Deal, Hunan governor mark SANY progress

Equipment manufacturer expects to create more than 200 jobs in Peachtree City

Gov. Nathan Deal today joined with Governor Qiang Zhou of China’s Hunan Province, SANY Group chairman Wengen Liang and other dignitaries to celebrate the first phase completion of SANY America’s North American assembly plant in Peachtree City. SANY America is a division of SANY Group Co. Ltd., which is headquartered in the Hunan Province of China and is the largest concrete-pumping equipment company in China. Deal was on hand to officially unveil a fully-assembled SANY Global Rough Terrain (RT) Crane, which is the machinery that will eventually be assembled at the SANY America Peachtree City plant.

“SANY America’s decision to locate in Georgia in 2007 is a great example of the steps we take to position our state as a strategic home for international companies seeking foreign direct investment opportunities in the United States,” said Deal. “We take great care in developing and fostering global relationships, and the result is mutually beneficial outcomes for both Georgia and international companies aiming to expand around the world. We are confident that our highly skilled workforce and unique global access will continue to help us attract competitive industries to Georgia.”

The SANY America Peachtree City location is one of only four investments the company has made outside of China. Other international locations include sites in Brazil, Germany and India. The end of phase one construction marks the completion of the company’s main infrastructure at its Peachtree City plant. The company currently has 108 employees and expects to at least double its workforce by the end of 2012. To date, SANY America has made a $60 million investment through the completion of phase one of the 420,000-square-foot facility.

“The completion of SANY America’s facility signifies a new milestone in SANY’s globalization initiative. This will bring SANY’s philosophy of Quality Changes for the World to the next level,” said Fugui Zhou, chairman of SANY America, Inc. “The new facility will enable the company to provide the North American market and the other global customers with superior products and services.”

The company’s Peachtree City facility will house sales, service, assembly, testing and distribution, as well as research and development operations in addition to serving as the corporate headquarters for SANY America, Inc. The plant will eventually assemble five different concrete manufacturing machines once fully operational.

"We appreciate the significant investment that SANY Corporation has made and will continue to make in Peachtree City and the state of Georgia," said Peachtree City Mayor Don Haddix. "We look forward to working with SANY as a corporate partner as it grows and prospers in the international community that makes up our industrial park."

Georgia has a long history of doing business internationally and established an office in Beijing in 2008 to develop the relationships necessary to bring Chinese business to Georgia. China is Georgia’s second-largest export destination market, with nearly $2.4 billion in exports in 2010. Among Georgia’s top 10 export destinations, China ranked in the top three countries where Georgia saw the largest increase in exports, increasing by 35 percent since 2009. Georgia imports from China totaled $13.9 billion in 2010, which account for 32 percent of total Georgia imports. Over the last five years, exports from the Port of Savannah to China have grown 31 percent. In 2010, the Port of Savannah became the biggest port for exports to China and handled 47 percent of the total Mid- and South Atlantic trade with China.

“SANY America is the first and still remains the largest Chinese investment of its size in Georgia,” said Sam A. Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “SANY’s choice to build its North American headquarters and manufacturing center here demonstrates metro Atlanta’s attractiveness to international companies and Georgia’s commitment to strengthen our ties with China.”

In addition to a well-established trade relationship, Georgia also consistently works to foster a cultural and educational exchange with China. The state welcomes incoming delegations from China at least twice a month. And for the first time, in 2010 Georgia’s tourism division successfully launched in-language tourism products targeting the four top Chinese tour operators to promote Georgia tourism in China. Georgia’s academic institutions also have strong ties to China, including the Asia Council of the University System of Georgia and the Georgia Tech-Shanghai Initiative, which both promote study abroad and other educational exchange opportunities for students here and in China.

Stella Xu, Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) manager for China initiatives, assisted the company with this project.

Man Arrested in Connection with 5-Month Old's Death

On February 25, 2011 Fayette County Sheriff’s Investigator’s arrested Steven Anthony Haire, 22, of Franklin in connection with the death of Zachery Freeman, 5 months old, related to an incident that occurred at a residence on West Lane in north Fayette County. Fayette Investigator’s have charged Haire with Cruelty to Children in the First Degree where additional charges are expected.

On February 21, 2011 Fayette County Sheriff’s Deputies along with Fayette County EMS responded to a home on West Lane in reference to a 5 month old child who was not breathing. Haire told Fayette County Sheriff’s deputies that the child stopped breathing after he laid the child down with a bottle to take a nap.

Emergency workers who responded to the incident location performed CPR on the 5 month old who was then transported to Piedmont Fayette Hospital and later life flighted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Pediatric Hospital. The five month old was placed on life support when he arrived at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. On February 25 the child was taken off of life support and died at 7:01 PM.

Fayette Investigator’s working with the doctor’s at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta determined that the child’s injuries were not consistent with the statements given by Haire at the time of the incident. Haire was later arrested in connection with the child’s death where he is currently in the Fayette County Jail.

It wasn't a bomb...

On February 26, 2011, at 11:47 AM officers responded to the parking lot of Braelinn Village Shopping Center in reference to a person receiving a chemical burn. Upon arrival, Peachtree City Fire Department and Police Department personnel discovered an unknown device that had exploded in the hand of the victim. Clayton County Police Department Bomb Squad responded to the scene to assist in the identification of the device. It was discovered that it was a survival type safety flare that was accidently ignited by the occupant of the vehicle. At no time was the public at risk. The bomb squad removed the device from the scene. The victim was treated and released for burns to the hand.

Friday’s Pre-K Lottery Drawing Postponed

The Fayette County Public School System has postponed its pre-K lottery drawing for students whose parents registered them for spaces in the 2011-2012 program, but registrations for the drawing are continuing through the published deadline of March 3 at 2 p.m.

The drawing, scheduled for March 4, has been cancelled due to possible changes to the pre-K program that have been proposed by Governor Nathan Deal. If the state legislature approves his recommendations, the pre-K school day will be reduced to a half-day program, down to four hours from six and a half hours a day.

Since a decision on the proposal has not been made, school officials decided to postpone the lottery drawing for pre-K slots until lawmakers reach a final consensus.

Parents who registered their children for the drawing will be notified of the postponement.

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Everyday Heroes: School Social Workers Honored During National Recognition Week

School success is not all about academics. Social, emotional and economic factors play a part, sometimes creating obstacles that stand in the way. Helping students and families navigate their way through these non-academic obstacles are school social workers.

Fayette County Public Schools has three social workers, Kim Bryan, Michelle Martin and Eulene Paulk. Their responsibility is a much about working with the student as it is about working with their families. During the 2009-2010 school year, they assisted 643 families with social, emotional, economic, mental health, medical, and school attendance improvement needs.

March 6-12 is National School Social Work Week. This year’s theme, “Social Workers Change Futures,” celebrates the many ways school social workers make a difference in the lives of students every day.

“Our social workers work tirelessly making a difference in the lives of our families in Fayette County. They are greatly appreciated for all their hard work,” says Barbara Serapion, director of Pupil Personnel Services for Fayette County Public Schools.

School social workers serve as link between the school, community and home by:

* Assisting with the enforcement of the Georgia Compulsory School Attendance Law by assessing barriers to school attendance
* Providing referral information to facilitate family and student use of community-based resources for social, emotional, economic, and medical needs
* Providing assessment and referral services for displaced students and families
* Conducting home visits to assess environmental factors that inhibit learning and impede the social/emotional well-being of students
* Promoting parental responsibility
* Helping parents to better understand and meet the social, developmental and emotional needs of their children
* Reporting concerns of child abuse and neglect
* Collaborating with community resources to meet the needs of at risk students and families


School social workers have an impact on children that extends long after the final school bell rings. Fayette County Public Schools asks the community to remember to thank Fayette’s school social workers March 6-12 for their dedication to students and families in the county.

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Students Juggle Technology at Bennett’s Mill Middle School

Master juggler Chris Cassidy (center), along with Demi Tega (left) and Brian Doyle, give a celebratory performance for the successful completion of a 10-foot bridge in the background.

How is juggling connected to technology? Well, there is no connection, but juggling teaches eye/hand coordination and self-confidence, traits that might prove useful in building something like a bridge.

Seventh grader Chris Cassidy teaches a five-minute juggling course to fellow students during their technology period at Bennett’s Mill Middle. About six to eight students participate in the juggling lessons each week, says technology teacher Jim Uttley.

A recent accomplishment by fellow student Andrew Hogan prompted a celebration from the jugglers. Andrew built a bridge out of K’Nex building materials that spanned 10 feet with a 6-foot clearance. It was part of his construction project in Uttley’s technology class. It took three days to complete.
Technology students at Bennett’s Mill learn about a number of possible career tracks including music production, car design, computer aided design and manufacturing, video game design, graphics and animation, web page design, aerodynamics, flight simulation, construction, robotics, and video production.

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Fayette County Schools Counselors Raise Awareness for Guidance and Counseling

FSCA's Executive Board Members pictured from right to left: Angela Miller (Public Relations/Historian and National School Counselor's Week Chair), Tama Matthews (treasurer), Kelly Hubbard (secretary), LeeAnn Belknap(President-Elect), Kristin Cristelli (Middle School Setting Vice-President), Heather Sherwood (Elementary Setting Vice-President), Linda Williams(Immediate Past President), Kaye Eubank (President), Debbie Crisp (Chairperson of the Hospitality Committee) and Sandy Perrin(High School Setting Vice-President).

School Counselors in the Fayette County School System are active members of the Fayette School Counselor Association (FSCA) which serves to advance the profession of school counseling and also provides opportunities for professional development.

The organization promotes an improved understanding and appreciation of guidance and counseling services in the school setting. In addition, the FSCA recognizes the need to enhance a spirit of unity, cooperation, suppport and fellowship among counselors and the community.

It is important to raise the awareness of the community at large about the important role of the school counselor in the multi-diciplinary approach used to support the healthy person, social and academic growth of our students.

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Burglar nabbed...

On February 24, 2011 at approximately 4:45 AM, residents of 305 Pinemount Drive, Peachtree City, Ga were woken to unusual noises coming from their basement. The resident told Communications Officers that when the light was turned on in the bedroom, the noises in the basement stopped.

Officers responded to the home in just under 2 minutes from the time the call was dispatched. The home was cleared to ensure that no subjects were located in the residence and the homeowners were safe. A perimeter around the area was established, and an on-duty Fayette County Sheriff’s Office K9 Officer responded to the location to assist in tracking the offender.

While searching the area, Officers located a subject who was standing on Pinemount Drive. JONES, MARLON D., 22, of Yates Rd., College Park, Ga., was taken into custody and questioned. JONES admitted to entering the home, which he believed to be vacant. While in the home, he took an X-Box, a computer, a laser pointer, and liquor. With the exception of the laser pointer that was in JONES’ possession, all stolen items were located under a tree by Officers who were searching the area.

JONES is currently located at the Fayette County Jail. Warrants for JONES are currently pending for LOITERING AND PROWLING AND BURGLARY.

If anyone has information that would assist the Police Department in this or any other incidents, please contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 770-631-2510 or the Crime and Narcotics Information Hotline, (770) 487-6010. You may remain anonymous.

Near Sweep By Middle Schools at Academic Bowl

Fayette’s middle schools dominated the Regional Academic Bowl at Griffin RESA, only missing a third place victory for a complete sweep.

Rising Starr and Flat Rock took first and second place, respectively. Fayette Middle secured fourth place. The contest included schools from Butts, Fayette, Henry, Lamar, Newton, Pike, Spalding, and Upson counties.

This year has been extremely successful for Fayette Middle; the school was also the Region 6 co-winner of the PAGE (Professional Association of Georgia Educators) Academic Bowl for Middle Grades.

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HS Academic Teams Triumph at Regional and State Tourneys

Fayette’s academic teams put their marks on the RESA Regional and State Academic bowls.

An allusive third place victory was all that kept the county’s varsity and junior varsity teams from sweeping the entire regional meet at Griffin RESA. Varsity winners were McIntosh High, first place; Starr’s Mill High (Team A), second place; and Starr’s Mill High (Team B), fourth place. At the JV level, Starr’s Mill took first, McIntosh second, and Whitewater High fourth.

All of the teams qualified to advance to the state competition in Flowery Branch February 12. This time Starr’s Mill (Team A) beat McIntosh in the semi-final round and came back to overtake Flowery Branch High in the finals, clinching the state title.

“The kids are pretty excited about being state champs,” says academic team coach Nancy Close.
McIntosh finished in third place.

Whitewater High’s JV team made it to the quarterfinals before losing to Calhoun High, a team they had beaten earlier.

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2011 Boy Scout Golden Eagle Dinner to Honor Dan Cathy

Community leaders and members of the Fayette business community will gather at the 2011 Fayette County Boy Scout Golden Eagle Dinner. The 2nd annual dinner is a fundraiser for the Flint River Council. Funds raised support the local scouting program and help keep the costs of scouting down for the local boys who participate in scouting. Last year’s dinner raised $67, 642, and organizers are hoping to top that number this year. The Flint River Council, Boy Scouts of America, has served Fayette County since 1927, shaping the lives of young people by fostering the development of a strong values-centered life and training the leaders of tomorrow through a partnership with families and communities.

The 2011 Fayette County Boy Scout Golden Eagle Dinner will be held Thursday, March 24th at Glendalough Manor in Tyrone. This year’s dinner will honor Dan Cathy, COO and President of Chick-fil-A, Inc, Mr. Cathy will be recognized for exemplifying the Boy Scout law and oath in his life, through his work in the community and his support of scouting. Former Mayor of Peachtree City, Harold Logsdon is serving as the Golden Eagle Honorary Chairperson. The evening will begin with fellowship at 6:00 P.M. followed by dinner and a program at 6:45 P.M. There is no ticket cost to attend the event. However, attendees will be asked to pledge financial support to the Fayette County Scouting programs. Reservations may be made by contacting Peggy Murphy, Senior District Executive at 678-603-8445 or via email at peggy.murphy@scouting.org.

Traffic delays and single lane closing. Hwy 74 at Aberdeen on Mon 2/21/11 from 8-10am.

On Monday, February 21, 2011 from 8:00 am until approximately 10:00 am, the Peachtree City Police Department will have one southbound lane of Highway 74 at Aberdeen Parkway shut down. Additionally, there may be times that traffic is slowed and briefly halted in the open lane. During this time, the Department’s Community Response Team will be conducting a follow-up investigation into the multi-vehicle, fatal collision that occurred on February 9th, 2011. The Department would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience and understanding when experiencing slight delays in this area.

Fayette County Parks and Recreation Courses

The Fayette County Parks and Recreation Department offers registration at the Activities House, 980 Redwine Road, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The brochure can be obtained at the offices of the Fayette County Parks and Recreation Department, Administration Complex, Library, and school offices. To download brochures from the web site go to http://www.fayettecountyga.gov/parks_rec/brochure_parks.asp. Early registration is encouraged as these programs fill up fast and transportation is limited on the adult trips.

COURSE CODES NEW 2011!       New this year is course codes that have been assigned to each program.  Please use the code that corresponds with the title of the program when you register online, by phone, by mail, or when you walk-in.  Tree climbing, table tennis, massages, and archery still required everyone to register by mail or walk-in.

 “RANGERS IN ACTION”                                                                                                Course # W11073

“THE NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM”

Travel with us to Columbus and watch rangers detonate explosives, jump from helicopters into the water, rappel up and down towers, race down zip lines, and participate in hand-to-hand combat. Then we are off to the National         Infantry Museum and the Fife and Drum for lunch.

Day:        Friday                                      

Date:      March 4

Time:      8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Fee:      $20 per person

Age:     Adults

Location:  Columbus

TURNER FIELD                                                                                                                     Course # W11075

The home of the Atlanta Braves tour will include the Ivan Allen Museum, Scout’s Alley, batting cages, and a                  restaurant. It also includes the dugout, locker room, and press boxes.

Day:                Wednesday         

Date:      April 6                    

Time:      10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Fee:        $15 per person

Age:        Adult

Location: Atlanta

ARCHERY                                                                                                                                                 This program is offered through the NAA (National Archery Association) to promote the sport of archery. Our program offers basic instructions, recreation and tournament level training, and a safe environment to learn the sport of archery.  

Day:            Sundays                                                                                                                                    Date:            Beginning in January                                                                                                    Time:    6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.                                                                                                                     Fee:      $5 per person shooting time only                                                                                                                 $40 beginner course                                                                                                              Age:     8 - 15 years old                                                                                                                Location:  Kiwanis Center

*Prerequisite for beginners - A basic program of instruction and guidance to teach the basic skills of archery while ensuring safety and encouraging a fun time. Basic instruction and equipment included!

AARP DRIVER SAFETY

The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation’s first and largest refresher course for experienced drivers. This course has helped millions of drivers remain safe on roads.

This course teaches current rules of the road, how to operate motor vehicles safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment, and some adjustment to age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time.

Geared for experienced drivers, this course is open to drivers of all ages.

Day:                 Monday & Tuesday

Date:                Course #  W11105:                   March 14 & 15

Time:                9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Fee:                  $12 per person AARP member

                        $14 per person NON-AARP member

Location:             Activities House

Participants may be eligible to receive insurance discount upon completion of the course.

Consult your agent for details!

TREE CLIMBING

Learn to climb trees the safe way with the use of harnesses, ropes, and helmets. Participants young and old climb for fun, learn to tree swing, and climb for a good challenge.

Second and Fourth Sunday of each month

2 – 5 year old

$15 per person

8 & older

Lake Horton

Participants should register prior to each class at the Activities House, 980 Redwine Road. For more information on private or group climbs call 770.599.3567 or email mikeivie@bellsouth.net.

Gate fees required for all out-of-county residents.

LINE DANCE PROGRAMS

MONDAY NIGHT LINE DANCE

Line dancing builds and promotes cardiovascular health through physical workouts of varying intensity. A foundation for dance experience that enables you to have balance, rhythm, timing, and better posture.

Day:     Monday

Date:    Course #  W11133:            March 7 – 28

Time:    6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.            Beginner

            7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.            Intermediate

Fee:      $25 per person

Age:     Adult

Location: Kiwanis Center

BEGINNING LINE DANCE WORKSHOP

This workshop if for those of you that want to learn/review the basic steps of line dancing. We will review the latest dance steps and incorporating them into the latest beginner dances.

Day:            Saturdays

Dates:   Course #  W11135:                   March 19

Time:    10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Fee:      $10 per person

Age:     Adult

Location: Kiwanis Center

TUESDAY LUNCHTIME LINE DANCE

Join us for a fun and energetic way to exercise and learn how to line dance as well. You will learn the basic steps that can be incorporated into the songs of yesteryear and the latest hits of today!

Day:            Tuesday

Date:    Course #  W11140:                   March 8 – 29

Time:    11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Fee:      $25 per person

Age:     Adult

Location: Kiwanis Center

INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOP AND OPEN DANCE

This is a non-stop dancing event. We will begin with the workshop and improve our dancing skills. Then we are off for dinner at a local restaurant in Fayetteville. If you have registered for both sessions, you will return for the evening open dance session of more dancing.

Day:            Saturdays

Dates:   Course #  W11143:                   March 19

Fee:      $10 per person             Workshop         1:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

            $5 per person  Open dance               8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Age:     Adult

Location: Kiwanis Center

Participants may register for each workshop, open dance class, or both.

*Please note the January 15th workshop only will be from 4:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Flash and dASH SCAVENGER hunt                                             Course # W11146    
Will begin at the Activities House where you and your team can participate in a local experience that is as much adventure race as it is scavenger hunt. Similar to The Amazing Race, but on a local level, anyone can participate! This experience consists of teams of two that will solve clues, travel to local points of interest, and complete fun challenges while discovering Fayette County in a whole new way.

                                                             

Day:     Monday

Date:    April 4

Time:    11:00 a.m.

Fee:      $20 per person includes a t-shirt

Age:     18 & older

Location:  Kiwanis Center

MEMORIES IN MYRTLE BEACH

We are going back Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for our annual spring trip.  Enjoy a city tour, shows, fun, and great food along the coast.

April 25 – 27

$455 per person based on double occupancy

Deadline for registration is February 25

Peaches to Beaches

This gigantic yard sale links peach growing counties in Middle Georgia. The annual Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale is about 220 miles long featuring vendors selling everything from antiques, to local items and yard sale stuff. Yard sale sites will range from large multi-organization sites to individual sites along US Highway 341. We begin early and travel as far as we can during a 7 hour time frame.

Day:     Friday

Date:    March 11

Time:    7:30 a.m.

Fee:      $10 per person

Age:     Adult

Location: Hwy 341

Tax Man Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

Join us on tax day for a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre. The night begins with a   murder only to climax with clues for us to solve. A wonderful dinner buffet will be provided with an evening we won’t forget.

Friday, April 15

$49 per person

6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Clayton State University

Early registration is a must as only 30 spaces are available. A minimum of 12 are required for this trip to make.

Course Code: W11181

The Tyrone PD seeks public assistance to reduce crime on the south side of town.

Citizens,

We have had several incidents of commercial burglary, theft, and property damage on the south side of Town over the past year, so I wanted to take a moment to remind all of our citizens to please call us if you see something suspicious in your travels in this area or in your neighborhood. The specific area that I am talking about is along a stretch of Senoia Road from Dogwood Trail to the south Town Limits and inside Shamrock Industrial Park.

A detailed, interactive map of the area showing the reported incidents is available at the following link:

http://www.mylocalcrime.com/fullscreen#33.447006%2C%20-84.60143 (if that link doesn't work, please try: http://tinyurl.com/4w8mxsq)

As hard as we might try, we cannot be everywhere at once, so we are asking the public to call 911 or 770-461-HELP (4357) anytime you see something suspicious while you're out and about anywhere in the Town. We've cleared several incidents in the past based on information from citizens reporting things that "just didn't look right", so please don't hesitate to call no matter how insignificant something might seem.

We are increasing patrols and traffic enforcement in this area at this time. This activity, along with the vigilant eyes and ears of our citizens and business owners will go a long way towards decreasing these incidents.

Respectfully,

Chief Brandon Perkins

Achieve the Georgia Work Ready Certification, Get Free Gas!

Georgia Work Ready Incentive Award
Fayette County Residents Only

NOTE: The Fayette County Incentive Process begins February 1, 2011 & continues while funding is available.
General Public: Must be a Fayette County Resident.

Any Fayette County Adult Resident who is not a high school student and achieves the Georgia Work Ready Certification is eligible for a one time* Fayette County Incentive in the form of gas cards as described below. This incentive process begins February 1, 2011 and will continue while funding is available. Thus, it may stop without notice. Supplies are limited. Register today.

*One time means the first time the individual takes the assessment and achieves a certificate.

(1) Take the Georgia Work Ready Assessment through Southern Crescent Technical College.
(2) Achieve score at one of the certificate levels (bronze, silver, gold, or platinum).
(3) The appropriate gift card(s) will be distributed after the assessment scores and incentive level are verified.

Recipients must provide name, address, social security number, and signature.

Register to take the Georgia Work Ready assessment TODAY!
http://www.sctech.edu/business/work.php http://www.gaworkready.org
--OR-- Call 770-228-7364 (Southern Crescent Tech)

Ronald McDonald gets a little help from Fayetteville Cops

The Fayetteville Police Department will be serving as a drop-off point for aluminum can tabs which will be turned over to the Ronald McDonald House to benefit their charity.

The mission of the Ronald McDonald House Charities is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. The Ronald McDonald House charities also operate temporary homes for families of children who are critically ill.

The Fayetteville Police Department is conducting this charitable operation in memory of Ava Scruggs-Roberson the infant grandchild of Donna Phillips, the Administrative Assistant to the Chief of the Fayetteville Police Department. Ava passed away February 18, 2009 at 8 days old. Phillips stated the Ronald McDonald House was an incredible blessing to their family during Ava’s illness.

Anyone wishing to contribute is encouraged to drop off their aluminum can tabs (tabs only) at the collection box which is located in the lobby of the Fayetteville Police Department.

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Speed Networking at the Chamber

Start building new business relationships! The Fayette Chamber has a great opportunity for those business representatives who want to expand their network. Join us at the Fayette Chamber’s next Speed Networking session on Tuesday, February 22 at 7:30 a.m., 200 Courthouse Square, Fayetteville, GA.

Each person in a pair is allowed a minute to talk – then the bell rings and individuals on one side of the table shift down a seat to meet someone new. Be prompt and prepared to learn “who they are” and “what they do” in a fast pace, facilitated session. Business cards are required.

The sessions are free of charge, but registration is required. Visit www.FayetteChamber.org to register through the Chamber’s event calendar by Monday, February 21st. For more information, contact the Fayette Chamber at (770) 461-9983. Open to Chamber members and non-members.

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The Avenue Peachtree City Supports CARE

Eyeglasses, after school tuition, clothes, school supplies, hearing aid batteries, these are some basic needs that donations from the community and The Avenue in Peachtree City are helping fulfill for Fayette’s public school students through the CARE (Children at Risk in Education) program.

The Avenue hosts free community events throughout the year where families can gather, have fun, and make an optional donation to support CARE. During the holiday season, the shopping center offered free carriage rides and photos with Santa, many patrons took the opportunity to give to CARE.

A check totaling over $1,500 was recently presented to CARE Coordinator Karen Spangler that included the community donations as well as a $1,000 contribution from The Avenue Peachtree City.

“We and our families appreciate all that this community and The Avenue does to support our students. Meeting basic needs is essential to a student’s academic success. In this economy, we have a number of families who are barely getting by. We want to help them as much as we can; donations like this enables us to stretch our reach,” says Spangler.

For more information about CARE, contact Spangler at 770-460-3990. To learn more about upcoming events at The Avenue Peachtree City, visit http://peachtreecity.shoptheavenue.com.

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Peachtree City welcomes Joey Grisham as City’s new Economic Development Coordinator

Although Joey Grisham had a wintery welcome his first month on the job as Peachtree City’s first full-time Economic Development Coordinator, he has hit the ground running since relocating to Peachtree City from Texas in January.

Grisham has nearly a decade of experience in economic development and retail consulting, successfully leading local economic development agencies in Texas, Alabama, and Mississippi. He is one of fewer than 300 individuals in the country to possess a Master’s Degree in Economic Development.

Grisham comes to Peachtree City from Keller, Texas, which was named as the 7th Best Place to Live by MONEY Magazine (just ahead of Peachtree City’s #8 slot). He also worked in Granbury, Texas, which was named one of the Top Places to Retire.

As a retail market consultant, Grisham has been involved in projects in six states, performing market assessments, retail leakage/surplus analyses, demographic/psychographic profiling, and making community/economic development recommendations. Over the years, he has developed a large network of contacts with realtors, developers, site location consultants, retailers, and corporations that will be of benefit to Peachtree City.

Joey has set an impressive list of goals for his first year with Peachtree City. He said, “First, I look forward to working closely with local businesses to help market shopping centers and reduce retail leakage, along with getting to know our existing industries and identifying any possible expansion plans and how the City might be able to assist.”

He is developing a long-range Economic Development Strategic Plan as he works with the Development Authority of Peachtree City and the Fayette County Development Authority to enhance the business climate.

Another priority of Grisham’s is to develop professional marketing materials and update Peachtree City’s website to include more economic development information for recruiting new businesses to the community.

Finally, he will be providing monthly economic development updates in Peachtree City’s weekly email newsletter, Peachtree City UPDATES. Residents can subscribe to this publication at www.peachtree-city.org/subscribe.

As a first step toward meeting these goals, Grisham will present a proposed budget for the new Economic Development Department to the Mayor and City Council for discussion and on Thursday, February 17. Council approved the City’s first full-time Economic Development Coordinator position as part of the FY 2011 budget. Grisham’s proposal will be available Friday, February 11, on the City’s web site as part of the Council Meeting Packet at www.peachtree-city.org/councilagenda.

Peachtree City’s Interim City Manager, Nikki Vrana, said, “We welcome Joey to Peachtree City. His background and professional experience make him a perfect fit for our community, and we look forward to his bringing a much greater focus on economic development in the coming year.” Grisham holds degrees from the University of Mississippi, University of Memphis, and University of Southern Mississippi. He and his wife, Shandy Long, have two children.

Fayette Continues Rein at Regional Math Tourney

Middle school math teams placed first in every division, and students swept the overall individual winners category in the Griffin RESA (Regional Educational Service Agency) 2011 Middle School Math Contest.

First place winners were Bennett’s Mill (Division I), Fayette Middle (Division II), and J.C. Booth (Division III).

Additionally, Rising Starr took second place in Division III.

Overall individual winners were Nathan Hung (first place), J.C. Booth; Seth Triplett (second place), J.C. Booth; and Nicholas Powell (third place), Bennett’s Mill.

Over 24 middle schools participated in this year’s contest, setting a new record. The regional competition included schools from Butts, Fayette, Henry, Lamar, Newton, Pike, Spalding, and Upson counties.

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