dents commuting out of county to work each day, we are enhancing their daily lives by helping traffic flow throughout the Atlanta region.” Something we can all agree on is that Metro At-lanta’s traffic challenge is slowing us down. It slows us down on the job, since for most commuters time on the road is not time on the job. And it slows us down at home, leaving less time for family, kids and the com-forts of home. According to Doug Hooker, Executive Director of the At-lanta Regional Commission (ARC), “A just-completed study by the Atlanta Regional Commission shows that the July 31 transportation referendum will not only unclog our roads, but will pump life into our region’s economy and afford us more time at home and with family.” The ARC study shows that traffic congestion is costing the average metro Atlanta
commuter $924 a year. If the 157 transportation improve-ment projects on the July 31 sales tax levy are built, com-muters will save $9.2 billion by 2040. If the projects are completed, ARC’s planners and in-dependent economists found that income across metro Atlanta would rise by $18 billion during the next 30 years. Investing $8 billion in transportation improve-ments that free up traffic throughout the region will support and sustain 200,000 new jobs, according to the economists, including jobs that are maintained year over year. That’s more than 7,000 jobs a year between 2013 and 2040 – and more than two-thirds of them are mid-to-high-wage jobs. Overall, the ARC analysis found that by building the projects on the July 31 ref-
erendum list, the region would realize a $34.8 billion return on an $8 billion investment. But that speaks to only half the equation. Commuters will also have more time for home and family, more productive time at work – and a region that is far more attractive to job-seekers and jobs-producers. “We have taken multiple steps to assure our mem-bers are well informed on the details of the regional T-SPLOST,” said Chairman Danny Brown, “we have pro-vided detailed written information via our newsletters, meetings, one-on-one conversations and a forum, to offer our members ample opportunity to become well educated voters.” “I am confident the vote taken by our Board of Direc-tors reflects our members’ support for the referendum and we will use the voice of the Chamber going forward to encourage members to support and vote for the regional Transportation SPLOST on July 31,” Brown concluded. To request copies of the T-SPLOST articles published in past newsletters, email, [email protected]. For more information on the Metro Atlanta Regional T-SLOST go to www.transformmetroatlanta.com.
Projects to improve traffic, quality of life and economy
Danny Brown
On moving forward and shelling corn...
Chairman’s Message2 HenryCounty.Com
When’s the first time you re-member meeting one of those people who looked good, spoke well, promised much, yet delivered nothing?
Hopefully, it was early on in life so you learned, like I did, to ignore them and move ahead with the tasks directly in front of you. I figured out that I could get more done by continuing to walk briskly ahead than to stop and try to mo-tivate “that guy” to come with me. And in the process I learned a great lesson: One can teach a lot more by demonstration than through lec-ture...the old ‘walk the talk’ theory.
Today, in Henry County, it’s time to remind ourselves -- as the busi-ness leaders in our community -- of that important premise. There are issues we need to address NOW that can position us well for great economic and business expansion going forward. Three examples:
TIA (Transportation Invest-ment Act) – Henry County has a unique opportunity to fund some of its major transportation infra-structure needs through the 1-cent regional tax referendum which we all will vote on later this year. We already know the projects to be completed with this new funding and Henry County’s list is impres-sive. Next time you are gridlocked on I-75, think about what a region-al plan to address bottlenecks in our transportation system might do to speed you along to your destina-tion. The TIA plan is a positive first step to help us address our trans-portation needs for years to come. Learn more about the TIA and the upcoming vote on the sales tax at atlantaregionalroundtable.com.
Educational Excellence – Quality education in our communi-ty is not just about building schools. It’s about our involvement as par-ents, government officials, business leaders and citizens. The excellent work done and recommendations made by the E2 Task Force provide a challenging yet rewarding blue-print of steps we as leaders and cit-izens of Henry County need to take to give the next generation of Hen-ry County business owners and the workforce every advantage they can be afforded to become success-ful. Let’s commit, really commit, to this plan. Watch the video and read more about the E2 initiative at hen-rycounty.com and let’s make the recommendations become reality.
Henry the Healthcare Hub – As the leaders of Piedmont Henry Hospital embark on their short- and long-term planning for meet-ing the healthcare needs of our citizens, I believe we should apply some critical and forward think-ing to what this new partnership can mean to our community. Great medical treatment. New jobs. Eco-nomic expansion. Opportunities for business partnerships. And I’m not just talking within the confines of our county. What if we begin to work toward making Henry Coun-ty a healthcare hub for Atlanta’s southern crescent and beyond? Certainly, the education infrastruc-ture existing at Mercer University, Georgia State University, Clay-ton State University and Southern Crescent Technical College/Henry County Campus can supply an ample pool of qualified specialists. Our commitment to exploring pos-sibilities is what is needed to think
beyond the low-hanging fruit. If we start now, the “Henry, the Health-care Hub” moniker is not beyond our reach.
As a Chamber, let’s partner with interested, informed and enthused parties to show our citizens and those in surrounding counties that we mean business (literally and figuratively) by addressing these is-sues sooner rather than later.
A wise old rural Georgia politi-cian who spent many of his years in this very county once fired-up his audience in an Atlanta speech by telling the crowd how his fa-ther dealt with complex situations. “When Papa was faced with a chal-lenge,” the politician growled, “he’d take off his coat, pop his red sus-penders and shell down the corn!” By that, he meant his father would go to work and deliver results.
Danny Brown and his wife, Patti, are owners of SERVPRO® of Henry, Spalding and Clayton Counties, as well as SERVPRO® of Decatur, all headquartered in McDonough. SERVPRO is the nation’s leader in fire & water damage cleanup and restoration.
Anyone ready to join me and other motivated Henry
Countians in shelling down some corn?
HenryCounty.Com 3
About the Company Owners Kenneth and Karen Taylor opened A Scar-let Thread in Henry County in August 2006. While Ken, an electrician by trade, didn’t know what was about to hit him...Karen had a plan. Her vision, a sewing center, where women could gather to laugh and lift each other up creating a sanctuary of sorts uniting women through sewing circles. She says “to-day’s hectic schedules make the allure of creative, restorative hobbies ever more enticing. “ They have since successfully grown their business into Georgia’s largest sewing and quilt shop, offering over 7,500 bolts of 100% quality quilting fabric, a full line of sewing and embroidery machines, and custom quilting and embroidery services. This boutique busi-ness serves a niche market of avid stitchers who travel from points throughout the state as well as other states and countries, just to visit A Scarlet Thread. They estimate 70% of their business comes from customers living outside the county. The company’s ability to bring in so many non-residents, much like Atlanta Motor Speedway, Tanger, and the filming in-dustry, is a great benefit to Henry County taxpayers. A Scarlet Thread will host the 13th Annual Greater At-lanta Quilt Shop Hop March 22-25, estimated to bring in over 1,200 quilters. They will also be a top ten feature shop in the May edition of Better Homes and Gardens Quilt Sampler magazine, which has a distribution of over 330,000. The company employs six full-time and 7 part-time staff (all referred to as “Fabric Divas”
by Karen and Ken!), and over 15 instructors. Following the axiom “it’s not a job if it’s your passion,” this company is a fun place to be, much less to work! A Scarlet Thread is located at 1601 McDonough Place in McDonough, just 2.5 miles off Exit 221 ( Jonesboro Road) in the Carriage Gate Shopping Center. Store hours are Monday-Friday 10:00 am till 6:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am till 4:00 pm. They can be reached at 678-583-2296 or [email protected].
Community Support Ken and Karen share Christian principles and believe in giving back. This is evidenced by their donations to “Threads of Love,” an outreach sewing ministry that strives to provide for some of the physi-cal needs of tiny infants (often premature newborns/stillborns), while showing God’s love to the babies’ parents and families; they support “Quilts of Valor,” a national organization dedicated to servicing our military personnel with handmade quilts; they spon-sor donations to Project Linus, which provides love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need through the gift of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.” In addition, they support “Helping in His Name” ministries and food pantry in Stockbridge.
Chamber Involvement “We knew the value of belonging to the local Chamber of Commerce,” says Karen, “so we joined in
2006 when the business began. Since that time we’ve been on such a wild ride that we haven’t been as active in Chamber events as we wish, but we hope to turn that around real soon. We appreciate the Chamber’s work to keep us informed on matters related to small businesses, legislation, and what’s hap-pening in Henry County.”
Business ProfileA Scarlet Thread, LLC
Saturday, April 21, 20128 a.m. – NoonSubmit a Project, Volunteer or Sponsor
www.handsonhenry.org
Save the Date
Owners Ken and Karen Taylor
A Scarlet Thread is always well-stocked, organized and a fun place to visit.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE AT CHAMBER May 3, 2012 • Merle Manders Conference Center
The 3rd Annual Great $10,000 Giveaway will be held on Thursday, May 3, at the Merle Manders Conference Center. Enjoy a fun, casual atmosphere with drawings for more than $12,000 in cash prizes! As this is a reverse raffle, the last ticket drawn will be the lucky $10,000 winner, with smaller cash
prizes given out to the first and every fiftieth ticket drawn. Tickets are $125 and include dinner and drinks for two and one chance at cash prizes. Visit www.henrycounty.com for more information or to purchase tickets.
-- SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES -- New this year, the Chamber is offering businesses a chance to be front and center at one of the most fun social events of the year. Two sponsorship
levels are available: Platinum Sponsors - $1,000 (limit 2)
• 4 Tickets to the Great $10,000 Giveaway (admits 8 with 4 chances to win)• 2 minutes stage time• Logo on all marketing/promotional material • Logo on the “Official Number Board”• Potential on-site marketing opportunities• Reserved seating
Gold Sponsors - $500• 2 Tickets to the Great $10,000 Giveaway (admits 4 with 2 chances to win)• Recognition from stage• Name included on marketing/promotional material as appropriate• Potential on-site marketing opportunities
The Great $10,000 Giveaway
MARCH 2012
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CHAMbeR STAFFkay Pippin, PresidentRoger Nix, Membership DirectorLaura Luker, Director of TourismDiane Ide, Director of CommunicationsPhyllis Reeves, Information Specialist
2012 boARd oF diReCToRS
exeCuTive CoMMiTTeeDanny Brown, Chairman, SERvPRo® of Henry, Spalding & Clayton Counties & DecaturEddie Ausband, Chair-Elect, The Ausband Agency, Inc.Leonard Moreland, Secretary/Treasurer, Heritage BankTaylor Rice, Immediate Past Chair
Brad Thomas, vice Chair for Economic & Cultural Development, Snapping Shoals EMCCharlie Scott, vice Chair for Chamber Development, Piedmont Henry HospitalJune Wood, vice Chair for Government & Education, Georgia PowerJulie Hoover-Ernst, CvB Chair, Henry County Board of Commissionerskay Pippin, Henry County Chamber of Commerce President
CLASS oF 2012Herschel Arant, Central Georgia EMCDanny Brown, SERvPRo of Henry & Spalding CountiesSteve Moore, Moore Bass Consulting, Inc. John Newman, Classic Landscapes, Inc. Laura Turner, Eleste Marketing, Inc. June Wood, Georgia Power
CLASS oF 2013Eddie Ausband, The Ausband AgencyGreg Cannon, Cannon-Cleveland Funeral DirectorsSteve Nail, Nail Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Shane Persaud, Building Design Partnership, LLCRhonda Segers, united Community BankDenise Sowell, Capitol Street Financial Services
CLASS oF 2014James Chafin, Judge, Henry County State CourtLisa kinchen, owner/Editor, H MagazineLeonard Moreland, President & CEo, Heritage BankDavid Pittman, CFo, Bennett International GroupWilliam Strickland, President, Bellamy-Strickland ChevroletBrad Thomas, President/CEo, Snapping Shoals EMC
ex oFFiCio MeMbeRSChairman Elizabeth “B.J.” Mathis, HC Board of CommissionersMayor R.W. Coley, City of HamptonMayor Robert Price, City of Locust GroveMayor Billy Copeland, City of McDonoughMayor Lee Stuart, City of StockbridgeEthan Hildreth, Superintendent, Henry County SchoolsCharlie Scott, CEo, Piedmont Henry Hospitalvickie Loper, Chairman, Henry County Development AuthorityRoderick Burch, Henry County Water and Sewerage AuthorityHolly Campbell, Leadership HenryJake Carter, Chair AppointeePeto Fallas, Chair AppointeeGerald Hudgins, Chair Appointee
4 HenryCounty.Com
8:30 AM Education Foundation, Bd Rm
8:30 Golf CommitteeToppan Rm
11 AM – 1 PM SBDC“Maximum Marketing”
Hudgins Rm
11 AM – 1 PM SBDC“Maximum Marketing”
Hudgins Rm
8 AM CVB BOD, NASH FARM10 AM Membership Comm,
Bd Rm11:30 AM Exec Comm, Bd RM
3:30 PM Media Relations, Bd Rm
8:30 AM Education Committee, Bd Rm
8 AM Leadership Henry BOD, Bd Rm
9 AM Hands on Henry, Bd Rm
12 PM Existing Industries Council, Hudgins Rm
7:30 AM HCCC BOD, Hudgins Rm
Noon - Ambassadors Luncheon
8 AM STAR Student Breakfast, ELCC
11:30 AM Government Affairs, Hudgins Rm
10 AM Small Business Council, Bd Rm
11 AM Business Boosters Luncheon, Speaker: SCTech
College, Hudgins Rm
5:30 PM Business After Hours, 15th Street Pizza
8 AM Youth Leadership Henry BOD, Bd Rm
HenryCounty.Com 5
On Wednesday, February 8, a delega-tion of over 100 Henry County govern-ment officials, business leaders, the 2012 Leadership Henry Class, and the 2012 Youth Leadership Henry Class seized the opportunity to showcase Hen-ry County and to meet and speak with
state officials. It was Henry County Day at the State Capitol organized by the Henry County Chamber of Commerce and the Henry County Development Authority. Atlanta Motor Speedway contributed significantly by parking an official NASCAR Pace Car on the capi-
tol grounds as a reminder that Henry County is home to the largest sporting event complex in the state. Governor Nathan Deal, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, Speaker David Ralston and every member of the Georgia House and Senate arrived at their desks to find
Lawmakers Learn More About “Comfortably South of Atlanta”
Youth Leadership Henry Class of 2012, Leadership Henry Class of 2012, Henry County government, business leaders pose with Governor Nathan Deal during Henry County Day at the Capitol on February 8.
Official Pacecar on Capitol grounds is a reminder that Henry County is home to Atlanta Motor Speedway.
bags stuffed with Henry County made/dis-tributed products and information about Henry County. There were homemade pound cakes at every coffee pot in the Capitol courtesy of Henry County bakers. The entire Henry County delegation wore and handed out buttons proclaiming that Henry County is “Comfortably South of At-lanta.” The Henry County delegation had one-on-one time with Lt Governor Casey Cagle, Speaker David Ralston, and Henry County senators and representatives. “Henry County Day was a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to those at the state level for the work they do on behalf of Henry
County and all of Georgia” said Henry County Commission Chairman Elizabeth (BJ) Mathis. “We visited the state capitol to represent Henry County,” said Chamber Chairman Danny Brown, “and to have all four cities, our county commission, school system, water authority, hospital, development au-thority, business leaders, and more partici-pate, sent a big signal that Henry County is united and engaged in the legislative deci-sion making process.” Governor Deal posed on the steps of capitol rotunda with the entire delegation, shaking hands with several members of the Youth Leadership Henry Class of 2012.
Mondays: March 19 — April 16 • 11am — 1pm • HCCC Hudgins Room Propel your marketing to the next level!
During this interactive marketing series, participants will discuss what marketing is, how to identify their customers, traditional and new ways to reach their target market, and selling techniques. A textbook, handouts and lunch will be provided, and certificates will be awarded.
Week 1: Pass or Fail? Are You Marketing For Success? • Discussion of what marketing is and marketing basics Week 2: Fish Where the Fish Are • Discussion of target markets and locating customers and competition
Week 3: Big Marketing For Small Budgets • Discussion of marketing tactics on a budget Week 4: Polish Your Marketing Plan • Discussion of a marketing plan and pulling all the pieces together
Week 5: Grand Finale: Your Finished Marketing Plan • Discussion of marketing trends and final presentations
Cost is $99 • Call 770-957-5786 to RegisterFunded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Heather Chaney at 678-466-5100 or [email protected].
MAXIMUM MARKETING Series
Comfortably South of AtlantaiT’S HAppening in HenRy HenryCounty.Com6
Mardi growlMarch 3 – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Locust grove City Hall
A parade of dogs and their owners will start at the Locust Grove City Hall and travel south on the Hwy 42 sidewalks to the downtown Historic District area. The parade will end on Cleveland Street in our trailhead park. Festivities of the day will include pet/owner costume contest, Frisbee dog demonstrations, food, pet vendors, music and more. Parade starts at 10:00am and festivities
end at 2:00pm. Call 770-692-2323 for more information.
Home School ThursdayMarch 8 – 10:00 a.m.panola Mountain State park Join other homeschoolers to learn about science and nature. In March we will hike to the top of Panola Mountain (3 miles round trip) and discuss geology. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a drink and sunscreen. $3 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
2012 St. patrick’s day 5K Run WalkMarch 10 - 9:00 a.m.Salem baptist Church – McdonoughThis event is an annual fundraiser for Sacred Journey Hospice and includes a 5K, 1 Mile Walk and a Leprechaun Leap for children 6 and under. Costumes are encouraged! Register online at www.active.com.
Winter Flurry Legends RacingMarch 10Atlanta Motor Speedway
NASCAR’s stars of tomorrow battle for short-track supremacy on Atlanta Motor Speedway’s “Thunder Ring,” the facility’s frontstretch quarter-mile oval track, during the 2011-12 Winter Flurry season. Each event features multiple classes of Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadster racing. Fans can purchase infield passes at the Security Command building near the speedway’s main entrance. Infield access costs just $12 for adults, $5 for children ages six through 11 and admission is free for children ages five and younger. Cost to race is just $25. Minors and their guardians are required to complete a minor waiver before children ages 17 and younger can enter the infield; the waiver and instructions can be found at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com. For more information, visit www.legendsofga.com or www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.
preschool Animal StoriesMarch 16 – 10:00 ampanola Mountain State park Preschoolers will sing, hear stories and make a craft, while learning about the park’s animals and how to share our world with friends and animals. Meet at the nature center. Register in advance. $1 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
basic ArcheryMarch 17 – 10:00 a.m.panola Mountain State parkTake aim and hit the bull’s eye! Join a certified instructor to learn archery basics. Meet at the Archery Range. All equipment provided. If you have your own equipment, cost includes an all-day archery range pass. Ages 9 and up. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
4th Annual Hampton yellow pollen Street FestivalMarch 17 – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. downtown HamptonThe 4th Annual Yellow Pollen Street Festival in downtown Hampton is sure to be educational and entertaining with plenty of fun things to do and good food to eat lining the streets of Hampton. Applications for vendor spaces are available by emailing [email protected].
2nd Annual Haulin’ from pollen 5K March 17 – 8:00 a.m.Mcbrayer parkInterested parties can pre-register for $20 at Hampton City Hall or online at www.active.com. Race Day registration is $25.
navigation for Recreation: geocaching 101March 17 – 2:00 p.m.panola Mountain State park Want to join the geocaching bandwagon but don’t know where to start? Join a geochaching expert at the nature center.
Bring your own GPS. Don’t have a GPS yet? Come anyway for demos. You will have an opportunity to find caches hidden just for our class. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Maximum Marketing SeriesMarch 19 – April 16 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.HCCC Hudgins RoomDuring this interactive marketing series, participants will discuss what marketing is, how to identify their customers, traditional and new ways to reach their target market, and selling techniques. A textbook handouts and lunch will be provided, and certificates will be awarded. Cost is $99. Call 770-957-5786 to register.
Sweet Repeats Consignment SaleMarch 22 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.March 23 -9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.March 24 - 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Atlanta Motor Speedway Save money on some of the best bargains in town as the Sweet Repeats Consignment Sale returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway. You can find everything from baby items to books to furniture at prices that will surprise everyone. The sale will fill the 22,000 square foot NASCAR Nationwide garage inside the Speedway. In addition to selling consignment goods, Sweet Repeats will also be collecting stuffed animal donations for Mission Snuggle. For more information, contact Sweet Repeats at 404-428-5830 or visit www.sweetrepeats.org.
easter bunny photos grandbaby Treasures - Suite 618 (Tanger)March 24-25; March 29 - April 71:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
SpeedTech Racing SchoolMarch 24-25Atlanta Motor SpeedwayFor more information visit www.speedtech500.com or call (877) 80-SPEED.
Spring butterfly HikeMarch 252:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.panola Mountain State parkJoin a park ranger when many flowers are in bloom and butterflies like hairstreaks and zebra swallowtails
abound. Meet at the Park Nature Center. Hike is a rugged 2-mile loop. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Flashlight easter egg HuntMarch 30 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.nash Farm battlefieldBring a flashlight and your Easter basket as we hunt for eggs in the dark! Activities include pictures with the Easter Bunny, Easter crafts, inflatables, a petting zoo and more! We’ll start hunting eggs at 7:00pm for the little ones ages 2-5 but the older kids, ages 6-12, will have to wait until the sun goes down! The Radio Disney AM 590 Road Crew will be playing your favorite music and games and giving away awesome prizes from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Admission is FREE. Call 770-288-7300 for more information.
Rusty Wallace Racing experienceMarch 31-April 1Atlanta Motor SpeedwayFor more information visit www.racewithrusty.com or call (855) 22-RUSTY.
pictures with the easter bunny March 3110:00 a.m. - noonMayors’ Walk parkJoin us for pictures with the Easter Bunny in Locust Grove’s Historic Downtown Mayors’ Walk Park. Parents are encouraged to bring your camera and little ones for pictures with
the Bunny. Enjoy shopping in downtown for special Easter deals.
Hampton easter egg Hunt March 31 – 2:00 p.m.Mcbrayer parkSponsored by the HBMA (Hampton Business and Merchants Association) Begins at 2 pm; rain date is April 7th. More information at www.hamptonbusinessmerchants.com.
HenryCounty.Com 7
CHAMbeR MeMbeRSHipCHAMbeR MeMbeRSHipThank you to our ReneWing Members
Atlanta Designer FlooringGadson Woodall(404) 418-8735
2120 Jodeco Road West • McDonough 30253Azone Realty
Tarji Dunn(404) 788-4589
P.O. Box 35 • Stockbridge 30281Dale Rutledge(678) 583-9612
Heritage at McDonoughTina Edwards(678) 604-8322
180 Bridges Road • McDonough 30253Metro Engineering & Surveying, Inc.
Michael Elliott(770) 707-0777Hampton 30228
South Atlanta Construction, LLCBrian Lucas
(770) 957-3200P.O. Box 1750 • McDonough 30253
Suesan A. Miller, P.C.Suesan Miller
(770) 515-0951124 Atlanta Street • McDonough 30253
The Right Turn DUI School & Defensive Driving Course
Alicia McIver(678) 432-0036
1324 McDonough Place • McDonough 30253We Buy Gold & Silver
Gadson Woodall(770) 882-2414
2122 Jodeco Road West • McDonough 30253
1st Franklin Financial Corp.
92.5 FM The Bear
ADS-Hancor
Allstate Insurance - Tim Green Agency
Animal Control Experts, LLC
Benton Village - A Senior Living Community
Best Western McDonough Inn & Suites
Brooks & Maddox Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Castrol Premium Lube Express
City of Stockbridge
DeVry University
Dolphin Shipping & Trading
Ecolab
Edward Jones - Vanessa Conwell
First Baptist Church of McDonough
First National Bank - Hampton
First National Bank - Heron Bay
Fun Bowl of Henry County
Gary A. Bartholomew, DMD
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Inc.
Greater Henry SHRM
Healthplans of Georgia
Henry County Development Authority
HC Local Emergency Planning Commission
Hometown Online Info
Hudgins Construction Company
Incredible Southern Poundcakes
Italian Oven
Joyce Rodgers
Pinnacle Advertising Specialties, Inc.
Preston & Cleveland Wealth Management, LLC
Ramada Limited
Shane’s Rib Shack, The Original
Southern Crescent Technical College
Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.
Summit Racing Equipment
The Crossing at McDonough
TireSouth, Inc.
Tri-Copy Office Equipment
Wal-Mart - Willow Lane
Zion Baptist Church
The Henry County Chamber has a FACEBOOK page where you can see what’s go-ing on with us and our members. View photos of ribbon cuttings, recent Chamber events and more – you never know who you might see! Visit www.facebook.com/HenryCountyChamberofCommerce. Be sure to “LIKE” us!
NEW MEMBERS
8 HenryCounty.Com 9
R. W. ColeyMayor
P.O. Box 400 City Hall: 770.946.430617 East Main Street South Fax: 770.946. 4356Hampton, Georgia 30228
City ofHampton
934 DAILEY MILL ROADMcDONOUGH, GA [email protected]
OF CLAYTON COUNTYOF DECATUROF HENRY & SPALDING COUNTIES
Danny BrownGeneral Manager
(770) 997-5689(404) 378-9998(678) 432-3003
FAX: (770) 914-1078
Nationally Known - Locally Owned
FIRE & WATER- CLEANUP & RESTORATION24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
City of Stockbridge
Lee Stuart, Mayor
770-389-7910
Eddie Ausband,CFP
4920 N. Henry Blvd Stockbridge, GA 30281Phone: 770-507-401K770-389-9060 x 102 [email protected]
Henry County Chamber ofCommerce
Convention & Visitors Bureau1709 Highway 20 West
Westridge Business CenterMcDonough, GA 30253
770-957-5786
Henry County’s choice for
770-775-7857www.cgemc.com
If you’re looking for the perfect location, we can help. Along with SelectGeorgia, our pow-erful new state-of-the-art system for finding the best site or building for your company, our team of professionals provides world-class service to meet all your site location needs. We are here to be part of your team by providing our expertise, products, and services to you free of charge. From target industry knowledge to site analysis to visit coordination, we do it all. Contact us. We’re ON so you can be.®
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 75 FIFTH STREET NW, SUITE 175 ATLANTA, GA 30308 [email protected] WWW.SELECTGEORGIA.NET
Rhonda J. SegersRetail Sales Manager678-289-2503
STOCKBRIDGE850 Eagles Landing Pkwy | 770-507-5855
MCDONOUGH865 Hwy 20/81 W | 770-898-1988
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Henry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
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Ethan HildrethSuperintendent
770-957-6601770-914-6178 FAX
22 N. Zack Hinton ParkwayMcDonough, Georgia 30253
www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com
Every LIFE has a story. Celebrate it!
770-914-1414Greg Cannon
770-957-3915
City of McDonough
Billy Copeland, Mayor
www.companioncarega.com
Companion CareCremation Services
“Lillie”
910 Dailey Mill RoadMcDonough, GA 30253
770-692-3819Greg Cannon
owner
HenryCounty.Com10
Providing a general overview of the condition of the state of Georgia in relation to our current employment situation, economic professionals review the progress of our economic recovery and discuss a forecast for the Peach State. Nelson Holland, of Holland Financial, LLC, in Athens, Georgia, begins by outlining wise planning tips for 2012: As we enter 2012, we can look back upon 2011 as another year of “recovery” from the Great Recession, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it for many Americans. The unemploy-ment rate is still hovering around 9 percent. GDP growth is lower than most economists forecast for the year, and we apparently have still not hit the “bottom” of the housing market. Home prices in many metropolitan areas have decreased from 2011, as many homeowners presently find themselves “under water” with their home value relative to their mortgage. Additionally, international issues still present problems for our global economy, particularly with the persistent problems in Europe, which present themselves almost daily. With these economic issues, many Amer-ican corporations have been reporting favor-able earnings over the past several quarters, but will these earnings continue into 2012 if global demand decreases for their products led by continued European problems? We will leave these questions for the economists to ad-dress, but we hear almost daily in conference calls and reports that this “recovery” could potentially take a number of additional years with persistently high unemployment and slow GDP growth in the U. S. If this is even
a partially accurate and brief picture of our world economy, what should most of us con-sider as we approach 2012? A few tips to follow: Many American families have obviously been affected financially over the past three years. My initial recommendation is to review your monthly budget for potential savings and/or ways to pay down installment credit such as credit cards and car loans. Individuals and even countries are into a world of “dele-veraging,” and this will continue for the fore-seeable future, as painful as it may appear. The bottom line issues should be to review your budget with a potential goal of finding additional sources of savings for either in-vestment purposes or to pay down excessive amounts of personal debt. As part of the above referenced point, have you taken a close look at possibly refinanc-ing your home as mortgage interest rates are at record lows? In reviewing this item, you should not make a decision based solely upon the potential amount of the monthly savings but should also consider the origination costs of a new loan and the amount of time it will take you to recoup that cost by remaining oc-cupants of that home. Most of us will be presented options from our employers for 2012 regarding our 401-K plan and the amount you can elect to defer for the New Year. The new elective deferral limit recently declared by the IRS for 2012 is $17,000 annually. Additionally, for those ages 50 and over, the “catch-up” deferral is still limited to an additional $5,500. Given the persistent market volatility which will likely
continue for the foreseeable future, have you updated your risk profile or discussed your investment options with your financial advi-sor or 401-K provider? Many companies hold annual enrollment meetings, and this is an excellent time to schedule meetings with your planner/provider to assist in making invest-ment choices which would be in line with your risk profile. Although there are additional options, these items are simply obvious places to start in assembling a plan for 2012. Even though these issues sound simple, the question should be as follows: How much can I pay myself prior to paying everyone else so that I can either enhance my investment plan and/or pay down personal debt? While this issue appears on the surface to be simplistic, it is obviously a very difficult practical issue for most Americans and even world governments as they struggle to deal with the same issue. Robert T. Sumichrast, Dean, UGA Terry College of Business and Jeffrey M. Humphreys, Director, UGA Selig Center for Economic Growth discuss ways to reassert Georgia’s competitive edge: The good news for 2012 is that Georgia should see its first annual gain in employ-ment since 2007. Even in recovery from the Great Recession, the state has experienced a net loss of jobs up until now, and unem-ployment has remained around 10 percent. Statewide, employment is expected to in-crease by about 18,000 in 2012, but that represents just 5 percent of the 360,000 jobs that were lost in Georgia.
Job creation will turn positive in 2012, primarily because job losses in our most troubled sectors will become somewhat less intense. We do not expect business condi-tions to improve enough to justify more aggressive hiring in the industries that are already expanding. Job growth in Georgia will expand at half the national rate in 2012, and job creation will remain slower than the national average until construction and financial services re-cover in 2013. We anticipate that government employment will decline for five or six more years, and that will be the strongest remain-ing headwind pushing against Georgia’s la-bor market. Going by our baseline forecast, it will be 2020 before Georgia has replaced all 360,000 lost jobs. That is four years longer than the nation will take to regain all the jobs that were lost in the U. S. labor market. Why was the economic pain felt more deeply in Georgia? The financial crisis that caused the housing bubble to burst, abruptly cut off the inflows of people and businesses to the state. That resulted in an extremely painful restructuring of Georgia’s economy that was made worse by the weakness of the national global economies. This prompts another question for the state’s business community. Has Georgia lost its competitive edge over other states? Com-paring Georgia’s job growth with the country as a whole, Georgia fared much better in every decade from the 1960s through the 1990s. • Inthe‘60s,Georgiaexperienceda48
percentincreaseinjobsvs.31percent
fortheU.S. • In the ‘70s, a 39 percent gain for
Georgiavs.28percentfortheU.S. • Inthe‘80s,a39percentgainvs.21
percentfortheU.S. • Inthe‘90s,a32percentgainvs.20
percentfortheU.S. What’s happened since the ‘90s has been quite a reversal of fortune. Georgia was hit much harder than the nation by the Great Recession, and we have substantially lagged the nation during the recovery. Georgia’s un-derperformance is due almost entirely to the underpinning structure of the state’s econo-my. The good news is that our state is not be-ing held back by high costs of doing business or high taxes. But too much of our economic growth came to depend on a never-ending cycle of in-migration and real estate develop-ment, and after more than four decades, that cycle has mostly run its course. If that means the state has lost it competi-tive advantage, what can we do about it? For one thing, we can identify areas where our state policies and funding priorities make us less competitive with our neighboring states. Not enough of Georgia’s development has been based on innovation, educating our young people, expanding our venture capital markets, investing in infrastructure that boosts productivity, and courting the next wave of 21st century industries, such as biotech and nanotechnology. If we don’t be-come more focused on addressing our relative weaknesses, we may come to view the years leading up to 2020 as our lost decade.
Southern Progress
Henry County Business Leaders Share Their Thoughts
A Glance at the Trends and Forecasts for the Peach State
Reprinted, in part, with permission from the December 2011 issue of Southern Distinction
J. Brian Preston, CPA, CFP®, PFSPartner with Preston & Cleveland Wealth Management, LLC in McDonough
I believe Georgia will continue to attract businesses and industries based upon its location as a transportation hub to the Southeast and the world. Henry County is positioned to be a community of interest based upon its proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Savannah ports, the new Atlanta South Regional Airport, and our easy access to I-75 and rail. Henry County does, however need to focus on increased investment in technological infrastructure and begin making strides to become more competitive in a tech-nology driven world.
Eddie AusbandManaging Partner
Revanta Financial Group in McDonough
My view for Henry County is similar to that of Mr. Holland and the UGA forecast-ers, in that I think the recovery will take a little longer than everyone anticipated. Jobs are #1 and indications are that we may be at the bottom of the “U” curve and poised for the upswing although the comeback may be gradual. Housing is #2 and valuations are reminiscent of the 1980s or ‘90s. That provides outstand-ing opportunities for buyers but severely hurts “need sellers” and many of those with mortgages, both of whom vastly outnumber the buyers. It appears that we may see some enhanced mortgage programs that could be very beneficial to a large number of homeowners. Homeowners should be on the lookout as these programs roll out and investigate their benefits. Finally, good old fashioned “belt tightening” is in order. Focus on debt reduction and ramping up investments toward retirement.
HenryCounty.Com 11
Henry County Rotary Club who organized vol-unteers and succeeded in picking up more than fourteen tons of litter and garbage in 2011! We salute your efforts aimed at keeping Henry County clean and beautiful. To
participate in 2012 Adopt-A-Road pick-up dates June 9, August 11 or November 3, contact Kerry Arnold at 678-284-3312.
Kirsten King, Next Gen-eration Consulting Group, on being published in the January issue of Ebony’s Career & Finance section. Her article, entitled “Fam-ily Crisis, Money Problems” can be viewed online at http://www.ebony.com/
career-finance/family-crisis-money-problems
Henry County Water & Sewerage Authority, for the favorable review by Federal EPA authori-ties during a January visit to the Tussahaw water treatment plant, provid-ing assurance that fed-eral funds for local water
treatment purposes are effectively used.
Classic Landscapes, Inc., owned by John Newman, for receiving an Award of Distinction in the 2011 Annual Environmental Improvement Awards program sponsored by the professional Landcare Network (PLANET). Classic
Landscapes’ submission was one of the 100 projects recognized from the 3,500 companies involved.
Clayton State College – Spivey Hall on the newest addition to its musical repertoire, a new Steinway & Sons D-274 concert grand piano, arriving from Ham-burg, Germany on February 10. The new piano will be called “Clara” for the clar-
ity of tone and beautiful transparency of texture for which the best Hamburg Steinway are renowned.
Sherry Denton, Owner of The Orderly Touch, and President of NAPO-GA (the National Association of Professional Organizers) for spearheading a very suc-cessful campaign in Henry County to donate shoes to Soles4Souls. Soles4Souls®
is a shoe charity that collects gently worn shoes and monies to provide shoes to those in need. Donating shoes to Soles4Souls shoe charity is a great way to recycle shoes and to clean out a closet.
Scott Merkle, CPA, CMA, CPAR, CMCP on joining Piedmont Henry Hospital as finance controller. He has over 22 years in healthcare and comes to Henry County from Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.
Beth Scarboro, English/Language Arts Coordinator for Henry County Schools, on her recent appoint-ment as President of the Georgia Language Arts Supervisors (GLAS) for the next two years.
Danny Brown, Owner of SERVPRO® of Henry, Spalding & Clayton Counties and SERVPRO® of Decatur, on making the 2012 UGA Bulldog 100 list of the 100 fastest grow-ing businesses owned
and operated by UGA alumni. Danny is a 1979 UGA graduate.
Chamber briefs ... Congratulations to:
BELLAMYSTRICKLAND
McDonough
I-75
770-954-3000
I-75 • Exit 216145 Industrial Blvd.
McDonough, GAHwy. 155
BELLAMY-STRICKLANDChevrolet • Oldsmobile • Pontiac • GMC Trucks
Members Can Earn $$ Two Ways – Just By Referring New Members!
•Receive$50offyournextmembershiprenewaloragiftcard by bringing in a completed membership applica-tion – with payment -- for a new member
•Receive$25offyournextmembershiprenewalora$25giftcardforareferralthatleadstoanew(paid)member
Membership forms are available on the Cham-berwebsite.ContactRogerNixat770-957-5786orrnix@henrycounty.com with your referral.
Leonard Moreland, Secretary / Treasurer Heritage BankEddie Ausband, Chair-Elect
The Ausband Agency, Inc.
HenryCounty.Com12
businessBoosters luncheonbusinessBoosters luncheon
March Business Boosters Luncheon“Top Five Legal Issues that Impact Small Business”
March 15, 2012HCCC Hudgins Room
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hear from the experts ….The top legal issues that small business owners struggle with in Georgia.
The cost is $12 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members. Reservations are required. Call (770)957-5786 or email [email protected] for more information.
Danny Brown, Chairman SERVPRO® of Henry, Spalding & Clayton Counties & SERVPRO® of Decatur
Meet the Chamber’s 2012 Executive Committee
Kay PippinPresident, Henry County Chamber of Commerce
Taylor Rice
Immediate Past Chairman
[email protected]/dottie.wise
DottieWISE
Associate Broker
404.843.2500 Office678-443-8407 Direct404.683.0912 Mobile
METRO BROKERS1401 Highway 20 West
McDonough, GA 30253
Each Firm is independently Owned and Operated
Julie Hoover-Ernst, Chairman, HCCC Convention & Visitors BureauHenry County Board of Commissioners
Brad Thomas, Vice Chair for Economic & Cultural Development
Snapping Shoals EMCJune Wood, Vice Chair for Government & EducationGeorgia Power Company
Charlie Scott, Vice Chair for Chamber Development
Piedmont Henry Hospital
HenryCounty.Com 13
The night was warm and the set-ting was elegant as over 300 Chamber members and guests convened at Eagle’s Landing Country Club to enjoy the 45th Annual HCCC Meeting/Dinner hosted by Presenting Sponsors Mercer University and Piedmont Healthcare. Following the invocation by Rev. Olin McBride of Mc-Donough Presbyterian Church, attend-ees enjoyed a delicious meal of pepper-corn crusted beef tenderloin and chicken florentine. The festivities began as a quintet from Mercer University’s McDuffie Center for Strings presented moving music earning their performance a standing ovation. A new feature this year was a video presentation of the Chamber’s 2011 An-nual Report. The film summarized the Chamber’s many accomplishments de-spite a year of continued economic chal-lenges. To view the video, visit the Cham-ber’s website, www.henrycounty.com and select “The Chamber” and then “Annual Reports.” Lt. Governor Casey Cagle gave the keynote address, highlighting our com-munity’s vision and the complimenting Chamber led community initiatives to assure excellent educational opportuni-ties in Henry County. He noted the impor-tance of education and transportation to the future of our Georgia. Lt. Governor Cagle referenced the way Singapore educates its young people, projecting technical career requirements and then successfully planning educational paths to meet those needs. He also spoke about the foresight and visionary legacy of past Georgia leaders that resulted in the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport becoming the busiest on the planet and Savannah’s port becoming the busiest in
the nation, as he outlined what we must now do to address Atlanta’s transporta-tion congestion and Georgia’s need for a world class educational system. An annual highlight is the presenta-tion of Chamber awards to outstanding recipients nominated by members and selected by past award recipients. This year’s award winners are:
Business of the YearThe Ausband Agency
Volunteer of the YearKevin Smith, Toppan Interamerica, Inc.
The Billy Carter Public Service Award
Sheriff Keith McBrayerCitizen of the Year
Lorene Lindsey 2011 Chairman of the Board, Taylor Rice recognized retiring Chamber Board members: Michelle Deraney; Marlin Gil-bert; Lorene Lindsey; Kevin Smith; Lee Spahos; Danny Stone and Andy Welch. Chairman Rice remarked about what the Chairmanship has meant to him before passing the gavel to 2012 Chair-man Danny Brown. Chairman Brown thanked Rice for his service and pre-sented him with a handmade, engraved heirloom side chair, a long-standing tradition of honoring retiring chairmen. The evening ended with what has come to be a tradition, the singing of pa-triotic “God Bless America,” led by Vicky Atwood, Media Specialist at Tussahaw Elementary School – bringing everyone to their feet. The outstanding gala was made possible by the generosity of Pre-senting Sponsors Mercer University and Piedmont Healthcare. These outstanding Henry County institutions topped off the evening by presenting each attendee with a beautiful wood and glass desk clock.
45th Annual Meeting/Dinner Was a Rousing Success!2011 Chamber Award Winners Honored
1050 Eagles Landing Parkway • Suite 302Stockbridge, GA 30281 • 770-389-9494
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Anna Truong, P.A.-C, MPAS, Ronald S. Wats, M.D., F.A.C.E., Douglas K. Epps. M.D.
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L to R: 2012 Chairman Danny Brown, Sheriff Keith McBrayer, Mayor Lorene Lindsey, Eddie Ausband, Kevin Smith, 2011 Chairman Taylor Rice, HCCC President Kay Pippin
businessAFter hours
March Business After Hours
Hosted by
2130 Jodeco Road • McDonough
Thursday, March 225:30 pm – 7:00 pm
15th Street Pizza & Pub enjoys beingHenry County’s oldest locally-owned and op-erated pizza parlor. Owners Dennis McHugh, along with son and daughter-in-law, Patrick and Katie McHugh, took over in January 2004. 15thStreetPizzatakesprideinusingonlythefreshest ingredients and in providing quality service. Comeandenjoy thedeliciousaromasofgarlic and pizza dough and the fellowship and camaraderie of meeting and greeting Chamber members as you learn more about this local eatery at the March 22 Business Af-ter Hours. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards. Get YOUR business recognized -- donate a door prize for this event. Call Diane at 770-957-5786 to donate a prize worth $20 ormore. There will be a drawing for the Cham-berjackpotandyoumustbepresenttowin.
HenryCounty.Com14
Rome & the Amalfi Coast • November 1-10, 2012Highlights….
Whisper Headsets • Rome • Regional Wines with Dinner • Ravello • Villa Rufolo • Vietri-sul-Mare • SorrentoAmalfi Coast • Paestum • Pompeii • Wine Tasting • Naples Archeological Museum
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903 Pavilion Court, Suite IMcDonough, GA 30253
www.crichtonmullings.com770-320-7786 Ph • 770-320-7787 Faxwww.crichtonmullings.com770-320-7786 Ph
IT IS TAX TIMEDO NOT WAIT TO FILE!CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
January’s Chamber Business After Hours was hosted by The Gardenias Assisted Living facility in Hampton. Chamber members and guests were of-fered the opportunity to tour this beautiful facility and to hear about services provided there. The Gar-denias “assisted” with networking by giving each at-tendee a checklist that encouraged them to seek out people with specific attributes. Attendees won door prizes contributed by Classic Landscapes, Inc; Active Home Solutions; The Gardenias Assisted Living; Candace Carpet One; and Henry County Senior Services, con-sisting of gift cards, gift bags, umbrellas and a beautiful dish garden. Thanks to all the member businesses who contributed great door prizes for this event! Members not present when their name was called for the $150 Chamber jackpot: BrendaReidwithPublix,andCalvinFordwithF&FFloorCovering. The third time was indeed the charm as Luis Rodriguez was present for the win! Luis owns AOI, LLC, a technology firm.
January Business After Hours at The Gardenias Assisted Living
Luis Rodriguez is presented with Jackpot Winnings by Diane Ide, HCCC Director of Communications
HenryCounty.Com 15
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHO’S ACCOUNTABLE, JUST READ THE NAME ON THE DOOR.
“For 40 years, Strawn & Co., Insurance has operated under the vision and values set by my father. He held himself directly accountable for the success of his clients, valuing relationships much more than transactions. I saw his integrity in action, sometimes at the expense of the company - but always what he thought was right. He built his name upon the respect and hon-esty of these long-term partner-ships. And as a Strawn, I couldn’t work any other way.”
- Rusty Strawn, President
Call or Come in Today!16 Hampton Street
McDonough, GA 30253
770-957-9005
As an independent insurance agency, Strawn & Co., Insurance is free to focus on what really counts: providing your family and/or business with the most comprehensive coverages and com-
petitive premiums available. This type of focus for our customers has kept Strawn & Co., Insurance one of the leading providers of
property, casualty, life & health insurance in south Atlanta.
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February 2 - The Right Turn DUI School & Defensive Driving Course1324 McDonough Place • McDonough, GA 30253
Contact: Alicia McIver • 678-432-0036
Geocaching Continues to Attract VisitorsMs. Pat Shepard of New Jersey turned in her geocaching “Pass-port” while on a trip to Georgia to visit her daughter. She is the 22ndgeocacher todo soandoneofmore than150peoplewhohave participated in the real world scavenger hunt since the CVB launched the geocaching series in late September. For more infor-mation about the Henry County CVB’s geocaching series or other Henry County geocaches, visit www.visithenrycountygeorgia.com/visit/geocaching.
Julie Hoover-Ernst, Chair of the CVB Board poses with Pat Shepard and Laura Luker, Director of Tourism
HenryCounty.Com16
FINANCIAL FOCUSBecome Familiar With These Five Key Areas As an investor, what are your goals? You can probably think of quite a few — but over the course of your lifetime, your objectivestypically will fall into five key cat-egories. And once you’re familiar with these areas, you can start thinking of what they’ll mean to you in terms of your financial and investment strategies. So, let’s take a look at each of these areas and see what they might entailforyou: •Preparing forretirement: With advances in health care and a greater awareness of healthy living practices, many of us can expect to live two or three decades in an active retirement. To pay for all those years, you’ll need to save and invest early and often. So, while you’re working, take full advantage of your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retire-ment plan, as well as contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA. After un-
derstanding your desired retirement lifestyle, your financial advisor can help you determine how, and how much, to save to provide for your income in retirement. •Planningfortheunexpected:You can’t see into the future, so you’ll need to prepare for anything that comes your way. By building an emergency fund containing six to 12 months’ worth of living expenses, you can possibly avoid dipping into your long-term investments to pay for things such as a new furnace or amajorcarrepair.Andplanningforthe unexpected also means having sufficient life insurance to provide for your family in case anything happens to you. • Educating your children: College is already expensive — and college expenses have been ris-ing faster than the overall rate of inflation. If you want to help your children, or grandchildren, pay for
school, you may want to invest in a college savings vehicle, such as the 529plan.Youcancontribute largeamounts to a 529 plan, and earn-ings have the opportunity to grow tax-free, provided withdrawals are used for higher education. (With-drawals not used for education are subject to income taxes and a 10percent penalty.) •Livinginretirement: Once you reach retirement, your invest-ment emphasis will shift somewhat, from accumulating resources to making them last. By working with a financial advisor, you can develop a withdrawal strategy that can help make sure you don’t outlive the in-come you receive from your 401(k), IRA and other sources. At the same time, given the possible length of your retirement, you can’t ignore the need to invest for growth, so you may need to consider some growth-oriented vehicles in your portfolio
to help your income keep pace with inflation. •Transferringyourwealth: When you’ve worked hard your whole life, you want to be able to leave a legacy — one that allows you to provide financial resources to the next generation and to those charitable organizations you may wish to support. So, when it’s time to think about transferring your wealth, you’ll want to consult with your financial and legal advisors to create an estate plan that’s appro-priate for your needs. And because these plans can take significant time to create, you won’t want to wait too long to start. So,thereyouhavethem:fivekeyfinancial areas on which to focus as you travel through life. By doing your homework, planning ahead and getting the help you need, you can make the journey a pleasantand productive one.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Member SIPCwww.edwardjones.com
WE UNDERSTAND COMMITMENTFor decades, Edward Jones has been committed to providing financial solutions and personalized service to individual investors.
You can rely on us for:• Convenience — Locations in the community and face-to-face meetings at your convenience.• A Quality-focused Inventment Philosophy — A long-term approach that focuses on quality investments and diversification.• Highly Personal Service — Investment guidance tailored to your individual needs.
Financial AdvisorDavid R. Dodd Jr.
Publix Shopping Center220 Jonesboro Road
McDonough, GA 30253(770) 898-1735
Financial AdvisorJohn H. Dorminy190 Turner Street
McDonough, GA 30253(770) 957-0250
Financial AdvisorJeremy Lange
102A Woolsey RoadHampton, GA 30228
(770) 707-2390
Financial AdvisorGerry Simon
130 Eagle Spring Court, Ste. B
Stockbridge, GA 30281(770) 389-8912
Financial AdvisorLogan Lowrey
2141 Hwy 155 NMcDonough, GA 30252
(678) 583-5090
Financial AdvisorVanessa Conwell
Ingles Shopping Ctr.4998 Bill Gardner PkwyLocust Grove, GA 30248
(678) 583-5079
Financial AdvisorDavid E. Shofman
5487 N. Henry Blvd.Stockbridge, GA 30281
(770) 506-1994
Financial AdvisorLin Watts
305 Olde Towne WayMcDonough, GA 30252
(678) 583-1325
Financial AdvisorPaul D. Rippa
5487 North Henry Blvd.Stockbridge, GA 30281
(770) 506-1994
Financial AdvisorDaniel Cash
220 Jonesboro RoadMcDonough, GA 30253
(770) 898-1735
By doing your homework, planning ahead and getting the help you need, you can make the journey a pleasant and productive one.
