The 5th Annual Drugs Don’t Work (DDW) conference is set for April 14th from 11am to 1pm in the 1st Franklin Training room on Doyle St. Our goal is to give our businesses and industry the tools they need to become - and stay a Certified Drug Free workplace.
We have partnered with the Phillips Group, and the HR Personnel Society to bring you a program that will benefit your business and our community.
Some of the benefits include: a bottom line savings of 7.5% on Worker’s Compensation premiums; Supervisor training credits needed for certification renewal; knowledge of resource providers in the community; and employee drug awareness education that will reach the entire community.
We have a great program this year! Our keynote speaker is Andria Lure Ryan who is a partner in the Atlanta office of Fisher & Phillips and represents employers in virtually every area of employment and labor law.
Also, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and Toccoa Police Department will open with updates on the fight against drugs in our community. Danny Yearwood will also give a report from the Stephens County Anti-Drug Coalition. There will be door prizes and participant information packets provided.
Your Chamber has discounted the certification fee from $150 to $100 through the end of June. We provide assistance with completing the certification requirements including: having a substance abuse policy, a drug testing program, employee and supervisor training and an EAP program or a listing of counseling and treatment centers.
Please call the Chamber today to reserve your spot in the Drugs Don’t Work Conference at 706-886-2132.
Few Announcements for you:
First we’d like to introduce our new Welcome Center Visitor Information Specialist, Ms Debra Lewis. She has lived in Martin f or the last 10 years and is a native of Hart County. She has a background in education and social work. Please come by and meet Ms Debra Lewis. Bring her your brochures for the displays - and small gift items for the Newcomer Welcome bags!
Finally did you hear the Chamber is offering members a business web page for $150? This is a great opportunity for those who do not have a web presence, to affordably create another point of connection. We continue to see - the effectiveness of the Internet and social media. The Chamber is offering new members the web page for $100 when they join between now and April 30th. Come grow with us!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Team Toccoa-Stephens County Receives Camera Ready Designation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Stefanie Paupeck
Georgia Department of Economic Development
404-962-4075
SPaupeck@georgia.org
Seventy-three Georgia Counties Named Camera Ready Communities
Economic impact of the entertainment industry in Georgia was $1.4 billion in 2010
ATLANTA (March 21, 2011)— Governor Nathan Deal and the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), designated 73 Georgia counties Camera Ready at the Georgia State Capitol today. The state’s Camera Ready Community Program was launched as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to bolster Georgia’s growing film and television industry.
“We have experienced a significant increase in jobs, investment, infrastructure and film induced tourism, making Georgia’s entertainment industries among the state’s fastest growing sectors,” said GDEcD commissioner Chris Cummiskey. “The statewide response has been tremendous from Georgia counties that want to become Camera Ready in order to help bring jobs and investments to their local communities.”
Camera Ready is a designation put in place by the state to offer film and television production companies easier, faster and better access to local resources and information. A Camera Ready Community must designate a liaison who can assist film and television production companies on a local level. The first 16 Georgia counties were designated Camera Ready at EUE/Screen Gems Studio in Atlanta on October 7, 2010.
The 73 Georgia counties that received the ‘Camera Ready Community' designation were Appling, Baldwin, Banks, Barrow, Berrien, Bulloch, Butts, Calhoun, Camden, Candler, Chattahoochee, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coffee, Columbia, Crisp, Dawson, Decatur, Dooly, Douglas Elbert, Fannin, Fayette, Franklin, Glynn, Gordon, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hancock, Haralson, Harris, Hart, Henry, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Jenkins, Laurens, Lincoln, Lumpkin, Macon, Marion, McDuffie, Meriwether, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Muscogee, Oconee, Paulding, Pickens, Pike, Pulaski, Rabun, Richmond, Rockdale, Schley, Screven, Stephens, Sumter, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Taylor, Terrell, Toombs, Towns, Upson, Walton, Warren, Washington, Webster, White and Whitfield.
The 2008 Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act helped the state’s entertainment industry achieve record numbers. The economic impact of production activity increased 440 percent between fiscal years 2007 and 2010, surging to $1.4 billion. Georgia is now among the top five states in the nation for film and TV production with more than 335 productions shot in Georgia in FY2010 bringing in more than $759.3 million in investment to Georgia.
The Georgia Production Partnership (GPP), a not-for-profit coalition of companies and individuals active in the state's film, video, music, and interactive game industries, founded the original Camera Ready program formerly known as Fast Forward. Established in 1998, this professional group has been instrumental in the grass roots organization of the production community and the development of key legislative incentives.
To learn more about Georgia’s Camera Ready Community Program, please visit www.georgia.org/cameraready.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.
CONTACT:
Stefanie Paupeck
Georgia Department of Economic Development
404-962-4075
SPaupeck@georgia.org
Seventy-three Georgia Counties Named Camera Ready Communities
Economic impact of the entertainment industry in Georgia was $1.4 billion in 2010
ATLANTA (March 21, 2011)— Governor Nathan Deal and the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), designated 73 Georgia counties Camera Ready at the Georgia State Capitol today. The state’s Camera Ready Community Program was launched as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to bolster Georgia’s growing film and television industry.
“We have experienced a significant increase in jobs, investment, infrastructure and film induced tourism, making Georgia’s entertainment industries among the state’s fastest growing sectors,” said GDEcD commissioner Chris Cummiskey. “The statewide response has been tremendous from Georgia counties that want to become Camera Ready in order to help bring jobs and investments to their local communities.”
Camera Ready is a designation put in place by the state to offer film and television production companies easier, faster and better access to local resources and information. A Camera Ready Community must designate a liaison who can assist film and television production companies on a local level. The first 16 Georgia counties were designated Camera Ready at EUE/Screen Gems Studio in Atlanta on October 7, 2010.
The 73 Georgia counties that received the ‘Camera Ready Community' designation were Appling, Baldwin, Banks, Barrow, Berrien, Bulloch, Butts, Calhoun, Camden, Candler, Chattahoochee, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coffee, Columbia, Crisp, Dawson, Decatur, Dooly, Douglas Elbert, Fannin, Fayette, Franklin, Glynn, Gordon, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hancock, Haralson, Harris, Hart, Henry, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Jenkins, Laurens, Lincoln, Lumpkin, Macon, Marion, McDuffie, Meriwether, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Muscogee, Oconee, Paulding, Pickens, Pike, Pulaski, Rabun, Richmond, Rockdale, Schley, Screven, Stephens, Sumter, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Taylor, Terrell, Toombs, Towns, Upson, Walton, Warren, Washington, Webster, White and Whitfield.
The 2008 Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act helped the state’s entertainment industry achieve record numbers. The economic impact of production activity increased 440 percent between fiscal years 2007 and 2010, surging to $1.4 billion. Georgia is now among the top five states in the nation for film and TV production with more than 335 productions shot in Georgia in FY2010 bringing in more than $759.3 million in investment to Georgia.
The Georgia Production Partnership (GPP), a not-for-profit coalition of companies and individuals active in the state's film, video, music, and interactive game industries, founded the original Camera Ready program formerly known as Fast Forward. Established in 1998, this professional group has been instrumental in the grass roots organization of the production community and the development of key legislative incentives.
To learn more about Georgia’s Camera Ready Community Program, please visit www.georgia.org/cameraready.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Toccoa-Stephens County is Camera Ready!
Press Release: Toccoa-Stephens County More Ready Than Ever for Film, TV Productions
The Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office will host the designation ceremony for Georgia’s newest Camera Ready Communities on Monday, March 21st at the State Capitol. Governor Nathan Deal will designate 73 Georgia counties Camera Ready at 10am.
Being named Camera Ready means T-SC has in place a program that provides film and television production companies with easier, faster and better access to local resources and location information. As the Camera Ready liaison for our community, the T-SC Chamber of Commerce is the primary local contact for production companies and will partner with Toccoa Mainstreet and the Development Authority to identify local resources, from locations and hotels to businesses, such as caterers and dry cleaners.
2009 was a banner year for filming in Georgia, with more than 348 productions bringing an estimated $770 million to our state’s economy, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Georgia-lensed movies "Zombieland" and "The Blind Side" both opened at No. 1 at the box office. In 2009, productions were shot in 50 counties in Georgia, impacting local communities like ours throughout the state.
As many communities have also experienced, films and television programs can drive increased tourism inspired by the success of the local production. For example, the church built as a set for the Disney project “The Last Song” is now an event facility in Tybee Island. And the Whistle Stop Café from “Fried Green Tomatoes” put Juliette on the map.
Producers love Georgia for our diverse settings, tax incentives and talented workforce. Today, more than 25,000 Georgians are employed in the entertainment industry, and numbers are only expected to grow. The local economic impact from productions can be significant, including hiring of local residents, hotel stays and purchases of goods and services.
But while Georgia has done an effective job selling itself to production companies, other states have also worked hard to lure films and television programs. Camera Ready will help to ensure we can stay ahead of the competition by meeting the very specific local needs production companies have.
There are a wealth of locations, talent and assets in our community and in our state that production companies can use to everyone’s advantage. Camera Ready is one more way we’re making sure they do.
The Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office will host the designation ceremony for Georgia’s newest Camera Ready Communities on Monday, March 21st at the State Capitol. Governor Nathan Deal will designate 73 Georgia counties Camera Ready at 10am.
Being named Camera Ready means T-SC has in place a program that provides film and television production companies with easier, faster and better access to local resources and location information. As the Camera Ready liaison for our community, the T-SC Chamber of Commerce is the primary local contact for production companies and will partner with Toccoa Mainstreet and the Development Authority to identify local resources, from locations and hotels to businesses, such as caterers and dry cleaners.
2009 was a banner year for filming in Georgia, with more than 348 productions bringing an estimated $770 million to our state’s economy, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Georgia-lensed movies "Zombieland" and "The Blind Side" both opened at No. 1 at the box office. In 2009, productions were shot in 50 counties in Georgia, impacting local communities like ours throughout the state.
As many communities have also experienced, films and television programs can drive increased tourism inspired by the success of the local production. For example, the church built as a set for the Disney project “The Last Song” is now an event facility in Tybee Island. And the Whistle Stop Café from “Fried Green Tomatoes” put Juliette on the map.
Producers love Georgia for our diverse settings, tax incentives and talented workforce. Today, more than 25,000 Georgians are employed in the entertainment industry, and numbers are only expected to grow. The local economic impact from productions can be significant, including hiring of local residents, hotel stays and purchases of goods and services.
But while Georgia has done an effective job selling itself to production companies, other states have also worked hard to lure films and television programs. Camera Ready will help to ensure we can stay ahead of the competition by meeting the very specific local needs production companies have.
There are a wealth of locations, talent and assets in our community and in our state that production companies can use to everyone’s advantage. Camera Ready is one more way we’re making sure they do.
Weekly Chamber Update for St. Patrick's Day Week
Happy St Patrick’s Day Week!
The Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office - will host the designation ceremony - for Georgia’s newest Camera Ready Communities on Monday, March 21st at the State Capitol. Governor Nathan Deal will designate Toccoa Stephens County as Camera Ready at 10am.
Being named Camera Ready means we have in place a program that provides film and television production companies with easier, faster and better access to local resources and location information. As the Camera Ready liaison for our community, the Chamber of Commerce is the primary local contact for production companies - and partners with the County, City and Development Authority to identify those local resources, such as caterers and dry cleaners.
There is a wealth of locations, talent and assets in our community and the Camera Ready designation will ensure we can meet - the very specific local needs production companies have.
We had a very festive Ribbon Cutting at the Sonic on Big A Rd to celebrate a grand re-opening. Go by and say hello and thank you to New Owner James Addision. Buy some food and let him tell you all the great things he has going on there. It’s Sonic Good!
We had a Business-After-Hours at the Toccoa Clinic Administrative Office in the Foothills Center. The Clinic is welcoming Dr. Shri Nadig, a distinguished ear, nose and throat surgeon. Dr. Nadig is seeing patients at the Foothills Centre location. The Jack Pot was up to $450 and Lee Hick’s name was drawn but he was not present so he did not win.
Next Tuesday, at 8:30am is our monthly Network Toccoa meeting Chaired by Rabun Kimzey of Regions Bank and held at the WNEG Radio conference room.
Finally, did you hear the Chamber is offering an online marketing Special for new members. When you join the Chamber between now and April 30th you’ll get a discount on the online Business Directory enhanced listing. This is a great opportunity for businesses - who do not have a web presence,- to affordably create another point of connection. We continue to see the effectiveness of the Internet and social media. Come grow with us!
That’s your weekly Update. I’m Wendi Bailey your Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President.
The Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office - will host the designation ceremony - for Georgia’s newest Camera Ready Communities on Monday, March 21st at the State Capitol. Governor Nathan Deal will designate Toccoa Stephens County as Camera Ready at 10am.
Being named Camera Ready means we have in place a program that provides film and television production companies with easier, faster and better access to local resources and location information. As the Camera Ready liaison for our community, the Chamber of Commerce is the primary local contact for production companies - and partners with the County, City and Development Authority to identify those local resources, such as caterers and dry cleaners.
There is a wealth of locations, talent and assets in our community and the Camera Ready designation will ensure we can meet - the very specific local needs production companies have.
We had a very festive Ribbon Cutting at the Sonic on Big A Rd to celebrate a grand re-opening. Go by and say hello and thank you to New Owner James Addision. Buy some food and let him tell you all the great things he has going on there. It’s Sonic Good!
We had a Business-After-Hours at the Toccoa Clinic Administrative Office in the Foothills Center. The Clinic is welcoming Dr. Shri Nadig, a distinguished ear, nose and throat surgeon. Dr. Nadig is seeing patients at the Foothills Centre location. The Jack Pot was up to $450 and Lee Hick’s name was drawn but he was not present so he did not win.
Next Tuesday, at 8:30am is our monthly Network Toccoa meeting Chaired by Rabun Kimzey of Regions Bank and held at the WNEG Radio conference room.
Finally, did you hear the Chamber is offering an online marketing Special for new members. When you join the Chamber between now and April 30th you’ll get a discount on the online Business Directory enhanced listing. This is a great opportunity for businesses - who do not have a web presence,- to affordably create another point of connection. We continue to see the effectiveness of the Internet and social media. Come grow with us!
That’s your weekly Update. I’m Wendi Bailey your Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Electronic Ribbon Cutting for Chamber Web Site
Have you seen the Chamber’s web page lately? It’s like we need an electronic Ribbon Cutting!
Visit www.toccoagachamber.com and check out the new “Featured business page” with member’s pictures and articles, and the new Available Retail Property page, and the new banner advertisements and the new Hot Deals. Click on the new Face book page, LIKE us and then upload a picture of your store front and post your business news.
And finally, click on the Business Directory to see the new “enhanced” listings. These members are separating themselves from the competition - in their business category - and they can track their hits stats, too. They get a business logo next to their listing, 3 paragraphs about their business, 5 bullet points, 6 photos, 20 words to enhance their search-ability and they can edit as often as they wish. It’s that quick and easy – you could have a web page tomorrow! Let us help you enhance your online visibility. We’ll come to your business place and show you how to do it. Call us today!
3 Announcements:
Yesterday, the Chamber’s EcD Development Committee Chaired by Michelle Lamping of First Citizens Bank, had an “Entrepreneur Coffee” to collect the 1st round DRAFTS of the Business Plans from the participants in the Chamber’s Business Plan competition. We have 9 Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses in the challenge Next steps are to partner them with the Business Students at TFC and other resource providers to refine their plans and re-submit the final version on April 13th. The prize list continues to grow! We are now offering over $1,000 in business products and services.
Good Luck to our Business Plan Competitors – 1) Finnegan’s Baked Goods, 2) Reynold’s Pool & Spa, 3) Big A Signs & Tees, 4) The Fab Four Store, 5) Distinctive Floral Vision, 6) Brett Walker IT Services, 7) Infinite Possibilities Internet Broadcasting, 8) Jim Cason’s Handicap Furniture and 9) Martin Personal Assistance Services.
Today, we have a Business-After-Hours from 5pm to 6:30pm at the Boys & Girls Club on Whitman Street. Come by and say hello to Director Oliver Dorsey and let him tell you about all the great things he has going on there for our youth. The Jack Pot is up to $450 and you must be present to win.
Next Tuesday, we have the STAR Student & Teacher The Chamber is pleased to announce Sara Porter is the 2011 PAGE STAR Student for the Stephens County School System. Sara is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cliff and Teresa Porter of Toccoa. Sara selected Mrs. Wynette Neal as her STAR teacher who taught her Gifted Social Studies class when she was in the 8th grade at the Middle School. The reception will be at 5pm at the School System Central Office Tugaloo room.
Remember the Chamber’s mission is to be a business advocate, community partner and economic development stimulator.
Members are a Chamber lifeblood. During the month of March if a member recruits a new member they will receive a credit on their membership renewal. Come grow with us!
That’s your weekly Update. I’m Wendi Bailey your Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President.
Visit www.toccoagachamber.com and check out the new “Featured business page” with member’s pictures and articles, and the new Available Retail Property page, and the new banner advertisements and the new Hot Deals. Click on the new Face book page, LIKE us and then upload a picture of your store front and post your business news.
And finally, click on the Business Directory to see the new “enhanced” listings. These members are separating themselves from the competition - in their business category - and they can track their hits stats, too. They get a business logo next to their listing, 3 paragraphs about their business, 5 bullet points, 6 photos, 20 words to enhance their search-ability and they can edit as often as they wish. It’s that quick and easy – you could have a web page tomorrow! Let us help you enhance your online visibility. We’ll come to your business place and show you how to do it. Call us today!
3 Announcements:
Yesterday, the Chamber’s EcD Development Committee Chaired by Michelle Lamping of First Citizens Bank, had an “Entrepreneur Coffee” to collect the 1st round DRAFTS of the Business Plans from the participants in the Chamber’s Business Plan competition. We have 9 Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses in the challenge Next steps are to partner them with the Business Students at TFC and other resource providers to refine their plans and re-submit the final version on April 13th. The prize list continues to grow! We are now offering over $1,000 in business products and services.
Good Luck to our Business Plan Competitors – 1) Finnegan’s Baked Goods, 2) Reynold’s Pool & Spa, 3) Big A Signs & Tees, 4) The Fab Four Store, 5) Distinctive Floral Vision, 6) Brett Walker IT Services, 7) Infinite Possibilities Internet Broadcasting, 8) Jim Cason’s Handicap Furniture and 9) Martin Personal Assistance Services.
Today, we have a Business-After-Hours from 5pm to 6:30pm at the Boys & Girls Club on Whitman Street. Come by and say hello to Director Oliver Dorsey and let him tell you about all the great things he has going on there for our youth. The Jack Pot is up to $450 and you must be present to win.
Next Tuesday, we have the STAR Student & Teacher The Chamber is pleased to announce Sara Porter is the 2011 PAGE STAR Student for the Stephens County School System. Sara is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cliff and Teresa Porter of Toccoa. Sara selected Mrs. Wynette Neal as her STAR teacher who taught her Gifted Social Studies class when she was in the 8th grade at the Middle School. The reception will be at 5pm at the School System Central Office Tugaloo room.
Remember the Chamber’s mission is to be a business advocate, community partner and economic development stimulator.
Members are a Chamber lifeblood. During the month of March if a member recruits a new member they will receive a credit on their membership renewal. Come grow with us!
That’s your weekly Update. I’m Wendi Bailey your Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
2011 STAR Student and Teacher Announced in Toccoa-Stephens County
SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce
RECEPTION DATE: Tuesday, March 15, 2011
TIME: 5pm
LOCATION: District Office, 2332 Mize Rd Toccoa, Tugaloo Room
Contacts:
Chamber of Commerce President: Wendi Bailey 706-886-2132
Chamber Education Committee Chair: Greg Roach, NGTC Currahee Campus Director 706-779-8113
Chamber Education Committee Vice Chair, Board of Directors Vice Chair: Barry Roberts, Global Partitions 706-827-2700
School Superintendent: Sherrie Whiten 706-886-9415
High School Principal: Felton Stephens 706-886-6825
High School Guidance Counselor: Susan Carman 706-886-6825
The PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program, in its 53rd year, is sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Department of Education. The mission is to recruit, develop, retain and recognize outstanding teachers for all Georgia students.
To obtain the STAR nomination, high school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the three-part SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average.
The Chamber is pleased to announce Sara Porter is the 2011 PAGE STAR Student for the Stephens County School System. Sara is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cliff and Teresa Porter of Toccoa. Sara selected Mrs. Wynette Neal as her STAR teacher who taught her Gifted Social Studies class when she was in the 8th grade at the Middle School.
The Chamber of Commerce is the sponsoring organization of the Stephens County School System STAR Program and partners with the High School to honor these students and teachers. The Education Committee Chair is Greg Roach, Director of the NGTC Currahee Campus and the Vice Chair is Barry Roberts, Plant Manager of Global Partitions. Committee members include representatives from the Middle School, High School, Department of Labor, Partners for Success and the Education Literacy Foundation.
A special reception will be held at the District Office Tugaloo Room to recognize the STAR student and teacher on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 5pm before the School Board meeting. Faculty and staff along with legislative representatives including Congressman Paul Broun’s office, the Stephens County Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce Board are among the invited to attend.
Since its inception, the STAR program has honored more than 22,000 students and the teachers they have selected as having had the most influence on their academic success. “We are very proud of both our STAR student and teacher and the academic excellence they exemplify,” said Sherrie Whiten, School Superintendent. “We wish Sara the best as she goes on to compete for region honors.” The Region Banquet is sponsored by Chief Judge Brenda Weaver of the Appalachian Judicial Circuit and will be held at the First Baptist Church of Jasper on Thursday, March 24th at 7pm.
Other events supported by the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee include the Job Fair, Career Fair, Partners-In-Education Business After Hours, School System Annual Report Forum and the upcoming Stephens County Scholars Reception set for Tuesday, April 19th, at the District Office Tugaloo Room, at 5pm.
RECEPTION DATE: Tuesday, March 15, 2011
TIME: 5pm
LOCATION: District Office, 2332 Mize Rd Toccoa, Tugaloo Room
Contacts:
Chamber of Commerce President: Wendi Bailey 706-886-2132
Chamber Education Committee Chair: Greg Roach, NGTC Currahee Campus Director 706-779-8113
Chamber Education Committee Vice Chair, Board of Directors Vice Chair: Barry Roberts, Global Partitions 706-827-2700
School Superintendent: Sherrie Whiten 706-886-9415
High School Principal: Felton Stephens 706-886-6825
High School Guidance Counselor: Susan Carman 706-886-6825
The PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program, in its 53rd year, is sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Department of Education. The mission is to recruit, develop, retain and recognize outstanding teachers for all Georgia students.
To obtain the STAR nomination, high school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the three-part SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average.
The Chamber is pleased to announce Sara Porter is the 2011 PAGE STAR Student for the Stephens County School System. Sara is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cliff and Teresa Porter of Toccoa. Sara selected Mrs. Wynette Neal as her STAR teacher who taught her Gifted Social Studies class when she was in the 8th grade at the Middle School.
The Chamber of Commerce is the sponsoring organization of the Stephens County School System STAR Program and partners with the High School to honor these students and teachers. The Education Committee Chair is Greg Roach, Director of the NGTC Currahee Campus and the Vice Chair is Barry Roberts, Plant Manager of Global Partitions. Committee members include representatives from the Middle School, High School, Department of Labor, Partners for Success and the Education Literacy Foundation.
A special reception will be held at the District Office Tugaloo Room to recognize the STAR student and teacher on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 5pm before the School Board meeting. Faculty and staff along with legislative representatives including Congressman Paul Broun’s office, the Stephens County Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce Board are among the invited to attend.
Since its inception, the STAR program has honored more than 22,000 students and the teachers they have selected as having had the most influence on their academic success. “We are very proud of both our STAR student and teacher and the academic excellence they exemplify,” said Sherrie Whiten, School Superintendent. “We wish Sara the best as she goes on to compete for region honors.” The Region Banquet is sponsored by Chief Judge Brenda Weaver of the Appalachian Judicial Circuit and will be held at the First Baptist Church of Jasper on Thursday, March 24th at 7pm.
Other events supported by the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee include the Job Fair, Career Fair, Partners-In-Education Business After Hours, School System Annual Report Forum and the upcoming Stephens County Scholars Reception set for Tuesday, April 19th, at the District Office Tugaloo Room, at 5pm.
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