Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority

Polkwww.polkgeorgia.com

Official Publication of

ConnectionThe

Showcasing the best of Polk CountyMarch / April 2013

Connection News ................................................... 2Events Calendar...................................................... 3Connection News................................................... 4Connection News ................................................... 6Welcome New Members......................................... 7Silver Comet Map.................................................... 8

Table of Contents

Connection News CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

Looking Forward in Economic Development 2013The community has worked very hard to get ready. In the famous words of Hannibal Smith with the A-Team “I love it when a plan comes together.” All of Polk County is working together to help bring jobs and private investment to the community whether it is the City of Aragon, Cedartown, Rockmart, Polk County Commission, their respective development authorities or the Polk School District. We are planning our work and working our plan. Much of the recession has been spent planning and getting the community ready for economic Development. The Blue-print Polk 2020 has many recommendations that are being put into place and the Polk County Chamber is leading the charge. In addition, the community leaders are taking the stated values of job creation and turning them into funded values. Some examples are:• Starting in 2013 and looking forward:• New 100,000 square foot speculative building in the Cedartown North Industrial Park to be complete late 2013• 40 +/- acres for a new Business Park in Rockmart• New access to road to the 220 acre Cedartown North Business Park expansion.• Certification as Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development on the Cedartown North Business Park 220 acre expansion• Sewer line expansion along Hwy 278 to the new Polk Medical Center complex• County wide incentive plan that places our largest incentives with our largest investors.• Existing Industry assistance plan• Increased exposure through marketing and trade missions• Increased focus on Tourism as an industry• Navigation signage to help capture traffic off the major highways in Polk County• Target industry marketing and attraction plans that specifically address the needs of specific target industries• Partnering with our education systems to help meet the workforce needs of our current industry

Events Calendar CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

March 1-2 & March 7-8Rockmart High School Thespians Spring Musical… “Young Frankenstein”Directed by Margaret Jacobs and performed by RHS Thespians, will be performed in Rockmart Theatre, 116 East Elm Street. Please contact RHS for tickets at 770-684-5432.

March 92013 RCAC Gala planned... Come out and be a part of this year’s Gala and enjoy a Night at the Gallery March 9, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. There will be a host of art festivities including an art auction, delicious hors d’ oeuvres, music, singing, and art entertainment. An auction of donated art by many artists will be held to benefit raising funds for Rockmart Civic Arts Commis-sion. Everyone is invited to attend and bring a friend. Come and see what all this art is about!

March 15- April 26“Country Life” gallery exhibitJoin local artist Horton Young and others as he presents a “Country Life” gal-lery exhibit at the Rockmart Cultural Arts Center located at 316 N. Peidmont Ave., Bldg. 300. For more information 770-684-2707 or email rcac@rock-mart-ga.gov

March 16Cedartown Performing Arts Center presents “The Perry’s”Come out and hear one of the leading Southern Gospel groups of the South. Show begins at 7:00 pm. Admission is $12.00. For more information call 770-748-4168 or visit their website at www.cedartownshows.com to pur-chase tickets.

March 16WELSHfestMae’n dod Gwy! Cmry! / The Welsh Festival is coming! Rockmart hosts the only Welsh festival in Georgia, featuring lively Celtic music, Welsh food and Bar-B-Que, plus tours to the historic Van Wert Church and graveyard where Welsh miners and Civil War soldiers are buried. It is held on the quad (square) next to the old City Hall Building, 133 S. Marble Street in the heart of downtown Rockmart. Welshfest is held the 3rd Saturday in March (March 16th, 2013). Ad’s and Booth spaces are available to purchase. Also, if you are interested in volunteering for this event please contact Karl Welsher at 770.936.9381 or you may contact by: General e-mail (booth & ad forms etc): cymruga@gmail.comVolunteering: njfeek103@wmconnect.comEvents: kwelsher@mindspring.com

April 12 & 13Cedartown Performing Arts Center presents “Footloose”A musical produced by Colt Chambers and directed by Roland Chandler. Showtimes are April 12 at 7:00 pm and April 13 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm. For more information call 770-748-4168 or visit their website at www.cedart-ownshows.com to purchase tickets.

April 22- 27Georgia Cities WeekGeorgia Cities Week gives Cities an opportunity to share information about the valuable services Cities provide to residents and how Cities positively impact their quality of life. The theme for this year’s Georgia Cities Week is “Where the Action Is”. Look for dates and times to follow in your local paper with events in your City.

April 27 – 28

Cedar Valley Arts FestivalThe 49th Annual CedarValley Arts Festival will be April 27 – 28 at Historic Peeks Park in Cedartown beginning Saturday 10:00 am- 6:00 pm and Sunday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm. For more information contact Amy Orebaugh at 770-883-9412.

*The Tourism Committee has recently approved a $500 allowance to create a booklet for citizens and tourists alike to have a self guided tour of art in Polk County. They are currently collecting info for this book, so please send any art related sites or destinations to include in the booklet to Ms. Laltrello at her email address jlaltrello@hotmail.com or send to rcac@rockmart-ga.gov.

Mill Town Music Hall is committed to providing West Georgia with a quality wholesome entertainment venue that opened on February 2, 2012. It is the largest facility of its kind in West Ga. and comfortably seats 1,000 people. Boasting a state-of-the-art audio and visual system, the venue hosts numerous Southern Gospel, Contemporary Christian, Country and Bluegrass concerts, along with other family- friendly events. The facility can also be rented for corporate events and private receptions. Please visit www.MilltownMusicHall.com for the most up to date information and to purchase tickets.

MarchSaturday, March 9 – Little Texas with Homegrown7:00 pm $25 Premium Reserved/ $20 General AdminFriday, March 29 – Jeff and Sheri Easter7:00 pm $20 All Seats

AprilSaturday, April 13 – Newsong7:00 pm $25 Premium Reserved/ $20 General AdminSaturday, April 20 – Bridge Festival to fight Drug Abuse in West Ga.- Sing OffMore details to come

Rockmart Library EventsStory Time every Tuesday at 10:30am. (ages 18 months – 6 years)

Puppet Shows - Thursday March 7 at 11:00am Thursday April 11 at 11:00am

National Library Week April 14- 20 “Communities Matter @ Your Library”During NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK and throughout April, libraries of all types host special events to highlight the unique role libraries play in people’s lives. Today’s libraries can help you and your family discover a new and exciting world through collections, digital resources and more. Whether you come for homework or job searches, help with citizenship issues or finances, adult education classes or to find the best books for young readers, libraries are a great place to spend quality time and connect with loved ones and friends.

Groundbreaking READSPeople ages 18 and older are invited to sign up for the Rockmart Adult Reading Club starting April 15th. Read for fun at home and register for prizes! Call us at 770-684-3022 for more information.

Rockmart Library Cedartown Library 316 N. Piedmont Ave. Bldg. 201 245 East Avenue Rockmart, GA 30153 Cedartown, GA 30125 770-684-3022 770-748-5644

Library Hours: Monday through Friday 9am-5pmSaturday 9am-4pm

Connection News CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

1st Franklin Financial Corp.A Stitch in Time

Aaron RentsAdvance Rehab of CedartownAdvance Rehab of RockmartAdvance Storage Products

Akins Printing CompanyAuto Parts Company

B & M MetalsBlood Assurance

Blossman Gas and ApplianceBojangle's Restaurant CedartownBojangle's Restaurant RockmartBoys & Girls Club of NW Georgia

Bradford Drug Company, Inc.Bruce Albea

Burgess Broadcasting WGAABurgess Insurance

Bush InsuranceBussey's Florist & Gifts, Inc.

Carroll EMCCASA of Polk & Haralson, Inc.

Casey's Inc.Cedar Creek Pediatrics, P.C.

Cedar Springs Health & Rehabili-tation

Cedar Valley Container Corp.Cedartown Automotive, Inc.Cedartown Exchange Club

Cedartown Housing AuthorityCedartown Public LibraryCherokee Country Club

City of RockmartCoosa Dental Associates, LLC

Coosa Valley Credit UnionCoosa Valley Home Health

Country CousinsCulver Exterminating Co., Inc.

Culver InsuranceDean Steel Building, Inc.

Duffey Southeast, Inc.E.A. Benefield, Inc.

EconoLodgeEdward Jones InvestmentsElmo Carter Construction

Euharlee Valley Historical Society

Family Savings Federal Credit Union

First Baptist Church of RockmartFirst United Methodist Church

of RockmartFrank Statham Realty

Freeman Harris Funeral HomeGA Promotional Products

Gammon, Anderson & McFallGarner & Glover CompanyGEO Specialty Chemicals

George Mundy, Atty.Georgia Department of Labor

Georgia Department of Labor-VR Program

Georgia Highlands CollegeGeorgia Northwestern

Technical College Georgia Power Company

Grace Presbyterian Church, PCAH & R Block - Cedartown

H & W Transfer & Cartage Services

Haney Farm & Ranch SupplyHaney Supply CompanyHaralson Termite & PestHarbin Clinic-Cedartown

Medical CenterHardy Realty & Development

CompanyHarold McDurmon

Highland Park & KTM WorldHoliday Inn Express

Holmes Clothing StoreHolmes For Her

Home DepotHometown Realty

HON Company, TheImperial Trading Company

J.L. Lester & Son, Inc.JanBil Farms

Jefferson Southern CorporationJohnny's Enterprises Inc.

Johnny's New York Style PizzaJohnson Discount Automotive

Karen D. Nissen, Atty.

Keep Polk County BeautifulKimoto Tech

Logical Systems, Inc.Mary Miller State Farm

McNabb Tire and Wheel, Inc.McRae, Stegall & Peek

Mitchell Chiropractic & WellnessMiura Manufacturing America

Co., Ltd.Morgan HardwareMurata Electronics

Murphy Harpst Children's Centers, Inc.

Nathan Dean InsuranceNewark Paperboard

Northwest Georgia Chapter of the American

Parker FiberNet, LLCPaymasters Unlimited, Inc.

Pizza FarmPolk Co. Cemetery Preservation

Polk County CommissionersPolk County DFACS

Polk County ExtensionPolk County Farm BureauPolk County Public Service

Co., Inc.Polk County Rotary Club

Polk County Tax CommissionerPolk County Water Authority

Polk County Women's ShelterPolk Family Connection

Polk School DistrictPolk Veterinary Care, LLC

Posey Tax & Bookkeeping LLCPrecious Images Videography

Precious PawsProScapes Direct, LLC

Purchasing Alliance SolutionsRaker Construction Company

Read, Martin, & Slickman, CPAsRenaissance Marquis

Retirement VillageRepublic Finance, LLC

Rev. Nancy EnglishRockmart Animal Hospital, PC

Rockmart Family DentistryRome Plow -A Division of

Missouri MachineRon Brackett

Ron Ray State FarmRoper & Bersky, LLP

Rudy Wood's Appliance SalesSam's Club #4802

SCANA EnergyServpro of Paulding & Polk

CountiesSheboygan Paint CompanySherman Ross State FarmSherwin-Williams Company

Simply StaffingSkydive GeorgiaSmith-Lockwood

South 107 WTSH-FMStudio Fitness 24/7

The Rock at Rockmart, Inc.Thompson Auto Sales

Tommy EngramTrammell Lawn Care

Trim-N-TintTuck's Welding

Vicki Pyles Owens, CPAVulcan Materials Company -

RockmartWal-Mart #0727Wal-Mart #4409

Waste Industries Hauling Division

Waste Industries Landfill Division

Welding Equipment & SupplyWhat's New Consignment

& BoutiqueWilliamson & Co., CPAsWingfield Funeral Home

Winthrop at Polk

Welcome Back 2013 Renewals!

Connection News CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Floyd's presence in Polk County is continuing to growFloyd Primary and Urgent Care along with Floyd Physical Therapy and Rehab offices moved to a new location in January, providing patients with an easy access to quality care. The almost 14,000-square-foot facility, located at 1650 Chattahoochee Dr. in Rockmart, houses the offices of Floyd Primary Care physician Dr. Thomas Garcia and nurse practitioners Stephanie Hyson-Guevara and Caye Burch, Floyd Urgent Care physicians Dr. Leia Dawson and Dr. Gregory Matechak, physical therapist John Goodrich and physical therapy assistant Jonathon Roberts. Floyd Primary Care is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Call 770.684.7846 for an appointment. Floyd Urgent Care is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 7:45 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. until 5:45 p.m. and Sat-urdays from 8 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. For more information, call 770.684.6100. Floyd Physical Therapy and Rehab is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

“We are pleased to have a new state-of-the-art facility in Rockmart that gives our practices the space they need not only to meet current demand, but also includes room to grow for the future,” says Primary Care administrator Al Davis. “The location is very attractive and easy to find.”

Come to Our Open HouseFloyd Primary Care and Urgent Care and Floyd Physical Therapy and Rehab are hosting

a business after hours open house. “We would love for Polk County business residents to come see our new facility,” Davis said.

The open house is scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, 2013 from 5:30-7 p.m. The event will include tours of the facility, heavy hors d’oeuvres and door prizes.

School Zone / Upcoming Events CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

Georgia’s new College and Career Ready initiative can be seen first hand by chatting with Cedartown High School’s CTAE Film Crew. Catching up with the seven member team isn’t always easy but its fun if you do. The CTAE Film Crew is enrolled in Alecia Kelley’s Advanced Web Design class. The class’s curriculum has been enhanced with the responsibility for maintaining the new football scoreboard in the fall and for providing live video streaming of the school’s home basketball games. Team member Nick Tran explained how the filming takes place. “We provide live streaming of the game through a hosting site, Play on Sports.com. After the game is over, you can watch the game because we upload the video to this site.” The students learn how video streaming can be managed for a web site. Senior Kennedy Holsey is making the “school to work” connection daily as a member of the team. Kennedy’s experience continues to be beneficial in her dual enrollment studies with Georgia Northwestern Technical College. Now enrolled in her second online class with GNTC, she plans to complete the two year Network Specialist Program. She attends her high school classes during the day, logs time online for her college class and gains practical experience with the CTAE Film Crew. In addition to Nick and Kennedy, other Team members include: Dana Campos, Michael Wyatt, Shane Smith, Tia Morgan and Lake Mason. The Team is responsible for learning the computer software for the scoreboard and providing creative designs for company ads. These students are good examples of Georgia’s approach to enhancing career pathways with “relevance” alongside “rigorous” academics, continuing to “link learning.”

Upcoming Chamber events…MARCH

Mar 13 - Education Workforce

Development CommitteeMar 14 - Chamber After Hours

Mar 20 - Chamber Board of Directors Meeting

Mar 27 - Chamber 101 Breakfast Mar 28 - Small Business Committee Meeting

APRIL

Apr 3 - Rise & Shine BreakfastApr 10 - Education Workforce Development

CommitteeApr 18 - Industry Appreciation Breakfast

Apr 22 - Polk County Chamber Golf Classic 2013Apr 25 - Small Business Committee Meeting

Logon to www.polkgeorgia.com for more details.

College and Career Readiness….At It’s Best!

WELCOME NEW MEMbErs!

Benny Hubbard Enterprises, Inc.

125 N. College StreetCedartown, GA 30125

770-748-8595Benny Hubbard

Cedartown Computers2 N. Main Street

Cedartown, GA 30125678-901-0998

Bill Ponder

Dickerson & Associates

802 N. Main StreetCedartown, GA 30125

770-748-8331Tom Dickerson

Johnny's Enterprises, Inc.

468 Ruff RoadRockmart, GA 30153

678-757-0001Travis Kendrick

Rome Plow (A division of Missouri

Machine & Plow)475 Sixth Street

Cedartown, GA 30125770-748-4450Steve Ireland

Vulcan Materials Company - Aragon3172 Rome Hwy.

Aragon, GA 30104770-684-1639

Ronnie Wilbanks

Silver Comet Trail

The Silver Comet Trail is located 13 miles northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. It's free of charge, and travels west through Cobb, Paulding, and Polk counties. This quiet, non-motorized trail is for walkers, hikers, bicyclists, rollerbladers, horses, dog walkers, and is wheelchair accessible.

South Cobb Dr. -1.00 1015 (Note: This is considered part of the Silver Comet Extension) Mavell Rd. 0.00 925 Fontaine Road 1.20 906 Concord Road 2.60 887 Floyd Road 4.20 1021 Carter Road 8.60 948 Sailor’s Parkway 9.40 984 Florence Road 11.60 946 Hiram 14.66 1001 Paulding County 14.66 1001Chamber of Commerce Tara Drummond 20.23 1035(previously Dallas Trailhead) Rambo Nursery 22.22 941 Coot’s Lake 33.49 930 Van Wert 36.06 807 Rockmart Riverwalk 37.66 749 Nathan Dean Park 38.76 748 Don Williams 44.90 864 Grady Road 45.80 904 Cedartown Depot 51.30 796 Martin Trailhead 52.90 824 Esom Hill 61.20 923 Stateline Gateway 61.50 922(Georgia-Alabama Line)

Parking & Trail Access Mile Marker Elevation (Ft)

Landmarks and Historic AreasRockmart/Aragon

VAN WERTCreated in 1832 from the village of Cleantown, Van Wert was made the seat of Paulding County. It was known for slate, iron, gold and fertile farmland and served as the county seat until Polk County was formed from part of Paulding in 1851 and the county seat was moved to Cedartown. Van Wert was awarded a Historic Township of Georgia by the Department of Community Affairs.

VAN WERT METHODIST CHURCHBuilt in 1857 by Rev. Wm. Simpson, Van Wert Methodist Church is one of the oldest struc-tures in Polk County. The Van Wert Church Restoration Group, led by Greg Gray, is renovat-ing the structure.

ARAGON-EUHARLEE PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCHIn Aragon, the oldest church still in use in the County.

ROCKMART MURALThe mural was created in 1997 and painted on the side of Morgan Hardware on Marble Street. The mural was created by 180 volunteers over a three week period and was part of a celebration of Rockmart's 125th anniversary.

THE GOODYEAR MILLIn 1929, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company selected Rockmart as the site for one of its clearwater mills. They built a multi-million dollar plant on what is now Goodyear Street and gave Rockmart "the biggest boost it has ever received in its history." Goodyear sold the plant in 1987 and it is now owned and operated by Meggitt Polymers & Composites

GOODYEAR MILL VILLAGEIn the 1930s, Goodyear built a modern village with approximately 180 homes, two tennis courts, a baseball field and a golf course directly across the street from the mill.

CITY HALL The Rockmart Municipal Complex located on N. Piedmont Ave, is now considered "City Hall". The complex includes the Administrative Services Building, Cultural Arts Center,Recreation Department, and Rockmart Police Department. The complex is located on what was origi-nally the site of the Piedmont Institute College, which was replaced later by Rockmart High and Middle Schools which later became known as Rockmart High School.

ROSE HILL CEMETERY/GAZEBOOn Elm Street, the land for the cemetery was donated to the town. The gazebo, constructed in 1891 is now considered one of Rockmart's most recognizable historic landmarks. The cemetery site also offers a spectacular view across Rockmart.

EUHARLEE CREEK/SEABORN JONES PARKA city park, Seaborn Jones Park sits in the middle of downtown Rockmart along the banks of the Euharlee Creek. The name Euharlee comes from the Cherokee or Creek Indians and means "she laughs as she runs."

ROCKMART HISTORICAL MUSEUMThe recently opened Rockmart Historical Museum is a must to see for anyone interested in history. It chronicles the unique history and culture of Rockmart with heirloom contribu-tions of items and photos supplied by members of the community. Of particular interest art the items concerning "Welsh" Rockmart, with its miners and slate industry, chapels and slate roofs. The museum is located in Old City Hall Building at 133 Marble Street, next to Seaborn Jones Park.

DODGE & DAVIS AT PEEK SPRINGSNear Aragon's City Hall, camping place of General Grenville Dodge's 16th AC of McPherson's Army of Tennessee. Later, Brig. Gen. J.C. Davis' 2nd division, 14th Corps Army of the Cumberland camped here en route from Rome to Dallas, Ga. These troops were part of the right wing of General Sherman’s forces moving to outflank General Johnston’s army at Alla-toona Pass. This resulted in 10 days of battle at New Hope Church, Dallas and Pickett’s Mill in Paulding County.

Landmarks and Historic AreasCedartown

POLK COUNTY HISTORICALSOCIETY/MUSEUM Formerly Hawkes Children’s Library, the mu se um contains the history of Polk Coun ty. The building was designed by J. Neel Reid, famous Geor gia architect, and was built in 1924. The site is on the National Register of Historic Places.

POLK COUNTY COURTHOUSE #2 At 100 Prior Street, this building was designed by Otis Clay Poundston in Neoclassical Revival Style and constructed in 1935. It was originally City Hall, but is now used as a courthouse annex.

CEDARTOWN MURAL Completed in 1999, the mural is located in downtown Cedartown. The project was designed and completed by local artists and volunteers from The Art Lover’s League of Cedar Valley. The mural is a collage of well-known structures in Cedartown including many historic sites such as Hawkes Children’s Library and County Courthouse #2.

CONFEDERATE MEMORIALOutside Courthouse #2 is a Confederate monument erected in 1906 by United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate veterans.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCHBuilt on West Avenue in 1883, this is the oldest church still in use in Cedartown. The church has been maintained in its original state except for the outside color. Sterling Holloway grew up in this church.

BOOZ HOTELThis structure was built in the 1800s and operated as a hotel in the 1890s. Located across the street from the Polk County Historical Society.

BIG SPRINGLocated on Wissahickon Avenue, this was the site of a ballground and ceremonial dance ground of the Cherokee Indian natives until the early 1800s. It is the second largest limestone spring in the South and produces an average of 4 million gallons of water per day.

DOWNTOWN CEDARTOWNIn 1988, Cedartown became a “Mainstreet City” and is a registered site in the National Register of Historic Places. The last decade has seen much renovation in the down town area including second floor residential availability, new businesses and remodelings. 770-748-2090.HIGHTOWER FALLSOriginally the site of a wooden grist mill purchased by Elias Hightower in 1846 and con vert ed into a facsimile of the Whitney cotton gin. Mr. Hightower also constructed a three story mill on the site in 1850 using the 60 foot Falls for power. The mill was once a vibrant mercantile center near Cedartown. Sherman’s men ate and slept here on their march through the state, but spared the mill from the fate which befell so many others. Hightower Falls is presently a private group facility available for special occasions. Call (770) 748-8588 for more information.

OLD MILLLocated on Hwy. 27 South, this structure was built by slave labor in 1848 for Asa Prior who came to Polk County in 1837. The first miller was a slave named “Old Allen” and the structure was operated as a mill until 1945. It was renovated and operated as a restaurant by Mr. And Mrs. Robert Stephens from 1960-1991. It was purchased by Ann and Jimmy Madden in 1997.

Attractions Guide CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

Cedartown Performing Arts CenterThe pride of the City of Cedartown, The Cedartown Performing Arts Center located at the Cedartown Auditorium, presents a wealth of premium entertainment each year from the Atlanta Symphony to touring Broadway plays. The Performing Arts Center also sponsors enrichment programs for children in Polk and surrounding counties through workshops and performances. 770-748-4168.

West TheaterThis 1941 Art Deco style theater hosts first run movies for both children and adults.

Peek ParkOn North College Street, this beautiful city park is located on land donated by Captain J.A. Peek. It contains tennis courts, playground and picnic areas.

Bert Wood Youth and Athletic ComplexSoftball and baseball fields, gymnasium, track, cabin, playground, and Senior Center make up this recreational facility in Northwest Cedartown. Government sponsored and volunteer activities abound almost year round.

Cherokee Golf and County ClubThis private facility off Cherokee Road contains an 18 hole golf course, four tennis courts, a swimming pool and beautiful clubhouse with dining facility. The club hosts many local fundraising golf and tennis tournaments as well as member-related events. 770-748-2800.

Cedar Valley Arts FestivalAn annual festival is held on the last full weekend in April. This event is sponsored by the Cedartown Junior Service League. Local and regional art-ists display their craft as do the children of Cedartown whose works are displayed throughout Peek Park, the site of the festival.

Meadow Lakes Golf ClubMeadow Lakes is a public facility in North Polk County offering 18 holes of championship golf as well as a clubhouse, banquet facility, and swimming pool. The club regularly hosts tournaments and les-sons are offered by the PGA Golf Professional. Call for tee times on the weekends. 770-748-4942

Rockmart Civic Arts CommissionPromotes and hosts various arts activities in the city and maintains the city’s Art Center on Piedmont Avenue, Rockmart. 770-684-5454.

Seaborn Jones ParkA city park along the banks of Euharlee Creek in downtown Rockmart. Complete with picnic tables and a gazebo.

Nathan Dean Sports ComplexRockmart’s primary recreational park for softball and baseball. The park also contains a track and a playground area. Pavilions are also located through the park.

Prospect Valley CourseNine hole, public golf course. 770-684-5961.

Silver Comet TrailThe Silver Comet Trail is a paved, converted rail trail spanning more than 60 miles from Smyrna GA to the GA/AL border in Polk County. Here the trail joins the Chief Ladiga trail for another 33 miles to Anniston, AL. The two trails provide 95.5 continuous paved recreational miles not available to motorized traffic. The longest segment of the Silver Comet in one county is 29 miles through Polk. The Depot in Rockmart provides water and restrooms and is next to Seaborn Jones Park. Snacks and restrooms are available at the Depot in Cedartown which houses several offices including the welcome center and museum of local memorabilia. The first foot of the Silver Comet Trail was poured on July 9, 1998 in Cobb County, GA.

Polk County Homespun FestivalAn annual event sponsored by the Polk County Chamber of Com merce held on the third weekend in July in Seaborn Jones Park. Local and region-al crafters display their wares throughout the park. Continuous enter-tainment is a highlight of the festival as well as many games and events throughout the park. 770-684-8760.

Aragon BarbequePatriotism at its peak, the annual barbeque is held on the last Saturday in June. Great food, a variety of games and a softball tournament are high-lights.

Tom Pittman Field and Jake Belk ParkAragon’s two city parks both have recreational and picnic facilities.

Welsh FestivalMae'n dod Gwy! Cmry!/Rockmart hosts the only Welsh festival in Georgia, featuring lively Celtic music, Welsh food and Bar-B-Que, plus tours of the historical Van Wert Church and graveyard where Welsh miners and Civil War soldiers are buried. It is held on the quad (square) next to the Old City Hall Building, 133 Marble St. in the heart of downtown Rockmart. Welshfest is held the 3rd Saturday in March.

CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGONLeisure Life in Polk County

Advertisers Index:

Georgia Power......................................7

Redmond Physician Network...............7

Coosa Dental Associates......................7

Raceway...............................................7

Holmes Clothing..................................7

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

133 South Marble Street Rockmart, GA 30153

770/684-8760 Fax: 770/825-9002

609 S. Main St. Cedartown, GA 30125www.polkgeorgia.com

Published by: News Publishing Company

P.O. Box 1633 Rome, GA 30162

For Advertising Information call Jennifer Futch at 770-748-1520 or

LaDonna Mears at770-684-7811

Editorial Content by: Polk County Chamber

of Commerce 770/684-8760

ConnectionThe

Showcasing the best of Polk County

Polk County at a Glance CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

LOCATION AND LAND AREAPolk County, consisting of a 312 square mile area, is near the center of the South's three largest indus-trial centers: Atlanta, 45 miles east; Birmingham, 85 miles west, and Chattanooga, 83 miles north. Surrounded on four corners by mountains, Polk County is a land of dramatic contrasts - from the city of Cedartown which lies on a gentle plain to Rockmart with its rocky hills and deep valleys.

GOVERNMENTPolk County is governed by a six member Board of Commissioners elected for four-year staggered terms. The chairman is elected from the board for a one-year term. Cedartown, the county seat, is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners who elect a com mis sion chairman from amongst board members and appoint a City Manager. The city of Rockmart is governed by an elected mayor and five council members who elect a City Manager. Aragon is governed by a mayor and four council members. Full-time police and fire departments are maintained in all three areas and the county for the pro tec tion of all residents.

INDUSTRYPolk County boasts a wide array of existing industry and takes pride in its success in new industry recruitment in the last decade. The top ten industries employee some 3,700 people and include both manufacturing and service.

CLIMATEA moderate climate with seasonal variation creates an excellent environment for outdoor activity through out most of the year:January averageminimum/maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32/55 degreesJuly averageminimum/maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67/83 degreesAverage annual rainfall is 50" based on ten year data. Relative humidity is 69.7%.

POPULATION42,709 people reside in Polk County including 10,021 in Cedartown, 4,242 in Rockmart and 1,039 in Aragon.

TRANSPORTATIONMajor trucking lines and both CSX and the Norfolk Southern Railway system link Polk County to points in all directions. Hartsfield/Jackson International Airport is only one hour away while Cornelius Moore Airport in the middle of the county provides a paved and lighted 4,000 ft. runway. The new $15,000,000 state of the art Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport is only 8 miles from Polk County. Four lane Highway 278 east links Polk County to Atlanta via I-20. Other main arteries include U.S. Highway 27 and 113.

COMMUNICATIONSTwo newspapers, the Cedartown Standard and the Rockmart Journal, and two radio stations, WGAA Cedartown and WZOT Rockmart, keep county residents informed of local, regional and na tion al hap-pen ings.

EDUCATIONEducational institutions in the county include six elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools and a regional vocational-technical school. Two private schools are maintained and county res i dents have easy access to three additional private schools in a neighboring county.

UTILITIESGeorgia Power and Carroll EMC service electrical needs in Polk County and gas is distributed by Atlanta Gas Light Company and sold by several suppliers. The cities of Cedartown and Rockmart operate sew-age treatment facilities and have their own water supply via a spring-fed gravity system in Cedartown and Euharlee Creek in Rockmart. The county’s water supply originates with three springs and one well. BellSouth pro vides a first-rate tele com mu ni ca tions sys tem and cablevision is provided by Charter Communications.

HEALTHCAREPolk Medical Center is located in Cedartown. Numer-ous physicians, dentists, chiropractors and other health care proviers are throughout Polk County. Immediate Care facilities are also available.

POLK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCEThe main office of the Polk County Chamber of Com-merce is located at 133 South Marble Street in Rock-mart. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. The Chamber also main tains a Cedartown office in conjunction with the Cedartown Welcome Center at 609 S. Main St.. Cedartown office hours are Mon.-Fri., 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Call the Chamber office at 770-684-8760.

Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority

Polkwww.polkgeorgia.com

Official Publication of