MONTHLY NEWSLETTER    ...    May 2016 Edition

119 W. Washington Street
     Post Office Box 133

     Monticello, Georgia 31064


     Phone: 706-468-8994

                                                           www.jaspercountycoc.com

               We Facebook! 


Farmer's Market OPENS May 7th on the Square!
Just as Ray Bradbury's "Dandelion Wine" ushers in the start of summer, so does the kickoff of the Annual Market Festival on the Square in Monticello. Opening day is this Saturday, May 7th.  This year the 2016 season is from May 7 through September 24.  Local farmers and artisans will spend much of their week during the spring and summer preparing to bring their harvest to the town Square for YOU to reap the benefits.  They have been plowing, planting, and watering for at least  4 weeks now.  Harvest time has arrived and it is time to share it with the community. 

You will not see all the vendors every week as some of them will only attend while their crop is in season (corn, watermelon, and cantaloupe).  Please support the market each week!  You, the community, have asked to have a farmer's market and the vendors have worked hard preparing their fruits, vegetables and homemade wares for you.  You are the most important ingredient to making our market a success.  Come each week and take advantage of getting the best local grown, handmade, or Georgia grown products around - right here in Jasper County.                            See you at the market!   Pam and Rebecca


Join Us...!   Third Thursday Coffee Call
 

Promoting Business and Community!
TOURIST GETS SUPRISED
Janet (purple shirt), a tourist from Florida made sure to stop by the Visitors' Center after visiting local landmarks from her favorite movie, "My Cousin Vinny"! To her surprise Cary Terrill  owner of Sac O' Suds  happened to stop by.  Janet said it made her day!  


OPEN HOUSE
GRAND OPENING in NEW LOCATION
Forsyth Street - on the Square
Southern Embroidery Works offers boutique women and children's clothing and accessories. Along with men's shirts and accessories. We also offer in house embroidery and vinyl monograms on any of our items or items you bring in!  Stop by Saturday for our Grand Opening to be entered in a giveaway for up to 10 items, some including monograms. We will also have 10% off on special items!!

April 21st, Linda Simmons,  Southern Crescent Technical College's  Jasper County Center Coordinator and Chamber of Commerce Board of Director along with Rebecca Jacobson, Chamber of Commerce Manager attended the 2015 Manufacturer of the Year Awards in Atlanta.  Governor Nathan Deal was the keynote speaker for the event.
In celebration of  National Homeownership Month, USDA Rural Development Area Specialist Patricia Simmons will be at the Farmer's Market on June 4th.  Patricia will have hand-outs, flyers, and information about becoming a first time homeowner here in Jasper County.  Make plans to attend the market to find out more.
Chamber of Commerce chair, Skip Davis recently met with the Jasper County Mentor Program as they were presented a year-long marketing campaign by students from Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville.  The students traveled to Monticello to make their presentation. The students are seniors finishing their capstone requirements in Strategic Marketing taught by Dr. Renée Fontenot. Pictured are Kristen Weirzbowski, Kaity Loper, Jehan El-Jourbagy, JCMP Executive Director,  Natalee Laye, Caroline Dumas, Jackie Hernandez and Skip Davis, JCMP Board Member.  The aim of the marketing campaign is to increase community awareness and recruit more mentors and supporters.
Adam Pugh with The Rock Ranch was the keynote speaker recently at the Monticello Kiwanis Club . Adam helps coordinate company picnics, school groups and recreational activities at the agri-tourism facility in Rock, Ga.   Mr. Pugh is pictured center with the Jasper County Development Authority's David Dyer and Monticello Kiwanis Club  president Morad El-Jourbagy. 

Annual Golf Tournament - Sponsors and Players
We would like to THANK everyone who participated

It was a beautiful Spring day Wednesday, April 20
th as 56 players participated in the Monticello-Jasper County's Annual Golf Tournament at Hunter Pope Country Club.   The Chamber of Commerce would like to thank each golfer and sponsor that made our Annual Golf Tournament a success!  This year, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Jasper County Animal Shelter through the organization Rescue Me Georgia.  
The tournament would not be a success without our generous sponsors.  
 G INN Automotive of Covington was the tournament's "Hole-in-One" Sponsor on number 18 hole with a chance to win an electric blue 2016 Dodge Ram!
Gold Sponsor, Hooper Trailer Sales awarded $400 to the 1 st place team with a score of 54, team players included captain Mike Hudson, John Whitlock, Walter Smith, and Hunter Candler. 
Silver Sponsor, Waites & Foshee awarded $300.00 to the 2 nd place team with a score of 56, team players included captain Manila Sofola, Randy Parker, Wayne Rye, and Thomas Deraney.
Bronze Sponsor, American Legion Post 110 awarded $200.00 to the 1 st place team with a score of 57, team players included captain Don Kelly, Donald Tyler, Preston Tyler, and Tom Boose.
Closest To Pin Sponsor, Cal Maine Foods awarded Walter Smith, Turkey Holland, Scotty Moore, and Michael Wilson
Longest Drive and Straightest Drive Sponsor, Robby and Cindy's Café' awarded Lee Henderson for straightest drive, and Chris Harper for longest drive.
Other sponsors included:  Beverage Cart Sponsor, State Farm Insurance;  Cornerstone Members, Abbey Hospice, Bank of Monticello, Central GA EMC, Evercore Insurance, Monticello First United Methodist Church, Lewis & Malone Heating and Air, Inc, Paul and State Representative Susan Holmes, and Tricia Armistead, CPA, PC;  Tee-off Hole Sponsors, Associated Staffing Services, Heartland Clinic of Chiropractic, MD. HVAC, Piedmont Academy, Rescue Me Georgia, NAPA, Southern Crescent Technical College, Smith & Sons Funeral Home. Putting Green Sponsors, Besley's Event Center, Eden Massage, Edward Jones/Jeffrey Hattaway, Georgia Energy Propane, JASCO, Jasper County Farm Bureau, Jasper County Small Engine Repair, Jordan Engineering, Local Government Consulting Services, McLaurin Graphic, MetzgerMoore, Inc., MD. HVAC, The Snap'N Turtle, Angie Steele for Chief Magistrate, Trouteaud Consulting Group.

April's featured Business/Organization
Jasper County Animal Control and Rescue Me Georgia 
During the month of April, The Chamber of Commerce featured the Jasper County Animal Control.  The "stuff the display window" at the Visitors' Center campaign was a huge success.  Citizens in the community brought dog food, cat food, kitty litter, cleansing detergents, flea and tick shampoos, toys, blankets, treats and more to benefit our homeless animals in Jasper County.

The Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce issued a $300.00 check to Rescue Me Georgia.  Rescue Me Georgia, a local non-profit organization, will purchase items the Jasper County Animal Control specifically needs for the rescued animals in Jasper County.  The proceeds came from donations collected at the Chamber of Commerce's annual Golf Tournament.

Meet the Candidates Forum was held April 21st..
The Chamber of Commerce 
sponsored a  "Meet The 2016
Candidates"  on Thursday,
April 21, 2016 in the Courtroom
at the Jasper County Courthouse.  
 
All candidates running in the 2016 General Primary Election, Nonpartisan General Election, and Special Runoff Election for Jasper County (and the Ocmulgee Circuit) were invited to attend, but only candidates that had opposition were asked questions.  Adam McGinnis of Southern Edge Realty was the evening's moderator and Representative Susan Holmes gave the closing remarks.  
Judge of Superior Court Ocmulgee Wingfield:
Amand a Petty, Christian Henry, Dawn Baskins
County Commissioner District 3: 
Gene Trammell, J. Ross Hayes
County Commissioner District 5: 
Doug Luke, Roger Harrison
Board of Education District 4: 
Bill Schilling, Wesley Sparks
Chief Magistrate Judge: 
Angie Steele, Bobby Jacobs, Tim Lam

COMMUNITY EVENTS
The events listed below are Chamber of Commerce members...
Support those who support the Chamber of Commerce!  Shop Local.  Support Local.
The Hurricane Players present
"Annie Jr."
May 5, 2016 - 6 p.m.
Jasper County High School Auditorium
Admission $3.00 per person

GRANDPARENTS CLUB
SPRING YARD SALE and BAKE SALE
Saturday, May 7th, 8:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M.
Piedmont Academy Auditorium  
JASPER COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL
SPRING FLING
Saturday, May 7th (time was not posted)
Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center
JAKES Day - May 7, 2016
Looking for a way for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors this spring? Come to Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center's (CEWC) JAKES Day Saturday, May 7! This FREE fun-filled event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CEWC Discovery Area in Mansfield and will be held rain or shine.

Admission is FREE and includes an array of activities that focus on wildlife, conservation efforts and outdoor recreational opportunities in Georgia. Children can try their hands at archery, fishing, shooting sports, and can go on a mini-boat ride with a Georgia Department of Natural Resources Conservation Ranger. Various live animal presentations, face painting, solar viewing with the Charlie Elliott Astronomy and exhibitors displaying wildlife themed booths add to the festivities.

The first 500 kids receive a free hot dog lunch (adults can eat for a nominal fee), thanks to sponsors of the event, WRD and the Georgia Chapter of NWTF. Be sure to stop by the Visitors' Center to tour the museum, and take advantage of special sales in the gift shop.

To get to CEWC, take I-20 to Exit 98. Travel south on Highway 11, go through Mansfield and continue three miles south to the entrance at Marben Farms Road on the left. Then follow the JAKES Day signs to the Discovery Area.
Interested in volunteering at JAKES Day? Visit  www.georgiawildlife.com/getinvolved/volunteer.





Monticello-Jasper County  Chamber of Commerce -  Ambassador Program
 
Become a volunteer today!

The Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce has two main areas of focus: business and tourism.  With such a diverse range of impact, there is a place for everyone to get involved!  How can you serve your community?
 
GREETER:   Meet and greet visitors / tourists, give  directions & general local information, answer phone calls.
 
HOSPITALITY:   Prepare foods for special events.  Example:  breakfast or lunch items, desserts, gift baskets, etc.  
 
FARMER'S MARKET:   Help on Saturday's during the market.  Assist vendors load & unload items, help with special events.
 
GOLF TOURNAMENT:   Attend planning meetings, approach potential sponsors & players, set-up & take down on day of tournament.
 
DEER FESTIVAL:   Serve on committee (Deer Dash, pageant, parade, entertainment), be a quadrant supervisor, etc.
 
OTHER COMMITTEE'S:   Help with different projects, events, and committees throughout the year.  Example:  Membership Drive, Leadership Jasper, Shop Small Saturday, Town Hall Meetings, Forums, and more.

Be a part of the Chamber of Commerce team...
Click here for:   2016 Membership Application