The Connection

Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority

Polkwww.polkgeorgia.com

Official Publication of

ConnectionThe

Showcasing the best of Polk CountyJanuary / February 2013

Connection News ................................................... 2Events Calendar...................................................... 3Connection News................................................... 4Connection News ................................................... 6Welcome New Members......................................... 7Silver Comet Map.................................................... 8

Table of Contents

Connection News CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

Welcome to 2013"Out with the old and in with the new". Why do we say that around the new year? Are you going to throw out perfectly good stuff just because it is old? That would be wasteful. Instead of using that "old" saying, let's say "Out with the old if it doesn’t work and in with a fresh perspective". Yes, it is a bit long winded, but you get the idea. Let's make this year one to remember by making smart choices. Be an advocate for the Community that we all call home. Make time for the things that are really important. Make a resolution to be a better "YOU". If we all make that resolution, we can accomplish great things in PolkCounty. Happy New Year & Shop Polk First!

Shop Chamber Members

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& Development AuthorityPolk

Events Calendar CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

WELSHfestMae’n dod Gwy! Cmry! / The Welsh Festival is coming! Rockmart hosts the only Welsh festival in Georgia, featuring lively Celtic music, Welsh food and Bar-B-Que, plus tours to the historic Van Wert Church and graveyard where Welsh miners and Civil War soldiers are buried. It is held on the quad (square) next to the old City Hall Building, 133 Marble Street in the heart of downtown Rockmart. Welshfest is held the 3rd Saturday in March (March 16y, 2013). Ad’s and Booth spaces are available to purchase. Also, if you are interested in volunteering for this event please contact Karl Welsher at 770.936.9381 or you may contact by:General e-mail (booth & ad forms etc): [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected]

January 11th – March 2ndCome view the amazing art exhibition “Art in Motion” at the Rockmart Cultural Arts Center located at 316 N. Piedmont Ave., Bldg. 300, Rockmart, GA 30153. The exhibition will include drawings, paintings, photographs, and three dimensional works depicting motion in all its beautiful forms. An Artist Reception will be given on January 13th 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Gallery. The Gallery is open by appointment Monday – Thursday or you can stop by 10:00 am- 4:00 pm Friday and Saturday. For appointments and more infor-mation call 770.684.2707.

Mill Town Music Hall is committed to providing West Georgia with a quality wholesome entertainment venue. Boasting a state-of-the-art audio and visual system, the venue hosts numerous Southern Gospel, Contemporary Christian, Country and Bluegrass concerts, along with other family-friendly events. Conveniently located off I-20 Mill Town Music Hall is in Bremen, GA on 1031 Alabama Avenue. For more information or to purchase tickets go to www.milltownmusichall.com or call 770-537-6455. Milltown Upcoming Events

Thursday, January 17 – Amy Grant, 7:00 pm – Tickets $35 Friday-Saturday, February 1-2 – Mill Town Music Hall One Year Anniversary Weekend Gospel Celebration, 7:00 pm – Tickets $20 (one night), $30 (both nights) Friday, February 8 – American Idol Alumnus Bo Bice (Mama’s Blue Dress to open), 7:00 pm – Tickets $25, Premium Seats and $20 for Reserved and General Admission Friday, February 22 – Rhonda Vincent and Gene Watson, 7:00 pm – Tickets $30 Premium Seats and $25 for Reserved and General Admission ART CLASSES OFFERED YEAR ROUND …are Drawing, Guitar, Piano, Pottery, Oil Painting, and Whittling. For more details on these classes or any other art related activities mentioned, please contact Rockmart Civic Arts Commission (RCAC) at 770-684-2707 or find us on Facebook.

VISUAL ARTS GALLERY (Hours are Fridays and Saturdays 10 am – 4 pm or by appointment Monday through Thursday by calling 770-684-2707.)· DEADLINE - JANUARY 15, 2013 - RCAC is seeking Visual Artists for the next exhibit, “Country Life”, to join local artist Horton Young, as he presents country living through his art, March 15 - April 26 . Artists age 18 and up are invited to enter paintings, drawings, or 3-D works depicting country life as they see it. There is no entrance fee; however, a fee of 20% on all sales is col-lected by the gallery. Interested artists, please submit PHOTOGRAPHS of up to five (5) pieces for consideration, before the deadline with

o Artist’s name o Email address o Mailing address o Phone number(s) o Title(s) - if applicable o Date created o Medium o Price o Dimensions

How to submit:

• Email image (s) to [email protected] - preferred method• Hand deliver photograph (s) or CD to RCAC c/o City of Rockmart, 316 N. Piedmont Ave., Rockmart, GA 30153 (Drop Box or Drive Thru)• Mail photograph (s) or CD to RCAC, P.O. Box 231, Rockmart, GA 30153

Questions? Please call Visual Arts Chair Laura Robinson at 770-684-7578 or email [email protected]

ROCKMART THEATRE116 E. Elm St., Rockmart, GA 30153

• Rockmart Little Theatre is planning auditions in February for the next community play. Announcements can be found locally in The Rockmart Journal, on AM station Hometown 1220 every hour, on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/rcac.ga , or on the City of Rockmart website, www.rockmart-ga.gov

• Be on the lookout for “The Ma White’s Bottoms Show” in January. This show is dedicated to the preservation of LIVE MUSIC on stage. Local & Area singers, songwriters, and musicians are featured in one of the best sounding rooms in North Georgia. Proceeds support The Rockmart Civic Arts Commis-sion and local artists. Join the Facebook Page for all up to date information and if you are interested in being a featured musician in one of the future shows. www.facebook.com/TheMaWhitesBottomsShow

• Director Margaret Jacobs and Rockmart High School Thespians will perform their Spring Musical opening February 28th and run March 1-2 and March 8-9. Watch for more details in your local media outlets.

Connection News CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

Project SUCCESSat HON

In Polk County, 1 out of 3 high school students will not graduate. The unemployment rate for high school drop outs is more than double that for graduates. We have a program to change those trends! Have you heard the buzz about Project SUCCESS, a 12 for Life Workplace, coming soon to the HON Company in Cedartown? Project SUCCESS is a program designed to motivate students to stay in school and finish 12 years to graduate. This program will provide high school students an opportunity to work while earning high school and college credit.

What does Project SUCCESS stand for?

StudentsUnderstandingCareers in ourCommunity byEmphasizingSkills forSuccess

The goals of 12 for Life – Project SUCCESS are to have 100% of the students that participate in the program graduate from High School. We also want to increase interest in manufac-turing as a career path.How will the program work? Students will attend class during the regular school day; after school students will be transported via bus to the plant. A typical day at work for the stu-dents will consist of 30 minutes of classroom time and four hours of work time. Students will earn high school credit for their work experience and college credit for the classes they take at Hon. An area inside the Hon Cedartown plant will be the work site for the program. We are cur-rently recruiting for Project Manager/Student Supervisor (to apply visit www.HNICareers.com). During the first few months of 2013 the project team will be working with Cedartown and Rockmart High Schools, recruiting students for the program. Twelve to fifteen students will make up the first group, starting in June of 2013 with completion in May of 2015.

To learn more about 12 for Life Workplaces visit www.gppartnership.org.

Connection News CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

Redmond was named by Georgia Trend Magazine as the “Top Medium-Sized Hospital” in Georgia. The magazine published its 2012 list of Georgia’s Top Hospitals in the December issue. According to Georgia Trend Magazine, the rankings were compiled based upon publicly available information through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and included “quality of care, patient satisfaction, mortality and readmission statistics and data on hospital-acquired infections and conditions.” “The Redmond team of doctors, nurses, technicians and support staff are truly exceptional” said John Quinlivan, Redmond Chief Executive Officer. “Our rec-ognition as Georgia’s best medium-sized hospital is a reflection of our staff’s dedication to their patients and commitment to their professions. I can’t tell you how proud I am to be associated with them.” In addition to medium-sized hospitals (151-399 beds), the magazine also ranked Teaching Hospitals, Large Hospitals (more than 400 beds), Small Hospitals (fewer than 150 beds) and Critical Access Hospitals (rural community hospitals). Said Quinlivan, “Redmond’s top ranking is the result of a comprehensive analysis by Georgia Trend Magazine of hospital quality and service data. Our patients increasingly use this information when they select Redmond as their hospital of choice. And it likely plays a strong factor in the growth we’ve seen of patients from outside our area who come to Redmond for their healthcare.” This fall, Redmond was also named one of the nation’s Top Performers on Key Quality Measures by The Joint Commission, the lead-ing accreditor of health care organizations in America, for exemplary performance in using evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for certain conditions including heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care. Georgia Trend is a magazine of state business, politics and economic development. To see the full article and complete hospital list-ings, see the December issue of Georgia Trend Magazine or online at www.georgiatrend.com. Redmond Regional Medical Center is a 230 bed facility, serving as a referral source for all of northwest Georgia and parts of Alabama. Including its healthcare partners, Redmond has over 245 physicians with more than 30 specialties and a support staff of approxi-mately 1,300 associates. Making excellent medical care convenient and available is Redmond’s first priority. With outstanding medical care and attention available 24/7, the hospital offers a variety of inpatient and outpatient programs, many of which are unique to the northwest Geor-gia region. Redmond offers a full service cardiology product line and is nationally recognized as a top cardiac care center. Other areas of excellence include emergency care, orthopedics, vascular care, an inpatient rehabilitation unit and more. For additional informa-tion on Redmond Regional Medical Center, visit the Redmond website at www.redmondregional.com.

Redmond Regional Medical Centernamed "Top Medium Sized Hospital"

by Georgia Trend MagazineMEMBER

SPOTLIGHT

School Zone / Upcoming Events CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

Non-Traditional Career Camp

Georgia Northwestern Technical College was host to the first Non-Traditional Career Camp for a group of Polk School District students on October 4. This successful day introduced students to career opportunities for 77 seventh grade students. Boys and girls were introduced to career options not typically considered for their respective genders. Students spent their time rotating through activities that included changing tires, cutting their initials in metal and mixing mortar for brick laying. The Non-Traditional Career Camp is one step in the District’s initiative to concentrate on “linking learning”. We look forward to this becoming an annual event.

Other new CTAE endeavors include:

• Project SUCCESS: A partnership with the HON Company and Georgia

Northwestern Technical College focused on providing Polk School District

students the opportunity to complete credit in a manufacturing career

pathway, earn college credit and be exposed to employment in Polk

County• GeorgiaBEST: Business Ethics Skills Training focused on earning a state recognized “soft skills” credential• PSD Mentoring Program: Polk School District mentoring program utilizing high school leaders to mentor students at the middle and elementary school levels• Reality Fair: Each year, all Polk School District eighth graders participate in the Reality Fair, an experience designed to give all students a “reality check” on real-world budgeting• College and Career Academy: Polk School District and Georgia Northwestern Technical College are working to create a college and career academy school-within-a-school model to provide students the opportunity to earn high school and college credit; expected to kick-off fall of 2013• CTAE Career Pathways: Not new to the District, but providing a phenomenal Career, Technical and Agricultural Education program to students with 21 career pathways available between the two high schools

WELCOME NEW MEMbErs!

Nightingale Services612 E. Elm Street

Rockmart, GA 30153770-684-5551

Teresa Caldwell, Area Manager

Floyd Home Careof Cedartown

1000 N. Main StreetCedartown, GA 30125

770-749-1662Kim Maxwell,

Office Manager

Tabitha McClarity Coaching & Consulting

970 Cedartown Hwy.Rockmart, GA 30153

678-757-8070Tabitha McClarity

Santer, LLCP.O. Box 669

Rockmart, GA 30153770-684-9111

Luke Lester

VulcanMaterials - Aragon3172 Rome Hwy.

Aragon, GA 30104770-684-1639

Ronnie Wilbanks,Plant Manager

Silver Comet Trail

The Silver Comet Trail is located 13 miles northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. It's free of charge, and travels west through Cobb, Paulding, and Polk counties. This quiet, non-motorized trail is for walkers, hikers, bicyclists, rollerbladers, horses, dog walkers, and is wheelchair accessible.

South Cobb Dr. -1.00 1015 (Note: This is considered part of the Silver Comet Extension) Mavell Rd. 0.00 925 Fontaine Road 1.20 906 Concord Road 2.60 887 Floyd Road 4.20 1021 Carter Road 8.60 948 Sailor’s Parkway 9.40 984 Florence Road 11.60 946 Hiram 14.66 1001 Paulding County 14.66 1001Chamber of Commerce Tara Drummond 20.23 1035(previously Dallas Trailhead) Rambo Nursery 22.22 941 Coot’s Lake 33.49 930 Van Wert 36.06 807 Rockmart Riverwalk 37.66 749 Nathan Dean Park 38.76 748 Don Williams 44.90 864 Grady Road 45.80 904 Cedartown Depot 51.30 796 Martin Trailhead 52.90 824 Esom Hill 61.20 923 Stateline Gateway 61.50 922(Georgia-Alabama Line)

Parking & Trail Access Mile Marker Elevation (Ft)

Landmarks and Historic AreasRockmart/Aragon

VAN WERTCreated in 1832 from the village of Cleantown, Van Wert was made the seat of Paulding County. It was known for slate, iron, gold and fertile farmland and served as the county seat until Polk County was formed from part of Paulding in 1851 and the county seat was moved to Cedartown. Van Wert was awarded a Historic Township of Georgia by the Department of Community Affairs.

VAN WERT METHODIST CHURCHBuilt in 1857 by Rev. Wm. Simpson, Van Wert Methodist Church is one of the oldest struc-tures in Polk County. The Van Wert Church Restoration Group, led by Greg Gray, is renovat-ing the structure.

ARAGON-EUHARLEE PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCHIn Aragon, the oldest church still in use in the County.

ROCKMART MURALThe mural was created in 1997 and painted on the side of Morgan Hardware on Marble Street. The mural was created by 180 volunteers over a three week period and was part of a celebration of Rockmart's 125th anniversary.

THE GOODYEAR MILLIn 1929, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company selected Rockmart as the site for one of its clearwater mills. They built a multi-million dollar plant on what is now Goodyear Street and gave Rockmart "the biggest boost it has ever received in its history." Goodyear sold the plant in 1987 and it is now owned and operated by Meggitt Polymers & Composites

GOODYEAR MILL VILLAGEIn the 1930s, Goodyear built a modern village with approximately 180 homes, two tennis courts, a baseball field and a golf course directly across the street from the mill.

CITY HALL The Rockmart Municipal Complex located on N. Piedmont Ave, is now considered "City Hall". The complex includes the Administrative Services Building, Cultural Arts Center,Recreation Department, and Rockmart Police Department. The complex is located on what was origi-nally the site of the Piedmont Institute College, which was replaced later by Rockmart High and Middle Schools which later became known as Rockmart High School.

ROSE HILL CEMETERY/GAZEBOOn Elm Street, the land for the cemetery was donated to the town. The gazebo, constructed in 1891 is now considered one of Rockmart's most recognizable historic landmarks. The cemetery site also offers a spectacular view across Rockmart.

EUHARLEE CREEK/SEABORN JONES PARKA city park, Seaborn Jones Park sits in the middle of downtown Rockmart along the banks of the Euharlee Creek. The name Euharlee comes from the Cherokee or Creek Indians and means "she laughs as she runs."

ROCKMART HISTORICAL MUSEUMThe recently opened Rockmart Historical Museum is a must to see for anyone interested in history. It chronicles the unique history and culture of Rockmart with heirloom contribu-tions of items and photos supplied by members of the community. Of particular interest art the items concerning "Welsh" Rockmart, with its miners and slate industry, chapels and slate roofs. The museum is located in Old City Hall Building at 133 Marble Street, next to Seaborn Jones Park.

DODGE & DAVIS AT PEEK SPRINGSNear Aragon's City Hall, camping place of General Grenville Dodge's 16th AC of McPherson's Army of Tennessee. Later, Brig. Gen. J.C. Davis' 2nd division, 14th Corps Army of the Cumberland camped here en route from Rome to Dallas, Ga. These troops were part of the right wing of General Sherman’s forces moving to outflank General Johnston’s army at Alla-toona Pass. This resulted in 10 days of battle at New Hope Church, Dallas and Pickett’s Mill in Paulding County.

Landmarks and Historic AreasCedartown

POLK COUNTY HISTORICALSOCIETY/MUSEUM Formerly Hawkes Children’s Library, the mu se um contains the history of Polk Coun ty. The building was designed by J. Neel Reid, famous Geor gia architect, and was built in 1924. The site is on the National Register of Historic Places.

POLK COUNTY COURTHOUSE #2 At 100 Prior Street, this building was designed by Otis Clay Poundston in Neoclassical Revival Style and constructed in 1935. It was originally City Hall, but is now used as a courthouse annex.

CEDARTOWN MURAL Completed in 1999, the mural is located in downtown Cedartown. The project was designed and completed by local artists and volunteers from The Art Lover’s League of Cedar Valley. The mural is a collage of well-known structures in Cedartown including many historic sites such as Hawkes Children’s Library and County Courthouse #2.

CONFEDERATE MEMORIALOutside Courthouse #2 is a Confederate monument erected in 1906 by United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate veterans.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCHBuilt on West Avenue in 1883, this is the oldest church still in use in Cedartown. The church has been maintained in its original state except for the outside color. Sterling Holloway grew up in this church.

BOOZ HOTELThis structure was built in the 1800s and operated as a hotel in the 1890s. Located across the street from the Polk County Historical Society.

BIG SPRINGLocated on Wissahickon Avenue, this was the site of a ballground and ceremonial dance ground of the Cherokee Indian natives until the early 1800s. It is the second largest limestone spring in the South and produces an average of 4 million gallons of water per day.

DOWNTOWN CEDARTOWNIn 1988, Cedartown became a “Mainstreet City” and is a registered site in the National Register of Historic Places. The last decade has seen much renovation in the down town area including second floor residential availability, new businesses and remodelings. 770-748-2090.HIGHTOWER FALLSOriginally the site of a wooden grist mill purchased by Elias Hightower in 1846 and con vert ed into a facsimile of the Whitney cotton gin. Mr. Hightower also constructed a three story mill on the site in 1850 using the 60 foot Falls for power. The mill was once a vibrant mercantile center near Cedartown. Sherman’s men ate and slept here on their march through the state, but spared the mill from the fate which befell so many others. Hightower Falls is presently a private group facility available for special occasions. Call (770) 748-8588 for more information.

OLD MILLLocated on Hwy. 27 South, this structure was built by slave labor in 1848 for Asa Prior who came to Polk County in 1837. The first miller was a slave named “Old Allen” and the structure was operated as a mill until 1945. It was renovated and operated as a restaurant by Mr. And Mrs. Robert Stephens from 1960-1991. It was purchased by Ann and Jimmy Madden in 1997.

Attractions Guide CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

Cedartown Performing Arts CenterThe pride of the City of Cedartown, The Cedartown Performing Arts Center located at the Cedartown Auditorium, presents a wealth of premium entertainment each year from the Atlanta Symphony to touring Broadway plays. The Performing Arts Center also sponsors enrichment programs for children in Polk and surrounding counties through workshops and performances. 770-748-4168.

West TheaterThis 1941 Art Deco style theater hosts first run movies for both children and adults.

Peek ParkOn North College Street, this beautiful city park is located on land donated by Captain J.A. Peek. It contains tennis courts, playground and picnic areas.

Bert Wood Youth and Athletic ComplexSoftball and baseball fields, gymnasium, track, cabin, playground, and Senior Center make up this recreational facility in Northwest Cedartown. Government sponsored and volunteer activities abound almost year round.

Cherokee Golf and County ClubThis private facility off Cherokee Road contains an 18 hole golf course, four tennis courts, a swimming pool and beautiful clubhouse with dining facility. The club hosts many local fundraising golf and tennis tournaments as well as member-related events. 770-748-2800.

Cedar Valley Arts FestivalAn annual festival is held on the last full weekend in April. This event is sponsored by the Cedartown Junior Service League. Local and regional art-ists display their craft as do the children of Cedartown whose works are displayed throughout Peek Park, the site of the festival.

Meadow Lakes Golf ClubMeadow Lakes is a public facility in North Polk County offering 18 holes of championship golf as well as a clubhouse, banquet facility, and swimming pool. The club regularly hosts tournaments and les-sons are offered by the PGA Golf Professional. Call for tee times on the weekends. 770-748-4942

Rockmart Civic Arts CommissionPromotes and hosts various arts activities in the city and maintains the city’s Art Center on Piedmont Avenue, Rockmart. 770-684-5454.

Seaborn Jones ParkA city park along the banks of Euharlee Creek in downtown Rockmart. Complete with picnic tables and a gazebo.

Nathan Dean Sports ComplexRockmart’s primary recreational park for softball and baseball. The park also contains a track and a playground area. Pavilions are also located through the park.

Prospect Valley CourseNine hole, public golf course. 770-684-5961.

Silver Comet TrailThe Silver Comet Trail is a paved, converted rail trail spanning more than 60 miles from Smyrna GA to the GA/AL border in Polk County. Here the trail joins the Chief Ladiga trail for another 33 miles to Anniston, AL. The two trails provide 95.5 continuous paved recreational miles not available to motorized traffic. The longest segment of the Silver Comet in one county is 29 miles through Polk. The Depot in Rockmart provides water and restrooms and is next to Seaborn Jones Park. Snacks and restrooms are available at the Depot in Cedartown which houses several offices including the welcome center and museum of local memorabilia. The first foot of the Silver Comet Trail was poured on July 9, 1998 in Cobb County, GA.

Polk County Homespun FestivalAn annual event sponsored by the Polk County Chamber of Com merce held on the third weekend in July in Seaborn Jones Park. Local and region-al crafters display their wares throughout the park. Continuous enter-tainment is a highlight of the festival as well as many games and events throughout the park. 770-684-8760.

Aragon BarbequePatriotism at its peak, the annual barbeque is held on the last Saturday in June. Great food, a variety of games and a softball tournament are high-lights.

Tom Pittman Field and Jake Belk ParkAragon’s two city parks both have recreational and picnic facilities.

Welsh FestivalMae'n dod Gwy! Cmry!/Rockmart hosts the only Welsh festival in Georgia, featuring lively Celtic music, Welsh food and Bar-B-Que, plus tours of the historical Van Wert Church and graveyard where Welsh miners and Civil War soldiers are buried. It is held on the quad (square) next to the Old City Hall Building, 133 Marble St. in the heart of downtown Rockmart. Welshfest is held the 3rd Saturday in March.

CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGONLeisure Life in Polk County

Polk CountyChamber at a Glance CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

2013 Committees & Objectives(Items in Red are Blue Print Polk / Strategic Plan Items)

Image & Marketing Committee - Reinforce and promote a positive perception of Polk County · Increase a positive perception of Polk County· Be the place to get information· Tell the story of Polk County· Create and fund a county-wide communications / public relations position to tell the Polk Story· Develop a Corridor Improvement and Re-Development Plan to Enhance Aesthetics of County and Municipal roadways Membership Value Committee - Determine and market the value of the Chamber to current and future members · Explore through surveys , focus groups and best practices what exactly our members want and need from the Chamber· Examine current Chamber programs for effectiveness and Return on Investment· Establish New Member Orientation and Engagement Process Develop a one to two year referral process for new members· Market the true value of the Chamber to current and future members· Engage the Chamber Ambassadors· Increase member involvement in chamber and access to programs

Education / Workforce Development Committee - Develop, attract and engage the workforce at all levels to ensure that talent is available for local companies · Assist with countywide mentoring Program· Continue to define and develop Partners in Education Program· Promote Project SUCCESS - HON Partnership· School Back to Business program· Assist with Non-traditional Camps with Georgia North Western Technical College and local Businesses· Survey Members on Education / Workforce Development needs· Increase High School graduation rate

Leadership Development Committee - Develop and engage current and future Leaders

· Develop Certified Leadership Program for alternate years· Engage Alumni / Create Leadership Directory· Reach out for committee members Government Affairs Committee - Represent the business interests of Polk County to local, regional, state and federal policymakers and informs Members of Legislative (governmental) issues · Look at ways to connect political leaders and the community· Expand number of committee members & identify issues for the Washington Fly-in – develop Sponsorship Opportunities· Follow up on 2012 Washington Fly In with Representatives· Compile quarterly Chamber reports for governmental entities· Eliminate outdated ordinances or codes that discourage economic investment and to enhance local ordinances and develop code enforcement that supports and encourage investors and developers to speculate and invest in the county. Small Business Committee - Enhance and promote retail, small business and entrepreneurial development · Develop marketing plan for the BUY LOCAL program· Develop a Chamber 101 seminar and increase member participation· Develop Business to Business Mentoring Program· Offer Small Business Seminars and educational programs· Plan, Design and Develop a Countywide Downtown Development initiative to enhance retail, small business and entrepreneurial development, to include a Revolving Downtown Reinvestment / Redevelopment program.

Advertisers Index:

Georgia Power......................................7

Redmond Physician Network...............7

Coosa Dental Associates......................7

Raceway...............................................7

Holmes Clothing..................................7

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

133 South Marble Street Rockmart, GA 30153

770/684-8760 Fax: 770/825-9002

609 S. Main St. Cedartown, GA 30125www.polkgeorgia.com

Published by: News Publishing Company

P.O. Box 1633 Rome, GA 30162

For Advertising Information call Jennifer Futch at 770-748-1520 or

LaDonna Mears at770-684-7811

Editorial Content by: Polk County Chamber

of Commerce 770/684-8760

ConnectionThe

Showcasing the best of Polk County

Polk County at a Glance CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

LOCATION AND LAND AREAPolk County, consisting of a 312 square mile area, is near the center of the South's three largest indus-trial centers: Atlanta, 45 miles east; Birmingham, 85 miles west, and Chattanooga, 83 miles north. Surrounded on four corners by mountains, Polk County is a land of dramatic contrasts - from the city of Cedartown which lies on a gentle plain to Rockmart with its rocky hills and deep valleys.

GOVERNMENTPolk County is governed by a six member Board of Commissioners elected for four-year staggered terms. The chairman is elected from the board for a one-year term. Cedartown, the county seat, is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners who elect a com mis sion chairman from amongst board members and appoint a City Manager. The city of Rockmart is governed by an elected mayor and five council members who elect a City Manager. Aragon is governed by a mayor and four council members. Full-time police and fire departments are maintained in all three areas and the county for the pro tec tion of all residents.

INDUSTRYPolk County boasts a wide array of existing industry and takes pride in its success in new industry recruitment in the last decade. The top ten industries employee some 3,700 people and include both manufacturing and service.

CLIMATEA moderate climate with seasonal variation creates an excellent environment for outdoor activity through out most of the year:January averageminimum/maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32/55 degreesJuly averageminimum/maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67/83 degreesAverage annual rainfall is 50" based on ten year data. Relative humidity is 69.7%.

POPULATION42,709 people reside in Polk County including 10,021 in Cedartown, 4,242 in Rockmart and 1,039 in Aragon.

TRANSPORTATIONMajor trucking lines and both CSX and the Norfolk Southern Railway system link Polk County to points in all directions. Hartsfield/Jackson International Airport is only one hour away while Cornelius Moore Airport in the middle of the county provides a paved and lighted 4,000 ft. runway. The new $15,000,000 state of the art Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport is only 8 miles from Polk County. Four lane Highway 278 east links Polk County to Atlanta via I-20. Other main arteries include U.S. Highway 27 and 113.

COMMUNICATIONSTwo newspapers, the Cedartown Standard and the Rockmart Journal, and two radio stations, WGAA Cedartown and WZOT Rockmart, keep county residents informed of local, regional and na tion al hap-pen ings.

EDUCATIONEducational institutions in the county include six elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools and a regional vocational-technical school. Two private schools are maintained and county res i dents have easy access to three additional private schools in a neighboring county.

UTILITIESGeorgia Power and Carroll EMC service electrical needs in Polk County and gas is distributed by Atlanta Gas Light Company and sold by several suppliers. The cities of Cedartown and Rockmart operate sew-age treatment facilities and have their own water supply via a spring-fed gravity system in Cedartown and Euharlee Creek in Rockmart. The county’s water supply originates with three springs and one well. BellSouth pro vides a first-rate tele com mu ni ca tions sys tem and cablevision is provided by Charter Communications.

HEALTHCAREPolk Medical Center is located in Cedartown. Numer-ous physicians, dentists, chiropractors and other health care proviers are throughout Polk County. Immediate Care facilities are also available.

POLK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCEThe main office of the Polk County Chamber of Com-merce is located at 133 South Marble Street in Rock-mart. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. The Chamber also main tains a Cedartown office in conjunction with the Cedartown Welcome Center at 609 S. Main St.. Cedartown office hours are Mon.-Fri., 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Call the Chamber office at 770-684-8760.

Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority

Polkwww.polkgeorgia.com

Official Publication of