Success in 2013 - Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority

INDUSTRY
GROWTH
BUSINESS
CITY/COUNTY
EDUCATION
CARL VINSON VA
SUCCESS 2013
CELEBRATING BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY IN DUBLIN AND LAURENS COUNTY
INSIDE:
INDUSTRY
Investment in the
future: SPFT putting $42 million
into expansion at Dublin Mill
Page 2
CITY/COUNTY
A Dublin-to-Dublin connection:
Mayor and officials make visit,
get ideas overseas
Page 3
CITY/COUNTY
Leading the way: Leadership
Georgia tour group enjoys visit
to Dublin, Laurens County
Page 4
EDUCATION
International accreditation:
Dublin High School preparing
to implement International
Baccalaureate program
Page 5
GROWTH
Port of possibility:With larger
ships expected at a deeper
Port of Savannah, Dublin could
reap the benefits of global
growth
Page 8
BUSINESS
Workforce workshop: New Job
Connection giving hope to
people trying to find work
Page 9
EDUCATION
‘First day of tomorrow:’ DHS
solar installation opening doors
for schools
Page 10
CARL VINSON VA
A special environment:Veterans
happy with new community
center
Page 11
Nearing
completion
Erdrich ribbon cutting set
for June, operations slated
to begin in January 2014
By JASON HALCOMBE
The sounds of hammers, drills
and grinders was briefly interrupted
by the grinding of gravel under car
tires as Erdrich plant manager Walter Huber pulled into the makeshift
driveway for weekly briefing with
contractors.
As Huber stepped out of his
Volkswagen - one of three German
brands the plant will supply parts to
when completed - he was greeted
by smile after smile from contractors and coworkers.
And for good reason.
The Erdrich site, which has been
under construction for over a year,
is fitting precisely within corporate
plans to have the plant operational
and shipping product by January
2014.
"We are still on schedule," Huber said with a smile.
Over the past 12 months, what
started as shifted dirt by Laurens
County crews has been molded into a covered steel frame that dominates the skyline of the I-16 Industrial Park located off Ga. 257.
"It even has windows now,"
joked Huber. "As you can see, the
130,000 square foot facility is nearly
complete."
Erdrich was the first of four major industrial announcements made
in 2012.A 130,000 square foot, $39
million metal stamping facility at the
center of the company's first North
American venture.When operational, the Dublin plant will employ
178 and mirror the size and importance of its German operations.
The midsized family-owned com-
pany produces complex metal parts
and subassemblies for the automotive industry and has been in the
metal stamping business for more
than 50 years.
It was that family-focused approach to business that first drew
CEO Georg Erdrich to Laurens
County officials, who showcased the
I-16 site during a helicopter tour of
the area.
"We started a friendship that
honestly translated into this groundbreaking," said Jimmy Allgood, former chairman of the Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority.
"We made every effort to find
the right place to locate our new
factory in America," Erdrich said
during groundbreaking ceremonies
for the site.
The company currently has two
plants in Germany, one in the Czech
Republic and another in China that
supply parts to other automotive
supplier companies and as well to
BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen.
Construction is projected to be
completed by the end of May, with a
June 14 ribbon cutting to follow.
"After that, we'll be putting in
machinery step-by-step," Huber
said.
Four new employees will begin
work with the company May 1, with
plans to produce the first samples
at the plant around November.
"We are really excited," Huber
said. "We have been moving along
very well. It has been a pleasure to
work with the contractors and subcontractors. No complaints."
"As you can see, the 130,000
square foot facility is nearly
complete."
— Walter Huber
Erdrich plant
manager
Photos by Jason Halcombe
(Top): Huber stands in front
of the nearly-completed Erdrich facility. (Above): CEO
Georg Erdrich speaks at
July’s groundbreaking
ceremony. (Below):
Construction was well
under way this past
winter.
The Courier Herald
Tuesday, April 30, 2013/Dublin, Ga/Page 2
INDUSTRY
SUCCESS 2013
CELEBRATING BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY IN DUBLIN AND LAURENS COUNTY
Investment in the future
SPFT putting
$42 million
into expansion
at Dublin Mill
By JASON HALCOMBE
In the middle of his speech,
SP Fiber Technologies CEO Jay
Gurandiano said, "You make
your money where you put
your money."
Gurandiano and SPFT lived
up to that statement in the
eyes of Laurens County residents, when they announced
plans to invest $42 million in
the Dublin mill over the next
year to become what they
hope is a "world class" producer of packaging materials.
The lunchtime announcement came less than a week after SPFT officials were successful in transforming PM2, one of
the world's fastest and most
efficient newsprint production
machines, into a producer of
the packaging grades used to
make items like the brown
bags found at most fast food
restaurants.
The successful "experiment"
was ahead of schedule and under budget, which had Gurandiano and other SPFT officials
very excited about the future
of the Dublin mill.
"I can't tell you how proud I
am to be here," Gurandiano
said. "In the No. 2 machine, we
saw a vision...What was a
world class newsprint machine
we hope to make a world class
packing machine."
Gurandiano said SPFT officials are hopeful Thursday's announcement was "phase one,"
with plans for continue a partnership with GreenPower Solutions on a biomass power plant
nearing the financing stage.
"The vision is to turn this
mill into the greenest mill in
North America," Gurandiano
said.
Tom Croteau, Division director, Georgia Department of
Economic Development said he
"grew up in a town with six paper mills...now there are
none."
"My dad and all my uncles...put bread on the table
and roof over their head,"
Croteau said. "It's really a joy
for me."
Croteau used the compari-
Photos by Jason Halcombe
SPFT CEO Jay Gurandiano (above, left) said he hopes the mill expansion is “only phase one.” Also pictured, Dublin Mill manager Glen Hill.
son of locating new industry
vs. growth of existing industry
to that of a newborn vs. a high
school graduate.
"When they graduate high
school," Croteau said, "that's
really when you stand up so
proud. That's how we feel today."
Dublin mill manager Glenn
Hill opened the brief program
by thanking original mill manager Ron Wilson.
"We were a very successful
company, but times change,"
Hill said. "...About a year and a
half ago we did an experiment.
It was an experiment but we
were very successful."
The experiment was the
first try to produce the brown
packaging materials on the PM2
machine; a machine that has
previously been listed as both
the world's fastest and most
efficient newsprint machine.
"We're only had one (paper)
break since we started last Friday," Hill said. "...Most of all,
and I mean this from the bottom of my heart, what the
Dublin team accomplished is
remarkable in such a short
amount of time. If they worked
less than 80 or 90 hours they
felt like they had a day off."
"We can see a bright future
for SP Fiber Technologies," said
Scott Beasley, chairman of the
Dublin-Laurens Development
Authority. "This is truly a winwin day for Dublin and Laurens
County."
Dublin Mayor Phil Best
agreed.
"With the investment these
folks are about to make, it's
just another sign that our local
economy continues to be revived," Best said. "This is good
or better than locating a new
industry."
"It's great news that SPFT is
expanding and doing it successfully," added East Dublin Mayor
George Gornto.
"It means a lot to Laurens
County," said Laurens County
Commission Chairman Emory
Lake. "SPFT makes up such a
large portion of our tax base,
and this news is good for the
entire county. It's exciting to
see they're planning on being
here for a while."
"It's just another sign of
how this community comes together to work with industry,"
said Dist. 150 State Representative Matt Hatchett. "Credit
to SPFT for thinking outside
the box."
The right tools
make a successful
garden, the same
as Business and
Industry makes a
successful
community.
Thank you
Laurens County
Industries
& Business for
keeping Laurens
County
successful!
Thank You
YKK Employees for a
Job Well Done!
CULLENS SUPPLY &
ENGINE SERVICE
910 E. Jackson St., Dublin, 272-4353
826 S. Harris St., Sandersville, GA, 552-5102
“Decisions You Can Bank On.”
Dublin: 272-8874 • Dexter: 875-3104
A Part of Dublin & Laurens County Since 1992
The Courier Herald
Tuesday, April 30, 2013/Dublin, Ga/Page 3
CITY/COUNTY
SUCCESS 2013
CELEBRATING BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY IN DUBLIN AND LAURENS COUNTY
AMayorDublin-to-Dublin
connection
and officials make contacts, get ideas overseas
By PAYTON TOWNS III
When the Mayor of Dublin,
Ireland invited the mayors from
all of the Dublin towns in the
United States, Phil Best wanted
to represent Dublin, Georgia.
Best went along with his wife
Cile and he took Dublin City
Manager George Roussel and
President of the Dublin/Laurens
Development Authority Cal
Wray.
"It was the year of the Gathering in Ireland," Best said. "In
the letter, it said I could bring a
delegation with me if I wanted
to."
Best called Roussel,Wray
and county administrator Bryan
Rogers because they are a part
of the economic development
team in the area. Unfortunately,
Rogers was unable to go.
"It was a once in a lifetime
trip," Roussel said. "It was a
great experience and I think we
accomplished a great deal. It
was a honor to be asked and a
honor to represent the great
citizens of Dublin."
Wray said it was good to extend economic development efforts.
"The city (in Dublin, Ireland)
was great in helping us to establish meetings," Wray said.
"With their invitation and assistance of setting up meetings, it
added a whole lot more credibility to our trip meeting with
companies and meeting with
agencies to try to get investment going both ways to Ireland and the U.S. And specifically, to Laurens County."
None in the group had ever
been to Dublin, Ireland before.
Best said the plane ride was
about 7 1/2 hours going and
close to 9 coming back.
"Ireland is as equal as us in
the south about hospitality,"
Best said. "They looked after us
and made sure we were taken
care of.They treated us like
royalty."
Wray said everyone they
saw was nice from people walking down the street to cab drivers.
"One time George and I
were walking and we kind of
got turned around," Wray said.
"A guy stopped and guided us
because he saw we were lost."
It was good to be face to
face with people about business.
"It was neat to meet people
who may come here for a business opportunity," Best said.
"That was priceless. From a
tourism standpoint, I fully believe we'll have a continued relationship with a city in Ireland."
Wray said they were able to
set up 10 to 12 meetings over
two days.They met with groups
like Enterprise Ireland, Invest
Ireland, Locate Ireland and the
American Chamber of Commerce.
"Those groups help to bring
investment to Ireland and they
also help Irish companies invest
in the U.S.," Wray said. "We
met with a couple of companies
that will be looking at locations
in the U.S. It was good to set
up relationships to make future
contacts. It was really beneficial."
They met with a consultant
group out of Belfast that takes
companies from Ireland to Continental Europe and the United
States.
"They were very excited
about the opportunities here,"
Wray said. "I think we'll be
hosting them in the next few
months in a visit here. On their
next trip to the United States,
they want to come to Dublin
and see what we have to offer
on the industrial side."
The group was in Dublin, Ireland on St. Patrick's Day.The parade had 500 thousand people,
Wray said. And there were mechanical floats and a lot of
street theatre people in costume.
Special photo
Best (far right) with fellow “Dublin” mayors during a recent economic development trip to Ireland.
"I think Cal and the Development Authority have proven that in order to
get business, you can't sit at home
waiting for it to come to you. You
have to go after it. That was a good
reason to go and it was an excellent
opportunity to reach out to these
folks. I wouldn't be surprised if something good doesn't come from it."
— Phil Best
Dublin Mayor
They are working with getting a sister city from a town a
hour away from Dublin, Ireland.
"I think that will create
tourism possibilities for both
countries and both cities," Best
said. "A lot of people would like
to go to Ireland. I think we
could get up a delegation of
people who'd like to go to Ireland and the same with people
there who'd like to come here."
It was also good to have all
of the Mayors from Dublin
towns in the U.S.
"This was the first time
we've all met at one time," Best
said. "We met the mayor of
Dublin, Calif., Dublin, Ohio,
Dublin, N.H. and Dublin, Penn.
Hopefully we'll have some relationships with them too. Cal
and I've talked about maybe
getting a future meeting with
Geared
toward a
better
community.
We appreciate all
that you do for us,
local industries
and businesses!
HOURS: Mon. - Fri. • 9-6 Sat. 9-5
275-3144
1927 Hwy. 441 S., Dublin
Home Owned by Wendy Sumner
them too."
Roussel was impressed with
the history in Ireland.They
went to Trinity College which
was founded in 1633. Some of
the structures are still there
and most of Shakespeare's original works are in the library, he
said.
"That was one of the things
that impressed me personally,"
Roussel said. "There was a lot
of lessons learned."
One of the things the mayor
from Ireland wanted known was
that people can go to Ireland
for tourism.
"More than anything, the
Dublin mayor of Ireland
reached out to the mayor of
Belfast and Northern Ireland
for tourism," Roussel said.
"They have the huge museum
or memorial for the Titanic. It's
on the same site where the Titanic was built and launched."
Wray said the trip was productive. It was a good first
start, especially with relationships.
"It really set up good for our
future," he said.
Best said they know that
they can't wait for businesses to
come here.
"I think Cal and the Development Authority have proven
that in order to get business,
you can't sit at home waiting
for it to come to you," Best
said. "You have to go after it.
That was a good reason to go
and it was an excellent opportunity to reach out to these
folks. I wouldn't be surprised if
something good doesn't come
from it."
The Courier Herald
Tuesday, April 30, 2013/Dublin, Ga/Page 4
CITY/COUNTY
SUCCESS 2013
CELEBRATING BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY IN DUBLIN AND LAURENS COUNTY
Leadership Georgia tour
group enjoys visit to
Dublin, Laurens County
Leading the way
EQUIPMENT
RENTALS
(478) 274-3000
Parts • Rentals • Sales • Service • Supplies • LP Refill Station
FREE DELIVERY AND PICKUP
ME
NT R
EN
EQ
AL
BROOKS
CO
.
478-274-3000
N
R
A
Y
T
From Small
to Large
WE HAVE IT ALL!
Why purchase
when you can
rent? Do not make
a costly mistake.
Call us today.
IP
T
Photos by Payton Towns III
The Leadership Georgia tour group made
stops
in
downtown
Dublin, but also traveled
all over Laurens County
to witness all that east
central Georgia has to offer.
100%
Customer
Satisfaction
U
Homeowners • Construction • Industrial
All Major Equipment Brands Represented
CO
By PAYTON TOWNS III
The Leadership Georgia
Class rolled into town on
March 21 and got to see the
best that Dublin had to offer.
Dublin officials rolled out
the welcome mat.The Dublin
High School cheerleaders
cheered while the band played
the school's fight song as members from the class got off the
buses.
Marsay and Aimee Simpson,
the program chair for Leadership Georgia, were pleased with
what they called "a wonderful
town."
"People say that Dublin is
known for its people and that
is absolutely true," Marsay
Simpson said. "The people have
been unbelievable."
Aimee Simpson called
Dublin an amazing place. She
said Dublin is an example of
what Georgia is trying to become in terms of economic development and international
growth.
"It really is the gold standard
for cities to follow," Aimee said.
"I'm a native of Washington
D.C., and this has been the
most welcoming city I've been
to my entire life.The county
and city and business owners
have opened up their arms to
us."
Others in the group enjoyed
what they saw and wanted to
see more than what they were
used to seeing.
"I'm looking forward to seeing some parts of Dublin that I
would normally not get to," Jon
Pannell said. "I know we are going to get to tour some of the
industries in town.The downtown looks great. I'm very impressed with downtown
Dublin."
Kimberly Pannell said this is
the second meeting that the
class had been able to get together.
"They'll start forming those
bonds and start networking together and get to know each
other a little bit better," she
said.
Jon and Emily Howell looked
forward to seeing Dublin. Each
community has different things
to offer that makes their stay
incredible.
"Dublin is no exception," Jon
Howell said. "Not only is their
a sense of community, but a
sense of international presence
you have with the various companies that you have been able
to recruit and maintain here. It
says a lot about the economic
development and the great
place to not only work but to
play, live and raise a family."
Philip Wilheit Jr. and his wife
Addie, are the hospitality chairs
who take care of the entertainment at the events for Georgia
Leadership.
"We make sure they have
snacks and food just about all
the time," he said. "We have to
make sure the next entertainment is ready and tend to stay
behind and do the work."
Added Addie Wilheit: "I've
been to Dublin once to see
where all of the events were
going to be held. Everyone has
been so helpful and accommodating. It's been great."
After the reception, members were divided into groups
and led by Laurens Youth Leadership to the Fred Roberts,
Christ Episcopal Church, St.
Paul AME and the J. Roy Rowland Federal Courthouse.
After that, the groups met
back at the Ice House for dinner. While there, the group was
welcomed by Willie Paulk, President of Dublin Chamber of
Commerce, Jimmy Allgood, former Leadership Georgia President, and President Alex
Wayne.
Leadership Georgia toured
many places that weekend, including a tour of the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center will kick
off Friday's festivities, followed
by stops at Mage Solar,YKK AP,
Gully Branch Farms in Bleckley
County and Erdrich USA.
CT
OR SUP
P
L
The Courier Herald
Tuesday, April 30, 2013/Dublin, Ga/Page 5
EDUCATION
SUCCESS 2013
CELEBRATING BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY IN DUBLIN AND LAURENS COUNTY
International accreditation
Dublin High School preparing to implement International Baccalaureate program
By JASON HALCOMBE
A three-year process to set
Dublin City Schools and its students apart academically is set to
come to conclusion this fall, as
Dublin High School completes
the final phases of its certification
process for the International Baccalaureate program.
"We're on track," said Dr.
Chuck Ledbetter, Dublin City
Schools Superintendent.
The Swiss-based certification
program, currently offered by
3,580 schools in 145 countries,
has become the gold standard for
both colleges looking for the
brightest and best students and
industries looking to locate in
communities with highly-skilled
workforces.
Initiating the program began
three years ago as part of Dublin
City Schools' strategic planning
done several years prior.
"We'll running an IB-type
schedule in the fall," Ledbetter
said. "When we have our visits
from an IB committee.They'll
come and look at everything
we've set up to do and are doing.
We've had a consultant come and
say we're on track, or we need to
work on this here or this there.
We anticipate, when the committee comes in the fall, not long after that we'll have approval of the
program."
A global economy calls for
globally-minded citizens and
Clements & Keen Insurance
Marcus Clements
salutes all
Dublin/Laurens
County
Industries.
workers, but according to the IB
teaching strategy, "Students must
first develop an understanding of
their own cultural and national
identity.All IB students learn a
second language and the skills to
live and work with others internationally - essential for life in the
21st century."
Among other requirements, an
IB curriculum focuses heavily on
critical thinking, research and
community service.
As Ledbetter puts it, "the academic stringency is not the
biggest part; it's learning how to
think and problem solve."
The two-year program will
culminate with students completing a research paper Ledbetter
compares to a "Masters Thesis."
The IB diploma certificate program will be offered to junior and
senior students, but Dublin City
School faculty and staff will begin
evaluating and preparing potential
IB candidates as early as middle
school.
When completed, students
who graduate with the IB certification will have a diploma recognized by colleges and universities
all over the world, but Ledbetter
said IB will have a tri-fold impact
on Dublin City Schools.
"There are three reasons I feel
like it's very important for Dublin
City Schools and Dublin High
School," Ledbetter said. "For the
student:A student who gets an IB
Tub Shower
Conversions, Walk-in
Tubs, New Tub Over
Your Old One!
Flooring, Vanities,
Commodes, Faucets,
Safety Bars &
MUCH MORE!
diploma certificate on their diploma is essentially going to be accepted into just about any college
in the world.They're seen as the
best students in the world.Yes
you'll be able to get into the University of Georgia, or any Ivy
League school or Oxford or
Cambridge. It's the creme de la
creme of credentials.
"Second, when international
corporations look at our area,
people from outside our area
don't always trust the American
education systems. Even though
I'd argue we test all our students
and not a specific group, IB is the
best students. If you have an IB
program, that alleviates any education fears from people from
other countries looking to come
to our area.
Finally, when you're sending
teachers for training and looking
how to improve the learning
process, get students to think
more deeply, teachers use those
processes and share those
processes with non-IB teachers
and students.
"It raises the bar for everybody."
And that has DHS principal
Robert Hunter excited at what
having IB will mean for his school
beginning this fall.
"I'm really glad we're getting a
chance to do it," Hunter said.
See IB page 11
We Appreciate Our Local Industries and
Their Employees For Their Dedication To
The Dublin/Laurens County Community.
“The Refreshing Remodel”
Darin Keen
Georgia Square Mall, Ste 212
Athens, GA 30606
706-353-7887
503 Bellevue Ave., Dublin, Ga. • Call 272-8019
609 Academy Avenue
Dublin, GA 31021
478-296-9347
[email protected]
www.rebath.com
Concrete Products Co.
Locally Owned & Operated Since 1945!
202 Savannah Ave., East Dublin • 272-1703
SUPPORT YOUR
LOCAL FARMERS
AND THE
AGRICULTURAL
INDUSTRY
Farmers work hard for
our community and
produce many crops
that we use every day.
We salute them for
their dedication. Join
us in supporting our
local farmers and
Agribusinesses.
Thanks to all of our local
farmers and Agribusinesses
for their hard work!
“By the grace of God we are still here.”
“It is a privilege to farm. It is not just a job,but a way of life.”
FARM & GARDEN
(478) 272-3340 • 803 E. Jackson St.
At the river bridge between Dublin & East Dublin - Hwy. 80 E., Dublin, GA
Mon.-Fri. 7:30 - 6 • Sat. 7:30 - 5 • Sun. 1 - 5
The Courier Herald
Tuesday, April 30, 2013/Dublin, Ga/Page 6
2012
CHAMBE
Serving Dublin, E
13WMAZ
1st Franklin Financial Corp.
A & D Financial Designs
ABC Women’s Clinic...A Better Choice
ACS Cleaning Services
Advantage Staffing
AgGeorgia Farm Credit
Air Evac Lifeteam
Alexander’s Office Center
All-American Carpet Care & Restoration
Allen’s Heating & Cooling
Allgood Pest Solutions
Allgood, Kathy
Alltel Communications, LLC
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
Altamaha EMC
Alterra Networks
Ambassador
Amedisys
American HomePatient
American Legion, Post 17
American Red Cross
AMERIGROUP Community Care
Andrews Sales, Inc.
Animal Medical Clinic of Laurens County
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar
Applied Services
Arby’s
Archila, Pilar
Art by Frenasee
Art Dublin
AT&T
Atlanta Coca-Cola Bottling Co
Atlantic South Bank
Badcock Home Furniture & More
Ballard, Mary
Bank of Dudley
Barrett’s Livestock Inc
Barry Walker Nationwide Ins.
Bass Physical Therapy & Rehab Ctr
Baymont Inn & Suites
Bed’r Mattress
Belk #238
Benton House of Dublin
Best Buy Co. Inc.
Best, Sr. Phil
Betty’s Cooking
Black, DDS Emmett
Blackbird Beanery & Bakery LLC
Black’s Seed Store
Bobbitt, Hon. Thomas
Bowels, Brian
Boy Scouts of America Central GA Council
Brian’s Giant Subs
Bridgecom Inc.
Bridges Electric & Motor Service
Brinson, DMD, PC R. S.
Brookington Apartments
Brooks Contractor Supply Co.
Brown Interiors
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Bubba’s Tire Center
Buckins Tax Service
Builders Concrete Products Co.
Burger King #9133
Butler, PC Charles
Buy Smart Pharmacy & Home Medical
Cadwell Furniture
Cake Art
Cal Duke & Associates Publishing, Inc.
Caldwell, James
Capital City Bank
Cardiopulmonary Associates, P.C.
Caring Companions
Carriage Hill Apt
Central GA Home Health
Central Georgia Lock & Safe, LLC
Century 21- Durden & Kornegay
Chambers Water Filtration, Inc.
Chick-fil-A of Dublin
Children’s Clinic
Choice Care Ambulance Service LLC
Choo Choo Build-It-Mart
Christian Group, LLC
Christian,Kelly,Thigpen & Co
Citizens Bank of Laurens County
City of Dublin
City of Dudley
City of East Dublin
Claire Livingston Interiors
Clardy, DMD, LLC Richard K.
Clark’s Health Club
Classic Florist & Home Decor, LLC
Claxton III, LLC Edward B.
Clements and Keen Insurance
Club 604 LLC
Cochran Brothers Co Inc
Colleen’s China & Collectables
Come Home to the Country Bed & Breakfast
Comics & !
Communities in Schools
Community Bank of Dublin-Laurens County
Community Health Care Systems, Inc.
Community Svc. Board of Middle Ga.
Computer Solutions Management Group
Consolidated Loan Company
Cordell Lumber Co Inc
Cordy & Company
Core, Karen
Cornerstone Assembly
Courier Herald
Cracker Barrel
Craig, Jep
Credit Bureau Assoc.
Crews, Josh
Cruise One - Dublin
Cullen Equipment Company
CurePoint
Curry Companies
Curtis Edwards Insurance
Curtis’s Place
Custom Showers Pro Glass, Inc.
Dairy Queen of Dublin-Graham Rest.
Dale Nifong-State Farm Insurance
Dalton, Jackie
Danny Davis Ins. & Fin. Services LLC-State Farm
Davis, Judi
Days Inn
Deano’s Italian Retaurant
Dent, Grayson
Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center
Dexter Supply Co.
Diversified Securities Resources, LLC
Dixie Machine & Tool, Inc.
Dominy Oil Co Inc
Don’s Enterprise, LLC
Doyle Taylor Well Co Inc
Dr. Soos Pediatrics, PC
Drug and Alcohol Testing of GA
Dublin Air Service, Inc.
Dublin Animal Hospital, PC
Dublin Bone and Joint
Dublin Chevrolet,Nissan,GMC,Buick
Dublin Chrysler
Dublin City Schools
Dublin Civitan Club
Dublin Construction Co., Inc.
Dublin Country Club Inc
Dublin Diagnostic Center
Dublin Exchange Club
Dublin Eye Associates
Dublin Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Inc.
Dublin Gastroenterology Assoc. & Endoscopy Center
Dublin Heating & Air Specialists, LLC
Dublin Hematology & Oncology Care, P.C.
Dublin High School
Dublin Housing Authority
Dublin Internal Medicine
Dublin Macon Cardiology, PC
Dublin Mall
Dublin Marine
Dublin Middle School
Dublin Nephrology Care, LLC
Dublin OB GYN Assoc PC
Dublin Orthopaedics-Rehab/Surgery Ctr.
Dublin Piggly Wiggly
Dublin Plumb/Elect, LLC
Dublin Rotary Club
Dublin Service League
Dublin Sports Aviation
Dublin Tire Co
Dublin Trophy
Dublin Vision Care, Inc.
Dublin Winlectric Co.
Dublin Winnelson Inc
Dublin Womens Center-Dr. Mark L. Boles, MD
Dublinair Health & Rehab Ctr
Dublin-Laurens Arts Council
Dublin-Laurens Co. Humane Society
Dublin-Laurens Crimestoppers
Dublin-Laurens Development Authority
Dublin-Laurens Leadership
Dublin-Laurens Recreation
Dublin-Laurens Tourism Council, Inc.
Dudley Funeral Home
Duncan Tire Company
Dutch Wagon
East Georgia State College Foundation, Inc.
Easter Seals Middle Georgia, Inc.
Edward Jones Investments - Charles Johnson
Edward Jones Investments - William Daidone
El Amigo Mexican Restaurant #4
Elite Events of Dublin & The Bridal House
Emerald City Inspections, LLC
Emerald Point Apartments
Emory Heart & Vascular Ctr. of Middle GA
Enterprise Rent-a-Car
Ernest Jones & Assoc
Errand Express
Etcon Employment Solutions
Evans Disposal Service
Evans Garment Restoration
Everett Bros. Plumbing Co.
Fairview Medical Group - Orthopaedics
Fairview Park Hospital
Fairway Outdoor Advertising
Farmers Best Fertilizer Inc
Farmers HOME Furniture - Retail
Farmers State Bank
Firehouse Subs
First Baptist Church
First Laurens Bank
First United Methodist Church
Flanders, Hon. Gibbs
Flash Foods Inc
Flexsteel Industries
Food Depot
Foskey and Sons Construction, LLC
Fred’s - Hillcrest
Fred’s, Inc.; Southeast Distribution Center
Freeman, Daniel & Co., LLC
Freeman’s Lawn & Garden
Friendly Gus Stores #5 & #9
GA Dept of Labor
GA Power Company
GA United Credit Union
Garbutt Construction Co
Garrett Fence Company
Garry’s Grocery & Market
Gay Wood Co Inc
Gayco Healthcare
Genesis Treatment Center
Georgia Equipment Co. Sales & Rental
Georgia Oxygen & Home Medical Equipment, Inc.
Georgia Southwestern State University
Geotech & Environmental Consultants, Inc
Gifts Galore
Gilbert & Sheppard Group, LLC
Gilder Timber Inc.
Gillis Photo Gallery
Gillis, Hon. Donald
Gilman Building Products Co
Gilmore Professional Painting
Golden Corral
Goodwill Ind. of Middle GA
Graceful Gold
Graham Electrical Contracting & Service
Green Acres Golf Club
Green Power Solutions, LLC
Greenscapes Design & Management, LLC
Griffin Industries, Inc
H & H Creek/Clark Construction
H & R Block
Hall Outlaw Florist
Hammock, Jim
Hampton Inn & Suites
Hampton Inn Dublin
Hangers Cleaners
Harper, Hon. Helen
Harrell, Sheriff William Bill
Harrelson, Amy
Harry’s Package Shop
Harveys Supermarkets
Hearing Associates, Inc.
Heart of GA United Way
“Green &
The Courier Herald
Tuesday, April 30, 2013/Dublin, Ga/Page 7
2013 DUBLIN-LAURENS
R OF COMMERCE MEMBERS
ast Dublin, Dudley, Dexter, Rentz, Cadwell and Montrose
Heart of Georgia Healthy Start
Heartland EMS Inc.
Helton, Hon. Jon
Hi Tek Rations
HIBU/Yellow Book
Hill Realty
Hillcrest Urgent Care
Hobbs Sporting Goods, Inc.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Home Depot
Home Instead Senior Care
Hometown Lenders
Honeysuckle Farm RV Park
Hood & Palmer, CPA, PC
Hooks Building
Hospice Advantage
Hospice of Laurens County, Inc.
Hoyer, Bruce
Hudson & Marshall
V. Care Options
ntegrity Hospice
rish Acres RV, LLC
B Clark Oil Co
C Penney Co
Keyton Salon
T. Hanna
F. Kimmons & Associates, P.C. CPAs
ack’s Market
ames Hampton Construction Inc.
et Foods Stores of GA #25
m’s Ultimate Guitar Shop
ob Training Unlimited, Inc.
ohn Mark Butler-State Farm Ins.
ones Land Surveying
oshua E. Kight, LLC
udicial Alternatives of GA
ust Because...Floral & Gift Shop
K.I.D.S. Kingdom
Keep Dublin-Laurens Beautiful
King Law Group
Kingdom Living Church
Kirkland, MD James J.
Kroger
K’s Electric Vapor
and Care Services
andmark Lawn Service
aQuinta Inn & Suites
aurens Baptist Association
aurens Co Board of Education
aurens Co Board of Health
aurens Co Commission
aurens Co Cooperative Extension
aurens Co Farm Bureau
aurens Co. Solid Waste Mgt. Auth.
aurens Human Resources Association
aurens Internal Medicine
aurens Now Magazine
eland Supply & Chem
entile Construction Company
eon Green, Attorney at Law
eprechaun of Dublin, Inc.
iberty National Life Insurance
ifetime Cabinet Inc
il’ Tom’s Fish Market on Madison
ittle House Self Storage Warehouse
ittle Ocmulgee EMC
iz’s Transport LLC
ong Forestry Consultants, LLC
onghorn Steakhouse
ord’s Sausage & Country Ham
ou Ann’s
ovett & Tharpe
ovett Insurance Agency
MAGE SOLAR
Magic-98.1-FM
Mail & More
Main Street Dublin
Major Turbine Pump & Supply
Malone Farms
Manning Mackey, LLC Penny
Manpower
Mariette’s Back to Basics, LLC
Martin, Jon
Martinez Lawn Care
Maryland Fried Chicken
Max Brown Pharmacy
McDonald’s
McMichael, Lisa
Med1st
MEDEX Associates LLC
Medical Center
Medical Park Pharmacy
Medinova, Inc.
Medspa
Merrill Lynch
Meyers, Jr. DDS, PC Charles
Michael’s Deli & Seafood
Michael’s Pharmacy
Middle GA Anesthesia Assn
Middle GA Business Products
Middle GA Family Dentistry
Middle GA Mechanical
Middle GA Probation
Middle Georgia State College
Middle Georgia Tile Co.
Midstate Paint & Home Improvement, Inc.
Miller, Rob
Miller, Wallace
Moore Station Village
Moore, Danny
Morris Bank
Moye Electric Co.
Natural Touch, LLC
Nelson & Dixon, LLC
New Vision Fellowship
Nichols Security
Nichols, Cauley & Assoc, LLC
Nichols, Farrell
Oatts Drug Company
Oconee Dental Associates
Oconee EMC
Oconee Fall Line Tech College
Oconee High School National Alumni Assoc., Inc.
Oconee Regional Library
Office Supply Program
OFTC Foundation - South, Inc.
Old South Staffing, LLC
Ole Times Country Buffet
Optim Medical Center Tatnall
Orkin Pest Control
Orr Insurance Agency
Page House Bed & Breakfast
Pampered Pets Bed & Biscuit
Papi Loco’s Mexican Restaurant
Parker Aerospace
Patti Hendley State Farm Ins
Petsense
Pilot Club of Dublin
Pine Forest United Methodist Church
Pioneer Credit
Pitts Toyota/Scion
Plenus-Systems
Plum Alley
Polhill, David
Pollock, Cecil
Porter, Lester
Premier Construction Associates
Premier Heating & Air
Progressive Rural Telephone
Promise of Hope Inc.
Purchasing Alliance Solutions
Pure Water Enterprises
QBT Industrial Fabrications, Inc.
Quality Inn & Suites
Randolph’s Jewelry Repair Plus
Rebecca Whigham, DDS
Red Carpet Inn
Reeves Const Co/Midstate Region
Regina’s on Bellevue
Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine, Inc.
Renal Physicians of GA - Carlos O. Martinez, MD
ResCare HomeCare
Rhino Wireless USA
Ricks’ Glass Company
Riverview Heights Apartments
Robertson, Yvonne
Roche Farm & Garden
Route 112 Media
Rowland, J. Roy
SafePro Security Systems, LLC
Salon Above
Salsa’s Mexican Restaurant
Salvation Army
Sam Martin Well Drilling
Sapp Outdoor Advertising
Saxon Heights Talented Arts & Gifted Elementary School
SCM/HASACK
Seaton, Jr. Frank
Security First Asset Management
Serenity Hospice Care
SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton
Shamrock Beverage Mart
Shamrock Bowling Center
Shamrock Custom Kitchens
Shamrock Nursing and Rehab
Shamrock Vending, Inc.
Shane’s Body Shop
Sharkey, Tracy
Shepard, Anna
Sheridan Place
Short, Ted
Shred-Cycle, Inc.
Sign * A * Rama
Simpson, John
Skinner, Lucy
Sleep & Recline, Inc.
Smith, Gerald
Smith, Henry
Growing”
Smith, Roger
Smith’s Jewelers
Sonny’s Pit Bar-B-Q
South Construction Company, Inc
Southern Equipment Dealers Assoc.
Southern Heritage BBQ
Southern Printing Company
Southern Sassy’s
Southland Care Center
Sports Emporium
Sprinklers & More, Inc.
St. Patrick’s Festival Committee
Stanley Funeral Home
State Representative Bubber Epps
State Representative Matt Hatchett
SteelFab of Dublin
Stepping Stone Child Advocacy Center
Stevens G. Hill, DMD LLC
Steve’s Garage Doors
Strickland, Lori
Subway/Taco Del Mar
Sue’s Catering
Sumner, Avery & Harper, LLC
Sunbelt Credit #673
Suncoast Acceptance, Inc.
Super 8 Motel
Superior Church Furnishings
Susie Dasher STEM Ele.
Sweat, Kathy
Swida, Lindsay
T. Lake Environmental Design
Tanner & Associates - Land Surveyors
Taylor & Karoly, PC
Taylor, Schroth, and Dominy Wells Fargo Advisors
Teen Challenge of Middle GA
Telamon Corporation
Telfair Coin Laundry
Thacker, Phil
The After Owls Pediatric Care, LLC
The Bank of Soperton
The Bradmark Company
The Hair Academy, Inc.
The Kight Law Firm, PC
The Lighthouse Adult Day Care Center
The Olive Branch
The Sign Store of Dublin
The Sir Shop Inc
The Stefanis Group
The Sweet Shop
Thigpen Auto Sales, Inc.
Thigpen,Jones,Seaton & Co PC
Thigpen,Jones,Seaton & Co PC
Thomas & Hutton Engineering Co.
Thomas, Allen
Thompson, Sr., PC Scott B.
Three Rivers Home Health
Title Exch & Pawn of Dublin
TLC Children’s Services, Inc.
Tolleson, Senator Ross
Tomlinson Pharmacy, Inc.
Tomorrow’s Heirlooms
Touchberry, Ed
Town of Cadwell
Town of Dexter
Town of Rentz
Towns Maytag Home Appliance Center
Townsend Brothers Funeral Home Inc
Townson, Hon. William M.
Trinity Christian School Inc.
TRO Contract Services
TroupCorn Maze Adventure
TV-35
Uniform Carousel
United Hospice
Upward Surgical, LLC
US Army Recruiting Station
Veal, Tim
Verizon Wireless
Via col Vento
Vincent, Jerry
W.I.N.G.S.
Wal-Mart
Wells Fargo Advisors - Tripp Gilliam
West Laurens High School
White Well Drilling Co.
Wicker, Laurie
Wild Bore Machine, LLC
Williams Chapel Baptist Church
Williams Package Shop
Williamson’s Bakery
Windham Greenhouses Inc.
Wise Computer Solutions
Woodburn, David
Wyatt Sign Co.
Xcel Realty Group, LLC
Yates Ins. & Real Estate Inc.
YKK AP America, Inc.
Yogi’s Liquor Mart
The Courier Herald
Tuesday, April 30, 2013/Dublin, Ga/Page 8
GROWTH
SUCCESS 2013
CELEBRATING BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY IN DUBLIN AND LAURENS COUNTY
Port of Possibility
With larger ships expected at a deeper Port of
Savannah, Dublin could reap the benefits of
global growth
Photo courtesy GA Ports Authority
With plans
to deepen
the Port of
Savannah,
larger
container ships
could mean an
expanded role
for Dublin and
Laurens County.
By JASON HALCOMBE
When engineers and workers
began construction of the Panama Canal more than 100 years
ago, all parties involved understood the implications.
Building a straight-shot path
from the Atlantic and Pacific
Oceans would open up unheard
of trade opportunities and
served as not only a modern
marvel but a huge step toward
realizing a global economy.
When completed in August
1914, the new gateway cost the
joint American-French governments $639 million.
Almost exactly one century
later, the state of Georgia is attempting to secure an almost
identical sum to complete the
deepening of one of the world's
busiest ports so it will be able
to accept the largest ships in
the world and keep the state,
and national economies humming toward recovery.
To handle the Post Panamax
vessels that will be crossing the
Panama Canal by 2015, Georgia
has had to prepare plans to
deepen the Port from 42 to 47
feet over the next two years.
Cost estimates are roughly
$652 million; a mere 13 million
more than the original cost to
2069 HWY 441 SOUTH, DUBLIN
478-272-7444 • 1-800-504-6677
build the Panama Canal.
When completed, the deepened Port of Savannah will be
the driving force of an economic
engine powering more than
350,000 jobs in Georgia alone.
“This infrastructure investment is crucial not just for the
port, but for the economy of
Georgia and the entire South-
east,” said Deal. “A deeper Savannah Harbor means greater
efficiency for 21,000 U.S. companies, 75 percent of which are
headquartered outside of Geor-
gia. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study has shown that
SHEP will reduce shipping costs
for private companies by at least
See PORT page 9
The Courier Herald
Tuesday, April 30, 2013/Dublin, Ga/Page 9
BUSINESS
SUCCESS 2013
CELEBRATING BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY IN DUBLIN AND LAURENS COUNTY
Workforce workshop
New Job Connection giving hope
to people trying to find work
fore opening the connection in
Dublin, people in this area had to
go to Macon or Warner Robins.
The place offers computers
for education and career development use; career counseling
and enrichment workshops; resume development assistance; instructional videos and audio
tapes; pre-screening and referral
of qualified job applicants; on-siteemployee recruitment; job postings; retention assistance; customized training; Good Samaritan
clothing vouchers to qualified job
seekers and career fairs.
The free weekly classes that
will be offered includes: Introduction to Job Search; Resume and
Cover Letter Workshop;The Key
to Getting an Interview; Get a
Job/Keep a Job; Money Smart; and
Dress for Success.
Herrera said they can do
mock interviews.
"We can act like they are at a
real interview," she said. "Some
people get in front of people at
an interview and get real nervous. Let us know about your interview and we can do a fake
one and help you out."
In 2012, Goodwill Industries
of Middle Georgia placed 2,781
people into jobs and offered career development services to
more than 15,000 individuals.
During the past five years, 9,836
people were placed in jobs, creating more than $287 million in estimated annual new payroll economic impact.
Taylor said she's been looking
for about three weeks. She was
glad to hear about The Job Connection, and glad it was located
in Dublin.
"I had put in for some jobs on
line but they never called me,"
Taylor said. "I feel good about it
being here. Somebody told me
about it and I knew I wanted to
find it."
Herrera said they plan to offer
resume classes. People can schedule a time to sit down with her
and they'll work on their resume.
"We want people who do not
have jobs to find jobs," she said.
"It don't matter where it is at as
long as they find a job.We like to
have feed back when they get an
interview."
A man came in to The Job
Connection the first day it
opened. He came in the next day
and then on Monday.When he
came in Wednesday, he had some
good news.
"He said "'I have an interview'"
and I was excited," Herrera said.
"That is very rewarding. In the
long run, the more people who
get a job, the better our community will be."
They will soon have a member on staff who is bilingual.
"We are going to reach out to
the Hispanic community," Herrera said. "We're are going to
start offering ESL classes which is
English as a second language for
free. Hispanics in the community
who have a limitation of not
speaking English will be able to
learn.That in the long term will
help the community.The more
they can communicate, the better
they can fit into society."
The Job Connection is only
possible through support received by Goodwill from the local community.Through philanthropic investments, along with
donations of clothing and household items to the stores, Goodwill is able to continue to expand
its mission-based programs which
is to help people find jobs and
provide programs that ultimately
lot," Wray said. "Because companies bring a lot of raw materi$213 million a year. Neither
als, or export a lot of product.
Georgia nor this nation can afPresently we have companies
ford to delay a project that pro- like YKK and SPFT, to name a
vides customers with a tool
few, and I could name another
that reduces their costs.”
10 or 15 who would immediBut as Cal Wray, Dublin-Lau- ately benefit from deepening
rens Development Authority
the port."
chairman, points out, a deeper
According to Port officials,
Port of Savannah could have
Laurens County imported more
huge implications on a more lo- than $18 million in goods and
cal scale as industries eye sites
exported nearly $10 million,
that meet location, infrastrucsending a total of 990 containture and workforce specificaers and more than 13,000 tons
tions. And Wray believes Dublin in 2012.Top export commodiand Laurens County are poised ties were:
to be on the short list when
Newsprint
$6.94M
that time comes.
Paper & Paperboard
$1.36M
"Port deepening is something Pet & Animal Feeds
$814,318
we talk to companies about a
Regionally, the Heart of
Georgia Altamaha accounted for
more than $310 million in exports, with $242 million devoted to wood pulp alone.
“Having the Georgia ports in
close proximity to our area is
an invaluable resource that we
are very fortunate to be able to
access," said Brett Manning, executive director of the Heart of
Georgia Altamaha Regional
Commission. "Georgia Ports
plays a vital role in the economic success of our 17-county region, especially in the export of
its agricultural and manufactured goods.”
And Wray said a deeper port
will only expand on those opportunities in the years to
come.
By PAYTON TOWNS III
Angela Taylor needed help
finding a job when a friend told
her about Goodwill's new Job
Connection.
The Dublin woman made her
first trip to it a week after it
opened on April 4.
"I think it's real great to have a
place like this," Taylor said. "People are having a hard time finding
work."
And that's what people will be
able to find when they go to the
The Job Collection, located next
to the Goodwill Store at the
Dublin Mall.
Candace Herrera, staffing specialist, greeted people as they
walked in asking if they needed
help with finding a job or making
a resume. Since it has been open,
more than 100 people have registered since it opened.
"We are a resource center for
the community," Herrera said.
"As a resource center, we can offer access to our computers for
free.They can come and use our
computers and do resumes."
They will help people with
their job searches with listings on
line or in books on the tables.
"You will find out that a lot of
people have been working on
their job for 20 to 30 years and
started at that job straight out of
high school," Herrera said.
“They've never had to use a
computer and find themselves
without a job and just about 90
percent of all jobs is you have to
go online to do the applications.
This is a way to help for those
who don't have computer skills
or know how to go online.We're
going to offer classes."
The job listings will be for areas around Dublin including
Swainsboro and Sandersville. Be-
Port
Continued from Page 8
Photo by Payton Towns III
The Job Connection
will serve as a workforce
training facility.
contribute to both human and
economic development.
In 2012, 18,500 household
donors in Laurens County donated approximately 740,000
pounds of material to Goodwill.
The sale of these items resulted
in keeping the equivalent of 17
tractor trailer loads of material
out of local landfills.
And while shopping at the
store, people will be able to look
through a window and see where
people are busy trying to find
them a job.
"All of the donations and people who shop in there are paying
for these computers," Herrera
said. "The more you donate, the
more you are going to help the
community.There's a lot of good
to it."
The Job Connection is open
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday.
For more about services at
Goodwill of Middle Georgia and
the CSRA, go to
www.goodwillworks.org.
"A deeper port opens another class of potential tenants and
possibilities for the community,"
Wray said. "With more product,
larger ships and better routes,
the port will continue to help
separate us from 90 percent of
the country who either don't
have a port capable to support
(an industry's) needs or one
growing at the same rate as
ours. Port activity is crucial."
For All Your Plumbing Needs!
We carry
PVC • Galvanized • Black Iron • Tools
hard to
Electric & Gas Water Heaters • Coolers
Mobile Home Parts • Vent Pipe
find items
478-272-3363
307 Saxon Street - Dublin, GA 31021
Thanks for Your
Commitment to
Excellence
Thank you to our
employees and all our
local industries that keep
Laurens County moving
forward and going strong.
We appreciate all of your
hard work in and for our community.
317 Central Drive,
East Dublin
(478) 275-4530
LINCOLN
702 East Jackson Street
(478) 272-0511
Dwayne Edge, Owner Lic # CN208105
The Courier Herald
Tuesday, April 30, 2013/Dublin, Ga/Page 10
EDUCATION
SUCCESS 2013
CELEBRATING BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY IN DUBLIN AND LAURENS COUNTY
Photo by Jason Halcombe/Special graphic
State and local officials joined Dublin City Schools to break ground on the 1.08 MW solar power plant to be located at Dublin High School (graphic below).
‘First day of tomorrow’ for Dublin
By JASON HALCOMBE
"The first day of tomorrow"
as Public Service Commissioner
Lauren "Bubba" McDonald put it
so eloquently, took place on
March 11 in front of a crowd of
roughly 60 people at the Dublin
High School Auditorium.
While high school auditoriums have typically been the gathering place for graduation ceremonies, or drama club performances, the Dublin City School
system used the venue to highlight a first-of-its-kind effort to
integrate the latest solar technology, both as an instructional tool
in the classroom, but also as a
cost-saving tool for school system leaders.
And with a project cost-savings of $3.5 million over the next
quarter-century, including a
$100,000 savings in its first year
alone, officials said more public
dollars will be headed into classrooms and away from utility expenditures.
Which is why most involved
believe McDonald was right in
saying the "first day of tomorrow" is here for schools looking
to maximize every dollar with
the latest technology.
"The Dublin-Laurens County
Development Authority is so
very pleased to have played a
role in this great project," said
Cal Wray, chairman of the
Dublin-Laurens Development
Authority. It was Wray's office
that offered up bonds that, when
paired with a 25-year lease
agreement with Renewable Energy Equipment Leasing, made the
project financially viable for the
school system.
"We appreciate the forward
thinking, the environmental consciousness, and the support of
our local manufacturer, Mage Solar, by the City of Dublin School
System," Wray said. "We look
forward to seeing this project
completed and many more to
follow across our great state
from such a fine example.”
The project was the result of
two years of research, planning,
multiple meetings and designs
before settling on the enormous
system that will occupy most of
the DHS campus. During the first
weeks of April, integrators began
running transmission lines from
some of the 12 panel locations,
with three-pronged steel support
beams giving the only indication
that the power plant was ebbing
closer toward its May completion date.
"As we deal with the 'new reality' of ever shrinking revenue
for education, we have to look
for new ways to reduce our
costs and maximize the dollars
that actually are spent for student learning," said Dublin City
Schools Superintendent Dr.
Chuck Ledbetter. "Dublin City
Schools is happy to have public
and private partners who have
enabled us to reduce our energy
costs through solar power.This
allows us to practice good stewardship of the tax dollars entrusted to us by using more of
them in the classroom, while also
allowing us to be good stewards
of the world God has given us
through clean power."
The system will be spread out
across 12 individual sites located
on Dublin High School's campus,
with the bulk of the 4,000 panels
expected to be perched in fixed,
rooftop locations including the
auditorium.The new power plant
will generate 1.08 MW when
completed at the end of May.
Three separate installations
will mounted at ground level and
will face Hillcrest Parkway, with
one unit utilizing dual-axis tracking system that will allow the
panels to follow the path of the
sun.
"Dublin High School will be
the greenest high school in
Georgia and not because of its
Shamrock," said principal integra- that can be reinvested in the
school, clean solar energy has
tor Robert Green, CEO of
Greenavations. "This was not on- the most positive impact imaginly a groundbreaking event for
this school...With this development, we can unequivocally
state...there is enough sunshine
in Georgia for solar to succeed
and drive down energy costs."
Project planners are saying
the effort by Dublin High School
could pave the way not only for
school systems, but could be just
the jolt Georgia's young solar industry needs to flourish in the
coming years.
"When education and sustainability come together to secure
jobs and create financial savings
You are the heart
and soul of our
business.
DHS solar installation
opening doors for schools
able," said Joe Thomas, President
and CEO of Mage Solar. "This is
a tremendously exciting land-
mark project for the entire state
of Georgia and we are extremely
proud to be part of it."
Farmers State Bank salutes
Local Industry and Businesses
in Laurens County.
Thank You
Dublin
STEELFAB
Founded 1955
We salute our
employees
and are
proud to be
a part of
a community
that keeps us
going strong.
Farmers State Bank recognizes the value of our partners
in industry and business who create local opportunities.
It’s as easy as FSB
1620 Veterans Blvd. 275.3223 - 901 Hillcrest Pkwy. 275.3770 - 933 Burch St. 689-4303
The Courier Herald
Tuesday, April 30, 2013/Dublin, Ga/Page 11
CARL VINSON VA
SUCCESS 2013
CELEBRATING BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY IN DUBLIN AND LAURENS COUNTY
‘A Special
Environment’
Veterans happy with new
Community Center at the VA
By PAYTON TOWNS III
It wasn't long before the new
Community Living Center at the
Carl Vinson VA Medical Center
was compared to a Hilton Inn.
That's what John Taylor Sr., a
volunteer with American Legion
Post 17, called it while he played
cards with fellow Vietnam Veteran Larry Butler.
“It’s very nice,” Taylor said
earlier this year.“I’ve been to
Continued from Page 5
"Being the first school in the
county, I think you have to go to
Macon to find the next closest
one. I think it's a great thing for
us in Dublin. It's a fairly expensive
and extensive process. I think for
us to have the foresight and take
a chance to make this work
speaks a lot to our district and
superintendent.We're really excited to be leading the way in this
area in providing IB.This isn't just
for people here. It's also people
who may be considering moving
to the states, to Georgia or even
Photo courtesy Carl Vinson VA Medical Center
The new wing at the VA offers residents a host of quality of life amenities.
others.
“It makes me feel better
when you are doing something
for other people,” he said.
many veteran hospitals throughThe Community Living Cenout the United States and this
ter, which has approximately 76
one is rated No. 1 or No. 2 over- beds, opened in July of 2012 after
all. I really like this one.The peo- almost two years of construcple have really met their needs.”
tion. The expansion made four
Butler has been at the VA for wings where an empty field used
two years.
to be.
“This is great and the staff is
“We remodeled that comreal good as far as I’m conplex,” said Frank Jordan, Public
cerned,” Butler said.“I play cards Affairs Officer at the Carl Vinson
just about every day.”
VA Medical Center.“It’s designed
Butler likes to be able to help on the principals of patient, family
center care.We included the
families because they are so important to our veterans.We
tried to design it with their
needs in mind by asking them
what they needed.”
The goal was to make the
center as much like home as the
VA could be, while maintaining
the healthcare that was needed.
To do that, they had to create a
Disney World like approach.
“If you’ve been (to Disney
World), all you see is the magic,"
Jordan said. "You don’t see the
stuff behind the walls and em-
ployees running around fixing
things.We try to hide stuff here
so that it doesn’t look like a
nursing home.You won't see
nursing stations.You’ll see little
areas where they have to do
their administrative stuff. But all
of this is done for the veterans.”
It’s really like a dorm.
“The veterans were wanting
to get in there,” Jordan said.“It’s
been wonderful. … These veterans have their own little apartments and they can go visit with
their friends or go see or have
family come in. … We try to put
as few restrictions as we possibly
can while maintaining security
and the best health care.”
The center, which is on the
north side of the property near
the medical center’s existing
wings 6 and 8, has space for 76
beds.Veterans can go out on a
patio or in the courtyard in the
middle of the buildings and see
traffic business along Veterans
Boulevard.
“What I love about this is it’s
an opportunity for our veterans
Laurens County."
Ledbetter, formerly of Alabama, said he remembers when
Mercedes Benz was finalizing
plans to locate a facility near
Tuscaloosa that they would only
do so if they were guaranteed
the area offered IB-certified
school systems.That reality has
grown in significance, as more
and more foreign industries look
to locate stateside, taking the certification process beyond the
bounds of the education system
and making it a part of local community economic development
plans.
existing quality buildings in front
of them is critical to be in the
process for even competing for
the jobs."
Logistics, utilities and workforce then enter into the equation, and if any of those factors
don't pair with profitability then
a community could be axed
from consideration.
"But it is also about trust,"
Wray added. "You must show
them that our information is accurate, we can be relied upon
to help them, and our commu-
nity will embrace them and
make them one of us. As you
can see the process is very tedious, a lot of preparation is required before a company even
considers our area, and we
must constantly improve to
have a chance to bring jobs to
our community."
One of those improvements,
Wray believes, is the ability for
Dublin and Laurens County to
display its commitment to education through the IB program.
"The IB program is very ben-
eficial to our community," Wray
said. "It is a respective program
that companies understand and
trust to educate their children.
While executives worry about
the education and teaching that
children will receive the IB program gives them comfort in the
amount of preparation and certifications that a school system
must endure to receive and to
be allowed to teach under the
program. So it gives us an advantage over communities that
are lacking such a program."
Your Pet Stain & Odor
Problems Are Over!
IB
Cal Wray, chairman of the
Dublin-Laurens Development Authority, said competition for new
industry has grown exponentially
in recent years, as companies
look to maximize opportunity for
expansion projects.
"The site location process
continues to be more competitive and difficult to locate companies as more communities
and States are hungry for jobs.
It makes us work harder and
smarter to find the items that
are key to a company’s decision
making process. Our ability to
put both greenfield sites and
See VA page 12
Area Rug washing
Carpet/Upholstery cleaning
Tile/Grout cleaning
Mattress cleaning
Expert Spot removal
Smoke cleanup
Emergency Water Removal
Our state of the art carpet and rug
cleaning system will eliminate your pet
stain and odor problems. First, we use a
special urine detector probe to pin point
problem areas. Second, urine spots are
flooded with a deodorizer that penetrates “I Love My Sparkling Clean Floors”
into the padding. Third, a special tool is
Ask about your FREE Gift
used to pull the urine from the padding
when you book a cleaning.
without removing the carpet. Your carpets
are left smelling fresh and clean.
272-1533
THE BUSINESS OF YOUR HEART IS
THE HEART OF OUR BUSINESS.
• Dublin’s only Invasive and Interventional
Cardiologist residing in Laurens County
• Board Certified in Cardiology,
Interventional Cardiology
& Nuclear Cardiology
• Walk-In Chest Pain Center
• New Patients Welcome
Manuel A. Vega - MD, FACC, FSCAI • No Referrals Required
Cardiac Consultation
Nuclear Cardiology
Cardiac Catheterization
Interventional Cardiology
Peripheral Angioplasty
Echocardiography
Pacemaker Implants
Defibrillator Implants
Stress Testing
Holter
Monitoring
DUBLIN-MACON
CARDIOLOGY, P.C.
Bringing State of the Art Cardiac Care closer to home
206A Hospital Drive, Dublin, GA 31021
www.dublinmaconcardiology.com
210 NORTH JEFFERSON ST, DUBLIN • 272-3244 • 1-888-561-8030
The Courier Herald
VA
Tuesday, April 30, 2013/Dublin, Ga/Page 12
Dear Citizens of Laurens County,
We are blessed to live in a community with so many great industries
and so many leaders who saw the benefit of attracting manufacturing to
this community as early as the 1960s. We are as committed today as our
community was so many years ago to help our industries grow as well as
recruit new industries to our community. We attempt on every occasion to
relay to our industry leaders our appreciation for their investment and employment of our local people. They need to hear how much they mean to
our community.
We were able to hear about such a great announcement and growth
potential at SP Fiber Technologies last week to the tune of $42 million in
capital investment. SPFT is vital to this community and their future once
again looks bright for our community. Their leaders are spending countless hours and are committed to our community and our citizens. In addition to SPFT, Laurens County saw 16 of our local industries expand in
2012 investing money and hiring people. This is essential for our community’s success and growth. It had been several years since we had seen
such growth in our industrial base and we look forward to this trend continuing into the future. In 2012 alone, our community saw the location and
expansion of 21 industries, $206 Million of Capital investment, and the announcement of 613 jobs to be created. All are bright spots for our community.
It has been a very successful 2013 to date, and much of this success
can be attributed to the partnerships of the Development Authority, City of
Dublin, Laurens County Board of Commissioners, and countless partners
who have given their time, energy, and cooperation to allow us the opportunity to bring such companies home. To all of these groups, we say
thank you and well done. These partnerships and cooperation will only
continue to allow us to bring new companies and jobs to our community.
Your Development Authority is constantly working to find our next industry, our next existing industry to expand and create jobs, our next job
opportunities for our people, and next growth area for Laurens County.
We are looking at prospects across many industries, both large and small
companies, and both domestic and international in origin. We have a
healthy project load and will work diligently to locate these in Laurens
County.
Thank you all for your support and tireless efforts on behalf of Laurens
County,
Cal Wray
President
Dublin Laurens County
Development Authority
Scott Beasley
Chairman
Dublin-Laurens County
Development Authority
Hurray for Local
Industries
Thanks for the opportunity to serve you!
Continued from Page 11
Dear Citizens,
As we approach the 38th Annual Business Appreciation Day,
we salute and extend our sincere appreciation to the 580 businesses who invest in our Chamber and in Laurens County. Their
investment creates a positive growth in our community and verifies our mission statement which is to make our community “an
even better place to live, work, play, and retire!
Since our year began in November 1, 2012, we have welcomed 34 new members , conducted 21 ribbon cuttings and one
groundbreaking ceremony. Entrepreneurs and small businesses
continue to make up a large percentage of our business entities.
We are so fortunate to live in Laurens County where we work together to ensure a thriving business atmosphere.
We extend our appreciation and congratulations to the City of
Dublin County of Laurens Development Authority, City of Dublin,
Laurens County, existing industries, local businesses, and other
entities, for the local expansions of our businesses and industries.
We will continue to partner with them to make our area more attractive and desirable not only for newcomers, but for all of our citizens.
We say “thank you” to all of our businesses for making our slogan come true: “Green & Growing!”
Willie Paulk
President
Dublin Laurens County
Chamber of Commerce
Jep Craig
Chairman
Dublin-Laurens County
Chamber of Commerce
to fill like they are at home,”
said Chaplain Samuel Scaggs.
“It’s not an institution, but they
are in their own living room
and they can be in their own
kitchen.They can relax and
not feel like they are in a hospital. That brings about mental
wellness as well as physical
wellness.”
The building was designed
to help create a homelike atmosphere for veterans living
there, featuring both private
and double-occupancy rooms
with many comforts of home
like laminate wood floors,
electric fireplaces and community kitchens.There are common rooms for the veterans
to play games or watch television on a big screen.
And there are always things
that can be done to improve
the center.
“We are always looking for
improvements,” Jordan said.
“We want to do some more
landscaping.We’re responsible
for our customers. If they
want something and it sounds
logical, we’ll jump on it.”
The veterans living in the
new center have liked what
they saw. John King was ready
to go get a haircut when his
son David walked into his
room on a cool January morning. King, a World War II veteran and Korean war Prisoner of
War vet, was happy to move
into the latest addition to the
organization’s Dublin facility.
“I’m very lucky they gave
me one," King said. "I’m happy
to be here. I have no complaints.”
His son agreed.
“I like the one person
room a lot better,” David said.
“He gets more rest than he
did before.They have really
nice rooms and the bathrooms are really big.They are
bigger than the one at my
house.The other rooms were
nice, but overall I think he’s
better here.”
And with the changes, the
moral of the veterans seemed
to improve too.
“As a chaplain, I’ve seen
spirituality improvement,”
Scaggs said.“I’ve seen people
who have smiled more here
than I’ve ever seen them before. I’ve had people invite me
into their life just by sitting on
their couch.”
Some veterans started going to the chapel after moving
to the center.
“They told me that they always felt like they were in a
hospital and that they felt
sick,” Scaggs said.“Now they
tell me that they put on their
Sunday best and go to church.
This is a real special environment.”
1940-2013
Providing Great Customer
Service With Tires and
Automotive Services For 73 Years!
Duncan Tire
Company, Inc.
We Are Your Local Tire & Auto Service Dealer
With 2 locations to better serve you
THE BRADMARK COMPANY
1144 N. Jefferson St., Dublin • 275-3742
America’s oldest,
largest and most
innovative recycling
solutions company.
“THE ONLY DEALER YOU WILL EVER NEED!”
2042 Veterans Blvd.
(Across From The Mall)
11-877-275-2660
-87 7-275-2660 | wwww.dublinautos.com
w w. d u b l i n a u t o s . c o m
Our Service Department is Open: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 8am-1pm. Closed Sunday.
Our Sales Hours Are: Monday-Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 9am-6-pm. Closed Sunday.