Forsyth

President Sanders introduced Hilda Garrison of the Great Promise Partnership (GPP) Organization. This very worthwhile organization’s mission is to empower at-risk youths to complete high school and obtain the skills necessary to function in a work environment. Their challenge is based on the fact that one in five Georgia students do not graduate high school, more than one in four disadvantaged students do not graduate and over eighty percent of the American prison population... are non-high school graduates. The drain on social services and tax revenue loss is in excess of half a million dollars for each of these individuals. GPP is making slow but steady inroads to rectify this situation and solicits the assistance of the business community in accepting the challenge of helping these students learn job skills, communication skills and self-worth and reliance while earning a pay check and learning the responsibilities that go with a job. Anyone wishing to assist with a student or get additional information can contact GPP at www.gppartnership.org Pictured From Left to Right: Marcy Sanders Rotary President Hilda Garrison GPP Organization Tanya Buffington Rotaract Member Marlene Leverett Rotaract Member

Mayor Eric Wilson gave local Rotarians an informative introduction to what is happening and what is planned for the city. He gave some background information on the relocation of city hall, the purchase of land and other improvements in the city. One of his many achievements as Mayor is having full coordination between city and county officials so there is no duplication of effort which saves time and money. He hosts a monthly meeting of these officials to work on three mai...n projects or goals, those being: economic development, beautification and recreation and helping new and existing businesses. Some initiatives he has accomplished is the acquisition of land for a multi-use park which will include a sports field, a dog park, and amphitheater and other facilities. He ran unopposed and with his list of accomplishments, it is not difficult to understand why. Pictured From Left to Right: Eric Wilson Mayor Adam Foley Sponsoring Rotarian

Rotarian Adam Foley introduced Cheri Lance, President and CEO and Kari Buckindail, Program Coordinator for the Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce. They gave Rotarians an overview of the Chamber and what it does for the community, who can join and what is available to each member. The most exciting part of their presentation was providing each attendee with a Calendar of Events for the upcoming year. Their events range from ribbon cutting ceremonies at the Agrascien...ce Building, Momentum Christian Church, Monroe County Hospital ER, Georgia Bob’s BBQ, Volume Chevrolet and Five Below to weekly business luncheons and Business After Hours Head 2 Head functions. They have several very special events scheduled for the Christmas season including a Santa’s Workshop, a Jingle Jog 5K run and a Hometown Parade. All of these events and others are listed on their website at www.forsyth-monroechamber.com. Pictured Left to Right: Cheri Lance President & CEO Kari Buckindail Program Coordinator Adam Foley Sponsoring Rotarian

Public Speaker Mike Forman, a former United States Air Force and a Desert Storm veteran, spoke to local Rotarians on ways and means to build your business networking capabilities. His main points were: smile (personality) and humor. Emphasizing FORM (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Message) along with rapport and respect especially for cultural differences will help to bond a person with in a desired social circle. As for a networking event, be the host not a guest, listen... more than you talk, and be proactive. Lastly, use social media to build the network. Pictured From Left to Right: Marcy Sanders Rotary President Michael Forman Public Speaker

Donna Drummond of Robins Financial Credit Union briefed local Rotarians about the need for educating High School students on their financial responsibilities. The Credit Union offers multi-media presentations that cover credit cards, checking accounts, types of loans, how to read a paycheck, and tools for developing a better credit score. The presentations can be shared through multi-media and intend to teach students to be better stewards of their resources. Pictured fr...om Left to Right: Sandy Coldwell Sponsoring Rotarian Donna Drummond Robins Financial Credit Union See more