Some 50 to 60 people gathered at the Augusta Regional Airport-Bush Field on Thursday, October 23rd, to hear representatives from the U.S. Air Force make a presentation on the proposed changes to the Military Operations Area (MOA) which covers East Central Georgia. The meeting was held to provide interested parties an opportunity to "address views, recommendations and comments on the proposal."

The MOA proposal calls for an increase in airspace so military jets can conduct training exercises. The current MOA covers airspace from Sandersville to below Wrightsville to a line west of Millen and Waynesboro. The new MOA increases the airspace to a point east of Waynesboro and Millen to a point south of Swainsboro. The proposal also takes the ceiling from 18,000 to 27,000 and lowers the floor to 500 ft for the entire MOA.

Attending the meeting was a large delegation from Swainsboro. On hand were members from the City of Swainsboro, County, Chamber, Swainsboro-Emanuel County Airport Commission, East Georgia College, Flat Creek Lodge, Crider Poultry, UPS, Buckley & Associates and several local citizens. Also represented were delegations from Jenkins County and Washington County.

Following a presentation by representatives of Shaw Air Force Base, a number of local pilots stated the current agreement between FAA and Air Force on the MOA has not been working. Pilots are being re- routed around the MOA when active, causing delays and additional cost in fuel consumption. In unison, they agreed the MOA had not been cleared when requested, as called for by the current agreement. Pilots added the proposed changes were only going to "create more problems."

Several local industries were there to discuss their problems with the proposed changes. UPS said the change would greatly affect their operations here in Swainsboro with delayed arrivals and departures. Flat Creek Lodge attorneys stated the changes could adversely affect the guests who were there to relax. They also voiced concerns over low level jets and the Lodge's growing cheese production.

Chamber President Bill Rogers Jr, local attorney and pilot Jerry Cadle, and Airport Chairman Ken Warnock made a presentation of the county's concerns over the proposal. A notebook containing numerous letters, improvements made at the airport, the airport's capital improvement plan, maps and pictures of the airport was presented to both FAA and the Air Force.

No decision on the proposal is likely for some time. Written comments can still be made to FAA officials through November 24th. The Chamber has the address to send comments

"We urge everyone to make their concerns known to FAA officials," added Bill Rogers Jr., chamber president.

Sarah and Jesse Hackle, new owners of 114 West Main Restaurant will host a ribbon cutting at their business on Wednesday, November 5th, at 4:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend. The new owners will also be unveiling a new menu for the restaurant. Following the ribbon-cutting, the restaurant will open serving their new selections.

The American Legion Post #103, Lanier-Moore VFW Post #5745 and Voiture Locale #867 are planning a special Veterans Day program at the Downtown Square on November 11th. State Senator Jack Hill will be the keynote speaker. The event is planned for 6 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.

A new tradition will begin at EGC on Thursday, November 13th. The first "Day for East Georgia College" will be held in our community. This is a day dedicated to fund raising for the college. Volunteers will be making an area wide "sweep" of businesses and individuals for the purpose of raising funds for the EGC Foundation to carry on the tradition of "a quality education with a personal touch" at EGC. Additionally, this year, excess funds raised above the amount necessary for Foundation support will be dedicated to housing on the EGC campus. When you are called on, please consider making a pledge. East Georgia College is a vital part of our economic success in Emanuel County.

On November 15th , East Georgia College will be hosting a "Come Home to EGC" celebration for former students, faculty, staff and friends of the college. The entire community is invited and encouraged to come spend some time on the campus. From 10 am until 3pm, the day will be filled with entertainment, food, children's activities, campus tours, storytelling and an exhibition by the EGC Bobcat wrestling team. The "Come Home" event is being held to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the college and to thank the community for their continued support through the years.

The Emanuel County Farm Bureau and the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce will once again highlight the importance of city and farm with a breakfast planned at the Emanuel County Farm Bureau Office. The event is slated for 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19th. The "Farm Family of the Year" and "City-Person of Year" will be announced. Tickets are available at the Chamber or at the Farm Bureau Office, located at 320 Lambs Bridge Road in Swainsboro. Call 237-6426 or 237-8848 for more information.

Congratulations go out to this year's nominees for positions on the Chamber's Board of Directors. Nominated for three positions are Carol Canady, Jim Harrell, Carl Tankersley, Athen Walden, Wes Wilkes and Russ Yeomans. Each chamber member will receive a ballot in the mail. Ballots are due back in the Chamber office by 5 p.m., Friday, Nov 7, 2008. Congratulations to all!

The Chamber staff is hard at work planning this year's Christmas "Carols on the Square," planned for Thursday, December 4th at the Downtown Pavilion. Once again, the Chamber is asking for volunteers to join in with a community choir.

Tentative plans are as follows: those wishing to sing are asked to be at the. Pavilion at 5:30; caroling will begin at 6:00 p.m.; Santa set to arrive at 6:30. Hot chocolate will be served by the Emanuel Arts Council. Don't miss out on this Christmas tradition.

The Downtown Development Authority has set up a telephone number to report littering and illegal dumping. The Chamber asks for your help. When you see someone littering, call 237-7025, Extension 1155. Help keep Swainsboro beautiful!!!

Swainsboro Police Captain Craig Morris is asking for your help! Why not donate your old Halloween costume to the Swainsboro Police Department. They recycle them, giving them to needy kids next year. For more information, contact Captain Morris at 478-455- 2010.

The Georgia Academy of Economic Development will offer a spring 2009 Economic & Leadership Development Program.

Sponsored by the Department of Community Affairs, the Region 9 Academy will be held in Vidalia, Ga., at the Center for Economic Development.

The program calls for 5 one-day sessions in a 4 month period. Dates have not been announced but interested candidates should contact the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce or Jim Crowdis, Region 9 Representative, Department of Community Affairs, at 478-272-8700.

The program is ideal for chamber members, newly elected officials, economic developers, or those interested in learning more about how local government works.

This marks the eleventh year for the Academy. Some 267 candidates have completed the Academy course work.

Swainsboro Technical College had a $15 million annual economic impact on the communities it served in FY 2008, according to a study recently released by the college. This figure is a conservative estimate according to similar economic impact studies.

The impact model used the "multiplier" of direct expenditures to account for the recirculation of money before it leaves the area. The 1:1 multiplier falls at the low end of the range of multipliers commonly used to calculate economic impact stated the study. The basis of the study was the total amount of expenditures in FY2008.

Swainsboro Technical College is a vital economic engine for Swainsboro and Emanuel County. The college impacts the local economy through expenditures on equipment, construction, operations, and personnel, as well as Foundation expenditures.

Yeomans Chiropractic has a special Thanksgiving offer they wish to pass along to all chamber members. In an effort to help needy families, the local firm has decided to give time and services to new and existing patients in exchange for food items for families in need. The food items will be donated to the Emanuel Food Pantry for Thanksgiving distribution. Certain restrictions and dates apply so call 289-7778 for all details.