As we end the celebration of our 75th Anniversary, Jackson EMC recently sponsored and participated in Madison County’s 7th Annual Agriculture (Ag) Day, an event recognizing and celebrating agriculture.

“Madison County’s economy is predominantly sustained through agriculture, and Jackson EMC was formed, in part, by the people of the county, to bring electricity to rural homes and farms,” says Jean Mullis, Neese District manager.

“Agriculture is our state’s oldest and largest industry, providing nearly $71 billion a year to the economy,” added State Senator Frank Ginn. “Electricity truly helped revolutionize the poultry industry, a huge component of agriculture.”

Marketing Member Service Representative Brian Patton presented Power Town demonstrations for the younger attendees. Power Town is a tabletop model with low voltage, energized overhead and underground lines.

He explained how linemen help the community by keeping the power on and restoring service when power goes out.  These hands-on demonstrations educate the public, share safety information and create an overall awareness of the power industry

Ag Day also featured live animal exhibits, a working sawmill, an FFA plant sale, homemade foods and pony rides, as well as a tractor and equipment parade, offering something for everyone.

The Jackson County’s 2014 American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay for Life (RfL) campaign is in full swing. As part of the annual theme, Teamin’ Up Against Cancer, the Jefferson/Corporate District’s employees held their annual Easter Basket raffle and Bar-be-que Luncheon.

Committee Co-Chairs Renee Domer, corporate accountant and Ivan Cox, load management technician, along with the 25 member team, served pulled pork BBQ, stew, chips, bread, drinks and desserts. They also held a silent auction of an assortment of Easter Baskets, raising more than $2,000.  

“More than a million people in the United States get cancer annually; it spares none,” says Domer. “Everyone has had family members or friends, or may even have had it themselves, like some of our employees and retirees.”

The American Cancer Society and Relay for Life teams raise money in the fight to help find a cure for cancer. The team will continue their efforts, participating in Relay for Life Walk Night in May and a Charity Bike Ride in June.  The team includes employees, family members and friends, and their goal is to raise $10,000.

“These teams work hard and give so freely of their time and resources. Everyone has had an encounter with cancer at one time or another, or they know someone who has,” says Scott Martin, Jefferson District manager.

“I’m grateful to everyone who helps in any way. Since Jackson County’s first Relay in 1994, eight months after my surgery, money raised has funded research that has led to progress in finding a cure.  Without it, I wouldn’t be a 20 year survivor,” added Jefferson District Marketing Member Services Representative Claire Guined.

Team members and contributors agreed that the most rewarding part, aside from raising money for a cure, truly is the camaraderie they build with their team members and fellow participants.

For more details on how you can get involved, help fund research and contribute to the fight against cancer, visit www.cancer.org.

Each of Jackson EMC’s four districts participate in Partners in Education (PIE), and as part of their annual activities, the Jefferson District takes part in Field Day at Benton Elementary School, in Nicholson.

Employees play a role in the fun-filled day, joining students in inside and outside games, sports and contests. They also help supervise the bounce houses and water games, while spending quality time interacting with both students and school administrators.  

“Knowing the importance of exercise and recreational activities, we’ve participated in Field Day at the elementary school for more than 15 years,” says Jefferson District/Department Secretary Ganella Bolden.  “We’re very proud of the relationship we have with the local school systems.”       

Bolden organizes the PIE activities between and the school and the cooperative and added, “It’s gratifying to see the young kids having fun, especially after a long academic school year; plus we get the chance to act like kids, so it’s fun for all.”

Each Jackson EMC district office coordinates programs and provides support with its respective schools. If you’re interested in learning more about our youth and community programs, visit www.jacksonemc.com/community or contact your district Jackson EMC office.
 

As they jumped over fire pits, waded through huge mud holes and faced many more challenging obstacles, a group of Neese District employees and family members took part in the Blue Ridge Camp, Mountain City, Georgia leg of the Warrior Dash - all to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® .

Participant Darren Bradberry, journeyman lineman, decided to organize a team and asked co-workers if they’d like to participate. “Spontaneously, we said, ‘Sure, we’ll do it’,” said Lisa Fortson, customer service representative. “Only later, Mayra Velez (bi-lingual customer service representative) and I learned what we’d agreed to. Participants conquer obstacles, leap fire, climb walls and crawl through the mud at the Dash, but the kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® fight the real battles.”

The Warrior Dash is the ultimate event for thrill-seeking athletes who also want to support worthwhile causes. This 5k race, 3.2 mile course, is held on the most demanding and unique terrains in multiple locations around the world.

In addition to testing fitness levels while having fun with family and friends, Warrior Dash participants raised funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other deadly childhood diseases.

Once the intense course is complete, Warriors (participants) celebrate their feat with their teammates, thousands of new fellow warriors and mud, from head to toe. 

Neese District employees and family members who participated in 2014 Warrior Dash event were Tommy Minish, journeyman lineman, and wife Kori; Mayra Velez, bi-lingual customer service representative, brother Edgar and family friend Brenda Morales; Lisa Fortson, customer service representative; Troy Colley, journeyman lineman and son-in-law Cody Youngblood; Ken Gordon, service representative; Brian Smith, staking technician; Dwayne Dickerson, journeyman lineman, and daughter Alexa; Darren Bradberry, journeyman lineman and wife Donna; and David Holloway, line foreman. Corporate employees Christy Queen, marketing resource specialist, and Barbara Gooch, contact center representative, also participated.

To learn more about becoming a St. Jude Warrior, visit www.WarriorDash.com.

Gwinnett District employees recently took part in the Gwinnett County Sherriff’s Office Jail Break Challenge, the toughest obstacle run the law allows. The Challenge takes place on the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office training course and is the only time it’s open to the public.

Participants put their fitness levels to the test on the 5K trail run, mixed with all levels of terrain and extreme obstacles, while enjoying themselves and their time together. Funds raised benefit the Sheriff Department’s Explorer program, which makes a positive impact on youth and the community.

Spearheaded by Charles Boyd, line foreman, other Gwinnett District employees and family members who competed in this year’s Challenge included Nancy Poindexter, bi-lingual customer service rep; Joe Hicks, senior commercial/industrial marketing rep; Adam Duncan, field service rep; Anthony Barfield, staking technician; Mike Hudlow, engineering supervisor; Keith Camp, David Carlton, Greg Baldwin, Dan Giles and Alex Solhtalab, journeyman linemen; Craig Roberts, engineering/operations coordinator; Ithier Martinez and Mike Hawkins, linemen; Russell Morton and Glen Whitley, service representatives; Charles Boyd; Candace Boyd, Charles’ daughter and her friend Katie Garmon; and Huie Myers, lineman apprentice. Other district volunteers included Randy Dellinger, district manager; John Taylor, director of office services; Joy Knight, department/district secretary; Becky Boyd, Charles’ wife; Chuck King, operations superintendent and his wife Sandy.

“Our relationship with the Sherriff’s Office, as well as our commitment to one another and the community is the reason we decided to get involved with Jail Break,” said Randy Dellinger, Gwinnett District manager. “When we can participate in an event that benefits everyone and the employees want to be a part of it, it’s always a worthy cause.”

To learn more about the Jail Break Challenge, visit www.jailbreakchallenge.org.

While many of us enjoy our lunch break or run errands, Barbara Gooch, contact center representative, delivers hot lunches to elderly persons living in Jackson County, a part of the County’s Senior Center program. She started delivering the weekly meals nearly 25 years ago through her church program in which she was also instrumental in starting.

Though the name is different, the nutrition program for frail or elderly persons living in the county operates like Meals on Wheels.  Approximately 125 seniors receive hot lunches delivered by friendly volunteers Monday through Friday.  For some seniors, this daily visit may be the only social interaction they have during the day.  The volunteers can also let the Senior Center staff know when clients have other social service needs, like non-working smoke detectors or an unnumbered mailbox.

“The residents are so happy to see and talk to you, and it brightens up their day, if only for a few minutes,” says Gooch. “We often get busy and if I had time, I’d sit and talk to these folks for hours. Their stories are priceless, and I believe I get as much out of it as they do.”

“The example Barbara sets is noticed by all she comes in contact with,” said Aileen Crane, contact center supervisor. “She’s a devoted servant to her community and others, and she never seems to tire.”

Gooch encourages others to get involved. “There are a lot of programs and volunteer needs, and I hope others will consider helping similar programs,” she concludes.

For ways you can get volunteer or get involved in helping senior citizens, visit your local county website or office, for Jackson County, visit http://www.jacksoncountygov.com.

While many celebrate July 4th with cookouts and family vacations, Rodney Chandler, building maintenance technician, could be found at the Banks County Goat Show, an event he’s participated in for the past six years.

At an early age, Chandler learned about the importance of farming and livestock, and he has helped instill the same values in his own children.

When asked about the goat show in particular, Chandler said it started about 10 years ago when he arrived home one day, only to find a goat that his father-in-law had gotten his son. Since the families had shown livestock in past generations, this was a way to get the family back in the ring.

From the shows, they were introduced to the Northeast Georgia Goat Producers Association (NGGPA), and as Chandler says, “The rest is history as for his involvement with the organization.”

As with most activities our children are involved in, Chandler saw the need to take an active role in the annual event. “With these shows, we’re raising and teaching children that showing livestock teaches responsibility and sportsmanship,” he said.

Despite his dedication to the show, Chandler stresses that it isn’t about him. “It’s about the young people and the livestock since they’re the next generation,” he says. This event is unique because it showcases 135 goats shown by 88 youth, three to 12 years old, plus 10 pee wee exhibitors, children under six years of age.

Chandler hopes that sharing his story encourages others to get involved. “There’s a lot of livestock activities, and agriculture is a huge component of our economy. I like seeing the younger generations involved, just as my children are,” concludes Chandler.

The NGGPA is a non-profit corporation that brings together a diverse group of goat producers ranging from the backyard enthusiast to large scale commercial owners and breeders in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Learn more at www.negagoats.org or www.facebook.com/NEGGPA.

Jackson EMC believes in being an integral part and giving back to the communities we serve, and that commitment continues as Senior Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Marketing Representative David Lee has been selected as 2014-15 Chairman of the Greater Hall County Chamber of Commerce (GHCC).

Since Lee’s professional position focuses on businesses, new and existing, and what they provide to the economy, it’s a natural fit for him to be involved in the chamber, where over 85% of its members are small businesses.

“We believe there’s no greater compliment a company can pay to a community than to invest new monies back into the local economy,” Lee said. “Many of cooperative’s principles and visions are similar to the chambers, and I’m honored to serve as the chairman and consider it a privilege.” 

“When business professionals like David assume leadership roles in the chamber, it helps the community because it allows us the ability to provide quality programs and outstanding service to all members and all areas of interest, including economic development” said Kit Dunlap, GHCC president/CEO.

Lee and the GHCC are dedicated to being the community’s voice for business. To learn more about how you or your company can get involved, visit www.ghcc.com.

Jackson EMC's Gwinnett District recently hosted members of the Safety & Science of Engineering Projects team, part of Georgia 4-H State Congress, so the students could see real-world science and technology that’s similar to projects the students did themselves.

Instructing the tour for the fourth year, Craig Roberts, Gwinnett District coordinator, engineering/operations lent his time and expertise to 10-15 extremely talented students from across the state who had competed to win at the state congress competition. They spent their day at the EMC enhancing their knowledge and skills of safety, electricity, engineering and technology with a program that included a company introduction, safety demonstration, systems control technology and hands-on tour of supplies and equipment.

“Programs require the support of the community to succeed, and that’s where Jackson EMC comes in,” said Andrea Burruss, Georgia 4-H Foundation annual giving coordinator.  “Through hands-on guidance and instruction, we see these bright young people turn their concepts into reality.  It’s as close to real-world as students can get.” 

“I’m always interested in interacting with this group of students.  They’re our future leaders and entrepreneurs.  Exposing them to our business can help them in their future endeavors,” Roberts said. “We see this as an investment in the future workforce of Gwinnett and Northeast Georgia because some of these students come back home after completing their education and become the next generation of engineers at technology-driven companies like Jackson EMC.”

 Georgia 4-H State Congress is an annual event celebrating the success and achievements of 4-H'ers in Georgia. Congress includes recognition of scholarships, special events, leadership, project winners, as well as tours, donor visits and other activities.

4-H is one of the largest youth development programs in our nation, and Jackson EMC’s involvement with the organization can be dated back to the late 1960s. Learn more about 4-H at www.georgia4hfoundation.org.

Melanie Berryman, Neese District secretary and M.A.R.T. Life Enrichment Action Team committee member, along with Karin Morris, customer service representative (rep); Mayra Velez, bi-lingual customer service rep; Randall Echols, custodian; and Alex Goldman, Jefferson District customer service rep, volunteered at the 10th Annual Madison Area Resource Team (M.A.R.T.)/ Family Connection Back-to-School Supply Drive and the Life Enrichment Action Team’s Back-to-School Rally, an event for low-income families.

Volunteers helped purchase, sort and bag school supplies before the event, and they helped set up, direct guests, hand out supplies to the students and serve the families. Providing as many as 500 students with school supplies and feeding as many as 600 people, including parents/guardians, the event included a hot dog dinner and family enrichment information booths.  

“Serving our Jackson EMC members for nearly 30 years has been gratifying, but the added opportunities for serving the community has been extremely rewarding,” Berryman said. The M.A.R.T was originally formed as various leaders of the community gathered to create collaboration and to prevent service duplication, including area churches, local businesses and individuals. “It was interesting to meet many of our members, see them in a different setting and to help them under different circumstances other than in the office,” added Velez.

“We’re proud that our employees are committed to enriching our environment and enhancing the quality of life in the communities we serve,” stated Jean Mullis, Neese District manager.

To find out how you can get involved, contact the Madison County Family Connection office in Danielsville or visit them online at http://madison.gafcp.org/.

The Civitans organization encourages its clubs to seek out and meet needs within their communities, so when Terry Whitworth, district operations superintendent in Gainesville and member of the Lanierland Civitan Club, learned that there was no structured support system for the Special Olympics adult bowling league, his club focused its efforts towards helping the 21 years and older bowlers prepare for the Games.

“Providing aid to those less fortunate is a significant factor in the projects we focus on,” Whitworth said. “These adults have disabilities, but they are some of the strongest willed athletes you’ll ever meet.” Whitworth added that the support of the Special Olympians is a natural fit for the Civitans, and the enjoyment received from them, their spirits and attitudes is rewarding.

The Civitans, whose name is coined from the Latin word civitas, meaning citizenship, believe that their actions help build a better world. Whitworth and the Lanierland Civitans are passionate about their involvement with these athletes, their families and the community, and they believe they’re building a better world by providing financial, spiritual and physical assistance to the group.

Special Olympics provides sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Hall County serves more than 500 athletes and the Fall Games will be held October 10th-12th. Learn more at www.specialolympicsga.org or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Special-Olympics-Hall-County/175891505791746.
 

The District office in Jefferson sponsored the Auburn Dixie Youth pre-majors baseball team as they advanced to the World Series in Florida, a milestone no other team from the area has ever accomplished.

Though they would later be eliminated, they found much success on their path to the title – on the field playing ball and off the field raising funds to help pay their way.

“The tournament costs are covered but there’s the added expenses of transportation and accommodations, not to mention food for 14 boys and four coaches,” said Lynn Neal, team mom. “Playing in out-of-town competitions wouldn’t be possible without local assistance.” 

The 14 ballplayers who make up Auburn’s team were a combination from the two area Dixie Youth teams, at their level, forming an Auburn All-Stars team to compete in the state tournament.

After playing 30 games in five weeks and defeating the highest seed in the state tournament, they captured the title that would send them to the World Series as representatives of the state. “Coming into this season, I wanted to take a team to the state tournament,” said Joshua Willard, coach of the 15-17 year olds. “These young men certainly surpassed that.”

Jackson EMC Manager Scott Martin said, “Many young athletes become successful adults, and we believe that sports and extra-curricular activities play a vital role in molding young people. Some of these boys will have successful high school and collegiate careers and will reflect back on this extraordinary experience. We’re happy to play a small role in their lives and wish them much continued success, on and off the diamond.”

It was a celebration when a group of Jackson EMC employees from the Gainesville office gathered at the 2014 Dragon Boat Festival held on Lake Lanier, marking the third time the group competed.  

Phil Strickland, service representative and team captain, along with his Oakwood colleagues, competed against 53 of the best teams in the country, finishing second in the men’s open division and fifth overall. They enjoyed the fun, fellowship and learning about other cultures with their families and friends, even though their hearts were heavy due to the recent loss of one of their coworkers and friend, Derrick Brinkley. 

“We’d taken a break from the event last year, so we were refreshed and ready to participate, plus we wanted to celebrate the life of our friend. We enjoy getting together away from the office, just family and friends,” says Strickland. “The event in its 19th year was an amazing sight to see, with the regatta featuring ceremonies, shows, worldwide food dishes, children’s events and vendors.  It was family fun, unique and the best cultural event in our area, steeped in Chinese custom and tradition.”  

The team went home without a division victory, but Strickland said winning wasn’t the priority. “The best thing was getting together with everyone, without the ordinary pressures of the job,” he said. “Normally when this group is together, we’re facing inclement weather, power outages or something like that.”  

Each team consisted of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steersman.  In memory of their fellow associate and friend, the 2014 Jackson EMC team didn’t replace their teammate Brinkley and raced with 19 paddlers wearing shirts in his honor including: Journeyman Linemen Jeremy Adams and Craig Etris; Servicemen Phil Strickland (Captain) and Michael Metcalf, and Phil’s son Cole Strickland; Linemen Darryl Arrowood, Chris Hammond, Wayne Connell, Kevin Grant, Junior Martinez, Kevin Cash, Jason McElwaney, Jose Salgado, Matt Tolar, Scotty Tompkins, John Kesting and Tony Tatum; Wayne’s stepson Brett McKeehan, Scotty’s son Austin Tompkins and John’s son Eli Kesting; and Warehouse Coordinator Tim Neisler.

The festival is one of a series of events held around the world to promote the sport of dragon boating and build bridges of cultural awareness between Asian and local communities by emphasizing artisanship, teamwork and competition.  Learn more at http://www.dragonboatatlanta.com

Randy Dellinger, Jackson EMC district manager and chairman of both the Partnership Gwinnett and capital campaigns, recently announced that through the collaborative efforts of business and community leaders, Partnership Gwinnett has already secured an impressive 58% of their $900,000 annual goal. 

“As the public phase of the campaign is launched, we’re grateful for the support of our investors and look forward to new investors joining us,” says Dellinger. Since the initiative officially started in 2007, Dellinger has played an active role, serving on the steering, implementation and executive committees. 

When the economy started failing, Jackson EMC, along with a handful of Gwinnett County community leaders decided a more proactive approach was needed for the economic development of the county. “This economic and community development initiative is important to Jackson EMC because these two functions are in our DNA,” Dellinger said. “They’re two of the many reasons we exist. If the communities we serve prosper, we all do! It’s a worthy and important venture that provides a strong return on our investment.”   
 
Nick Masino, senior vice president for Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development & Partnership Gwinnett said, “With the support of partners like Jackson EMC, Partnership Gwinnett has produced tremendous results for businesses operating in Gwinnett, maintaining our reputation as one of the best places in the Southeast and nation to live and do business.”  

Partnership Gwinnett is Gwinnett’s economic and community development initiative. A public-private partnership, the initiative targets the retention and expansion of existing county businesses and the development of new businesses. The goal is to promote economic wealth and diversification, increase education and workforce excellence, improve quality of life and heighten visibility through marketing and outreach programs for the entire Gwinnett community. For more information on Partnership Gwinnett, visit www.partnershipgwinnett.com. 

It was a celebration when a group of Jackson EMC employees from the Gainesville office gathered at the 2014 Dragon Boat Festival held on Lake Lanier, marking the third time the group competed.  

Phil Strickland, service representative and team captain, along with his Oakwood colleagues, competed against 53 of the best teams in the country, finishing second in the men’s open division and fifth overall. They enjoyed the fun, fellowship and learning about other cultures with their families and friends, even though their hearts were heavy due to the recent loss of one of their coworkers and friend, Derrick Brinkley. 

“We’d taken a break from the event last year, so we were refreshed and ready to participate, plus we wanted to celebrate the life of our friend. We enjoy getting together away from the office, just family and friends,” says Strickland. “The event in its 19th year was an amazing sight to see, with the regatta featuring ceremonies, shows, worldwide food dishes, children’s events and vendors.  It was family fun, unique and the best cultural event in our area, steeped in Chinese custom and tradition.”  

The team went home without a division victory, but Strickland said winning wasn’t the priority. “The best thing was getting together with everyone, without the ordinary pressures of the job,” he said. “Normally when this group is together, we’re facing inclement weather, power outages or something like that.”  

Each team consisted of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steersman.  In memory of their fellow associate and friend, the 2014 Jackson EMC team didn’t replace their teammate Brinkley and raced with 19 paddlers wearing shirts in his honor including: Journeyman Linemen Jeremy Adams and Craig Etris; Servicemen Phil Strickland (Captain) and Michael Metcalf, and Phil’s son Cole Strickland; Linemen Darryl Arrowood, Chris Hammond, Wayne Connell, Kevin Grant, Junior Martinez, Kevin Cash, Jason McElwaney, Jose Salgado, Matt Tolar, Scotty Tompkins, John Kesting and Tony Tatum; Wayne’s stepson Brett McKeehan, Scotty’s son Austin Tompkins and John’s son Eli Kesting; and Warehouse Coordinator Tim Neisler.

The festival is one of a series of events held around the world to promote the sport of dragon boating and build bridges of cultural awareness between Asian and local communities by emphasizing artisanship, teamwork and competition.  Learn more at http://www.dragonboatatlanta.com

Randy Dellinger, Jackson EMC district manager and chairman of both the Partnership Gwinnett and capital campaigns, recently announced that through the collaborative efforts of business and community leaders, Partnership Gwinnett has already secured an impressive 58% of their $900,000 annual goal. 

“As the public phase of the campaign is launched, we’re grateful for the support of our investors and look forward to new investors joining us,” says Dellinger. Since the initiative officially started in 2007, Dellinger has played an active role, serving on the steering, implementation and executive committees. 

When the economy started failing, Jackson EMC, along with a handful of Gwinnett County community leaders decided a more proactive approach was needed for the economic development of the county. “This economic and community development initiative is important to Jackson EMC because these two functions are in our DNA,” Dellinger said. “They’re two of the many reasons we exist. If the communities we serve prosper, we all do! It’s a worthy and important venture that provides a strong return on our investment.”   
 
Nick Masino, senior vice president for Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development & Partnership Gwinnett said, “With the support of partners like Jackson EMC, Partnership Gwinnett has produced tremendous results for businesses operating in Gwinnett, maintaining our reputation as one of the best places in the Southeast and nation to live and do business.”  

Partnership Gwinnett is Gwinnett’s economic and community development initiative. A public-private partnership, the initiative targets the retention and expansion of existing county businesses and the development of new businesses. The goal is to promote economic wealth and diversification, increase education and workforce excellence, improve quality of life and heighten visibility through marketing and outreach programs for the entire Gwinnett community. For more information on Partnership Gwinnett, visit www.partnershipgwinnett.com. 

District Customer Service Representative Diane Davis organized a winter weather clothing drive with her co-workers and collected coats, gloves, scarves, hats and blankets and delivered them to Good News at Noon, a homeless ministry in Gainesville.

At an early age, Davis learned about the importance of giving and helping others from her parents. Her mother ran a homeless shelter. She and her siblings would go with their mother to work with those less fortunate, even preparing meals, organizing clothing closets and befriending children in need.

The memories and the example set for Davis are the reasons she continues to help others. “As the weather started to turn brutally cold, I knew there would be people without shelter and cold weather clothing. I also knew that most of us have extra items we no longer need but that are still in good shape, so I mentioned it to my co-workers, and the drive had begun,” Davis said. 

Davis encourages others to get involved. “There are a lot of people and organizations in need, and by sharing this story, I hope others will consider doing similar projects. I’d also like to see younger generations get engaged, just as my children are now, and I plan to share the same message with my grandchildren since serving others isn’t defined by age,” added Davis.

The folks who utilize Good News at Noon are there for basic needs like clothing, food and shelter. “A little compassion and kindness goes a long way. We are all so busy and often forget about the less fortunate, but the holiday season is a good reminder,” Davis concluded.

“Her co-workers agree that Diane has a huge giving heart and is a tremendous blessing to them and the community,” said Bill Sanders, district manager.
Good News at Noon serves the homeless and those in need in Gainesville and Hall County. Learn how you can get involved at www.goodnewsatnoon.org.

The Gwinnett Chamber’s Economic Development Division - Partnership Gwinnett, in collaboration with The University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), recently launched its fifth annual Amazing Entrepreneur Contest. Todd Evans, senior commercial/industrial marketing representative, served as a judge for the competition and Jackson EMC was one of the contest sponsors.

The competition recognizes the best business plan summaries from established and pre-venture businesses. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the source of job creation for hard-working people in this community,” stated Evans. “The contest is a win-win. It celebrates Gwinnett’s small business community and offers essential business development resources at the same time.”

Evans said Jackson EMC was a partner of this awards program for the fifth year. “We’re encouraged by the success of the Amazing Entrepreneur Contest and its role in fostering successful businesses which contribute to the growth and economic stability of this community,” Evans concluded. 

The contest’s Established Business category is open to Gwinnett companies with a current business license that have been in operation for up to 36 months. The Pre-Venture category is open to businesses not yet in operation. For more information on the Amazing Entrepreneur Contest, visit www.amazingentrepreneurcontest.com. For more information on Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development’s small business and entrepreneurial efforts, please visit www.gwinnettentrepreneur.com.