jan_feb 2011 connection

Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority

Polkwww.polkgeorgia.com

ConnectionThe

Showcasing the best of Polk CountyJanuary / February 2011

2 THE CONNECTION January/February 2011

The Whole World Is In Their Hands.

We want to help make the world a brighter place for our children. That’s why we are continuously focusing our resources towards numerous educational programs. Our employees donate their time to one-on-one mentoring programs throughout Georgia. After all, there is nothing more important to us than our future generation.

Jagdeep Singh, M.D.

118 East Girard • Suite 104Cedartown, Georgia 30125

(770) 749-1005Monday-Thursday

8am-5 pmFriday 8 am - 12 Noon

Redmond Physician Network

Redmond Family Careat Cedartown Brown’s Pharmacy

546 N. Main St. P.O. Box BCedartown Ga.

770-748-1902

Wilburn Brown Pharmacist • Owner

January/February 2011 THE CONNECTION 3

Welcome to Polk County

Your Chamber of Commerce has made a tremendous positive leap in supporting this mission. Strong leadership from our board and staff, recruitment of people who are passionate about Polk County, and increased participation among our members resulted in a literal culture change over the last few years.

Our board planning retreat in November gave us the basis for concrete goals in 2011; and the recent executive committee retreat helped us narrow our focus to ensure we achieve measurable and attainable specific goals. More of our members are working on specific issues to enhance achievement of these goals. As more members are engaged and participation increases, we will be able to enhance member services. Gone are the days when we joined the Chamber because “It’s the right thing to do.” Our Polk County Chamber staff greatly improved our website to make it a tremendous asset for our members. Besides providing current information about all aspects of our community, it is a wonderful advertising and networking medium.

The Friday E-Blast is another great use of “cyber space”. Our staff “blasts” this publication to all members via email every Friday. It provides valuable information for businesses and a current calendar with pending chamber happenings like ribbon cuttings, Chamber After Hours events, and Rise and Shine Breakfasts. If you don’t receive the Friday E-Blast, please call our staff to let them know. If you do receive it give us your feedback.

continued on page 4

Rick Hall

The mission of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce is to enhance the quality of life

by supporting and promoting business,industry, education, and government.


Welcome To Polk County................................................3Events Calendar..............................................................5Proud of Polk.................................................................. 7Silver Comet Trail..........................................................12School Zone..................................................................14Places to Go,Things To Do, ..........................................16

Table of Contents

An important initiative we started last year brought our various city and county government leaders together with the goal of enhancing communications among our elected officials. We want to continue this dialogue with follow up events that will help us identify common goals that will enhance growth and quality of life. This initiative will help us identify and advocate specific issues for our community.

Your Chamber of Commerce is anxious to start the New Year with the conviction that we can truly enhance the quality of life in Polk County. If you want to get more out of the chamber, I urge you to get involved and help us move in the right direction.

Sincerely,Rick Hall, ChairmanPolk County Chamber of Commerce

Event CalendarWelcome to Polk County

About The Cover ...... Students from Cedartown and Rockmart high schools have launched a new Mentoring program for elementary and middle school students. A Kick-Off Rally for the program included team building tasks, leadership activities and "ice-breaker" games.


Event CalendarJanuary 10Art Classes Classes in Pottery, Whittling and Decorative Painting are sponsored by the Rockmart Civic Arts Commission. For dates, times and other details see page 16.

January 17-March 52011 "Recycled" ExhibitThe Rockmart Civic Arts Commission is sponsor of the exhibit on display in the art gallery at the Cultural Arts Center, Rockmart Municipal Complex. For details see page 16.

January 20Rockmart LibraryPuppet Show is at 11:00 am. Call 770-684-3022 for details.

January 22Art AuctionFeaturing works of local artists, an art auction will be held in the art gallery of the Cultural Arts Center, Rockmart Municipal Complex. Local business owners are also donating service certificates and merchandise to be auctioned. For more information call 770-684-5454.

January 27Chamber of Commerce Annual MeetingThe 24th Annual Meeting of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce is at 7:00 pm in the Rockmart Community Center, 604 Goodyear St. For reservations call the Chamber at 770-684-8760. For additional information see page 10.

February 10Rockmart LibraryPuppet Show is at 11:00 am. For additional information call 770-684-3022.

February 26Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Known for their successful fusion of classic American sounds from jazz, swing, Dixieland and big-band music during the 90's swing revival, this seven man group presents their irresistible live show on stage in the Cedartown Performing Arts Center at 7:30 pm. See page 17.

March 11In The MoodA big band musical review celebrating the Swing Era starts at 7:30 pm in theCedartown Performing Arts Center. For more information visit www.cedartownshows.com.


S T U D E N T S

S T U D E N T S

LEADING

“High school juniors and seniors broaden their horizons........younger students share

their dreams for the future.”


Students Leading Students!Submitted by Polk School District

“Leaders are like eagles, they don’t flock, you find them one at a time.” This could become the slogan for the redesigned Polk School District Mentoring Program.

Students from Cedartown and Rockmart high schools launched a new Mentoring program for elementary and middle school students on October 7 at the Rockmart Municipal Complex. Juniors and seniors from the two schools were invited to participate as a result of their leadership commitment. Many of the student mentors are graduates of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership program. Other participants are those who have selected the Teaching as a Profession Pathway and are pursuing teaching as a career. The school district has had an ongoing adult mentoring program in the schools. However, time constraints and schedules of these busy volunteers opened the door of opportunity for the new program.

All students enjoyed meeting each other at the Kick-Off Rally by participating in team building tasks, leadership activities and “ice breaker” games. They had the opportunity to get to know each other by sharing lunch before returning to their schools. The high school students will mentor their student at a scheduled time each month for one hour.

Chamber Board Education Committee member Katie Couch worked with her committee and volunteers Ricky Ensley, Tamaka Hudson, and Hal Floyd in organizing the program kick-off event. The Rockmart-Aragon Optimist Club including Michael Rogers, Garry Baldwin and Guy Atkins assisted in preparing lunch for the students. Couch is the Director of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education for Polk School District.

In a time where everyone desires a “win-win” situation, it appears that the new Mentoring program may be just that. It is an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to broaden their horizons, make a difference in the life of a younger student and benefit from “giving back” to their communities. Younger students can be comfortable sharing dreams for the future and discussing leadership and career goals with their new friends. What an exciting time to be a student in Polk School District!

Proud of Polk

Event CalendarProud of Polk


Students enjoyed meeting each other at the Kick-Off Rally. They participated in team building tasks, leadership activities and “ice breaker” games. Food prepared by volunteers was a treat for everyone.


Member Involvement

Chamber Mission in 2011by Tamaka HudsonExecutive Director, Polk County Chamber of Commerce

Our 2011 Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board, Rick Hall, is ready to fill “big shoes”.

We have set out on a journey to inform and engage our members. That is an important task that we do not take lightly. Those “big shoes” are the voices of our businesses. We plan to walk the walk for you and help aid you in keeping commerce at its best in Polk County. You can help us with the mission. Get involved with the Chamber and join a Committee! There are multiple pathways to engagement—for you and your business. Learn about the issues that impact your business and build lasting relationships with fellow members and business owners through our Business Series, member committees and programs. Be part of the Chamber's efforts to create a competitive advantage for your business and businesses across all Polk County!

During the annual Polk County Chamber of Commerce Board Retreat, outgoing chairman Bryan Griffin (2nd from left), passes a “big shoe” to new chairman Rick Hall.



Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting

Humorist and motivational speaker Jack McCall keynotes the Polk County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, January 27 at 7:00 pm in the Rockmart Community Center.Doors open at 6:30 pm, Program begins at 7:00 pm

Jack has been inspiring audiences for more than twenty years. His insights are penetrating and his humor and style are crisp and clean.

He helps businesses and individuals perform more effectively in a world marked by constant pressure and accelerated change. Jack challenges the mind and touches the heart as well.

A farm boy who grew up in the hills and river bottoms of middle Tennessee, Jack brings memories to life as he weaves his unique style of humor into each story that he tells. His stories find their roots in some of life’s most valuable lessons.

During the Annual Meeting, the gavel will pass from outgoing Chamber Board Chairman Bryan Griffin to incoming Chairman Rick Hall. The Small Business of the Year Award will also be announced.

For more information and reservations call 770-684-8760.

Jack McCall




Great American Cleanup

Communities across America will participate in The Great American Cleanup from March through May. Schools, businesses, churches, community groups and individuals in Polk County are encouraged to be a part of this nationwide campaign, said Sharon Coffman, Director of Keep Polk Beautiful. Those planning events in litter prevention, recycling, or beautification need to register their project with Keep Polk Beautiful. “KPB can help with promoting the events and supplies,” said Sharon. For more information, call 678-246-1083.

Last year, members of the Rockmart High School Kappa Pi Beta Environmental Club, sponsored by Keep Polk Beautiful, picked up litter and took on grafitti cleanup along the Silver Comet Trail. Students, parents and other volunteers turned a totally empty area between buildings

at Van Wert Elementary School into a beautiful area for outdoor learning.


Trail Access with Parking

Silver Comet Trail

Paved

Traveling the Trail in Polk County


Horses OKMap and information courtesy of TrailExpress.com and may not be reproduced in any manner without express consent of TrailExpress.com. TrailExpress is a registered trademark of Southeastern Path Services, Inc. All rights reserved.


School ZoneIPODS Aren’t Just For Music

by Debbie FreemanPolk School District

Students in Cedartown and Rockmart High Schools are changing the face of learning. Advanced Placement students in English and Social Studies classes are in-volved in a new initiative using handheld devices in the classroom. The primary goal of this program is to im-prove student academic achievement through the use of technology. More specifically, goals are to improve the quality of Advanced Placement (AP) programs as measured by AP exam scores and to increase enroll-ments in AP classes.

In the fall students in the Advanced Placement (AP) English and Social Studies classes were introduced to using an IPOD Touch for completing research and, in some classes, submitting test results.

AP English students use IPODS as a response system for testing and /or research

CHS English teacher, Dale Tuck, assists students with IPODS


The IPOD Touch can also be configured to serve as a student response system for testing. The teacher enters test questions into a data bank. Students can see the questions on their IPOD and electronically submit their answers to the ques-tions. This immediate response format allows electronic scoring and promotes interest among students. Most students understand they have been given the name “digital natives” and this new initiative provides an opportunity for them to demonstrate, first-hand, that the title is most appropriate.

Event CalendarSchool Zone

Teachers Dale Tuck and Vicki Mayes at Cedartown High School and Margaret Jacobs and Darrell Lee at Rockmart High School are implementing the new program. Each teacher has a mobile cart housing five computers and 30 IPOD Touch handhelds. After selecting appropriate applications, or “Apps” as they are called, the instructors sync the devices and they are then ready for student use.


Places to Go, Things to Do"Recycled" Exhibit

The 2011 "Recycled" Exhibit, sponsored by the Rockmart Civic Arts Commission, is on display from January 29 through March 5 in the new art gallery at the Cultural Arts Center, Rockmart Municipal Complex, 316 Piedmont Ave., Bldg. 300. Art includes pieces compiled of objects and materials that have been discarded by others; objects that have been designed or used for another purpose, and items taken directly from nature. Art that makes a statement about recycling without including actual recycled materials are also included.

Gallery hours are Fridays 10:00 am-4:00 pm and Saturdays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. For more information contact Leight Hulsey, Arts Manager at 770-684-5454.

Art Classes

Winter Art Classes will be held in the Rockmart Civic Arts Commision Cultural Arts Center, 316 N. Piedmont Ave., Bldg. 300, Rockmart, GA 30153. Classes offered are Pottery, Whittling, and Decorative Painting.Pottery classes, instructed by Paul Craighead, begin the week of January 10 and are 8 weekly sessions. Classes include: Youth, Wednesdays, ages 7-12, 5 - 6:30 pm, , January 12 - March 2, $85, and Adult, Thursdays (minimum age 13), 6:30 - 8:30 pm, January 13-March 3, $95 or Adult Sat. (min. age 16) 10;30-12:30 pm with instruction ($10 discount for seniors). “Open Studio” Pottery is offered year round on Tuesdays from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm. It is a work at your own pace environment with no age limit. Instructor Paul Craighead assists students with pottery projects. Each session is $12. All pottery classes include instruction, materials, and firing.

Whittling Classes, instructed by Alvin Mallicoat, begin Monday, January 10. The required age is 13 and up. The class will be 4 weekly sessions. (Jan. 10, 24, 31, and February 7). Registration fee is $40 and a $5.00 materials fee. For further information on the pottery and whittling classes contact Leigh Hulsey at 770-684-5454.

For details on the upcoming Decorative Painting classes, sponsored by the Rockmart Civic Arts Commission, check www.rockmart-ga.gov/rcac or contact Leigh Hulsey at 770-684-5454. An Artists’ Reception, open to the public, is January 30 from 1 pm - 3 pm.


Main Office967 North Main StreetCedartown, GA 30125

770-748-1750

Downtown Office117 West Avenue

Cedartown, GA 30125770-748-1750

Rockmart Office131 West Elm StreetRockmart, GA 30153

770-684-7872

We are here for all your financial needs

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www.fnbpolk.com

Event CalendarPlacers to Go, Things to Do

Cedartown Performing Arts Center

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy arrived on the music scene in 1993 during the Nineties swing revival. The band is known for their legendary residency at the Los Angeles' Brown Derby nightclub. Their fusion of classic American sounds from jazz, swing, Dixieland and big-band music has built their own songbook of original dance tunes.

The group's music has appeared in more than 60 movies and television shows. Career milestones have included appearances in the Super Bowl half-time show, writing theme music for ESPN and network television, and performing for three American presidents. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s songs are in the classic American songbook, playing alongside pop standard songs in film and television.Enjoy an evening with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at 7:30 pm, Feb. 26 in the Cedartown Performing Arts Center. For ticket information call 770-748-4168 or visit www.cedartownshows.com.


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 origi-nally City Hall, but is now used as a courthouse annex.

CEDARTOWN MURAL Completed in 1999, the mural is located on the Redmond Chair Caning Building on Main Street, home of The Little Theatre on Main. The proj-ect 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, the train depot and County Courthouse #2.

CONFEDERATE MEMORIALOutside Courthouse #2 is a Confederate monu-ment erected in 1906 by United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate veter-ans.

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 oper-ated as a hotel in the 1890s. It is now an attor-ney’s office. Located across the street from the Hawkes Children’s Library.

BIG SPRING

Located 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.

WEST THEATERBuilt in 1941 on West Avenue, this structure was designed in the Art Deco Style and has been maintained in its original design. It is one of the finest examples of Art Deco style in Northwest Georgia. 770-748-3090.

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 includ-ing second floor residential availability, new businesses and remodelings. 770-748-2090.

HIGHTOWER FALLS

Originally the site of a wooden grist mill pur-chased 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 MILL

Located 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 struc-ture 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


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 structures in Polk County. The Van Wert Church Restoration Group, led by Greg Gray, is renovating the struc-ture.

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 select-ed 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 originally 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/GAZEBO

On 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 PARK

A 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."

DODGE & DAVIS AT PEEK SPRINGS

Near 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 Allatoona Pass. Once Johnston realized Sherman’s plan he began moving troops to block his way. This resulted in 10 days of battle at New Hope Church, Dallas and Pickett’s Mill in Paulding County.

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CEDARTOWN ROCkmART/ARAgONCedartown 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 mov-ies 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 con-tains 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 recre-ational 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 artists 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 brand-new clubhouse, banquet facility, and swimming pool. The club regularly hosts tournaments and lessons 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 Elm Street, 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 coun-ty 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 a 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 regional crafters display their wares throughout the park. Continuous entertainment 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 highlights.

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

Leisure Life


LOCATION AND LAND AREAPolk County, consisting of a 312 square mile area, is near the center of the South's three largest industrial 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 recruit-ment 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 cre-ates 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 sewage 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. Numerous physicians, dentists, chiropractors and other health care proviers are throughout Polk County. Immediate Care facilities are also avail-able.

POLK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCEThe main office of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce is located at 604 Goodyear St. in Rockmart. 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.

POLK COUNTY AT A GLANCE


www.GNTC.edu • 1.866.983.GNTC (4682)GNTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and an Equal Opportunity Institution.

NORTHWEST GEORGIA’S PREMIERCOLLEGE FOR WORKFORCE

Development

Georgia Northwestern Technical College• Is the largest college in Northwest Georgia• Features over 200 programs of study in the areas ofbusiness, health, industrial and public service technologies

• Is one of the largest health occupationseducation providers in the state of Georgia

• Benefits 3,200 students annually throughAdult Education programs

• Is building the future of the automotiveworkforce for the tri-state area as a part ofGeorgia’s Auto Alley

• Works with Georgia Quick Start® to providecustomized training to area businesses

Advertisers Index:Brown's Pharmacy................................................................ 2Redmond Family Care...........................................................2Georgia Power.......................................................................2 Georgia Northwestern Technical College .......................... 22Paymaster Unlimited, Inc....................................................19First National Bank of Polk County......................................17Coosa Valley Home Health..................................................23Community Bank of Rockmart............................................24

To Advertise in The Connection

Contact Jennifer Garrett 770-748-150 [email protected]

LaDonna Mears [email protected]


OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

604 Goodyear Street Rockmart, GA 30153

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Published by: News Publishing Company

P.O. Box 1633 Rome, GA 30162

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

LaDonna Mears at770-684-7811

Editorial Content by: Deanna Strickland

Polk County Chamber of Commerce

770/684-8760

ConnectionThe

Showcasing the best of Polk County

Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority

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Cedartown 770-748-9318401 N. Main Street

Cedartown, GA 30125


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¨ Interest-Bearing ¨ Minimum balance to open $3,500.00 ¨ Free Debit Card ¨ Free Internet Banking ¨ Free Internet Bill-Pay ¨ Free Checks ¨ 50% Discount on Safe Boxes ¨ Up to 25 basis point increase on Certificates of

Deposit You must maintain a minimum daily balance of $3,500.00 for the monthly statement cycle in order to avoid a $25.00 service charge per statement cycle. Interest rate and annual percentage yield may change at any time and without notice at our discretion. Interest will be compounded daily and will be credited to your account monthly. We use the daily balance method to calculate the interest on your account. This method applies a daily periodic rate to the principal in the account each day. Interest begins to accrue no later than the business day we receive credit for the deposited non-cash items. Free checks are basic checks limited to two orders per year. Safe Box discount excludes 10 x 10 boxes. Certificate of Deposit rate increase excludes specials.

1400 CHATTAHOOCHEE DRIVE ROCKMART, GEORGIA 30153

(770) 684-BANK www.bankcbr.com

1400 Chattahoochee Dr. • Rockmart, Georgia • 770-684-2265 (bank)

www.bankcbr.com

MEMBER

Polk County's Only Community Bank

1400 Chattahoochee Drive

Rockmart, GA

(770) 684-BANK (2265) www.bankcbr.com

Check Out Our Full Line of Banking Services:

1st and 2nd Mortgages

Checking Savings Internet Banking

Certificates of Deposit

FREE

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