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Friday, August 31, 2007
rose to lead chamber of commerce...
amanda rose has been hired as executive director of the barnesville-lamar county chamber of commerce.
THANKS WALTER FOR REMOVING THE FIRST COMMENT. I WAS ABOUT TO CALL AND BRING IT TO YOUR ATTENTION. AMANDA WILL DO US A FINE JOB AND SHE HAS A CHAMBER PERSONALITY TO FIT THE BILL.
PEOPLE PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THIS IS NOT AN ELECTED POSITION. IT IS NO DIFFERENT THAN A TELLER AT THE BANK OR SOME OTHER PROFESSIONAL POSITION. PERSONAL ATTACKS ARE OUT OF LINE. DON'T LIKE THE CHAMBER DON'T JOIN. WE DON'T WANT YOUR SORRY ASS.
I AM VERY PROUD OF AMANDA. I KNOW SHE WILL DO A FANTASTIC JOB AS LONG AS JAN LETS HER. AMANDA IS A GREAT PERSON AMD WILL DO HER BEST FOR CHAMBER AS LONG AS JAN DOES NOT TRY TO CONTROL HER CONGRATULATIONS AMANDA
The former chamber director was FIRED because she tried to be a "Executive Director" and was not allowed to be one. Amanda Rose is wished all the best, but since her predecessor was not allowed to learn from the past history of the chamber and improve the working conditions OR member services of the chamber, I would not expect Amanda to stay long either. I sincerely hope she has a contract, something not offered to employees in recent history, if ever. Anyone with the desire to do a good job and a brain that they want to use, does not belong at the Barnesville-Lamar County Chamber of Commerce.
Others who were working there were fired, for various and questionable reasons, by the executive board who seems to think they need not communicate with the board of directors.
11:35 and 1:34, those were some interesting comments. Will you expand on them? For example; who does the hiring/firing and what does the job of E.D. require?
At the time the last director was hired, there was no true job description, just what she was told by the board and a hodgepodge of job descriptions in files in the office. She tried to do her research by attending conferences, meeting other E.D.'s, reading of the GA Chamber website, etc., but the more she learned about what a real chamber is supposed to do, the less popular she became with the board of directors. According to the bylaws, the board of directors does the hiring and firing, but she was fired by 4 individuals that make up the executive board with out any consultation with the other members of the board.
9:26 you obviously have some knowledge about the workings of the Chamber, or at least a lot more than most of us. The reason much of this kind of stuff goes on is because the people don't know. I'll be the first to admit that a big group of people in Lamar don't care about what goes on or how it goes on but, there's many who do.
Shine some light on the subject. Who are the Board of Directors? Why do you believe they acted the way they do?
This sounds similar to other firings in Barnesville. If they are doing wrong then maybe we should do what it takes to send them packing. There's a handful of people that think they own Lamar County and Barnesville and we need to show the otherwise.
YOU ARE RIGHT--THERE ARE A HANDFUL, SPECIFICALLY FOUR, WHO THINK THEY OWN THE CITY AND THE CHAMBER! I HAVE ALWAYS HEARD, WHAT GOES AROUND WILL COME AROUND.
WITH THE FORMER E.D. BEING FIRED, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE OTHER TWO STAFF MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN AT THE CHAMBER FOR YEARS? I JUST CAN NOT IMAGINE THEM LEAVING WITH NO APPARENT REASON. WE, THE CITIZENS AND MEMBERS, HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW THE TRUTH!
Congratulations Amanda or should I offer my condolences? Even though I personally think you could do a wonderful job, I think you will need help other than the executive board. Sounds like from all the BLOGS, you are walking into a HORNETS NEST! GOOD LUCK
I don't know that it is the Board of Directors that is the problem, but rather the Executive Committee. Maybe we should take a look at whom this committee is comprised of. Aren't most of them just transplants to Barnesville? Sounds like the EC is on a power trip right now.
I AM GLAD SOMEPONE IS FINALLY ENLIGHTING US TO HOW THE CHAMBER IS SUPPOSE TO WORK. I THOUGHT JAN CALLED ALL THE SHOTS AND WAS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BECAUSE SHE IS ALWAYS RUNNING THE SHOW AND THE PEOPLE . GLAD TO FIND OUT SHE IS ONLY HEAD OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. WAS SHE HIRED? CAN SHE BE FIRED? CAN SHE BE RUN OVER AS SHE HAS OTHERS WHO REALLY CARE ABOUT THE CHAMBER AND BVILLE? I DO NOT KNOW BUT I AM SURE ALL THINGS WILL WORK OUT ONE DAY.
These transplants only look out for themselves. If you knew the history of one of them aka his wife and how she treated people in a job of authority in a nearby town...you would understand they only want to be seen and heard...they don't have a heart. THEY WANT TO LOOK IMPORTANT. They don't care or know what COMMUNITY means/and especially how to run a community....!
I agree....The "Board" is comprised of two that should go back where they` came from........Eagle's L and River F...go back...go back and leave us Barnesvillians alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I hope they know what goes around comes around!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amanda will do a great job, if she is allowed. She is strong willed and determined. I hope they don't ruin what could be a wonderful thing with their so-called "power trips". At least Amanda grew up in Barnesville, and understands what this town is all about. Don't we want this town to be somewhere people can say they are proud to live? Isn't that our common cause?
I am not sure who Eagles L and River F are, but no two people should be running the chamber of commerce. Surely if the ED is not a hired position by the community, they should not be. The staff Barnesville had at the chamber was always friendly and worked hard for our community. What happened to them. Were they all fired by a committee that most of us don't even know who they are. We members are encouraged to be an active part of the chamber and pay our dues and we don't even know the true story of why is was even necessary to hire a new executive director. What in the sam hill is going on?
I've been on the web searching and can't come up with any names. It looks like a closely guarded secret. The thing that kept popping up during the search was the IDA. I certainly hope we aren't dealing with that bunch but if we are, together, we are up to the task.
As of April, 2007. Executive Committee Jan Hatten, President Phillip Bell, Vice President Chad Thompson, Treasurer Bobby Ferris
Other chamber board members: Dick Esco - permanent board member as Buggy Days chair Sammy Shropshire April Smith Laura Geiger Sandra Hudson Scott Leverett Virginia Carter Gregg Martin Jessica Deen
We have got to find out who all is on the board of directors because it seems there in lies the entire problem and the board president is leading the way. This is going to take some investigating by each of the concerned members.
I think this blog has gotten away from the original objective, welcoming Amanda and letting her know that we support her. Rather, it has turned more into an anti-Chamber/Jan/Phillip bash fest.
Regardless of your opinion of current/past leadership, the Chamber does MANY good things for B/LC. They bring us Buggy Days and BBQ & Blues Festival which promotes tourism and creates revenue. Many people put MANY hours of work into the planning and carrying out of these events. And how many of us have not enjoyed atleast one of these events? Amanda, I'm sure you will be a great leader in this community. Rise above the bickering and backstabbing and bring a sense of togetherness back into the Chamber which as of late has been sorely missing.
I agree the bickering and backstabbing needs to stop immediately. How in the world can a new executive director be successful with all this going on. The ones who created the problem know who they are and like it was stated, what goes around does come around. WELCOME AMANDA!!!!
AMANDA, DON'T LET ALL THESE COMMENTS SCARE YOU TOO BAD. YOU ARE HONEST, SMART, ENERGETIC, YOUNG, AND TOUGH, SO I DON'T THINK YOU'LL LET THE EC RUN OVER YOU. THERE ARE SOME GREAT AND HONEST PEOPLE ON THE BOARD. TURN TO THEM FOR HELP AND ENCOURGEMENT NOT THE EC., THEY WILL BRING YOU DOWN IF YOU LET THEM. WE HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOU............
Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
Amanda would do well to talk to the many, many people who have held the position of E.D. and try to learn from them.
She may not be able to change anything as her predecessor was not, but at least she will go in with her eyes open and hopefully her back covered. She'll need it.
I have yet to figure out how BBQ & Blues, and Buggy Days, generate revenue for businesses. Most have to close down because it is not worth paying someone to hold it open, because people are out in the street getting drunk, and the restaurants get screwed because no one is eating in their establishments because they are eating at the festivals.
It appears to me that a chamber member got on to try and head off citizens investigating or wanting to investigate who they are.
Thank you for who ever posted the list. I don't know if anyone noticed but the chairman of the Ag Authority, the person that gave away all the county assets is on the list along with other Ag Authority person. I wonder if any conflict of interest is involved there. Also city council members; another possible conflict of interest with the land theft from the county. And how about those close ties to the IDA on that list. Anyone notice?
Smell any rotting fish?
To those of you wanting to change direction - no body has been condemming Amanda - it appears they are safeguarding her to prevent crooked dealings.
I AGREE THAT ALL THE ED HAD INTEGRITY AND WERE HONEST AND HARDWORKING. I QUESS THAT IS WHAT GOT THEM FIRED. MAYBE THEY OUGHT TO REPLACE A FEW OF THE EC. THEY,LL KNOW HOW TO TREAT THE ED AND OTHER EMPLOYEES WHO WORK THEIR BUTTS OFF FOR THE CHAMBER. THE ED, EMPLOYEES, AND THE BOARD MEMBERS WORK ALOT HARDER AND CARE MORE ABOUT BVILLE THAN A FEW ON THE EXECUTIVE COMMMITTEE. POWER IS ALL SOME OF THE EC WANT AND SO FAR THEY;VE HAD IT. IT'S A SHAME BECAUSE A LOT.... OF GOOD PEOPLE HAVE BEEN FIRED AND LET GO BECAUSE OF A FEW POWER HUNGRY PEOPLE.
Amanda will be paid for her work. Keep in mind that every member of the board including the executive committee are volunteers and working on behalf of the chamber to promote the community without compensation or thanks.
Let's encourage all you critics to get involved in the chamber and try to make a better Barnesville.
The last ED worked many, many hours she was not paid for. The IDEAL is that the board is there to serve the community, but other than programs that the chamber makes money off of, how do they serve the community?
11:31 AM Problem? What problem? I did not realize there was a "specific problem". Funny thing is I don't remember the Chamber membership ever notified that there was a problem, nor was it printed in the newspaper. How is this year any different than all the rest? Is there something we should know?
It's like chamber memebers belong to a secret society, were they are only told what they need/have to know.
Chamber members are like mushrooms. Kept them in the dark and feed S@#T.
I'm a member and was told Teresa refused to answer the telephone or wait on customers in the 1 person office. I like Teresa but you can't conduct business like that. I also understood she resigned instead of being fired.
I don't know, gee, is someone working their butt off for lousy pay, no benefits, no overtime, to the point that they have no life other than their job and then loosing that job because they have the audacity to speak up and say something has got to give and loosing that job against all the rules and regulations of the board that hired them because a few people feel that it is okay for them to completely take over a civic organization and run it as they please even though they are using the local businesses' dues money to do so. Does that fall under the catagory of a problem? I don't know what do you think? Another question: Is it a problem to have a chamber of commerce in a growing thriving community that performs none of the serves that a chamber should provide? Just wondering!
It's a national problem. It seems only the Mexicans are willing to work their butts off for lousey pay and no benefits. The last executive director could get a cushy government job for the taxpayers to fund mediocre performance.
1:23 p.m. As a chamber member, you were lied to. Teresa was fired, the chamber leaders lied to the public by putting it in the paper that she had resigned. She was even banded from the building, and she has the letter to prove it. Teresa did everything within her power to do her job without adequate help or training that was promised her by the board. Anyone that knows Teresa knows that she does not do anything half way. She did try to elevate the job of Executive Director to the status it deserved, but it is ridiculous to believe that anyone would refuse to answer the phone or wait on customers. If you know Teresa, you know better than that.
I think most of us feel Teresa is the only one here that was treated unfairly. What, may I ask happened to Geneva and Kathy, who was called when the chamber needed help after terminated yet another ED in 2002. Were they both terminated or unexpectantly leave after the new board took over. This BLOG is bringing to light alot of unanswered questions from chamber members.
Teresa was NOT the only one. Geneva was let go in March and Kathy while never officially terminated no longer has a key to the building (another very interesting story) and was told she would be called when needed. Apparently the last time she was needed was in April!
Maybe those that know Teresa, Geneva, or Kathy (I don't know them) could ask for a little factual input. It would be interesting to know the facts and maybe we can do something about it. Perhaps they could join in with their comments. We're on a roll so let's not let up on them. Now is the time to get to the bottom of it.
Thank you for who ever posted the list. I don't know if anyone noticed but the chairman of the Ag Authority, the person that gave away all the county assets is on the list along with other Ag Authority person. I wonder if any conflict of interest is involved there. Also city council members; another possible conflict of interest with the land theft from the county. And how about those close ties to the IDA on that list. Anyone notice?>>
I noticed.
Why is it the same people who can't do a good honest job in one position get put in multiple positions as a reward?
The Ag Authority essentially expired because of very poor management. When it expired millions of dollars of county assets were given to Barnesville.
At the same time Hardwick and Mathews claim they don't have money to fund a firefighter and the county can't stay out of the red, our fine citizen leaders are giving county money to Barnesville.
If someone didn't have time to run the Ag Authority properly or our community can't take time to clean up the junkyard mess on College Drive by the curve along the RR tracks, why do the same group want to take on more chores?
I can't understand the logic behind accepting additional work when there isnt time to do a good job.
3:39- reading some of these blogs makes me think that we've already heard from Theresa, Kathy, and/or Geneva. I think by the end of this we will find out they have not been the only ones alienated and treated badly by the current chamber leadership.
The Chamber is a membership driven organization...or as some critics would say, suppost to be one. What I want to know is how many of the people making negative comments on how it's run are actually members? Because the way I see it, put up the money for dues or shut up. If you don't like the way it's run- BECOME A MEMBER AND MAKE SOME CHANGES!!!!
members can not even begin to make changes if they are not informed of what TRUEFULLY is going on within the organization. Being a member, it seems as though we are only being informed of what the ec and board wants us to know.
The person that commented at 4:04 PM is no doubt one of the decision making members. What more can you expect from people with that kind of attitude. And, if they treat potential new business with that attitude, I can see why business is not attracted to LC and Barnesville. That's likely how the new E.D.s are treated until fired.
Aren't they teaching a class now about being somebody in Lamar. If they are like that then I don't/wouldn't want to learn their ways.
AMEN---THESE PEOPLE WHO ARE TREATING OTHERS, ESPECIALLY PAST CHAMBER STAFF, SO BADLY, ARE MOST LIKELY THE ONES WHO ARE OUT THERE REPRESENTING OUR FRIENDLY COMMUNITY. IRONIC ISN'T IT?
If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. If you can't stand the boss, change jobs.
The chamber's job is to promote the community instead of tear it down. With all this griping it's no wonder those in charge made staff changes to project a positive image instead of a negative one.
5:05- I'm not in any leadership position, but I HAVE paid my dues. Have you? I also have heard the rumors about dealings at the chamber, but right now they are just that- rumors. I don't know the whole story and I'm betting you don't either.
5:36 pm said "The chamber's job is to promote the community instead of tear it down." ___________________________________ Even though that talking point has been drilled into your head for years at the Chamber.
Here are several definitions of Chamber of Commerce:
chamber of commerce –noun an association, primarily of people in business, to promote the commercial interests of an area.
n. pl. chambers of commerce An association of businesspersons and merchants for the promotion of commercial interests in the community.
noun an association of businessmen to protect and promote business interests _________________________________ Here is the Mission Statement for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
Mission Statement The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is the unified voice of the business community, aggressively advocating the business viewpoint in the shaping of public policy, encouraging ethical business practices and ensuring the state’s future as economically prosperous, educationally competitive and environmentally responsible.
See, no mention of having to do all the stupid stuff they do to "promote" downtown Barnesville.
How can someone who spends most of her time living on Lake Jackson command so much POWER?? Should you not be a fulltime resident of Barnesville to head the Chamber of Commerce? Instant Karma is going to get you.............
I think karma has already got her. Remember all the "friends" she had last year? I think she has ran them all off this year. They figured her out, time for a new set!
While we are on the subject of Philip...how did he get "businessperson of the year" anyone can take a well established agency and look successful. He is NOT the one who built the agency. He should be ashamed. The Chamber must have voted him in on that one, or was it the IDA???????
Who knows the REAL reason M.A.has gotten so small..? Someone mentioned in this Blog was close to the person that destroyed it! And, it is not Amanda. She made positive contributions to the school. Thanks Amanda. We at M.A. will miss you. Congratulations.
From what I've heard, Jason Shirey got into a showdown with the wrong person (who has previously been mentioned in this blog) and was told to leave...... just more of the same.
Well it looks like the leaders of this fine Chamber stomp on the workers and throw them away. It is funny to me that Our great Chamber Pres. and VP are never to be found when needed. They should never have signed up for the job. They are running off all the good employees and volunteers. Sorry excuses for leaders.
In comment to 5:36. Interesting you should mention the "positive image" thing. The reason it has taken 4 months for all this to come out is because the EC spend 100% of their time and effort on positive image - of themselves and the chamber at the cost of the TRUTH. Truth means nothing to these people, image is everything.
This is the most unity from the community to bring down possible bad management I've ever seen displayed. If people would unite for good and responsible leadership at all levels, this would be the absolute best place in the state to live.
10:18........this is a start! Hopefully we will be successful here! If successful getting rid of the ec we can move on! It would be a GREAT place to live if we can correct this big mess!
The head is on a real power trip..we tire of seeing her at her kid's school, in town, and all over Jackson Lake. Maybe she can stay permanently in Butts Co.
Take a day/night off. It's Labor Day weekend. Try to take stock of those of us who truly work trying to accomplish something.
Obviously, the chamber of commerce EC has sparked some fires with their personnel decisions but don't forget it's all for what they might deem is best for the future of the community.
Lots of folks seemingly disagree. Now get involved and make this place a better place to live. Others are trying to do it. Now it's your turn.
Let's be careful not to hurt or sling mud too far. As for the request to join and get involved, I happen to know many who are posting are VERY involved in the Barnesville/Lamar community, and are long time chamber members, as am I. Everyone involved in the chamber honestly thinks they are doing what is right. Because of what a few have been taught, about how to run a successful business, they are finding out this doesn't apply in a small close-knit community like Barnesville. We do not take kindly to bullies and backstabbing. ALL our past ED's have done an excellent job. Melissa and Teresa were thrown into the middle of Buggy Days the moment they started. What an incredible job they did. Melissa started BBQ Blues by working her butt off learning all there was to learn, and believe me it's way more than you think. This past year Teresa was prepared to show a profit on BBQ Blues 5x that of last year. Increased membership in spite of higher dues. Then she was fired and given no explanation. Nor were any ED's compensated for any hours they worked overtime
It's taken long enough to get the truth about the "Executive Council" out into the community. Amanda you will do a GREAT job! Hopefully, J and P will step down, and let you show our community what you can do.
Hopefully those that need to leave will. If I knew that the community felt this way...I would move on. The egos of these 2 may not let them move on. That will be a crying shame.
I hate that people have used the excitement of Amanda leading the chamber... has led to all of the communication on the Blog. However, this could be the best thing that ever happened to Amanda's future career. Good Luck Amanda!
my question here is why does someone who is supposed to be the head of the entity that promotes THIS community live in another community??? that's like the BOE member we had who put his kids in a private school. it's ethically wrong in my opinion. get rid of them. by the way, what local business is the president of the exec committee involved with? ive never heard of her or half the people on the list provided in an earlier blog and ive been here 40+ years
why would people want board members that already made a wreck of another community projects working in another community agency? Going by the list of names posted Gregg Martin and Bobby Ferris both helped destroy the agriculture authority and gave away property that belonged to the citizens. They might give away the whole county in the chamber of commerse.
Advice to Amanda: Do your job, but just your job, when it is quitting time, go home, unless you are being paid overtime. Take lunch, bathroom and post office run breaks on their time, even though you will be criticized for it. (Good luck with figuring out how you're supposed to man the office 9 - 5 AND be out in the community getting new members.) Do not let the fact that all state chamber statistics show that a chamber this size should have 2 full time employees make you feel like you are not doing your job. You will be called upon anywhere between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m to work, without any compensation, even when your son is having surgery the next morning, but you will never be thanked or praised, especially in public. You will never be able to do all that you need to do, but do the best you can. Do not believe it when they tell you they cannot hire you any help, it is a lie and once you start doing the bookkeeping you will see for yourself that it is. Do not under any circumstances tell the EC anything they do not need to know, they will use it against you. They are not your friends, you are not a team, no matter what they say. Do not believe anything you are told about the ED's before you. They were all good, competent workers that can help you and will help you if you ask them. The last ED was fired with ALL numbers improved: membership, revenue, programs, etc. Which leads to my next statement, be prepared for the board to take credit for everything you do, you will never be recognized for your worth to the community. Be prepared for any ideas that you have of making the chamber better to be stolen and presented as their ideas. In fact, you will hear from the EC that your job is to make THEM look good. Good luck to you, I sincerely hope that you can do what no one else has been able to do - give B-LC a chamber that they can be proud of without destroying your health, your family AND your reputation along the way. I'm sorry that I cannot offer congratulations knowing what I know, but I do wish you the best and hope that your chamber experience does not mirror the past. If it does, leave with your head held high and remember Rudyard Kipling, "if you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you......."
To the 10:12 pm THANK YOU AMANDA AND KATHY, YOU ARE THE BEST:There is no Kathy at the chamber as far as the EC is concerned. I was assigned a project to work on which was Buggy Days, worked May 18th., turned in my key to the building to Jan because I was told the locks were being rekeyed,and was informed I would be called if needed to work on Buggy Days. To the 12:41pm comment on Teresa and Melissa being thrown into Buggy Days and BBQ, I was there in 2002 to train Melissa and Teresa.I have not been allowed to work since May 18 of this year because I was informed I would be contacted when needed. I DO LOVE BARNESVILLE BUT WHAT HAPPENED? I know the truth and appreciate all the kind things mentioned about me.
We have now reached 114 comments on this blog and 5 people alone have made a 100 of them. So to people of the blog that are reading this, don't believe everthing you hear. The chamber does alot of great things for our city and county.
Kathy, I am sorry if you have been without income. But, you have been MUCH better off than being around Jan and Philip! Everyone that knows you loves you! We all know what a HARD worker you are! I am a FIRM believer of what goes around comes around. Just stay strong and know all of Barnesville (but the transplants)love you. You were definitely an asset at the Chamber of Commerce.
Who says 5 people have made 100 of the comments? How would you know if that WAS the truth? I don't believe it....I hear people talking at Pastime every day!
To the 11:55 post: Believe me, the lack of income is not an issue at all. What is my highest priority in Barnesville is MY FAMILY, MY NAME AND MY INTEGRITY.
again id like for someone to explain to me how the president of the executive committee of the Barnesville-Lamar County COC got that position if she lives in another county? does she have kids and do they attend Lamar County schools? i think if you are a leader of the community you should live in the community and, if you have kids, they should attend school in the community
i heard that if Jan doesn't like you she will find it in her power to bring you down... that is what happened to TB, she tried to stand up for herself and Jan tried to put her back in her place, so she quit!
This is better than a soap opera. I can't help but wondering if some of these bloggers realize we are out of high school, though. I'm not a big Jan fan, but it does seem like people are doing the exact same thing they are complaining she did to them- backstabbing. I wonder how many of these comments would still be written if we could not hide behind the curtain of anonymity?
Once again, TB did not quit, she was fired. The last 2 or 3 weeks she worked, she put in up to 80 hrs a week because she had taken the job to serve her community and she was going to do it right no matter how many obstacles came in her way, but when she was fired and barred from the building, that was an obstacle she couldn't overcome. She was even willing to finish out the week before BBQ and Blues because of her loyalty to her community AFTER she was fired, but she was barred from doing so. She was also not allowed to serve on the Buggy Days committee as a VOLUNTEER. No one came to her defense, you can draw your own conclusions there, but my personal opinion is that no one is willing to go up against someone with the self-professed reputation of the Pres. for someone else, no matter how much you feel that person is being mistreated, it is simply not worth it, not in a town the size of Bville. We are all saying things that need to be said, but unfortunately it won't change a thing. I wish we could speak our mind with out fear of repercussion, but I'm not willing to, are you?
again, what does this Hatten lady do? does she own a business in town or in the county? who gave her all the power she seems to have? ive never heard of her, has she lived here long? and her kids go to SGES, right? i just have a problem with community leaders who won't put their kids in public schools. just not ethical, in my opinion. but to each his/her own, i guess.
8:02...I believe that more people would stand up outside of anonymity, but I do believe that they are afraid of the reprocussions. From what I understand, if you upset some of the aforementioned names, you will be targeted and "picked on" until you give in.
If you watch the newspaper you will see what she does. Gets in the middle of the picture to make it look like she did all the work, but she showed up for the picture!!! She and her husband own several buildings in town. They have renovated them and rented them to businesses. A very nice job, well done! They are a big part of the community and have done alot to help the community. The problem seemed to start when she became pres. of the chamber. "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely!"
I do believe in personal privacy, but don't think this information is anything that is not mostly public knowledge. I believe they moved here about 3-4 years ago, but could have been longer. Have a house on Thomaston St, also one on Lake Jackson. Her husband is a pilot as well as real estate speculator. They own, and have restored, many downtown buildings. I do not know what she used to do, but was under the impression she owned a business, but has since taken some time off. She has been active with the Chamber for a number of years now, and led the Merchants Committee as well as worked on various other committees. In the latter part of last year she accepted the nomination of Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, which she began on January of this year. It is a 1 year term and will expire in December.
11:15 may not have a bad idea but it will take more than that. It will take volunteers standing on picket lines. Is everyone ready for that or are they just blabing on a blog. It will take someone willing to organize it. Who? The reasons must be specific and the terms defined. Just 3 things to think about.
Okay what's the big deal about this? Amanda Rose seems like a qualified candidate. She's intelligent and college educated. Good Luck and who really cares!
Amanda Rose, by the job announcement, this is what they expect.
Executive Director for the Barnesville/Lamar Chamber of Commerce
Working with the Board and staff, the Executive Director is responsible for preparing and overseeing an annual Action Plan that implements the Chamber’s strategic priorities. And this is how they expect you to do it.
The Executive Director: • Is the chief spokesperson for the Chamber of Commerce. • Will be expected to communicate effectively with the diverse range of members. • Must be able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with elected and appointed officials at all levels of government in order to develop appropriate advocacy strategies with the Board on behalf of the membership. • Is responsible for maintaining and growing Chamber membership as well as developing new and recurring sources of non-dues revenue, all at levels sufficient to support the overall operating budget. • Is responsible for ensuring that the Chamber offers programs and services of high value to the membership. • Is expected to creatively design and manage programs that are innovative and successful. Is responsible for recruiting, selecting, managing and developing a staff proficient at all times to meet the Chamber’s needs
It's spelled out and they can't fire you for doing your job.
Now, how has the Board fulfilled their responsibilities thusfar?
Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
The membership of GACCE consists of Chamber of Commerce executives and staff, as well as those members of business and community organizations who are directly interested in or allied with Chamber of Commerce work in Georgia.
Observation: Of the 140 or so listed chambers, one did not list an individual name to contact. The GACCE was up to date as of August 2007.
Barnesville-Lamar County Chamber of Commerce PO Box 506, Barnesville, GA 30204 (770) 358-5884 fax: (770) 358-5886 lchamber5884@charterinternet.com www.barnesville.org Region 4
To recognize effective organization performance, the United States Chamber of Commerce instituted the accreditation program. It is a voluntary program developed to provide a method by which local chambers of commerce may make a self-study and analysis. The organization prepares and submits an evaluation report and requests an inspection by a representative of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States. The chambers of commerce that have received accreditation in Georgia,
NO: Barnesville was not on the list……
2007 GACCE Washington Fly-In Hyatt Regency Washington September 26 - 28, 2007 The GACCE Washington Fly-In is a chance for Chamber Executives and their volunteer leadership to meet with their elected officials. This year we will be joining the Georgia Chamber of Commerce at their Congressional Reception on Thursday, September 27.
Registration for the 2007 event is now closed! Did Barnesville Register?????????????
Amanda Rose: FYI
2007 GACCE Leadership Conference November 8 - 9, 2007 Hilton Garden Inn Albany, GA
The GACCE Leadership Conference is a seminar for Chamber Executives and their top volunteers designed to increase the effectiveness of the local Chamber leadership team. This conference covers a variety of topics such as the role of the executive and the chief elected officer, and how to maximize the Chamber's effectiveness.
GACCE Board Meeting / Macon, GA / September 10, 2007 Location: Hilton Garden Inn - Macon, GA
GACCE Legislative Policy Update / Macon, GA / September 11, 2007 Location: Grand Opera House - Macon, GA
Amanda have a GREAT first day at work at the Barnesville Chamber! If you are lucky P will be tied up at the business that Bobby built, and J will still be basking in the Butts County sun! You will do a GREAT job! WE are proud of you!
You people have way too much time on your hands. To the five people that I referred to earlier, you need to get over it and get own with your lives. This hate that you are demonstrating toward Jan is ridiculous. Jan works hard for the Chamber and every decision she has makes, she makes it with the best intentions. Also, please don't forget that she puts in at least 20 hours a week to the Chamber for FREE.
I am thankful that I have never worked or volunteered for anything in Lamar County or Barnesville. It doesn't seem that anyone in the area is appreciative of anyone else's work. No matter how well things are run there are always the naysayers and doomspeakers. You are probably the same people who don't vote but complain the loudest after every election. You are also the ones that don't pitch in but still complain about how things are run or how things look.
I assume that there will be an election for officers in the CofC. Members, you will have your chance to make a change. You can use your voice to change the leadership and start in a new direction. Most of you won't even show up to the meetings but you'll be complaining the loudest. IF YOU DON'T VOTE YOU DON'T COUNT! Those of you complaining on this blog have the opportunity to change this if you belong to the chamber. If not you are just wasting time and air. Get off the blog and join up or shut up. Don't just join but participate.
9:28 Sorry but your ignorance is showing. Most of the people posting to this blog are VERY involved with Bville and are very active volunteers in many areas AND they do vote. Their frustration is coming from watching the chamber flounder for years being run by a board that turns over every 3 years, that is only there so they can put it on their resume' and refusing to hire a qualified ED, pay them a decent enough salary so that they will stay, give him/her the authority that an ED should have and leave them to HELL alone to do their job as they see fit. The chamber does not have membership meetings, they have board meetings. Technically they are open to the membership, but if anything comes up they don't want the membership to know about, they simply call executive session and the members have to leave. The board is elected by only from nominees made by the board. I'm sure a write in can be done, but we all know that that type of thing never works. The only vote that the members have is to not rejoin which happen constantly and I predict will be HUGE next year, but what does that accomplish? That is negative action, not positive. There IS no positive action to be taken.
I think we have missed something that really needs to be discussed. All of us that know JH know that she is power and publicity hungry, but in my opinion she is just a pawn. I believe others, and I'm honestly not sure who, but one EC member that has barely been mentioned is suspect, are trying to make sure that B-LC DOES NOT have a successful Chamber of Commerce. I believe that when these people realized that the last ED had a brain and was willing to use it both to make the chamber what it should be and to champion for herself to make the ED job what it should be, they used JH as a pawn to get rid of her. Those in power are threatened by those that have a brain and want what's best for the community.
I have helped with different events and have worked with board members on serveral occasions. There is not a single bored member that is not in love with Barnesville. The whole purpose of the chamber is to help Barnesville thrive. Jan and Phillip and the rest of the board have made a wonderful choice in hiring Amanda Rose and they are behind her 100%. They all admit there is time for change and Barnesville is on its way to being the best it can be!! Good luck Amanda!
To those of you who would like to get more involved with the Chamber, please let the Chamber know if you would like to participate in this years Buggy Days Window Decorating Contest. The theme is "Hometown Heritage:The Good Ole Days". Judging will be Saturday, September 8th at 9am.
Wow! Teresa Brown has spent hours and numerous entries trying to get her side and her spoiled grapes out. If you would spend half as much time trying to build our community and less time tearing it and others down -we would all be better for it. Get over it and move on!
Sounds EXACTLY like Teresa Brown is our with a vengence! Stop acting like children, folks! I agree with the person who said if you don't like it - get involved and change it. If you aren't involved - don't complain. If you got burned - MOVE ON! The Chamber is about the community. It and the people there that VOLUNTEER their time - do so with the best interest of our community at hand!
WELCOME ABOARD AMANDA! Don't listen to the negative folks - they will be everywhere you turn in life! As you well know, there are more positive folks around every bend!
I don'y live in Bville, but I do work here and it is my feeling that this whole mess with the Chamber is out of control! It seems to me that lately the only thing the Chamber has really done is make the merchants all hate one another and the Chamber. I know that if I were planning on starting a business, Bville is not a place that I would start one. And if by some miracle I could be convinced to do so, I would not join the Chamber.....I left all the back biting and petty politics in high school!
For those of you who have tried so hard to turn this pittiful display of rock throwing from some folks who have gotten their feelings hurt and chosen to now spend their time slamming the chamber, I commend you. Thank you for being positive and a good example of building a community. For the few of you that have chosen to voice your anti-chamber and anti-community opinions with personal attacks here -you should be embarrassed. Thank God you are sitting around with so much apparent time on your hands and not in our community with those that are attempting to lead! We don't need folks like you out there so stay at home and continue to play on your computer. Hopefully you will find something else to attack soon and we can all get back to the business of trying to build a community despite the efforts of people like you. To all who have ever served at any capacity at our chamber or leading any other civic organization -Leaders and Residents thank you for giving of your time to make this community a great place to live. No one would volunteer their time and work so hard if they were not doing it for the right reason and we commend you all! Thanks for being willing to put up with the stabs and slaps that you get along the way when you lead! Some of us get the big picture and appreciate you all and your efforts!
Welcome Aboard Amanda Rose! Stay positive and don't waste your time with those that don't know how to be - you will be better for it! You work with a fantastic group of leaders in our community and you will thoroughly enjoy your new position in our community! Congratulations!
boy, with all the people we have running their mouths on this blog, we should have enough to run the chamber. why dont yall shut the hell up and go volunteer or something.
i say we get rid of the Chamber of Commerce its not doing any good for barnesville what has it done for down town?lets see we had a giant rap show a wasted buggydays what 10 people at the bar b q blues flop
P.S. If everything were good and nothing was wrong I bet there would be very few or no complaints. So, that should tell you something with all these comments.
There must be a problem.
One major problem most of the time is that the people that have the control are so busy patting themselves on the back, they refuse to see that they have any problems. When something boils over, they want to blame somebody else. That somebody else gets (fired for example) because of the others refusal to see a problem and work together to solve it. It's called poor management.
Of course no manager (CEO) wants to be a poor manager so, they usually keep blaming others and firing people for their own faults. This usually continues until the poor manager is gone or fired.
Now then; rather than assuming everything is A-OK, start looking for the problem and at the top is usually the best place to start looking.
Jan Manley (Brown) Hatten has been here for about 13 years when she and her former husband purchased her current home on Thomaston St. after a visit here during Buggy Days. Ironic uh!
To Those With Ill Feelings Toward Certain Chamber Members: "All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you" - Wayne Dyer
To Amanda Rose: "Let no feeling of discouragement prey upon you, and in the end you are sure to succeed." - Abraham Lincoln
Certainly a leader needs a clear vision of the organization and where it is going, but a vision is of little value unless it is shared in a way so as to generate enthusiasm and commitment. Leadership and communication are inseparable. --- Claude Taylor
To Those With Ill Feelings Toward Certain Chamber Members: "Ignoring problems is a waste of time. No matter how much you hate to complain, and regardless of how much you want to stay silent, being silent will never make things better." - Wayne Lincon
To Amanda Rose: "Let no feeling of encouragement prey upon you, because in the end you are sure to fail." - Abraham Dyer
thank the lord for Sheriff JOE BUICE--with out his superior law enforcement and leadership skills this county would still be run by liers,crooks,cheats,thieves and drug dealers
WOW HOW DID THIS GO FROM THE CHAMBER TO SHERIFF BUICE? MAYBE IT IS TIME FOR THIS BLOG TO CLOSE.AMANDA KNOWS WHAT AND HOW PEOPLE FEEL. SHE WILL DO HER JOB AS OTHERS HAVE DONE THEIR JOBS. WE ALL HAVE SKELETONS IN OUR LIVES,AND IF THIS CONTINUES IT WON'T BE LONG TILL EVERYONE IN TOWN IS TALKED ABOUT. I KNOW WHAT HAPPENED WITH MY SISTER. IT WAS WRONG, BUT GOD HAS BLESSED HER AND WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS HER WITH OR WITHOUT A JOB. GOD KNOWS EVEYTHING SO LETS STOP THIS BEFORE ALL OF BARNESVILLE IS FIGHTING.THANKS DEBBIE
You know, nobody has questioned Amanda'a ability to do a good job so why are some of you thinking she is at the root of the discussions. Let me be specific:
These comments rise from the board firing ED after ED without good reason. These comments are about the poor job by the people that hire the ED, NOT a poor job by the ED.
Why would ANYONE want to move to B'ville if they read any of this garbage? I have a child at MA who played basketball for Amanda and know that Amanda Rose is a fine person. She will be an asset to the community. I also know that the best thing that was ever at MA now lives on Thomaston Street and when she left, MA went straight to hell. True leadership takes guts and does not always make popular decisions. So get over it.......
Let's see....Amanda has integrity, a desire to improve B/LC, and a COLLEGE DEGREE!!!!! Gee...looks like the EC/Board did something right. Anyone can see that we are now MUCH BETTER OFF than we were with T. Looks like those transplants did something right. So all of you negative nay-sayers......Give us intelligent LC folks a break!!!
It would be better to talk to a rock over some of you dummies. 6:34 pull your head out of the crack in the back. Nobody has a problem with Amanda. Go figure.
I would love to have sent my children to M.A. where I graduated. However, I am unable to because someone mentioned above has completely D-E-S-T-R-O-Y-E-D it. So many people in Jackson, Griffin, Barnesville, Forsyth, and Macon feel the same way. Because of one person's EGO the school that Mr. Cox and others founded is destroyed. It is so SAD! I know so many people that worked so HARD to build M.A. for 40 years...it is so sad to see what she has done!
would someone please tell me what happened to monroe academy. the school has alot less students than it did. what exactly did thomaston st do to this once fine school
WALTER, PLEASE REMOVE THIS BLOG POST. THIS IS NOT DOING OUR COMMUNITY ANY GOOD. I KNOW YOU WANT WHAT IS BEST FOR BARNESVILLE AND THIS "AINT" IT. TOO MANY PERSONAL ATTACKS. WOULD YOU ALLOW LETTERS TO THE EDITOR IN THIS FASHION?
I WILL NOT CONTINUE TO PURCHASE ADVERTIZING FOR MY BUSINESS AND LET OTHERS WHO DO ADVERTIZE IN YOUR PAPER KNOW I CAN'T SUPPORT THEM IF THEY DO. TO ME IT SHOWS WE CONDONE THESE NEGATIVE ATTACKS BY PAYING FOR ADS.
I NOTICED GIANT MART AND BRYCE TOOK SOME ABUSE. HECK OF A NOTE FOR A BIG ADVERTIZING BUSINESS .
Almost everyone knows this but maybe you skipped Internet 101.
This is a blog and a typical Internet website. Not a newspaper. Newspapers are not on line. There is far to much trafic on the Internet to sort through it all and expect it will ever be like a newspaper. It isn't at all like a letter to the editor and it will never be like that.
Things on line are nothing like the editing manners and behavior of things that can be picked up and held or that stay lying around.
Anyone crawling the web has to get a grasp on the real world. half of what you read is BS and there are people out there who do nothing but stir things up or try to start fights. This is the no cost equivalent of what a poison pen letter writer can do except it is in real time and free.
If anyone is dumb enough to allow a computer or computer chatter to influence where they shop eat or live you don't want them for a customer or neighbor anyways.
The web is fleeting entertainment like a comic strip or video game for people with ADD.
It has no value other than occupying time that would be better spent doing something productive.
There are two choices with a blog. You either turn it off or the owner turns it off, or you accept the idiots and trolls. Lets not pretend this is a newspaper. Its only the Internet. It will never be a newspaper so stop acting like what you read here is the same as something that Walter publishes.
You should thank Walter for being man enough and nice enough to have this blog. All the other chest beating mocho free speech men in the community shut their crappy blogs down months ago. They all complained about restricted news and special agendas but they were all the first to shut things off now and restric free speech weren't they?
12:33 who are you to think you can issue idle threats if someone doesn't do your bidding. Apparently you have had your feathers ruffled. Let me wise you up. You put your pants on just like everybody else. Take your threats and put them where the sun don't shine. And being you are so powerful (or at least think you are) use your name instead of Anonymous. Candy A$$ fits.
209 comments:
1 – 200 of 209 Newer› Newest»What happened to the former Chamber Leader? Anybody know?
What happened to the former Chamber Leader? Anybody know?
THANKS WALTER FOR REMOVING THE FIRST COMMENT. I WAS ABOUT TO CALL AND BRING IT TO YOUR ATTENTION. AMANDA WILL DO US A FINE JOB AND SHE HAS A CHAMBER PERSONALITY TO FIT THE BILL.
PEOPLE PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THIS IS NOT AN ELECTED POSITION. IT IS NO DIFFERENT THAN A TELLER AT THE BANK OR SOME OTHER PROFESSIONAL POSITION. PERSONAL ATTACKS ARE OUT OF LINE. DON'T LIKE THE CHAMBER DON'T JOIN. WE DON'T WANT YOUR SORRY ASS.
whiners!
Good for Amanda. She'll be great.
I AM VERY PROUD OF AMANDA. I KNOW SHE WILL DO A FANTASTIC JOB AS LONG AS JAN LETS HER. AMANDA IS A GREAT PERSON AMD WILL DO HER BEST FOR CHAMBER AS LONG AS JAN DOES NOT TRY TO CONTROL HER CONGRATULATIONS AMANDA
Glad to here they found a puppet... I mean replacement.
5:21 I sure hope you don't work for or with the Chamber of Commerce with that kind of attitude.
7:28 pm, you were thinking the same thing I was thinking...took the words right out of my mouth.
Congratulations to the chamber for hiring a winner!
Amanda will do a wonderful job.
The former chamber director was FIRED because she tried to be a "Executive Director" and was not allowed to be one. Amanda Rose is wished all the best, but since her predecessor was not allowed to learn from the past history of the chamber and improve the working conditions OR member services of the chamber, I would not expect Amanda to stay long either. I sincerely hope she has a contract, something not offered to employees in recent history, if ever. Anyone with the desire to do a good job and a brain that they want to use, does not belong at the Barnesville-Lamar County Chamber of Commerce.
Ok...Ok...you can be Mayor later Amanda. Congrats and make us proud.
Others who were working there were fired, for various and questionable reasons, by the executive board who seems to think they need not communicate with the board of directors.
11:35 and 1:34, those were some interesting comments. Will you expand on them? For example; who does the hiring/firing and what does the job of E.D. require?
At the time the last director was hired, there was no true job description, just what she was told by the board and a hodgepodge of job descriptions in files in the office. She tried to do her research by attending conferences, meeting other E.D.'s, reading of the GA Chamber website, etc., but the more she learned about what a real chamber is supposed to do, the less popular she became with the board of directors. According to the bylaws, the board of directors does the hiring and firing, but she was fired by 4 individuals that make up the executive board with out any consultation with the other members of the board.
9:26 you obviously have some knowledge about the workings of the Chamber, or at least a lot more than most of us. The reason much of this kind of stuff goes on is because the people don't know. I'll be the first to admit that a big group of people in Lamar don't care about what goes on or how it goes on but, there's many who do.
Shine some light on the subject. Who are the Board of Directors? Why do you believe they acted the way they do?
This sounds similar to other firings in Barnesville. If they are doing wrong then maybe we should do what it takes to send them packing. There's a handful of people that think they own Lamar County and Barnesville and we need to show the otherwise.
YOU ARE RIGHT--THERE ARE A HANDFUL, SPECIFICALLY FOUR, WHO THINK THEY OWN THE CITY AND THE CHAMBER!
I HAVE ALWAYS HEARD, WHAT GOES AROUND WILL COME AROUND.
WITH THE FORMER E.D. BEING FIRED, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE OTHER TWO STAFF MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN AT THE CHAMBER FOR YEARS? I JUST CAN NOT IMAGINE THEM LEAVING WITH NO APPARENT REASON. WE, THE CITIZENS AND MEMBERS, HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW THE TRUTH!
Congratulations Amanda or should I offer my condolences? Even though I personally think you could do a wonderful job, I think you will need help other than the executive board. Sounds like from all the BLOGS, you are walking into a HORNETS NEST! GOOD LUCK
I don't know that it is the Board of Directors that is the problem, but rather the Executive Committee. Maybe we should take a look at whom this committee is comprised of. Aren't most of them just transplants to Barnesville? Sounds like the EC is on a power trip right now.
I AM GLAD SOMEPONE IS FINALLY ENLIGHTING US TO HOW THE CHAMBER IS SUPPOSE TO WORK. I THOUGHT JAN CALLED ALL THE SHOTS AND WAS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BECAUSE SHE IS ALWAYS RUNNING THE SHOW AND THE PEOPLE . GLAD TO FIND OUT SHE IS ONLY HEAD OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. WAS SHE HIRED? CAN SHE BE FIRED? CAN SHE BE RUN OVER AS SHE HAS OTHERS WHO REALLY CARE ABOUT THE CHAMBER AND BVILLE? I DO NOT KNOW BUT I AM SURE ALL THINGS WILL WORK OUT ONE DAY.
These transplants only look out for themselves. If you knew the history of one of them aka his wife and how she treated people in a job of authority in a nearby town...you would understand they only want to be seen and heard...they don't have a heart. THEY WANT TO LOOK IMPORTANT. They don't care or know what COMMUNITY means/and especially how to run a community....!
How do we get these people off of their POWER TRIP for the betterment of Barnesville????
I agree....The "Board" is comprised of two that should go back where they` came from........Eagle's L and River F...go back...go back and leave us Barnesvillians alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I hope they know what goes around comes around!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations Amanda!
You will do a great job! You have integrity!
John, Elizabeth, and Grace Louise
Amanda will do a great job, if she is allowed. She is strong willed and determined. I hope they don't ruin what could be a wonderful thing with their so-called "power trips". At least Amanda grew up in Barnesville, and understands what this town is all about. Don't we want this town to be somewhere people can say they are proud to live? Isn't that our common cause?
I am not sure who Eagles L and River F are, but no two people should be running the chamber of commerce. Surely if the ED is not a hired position by the community, they should not be. The staff Barnesville had at the chamber was always friendly and worked hard for our community. What happened to them. Were they all fired by a committee that most of us don't even know who they are. We members are encouraged to be an active part of the chamber and pay our dues and we don't even know the true story of why is was even necessary to hire a new executive director. What in the sam hill is going on?
Names! We can't do anything without names.
I agree--without knowledge of who is actually behind the shake up, we can't do anything. The community has got to ban together.
I've been on the web searching and can't come up with any names. It looks like a closely guarded secret. The thing that kept popping up during the search was the IDA. I certainly hope we aren't dealing with that bunch but if we are, together, we are up to the task.
As of April, 2007.
Executive Committee
Jan Hatten, President
Phillip Bell, Vice President
Chad Thompson, Treasurer
Bobby Ferris
Other chamber board members:
Dick Esco - permanent board member as Buggy Days chair
Sammy Shropshire
April Smith
Laura Geiger
Sandra Hudson
Scott Leverett
Virginia Carter
Gregg Martin
Jessica Deen
We have got to find out who all is on the board of directors because it seems there in lies the entire problem and the board president is leading the way. This is going to take some investigating by each of the concerned members.
Okay, thank you anonymous for that bit of info. It looks like the executive committee is the root of all evil.
I think this blog has gotten away from the original objective, welcoming Amanda and letting her know that we support her. Rather, it has turned more into an anti-Chamber/Jan/Phillip bash fest.
Regardless of your opinion of current/past leadership, the Chamber does MANY good things for B/LC. They bring us Buggy Days and BBQ & Blues Festival which promotes tourism and creates revenue. Many people put MANY hours of work into the planning and carrying out of these events. And how many of us have not enjoyed atleast one of these events?
Amanda, I'm sure you will be a great leader in this community. Rise above the bickering and backstabbing and bring a sense of togetherness back into the Chamber which as of late has been sorely missing.
I agree the bickering and backstabbing needs to stop immediately. How in the world can a new executive director be successful with all this going on. The ones who created the problem know who they are and like it was stated, what goes around does come around. WELCOME AMANDA!!!!
AMANDA, DON'T LET ALL THESE COMMENTS SCARE YOU TOO BAD. YOU ARE HONEST, SMART, ENERGETIC, YOUNG, AND TOUGH, SO I DON'T THINK YOU'LL LET THE EC RUN OVER YOU. THERE ARE SOME GREAT AND HONEST PEOPLE ON THE BOARD. TURN TO THEM FOR HELP AND ENCOURGEMENT NOT THE EC., THEY WILL BRING YOU DOWN IF YOU LET THEM. WE HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOU............
I like the idea of a forum where we can bring out both sides of the situation. If not we are only presented one side, and are lead to believe it.
Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
Amanda would do well to talk to the many, many people who have held the position of E.D. and try to learn from them.
She may not be able to change anything as her predecessor was not, but at least she will go in with her eyes open and hopefully her back covered. She'll need it.
I have yet to figure out how BBQ & Blues, and Buggy Days, generate revenue for businesses. Most have to close down because it is not worth paying someone to hold it open, because people are out in the street getting drunk, and the restaurants get screwed because no one is eating in their establishments because they are eating at the festivals.
12:04 pm So what you are saying is only the Chamber is making money on them?
Comment to 3grahams:
Integrity is exactly what will get her fired. Do you feel that pass executive directors did not have integrity?
It appears to me that a chamber member got on to try and head off citizens investigating or wanting to investigate who they are.
Thank you for who ever posted the list. I don't know if anyone noticed but the chairman of the Ag Authority, the person that gave away all the county assets is on the list along with other Ag Authority person. I wonder if any conflict of interest is involved there. Also city council members; another possible conflict of interest with the land theft from the county. And how about those close ties to the IDA on that list. Anyone notice?
Smell any rotting fish?
To those of you wanting to change direction - no body has been condemming Amanda - it appears they are safeguarding her to prevent crooked dealings.
I AGREE THAT ALL THE ED HAD INTEGRITY AND WERE HONEST AND HARDWORKING. I QUESS THAT IS WHAT GOT THEM FIRED. MAYBE THEY OUGHT TO REPLACE A FEW OF THE EC. THEY,LL KNOW HOW TO TREAT THE ED AND OTHER EMPLOYEES WHO WORK THEIR BUTTS OFF FOR THE CHAMBER. THE ED, EMPLOYEES, AND THE BOARD MEMBERS WORK ALOT HARDER AND CARE MORE ABOUT BVILLE THAN A FEW ON THE EXECUTIVE COMMMITTEE. POWER IS ALL SOME OF THE EC WANT AND SO FAR THEY;VE HAD IT. IT'S A SHAME BECAUSE A LOT.... OF GOOD PEOPLE HAVE BEEN FIRED AND LET GO BECAUSE OF A FEW POWER HUNGRY PEOPLE.
Amanda will be paid for her work. Keep in mind that every member of the board including the executive committee are volunteers and working on behalf of the chamber to promote the community without compensation or thanks.
Let's encourage all you critics to get involved in the chamber and try to make a better Barnesville.
The last ED worked many, many hours she was not paid for. The IDEAL is that the board is there to serve the community, but other than programs that the chamber makes money off of, how do they serve the community?
11:31 AM Problem? What problem? I did not realize there was a "specific problem". Funny thing is I don't remember the Chamber membership ever notified that there was a problem, nor was it printed in the newspaper. How is this year any different than all the rest? Is there something we should know?
It's like chamber memebers belong to a secret society, were they are only told what they need/have to know.
Chamber members are like mushrooms.
Kept them in the dark and feed S@#T.
I'm a member and was told Teresa refused to answer the telephone or wait on customers in the 1 person office. I like Teresa but you can't conduct business like that. I also understood she resigned instead of being fired.
I don't know, gee, is someone working their butt off for lousy pay, no benefits, no overtime, to the point that they have no life other than their job and then loosing that job because they have the audacity to speak up and say something has got to give and loosing that job against all the rules and regulations of the board that hired them because a few people feel that it is okay for them to completely take over a civic organization and run it as they please even though they are using the local businesses' dues money to do so. Does that fall under the catagory of a problem? I don't know what do you think?
Another question: Is it a problem to have a chamber of commerce in a growing thriving community that performs none of the serves that a chamber should provide? Just wondering!
It's a national problem. It seems only the Mexicans are willing to work their butts off for lousey pay and no benefits. The last executive director could get a cushy government job for the taxpayers to fund mediocre performance.
1:23 p.m. As a chamber member, you were lied to. Teresa was fired, the chamber leaders lied to the public by putting it in the paper that she had resigned. She was even banded from the building, and she has the letter to prove it. Teresa did everything within her power to do her job without adequate help or training that was promised her by the board. Anyone that knows Teresa knows that she does not do anything half way. She did try to elevate the job of Executive Director to the status it deserved, but it is ridiculous to believe that anyone would refuse to answer the phone or wait on customers. If you know Teresa, you know better than that.
We're getting close now so lets bring'em on down
I like how we are being reminded that being on the Chamber Board is a volunteer position. I agree, volunteer POWER TRIP POSITION.
5:21pm What is a "Chamber Personality"?
I think most of us feel Teresa is the only one here that was treated unfairly. What, may I ask happened to Geneva and Kathy, who was called when the chamber needed help after terminated yet another ED in 2002. Were they both terminated or unexpectantly leave after the new board took over. This BLOG is bringing to light alot of unanswered questions from chamber members.
Oh I would like to know as well.
What is a "CHAMBER PERSONALITY"?
Teresa was NOT the only one. Geneva was let go in March and Kathy while never officially terminated no longer has a key to the building (another very interesting story) and was told she would be called when needed. Apparently the last time she was needed was in April!
Maybe those that know Teresa, Geneva, or Kathy (I don't know them) could ask for a little factual input. It would be interesting to know the facts and maybe we can do something about it. Perhaps they could join in with their comments. We're on a roll so let's not let up on them. Now is the time to get to the bottom of it.
Thank you for who ever posted the list. I don't know if anyone noticed but the chairman of the Ag Authority, the person that gave away all the county assets is on the list along with other Ag Authority person. I wonder if any conflict of interest is involved there. Also city council members; another possible conflict of interest with the land theft from the county. And how about those close ties to the IDA on that list. Anyone notice?>>
I noticed.
Why is it the same people who can't do a good honest job in one position get put in multiple positions as a reward?
The Ag Authority essentially expired because of very poor management. When it expired millions of dollars of county assets were given to Barnesville.
At the same time Hardwick and Mathews claim they don't have money to fund a firefighter and the county can't stay out of the red, our fine citizen leaders are giving county money to Barnesville.
If someone didn't have time to run the Ag Authority properly or our community can't take time to clean up the junkyard mess on College Drive by the curve along the RR tracks, why do the same group want to take on more chores?
I can't understand the logic behind accepting additional work when there isnt time to do a good job.
3:39- reading some of these blogs makes me think that we've already heard from Theresa, Kathy, and/or Geneva. I think by the end of this we will find out they have not been the only ones alienated and treated badly by the current chamber leadership.
The Chamber is a membership driven organization...or as some critics would say, suppost to be one. What I want to know is how many of the people making negative comments on how it's run are actually members? Because the way I see it, put up the money for dues or shut up. If you don't like the way it's run- BECOME A MEMBER AND MAKE SOME CHANGES!!!!
members can not even begin to make changes if they are not informed of what TRUEFULLY is going on within the organization. Being a member, it seems as though we are only being informed of what the ec and board wants us to know.
Something everyone else should notice.
The person that commented at 4:04 PM is no doubt one of the decision making members. What more can you expect from people with that kind of attitude. And, if they treat potential new business with that attitude, I can see why business is not attracted to LC and Barnesville. That's likely how the new E.D.s are treated until fired.
Aren't they teaching a class now about being somebody in Lamar. If they are like that then I don't/wouldn't want to learn their ways.
3:52 pm Another person that comes to mind is Jason Shirey, whatever happened to him?
AMEN---THESE PEOPLE WHO ARE TREATING OTHERS, ESPECIALLY PAST CHAMBER STAFF, SO BADLY, ARE MOST LIKELY THE ONES WHO ARE OUT THERE REPRESENTING OUR FRIENDLY COMMUNITY. IRONIC ISN'T IT?
I would pay money to get to read the first post that was deleted.
If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. If you can't stand the boss, change jobs.
The chamber's job is to promote the community instead of tear it down. With all this griping it's no wonder those in charge made staff changes to project a positive image instead of a negative one.
5:05- I'm not in any leadership position, but I HAVE paid my dues. Have you? I also have heard the rumors about dealings at the chamber, but right now they are just that- rumors. I don't know the whole story and I'm betting you don't either.
let's let Joe Buice run the chamber too. he'll clean up the crap
5:36 pm said "The chamber's job is to promote the community instead of tear it down."
___________________________________
Even though that talking point has been drilled into your head for years at the Chamber.
Here are several definitions of Chamber of Commerce:
chamber of commerce
–noun an association, primarily of people in business, to promote the commercial interests of an area.
n. pl. chambers of commerce
An association of businesspersons and merchants for the promotion of commercial interests in the community.
noun
an association of businessmen to protect and promote business interests
_________________________________
Here is the Mission Statement for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
Mission Statement
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is the unified voice of the business community, aggressively advocating the business viewpoint in the shaping of public policy, encouraging ethical business practices and ensuring the state’s future as economically prosperous, educationally competitive and environmentally responsible.
See, no mention of having to do all the stupid stuff they do to "promote" downtown Barnesville.
How can someone who spends most of her time living on Lake Jackson command so much POWER?? Should you not be a fulltime resident of Barnesville to head the Chamber of Commerce? Instant Karma is going to get you.............
I think karma has already got her. Remember all the "friends" she had last year? I think she has ran them all off this year. They figured her out, time for a new set!
A-men! Go Karma go!
While we are on the subject of Philip...how did he get "businessperson of the year" anyone can take a well established agency and look successful. He is NOT the one who built the agency. He should be ashamed. The Chamber must have voted him in on that one, or was it the IDA???????
CONGRATULATIONS AMANDA!!!
Who knows the REAL reason M.A.has gotten so small..? Someone mentioned in this Blog was close to the person that destroyed it! And, it is not Amanda. She made positive contributions to the school. Thanks Amanda. We at M.A. will miss you. Congratulations.
And the chamber members cannot change anything if they are kept in the dark.
I'd also like to know what exactly happened with Kathy, you couldn't find a sweeter lady. She really put her heart into this chamber.
Kathy is a dear! SHE LOVED WORKING AT THE CHAMBER. SHE LOVES BARNESVILLE! SHE IS SORELY MISSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From what I've heard, Jason Shirey got into a showdown with the wrong person (who has previously been mentioned in this blog) and was told to leave...... just more of the same.
I too love Kathy...sweet,sweet lady. I agree she will be sorely missed at the Chamber, I thought she was the only asset.
Well it looks like the leaders of this fine Chamber stomp on the workers and throw them away. It is funny to me that Our great Chamber Pres. and VP are never to be found when needed. They should never have signed up for the job. They are running off all the good employees and volunteers. Sorry excuses for leaders.
In comment to 5:36. Interesting you should mention the "positive image" thing. The reason it has taken 4 months for all this to come out is because the EC spend 100% of their time and effort on positive image - of themselves and the chamber at the cost of the TRUTH. Truth means nothing to these people, image is everything.
I agree you can't find them....especially the one that LIVES at Jackson Lake! It time for a NEW board!
This is all a bunch of crap. If I had known this is what Barnesville would become, I would have taken my stagecoach over a different route.
9:57...You said that eloquently! Amen!
Barnesville wants new E.C.!
Barnesville needs new E.C.!
Barnesville people deserve a new E.C. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If I had a dollar for every idiotic comment on this blog, I would not have the need to harrass the working citizens downtown.
And what's the deal with the guy walking around town picking up cans?
If the chamber is a member driven agency...those members need to drive the EC away.
Amanda and Kathy....you are the best!
What was Rick McCquery's function at the COC cause he didn't stay long either
This is the most unity from the community to bring down possible bad management I've ever seen displayed. If people would unite for good and responsible leadership at all levels, this would be the absolute best place in the state to live.
Kathy worked very hard and, had to overcome obstacles. She is missed! Kathy loved her job and did a very good job!
7:47 For the record: Business Person of the Year for 2007 was chosen by the Barnesville Lamar County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
10:18........this is a start! Hopefully we will be successful here! If successful getting rid of the ec we can move on! It would be a GREAT place to live if we can correct this big mess!
10:22
That you for confirming what we thought was obvious all along! Whoops...the cat is out of the bag! It was an inside job all along.
Thanks for the confirmation.
The head is on a real power trip..we tire of seeing her at her kid's school, in town, and all over Jackson Lake. Maybe she can stay permanently in Butts Co.
Take a day/night off. It's Labor Day weekend. Try to take stock of those of us who truly work trying to accomplish something.
Obviously, the chamber of commerce EC has sparked some fires with their personnel decisions but don't forget it's all for what they might deem is best for the future of the community.
Lots of folks seemingly disagree. Now get involved and make this place a better place to live. Others are trying to do it. Now it's your turn.
personnel decisions-that is the least of my worries.
lucky you.
Rick Mccreary was a past president.
11:02 pm Maybe you misunderstood my comment about personnel decisions. I am worried about who is driving the bus.
Let's be careful not to hurt or sling mud too far.
As for the request to join and get involved, I happen to know many who are posting are VERY involved in the Barnesville/Lamar community, and are long time chamber members, as am I.
Everyone involved in the chamber honestly thinks they are doing what is right. Because of what a few have been taught, about how to run a successful business, they are finding out this doesn't apply in a small close-knit community like Barnesville. We do not take kindly to bullies and backstabbing.
ALL our past ED's have done an excellent job. Melissa and Teresa were thrown into the middle of Buggy Days the moment they started. What an incredible job they did. Melissa started BBQ Blues by working her butt off learning all there was to learn, and believe me it's way more than you think. This past year Teresa was prepared to show a profit on BBQ Blues 5x that of last year. Increased membership in spite of higher dues. Then she was fired and given no explanation.
Nor were any ED's compensated for any hours they worked overtime
It's taken long enough to get the truth about the "Executive Council" out into the community. Amanda you will do a GREAT job! Hopefully, J and P will step down, and let you show our community what you can do.
The big question: How do we make the changes that are needed at the chamber?
Hopefully those that need to leave will. If I knew that the community felt this way...I would move on. The egos of these 2 may not let them move on. That will be a crying shame.
I hate that people have used the excitement of Amanda leading the chamber... has led to all of the communication on the Blog. However, this could be the best thing that ever happened to Amanda's future career. Good Luck Amanda!
my question here is why does someone who is supposed to be the head of the entity that promotes THIS community live in another community??? that's like the BOE member we had who put his kids in a private school. it's ethically wrong in my opinion. get rid of them. by the way, what local business is the president of the exec committee involved with? ive never heard of her or half the people on the list provided in an earlier blog and ive been here 40+ years
why would people want board members that already made a wreck of another community projects working in another community agency? Going by the list of names posted Gregg Martin and Bobby Ferris both helped destroy the agriculture authority and gave away property that belonged to the citizens. They might give away the whole county in the chamber of commerse.
And, Mr. Bell is on the IDA...
What do transplants know about the history and heart of Barnesville?
OBVIOUSLY NOTHING!! They DO know how to destroy it!
Bell is not IDA but should be because he has climbed up his right hand mans ida behind
Advice to Amanda:
Do your job, but just your job, when it is quitting time, go home, unless you are being paid overtime. Take lunch, bathroom and post office run breaks on their time, even though you will be criticized for it. (Good luck with figuring out how you're supposed to man the office 9 - 5 AND be out in the community getting new members.)
Do not let the fact that all state chamber statistics show that a chamber this size should have 2 full time employees make you feel like you are not doing your job. You will be called upon anywhere between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m to work, without any compensation, even when your son is having surgery the next morning, but you will never be thanked or praised, especially in public. You will never be able to do all that you need to do, but do the best you can.
Do not believe it when they tell you they cannot hire you any help, it is a lie and once you start doing the bookkeeping you will see for yourself that it is.
Do not under any circumstances tell the EC anything they do not need to know, they will use it against you. They are not your friends, you are not a team, no matter what they say.
Do not believe anything you are told about the ED's before you. They were all good, competent workers that can help you and will help you if you ask them. The last ED was fired with ALL numbers improved: membership, revenue, programs, etc.
Which leads to my next statement, be prepared for the board to take credit for everything you do, you will never be recognized for your worth to the community. Be prepared for any ideas that you have of making the chamber better to be stolen and presented as their ideas. In fact, you will hear from the EC that your job is to make THEM look good.
Good luck to you, I sincerely hope that you can do what no one else has been able to do - give B-LC a chamber that they can be proud of without destroying your health, your family AND your reputation along the way. I'm sorry that I cannot offer congratulations knowing what I know, but I do wish you the best and hope that your chamber experience does not mirror the past. If it does, leave with your head held high and remember Rudyard Kipling, "if you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you......."
To the 10:12 pm THANK YOU AMANDA AND KATHY, YOU ARE THE BEST:There is no Kathy at the chamber as far as the EC is concerned. I was assigned a project to work on which was Buggy Days, worked May 18th., turned in my key to the building to Jan because I was told the locks were being rekeyed,and was informed I would be called if needed to work on Buggy Days. To the 12:41pm comment on Teresa and Melissa being thrown into Buggy Days and BBQ, I was there in 2002 to train Melissa and Teresa.I have not been allowed to work since May 18 of this year because I was informed I would be contacted when needed. I DO LOVE BARNESVILLE BUT WHAT HAPPENED? I know the truth and appreciate all the kind things mentioned about me.
We have now reached 114 comments on this blog and 5 people alone have made a 100 of them. So to people of the blog that are reading this, don't believe everthing you hear. The chamber does alot of great things for our city and county.
Kathy,
I am sorry if you have been without income. But, you have been MUCH better off than being around Jan and Philip! Everyone that knows you loves you! We all know what a HARD worker you are!
I am a FIRM believer of what goes around comes around.
Just stay strong and know all of Barnesville (but the transplants)love you. You were definitely an asset at the Chamber of Commerce.
Who says 5 people have made 100 of the comments? How would you know if that WAS the truth? I don't believe it....I hear people talking at Pastime every day!
Amanda...
We are proud of you! You will do a FINE job!
You know who you are!
Why does the COC fire and hire someone around Buggy days? Does this make sense to have someone new at this time?
The page administrator is the only one who can identify the IP addresses used, UNLESS "someone" is illegally hacking the system!
To the 11:55 post:
Believe me, the lack of income is not an issue at all. What is my highest priority in Barnesville is MY FAMILY, MY NAME AND MY INTEGRITY.
Thanks for the kind words!!
Kathy
dane bishop could run the whole chamber and wouldn't need a board to do it.
Hahaha....apparently the EC doesn't need one to do it either!!!
again id like for someone to explain to me how the president of the executive committee of the Barnesville-Lamar County COC got that position if she lives in another county?
does she have kids and do they attend Lamar County schools?
i think if you are a leader of the community you should live in the community and, if you have kids, they should attend school in the community
Yes, she lives in Barnesville. She has a house on Lake Jackson were she spends most of her time during the summer months.
The school is in Lamar County. It is in Milner not Barnesville.
i heard that if Jan doesn't like you she will find it in her power to bring you down... that is what happened to TB, she tried to stand up for herself and Jan tried to put her back in her place, so she quit!
She is doing that at her school PTO too I've heard. People from Lamar County are afraid to join because they know the reputation.
sounds like a power trip that needs to be defused and soon
This is better than a soap opera. I can't help but wondering if some of these bloggers realize we are out of high school, though. I'm not a big Jan fan, but it does seem like people are doing the exact same thing they are complaining she did to them- backstabbing. I wonder how many of these comments would still be written if we could not hide behind the curtain of anonymity?
Once again, TB did not quit, she was fired. The last 2 or 3 weeks she worked, she put in up to 80 hrs a week because she had taken the job to serve her community and she was going to do it right no matter how many obstacles came in her way, but when she was fired and barred from the building, that was an obstacle she couldn't overcome. She was even willing to finish out the week before BBQ and Blues because of her loyalty to her community AFTER she was fired, but she was barred from doing so. She was also not allowed to serve on the Buggy Days committee as a VOLUNTEER. No one came to her defense, you can draw your own conclusions there, but my personal opinion is that no one is willing to go up against someone with the self-professed reputation of the Pres. for someone else, no matter how much you feel that person is being mistreated, it is simply not worth it, not in a town the size of Bville. We are all saying things that need to be said, but unfortunately it won't change a thing. I wish we could speak our mind with out fear of repercussion, but I'm not willing to, are you?
again, what does this Hatten lady do? does she own a business in town or in the county? who gave her all the power she seems to have? ive never heard of her, has she lived here long? and her kids go to SGES, right? i just have a problem with community leaders who won't put their kids in public schools. just not ethical, in my opinion. but to each his/her own, i guess.
8:02...I believe that more people would stand up outside of anonymity, but I do believe that they are afraid of the reprocussions. From what I understand, if you upset some of the aforementioned names, you will be targeted and "picked on" until you give in.
If you watch the newspaper you will see what she does. Gets in the middle of the picture to make it look like she did all the work, but she showed up for the picture!!!
She and her husband own several buildings in town. They have renovated them and rented them to businesses. A very nice job, well done! They are a big part of the community and have done alot to help the community.
The problem seemed to start when she became pres. of the chamber.
"Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely!"
would someone provide a little more info about this Jan person? I'm not familar with her.
Amanda will do a great job!! She is a lifetime resident and cares deeply for her city and county. She has my support, 100%.
I do believe in personal privacy, but don't think this information is anything that is not mostly public knowledge. I believe they moved here about 3-4 years ago, but could have been longer. Have a house on Thomaston St, also one on Lake Jackson. Her husband is a pilot as well as real estate speculator. They own, and have restored, many downtown buildings. I do not know what she used to do, but was under the impression she owned a business, but has since taken some time off. She has been active with the Chamber for a number of years now, and led the Merchants Committee as well as worked on various other committees. In the latter part of last year she accepted the nomination of Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, which she began on January of this year. It is a 1 year term and will expire in December.
i say we boycott buggy days til she is gone
11:15 may not have a bad idea but it will take more than that. It will take volunteers standing on picket lines. Is everyone ready for that or are they just blabing on a blog. It will take someone willing to organize it. Who? The reasons must be specific and the terms defined. Just 3 things to think about.
Okay what's the big deal about this? Amanda Rose seems like a qualified candidate. She's intelligent and college educated. Good Luck and who really cares!
dane bishop cares. if he cares then all of us should care.
Amanda Rose, by the job announcement, this is what they expect.
Executive Director for the Barnesville/Lamar Chamber of Commerce
Working with the Board and staff, the Executive Director is responsible for preparing and overseeing an annual Action Plan that implements the Chamber’s strategic priorities.
And this is how they expect you to do it.
The Executive Director:
• Is the chief spokesperson for the Chamber of Commerce.
• Will be expected to communicate effectively with the diverse range of members.
• Must be able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with elected and appointed officials at all levels of government in order to develop appropriate advocacy strategies with the Board on behalf of the membership.
• Is responsible for maintaining and growing Chamber membership as well as developing new and recurring sources of non-dues revenue, all at levels sufficient to support the overall operating budget.
• Is responsible for ensuring that the Chamber offers programs and services of high value to the membership.
• Is expected to creatively design and manage programs that are innovative and successful. Is responsible for recruiting, selecting, managing and developing a staff proficient at all times to meet the Chamber’s needs
It's spelled out and they can't fire you for doing your job.
Now, how has the Board fulfilled their responsibilities thusfar?
Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
The membership of GACCE consists of Chamber of Commerce executives and staff, as well as those members of business and community organizations who are directly interested in or allied with Chamber of Commerce work in Georgia.
Observation: Of the 140 or so listed chambers, one did not list an individual name to contact. The GACCE was up to date as of August 2007.
Barnesville-Lamar County Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 506, Barnesville, GA 30204
(770) 358-5884 fax: (770) 358-5886 lchamber5884@charterinternet.com
www.barnesville.org Region 4
To recognize effective organization performance, the United States Chamber of Commerce
instituted the accreditation program. It is a voluntary program developed to provide a method by
which local chambers of commerce may make a self-study and analysis. The organization
prepares and submits an evaluation report and requests an inspection by a representative of the
Chamber of Commerce of the United States. The chambers of commerce that have received accreditation in Georgia,
NO: Barnesville was not on the list……
2007 GACCE Washington Fly-In
Hyatt Regency Washington
September 26 - 28, 2007
The GACCE Washington Fly-In is a chance for Chamber Executives and their volunteer leadership to meet with their elected officials. This year we will be joining the Georgia Chamber of Commerce at their Congressional Reception on Thursday, September 27.
Registration for the 2007 event is now closed! Did Barnesville Register?????????????
Amanda Rose: FYI
2007 GACCE Leadership Conference
November 8 - 9, 2007
Hilton Garden Inn
Albany, GA
The GACCE Leadership Conference is a seminar for Chamber Executives and their top volunteers designed to increase the effectiveness of the local Chamber leadership team. This conference covers a variety of topics such as the role of the executive and the chief elected officer, and how to maximize the Chamber's effectiveness.
GACCE Board Meeting / Macon, GA / September 10, 2007
Location: Hilton Garden Inn - Macon, GA
GACCE Legislative Policy Update / Macon, GA / September 11, 2007
Location: Grand Opera House - Macon, GA
http://www.gacce.org/fileadmin/files/GACCE_Site_Attachments/Directory/Directory_August2007.pdf
Is there a grassy knoll somewhere in all this?
PLEASE EXPLAIN THE "GRASSY KNOLL" QUESTION.
yea! its between the job description and the job. that's where everyone else got picked off (or should I say) fired.
Amanda have a GREAT first day at work at the Barnesville Chamber! If you are lucky P will be tied up at the business that Bobby built, and J will still be basking in the Butts County sun! You will do a GREAT job! WE are proud of you!
You people have way too much time on your hands. To the five people that I referred to earlier, you need to get over it and get own with your lives. This hate that you are demonstrating toward Jan is ridiculous. Jan works hard for the Chamber and every decision she has makes, she makes it with the best intentions. Also, please don't forget that she puts in at least 20 hours a week to the Chamber for FREE.
Mr. Hatten.....5 people you must be CRAZY....105 or 125 is more like it!
Amen to 1:58 p.m.! I've been at the lake all day - not JACKSON! Seems like I missed all the fun!!
Good luck Amanda. You are a good person and you deserve good things. I hope this new endeavor turns out well for you!
I am thankful that I have never worked or volunteered for anything in Lamar County or Barnesville. It doesn't seem that anyone in the area is appreciative of anyone else's work. No matter how well things are run there are always the naysayers and doomspeakers. You are probably the same people who don't vote but complain the loudest after every election. You are also the ones that don't pitch in but still complain about how things are run or how things look.
I assume that there will be an election for officers in the CofC. Members, you will have your chance to make a change. You can use your voice to change the leadership and start in a new direction. Most of you won't even show up to the meetings but you'll be complaining the loudest. IF YOU DON'T VOTE YOU DON'T COUNT! Those of you complaining on this blog have the opportunity to change this if you belong to the chamber. If not you are just wasting time and air. Get off the blog and join up or shut up. Don't just join but participate.
9:28 Sorry but your ignorance is showing. Most of the people posting to this blog are VERY involved with Bville and are very active volunteers in many areas AND they do vote. Their frustration is coming from watching the chamber flounder for years being run by a board that turns over every 3 years, that is only there so they can put it on their resume' and refusing to hire a qualified ED, pay them a decent enough salary so that they will stay, give him/her the authority that an ED should have and leave them to HELL alone to do their job as they see fit.
The chamber does not have membership meetings, they have board meetings. Technically they are open to the membership, but if anything comes up they don't want the membership to know about, they simply call executive session and the members have to leave. The board is elected by only from nominees made by the board. I'm sure a write in can be done, but we all know that that type of thing never works. The only vote that the members have is to not rejoin which happen constantly and I predict will be HUGE next year, but what does that accomplish? That is negative action, not positive. There IS no positive action to be taken.
I think we have missed something that really needs to be discussed. All of us that know JH know that she is power and publicity hungry, but in my opinion she is just a pawn. I believe others, and I'm honestly not sure who, but one EC member that has barely been mentioned is suspect, are trying to make sure that B-LC DOES NOT have a successful Chamber of Commerce. I believe that when these people realized that the last ED had a brain and was willing to use it both to make the chamber what it should be and to champion for herself to make the ED job what it should be, they used JH as a pawn to get rid of her. Those in power are threatened by those that have a brain and want what's best for the community.
Yes, Phillip Bell is on the IDA board, at least he was in the spring of 2007.
I have helped with different events and have worked with board members on serveral occasions. There is not a single bored member that is not in love with Barnesville. The whole purpose of the chamber is to help Barnesville thrive. Jan and Phillip and the rest of the board have made a wonderful choice in hiring Amanda Rose and they are behind her 100%. They all admit there is time for change and Barnesville is on its way to being the best it can be!! Good luck Amanda!
To those of you who would like to get more involved with the Chamber, please let the Chamber know if you would like to participate in this years Buggy Days Window Decorating Contest. The theme is "Hometown Heritage:The Good Ole Days". Judging will be Saturday, September 8th at 9am.
Wow! Teresa Brown has spent hours and numerous entries trying to get her side and her spoiled grapes out. If you would spend half as much time trying to build our community and less time tearing it and others down -we would all be better for it. Get over it and move on!
Sounds EXACTLY like Teresa Brown is our with a vengence! Stop acting like children, folks! I agree with the person who said if you don't like it - get involved and change it. If you aren't involved - don't complain. If you got burned - MOVE ON! The Chamber is about the community. It and the people there that VOLUNTEER their time - do so with the best interest of our community at hand!
WELCOME ABOARD AMANDA! Don't listen to the negative folks - they will be everywhere you turn in life! As you well know, there are more positive folks around every bend!
I don'y live in Bville, but I do work here and it is my feeling that this whole mess with the Chamber is out of control! It seems to me that lately the only thing the Chamber has really done is make the merchants all hate one another and the Chamber. I know that if I were planning on starting a business, Bville is not a place that I would start one. And if by some miracle I could be convinced to do so, I would not join the Chamber.....I left all the back biting and petty politics in high school!
For those of you who have tried so hard to turn this pittiful display of rock throwing from some folks who have gotten their feelings hurt and chosen to now spend their time slamming the chamber, I commend you. Thank you for being positive and a good example of building a community. For the few of you that have chosen to voice your anti-chamber and anti-community opinions with personal attacks here -you should be embarrassed. Thank God you are sitting around with so much apparent time on your hands and not in our community with those that are attempting to lead! We don't need folks like you out there so stay at home and continue to play on your computer. Hopefully you will find something else to attack soon and we can all get back to the business of trying to build a community despite the efforts of people like you. To all who have ever served at any capacity at our chamber or leading any other civic organization -Leaders and Residents thank you for giving of your time to make this community a great place to live. No one would volunteer their time and work so hard if they were not doing it for the right reason and we commend you all! Thanks for being willing to put up with the stabs and slaps that you get along the way when you lead! Some of us get the big picture and appreciate you all and your efforts!
Welcome Aboard Amanda Rose! Stay positive and don't waste your time with those that don't know how to be - you will be better for it! You work with a fantastic group of leaders in our community and you will thoroughly enjoy your new position in our community! Congratulations!
Apparently 1:13 and 1:17 'don't know nothin' about Teresa Brown!
boy, with all the people we have running their mouths on this blog, we should have enough to run the chamber. why dont yall shut the hell up and go volunteer or something.
i say we get rid of the Chamber of Commerce its not doing any good for barnesville what has it done for down town?lets see we had a giant rap show a wasted buggydays what 10 people at the bar b q blues flop
2:44 You're Welcome.
P.S. If everything were good and nothing was wrong I bet there would be very few or no complaints. So, that should tell you something with all these comments.
There must be a problem.
One major problem most of the time is that the people that have the control are so busy patting themselves on the back, they refuse to see that they have any problems. When something boils over, they want to blame somebody else. That somebody else gets (fired for example) because of the others refusal to see a problem and work together to solve it. It's called poor management.
Of course no manager (CEO) wants to be a poor manager so, they usually keep blaming others and firing people for their own faults. This usually continues until the poor manager is gone or fired.
Now then; rather than assuming everything is A-OK, start looking for the problem and at the top is usually the best place to start looking.
Feel the love here! I love you my little princess!
I love everyone at the chamber.
I love Jan, I love Amanda. I love Laura, I love Rose. I love fingers, I love toes. I even love to pick my nose.
I love Henry, I love Missy. I love Luther who walks like a sissy. I love cats and I love dogs, I love everyone on this blog.
I love Barnesville and I love Milner. I love Madonna and I want to film her.
all 5 of you anonymous people need some help. get a life you bunch of rejects!!!
Jan Manley (Brown) Hatten has been here for about 13 years when she and her former husband purchased her current home on Thomaston St. after a visit here during Buggy Days. Ironic uh!
BITE ME 9:19
To Those With Ill Feelings Toward Certain Chamber Members:
"All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you"
- Wayne Dyer
To Amanda Rose:
"Let no feeling of discouragement prey upon you, and in the end you
are sure to succeed."
- Abraham Lincoln
Certainly a leader needs a clear vision of the organization and where it is going, but a vision is of little value unless it is shared in a way so as to generate enthusiasm and commitment. Leadership and communication are inseparable. --- Claude Taylor
To Those With Ill Feelings Toward Certain Chamber Members:
"Ignoring problems is a waste of time. No matter how much you hate to complain, and regardless of how much you want to stay silent, being silent will never make things better."
- Wayne Lincon
To Amanda Rose:
"Let no feeling of encouragement prey upon you, because in the end you are sure to fail."
- Abraham Dyer
Good point 4:10 now lets hope Buice reads it.
thank the lord for Sheriff JOE BUICE--with out his superior law enforcement and leadership skills this county would still be run by liers,crooks,cheats,thieves and drug dealers
WOW HOW DID THIS GO FROM THE CHAMBER TO SHERIFF BUICE? MAYBE IT IS TIME FOR THIS BLOG TO CLOSE.AMANDA KNOWS WHAT AND HOW PEOPLE FEEL. SHE WILL DO HER JOB AS OTHERS HAVE DONE THEIR JOBS. WE ALL HAVE SKELETONS IN OUR LIVES,AND IF THIS CONTINUES IT WON'T BE LONG TILL EVERYONE IN TOWN IS TALKED ABOUT. I KNOW WHAT HAPPENED WITH MY SISTER. IT WAS WRONG, BUT GOD HAS BLESSED HER AND WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS HER WITH OR WITHOUT A JOB. GOD KNOWS EVEYTHING SO LETS STOP THIS BEFORE ALL OF BARNESVILLE IS FIGHTING.THANKS DEBBIE
AMEN---TRUTH SPOKEN!
You know, nobody has questioned Amanda'a ability to do a good job so why are some of you thinking she is at the root of the discussions. Let me be specific:
These comments rise from the board firing ED after ED without good reason. These comments are about the poor job by the people that hire the ED, NOT a poor job by the ED.
we need dane more than ever. lets pray
amen
Why would ANYONE want to move to B'ville if they read any of this garbage? I have a child at MA who played basketball for Amanda and know that Amanda Rose is a fine person. She will be an asset to the community. I also know that the best thing that was ever at MA now lives on Thomaston Street and when she left, MA went straight to hell. True leadership takes guts and does not always make popular decisions. So get over it.......
Let's see....Amanda has integrity, a desire to improve B/LC, and a COLLEGE DEGREE!!!!! Gee...looks like the EC/Board did something right. Anyone can see that we are now MUCH BETTER OFF than we were with T. Looks like those transplants did something right. So all of you negative nay-sayers......Give us intelligent LC folks a break!!!
I am a M.A. graduate...you need to dig deeper and get the TRUE facts. SHE (Thomaston Street) is the ONE who destroyed M.A. It is a FACT!
It would be better to talk to a rock over some of you dummies. 6:34 pull your head out of the crack in the back. Nobody has a problem with Amanda. Go figure.
I would love to have sent my children to M.A. where I graduated. However, I am unable to because someone mentioned above has completely D-E-S-T-R-O-Y-E-D it. So many people in Jackson, Griffin, Barnesville, Forsyth, and Macon feel the same way. Because of one person's EGO the school that Mr. Cox and others founded is destroyed. It is so SAD! I know so many people that worked so HARD to build M.A. for 40 years...it is so sad to see what she has done!
KARMA WILL GET HER...............
BUICE SUPERIOR LAW ENFORCEMENT WHAT A JOKE TELL THAT TO THE FOLKS AT D N R AND SEE WHAT A LAUGH YOU'LL GET.
would someone please tell me what happened to monroe academy. the school has alot less students than it did. what exactly did thomaston st do to this once fine school
WALTER,
PLEASE REMOVE THIS BLOG POST. THIS IS NOT DOING OUR COMMUNITY ANY GOOD. I KNOW YOU WANT WHAT IS BEST FOR BARNESVILLE AND THIS "AINT" IT. TOO MANY PERSONAL ATTACKS. WOULD YOU ALLOW LETTERS TO THE EDITOR IN THIS FASHION?
I WILL NOT CONTINUE TO PURCHASE ADVERTIZING FOR MY BUSINESS AND LET OTHERS WHO DO ADVERTIZE IN YOUR PAPER KNOW I CAN'T SUPPORT THEM IF THEY DO. TO ME IT SHOWS WE CONDONE THESE NEGATIVE ATTACKS BY PAYING FOR ADS.
I NOTICED GIANT MART AND BRYCE TOOK SOME ABUSE. HECK OF A NOTE FOR A BIG ADVERTIZING BUSINESS .
12:33 Interesting.
12:33 Is this the same person that ask you to remove the first comment?
Almost everyone knows this but maybe you skipped Internet 101.
This is a blog and a typical Internet website. Not a newspaper.
Newspapers are not on line. There is far to much trafic on the Internet to sort through it all and expect it will ever be like a newspaper. It isn't at all like a letter to the editor and it will never be like that.
Things on line are nothing like the editing manners and behavior of things that can be picked up and held or that stay lying around.
Anyone crawling the web has to get a grasp on the real world. half of what you read is BS and there are people out there who do nothing but stir things up or try to start fights. This is the no cost equivalent of what a poison pen letter writer can do except it is in real time and free.
If anyone is dumb enough to allow a computer or computer chatter to influence where they shop eat or live you don't want them for a customer or neighbor anyways.
The web is fleeting entertainment like a comic strip or video game for people with ADD.
It has no value other than occupying time that would be better spent doing something productive.
There are two choices with a blog. You either turn it off or the owner turns it off, or you accept the idiots and trolls. Lets not pretend this is a newspaper. Its only the Internet. It will never be a newspaper so stop acting like what you read here is the same as something that Walter publishes.
You should thank Walter for being man enough and nice enough to have this blog. All the other chest beating mocho free speech men in the community shut their crappy blogs down months ago. They all complained about restricted news and special agendas but they were all the first to shut things off now and restric free speech weren't they?
12:33 who are you to think you can issue idle threats if someone doesn't do your bidding. Apparently you have had your feathers ruffled. Let me wise you up. You put your pants on just like everybody else. Take your threats and put them where the sun don't shine. And being you are so powerful (or at least think you are) use your name instead of Anonymous. Candy A$$ fits.
OK we are about to pass 200 comments. Shall we try for 300?
12:33 Can we say EXTORTION????
hit a nerve!
sorry!
not!
4:16 pm I am game!
Just wanted to be the 200th comment. I think we've hit a record.
Do I get a prize??
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