Latest business updates in Bartow County; politics, too

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia (click)

-Profiles of County Commission candidates Eddie Lumsden, Larry Maxey kicks off our July 20 primary coverage.

-About that 'October surprise' in the Graves-Hawkins runoff.

-Along the campaign trail.  

Three Dot Buzz . . .:

-El Pueblito coming to downtown Cartersville.

-Children's Attic, Imagine Hair Air opening on Broad Street.

-Raceway brings more gas competition to Rockmart, region.

-Pet Supermarket coming to Felton's Crossing in Cartersville.

-U-turn for local car sales? And First Friday concert, movies return.  

Peaks & Valleys:

-Shorter AD Bill Peterson, staff collected deserved honors.

-Campaign rhetoric already over the top.  

First take on Chick-Fil-A's spicy chicken sandwich. Dining 

Calhoun High, Cook County split Monday's twin bill; face off Tuesday afternoon for AA baseball championship. Gordon Headlines.

Your latest forecast
-Monday night: 80% rain chance, low of 66.

-Tuesday: 50% chance of showers. High of 84.

-Tuesday night: 60% rain chance, low of 66.

-Wednesday: 40% rain chance, high of 86.

-Wednesday night: 20% rain chance, low of 67.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Campaign Watch:

-Hometown Headlines today starts our primary candidate profiles on our Politics page. Only opposed candidates in the July 20 primary are profiled.

-Our campaign coverage this year is more focused on the candidates and the issues. You will not see a series of candidate endorsements, public appearances, staged rallies, etc. Also this year: More commentary.

-Also today: Latest campaign news & views. See below.

Three-Dot Buzz:

. . . El Pueblito coming to Integrity Plaza in Cartersville: Look for El Pueblito Mexican Restaurant at 148 W. Main St. later this month. The plaza has had mixed success with restaurants, including Ambra, then Zydeco, then Schroeder's. Perhaps this regional chain will have better luck. For more on Downtown Cartersville, click DDA

. . .  Newest consignment shop due this month on Broad: Welcome Children's Attic to 226-A Broad St. It is the latest consignment shop to open downtown and comes with some differences from the rest (Posh, Smartypants, etc) Click

. . . Imagine Hair Art opens Wednesday at 334 Broad St. The grand opening is Saturday, June 5. Details

. . . Raceway now open in Rockmart: The pumps are at the corner of U.S. 278 and Ga. 113 in front of the Wal-Mart Supercenter. Saturday's cost for unleaded: $2.58 a gallon. Why does this matter? More competition for the higher-price pumps in Floyd County. Here's hoping Raceway or parent company RaceTrac heads to Floyd next.

. . . Pet Supermarket coming to Cartersville: The signs already are up for Pet Supermarket, opening soon in Felton's Crossing off U.S. 41 in Cartersville. What's of special note: The strip shopping centers along Joe Frank Harris Parkway continue to see some revival (i.e., new CVS, Blood Assurance at Collins Pointe).

. . . U-turn for car sales? That's what one veteran auto salesman tells us. May's numbers were much improved vs. the first four months of 2010. Expanded details soon.

. . . 'First weekend' free activities return:  On tap Friday night at Bridgepoint Plaza: First Friday concert with The Jamie Pelfrey Band. In Cartersville that night: Family Fun Night with the movie 'Up.' Events begin at 6 p.m. at both venues.

Did the 'October surprise' in the June runoff work or not?

-The $2.2 million suit against Ninth District congressional candidate and former Northwest Georgia representative Tom Graves opened a lot of eyes Thursday and Friday. The suit by Bartow County Bank is not the most flattering thing, especially with the runoff to determine Nathan Deal's short-term replacement set for June 8. Early voting already is under way.

-Graves faces Lee Hawkins in the runoff and then those two and three others meet in the GOP primary July 20 to settle the 2011-12 term.

-Was the timing 'bad' politics? Actually, no, given it was more than a week out from the June 8 election. The normal style is to drop an eye-opener the weekend before election day.  Hometown Headlines, for example, traditionally avoids such stunts if they're attempted the weekend before election day. We've had a few tried in local politics in recent years.

-Should the Graves' campaign have seen this one coming? Yes as anything and everything is fair game in this sad state of politics in 2010. Given that assumption, an immediate response and counterstrike should have been ready to go. It wasn't.

-Did it help or hurt the Hawkins' campaign? Neither. Graves supporters are pretty steadfast. It shouldn't hurt his chances on June 8. But it could mushroom into a problem in the July primary. As for Hawkins: It might boost his chances in the primary but it also paints the campaign as one ready to land a few strategically below-the-belt blows.

-What about the bank in all this? The timing of Bartow County Bank coming under a consent order from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. a day after the Graves' suit went public was coincidence. We doubt the FDIC gives a rip about local politics.

Along the campaign trail:

-Maybe there's something to this hiking stuff. We had a little fun with Floyd County school board candidate Terry Williamson's valid reason for missing last Thursday's GOP forum at the Etowah senior center. He had a hiking trip in Phoenix previously scheduled and he couldn't get it changed. Two days later, he had both feet firmly back in Floyd County and was still on the move, visiting various spots around town including the old Armuchee Park ball fields amid Saturday morning's humidity. Perhaps 50 people at most were there including the 12 kids practicing for an all-star baseball tournament. Williamson quickly worked the crowd, passed out literature and left for his next stop. He faces incumbent Teresa Lumsden in the July primary.

-About this week: It is a busy one including the Floyd Republican Women's luncheon Tuesday (11:30 a.m. Red Lobster) with two statewide candidates speaking while Polk County Republicans meet Saturday (9 a.m. meeting; doors open at 8 a.m., Cedartown Library). The main event Saturday: 'A Day for Democrats,' Rome Civic Center, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

PEAKS & VALLEYS:  The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia

Peak to Shorter Athletic Director Bill Peterson and his staff:

-Shorter athletics director Bill Peterson, trainer Josh Tucker, sports information director Matt Green swept the Southern States Athletic Conference director awards last week--and deservingly so. The university (as of 10 a.m. today) has continued to build on its athletics programs, including the relatively new and successful football program, and also spring and fall sports. Click

 

Valley to some of the early campaign rhetoric:

-We understand the concerns about health care reform and immigration. Both are huge national issues with intense local impact, especially with our medical community. But we also question the hot-button-pushing candidates out there trying to make names for themselves. Stick to specific local and political concerns, please. Tell us, specifically, what you'll do to bring more jobs to the region, to shore up--not deplete--our secondary and college learning centers and specifically how you'll get our transportation needs out of neutral.

House District 14 candidates dominate GOP forum. Latest on Tom Graves-Bartow County Bank suit. Soggy, hot weekend ahead.

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Politics

House District 14 candidates dominate Floyd Republican Women's forum

-The first forum of the 2010 election season gave Floyd County voters a chance to meet the three Republicans running for the state House seat that includes a third of this county, the east side, and a large part of Bartow. Out takes:

-Telling new governor: 'Finish the 411 Connector!"

-'We ran off Cabela's' thanks to government red tape.

-Plus: What six other candidates had to say Thursday night.

-Expanded story, photos. Politics

June 5/'A Day for Democrats' to feature 17 local, state candidates: The Floyd County Democratic Party's "A Day for Democrats" is set for Jackson Hill/Rome Civic Center from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Among the candidates scheduled to attend are gubernatorial hopefuls. The event is free; a southern fried chicken picnic luncheon will be on sale with booths selling drinks. VIP tables are available for $200 and seat eight people. The cost covers lunch and reserved parking.

Graves named in $2.2 million suit filed by Bartow County Bank

-Tom Graves, who's in the June 8 runoff for a congressional seat representing parts of Gordon County and Northeast Georgia, is named in a $2.2 million suit filed by Bartow County Bank. The bank is represented by Rome's Ed Hine Jr.

-The suit names TICH Hospitality LLC (click) as well as John T. Graves Jr. (Tom Graves) and William M. Rogers IV (Sen Chip Rogers) as those who sought the loan for a real estate deal.

-The paper trail behind the suit (40 pages including amendments). Click.

-Runoff opponents: Graves, a former state representative from Ranger who finished in first place in the May 11 special election for the Ninth Congressional District seat, faces Gainesville's Lee Hawkins in the June 8 runoff. The winner fills the unexpired term of Nathan Deal, who resigned to run for governor.

-Graves, Hawkins and three others are in the July 20 GOP primary for the seat as well (for the next term in Congress). Click

-New/Graves tells The Times of Gainesville: 'Gutter politics.' Click

-New/What the AJC is saying about the Graves' suit. AJC

Thursday's Bartow County Jail intake report. Click

Your holiday weekend forecast:

-Friday:  40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms; high near 90.
-Friday night: 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.
-Saturday: 50 percent chance of showers, thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86.

-Saturday night:  30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.
-Sunday:  40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. 
-Sunday Night:  30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. 
-Memorial Day:  50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. 

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey 

-Texas as an independent in football is possible but it'd be tough in other sports.

Rome Braves> Sports 

-Rome takes finale, 5-4, over Augusta.

-Braves at Augusta tonight; home Friday vs. Savannah (fireworks); military appreciation night on Saturday; 2 p.m. game Sunday; 1 p.m. game Monday.

-Mills Fitzner's recent game photos> Click

Bartow's jobless rate climbs again; analyst sees more job woes this year

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April jobless rates drop in four of five local counties, statewide but . . .

	April 2010 Employed	April  2010 Unemployed	April 2010 % jobless	March 2010 % jobless	April 2009 % jobless
Bartow	40,353	5,500	12%	11.8%	10.2%
Chattooga	9,047	1,148	11.3%	11.7%	13.3%
Floyd	44,383	4,971	10.1%	10.9%	9.6%
Gordon	21,025	3,095	12.8%	13.6%	11.8%
Polk	18,585	2,210	10.6%	11.1%	10.5%
State	4,244,459	460,777	10.4%	10.5%	9.2%

Source: Georgia Department of Labor

-What's good: The five-county April jobless report shows mostly decreases across the board except in Bartow where 5,500 remained unemployed last month.

-More good: Chattooga's numbers were actually better in April vs. the same month last year. Floyd, Bartow, Gordon and Polk were all higher than 12 months earlier.

-What to watch for: Higher unemployment numbers are Pierre Foods shuts down in Rome, idling 350 people. Plus don't forget the CCH Small Firm Services move to Kennesaw, taking another nearly 400 jobs out of the market.

-Northwest Georgia's combined jobless rate declined to 10.5 percent in April vs. 11.1 percent in March. Meanwhile, the number of unemployed workers in the area dropped to 42,497 down 2,522 from 45,019 in March.
-The state's unemployment rate declined to 10.4 percent in April, down from a revised 10.5 percent in March and from 9.2 percent at this same time last year.

-New jobs: The state showed a modest increase in new jobs in April for the third consecutive month. The number of jobs increased by 26,900. However, the number of jobs remains less than in April 2009, when there were 3,912,700 payroll jobs, 2.3 percent or 91,100 more than this year.

. . . Georgia State analyst says rough months ahead for employment  

-Random "hiccups" of nature (volcano, oil slick, etc.) combined with turmoil in the "Eurozone" leading to volatile stock markets worldwide will impact recovery from gaining a strong foothold in the United States this year, says Rajeev Dhawan, director of the Economic Forecasting Center at Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business. In his quarterly forecast released Wednesday, Dhawan said:

-Georgia's employment will remain a negative until year's end. In 2011, expect a moderate recovery: 56,600 new jobs, including 16,900 "premium" jobs. Look for 75,200 jobs in 2012 including 15,600 premium jobs.

-Georgia's unemployment rate will increase significantly to 10.6 percent in 2010. In 2011, unemployment will drop to 10.2 percent; to 9.7 percent in 2012.

-Atlanta's housing permits will increase in 2010 by a strong 35.1 percent following a 66.5 percent decline in 2009. Permit activity will increase in 2011 by 23 percent; single-family permit activity will climb by 21.8 percent. Click Forecast

PowerBall jackpot climbs to $220 million Saturday: No big winner Wednesday night. The numbers: 01-06-10-13-20 and PowerBall 32. Lottery

The Steak House II coming to former Hearth & Harvest: David Edge, owner of The Steak House in Rockmart, confirms he plans to open a second Steak House inside the former Hearth & Harvest restaurant at 650 Henderson Drive. Edge says the lease should be finalized next week and an opening date set for July or August. "The new restaurant will be very similar to The Steak House in Rockmart. The food and service will be exactly the same, but we may have a few new menu items," Edge says. The Cartersville location will be open in the evenings with lunch service planned in the future.

Etowah Valley OB-GYN in Cartersville to join Harbin Clinic June 1: Etowah Valley OB-GYN is one of the largest providers of medical services to women in Bartow County will be joining Harbin Clinic on June 1. Etowah Valley OB-GYN includes the offices of Dr. Ben Warren and Dr. Steven Spivey, along with five midwives and nurse practitioners. The group will move into the Harbin Clinic at Cartersville location at 150 Gentilly Blvd. Harbin

Media

Spiritual Sword Media links with Ringgold's Gospel Broadcasting Network

-Spiritual Sword Media will become Spiritual Media Studios. GBN is available locally on WKSY in Summerville and "reaches millions of viewers on cable systems across the nation, home satellite dishes, three television stations and it streams from their website www.gbntv.org."

Politics

-Tonight/The Floyd County Republican Women are sponsoring a GOP Candidates' Forum, 7-9 p.m., Etowah Senior Citizens Center. Click

-June 10: Rome/Floyd Tea Party breakfast meeting and forum. 7-9 a.m., with state House District 14 Republican hopefuls Greg Bowen, Christian Coomer and Shep Helton. Landmark Restaurant. Click Facebook

Wednesday's Bartow County Jail intake report. Click

Your holiday weekend forecast:

-Thursday: Mostly sunny, high of 90; low of 63. 20% rain chance.

-Friday: 30-40% chance of storms. High of 91, low of 65.

-Saturday: 50% chance of storms, high of 87; low of 64, 30% rain chance.

-Sunday: 40% rain chance, high of 89, low of 66; 20% rain chance.

-Memorial Day: 30% rain chance, high of 86.  

-Extended forecast:  Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey  

-The SEC West and the ACC Coastal look to be the toughest divisions in college football. 

Rome Braves> Sports 

-Braves

-Braves at Augusta tonight; home Friday vs. Savannah (fireworks); military appreciation night on Saturday; 2 p.m. game Sunday; 1 p.m. game Monday.

-Mills Fitzner's latest game photos> Click 

 

Georgia Classic Barbecue returns to Cartersville June 4-5. Latest Bartow updates.

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

June 4-5: Seventh Annual Georgia Barbecue Classic: Some of the nation's celebrated professional cook teams will join backyard barbecuers in the two-day event that also features music and family activities. Proceeds benefit the Good Neighbor Homeless Shelter. Location: Sam Smith Park at Milam Farm (Google Map). Hours: Friday, June 4, from 6-9 p.m. Admission: $5 per car (includes parking and concert by Babe's Bayou at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 5: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is $5 per person. Sample tickets are available in advance: $20 Pig Paks or for $1 each at the Classic. Click Classic

'One brand new Steak n Shake coming up'

-Call it a sign of the times -- as in the countdown clock for Rome's Steak n Shake is finally ticking.

-A "coming up" sign for the prototype restaurant is finally up on the current site of Johnny Carino's on Turner McCall just over the ridge from Broad Street and downtown Rome.

-This iPhone photo was taken around 9:20 p.m. Tuesday with an almost-full moon in the background.

-Wayne Robinson and Brooke Temple hope to open the 3,200-square-foot restaurant by mid fall, a few months later than first planned.

Heard on the Tweet (and Facebook, too):

-Make that ShorterUniv: Effective now, Shorter's Twitter address is www.twitter.com/shorteruiv. The college becomes Shorter University on Tuesday. Plus: The Facebook page becomes www.facebook.com/shorteru.

-All tweets on 'Deck: Local Twitter users will find some new toys on the updated Tweetdeck. Our new favorite: Timed-release Tweets (we can sleep a little later thanks to this upgrade).

-Nutshell Mail is the other new must: You can get all your Facebook Twitter and Linked In updates in one stop--throughout the day. Click Nutshell

-'Friend' Phil on Facebook: Or follow U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey on Twitter ( http://twitter.com/RepPhilGingrey). The social media congressman is trying to win the House GOP New Media Challenge.

-Not rest for those into barbecue, grilling: Memorial Day is one of the prime grilling days of summer. Magnolia Market is open Monday, Memorial Day, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. And if you want to skip the grill, Slope's BBQ in Cartersville is open Memorial Day--and will be July 4th, too (a Sunday, normally a day off for the Tennessee Street business).

Wednesday's Buzz:

-Scholarships awarded to 18 incoming Shorter students. Click

-No. 1 Cal Baptist edges Lady Hawks, 3-2; ends Shorter's title bid. Click

-DOT construction taking holiday break to ease traffic flow: The Georgia Department of Transportation will scale back its construction projects across Northwest Georgia.  Beginning at 5 a.m. Friday and continuing until 10 p.m. Monday, there essentially will be no scheduled lane closures on any Northwest Georgia interstate highway or primary state route.

-CVCU's saving crew discovers treasures at Eco Center. Business 

-Conasauga River paddle set for Saturday . Click

Aug. 21: Book'in It for the Friends of the Library races set: The Bartow County Friends of the Library is sponsoring the Second Annual Book'in It for the Friends of the Library 5K race and 1mile Fun Run on Saturday, Aug. 21. The fun run is at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K is at 8 a.m. This is an off-road race held at the Woodland High School Cross Country course in Cartersville. The course is both scenic and challenging as it covers an open field, shaded trails and one hill. Please visit www.bartowlibraryonline.org for registration.  Current race registration is $15 and increases to $20 on race day. All proceeds will benefit the Bartow County Library System.

June 5-6/Kitchen & Outdoor Living Tour, 1-6 p.m., beginning at 200 W. Main St. (Regions Bank Parking Lot). Tickets: Tickets: $20 (cash/check). Tour six of Cartersville's most fabulous kitchens and outdoor living areas. Free shuttle bus. Proceeds benefit AIDS Alliance of Northwest Georgia. Additional information at www.kitchentourcartersville.com or call (770) 606-0953.

Tuesday's Bartow County Jail intake report. Click

Your latest forecast:

-Wednesday: High of 86, low of 62; 20% rain chance.

-Thursday: Mostly sunny, high of 91; low of 64.

-Weekend: 20-40% rain chance; highs in upper 80s, lows in mid 60s.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey 

-Fan of the week likely doesn't reside in Philadelphia. Florida atop SEC All-Sports list.     

Rome Braves> Sports 

-Braves take third straight win, crush Greenjackets with 17 hits. Final score: Braves 8, Augusta 4.

-Braves in Augusta until Thursday; home Friday vs. Savannah (fireworks).

-Mills Fitzner's recent game photos> Click

Bartow Business Connection spreading to Floyd, Gordon, Polk. Latest politics. Three-Dot Buzz . . .

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia (Buzz)  

-Bartow Business Connection is sizzling as group looks to grow into Floyd, Gordon, Polk, Paulding and Cobb counties.

Campaign Watch:

-Preston Smith opening campaign HQ at Riverbend...

-Thursday primary forum gives first look at key local races...

-Newspapers unite for political coverage--or are they circling the wagons?

-Sample ballots already out for July 20 primary... 

Three-Dot Buzz . . .:

... Spicy chicken sandwich launch burning up the social media sites--and buzzing into old media, too.

... Rx for our rivers? Medicine dropoff proves to be powerful stuff.

... Fireworks to ignite holiday weekend at State Mutual Stadium.

... Gas: Good news: prices drop. Bad news: Much higher than a year ago. 

Your latest forecast:

-Monday: 20% rain chance, high near 88.

-Monday night: 20% chance of showers before 2 a.m. Low, 63.
-Tuesday: 30% chance of showers, thunderstorms after 2 p.m. High of 81.
-Tuesday night: 30% chance of showers before 8 p.m. Low, 60.

-Extended forecast: Click  / Regional radar

Now posted: Sample ballots for July 20 primary vote. Click

City of Cartersville Fire and Water Departments to begin testing fire hydrants over the next several weeks. Testing will always take place Monday through Friday and will be completed by noon to allow ample time for any challenges that are encountered. This process should not cause any inconvenience to the public, however, occasionally, testing the hydrants does stir up some sediment in the pipes, causing some minor discoloration.  If this occurs, the water is perfectly safe for drinking, but please run your water until it is clear prior to washing any laundry. Details    

-Listing of Fire Hydrant Testing Location. List

Sunday's Bartow County Jail intake report. Click

Campaign watch: Offices opening, forums forming for primary

Rome state Sen. Preston Smith's bid to be Georgia's next attorney general has a storefront campaign headquarters at Riverbend Center next to Kroger. For now, some signs on the windows, some chairs and desks are inside the former Hallmark. Look for the big sign to go up Monday night or later this week. A grand opening is set for early June. Smith faces fellow Republicans Sam Olens and Max Woods in the primary July 20; early signs show this will be decided in a runoff. The winner faces Democrats Ken Hodges or Rob Teilhet in the Nov. 3 general election.

Thursday night forum offers first look at primary candidates

-The Floyd County Republican Women are sponsoring a GOP Candidates' Forum Thursday and the headliners are the Senate seat, the House District 14 seat, and one post each on the county commission and school board. The forum is from 7-9 p.m. at the Etowah Senior Citizens Center, Kingston Highway  What to watch:

• Senate District 52: Jeff Knight, Barry Loudermilk.

• House District 14: Greg Bowen, Christian Coomer, Shep Helton.

• Floyd County Commission Post 4:  Eddie Lumsden, Larry Maxey.

• Floyd County School Board District 1: Teresa Lumsden, Terry Williamson 

Election notes:

-Sample ballots for the July 20 primary for Bartow County voters are now posted. Click Bartow ... Here's a twist: the Ninth Congressional District runoff election is June 8, with Ranger Republican Tom Graves and Gainesville dentist Lee Hawkins. The winner is a member of Congress for the rest of the year, replacing Nathan Deal. A day earlier, early voting starts for the July 20 primary --which again pits Graves, Hawkins and others in the Ninth Congressional District. A bit confusing.

Three-dot buzz . . . :

-More free stuff: There's still time to make reservations for a free spicy chicken sandwich at either Rome Chick-Fil-A location--the mall or Shorter Avenue--before sampling begins Memorial Day. Click Here to reserve your time and which location. What's of interest: How The Chick is using social media to promote the giveaway--and even reservations for said sampling (i.e., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Memorial  Day, etc.)

... Rx for local rivers? The final numbers on Redmond Regional's/CRBI's Clean Rivers for Rome Medication operation on Saturday: " 405 1/2 pounds of medications, sharps and needles ... We took back meds dating back to 1988!"

...Speaking of the holiday weekend: the biggest surprise has to be the sudden drop in gas prices. A gallon of unleaded is down more than seven cents a gallon-- a penny a day-- to $2.69 a gallon. Or on the flip side: We were paying $2.28 a gallon a year ago. Notes AAA: " The price of crude oil dropped for the third week amid concerns the financial crisis in Europe will worsen and put a halt on global economic recovery. Crude oil closed Friday at $70.04 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange."

Bartow Business Connection connecting with small businesses in Floyd, Gordon, Polk, Paulding and Cobb the 'old-fashioned way'

Parnick Jennings Jr., left, and Frankie Johnson of Styles Collision Center at May's Bartow Business Connection meeting at Johnny Mitchell's Smokehouse in Euharlee last week. Photo/Johnny Mitchell's Smokehouse Facebook page.

By Natalie Simms

natsimms76@gmail.com

With $1.4 million generated in local business over the past 17 months, the Bartow Business Connection has found success using "the old-fashioned way." And now members are branching out to include small business owners in Floyd, Polk, Gordon, Cobb and Paulding.

"Our goal is to return to the old-fashioned way of doing business where you meet in person, shake hands, introduce yourself and your service," says Parnick Jennings Jr. of Shaw Hankins and co-founder of the Bartow Business Connection. "We're focused on keeping business local, keeping jobs in the community…it's doing business you like to do, there's no magic to it."

Parnick and co-founder Jessica Fleetwood, with Fleetwood Securities, launched the group in January 2009 after a group of small business owners expressed a need for a morning networking meeting.

"That first month we had 125 people and since then, we've averaged 100-200 people per month," Jennings says. "We now alternate our meetings with every other month meeting at a business location in the morning and then the following month meeting at a local restaurant in the evening…it's a great opportunity for our hosting restaurants to gain some new customers."

The Mitchells welcome the business connection to their popular barbecue spot near the Covered Bridge in Euharlee. Photo/Johnny Mitchell's Smokehouse Facebook page.

The group's May meeting was at Johnny Mitchell's Smokehouse in Euharlee drawing it's largest attendance yet with approximately 300 people. After the meeting, Jennings estimates 50 or more stayed for dinner, thus boosting the restaurant's sales.

"I would like all who are in business to stay in business," says Fleetwood. "There's not a lot of money to spend on advertising right now and this is a great way to meet people, get the word out about your business, give out business cards…a lot of people have benefitted."

James Hall, owner of JDH Electric based in Cartersville, has seen his business grow over 25 percent in the last year from his connections through the group.

"For me, a small business owner in Cartersville, I have been able to meet and do business with people that I might not haveotherwise had the opportunity to meet or do business with," he says. "It's definitely helped my business in a great way by being able to make face-to-face connections.

"I'm developing trusting relationships with people that know you and respect you. When someone asks you about a service, you are more likely to refer them to someone you already have a connection to…refer to those you know."

Jeff Osborn, Benefits Manager with Harry Daniel Insurance in Cartersville, says the group has generated some sales leads to help build his business.

"I've got one solid lead already and made some connections with a few others…definitely good getting our name out there," he says. "It is really a good opportunity to network and meet some folks you haven't met before. In today's economy, the biggest objective is helping overcome the shortfalls we're all facing and this is helping build business."

Jennings says another bonus to business owners is that membership is completely free. There are no dues or membership fees. The monthly business host does have to provide refreshments but pays no hosting fee.

"I've had over a half-dozen businesses tell me that if it were not for the Bartow Business Connection, they would not be in business right now," he says. "It's a good multiplier and directly responsible for generating business. We are encouraging folks from Floyd, Polk, Bartow, Paulding and Gordon to come and join us. We don't turn anyone away because we all hope to do business with each other. We are not competitors with any other group…we get along with all the local chambers and groups."

New business owner Mike Murphy says the group has given him a couple of solid business leads for his three-week-old financial/accounting consulting firm.

"This is a terrific opportunity…definitely filling a void in providing a common meeting place for business folks," he says. "I've lived here 13 years, worked in Cartersville four years, and now I'm three weeks into my own venture. This has been a great way to get to local businesses and tell them what I'm doing. I've had a great experience."

Jennings says the group is developing a website but does have an active page on Facebook for more information. Bartow Business Connection

Facebook

 

1.5 inches of rain so far in Bartow; more on the way. Sizzling Sunday. Politics: First forum set; GOP meets Saturday

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

1.5 inches of rain so far; more on the way today.  Sunday: 91 degrees?

This radar image from 6:40 a.m. shows the one storm about to clear our area and what likely is on the way later today. For live radar, click:  Regional radar

Today's storms could be spoilers; Sunday looks like a sizzler:

-With an inch of rain at the airport since 11 p.m. Thursday and more on the way, Northwest Georgians are keeping an eye on the forecast and a busy Friday night. In the balance are several outdoor events tonight including Calhoun's Concerts in the Park featuring The Infinity Show Band; graduations for Cass High and Sonoraville High; and baseball playoffs for youth leagues. Skies should clear for Saturday's arts and history walk (click) in Rome. Updates all day.

-Your latest forecast:

-Friday: 70% chance of storms, high of 82. Low of 64; 20% storm chance. -Saturday: Mostly sunny, high of 89; low of 59.

-Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 91, low of 65.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Berry grad to open nation's first 'modular' Domino's in Eton; more traditional store in Adairsville:  Todd Nelson, who already has Domino's franchises in North Georgia, is bringing the modular unit online quickly. Also in the works: A somewhat more traditional but state-of-the-art Domino's franchise in Adairsville next month from Nelson.  Chatsworth Times

Politics/Candidates forum set for May 27; includes two regional seats:

-The Floyd County Republican Women are sponsoring a GOP Candidates' Forum on Thursday, May 27, from 7-9 p.m. at the Etowah Senior Citizens Center on Kingston Highway in Rome.  This event is open to the public and free of charge. The invited candidates are:

• Floyd County School Board:  David Johnson, Teresa Lumsden, Terry Williamson (Lumsden, Williamson in July 20 primary)
• Floyd County Commission:  Eddie Lumsden, Larry Maxey, John Mayes, Chad Whitefield (Lumsden, Maxey in July 20 primary)
• House District 13: Katie Dempsey
• House District 14: Greg Bowen, Christian Coomer, Shep Helton (all in July 20 primary)
• Senate District 52: Jeff Knight, Barry Loudermilk (in July 20 primary)

-May 22/Bartow County Republican Party, 9 a.m., campaign headquarters, Main Street. State School Superintendent candidate Richard Woods; gubernatorial candidate Jeff Chapman.

Friday's Buzz

-Gingrey corrects 'error' where campaign funds paid medical fee: The investigative website Atlanta Unfiltered questioned U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey's use of campaign funds to pay a $400 medical license fee--an amount Gingrey tells Channel 11 that has already been repaided and corrected. Campaign dollars also were spent on membership fees for the Greater Rome and Polk County chambers, the WXIA report says. Gingrey is unopposed for re-election to a fifth term in the House also an Independent candidate has told supporters he will run. Gingrey's campaign balance at March 31: $1.4 million. Click

-AJC: State Mutual Insurance Co. and Admiral Life Insurance Co. have been subpoenaed in the John Oxendine investigation and told to "produce correspondence, documents, e-mails 'or any other forms of communication' between company officials and 10 Alabama political action committees, the AJC reports.

Bartow County/Cartersville City graduations:
-Cass High School, May 21 at 6 p.m. at stadium
-Cartersville High School, May 21 at 7 p.m. at stadium

-Adairsville High School, May 21 at 8 p.m. at stadium

-Woodland High School, May 22 at 9 a.m. at stadium

City of Cartersville Fire and Water Departments to begin testing fire hydrants over the next several weeks. Testing will always take place Monday through Friday and will be completed by noon to allow ample time for any challenges that are encountered. This process should not cause any inconvenience to the public, however, occasionally, testing the hydrants does stir up some sediment in the pipes, causing some minor discoloration.  If this occurs, the water is perfectly safe for drinking, but please run your water until it is clear prior to washing any laundry. Details    

Today: The New Frontier of Bartow County, Inc. will be hosting their annual Memorial Day BBQ Sale. Plates will be available at 151 Firetower Road, NE, from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. The menu will consist of barbecue chicken or ribs, baked beans, cole slaw, bread, and cake. The cost is $8 for either a rib or chicken plate.  Deliveries are available with a minimum of 10 orders.  The orders are guaranteed to arrive at least 15 minutes in advance of your designated delivery time. The proceeds from this event will benefit the organization's scholarship fund, which will be awarded on June 12 at the Annual Awards Day Program. Details: Michael Dean @ 770-547-5003, Bibby Morgan @ 770-548-5252, Ralph Lowe @ 404-512-8973, or Bryan Canty @ 770-655-0927.

Thursday's Bartow County Jail intake report. Click & Click

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey 

-Is Chipper bowing out with his skipper? There's nothing wrong with the Georgia Dome.

Rome Braves> Sports 

-Hickory edges Rome Braves, 3-2; ends win streak at four.

-Braves make roster changes

-Braves on the road until Friday, May 28 vs. Savannah.

-Mills Fitzner's recent game photos> Click

Double dose of great local employment news. Plus: graduation updates; council agenda link; 85 today, storms Friday?

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Cartersville City Council, 7 tonight. Hear it live on WBHF 1450 AM or Web cast here on Bartow Headlines. Click Agenda

-Latest report to Cartersville City Council members> Details

Bartow County/Cartersville City graduations:
-Cass High School, May 21 at 6 p.m. at stadium
-Cartersville High School, May 21 at 7 p.m. at stadium

-Adairsville High School, May 21 at 8 p.m. at stadium

-Woodland High School, May 22 at 9 a.m. at stadium

Employment: A double dose of good news in April

1) Number of first-time unemployment insurance filers down 44 to 53%

	April 2010	March 2010	April 2009	12-month %
Bartow	823	933	1,464	Down 43.8%
Chattooga	114	105	114	No change
Floyd	864	1,415	1,570	Down 45%
Gordon	614	733	1,232	Down 50.2%
Polk	435	776	923	Down 52.9%
Georgia	60,661	69,265	84,346	Down 28.1%

Source: Georgia Department of Labor

April's first-time unemployment stats were much better than most had assumed. In four of five local counties, the number of filers dropped significantly--by almost 44 percent in Bartow to almost 53 percent in Polk. Chattooga stayed the same as it was a year earlier. Statewide, the drop topped 28 percent.

-The actual numbers are more dynamic than the percentages: from 1,570 filers in April 2009 in Floyd County to 864 last month or from 1,464 in Bartow County to 823 or from 1,232 in Gordon County to 614 in April of this year.

-What it means: We might seen some improvement on the monthly jobless rates, which have been in the 10-plus percentage range for months.

-But more bumps ahead: Coming this summer--350 jobs lost at Pierre Foods plus the exodus of CCH Small Firm Services (up to 400 jobs heading to Kennesaw)

2) Rome/Floyd's labor force GROWS by 400 jobs in April:

39,700 people had jobs here last month vs. 39,300 a year earlier. That's an increase of 1 percent.

The chart to the right shows how Rome/Floyd's labor force has climbed and dropped in the past 13 months. April was tied for the third best month in the past year.(Labor Department chart).

How the state Department of Labor sees it:

-State picture--jobless rate declines: The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 10.4 percent in April, down one-tenth of a percentage point from a revised 10.5 percent in March. The April jobless rate was up 1.2 percentage points from 9.2 percent at this same time last year.

-First-time jobless claims dip: 60,661 laid-off workers filed initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits, a decline of 8,604, or 12.4 percent from 69,265 in March. There was also a decline of 23,685 initial claims, or 28.1 percent, from 84,346 filed in April 2009.

-Most of the first time claims were filed in trade, manufacturing, construction, and administrative and support services.
-Better days? Georgia's job market showed a modest improvement for the third consecutive month. The number of payroll jobs in April increased 26,900, or seven-tenths of a percentage point, from 3,794,700 in March to 3,821,600. However, the number of jobs remains less than in April 2009, when there were 3,912,700 payroll jobs, 2.3 percent or 91,100 more than this year.
-Says Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond: "Although our job market is slowly improving, the continuing increase in the number of long-term unemployed Georgians is troubling," said State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. "The specter of structural unemployment is beginning to cast a long shadow across the American workplace."

So who is hiring right now?

-As we await April employment reports, Hometown Headlines took a quick look at who's hiring right now. The reason: On Tuesday, rue 21, a retail shop at Mount Berry Square and elsewhere in Northwest Georgia, had a job fair that drew around 100 applicants. And for good reason: the retailer has new stores opening in Acworth and Douglasville.

-Also drawing attention is the sign at Taco Bell on Turner McCall, advertising for managers for the "new store." The new store will be at the same location later this fall, next to the recently opened Zaxby's and Ace Hardware.

-So, who is hiring now? We took a look at local job sites to find out:

Georgia Department of Labor:

-More than 40 opportunities in the "Rome Metro" area, with a range of restaurant managers to caregivers and others. Labor

-In Cartersville, Bartow County: 38 jobs including firefighter. Bartow

-In Calhoun/Gordon County: At last 45 jobs, ranging from e-commerce administrator to farmworker. Gordon

.-In Polk County: 37 jobs, including a business development tech specialist. Polk

CareerBuilder (Hometown Headlines' partner): 17 jobs placed in the past three weeks including medical, retail and restaurants. Click Career

HotJobs (Yahoo!): 9 jobs including nursing positions, physical therapy. Jobs

Political Buzz

-Business connection draws political crowd, too:  Tuesday's Bartow Business Connection gathering at Johnny Mitchell's Smokehouse in Euharlee grew a solid crowd, especially among politics. Attending were state Senate hopeful Barry Loudermilk and two of the men trying to replace him in the state House: Christian Coomer and Greg Bowen. Photos . . . Crowded District 9 congressional race gets slimmer: Republican Bill Stephens has left the race to replace Nathan Deal in Georgia's Ninth Congressional District as has Dr. Bert Loftman. That leaves five in the race, all Republicans, including Ranger's' Tom Graves. . . Another cup of tea? Given Tuesday's big showing by Tea Party-friendly candidates, look for tonight's local meeting to have even more energy. Details ... First candidate to lose our vote this season (i.e., 'robo' political call): Stephen Dale Northington, insurance commissioner wannabe. 

Looking for updated gas prices, maps, directions, and travel information on vacation this summer. Yes, for these needs as well--there's an app for that: And it is a freebie courtesy of the AAA TripTik Mobile iPhone application. Check iTunes

Thursday's Buzz

-Highlands does OK after all when it comes to funds for new year. CH

-Latest update from visitor bureau's Hospitality Headlines. Click

-2010 top nursing award nominees, recipients at Cartersville Medical Center. Click

-Friday: The New Frontier of Bartow County, Inc. will be hosting their annual Memorial Day BBQ Sale. Plates will be available at 151 Firetower Road, NE, from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. The menu will consist of barbecue chicken or ribs, baked beans, cole slaw, bread, and cake. The cost is $8 for either a rib or chicken plate.  Deliveries are available with a minimum of 10 orders.  The orders are guaranteed to arrive at least 15 minutes in advance of your designated delivery time. The proceeds from this event will benefit the organization's scholarship fund, which will be awarded on June 12 at the Annual Awards Day Program. Details: Michael Dean @ 770-547-5003, Bibby Morgan @ 770-548-5252, Ralph Lowe @ 404-512-8973, or Bryan Canty @ 770-655-0927.

Wednesday's Bartow County Jail intake report. Click

Your latest forecast:

-Thursday: High of 85, low of 63; 60% rain chance overnight.

-Friday: 70% chance of storms, high of 80. Low of 65; 40% storm chance.

-Weekend: Slight chance of rain both days; mid 80s, mid 60s at night.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey 

-The top offensive coordinator in the country may practice at Auburn. 

Rome Braves> Sports 

-Braves finish four-game sweep of Riverdogs, 12-5. 

-Braves on the road until Friday, May 28 vs. Savannah.

-Mills Fitzner's recent game photos> Click

No three-peat for Purple Hurricanes. Latest Bartow updates

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

No three-peat for Cartersville Purple Hurricanes:

-CHS drops two to Columbus, 6-0 and 8-5, ending the school's bid for a third consecutive state championship. Hurricanes

-We tip our hats to the Purple Hurricanes for another great year of high school baseball.

-We thank WBHF 1450 AM for its excellent coverage of today's games and all season.

Latest update from visitor bureau's Hospitality Headlines. Click

2010 top nursing award nominees, recipients at Cartersville Medical Center. Click

Friday: The New Frontier of Bartow County, Inc. will be hosting their annual Memorial Day BBQ Sale. Plates will be available at 151 Firetower Road, NE, from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. The menu will consist of barbecue chicken or ribs, baked beans, cole slaw, bread, and cake. The cost is $8 for either a rib or chicken plate.  Deliveries are available with a minimum of 10 orders.  The orders are guaranteed to arrive at least 15 minutes in advance of your designated delivery time. The proceeds from this event will benefit the organization's scholarship fund, which will be awarded on June 12 at the Annual Awards Day Program. Details: Michael Dean @ 770-547-5003, Bibby Morgan @ 770-548-5252, Ralph Lowe @ 404-512-8973, or Bryan Canty @ 770-655-0927.

Tuesday's Bartow County Jail intake report. Click

More 'signs' of change at Shorter Uni .... College

Signs of Shorter College's switch to a

university status are popping up everywhere these days. A new sign at Midtown Crossing,  soon home to Shorter's business college, is up but under cover for a few more days.  Also, a new electronic sign in on the school's Shorter Avenue entrance. Among the messages: News of the switch to university status. Part of the university celebration includes a June 1 concert with Christian recording artists Rebecca St. James and Jonny Diaz. It begins at 6 p.m. at the Rome City Auditorium, 601 Broad St., with In Pursuit, a local band that includes Shorter student Drew Carroll, as the opening act. Diaz will take the stage at 6:30 p.m., followed by featured artist Rebecca St. James at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $5 for students and $8 for adults. All tickets will be $10 at the door. Box Office, 706-233-7288, or click Tickets.

-Thieves steal 48 laptops from Shorter's College Park computer lab. Click

Mercier Orchards, a favorite stop of Northwest Georgians while in Blue Ridge, isn't just for apples any more. Plus: Fried pies at Tech games? U pick crops a big hit with Mercier visitors as strawberry harvest shows. Buzz

PowerBall jackpot work $145 million tonight> Lottery

Your latest forecast:

-Wednesday: 81 degrees, sunny skies; low of 53.

-Thursday: High of 86, low of 64; 30% rain chance overnight.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey 

-Georgia Tech needs to stay right where it is and say no thanks to the SEC.

Rome Braves> Sports 

-Braves' bats stay hot as Riverdogs fall, 9-2, in day game> Sports

-Today's game begins at 1 p.m. at State Mutual Stadium.

-Mills Fitzner's recent game photos> Click