Big honors for Rome Middle School

Rome Middle School cited as a Georgia School of Excellence. Details:  http://bit.ly/1gFN4W

Friday's updates

Please click http://www.hometownheadlines.com

Banking

-Surprising changes at River City Bank--Wilson out, Smith up: Tuesday night should have been a time for celebrating by Eddie Wilson. The CEO of River City Bank had chaired the Rome/Floyd Citizens for Progress committee that championed the $42.3 million SPLOST project. It passed by 169 votes. By Wednesday, Wilson (right) was out of his day job. The media release says Wilson -- who helped guide the bank opened in May 2006 from a double wide on the former Rome Feed & Seed site to more than $125 million in deposits as of June 30 -- resigned. Roger F. Smith has been named chief executive officer of the bank and RCB Financial Corp. News of Wilson's departure spread quickly among the banking community Wednesday and Thursday, shocking colleagues who uniformly praised Wilson as both a solid banker and community leader. His previous stops include SunTrust and Synovus' Georgia Bank & Trust in Calhoun> RCB

-AJC: Unity National, NorthSide Bank on latest 'Texas Ratio' list> Texas

Mohawk names Wellborn president, COO: Calhoun-based Mohawk Industries Inc. hasnamed W. Christopher Wellborn to president and chief operating officer. He had served as COO since 2005 (he is not a member of the Riverside auto/Welborn family)> Details

Media

-Beware the 'Brett Favre Syndrome?' We're hearing interesting comments on Doug Walker's decision to join the Rome News-Tribune after 25 years with WRGA 1470 AM and sister stations. The move is seen as a strategic one, importing one of the community's best reporters. For Walker, it means more pay, benefits and better hours. Or, for RNT, is it a circle-the-wagons attempt to recover an ever-elusive share of a diversifying media market? Walker solidifies the cops/courts and meeting-friendly feel of the paper. He brings another layer of sources as well as the ability to report on real deadline. But will he be a rainmaker, boosting sagging circulation or the Web site? Or will his WRGA listeners see it as a Brett Favre/Green Bay Packers to Minnesota Vikings deal? Walker will be saluted on today's edition of Talk of the Town with Nelle Reagan from 9 to 10 a.m. on WRGA 1470 AM.

-Facebook salutations: On Facebook this morning, Walker wrote this to several hundred friends: "I have such mixed feelings today....to all those who have gotten up with me for the better part of 25 years...I shall miss you greatly. You were the reason for me doing (what) I do (did). . without you, there was no need for me. Now, on to a new chapter, an exciting chapter where I will have a chance to go into much more depth on issues. THANK YOU !"

Frost advisory until 9 this morning for much of Northwest Georgia> Details

Dining & Drink

Bella Roma Grill continues upgrades; opening on target for December

-With better weather the past week, the upgrades to the new Bella Roma Grill site are picking up. In addition to structure work, landscaping is continuing with loads of sod already on site. Look for concrete for the parking areas to be poured on Friday as well.

-Owner Eddie Hasko says a December opening is still on schedule. Hasko's work on the one-time Hooter's site is wholly independent of the whatever plans Doc Kibler and Dee Yaney have for the Rome Boulevard project surrounding State Mutual Stadium. Hasko, meanwhile, will keep his popular Bella Roma restaurant on U.S. 27 in Armuchee. For more on the original restaurant, click Bella Roma

-Latest restaurant health inspection scores. Click Dining Guide

-What's ahead at North Georgia's wineries on this fall weekend> News Vine

Friday's Buzz:

-Nov. 24/Oak Hill Symphony Orchestra presents holiday concert: The Oak Hill Symphony Orchestra will perform a holiday concert on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 7:30 p.m.  The concert will be in the Ford Auditorium on the Berry College campus and will feature a night of tangos, waltzes and popular music.  The orchestra is directed by Norman Bernal and Mirna Ogrizovic-Ciric.  Admission is free.

-Last day: The Junior Service League of Rome's annual poinsettia sale is under way through Nov. 6. Red, pink and while poinsettias are available in three sizes. Proceeds go to providing school supplies to area children. For more, go to www.jslofrome.com or become a fan of our Facebook page at http://tiny.cc/30l14.

. 

Your latest forecast:
-Friday: Frosty start, then sunny; high of 67, low of 36.

-Saturday: Sunny, high of 70, low of 38.

-Sunday: Even nicer, high of 73, low of 44.

-Latest weather: Extended forecast /  Local radar / Regional radar

John McClellan's football picks> Football Report
-Armuchee, Darlington in playoffs; Pepperell, Calhoun, Cartersville, Chattooga all look for wins.

-Get your scores tonight from www.ga.prepcountry.com

Georgia High School Football Daily: End of Rome's streak> Details

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable>Arey

-An upset in Athens? 'Bama is on cruise control; Tech cements first place in ACC.

Shorter: At Belhaven (Jackson, Miss!) 12:30 p.m. ET Saturday > Click

-Shorter-Bethel College game moved to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Barron Stadium> Details

Upcoming events at Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Braves' first Celebrity Shootout with Rocket Wheeler, Frog Smith.

-First annual Wing Ding due Nov. 21.

-Links to winter baseball leagues.

Downtown Headlines> Click

-What's ahead in downtown Rome: Chamber expo Friday, Saturday.

-MullinsMania: Entertainment updates for downtown Rome from Bryan Mullins.

Thursday's updates

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com

 

Politics & The Web

-Gingrey, GOP plan 12-hour Web cast focusing on Pelosi, healthcare: U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey is among the Republicans taking part in the series. Says The Hill: "House Republicans will launch a 12-hour online town hall meeting to discuss health reform legislation." Questions are welcome via text, Facebook, Twitter> GOP

-Gingrey amendment puts Congress on 'public option' plan: U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey and several other House members have added an amendment to the healthcare bill that would automatically enroll all members of Congress in the public option, making them ineligible for benefits relating to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program> Gingrey

-Deal uses Web site to 'talk' to voters: U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal, a Republcian gubernatorial candidate, is using www.asknathandeal.com to solicit questions from voters today from 9 to 10 a.m. You'll need to register first to ask the veteran North Georgia congressman--whose district includes parts of Gordon County-- about sate and campaign issues. Click here

WRGA's Doug Walker joining Rome News: Listeners to this morning's news updates on WRGA 1470 AM got the official word on longtime news director Doug Walker's pending departure. Walker on Monday is scheduled to join the Rome News as an associate editor. The report has circulated among news groupies for two weeks. Walker, perhaps the region's premiere news gatherer, gives the paper's print and online outlets a key boost. His skills match what the RNT already provides: police, courts and government news.

>As for WRGA: On Monday, the station updates its news/talk format to focus more on a constant flow of information and updates. David Crowder and Eric Jens -- and Walker most of this week-- have adopted a "double anchor" format focused on news/weather delivery. Gone is the single-focus format on the morning anchor and some of the local call-ins. Look for additional changes in coming days.

Today's Buzz:

-'Road to Rome' for NAIA's top two teams begins Nov. 15 via Web cast: The pairings for the first round of the NAIA Football Championship Series will be telecast live by College Fanz Sports Network beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 15. The "College Fanz NAIA Football Selection Sunday Show" from the campus of Azuza Pacific University in California. Rome hosts the championship game at Barron Stadium on Dec. 19. Rome also will be the host of the 2010 game. For more, click NAIA / For more on the 2009 game, click Rome

-Berry College: Is there an 'app' for that? You bet: The fall 2009 edition of Berry features a piece on Berry Information Technology student Whit Marbut decided to create an iPhone/iTouch "app" for the college after reading about Duke University having one. A visit to the iTunes Store is all you need to get the free Berry Mobile update. What we like about it: A timely events calendar, overall campus updates, the campus map and facility hours.

-Also in the fall Berry--tennis complex update: A 30-acre slice of Berry College's "river farm" area near Mount Berry Square is the focus of continuing attention for what is now being called "one of the largest tennis facilities in the world." An article in the fall edition says the most recent design would feature up to 56 full-size courts as well as 14 "quick start" courts for youth development. That's a change from the original announcement (click). With work on the Armuchee Connector due to begin this month, look for this project to gain some steam.

-$19.5 million profit for Towne West developer: Forestar Group Inc., which has plans to develop 2,674 lots in Towne West near Adairsville as well as 121 commercial acres, posted $19.5 million in earnings Wednesday vs. $900,000 for the same period a year earlier. A big factor was the sale of 20,000 acres for $39.5 million during the quarter> Details

-Rome/Floyd Planning Commission meets at 2:30 this afternoon: Light agenda> Details

-Work Ready Awards honor GNTC employee, EVCO Plastic> Click

-Child ID program to be available at Optimist Pancake Breakfast Nov. 21: The Floyd County Sheriff's Office and the Sheriff's Community Posse will be administering a fingerprinting and child identification session during the annual Noon Optimist Club Pancake Breakfast on Nov. 21 at the Rome Civic Center. Crews will be on hand from 8 a.m. until noon working with parents, guardians and the kids.

-Shorter hits the road to face Belhaven Saturday> Details

-Saint Mary's open house is Nov. 15: Saint Mary's Catholic School will be hosting an Open House on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 3-5 p.m.. Personal tours of the school will be given, complete with special activities for the children. Information about financial aid and the new G.R.A.C.E. Scholarship program will be available.
No RSVP necessary. Contact Admissions Director Christa Jackson at 706-234-4953 for more or go to www.smsrome.org or click Facebook.

-Nov. 6-7/Two arts and crafts festivals set for Berry College> Details

- Free swine flu vaccine available Thursday for children, pregnant women, healthcare workers, those 25 to 64 with existing medical conditions> Health

Your latest forecast:
-Thursday: More sun, high of 68, low of 35.
-Friday: Sunny, high of 69, low of 37.

-Latest weather: Extended forecast /  Local radar / Regional radar

John McClellan's football picks> Football Report
-Armuchee, Darlington in playoffs; Pepperell, Calhoun, Cartersville look for wins.

Georgia High School Football Daily> Click

-Web site looks at AA playoff scenarios, forecasting Westminster vs. Armuchee, Chattooga at Buford, Pepperell at Lovett, Avondale at Calhoun.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable>Arey

- Should all U.S. politicians have to wear NASCAR suit? Not a bad idea at all

Shorter: At Belhaven (Jackson, Miss!) 12:30 p.m. ET Saturday > Click

Upcoming events at Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Braves' first Celebrity Shootout with Rocket Wheeler, Frog Smith.

-First annual Wing Ding due Nov. 21.

-Links to winter baseball leagues.

Downtown Headlines> Click

-What's ahead in downtown Rome: Chamber expo Friday, Saturday.

-MullinsMania: Entertainment updates for downtown Rome from Bryan Mullins.

Wednesday updates

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Updated 9:11 a.m. Wednesday (translation: I forgot to send early this morning)

Campaign 2009 analysis: The highs & lows

-Upset of the year-- SPLOST passes: You would have been hard-pressed to find anyone willing to bet on the $42.3 million SPLOST package passing last week. As late as Monday, a Tweet went out to stating: "Scotty Hancock joins us today . . . a to talk about the controversial communications system on tomorrow's SPLOST ballot." Now that's objective. But between Sunday morning and election day, there was a shift as some naysayers started to weigh the project's overall pros and cons. At the polls: As expected, it pretty much split down city vs. county lines.

-Winner of the year: public safety. The stealth whisper campaign to derail the emergency communications push backfired. Voters put the safety of their families first. The idea of two radios or a radio and a cell phone in an emergency situation? Cell phone coverage in Floyd is sporadic at best. We learned from the '08 tornado.

-Co-winner of the year: Barron Stadium. This is a multiple winner, the planned enhancements of Barron. Fans of Rome High, Shorter College and Peach State benefit, not to mention our chances of a continuing to host the NAIA football championship in coming years. Annual impact: $1.5 million each December. It also is another plus for downtown coming days after the cancer center announcement.

-Comeback player of the year: Ga. 140/53 tracts: The results in 2005 were crippling for the proposed industrial zone. Now let's see if they can lure second- and third-tier suppliers for VW and KIA. Still key: four-laning Ga. 140 to I-75.

-Drink of the year: H2O: Cave Spring gets a critical water enhancement -- and it is deserved. The precinct provided a critical 51-vote yes majority for SPLOST.

-Surprise of the year: The ease with which Rome commissioners Jamie Doss and Duane Reid won re-election. The sign ordinance, the water lines issue and other matters didn't do the incumbents any favors. No problem. Doss and Reid got the most votes among the six candidates on the ballot.

-Campaign of the year: Sue Hamler Lee. With a Web site devoid of her own picture and a slogan imploring you to "honor our veterans--vote!"), Lee waltzed to third place, earning enough votes to assume Bill Fricks' seat in January. There was a strong push on for both Jeff Brown and Steven McDowell. Just not strong enough.

-Losers of the year: The community. Around 21 percent of Rome's registered voters took the time to do just that this year even though early voting started Oct. 13--for the Nov. 3 election. Even worse: Countywide turnout was 16.67 percent.  Maybe Sue Hamler Lee is on to something.

-For election results and more, please click Election aftermath

-Several incumbents out in area cities: Bartow / Gordon / Polk

New since our morning e-mail alerts (subscribe here)

-Great fall forecast through Monday morning> Weather

-Seven Hills Rotary speakers schedule for Nov., Dec.> Click

-High School football: Cartersville's playoffs; Adairsville nod> Click

-Latest state business updates from Georgia Trend> Ga. Business

-Track today's Dow, other markets> Google Finance

-Georgia Political & Policy Digest's daily headlines> Ga. Politics

Today's Buzz:

-Adairsville man, two others indicted on federal security fraud counts: Rufus Paul Harris, 41, of Adairsville, and two other men made their first appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge Tuesday on federal charges of securities fraud and conspiracy in connection with a scheme to defraud investors of the publicly traded entity known as Conversion Solutions Holdings Corp.  Also indicted were Darryl Horton, 48, of Okemos, Mich., and Benjamin Stanley, 47, of Kennesaw, authorities said. Click Details

-Free swine flu vaccine available Thursday for children, pregnant women, healthcare workers, those with existing medical conditions> Health

-As VW begins hiring process, KIA seeking more workers> Ledger-Enquirer

-Rome Christmas Parade deadline is Nov. 10: You can register for the 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1 parade by clicking Here. There is a $50 late fee after Nov. 10. The theme: "An Anniversary Christmas: Celebrating 175 Years of Christmases in Rome."  

-Community in Schools' Run for Success 5K is Nov. 14> Healthy Living

-SADD program focuses on teaching young drivers about safety> Click

-Nov. 14/Wilderness walker and folk musician Walkin' Jim Stoltz returns for a concert to benefit the Coosa River Basin Initiative> Details

- Jill Finch wins Mount Berry Square's Biggest Weight Loss Challenge: She lost 46 pounds and more than 24 inches during the fall contest. She wins a $500 mall gift card for a new wardrobe. Click Facebook

-More mall news: Santa Claus makes a trip from the North Pole to Mount Berry Square on Friday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m.

-Nov. 17/Chamber's Young Professionals of Rome meet from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Panera Bread. Click Here to register:  $5.

Your latest forecast:
-Wednesday: Sunny, high of 71, low of 41.
-Thursday:  More sun, high of 67, low of 36.

-Weekend: No rain until Monday!

-Latest weather: Extended forecast /  Local radar / Regional radar

John McClellan's football picks> Football Report
-Armuchee, Darlington in playoffs; Pepperell, Calhoun, Cartersville look for wins.

Georgia High School Football Daily: Forecasters say Cartersville vs. Gainesville in first round of AAA playoffs. Adairsville gets a nod as one of the five best AA teams not making the playoffs> Details

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable>Arey

-Why would playing another quarterback be seen as throwing in the towel for Bulldogs?

Shorter: At Belhaven (Jackson, Miss!) 12:30 p.m. ET Saturday > Click

Upcoming events at Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Braves' first Celebrity Shootout with Rocket Wheeler, Frog Smith.

-First annual Wing Ding due Nov. 21.

-Links to winter baseball leagues.

Downtown Headlines> Click

-What's ahead in downtown Rome: Chamber expo Friday, Saturday.

Tuesday updates; election updates all day

 

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

Oktoberfest indeed: Local home sales jump 27.8%

-Greater Rome's yo-yo home sales stats were on the upside again in October.

Some 69 homes sold last month compared to 54 in September (up 27.8 percent) and compared to 51 homes sold in October 2009 (up 35.2 percent).

-Another milestone: The average price of homes sold last month was $130,354 vs. $120,692 a month earlier. That increase: 8 percent.

-Behind the boom: October sales were driven in part by the $9,800 in federal and state tax incentives for first-time home buyers (can't have owned a home for three years) and low mortgage rates. The tax break expires at the end of this month.

-For more, please see Greater Rome Board of Realtors

Carmike theaters see $20.7 million loss in third quarter: Revenue was about equal to a year earlier but a $17.2 million charge on old equipment and related costs hit the Columbus-based company hard. The company owns the Carmike 12 in Cartersville and Martin's 3 in Calhoun.> Details

-Cohutta Water sold to Crystal Springs: Calhoun-based Cohutta Water has been sold to Crystal Springs for an undisclosed sum> Business Chronicle

Election Day 2009: SPLOST, city posts on local ballots

-City of Rome ballot, click here / To view the county ballot, click here.

-The Cave Spring ballot (contested race): Post 5: Peggy Allgood, Nick McLemore, Ouida Sams

-Campaign finance reports for Rome candidates, SPLOST> Click

Election by the numbers:
-Polls are open today from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

-Weather forecast: Mostly sunny with a high of 67.

-Turnout forecast: Elections Chief Evon Billups predicts 20 to 25 percent..

-Advance/early votes as of Friday's cutoff: 1,250 (2.8 percent of all voters).

-Total voters registered in city of Rome as of Nov. 1: 15,428

-Total voters registered in city of Cave Spring: 653

-Total voters registered in Floyd County:  44,455 (cities and county)

Election coverage:

-Hometown Headlines will have updates on our home page, Facebook and Twitter throughout the night. Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk.

-WRGA 1470 AM will have live coverage beginning at 7 p.m. Or listen for updates on WRGA's companion stations as well.

-WLAQ 1410 AM will have coverage beginning after the polls close at 7.

Student-produced Berry College TV show, 'The Conference Room,' recognized as the best in the nation by College Broadcasters Inc.> Details

Tuesday's Buzz:

-Federal jury indicts 9 in timber scheme that cost Temple $4.8 million> Buzz

-Berry College Charter School of Education and Human Sciences will host a presentation by 2010 Georgia Teacher of the Year Gwen Desselle at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Science Auditorium. Admission is free and open to the public.

-Rome Young Republicans will be collecting magazines, books, CDs and DVDs to be mailed to the troops overseas.  Please contact Layla Shipman at 706-853-9014 or email romeyoungrepublicans@gmail.com. The group also will accept donations at the Nov. 10 and Dec. 8 meetings starting at 6:30 p.m. at 333 on Broad.

-Upcoming deer hunts at Berry to close some areas to public> Details

-Shorter, downtown Rome-themed Christmas cards on sale> Campus

-Shorter Hawks prepare for opening week of basketball> Details

John McClellan's high school picks for Friday: Armuchee, Darlington in playoffs; Pepperell, Calhoun, Cartersville look for wins> Football Report

 

Your latest weather:

-Election Day: Sunny, high of 69, low of 37; some morning fog.
-Wednesday: Sunday, high of 68, low of 44.

-Latest weather: Extended forecast /  Local radar / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable>Arey

-Check out this week's SEC slate; a real quarterback controversy in Athens.

Georgia High School Football Daily: Calhoun, Armuchee, Chattooga, Pepperell get some respect in Football Daily's new review of AA teams as Darlington does in the A classification> Click

Shorter vs. Belhaven, Jackson, Tenn. 12:30 p.m. Saturday> Hawks

-Georgia Northwestern Mustangs start season Nov. 7> Click

Upcoming events at Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Braves' first Celebrity Shootout with Rocket Wheeler, Frog Smith.

-First annual Wing Ding due Nov. 21.

-Links to winter baseball leagues.

Downtown Headlines> Click

-What's ahead in downtown Rome: Chamber expo Friday, Saturday.

Rome man indicted in $4.8 million timber case

Federal jury indicts Rome man, 8 others  in timber scheme that cost Temple Inland $4.8 million. Click: http://bit.ly/zLZgT

Monday's updates

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia (click)

-VW: Jobs at the plant, with parts suppliers among key local targets.

-The Greener Burger taking shape on Broad Street.

-Almost live from Berry College, it's The Locker Room Report.

-Chamber expo set for Friday night, Saturday at The Forum.

-SPLOST, city elections on this Tuesday's ballot; election coverage.

-More media changes on the way. Plus: Georgia Trend on Rome/Floyd.

-Peaks & Valleys: Six-digit 'gives' by, to local hospitals.

Really close second-place finish for Cedartown's Schabort in New York City Marathon:  Krige Schabort of Cedartown finished second with a time of 1:35:58 in the 2009 edition of the New York City Marathon. It was a photo finish as Kurt Fearnley of Australia had the same exact time.> Details

Your latest weather:

-Monday: Sunny, high of 69, low of 40.

-Election Day: Sunny, high of 70, low of 40.

-Latest weather: Extended forecast /  Local radar / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable>Arey

-All in all, an ugly weekend in college football, at least as far as uniforms are concerned

John McClellan's high school picks: Look for his region picks by Tuesday morning. John went 11-1 in local games on Friday night> Football Report

Georgia High School Football Daily:  Calhoun remains in first place in AA poll; plays Armuchee Friday night.> Details

Shorter shocked 14-13> Click

-This Saturday, at Belhaven, Jackson, Tenn. 12:30 p.m.

-Georgia Northwestern Mustangs start season Nov. 7> Click

Upcoming events at Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Braves' first Celebrity Shootout with Rocket Wheeler, Frog Smith.

-First annual Wing Ding due Nov. 21.

-Links to winter baseball leagues.

Downtown Headlines> Click

-What's ahead in downtown Rome: Chamber expo Friday, Saturday.

Three-Dot Buzz . . . :

-VW: Jobs at the plant, with parts suppliers among key local targets.

-The Greener Burger taking shape on Broad Street.

-Almost live from Berry College, it's The Locker Room Report.

-Chamber expo set for Friday night, Saturday at The Forum.

-SPLOST, city elections on this Tuesday's ballot; election coverage.

-More media changes on the way. Plus: Georgia Trend on Rome/Floyd.

-Peaks & Valleys: Six-digit 'gives' by, to local hospitals.

Work continues on The Greener Burger on Broad

Perhaps it is fitting that a "sandwich board" is responsible for building the buzz on a new burger place at the old Krystal site at 311 Broad St. next to Legends comic book store. Organizers of The Greener Burger are at work on the site and in business circles, promising "great burgers from our farm to your family." We'll have calls into the business organizers later today. Adding to the mystery is the black mail box for a farm to the upper right of the sandwich board.

>The early buzz on this year's Trick or Treat on Broad Street is good. Despite the rain, hundreds of kids and parents worked their way up and down Broad on Saturday, some far beyond the 2 p.m. cutoff time.

Georgia Trend's focus on Rome/Floyd: 'Marking Milestones.' Yet another big spread on Rome/Floyd County is in the November issue of Georgia Trend. This one, anchored by a picture of County Commission Chairman John Mayes, looks at recent projects and developments--including Town Green--and the SPLOST package before voters on Tuesday. For a closer read, click Georgia Trend.

Chamber's annual Business Expo this Friday, Saturday: 100 booth spots are reserved for this year's edition at The Forum. The Friday night event is for chamber members only as well as the vendors. Saturday is open to all, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. You'll see food vendors, health displays, banks and credit unions, and more. Admission: $3 per person; kids under 10, free. For more, click Expo 2009
-And while you're downtown at the Expo this Saturday, be sure to check out the sidewalk sale organized by downtown merchants.

Tune into Berry sports vis Locker Room Report: The new school year at Berry College also has produced a biweekly YouTube show called the Locker Room Report. Each edition features interviews with Berry coaches and athletes as well as some highlights and previews of what is going on in Berry athletics. The show is co-hosted by Berry's Director of Sports Information and Promotions, Scott Dunford and freshman student, Darren Barnet.  The college's interactive and social media specialist, Blake LeGate, is producer, editor and videographer. The show is true to its name: it is filmed in the Berry's men's basketball locker room. Guests so far this year have included women's basketball coach Stephanie Dunn, head soccer coach Lorenzo Canalis and players Kate Ross and Luis Salazar>http://www.youtube.com/berrycollegesports

-What we like: Berry continues to be a leader in online news and video coverage in Northwest Georgia. The last example: Live cuts from the Rome International Film Festival in September and key campus events (graduations, key ceremonies).

The Druck Report on WRGA three times daily; on-demand next: We appreciate the kind words we're hearing about The Druck Report, a weekday four-minute review of local business news, trends and other updates heard exclusively on WRGA 1470 AM. Starting this week, The Druck Report is available at 7:50 a.m., 12:50 and 6:50 p.m. We'll have updates soon on on-demand listening as well in conjunction with WRGArome.com.

-More media: Lots of media buzz still in the air about upcoming changes, some you're probably noticing already. We'll have several updates later in the week.

Election Day coverage: We'll have updates throughout the day as well as results on Tuesday night. We'll be using Hometown Headlines, e-mail alerts, Facebook and Twitter for updates. For our social media updates, please go to:

www.facebook.com/hometown  / www.twitter.com/hometown

>Coming Wednesday/Analysis of the elections' outcome: Some of the behind-the-scenes maneuvering in this election cycle will not be forgotten anytime soon.

With VW plant cruising toward the 2011 finish line in Chattanooga, Northwest Georgia seeks healthy chunk of the contracts, jobs.

By Natalie Simms

natsimms76@gmail.com

German automaker Volkswagen's billion-dollar manufacturing plant is rising rapidly in Chattanooga and, just as fast, Northwest Georgia development leaders are wooing would-be parts suppliers to build on this side of the state line

While cars will not be rolling off the assembly line there until 2011, a plant of its magnitude and sheer proximity to Northwest Georgia will breathe new life into our stagnant economy and job market.

"The plant is expected to create more than 10,000 jobs both directly and indirectly over three years," says Pete McDonald, vice president of Economic Development for Georgia Northwestern Technical College. "It's the largest economic impact in Northwest Georgia that we've had in decades."

According to Volkswagen Group of America Inc., the Chattanooga plant initially will create 2,000 direct jobs in the region. Independent studies say the new VW plant is expected to generate $12 billion in income growth and an additional 9,500 jobs over the life of the project. The Chattanooga plant will build a new midsize sedan specially designed for the North American market. Look for VW's new Concept to be built in Chattanooga (above image)

Hiring is under way with hundreds from our area already applying for jobs among more than 12,000 who applied this past week online for 1,200 positions. Applications will be accepted through midnight next Sunday. To apply, go to www.vwjobschattanooga.com.

"VW reached out to us to assist them with offering a location for applicants," McDonald says. "You can apply anywhere with an Internet connection but we (GNTC) have opened up our commuter labs for anyone to come and apply."
The labs are at the Floyd, Gordon and Walker campuses, and are open through Saturday as follows: Monday–Thursday: 12:30- 7 p.m.; Friday, 12:30-3:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.  

"We're anticipating over 100,000 applicants to apply from all over the world," McDonald says. "This application is just the initial step of the seven-step hiring process. VW has a very structured approach to hiring."

This image from the Chattanooga chamber shows a rendering of the new VW plant rising at the Enterprise South industrial complex. For more, click VW Chattanooga.

While the 60-plus miles to Chattanooga seems like a long commute for those living in Northwest Georgia, the good news is that VW will need several parts suppliers who build within 50 to 100 miles of the plant. Northwest Georgia, along with Northeast Alabama and other parts of Tennessee, all stand to benefit.

According to Volkswagen Group of America, nearly $436 million in local contracts have been awarded by the city, state and Volkswagen to date. This includes more than $238 million with local suppliers for the new midsized sedan and $98 million with Volkswagen contractors and subcontractors for plant construction, with another $230 million over the next 20 years.  At capacity, the plant will produce 150,000 vehicles a year.

Northwest Georgia hopes to gets its slice of the $230 million pie.

"The Volkswagen plant has great potential for Northwest Georgia," says Al Hodge, President and CEO of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce. "Existing auto suppliers, along with potential new employers, have many opportunities related to VW. Our existing suppliers have proven they produce high quality parts and are competitively priced for the plants they supply. We have been marketing to VW and allied businesses since the day the new plant announcement in Chattanooga."

Neaton Auto Products Manufacturing Inc. and F&P Georgia are among several local industries that could supply parts to the VW plant. Racemart International in Calhoun is a global supplier for floor mats and could be in the running for a contract with VW.

"Northwest Georgia will definitely play an important role for suppliers," says Jimmy Phillips, President of the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce. "A project of this size will bring thousands of jobs to the region for Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. Suppliers will be locating in our communities creating jobs and payrolls."

Phillips says Gordon County has seen some interest from potential suppliers but expects more activity in 2010. "We've got a good location along the interstate with lots of good sites, a ready workforce and utilities," he says. "We've got every opportunity for a new industry."

According to The Chattanoogan, a special industrial park for 15 VW parts suppliers is going up near the VW site. These 15 suppliers are primary or first-tier suppliers. Second- and third-tier parts makers are the ones being targeted by Northwest Georgia development interests.

"One of the many reasons we need to have a well-educated workforce, support from existing employers, and land with infrastructure for new business is so that we can take positive advantage of opportunities such as this one," Hodge says. "This is another reason to support the SPLOST so that 375 more acres may be developed and sold for more jobs in our community."

The 2009 SPLOST will be on the ballots for voters on Tuesday. The $42.3 million package includes $5.98 million for the acquisition and improvement of real estate for economic development. County Manager Kevin Poe says the money would be used to make improvements to the land at Ga. 140 and 53.

"We have 300 plus acres available to recruit future industry," Poe says. "We will use this money for infrastructure improvement and get it ready for future industrial development. But if an industry comes in and we need to build infrastructure somewhere else, we will have flexibility to use this money to get that industry here."

PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia

Peak to the staff of Redmond Regional Medical Center. Redmond's associates raised more than $100,000 for United Way:  The hospital continues to be one of the major players in local United Way efforts.

Peak to the Floyd Medical Center Auxiliary: The auxiliary presented a check for $110,000 to Floyd Medical Center at its 38th annual meeting Thursday. Among the areas to be supported by that check: Floyd's Breast Center. Auxiliary members put in thousands of hours each year in support of the hospital.

Valley to all the dark doorways on Halloween night: Sure, this year's Halloween fell on a rainy Saturday night but we're astounded to hear how many dark doorways there were around town this year. Looks like someone forgot what the "trick" part of Halloween is all about.