President Eric McDonald focused on the positives in the communities where existing industry continues to consider expansion. He also said, according to site selectors, the approval of an Opportunity Zone in Cedartown will bring more interest from people wanting to locate in Polk.
“This is a powerful tool for economic development,” he said.
Membership in the countywide organization now totals more than 290 as work continues to reach a projected 400 member goal, according to Laura Bates, director, membership services.
The first program of the Business Breakfast Series, developed by the Chamber’s Small Business Committee, was today at the Georgia Department of Labor Cedartown Career Center.
The Chamber’s Summer Picnic is at the Rockmart Depot Friday, Aug. 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Our business community is supporting Chamber events,” Bates said. “Sponsors are also helping make community events possible.”
Tamaka Hudson, vice-president, said the 2010 Homespun Festival in Rockmart was bigger and better than ever. There were more than 100 vendors and about $20,000 was netted from the festival, which compares with approximately $18,000 in 2009.
She said a wrap-up of the event will be held soon and consideration will be given to a suggestion that more lighting be provided. Reports are that people remained after dark because of the number of vendors and other activities in Seaborn Jones Park.
Planning continues for Polk Adult Leadership with a kick-off date in August. Hopes are that a total of 15 adults will participate in the team building activities.
The annual Business Expo is scheduled from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9. The event will be held at The Purks in Cedartown. More details will be announced at a later date.
Education and Workforce Development Committee members are working with Polk School District on several programs and events.
Each school has selected 10 potential mentees with 59 from the high schools that are graduates of the Polk Youth Leadership Program. The mentoring is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 17, at the Rockmart Municipal Building, the old Rockmart High School building. The youth will be shadowing younger children. Adult mentors are also needed.
The September-October special school edition will be in newspaper print, rather than the traditional “Connection” format. This will allow the publication to reach every household in Polk.
Theme for the Red Ribbon Week observance this year is “I am Drug Free”. Guidelines are being finalized as the submission format is changing to digital. Plans are to have students participate in producing a digital commercial. Awards will be presented at a breakfast meeting in November.
Chairman Bryan Griffin said the Chamber’s annual retreat would be held in November. Prior to this date, members will receive a list of members retiring from the board. They are Ken Suffridge, past chairman, Carole Runyon and Alan Dean. Suffridge was presented a gift for his service during the July board meeting.
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