Cobb Chamber of Commerce News Newswire

LILLIE WOOD NAMED 2009 SMYRNA CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Marietta, Ga. (Nov. 12, 2009) – The Cobb Chamber of Commerce named Lillie Wood the 2009 Smyrna Citizen of the Year at the Smyrna Area Council breakfast meeting this morning.

   Wood has been an active member in the Smyrna community for over 49 years.

   During her tenure as president for the Friends of the Smyrna Library, Wood coordinated the activities of 15 committees and started several programs including the Library Link newsletter, four mystery dinner theatres, a literacy tutor training program, genealogy classes, an adopt-a-book program, and a volunteer recognition program. Under her leadership membership grew to more than 400 making the Smyrna Friends group one of the largest in Georgia.

   As Taylor-Brawner House Foundation president, Wood helped raise more than $450,000 allowing the historic 1890 house to be restored, furnished and returned to the city. Woods professional involvements include being active in the Bennett Woods Garden Club, Griffin Middle School PTA and the Smyrna Jaycettes.

   Past winners of the Smyrna Citizen of the Year include, Ryan Byers, Warren Stubbs, Colonel James Davis, Kehl Arnson, Arthur Crow, Jr., Mayor Max Bacon and Wood’s husband Pete.

   The Smyrna Area Council meeting was sponsored by Emory-Adventist Hospital.

   The Cobb Chamber of Commerce represents Cobb County’s diverse, dynamic business community. The Cobb Chamber is a member-supported business organization working to maintain a healthy economy by bringing business and industry to the area, helping established firms grow and building the community through outreach and service.

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ROSELLE WILKINSON NAMED 2009 EAST COBB CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Marietta, Ga. (Nov. 4, 2009) – The Cobb Chamber of Commerce today named Roselle Wilkinson the 2009 East Cobb Citizen of the Year award at the East Cobb Area Council breakfast meeting.

   Wilkinson has been an active member in the east Cobb community for over 17 years as a volunteer and business owner. She has been active in volunteering for civic and community organizations including Civitan International, East Cobb Civitan, Camp Big Heart Civitan, Center for Children, Atria and Sunrise Assisted Living Centers and Adopt-A-Highway Program.

   Wilkinson has collaborated with the Friends of the East Cobb Park to host an annual Silent Auction and Wine Tasting that has raised over $85,000 in the past seven years for the park.

   In addition to numerous volunteer efforts, Wilkinson is the president of Corporate Risk Advisors, Inc., an independent insurance agency. Her professional involvements include being a member of the Georgia Independent Insurance Agents Association and Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Association.

   Former Cobb County Schools Board Member Johnny Johnson, who presented the award described Wilkinson as, “a dedicated person and a natural leader.”

   Past Winners include Dr. Charlotte Stowers, Bobby Shaw, Carole Kell, Rita Jean Wollam, David Connell and John DiPetrillo.

   The East Cobb Area Council meeting was sponsored by BB&T. Cobb County Commission Chairman Sam Olens was the guest speaker.

   The Cobb Chamber of Commerce represents Cobb County’s diverse, dynamic business community. The Cobb Chamber is a member-supported business organization working to maintain a healthy economy by bringing business and industry to the area, helping established firms grow and building the community through outreach and service.

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COBB CHAMBER’S TEACHER FOR A DAY

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Marietta, Ga. (Oct. 16, 2009) – The Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Teacher for a Day program placed local officials, area business men and women in Marietta High, Middle and Elementary classrooms yesterday. The participants worked side-by-side with Marietta City’s outstanding teachers for a full day and experienced what today’s classrooms are really like.

   State Representative Alisha Thomas Morgan spent the day in Elaine Reisenauer’s fifth grade math classroom at Marietta Center for Advanced Academics.

   Morgan stated, “It’s critical to be in a class, to see first hand how legislation affects the people on the grounds”.

   Marietta City Schools district Teacher of the Year Marie Sherbondy said, “Honestly, it’s a great program. We need to have business leaders come in and see what’s going on, they realize the joys and challenges we may face throughout the day.”

   Marietta Teacher for a Day was a success and a great learning experience for all those who participated.

   The Cobb Chamber of Commerce represents Cobb County’s diverse, dynamic business community. The Cobb Chamber is a member-supported business organization working to maintain a healthy economy by bringing business and industry to the area, helping established firms grow and building the community through outreach and service.

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COBB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS PUBLIC SAFETY

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Marietta, Ga. (Oct. 5, 2009) – The Cobb Chamber of Commerce honored Cobb County’s finest today during the Chamber’s annual Public Safety Appreciation breakfast at the Cobb Galleria Centre.

   The Chamber presented four awards, the Public Safety Employee of the Year, an Award of Merit, a Medal of Valor and the Distinguished Achievement Award. The event kicked off a weeklong community effort Oct. 4-10 to celebrate Public Safety Appreciation Week.

   The Cobb Chamber received 17 nominations for recognition of employees from public safety agencies throughout Cobb County, including police, fire, sheriff’s office, campus police, EMS, National Park Service and state patrol. Former professional athlete, business man and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker was the keynote speaker at the breakfast.

Public Safety Employee of the Year
   The Cobb Chamber presented Sergeant Clifton Halten of Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU) with the Public Safety Employee of the Year award.
   Sergeant Halten has served four years in public safety with the SPSU Police Department, after serving in Iraq as an active duty United States Marine.
   Within the SPSU Police Department, Sergeant Halten has submitted more suggestions for departmental improvements than any other member of their department. Several of these suggestions have been adopted and implemented to the benefit of the University and its community.
   One of his major accomplishments has been decreasing the amount of illegal underage alcohol consumption. In a short period of time, by using effective campus community contacts and proactive patrol practices, Sergeant Halten has been able to successfully reduce underage alcohol use to an almost non-existent level.
    Sergeant Halten also has saved lives through his quick thinking and ingenuity when citizens needed his assistance. On March 28, Sergeant Halten was traveling on South Marietta Parkway and noticed a distraught woman screaming frantically; when he pulled up to the scene he discovered that her husband was experiencing a heart attack. The victim’s wife had already called an ambulance, but both the victim and his wife were from Florida, and were unable to inform 911 of their exact location. Sergeant Halten quickly apprised 911 of their position. Sensing the critical time constraints of the situation, Sergeant Halten directed another SPSU police officer to escort the arriving ambulance to the victim’s exact location, preventing any possibility of further delay for much needed medical assistance.
   On April 25, Halten responded to an injured person call at a residence apartment. Upon arrival he noticed a large amount of blood in the hallway leading to an apartment. Once inside the apartment, Halten discovered the victim slouched in the bathtub with a large laceration to his right arm. Knowing that the drastic blood loss was life threatening and it needed to be stopped immediately, Sergeant Halten cleverly used his baton to fashion an improvised tourniquet to stop the bleeding until emergency medical personnel arrived. Halten’s responsiveness and fast actions saved the lives of these two citizens.
   Sergeant Halten’s steadfast enthusiasm to excel in any challenge he faces serves as a constant inspiration to all his colleagues and co-workers.

The Medal of Valor
   The Cobb Chamber presented the Medal of Valor to Hansell “Junior” Walraven of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. The Medal of Valor recognizes a person for an act of bravery that has clearly placed the individual in a life-threatening situation that is above and beyond the call of duty.
   Major Hansell “Junior” Walraven has worked for the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office for 26 years. In May, Major Walraven was working a part-time job as a security officer for WellStar Cobb Hospital when he encountered an armed individual in the emergency room parking lot.
   Major Walraven’s calm demeanor and firm command of the situation permitted him to eventually persuade the suspect to surrender his weapon and be taken into custody without further incident. Major Walraven’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the law enforcement profession in that he protected the public and effectively ended a potentially life threatening incident without injury to himself, the suspect or citizens.

Award of Merit
   The Cobb Chamber presented the Award of Merit to Engineer Grant Pearson of the Marietta Fire Department. The Award of Merit recognizes an individual for an act of courage, demonstrating genuine care and concern for the citizens of the community and going above and beyond the call of duty, often resulting in a life being saved.
   After completing a 24 hour shift at Marietta Fire Station 51, Engineer Pearson left work in for some much deserved time off. On his way home he noticed a woman driving the wrong way down a one way street near the Marietta Square. With many innocent lives at risk he knew he needed to take a quick action and stop the woman. Putting his own life in harm’s way, he followed the woman until she stopped at a traffic light. At that point, he was able to approach the car on foot and ask if he could be of assistance. She told him she could not find her way home, and Pearson offered to help her.
   He found her address via her driver’s license and with the use of his personal GPS device, he lead her back to her home several miles away. He stayed for a few hours to be sure she was comfortable and safe.

Distinguished Achievement
   The Cobb Chamber presented the Distinguished Achievement award to Major Tom O’Connor of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. The Distinguished Achievement Award honors someone whose outstanding service and performance often goes unnoticed, yet exceeds the realm of their job.
   Various community programs, such as volunteering to coach different youth sports, have taken a large portion of Major O’Connor’s spare time and energy over the past 20 years. He is also the Supervisor liaison for three local high schools, connecting them with the Sheriff’s Office and a School Resource Officer.
   As a cancer survivor, Major O’Connor is known for his determination and perseverance in the face of adversity, which grew during his battle with Leukemia. O’Connor along with supporters helped organize “Friends of Tom O’Connor,” which is a nonprofit organization established to raise funds and promote awareness for cancer research and patients with the American Cancer Society. Major Tom O’Connor is a tremendous leader as he leads by example.

   The breakfast was sponsored by Cobb EMC and Cousins Properties.
   A committee of community, business and public safety leaders planned the breakfast and appreciation week. Cobb County Sheriff's Office Colonel Milton Beck was the chairman of the Cobb Chamber’s Public Safety Committee.

   The Cobb Chamber of Commerce represents Cobb County’s diverse, dynamic business community. The Cobb Chamber is a member-supported business organization working to maintain a healthy economy by bringing business and industry to the area, helping established firms grow and building the community through outreach and service.

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COBB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS READY TO HELP FLOOD VICTIMS

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Marietta, Ga. (Sept. 23, 2009) – The Cobb Chamber of Commerce offers its heart-felt concern to those impacted by this week’s massive flooding throughout the area.

   Business owners across Cobb are waiting to see if their companies, along with their homes, are damaged or in worse case scenarios, a total loss. But the Cobb Chamber of Commerce is not waiting to offer assistance; we are ready now.

   The Cobb Chamber is leading efforts to help businesses recover quickly in targeted areas. The Chamber is positioned to recommend its membership base and local relief organizations to provide assistance to businesses that were impacted by the flooding. This will help provide reassurance to flood victims that these businesses are qualified and in good standing.

   “A natural disaster impacts the entire community but it can be doubly devastating to business owners who are dealing with personal and business losses,” says Chamber Chairwoman Dr. Lisa Rossbacher. “We want to help get these businesses back on their feet. The sooner they recover, the sooner the community as a whole recovers.”

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COBB CHAMBER PRESIDENT AND CEO BILL COOPER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Marietta, Ga. (Sept. 14, 2009) – The Cobb Chamber of Commerce announced today that President and CEO Bill Cooper is retiring. He will remain in the position through the end of 2009.

   Chamber Chairwoman Dr. Lisa Rossbacher said, “The Chamber is truly sorry to see Bill leave, but we wish him the very best in his future ventures. His contribution to the organization and the community has been appreciated and valued. His work will have a lasting impression.”

   Cooper joined the Chamber in 1999, after serving as County Commissioner for eight years. He has served as the past chairman of the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. He has been active in the Regional Business Coalition and has played a critical role in working through many regional challenges. He also has been very involved in the Cobb community, serving on numerous boards and foundations.

   Cooper is excited about starting a new chapter in his career. “I look forward to continuing to help make a difference in the county that my wife Diane and I have grown to love over the past 20 years,” said Cooper. “I am fortunate to have worked with a great team of employees, board members and volunteers.”

   “Bill’s greatest contribution has been the team he has put together,” said Chamber Chairman-elect Rob Garcia. “He is known for leading a premier chamber of commerce that is recognized and respected throughout the country.”

   After serving in the Air Force for 5 years, Cooper was a commercial pilot for 28 years. He retired early from Delta Air Lines to work for the Chamber and the community.

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FEDEX GROUND TO EXPAND COBB DISTRIBUTION CENTER
270 ADDITIONAL JOBS WILL BE CREATED

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Marietta, Ga. (Aug. 19, 2009) – FedEx Ground validated its decision to move to Georgia and specifically Cobb County when it moved forward with phase two of its world class distribution center next to McCollum Field.

   “This has been one of FedEx’s most successful distribution centers. FedEx enjoys access to a world class workforce as well as great infrastructure,” said Michael Hughes, director of Economic Development for Cobb County.

   Its newest initiative will add 85,000 square feet to its state of the art facility and create an additional 270 well paying jobs.

   “We believe that FedEx’s business model and commitment to the community is a perfect fit for our county and we look forward to helping them grow as they continue to meet the needs of the business community and the citizens of Georgia,” says Rob Garcia, chairman-elect of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce.

   Walker Owen, facility manager of FedEx’s Cobb location says, “Our move to Cobb County and the support we have received from the county has helped make our center one of the most productive facilities in the network.”

   This enhancement will provide the additional capabilities that will add to its already efficient handling of local, regional and country-wide service.

   The Cobb Chamber is pleased to have a leading industry of FedEx’s caliber call Cobb home.

   For future job inquiries, please visit www.Fedex.com.

   The Cobb Chamber of Commerce represents Cobb County’s diverse, dynamic business community. The Cobb Chamber is a member-supported business organization working to maintain a healthy economy by bringing business and industry to the area, helping established firms grow and building the community through outreach and service.

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Cobb Chamber of Commerce News Newswire

LILLIE WOOD NAMED 2009 SMYRNA CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

ROSELLE WILKINSON NAMED 2009 EAST COBB CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

COBB CHAMBER’S TEACHER FOR A DAY

COBB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS PUBLIC SAFETY

COBB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS READY TO HELP FLOOD VICTIMS

COBB CHAMBER PRESIDENT AND CEO BILL COOPER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

FEDEX GROUND TO EXPAND COBB DISTRIBUTION CENTER 270 ADDITIONAL JOBS WILL BE CREATED

FEDEX GROUND TO EXPAND COBB DISTRIBUTION CENTER
270 ADDITIONAL JOBS WILL BE CREATED