Chamber News - Carroll County Chamber of Commerce
Transcription
Chamber News - Carroll County Chamber of Commerce
Chamber News The Award Winning Monthly E-Newsletter of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce February 2015 “Legacy of Leadership” year begins celebrating Chamber’s 60th anniversary See page 5 for story CARROLL COUNTY CHAMBER 2015 Executive Committee Chairman: Ben Butler Carrollton Orthopaedic Clinic, P.C. Chairman-Elect: Gary Hewitt Southland Insurance Agency “Growing business in our community.” Vice Chairman: Amy Brown State Farm Insurance Agency/Amy Brown Treasurer: Kenneth Blizzard Carroll Chamber News Regions Bank Next Ad Deadline Past Chairman: Kathy Yates Georgia Power Company 2015 Board of Directors Kristy Allison Todd Anduze Greg Camp Cindy Clanton Casey Coleman Steve Daniel Jill Duncan Dr. Bill Estes Theresa Fisher Deadra Gamble Lucy Gamble Jay Gill Paula Gillispie Dr. Jason Harden Mayor Lester Harmon Galen Hobbs Brian Jackson John Jackson Andy Johnson Jan Lloyd Chris Marlow Jimmy Meigs Kelly Meigs Trent North Will Ozier Mayor Randy Simms Brad Smith Bill Stone Michael Stone Kinney Taylor Community & Southern Bank Small Business Development Center Culpepper Construction Company Carroll County School System City of Carrollton West Georgia Technical College State Farm Insurance/Jill Duncan University of West Georgia Sugar Foods Corporation CharterBank City of Whitesburg Carroll EMC Oak Mountain Academy Carroll County Animal Hospital City of Temple Community Representative Cottage Landing Senior Living Greer Jackson Tisinger, LLC GreenCourt Legal Technologies, LLC City of Bowdon Southwire City of Bowdon Tanner Health System Carroll County Commissioners Ozier Products, Inc. City of Mt. Zion Sustainable Recycling Solutions Systems & Methods, Inc. Milestone Investment Mgmt, LLC Edward Jones Investments/K. Taylor February 20 Promote your business with a full color promotion in the Chamber News: Business card 3 1/2x2”- $20.00 1/4 page 4x5” - $30.00 1/2 page 8x5” - $40.00 Full-page portrait 8x10” - $50.00 Submissions must be camera-ready (300 dpi+ JPG, PDF or PNG). Email to [email protected] For more information, please call (678) 890-2377. Find us at: The Carroll Chamber of Commerce Chamber News is distributed online on the first business day of each month to over 1,200 Chamber members and area leaders. CARROLL COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 200 Northside Drive, Carrollton, Georgia 30117 Phone: 770-832-2446 Fax: (770) 832-1300 [email protected] www.carroll-ga.org 2 February 2015 www.carroll-ga.org Special Thanks to our 2015 Forward Carroll Sponsors Platinum Gold Advantage Office Solutions Bank of North Georgia Brookdale Carrollton Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Gas South Times Georgian University of West Georgia West Georgia Technical College Silver Carrollton Orthopaedic Clinic Cottage Landing Senior Living Milestone Investment Management, LLC Bronze Edward Jones Investments/Fred O’Neal First Baptist Church, Carrollton Garrett, Thomas & Fazio PC Grant $$$$ For YOU/Sandra Morris Pugmire Ford Southern Sales & Marketing Southland Insurance Agency State Farm Insurance/Amy Brown Tisinger Vance PC Chamber News February 2015 3 Upcoming Events Ambassador Committee Meeting Wednesday, Feb. 4 8:30 am @ Chamber WBA Coffee Break Tuesday, Feb. 17 8-9 am @ Bella Coffee GTPAC Seminar: SBA’s WomanOwned Small Business Program Wednesday, Feb. 4 9 am—12 pm @ The Burson Center Business Success Luncheon: 2015 Economic Outlook Wednesday, Feb. 18 11:30 am—1 pm @ Burson Center Board Meeting Monday, Feb. 9 Agribusiness Committee Meeting Thursday, Feb. 19 8:30 am @ Chamber Workforce Education Task Force Wednesday, Feb. 11 8:30 am @ Chamber Business Development Committee Thursday, Feb. 12 8:30 am @ Chamber Membership Breakfast Tuesday, Feb. 24 7:30 am @ The Burson Center Government Affairs Committee Thursday, Feb. 26 8:30 am @ Chamber Business of the Month Thursday, Feb. 12 Your Chamber/Carroll Tomorrow Staff Daniel Jackson ♦ President & CEO [email protected] Donna Armstrong-Lackey ♦ Senior Vice President, Business Development [email protected] Suzy Montalto ♦ Director, Operations [email protected] Suzy McCorkel ♦ Director, Programs & Events [email protected] Kenny Edwards ♦ Director, Workforce Development [email protected] Lisa Ledbetter ♦ Director, Communications [email protected] Joan Finch ♦ Information Specialist & Drugs Don’t Work Coordinator [email protected] Kathy Walker Rupp ♦ Administrative Assistant, The Burson Center [email protected] 4 February 2015 www.carroll-ga.org Annual Dinner features awards, new leadership, special anniversary A highlight of the 60th Annual Dinner of the Carroll County Chamber was the awarding of Citizen of the Year to Rev. Joe Neal, Horizon Award to Kelly Meigs, Entrepreneur of the Year to Aaron McWhorter, and the Thomas S. Upchurch Workforce Education Award to Dr. Mark Albertus. More than 300 Chamber members attended and enjoyed entertainment provided by local musician Karen Vance, during reception sponsored by United Community Bank, and the after-dinner comedian Mike Goodwin. The annual dinner was sponsored by Carroll EMC, Carrollton Orthopaedic Clinic, Georgia Power, Southwire, Tanner Health System, and UWG Richards College of Business. Volunteer leadership of the Chamber also changed hands as outgoing Chairman Kathy Yates, manager of Georgia Power/Carrollton, passed the gavel to 2015 Chair Ben Butler, CEO of Carrollton Orthopaedic Clinic (cover photo). Daniel Jackson, President and CEO of the Carroll County Chamber, expressed his appreciation to all the volunteers who helped make 2014 a banner year in Carroll County and looks forward to even more successes in 2015. “We ride on the shoulders of those who paved the way,” Jackson said. “It is our time to look in the mirror and ask ourselves what we can do as individuals to continue this legacy of leadership.” (Left Photo) The Horizon Award for outstanding volunteerism was presented to Kelly Meigs, director of Marketing and Public Relations for Tanner Health System. (Right Photo) Citizen of the Year recipient Rev. Joe Neal retired from Magna Lomasson and from the pastorate of the United Methodist Church. (Left Photo) Aaron McWhorter, owner of North Georgia Turf, was named Entrepreneur of the Year. (Right Photo) Tom Upchurch (l) congratulates Dr. Mark Albertus, principal of Carrollton High School, after he was presented the Thomas S. Upchurch Workforce Education Award. Chamber News February 2015 5 Annual Dinner moments First Legacy of Leadership Award honors the late Woodfin Cole A series of awards will be presented throughout this year to recognize outstanding leadership within the community and the Chamber. It was fitting that the first of these “Legacy of Leadership” awards was presented at the annual dinner to honor the late Woodfin Cole, first president of the Chamber. He then purchased the company in 1957, which he ran successfully for more than 30 years when he sold it in 1989 to his sons Eddie and Woody Cole, Larry Deese and Jim Russell.Cole oversaw the renovation of the old Carrollton Clinic, built in 1897, which has housed the company since 1989. Cole, who died in 1991 at the age of 72, indeed left a legacy of leadership throughout Carroll County. His business career began in 1946 when he started to work for his uncle at Carroll Realty and Insurance following a tour of duty in the Army. He was the co-founder of Carrollton State Bank which merged with CB&T in 1987. He was an active member of the Carrollton Lions Club for more than 50 years. Cole’s contributions to the community included donating the baseball complex at Carrollton High School and the baseball field at the University of West Georgia. In a feature article in the Times-Georgian in 1989, Cole was quoted as saying, “If I have a vision, it’s to make Carrollton a better place to live. I feel like you have to put something back from where you’ve been richly rewarded and that’s what I’m trying to do.” 2015 Chamber Chair Ben Butler (second from left) celebrated with Cole family members (l-r) Eddie Cole, Wood and his wife Kelly, and Woody Cole. 6 February 2015 www.carroll-ga.org Cole married Marion “Queenie” Cole in 1942 after they met on the campus of then West Georgia College where they were both students. According to son Eddie Cole, his father was most proud of his four children (Eddie, Woody, Connie and Carol) and his eight grandchildren. Chamber News February 2015 7 Carroll County Chamber officials and members of the Business Development and Ambassador Committees congratulate the staff of American Document Securities in Carrollton for being chosen as the Business of the Month. In operation since 2001, owner Renee Keener said the business is a full service records management center. Services include shredding, hard copy storage, imaging, data vaulting, and sales of electronic document management software. A large crowd of community supporters attended the ribbon cutting conducted at the open house held by Keep Carroll Beautiful to celebrate its new location at 605 Dixie Street in Carrollton. The facility was donated for use by the organization by Tanner Health System. Keep Carroll Beautiful was launched by the Carroll County Chamber in 2005 as a nonprofit affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. It began as an economic development initiative by the Environmental Project Committee of the Chamber. 8 February 2015 www.carroll-ga.org Chamber News February 2015 9 10 February 2015 www.carroll-ga.org Chamber News February 2015 11 Elected officials respond to local concerns Editor’s Note: During the November Legislative Breakfast, there was such a good response of questions from the audience that the panel was unable to address all questions submitted. This is the third of a series highlighting the responses received from Sen. Mike Dugan and Rep. Randy Nix. Other questions will be highlighted in upcoming issues. Share your thoughts on tax reform in Georgia and the U.S. Sen. Dugan We just passed an amendment to our Constitution capping the state income tax. That is a good first step in looking at a total revision of our tax structure. We have pieced our tax code together over decades and I feel the time has come to undertake a massive redo instead of continued patch-working. Rep. Nix I have supported the tax reform measures we have passed in Georgia over the past several years and will continue to support commonsense ideas to both streamline and simplify our tax codes. 12 February 2015 www.carroll-ga.org Chamber News February 2015 13 14 February 2015 www.carroll-ga.org Affordable Care Act Resources and Information The University of West Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) shared the following information with the Carroll County Chamber and it is being forwarded to Chamber members for your reference. For more information, visit www.georgiasbdc.org. 2015 Open Enrollment in the individual health insurance Marketplace runs until February 15, 2015. Consumers and self-employed individuals with no employees can sign up for coverage by visitingHealthcare.gov. Additionally, the federally-operated small employer "SHOP" Marketplaces (about 33 states) are now open for online enrollment at Healthcare.gov. Unlike the individual Marketplace, there is no defined open enrollment period for SHOP; SHOP enrollment is year-round. Below are the latest Fact Sheets, webinars, and other tools and resources on ACA. Please don't hesitate to reach out to Meredith Olafson at SBA HQ, [email protected], if you have any questions or need any additional information. ACA 101 Webinars for Small Employers (English and Spanish) SBA, the Department of Health and Human Services, and Small Business Majority present a live weekly webinar series for small business owners and stakeholder groups on the basics of ACA and how small business owners can enroll in SHOP. Other topics include insurance reforms, the small business health care tax credit, and employer shared responsibility provisions. The "ACA 101" webinar takes place every Thursday at 2 PM ET. Below are the registration links for upcoming presentations. · Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 2:00 PM ET: Click to Register · Thursday, February 12, 2015 at 2:00 PM ET: Click to Register Webinars are also presented in Spanish on a bi-weekly basis. Visit SBA.gov/healthcare for a full list of dates and other information related to small employers and ACA. Presentations and Other Training Materials · SBA's ACA 101 presentation · SHOP-specific Resources (Presentations, Brochures, Flyers, etc.): http:// marketplace.cms.gov/outreach-and-education/shop-resources.html SHOP Hotline and Other Resources · SHOP Call Center: 1-800-706-7893 (TTY: 711), Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. ET · Small Business Health Care Tax Credit Calculator · SHOP Eligibility Calculator Fact Sheets/Engagement Guide · HHS Fact Sheet on ACA: http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/factsheets/2014/10/ affordable-care-act-is-working.html · State-by-state ACA information: http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/bystate/ statebystate.html Chamber News February 2015 15 16 February 2015 www.carroll-ga.org Chamber News February 2015 17 Get to know your Chamber board Newsletters will profile one of your Chamber board members so you can get to know them. Their enthusiasm for their service to the Chamber is contagious – catch it today! Brian Jackson is executive director of What leadership skills do you see exhibited Cottage Landing Senior Living. He is in his by members of the Chamber Board? Vision! We are not moving forward blindly. second year as an extremely active board Strategic planning is constantly member. moving us forward. What was your motivation for In your opinion, what is the serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the Chamber? single greatest advantage of My experience as a participant in the Chamber membership? Leadership Academy fed my desire to This is a community that has your back! We want every member to play a more active role in helping grow and succeed. Carroll County be one of the best places to live. Just for fun, when you were a kid, what did How does your unique role in your business you want to be when you grew up? NFL football player. benefit your service to the Chamber? I am in the caring business and in order for me or anyone else to have a positive effect on others, we must care. Dill joins Georgia Department of Community Affairs Brian Dill, former senior vice president of global commerce for Carroll Tomorrow, recently became Chief Operating Officer for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), generate affordable housing solutions and promote volunteerism. DCA also helps qualified low- and moderate- income Georgians buy homes, rent housing, and prevent foreclosure and homelessness. DCA promotes and implements community and economic development, local government assistance, and safe and affordable housing. Using state and federal resources, DCA helps communities spur private job creation, implement planning, develop downtowns, “It is with excitement that I look forward to this next chapter in my career,” Dill said. “I count myself lucky to have been a part of Carroll Tomorrow and, in some small way, help this community to grow and succeed with new job creation and capital investments.” Dill joined Carroll Tomorrow in 2011, managing business recruitment, expansion and retention activities for Carroll County inclusive of seven municipalities and four development authorities. His responsibilities included new product and community development, marketing and economic development outreach inclusive of bond financing, tax credits and local and state incentives. Dill also directed foreign investment opportunities in global commerce and international trade. Chamber President Daniel Jackson (l) presents Brian Dill with a parting gift at a recent reception held in his honor. Daniel Jackson, president and CEO of Carroll Tomorrow and the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, noted that saying goodbye and thank you is with mixed emotions. (Continued on page 23) 18 February 2015 www.carroll-ga.org Chamber News February 2015 19 Members in the news Tim Martin, former vice president of engineering and operations for Rappahannock Electric Cooperative in Fredericksburg, VA, is now leading the Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (Carroll EMC) as its president and chief executive officer. Martin began his career with Carroll EMC 27 years ago as a coop student during his academic years at Georgia Tech and worked there for more than 11 years. He is a licensed professional engineer, earned a bachelor of engineering from Georgia Tech and an MBA degree from the University of West Georgia. Martin also completed the NRECA Management Internship program through the University of Nebraska. CEO of Milestone Investment Management. Dr. Kent Edwards, superintendent of Carrollton City Schools, will serve on the Education Reform Commission to study the state’s education system, including its funding formula. Edwards joins 33 others on the commission appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal. In other news for Carrollton City Schools, its Board of Education was named a 2014 Distinguished School Board by the Georgia School Boards Association. The recognition program was designed to showcase best practices in school governance and leadership. Grant and scholarship opportunities have been announced by Carroll EMC. Grant requests for the Operation Round Up Impact Grants will be accepted until March3. Applications are being accepted for the Lerlie and Millard Copeland Scholarship and for the Washington Youth Tour thru March 1. More information and applications for all three opportunities are available at carrollemc.com. Tanner Health System continues to receive state and national accolades. The Leapfrog Group, which publishes the Hospital Safety Score, named Tanner among only 17 hospitals in Georgia to earn an “A” rating for patient safety. Georgia Trend, the state’s leading magazine on business and economic development, included all three of Tanner Health System’s inpatient hospitals in its annual list of best-performing hospitals in Two members of the Carroll County legislative Georgia. delegation were chosen to serve in leadership positions during the 2015 General Assembly. Senator Mike Dugan, representing Georgia’s Chamber Gift Check 30th District, was selected to serve as one of Program to be Governor Nathan Deal’s Senate floor leaders. Representative Dustin Hightower, House discontinued District 28, was appointed House of Representatives chief deputy whip for the Effective December 31, 2014, Chamber majority Republican Party. Gift Checks will no longer be issued. The University of West Georgia received a gift of $50,000 from Michael and Andrea Stone to establish the Michael and Andrea Stone Visiting Artist Series to bring artists from around the world to UWG to share their art and talents with students and the community through special master classes and performances. Stone is the 20 February 2015 www.carroll-ga.org All existing gift checks will be honored by participating vendors throughout 2015. Any gift checks not used during 2015 may be redeemed at the Chamber office located at 200 Northside Drive, Carrollton. Chamber News February 2015 21 Welcome New Members Alfa Maintenance & Fabrication Dana Bush 132 Burwell Rd. Carrollton, GA 30117 Phone: 678-796-3670 Email: [email protected] Category: Industrial Maintenance & Service The Border Bar & Grill Federico Gimenez 1210 Maple Street Carrollton, GA 30117 Phone: (770) 214-2912 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.theborderrestaurant.com Category: Mexican Restaurant and catering Samba Loca Federico Gimenez 104 Adamson Square Carrollton, GA 30117 Phone: (770) 214-1253 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.sambalocarestaurant.com Category: Brazilian Steakhouse Greek Corner Mary Alice Miller 1027 A Maple St. Carrollton, GA 30117 Phone: 770-832-7333 Email: [email protected] Category: Restaurant Wilson Graphic Designs Trina Wilson Carrollton, GA 30117 Phone: 770-634-6467 Email: [email protected] Website: www.wilsongraphicdesigns.com Hickory Falls Apartment Homes Debra Anderson 801 Hickory Level Rd. Villa Rica, GA 30180 Phone: 770-459-2302 Email: [email protected] Website: www.hickoryfallsapartments.com Category: Apartment Community Wildwood at Villa Rica Apartments Sonya Edwards 540 S. Carroll Rd. Villa Rica, GA 30180 Phone: 770-459-5511 Email: [email protected] Website: www.wildwoodatvillarica.net Category: Apartment Community Locomex Downtown Federico Gimenez 412 B Adamson Square Carrollton, GA 30117 Phone: (770) 214-2099 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.locomexrestaurant.com Category: Mexican Restaurant and catering 22 Rivers Pools & Spas Carlton Rivers 1561 Hwy. 27 S. Unit A-3 Carrollton, GA 30117 Phone: 770-262-8486 Email: [email protected] Website: www.riverspools.com Category: Swimming Pool Sales and Service February 2015 www.carroll-ga.org New Chamber members learn the ropes Chamber Chair Ben Butler (left photo) and staff members shared information to approximately 30 new Chamber members attending the recent Chamber 101 orientation meeting. Carroll Tomorrow’s Dill moves to state agency (Continued from page 18) “Brian joined the Carroll Tomorrow team at a significant time,” Jackson said. “We had just completed the Advantage Carroll campaign along with a new strategic plan for Carroll County. The goals were aggressive and ambitious, and we knew it would take a special person to help us achieve those goals.” According to Jackson, Carroll Tomorrow has surpassed virtually all of the five-year economic development goals. Multiple projects have transferred over to 2015 with a strong outlook for additional opportunities for industry development. “Brian came to us with strong credentials, a proven track record, and extensive contacts, and he utilized those resources along with our CT team and community leadership to put together an impressive run,” Jackson said. Dill managed projects in 2013 that resulted in new community capital investment of $265 million, 1,000 new jobs, and the filling of 1.1 million square feet of open industrial space. “I am extremely proud of what we accomplished during my almost 4-year tenure,” Dill said. “Our team approach to economic development paid tremendous dividends for all of Carroll County and I am appreciative and thankful to the leadership that supported our efforts.” Loy Howard, president and CEO of Tanner Health System and chairman of Carroll Tomorrow, praised Dill as an asset to Carroll Tomorrow and the community. “We appreciate the positive contribution he has made in our success in recruiting businesses and industry to the region,” Howard said. “We feel in his new role he can continue to be an asset and an advocate for Carroll County and west Georgia. We wish him great success in his new position.” Dill attributes the economic development of the county to effective community leadership. “Our community leadership should be commended for always taking into account the big picture and the wellbeing of the future of this community,” Dill said. “Effective leadership is and continues to be the hallmark of not only our community, but of both Carroll Tomorrow and the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. The staff and leadership of both of these organizations are second to none.” Dill’s transition to DCA is in conjunction with the appointment of new DCA Commissioner Camila Knowles, former chief of staff for U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss. Dill and his family, wife Carmen and son Mason, will continue to live in Carrollton. Chamber News February 2015 23 24 February 2015 www.carroll-ga.org Carroll County selected for GeorgiaLEADS pilot program for leadership development Fanning Institute facilitators (l-r) Rich McCline, Lori Tiller, Brendan Leahy and Lauren Healey prepare to address more than 40 community participants at the GeorgiaLEADS kick-off meeting held at the Carroll County Chamber. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the J. W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development have partnered to create GeorgiaLEADS, an initiative to ensure a continuum of leadership development opportunities at the youth, adult and regional levels throughout the state. The initial GeorgiaLEADS pilot program will involve 10 communities and two regions. Following a comprehensive needs assessment, programs will be developed and implemented to meet this county’s needs for leadership development opportunities for youth, college students, young professionals, emerging leaders, retirees and established leaders looking to create broader community impact. Donna ArmstrongLackey, senior vice president for business development for the Chamber and Carroll Tomorrow, will serve as the local program coordinator. She noted that while Carroll County has several well-developed leadership programs, this initiative will build on those programs and take them to the next level. www.keepcarrollbeautiful.org Volunteer TODAY! 678-321-4816 An abused or neglected child needs your strength. Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate! P.O. Box 310 Carrollton, GA 30112 770-838-1964 www.carrollcasa.com Volunteer Today! (678)890-2357 [email protected] Chamber News February 2015 25 26 February 2015 www.carroll-ga.org Thank You Renewing Members Advantage Office Solutions Allen M. Trapp Jr. Ashley Oaks Apartments Atlanta Gas Light Barnes Moving & Storage Co., Inc. BB&T Insurance Services, Inc Carl E. Brack Buffalo Rock Pepsi Carroll County Farm Bureau Carroll EMC Carrollton Area CVB Carrollton City Schools Carrollton Eye Clinic Carrollton Housing Authority Carrollton OB/GYN Cheer's Fine Wine and Spirits Club Fitness Communication Services Integrated Community Action For Improvement Craig Wire Products, LLC Dog River Grading E & C Chemicals, Inc. Eagle South Properties Econo Inn of Carrollton Edward Jones Investments/ Brightman ExP+ Group, Inc First Baptist Church First United Methodist Church Flowers Baking Company of Villa Rica, LLC GA Power Northwest Federal Credit Union Gentiva Hospice Jim Gill H. D. Tyson Sr. Hannah Electric Company, Inc. Heard County Concrete, Inc. Henson, James R. Hobbs, W. Galen IHOP Indulge Salon & Day Spa Intertex World Resources J & R Construction & Development, Inc. J. Hoyt Thomas Funeral Home, Inc. J. Smith Lanier Company Kingdom Dominion Church L H Hauling, Inc. Lovvorn Construction, Inc. Lyle Tax Services March of Dimes Martin & Hightower Funeral Home McBrayer Company Inc., The Dr. Faye McIntyre McNaughton - McKay Electric Milestone Investment Management, LLC Municipal Hydro Services Oak Grove Montessori School Oaks of Carrollton-Assisted Living Office Ink Plus Re-Entry Coalition, Inc. Regions Bank- Carrollton Relyco Security Resources Sit N Sleep, Inc. Southern Home & Ranch Center Ace Hardware Southern Property Restoration State Farm Insurance/ Amy Brown Sunset Hills Country Club Super 8 Carrollton Superior International Industries The Wright Farm at Roopville The Times-Georgian Travis Hill Trucking, Inc. Turner Pharmacy Uncorked on Main University of West Georgia Waffle House Walker -Cadillac-Buick-GMC, Inc Wallace Builders Supply Waters, Paula Wentz Financial Group West GA Gastroenterology Assoc., P.C. West Georgia Internal Medicine, P.C. West Georgia Printing West Georgia Roofing II, Inc. West Georgia Technical College Chamber News February 2015 27 28 February 2015 www.carroll-ga.org Workforce Education News Exceptional Carroll County student selected as National College Match Scholarship recipient Central High School senior John Jones has been selected as a 2014 National College Match Scholarship Recipient and has been accepted by Vanderbilt University with a guaranteed full, four-year scholarship. QuestBridge, a national non-profit based in Palo Alto, California, successfully links high-achieving, low-income students with admission and full scholarships to QuestBridge partner colleges such as Yale, Amherst and Northwestern. Jones is one of 34 students selected from Georgia this year. With a resume to rival many college graduates, Jones intends to major in Chemical Engineering with a specialty in nanotechnology. His dream is to help people through his use of nanotechnology in the medical field. and as a result, John has been able to work as an intern within the University of West Georgia’s Department of Geosciences and also attend the West Georgia Youth Entrepreneur Academy (YEA) at The Burson Center.” The Burson Center is a multi-use business incubator focused on the development of information technology, nanotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and business service companies. As a youth entrepreneur-in-residence, Jones founded a start-up business, Quanta Industries, which is centered on the application of materials science and chemistry to create new innovative technologies. “When I started YEA, I had a business partner but he had to pull out of the project and I had a decision to make,” Jones said. “That decision to stick with it alone helped shape who I am. I had to take the initiative to go forward by myself and that was a breakthrough for me.” “I want to seek and destroy cancer cells through nanotechnology,” Jones said. “I don’t care about making money. I just want to help people to the glory of God. God has blessed me through all of this.” “All of this” is a combination of his hard work and taking advantage of numerous educational opportunities Carroll County has to offer. As a student in the Carroll County Schools’ College and Career Academy (CCA), Jones excelled in his engineering pathway. For three years, he contributed to the VEX Robotics Team which took third place in their first year of state completion and won the Design Award in 2013. He served as a camp counselor for the CCA summer STEM camp, teaching robotics programming and coordinating the competition. “Allowing students to explore and expand their career interests and talents is the core of our daily business at CCA,” said Cindy Clanton, Carroll County Schools CTAE Director. "Over the past three years, I have seen John develop into an exceptional young man. John has been an outstanding student in our Engineering pathway and we are very excited about his future opportunities at Vanderbilt University.” Daniel Jackson, President/CEO of the Carroll County Chamber and Carroll Tomorrow, serves as chairman of the board of directors for the CCA. “Economic workforce development is a priority of the CCA,” Jackson said. “Strong business partnerships exist, Daniel Jackson, Cindy Clanton and Donna ArmstrongLackey congratulate John Jones for his scholarship offer. Advanced Engineering Alliance offers specialty internships Eleventh and twelfth graders in Carroll County Schools may earn internships in the engineering departments of local businesses thanks to the Advanced Engineering Alliance. Christi Runyan, coordinator of work-based learning for the county school district, noted the AEA is endorsed by both Georgia Tech and the Carroll County Chamber, and is an example of their commitment to grow the west Georgia workforce. Students can intern in electrical, mechanical, chemical, industrial or computer engineering. Both the business and the students benefit from the program which is part of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) initiative. Chamber News February 2015 29
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