SmartWorks

A publication of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and Carroll Tomorrow in collaboration with the Workforce Education Task Force

Vol. 1 Number 1

From Daydreaming to Dream Job

Inside: Mentoring: Just go for it!

A Conversation with Dr. John Green,CCEC

Familiar Face Takes on a New Role

Read to Me

Exploring Career Pathways

SmartWorks | page 2

Welcome to the first issue of SmartWorks! T he Carroll County Chamber and Carroll Tomorrow, in partnership thrive right here in Carroll County. We will publish

S m artWor ks

A publication of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and Carroll Tomorrow in collaboration

with The Times-Georgian, are pleased to bring you a new and exciting publication that focuses on workforce education and development from the perspective of real people who are making a real difference in our community. This publication was born out of a community-wide initiative started in 2013 that brought the business, education and community leadership of Carroll County together with one common purpose — preparing our citizens to be the employees that our local businesses want

SmartWorks quarterly as an insert in The Times-Georgian. The magazine will cover topics related to work-based learning accomplishments, student achievement at every grade level, and life-long learning opportunities that are preparing employees to be their very best. All this and more, while highlighting Carroll County’s best asset — our local workforce of the future! If you have feedback on SmartWorks, please contact us by email. Thank you and we hope you enjoy SmartWorks.

with theWorkforce EducationTask Force

Daniel Jackson

Donna Armstrong- Lackey

Carroll County Chamber/ Carroll Tomorrow President/CEO Daniel Jackson daniel@carroll-ga.org Sr.VPBusiness Development Donna Armstrong-Lackey donna@carroll-ga.org VP Economic Development Andy Camp andy@carroll-ga.org Editor/ Director of Communications Lisa Ledbetter lisa@carroll-ga.org

and need.

One of the goals of this initiative is to carry that message to the community so that we can change conversations, whether at the dinner table or the conference table, sharing that everyone has the potential to learn, work and

Donna Armstrong-Lackey, Senior Vice President Carroll County Chamber/Carroll Tomorrow

Daniel Jackson, President/CEO Carroll County Chamber /Carroll Tomorrow

Contents

Times-Georgian Publisher Marvin Enderle publisher@times-georgian.com

4 6

Pg. 10 A familiar face takes on a new role A conversationwithDr. JohnGreen Pg. 8 Plus

Director of Advertising MelissaWilson melissa@times-georgian.com

From daydreaming to dream job

SmartWorks is a collaborative publication of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and Carroll Tomorrow, 200 Northside Drive, Carrollton, GA 30117 (770-832-2446) andThe Times-Georgian, 901 Hays Mill Road, Carrollton, GA 30117 (770-834-6631).

Ferst Foundation: Providing books to children Pg. 12

Exploring career pathways: Ninth Grade Ag Expo presents possibilities Pg. 14

Mentoring: Just go for it!

to dream job SmartWorks | page 4

From daydreaming

D ylan England was like many high school students — school was OK and he always passed his subjects, but it sure wasn’t his passion. But unlike many high school students, Dylan knew what he wanted to do and was provided a pathway to explore that career interest. “I was always interested in becoming a lineman and through the 12 for Life program, I jumped at the chance to co-op at Carroll EMC,” he explained. Dylan attended Temple High School and as a junior participated in Southwire’s nationally acclaimed cooperative program that provides students a place where they can mix classroom time with time on the floor at a real manufacturing plant, gaining an education, a paycheck, key work and life skills, and a diploma. “I was working at the 12

Cover photo and feature photos courtesy of Carroll EMC and Aislinn Rain Photography Lineman Dylan England, second from left, knows the value of teamwork and appreciates those who enhance his role at Carroll EMC every day, including, from left, Tommy Cook, construction manager; CoreyWebb, foreman; andDavid Huddleston, purchasingmanager and liaison for 12 for Life program.

CEO began as co-op student

“Co-ops allow you to seewhat you like andwhat you don’t like about an industry,”he said.“People gaveme a chance and I’mglad to return the favor bymaking sure Carroll EMC supports education. I am thankful our Board of Directors is so supportive—we’ve had student workers here for years.” Martin said it’s awin-win situation.“We get the advantage of having bright young minds among us and the students have an experience they can take into any industry.” And for Martin, it was a doublewin-win. Another co-op student was working at Carroll EMC at the same time hewas—his future wife!

Carroll EMC is a company committed to co-operative education. It is awin-win proposition—students receive career training with pay as they work with professionals in the career pathway of their interest. Employers often fill their newhire vacancies with students from their own co-op programs since they already know the capabilities andwork habits of the students they have trained. One personwho is“forever grateful”for the hiring potential of a co-op experience is Carroll

EMC President/CEOTimMartin. He started with the company in a co-op positionwhile he was an engineering student at GeorgiaTech. “When I graduated in 1992 therewere no openings at the time at Carroll EMC so I went intomanufacturing for a few years,” Martin said.“But I circled back and grewup professionally with this company.” Martin confessed that he didn’t have a clue what hewanted to dowith his engineering degree prior to the co-op experience.

SmartWorks | page 5

for Life plant but moved over to Carroll EMC’s program when a position opened up,” said England. “I worked in the warehouse and shop but was given the opportunity to shadow a lineman crew.” Foreman Corey Webb saw potential in England. “He fit the mold for a lineman and we hired him.” That sounds easy but it wasn’t. Following high school graduation, England attended a 15-week training program at the Southeast Lineman Training Center in Trenton, GA. Knowledge of the nuances of specific electrical work related to power systems is of utmost importance. Knowing how to be a team player, communication skills, and physical conditioning are also needed to succeed in the often high-tension situations linemen find themselves in out in the field. “The training was very physical but there was also a lot of classroom work involving math and science, which I always liked in school,” England said. “My class started out with 215 people but ended up with only 160 graduates because the testing was so tough.” When he graduated, there were three openings for lineman at Carroll EMC and 70 applicants. Landing the job was completely on him, bringing all of his experiences to the interview process — including his

Huddleston noted that one student contacted him six months after completing the program to thank him. “Now I get it,” the student said. “Now everything you taught me is making sense.” Dylan England also “gets it.” “Dylan is truly a success story. He went through our program and now as an employee, he is doing exceptionally well,” Huddleston said. “He and I go out to the schools and he tells his story — he believes in the servant leadership of giving back.” Huddleston said that it wasn’t always a smooth road for England. “As with most high school boys, he would rebel at times and we had our ups and downs. But Dylan didn’t quit and I didn’t quit on him.” “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it hadn’t been for my co-op experience,” England said. “I would still be looking for what to do with my life.”

Dylan England was working at the 12 for Life plant but moved over to Carroll EMC’s programwhen a position opened up.

mentor for England as a co-op student and continues to be a role model for him today. “When you mentor a student, it’s not about helping them do well for four or five hours a day at work,” Huddleston explained. “My job is to help these students succeed in life by instilling life skills in them.”

work-based learning. As in every career

pathway, learning never ends. According to Tommy Cook, Carroll EMC construction manager, their technology is always changing and it is a 10 year road to become a journeyman lineman. “Dylan has been with us for almost a year and started out as a groundsman. He will be an apprentice for five years and after meeting all qualifications and completing both local and state training, it will take another five years to be a journeyman,” Cook said. England is very appreciative of the mentors he has had along the way from both Southwire and Carroll EMC. David Huddleston, Carroll EMC purchasing manager and liaison for the 12 for Life program, was a

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SmartWorks | page 6

J ust go for it ! MENTORING:

• Mentored young people see a 59% improvement in their grades. (Source: Career Beginnings) • 86% of mentored young people went on to higher education. (Source: Proctor & Gamble) • 80% of youth involved in the juvenile detention systemwho received a mentor did not return to that system. (Source: Prison Fellowship) • 52% of mentored students are less likely to skip a day of school and 37% less likely to skip a single class. (Source: Big Brothers Big Sisters Public/Private Ventures study) Mentoring Village Partners • 12 For Life • Carroll County Mentoring Program • Carrollton City and Carroll County Communities in Schools • Carrollton Housing Authority Youth Services Program • Legacy Council Mentoring Program • Carrollton Junior High School WHY BECOME A MENTOR

“I was a victim of self-induced procrastination. Mentoring was something I wanted to do but felt that I was just too busy.” Sound familiar? This is the confession of local attorney Dick Tisinger, now an active mentor for a 17-year old student at KidsPeace in Bowdon. Tisinger served on the Carroll County Chamber/Carroll TomorrowWorkforce Education Task Force where the concept of a coordinated mentoring effort was incubated. “I knew there were others like me — interested, but not knowing how to get connected. I knew of several different programs but where did I go to sign up?” And so, Mentoring Village was born. This umbrella organization provides volunteer management (recruiting, screening, and training) to partnering mentoring organizations throughout Carroll County. Cathy Robinson serves as program coordinator. “I contacted Cathy and then it got easy,” Tisinger said. “I went through training and had an extensive background check. Their questionnaire serves as an interest matching instrument — it assists Cathy in matching my interests with mentees from the stand alone mentoring programs.” Prior to pairing the mentor with a partnering organization, a general three hour training session is conducted. A second training session is then required by the specific mentoring group once the mentor’s interests are matched. “I was matched (via Mentoring Village) with the Carroll County Mentoring Program because they had a student at KidsPeace who would benefit from a mentoring relationship,” Tisinger said. “I have been involved with KidsPeace at both the local and

DickTisinger has spent 40 years at the lawfirm, TisingerVance PC.

helped him know how to keep a balance in maintaining the right caring relationship. He visits his mentee every week for about 30 minutes and intends to keep up with her after she returns to her home county following foster care. “But then I plan on getting a new student to mentor,” he said. “You might strike out with a particular student — nobody bats 1,000 — but again, that’s where Cathy comes in. She can re-evaluate and pair you with a different student.” “For the leadership of our county’s businesses who want their team to give back to the community in a hands-on way, I encourage them to invite Cathy to come speak to their staff,” Tisinger said. “Now that the Mentoring Village infrastructure is in place, there is a smooth transition from wanting to be a mentor to being one.”

national level, so it was a perfect match.” Tisinger brings his community relationships to the table to assist his student mentee. With his encouragement, she is close to earning her high school diploma and has an interest in biology. Tisinger arranged for a West Georgia Technical College representative to visit with her to share career pathways relating to biology. Working with children or the elderly is a second interest of the student and Tisinger asked the director of Carroll Manor to give her “the good, bad and ugly of working in a nursing home environment.” “I regret that I did not start mentoring earlier,” Tisinger admits. “For those of you sitting on the sideline, thinking about it — go do it! It is a win-win-win for the student, mentor and society.” Tisinger noted that the training

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SmartWorks | page 8 Aconversation with Dr. John Green Executive director, Carrollton/Carroll County Community Centered Education Collaborative

University ofWest Georgia President Dr. Kyle Marrero (left) interacts with Carroll County Chamber President/CEO Daniel Jackson (center) and CCEC Executive Director Dr. John Green. A unique aspect of the CCEC is the structure of the executive committee that brings these three to the table with the president ofWest Georgia Technical College, the superintendents of Carroll County Schools and Carrollton City Schools, the head of school of Oak Mountain Academy, and business/community leaders.

W hat is the Community Centered Education Collaborative (CCEC)? Civic, community and educational leaders of the Carrollton/Carroll County community came together during 2014 to form a partnership to help more students be prepared for college and work. This group of visionary leaders believed that by working together rather than in their respective institutional silos, more students could be successful. The initiative is led by the president of the University of West Georgia, the president

I was naturally drawn to this initiative since my passion and experiences are consistent with team approaches for student success. My experiences with K-12 initiatives, student leadership programs, advanced academics for all students, and community developed academic programs were well aligned with the vision of the CCEC.

of West Georgia Technical College, the superintendents of Carroll County Schools and Carrollton City Schools, the head of school of Oak Mountain Academy and the president of the Carroll Chamber. H ow did you get involved in this program?

Dr. John Green brings over 32 years of successful educational leadership as a teacher, coach, principal, district administrator, and superintendent to the CCEC. Named the 2008 Georgia Educator of theYear, he has improved student performance or coached andmentored others to do so in a variety of roles. The College Board, the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement, Growing Leaders Inc., and numerous educational, civic and leadership groups are just a few of the organizations that have sought Dr. Green’s insights. About Dr. John Green

SmartWorks | page 9

W hat are the goals of the CCEC? The broad goal for the CCEC is to close the gap for college attainment for increased numbers of students. To reach this goal we will work to have a collective impact on the success of all students in a K-16 approach; we will promote career pathways and access to post-secondary education; we will focus on all students graduating from high school and being prepared to enter the workforce or college.

H ow do you envision meeting these goals? We will develop strategies to improve and increase opportunities for students; to coordinate support and inter ventions for individual students through our expanded P-16 network; to share performance data with all stakeholders; and to communicate effectively with all partners in this effort.

W hat are your expectations for the process in the next two years? I believe commitment to collective impact will resonate throughout the community. I believe we will see some immediate results just through increasing awareness of the many support programs already in place. By implementing a few proven practices at critical stages of student development we will also improve the experience of each child from birth to the workplace.

Scott Cowart Superintendent, Carroll County School System

Paula Gillispie

Steve Daniel President, West Georgia Technical College

Dr. Kyle Marrero President, University of West Georgia

Dr. Kent Edwards Superintendent, Carrollton City Schools

Daniel Jackson

Head of School, Oak Mountain Academy

President/CEO, Carroll County Chamber of Commerce/ Carroll Tomorrow

Re-elect TERRY LANGLEY Sheriff Carroll County

SmartWorks | page 10

Familiar face takes on new role

T he Carrollton City Schools Board of Education unanimously approved Dr. Mark Albertus as its new superintendent to replace Dr. Kent Edwards, who will leave the system at the end of June to become superintendent of Kearney Public Schools in Kearney, Nebraska. For the past eight years, Albertus has led Carrollton High School as principal. During his tenure, Albertus implemented the International Baccalaureate program, led CHS in earning the coveted AdvancED certificate naming CHS as a certified STEM school, consistently raised the graduation rate, championed award-winning academic, arts and athletic programs, implemented the Southwire Engineering Academy and forged partner relationship with several community companies. “Mark Albertus is the right

at Parkview High School in Lilburn, Ga. He graduated from Presbyterian College where he was the Army ROTC Cadet Battalion commander (top cadet) and, as a goalkeeper for the Blue Hose soccer team, was named the 1994 NCAA Division II National Player of the Year. Albertus was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Army. Upon completion of his military service, he returned to Georgia to begin his career in education as a teacher and coach at his alma mater, later joining the administrative ranks as an assistant principal of discipline. In addition to his undergraduate degree, Albertus earned M.A., Ed.S, and Doctoral degrees from the University of Alabama. Albertus and his wife, the former Rebecca Hardiman of Tucker, are the parents of four children: Joshua, Kate, Andrew and Elizabeth.

Mark Albertus will become superintendent of Carrollton City Schools, effective this summer.

person to lead Carrollton City Schools,” said Dr. James C. Pope, Carrollton Board of Education chairman. “He knows education. He knows our system and our community. Excellence starts at the top. We are excited for our students, our employees, our community and for the Albertus family.” “I am humbled by this

opportunity,” said Albertus. “Carrollton is a special place. I thank the board for their trust. My family and I love this community. I will continue to strive to be an example of servant leadership and keep our students at the forefront of everything we do.” Prior to coming to Carrollton, Albertus was an administrator

Linking the Community and Education

The staff of the Newspapers of West Georgia is grateful for the opportunity to distribute this inaugural issue of SmartWorks, a magazine publicizing the collaborative workforce education effort between schools, businesses, the community and the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. The initiative is recognized as a model for the State of Georgia. As Carroll County’s trusted information leader, the Times-Georgian regularly links the community and the University of West Georgia, West Georgia Technical College and the public and private schools in Carrollton and Carroll County. The achievements of these schools and their faculties, staffs and students are regularly reported in the pages of the newspaper and in supplements such as the A+ Report, Trojan Times, We are VR and now in SmartWorks . Link to the Power of Local Media For bundled print and digital advertising information or to subscribe - in print and online, call today!

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SmartWorks | page 12 Read toMe The Ferst Foundation mission is providing books to children

F or 10 years, the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy of Carroll County has been on a mis- sion: to encourage children to read by providing books. And provide books they have! More than 400,000 books have been mailed in Carroll County, serving 2,350 “graduated” children and 3,300 currently enrolled as of October, 2015. “While we cannot do everything, we can eliminate one of the reasons why parents do not read to their child — the lack of multiple, age-appropriate books in the home,” noted Karen Hartley, chair of the Ferst Community Action Team. Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers, 37 percent of Carroll County’s eligible children now receive books. Children can be registered through a variety of avenues — at birth in partnership with Tanner Health System, at multiple community events such as MayFest and Southwire’s Back to School day, and multiple loca- tions provide registration cards such as the library and the Carroll County Chamber’s office. Two local families attest to the value of multiple sign- up opportunities. The Swint family became aware of the program during a visit to the library while the Huckeba family was told about it at Tanner Medical Center fol- lowing the birth of their first daughter. “As a teacher, I jumped at the chance to participate,” Kristen Huckeba said. “I read to my babies while they were still in the womb. I know that our early reading helped our four-year old Emery with her vocabulary and learning process.” A “Cute Cub” in Central Elementary’s Pre-K, Emery’s teacher began a reading group because she and another child were so advanced in their interest in books. Dankie and Chantrice Swint are so glad 10-year old Maya started receiving the books when she was “tinny, tiny so that she has always loved to read,” dad Dankie said. Maya is now a fourth grader and extremely smart — all 100’s and A’s on her report card. During early visits to the public library, Maya would bring as many as 20 books to the desk to check out. She loves books about magical characters. “Sometimes I imagine I am in the book,” Maya said. “Even if the books don’t have pictures, I use my imagi-

nation to create what I think something looks like.” This reading program is a living, breathing example of the commitment of the citizens of Carroll County to improve the lives of its children. The Carroll County Ferst mission mirrors the mission of the Carroll Tomorrow/Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Edu- cation Task Force: to develop literacy among young children in Carroll County in order to enhance their chances of becoming successful students, and ultimate- ly, educable members of the area work force. Even at the age of 10, Maya is thinking about her career. She is interested in art and fashion. “When I asked her if she’d like to be a model, she answered ‘No, I want to design the clothes!” Dankie Swint said. Today Carroll County has more than 8,700 children under five years of age. But getting the books into their homes is just part of the goal, according to Hartley. “We are committed to working with parents by expanding the hands-on activities that accompany each book, and developing family education programs so parents can function as their children’s first teachers,” Hartley explained. Kristen Huckeba gives a perfect example of using books to teach her children, Emery and two-year old Blair. “We read at bedtime, naptime, even at potty time. Whatever developmental skill we are working on, I find a book that relates.” Dankie and Chantrice Swint listen as fourth grader Maya reads to them from one of her favorite magical books.

SmartWorks | page 13

When Emery got glasses at a very early age, she was struggling to adjust, Kristen said. “So I found a book about a little girl with glasses and I read it to her class and gave everyone a pair of toy glasses. Not a problem after that!” As their children’s first teachers, set- ting the example as readers is important. Both the Swints like to read for enjoyment and recognize the tie between reading and learning. “When Maya was transitioning from kin- dergarten to first grade, I was so nervous because the books were harder with longer words,” Dankie said. “I was feeling sorry for her, but when she read aloud her first grade book, she said ‘I can do better than that’ and started all over and read it again. She gave me such inspiration.” Maya was paying close attention to books even at an early age. When Chan- trice read nursery rhymes to her, she would often change the words or names. “But she would catch me every time,” she said. Ferst books are not only age-appropriate in content, they are also age-appropriate in materials which impressed Kristen. “We receive heavy board books while Blair is a toddler so she doesn’t tear the paper pages. Now that Blair is getting her own books,

participate, the expense to the Ferst Foun- dation is $36 per child/per year for five years. With a goal of serving 65 percent of pre-school children in Carroll County by 2020, the annual cost of serving 5,680 chil- dren will be $204,000. That’s where volunteers play a huge part. Dr. Melanie McClellan, immediate past chair of the Carroll County Ferst Advisory Council, pointed out that the core group of current volunteers is comprised of individuals with similar backgrounds — retired educators. “We are recruiting volunteers with a variety of skills — business, media, com- munications,” she said. Volunteers are needed for six teams, each with a specific focus: fundraising, assessment, communi- cations, family education, children’s regis- tration, and volunteer recruitment/training. Is it worthwhile to volunteer with the Ferst Foundation? Maybe our future depends on it. When asked what is impor- tant about reading, Maya replied “You have to let your mind be open, always in motion, so you can ask ‘What if?” For more information on how you can support the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy of Carroll County, visit their website at carrollferst.org.

we occasionally receive a duplicate. But I just pass them on to the local Boys and Girls Club.” While there is no cost to the family to Blair, 2, wants a closer look at the pictures while Kristen Huckeba reads to her and big sister Emery.

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SmartWorks | page 14

Exploring career pathways Ninth Grade Ag Expo presents possibilities

W hen ninth grader thought it was just raising plants or animals. After experiencing the first annual Ag Expo hosted by UGA Cooperative Extension Carroll County, he has a whole new perspective. “I was amazed at how big agribusiness is,” Sauls said. “The booths ranged from little garden stores to big industrial plants like Flowers Bakery to the game warden.” Sauls may not be the only one amazed at the economic impact of agribusiness in Carroll County, known as farm gate value. It is approximately a quarter of a billion dollars annually. More than 300 students from Carroll County Schools, Carrollton City Schools and the College and Career Academy visited representatives from 33 different organizations, businesses, and educational institutions such as the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Printpack, UGA College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, and the Crager Hager Farm— just to name a few. “Our planning committee targeted this age because ninth grade is when students are picking their career pathway,” said Paula Burke, Carroll County Extension Coordinator, UGA Cooperative Extension Service. “There are many career expos out there but not many that concentrate on agricultural fields,” Burke continued. “Data is showing that there are not enough Tripp Sauls thought of agriculture, he

potential college graduates to fill the number of jobs available in agribusiness.” Tripp admits he had no idea the industry was so diverse yet so inter-connected . “It surprised me when I realized how many very different jobs it takes to come together to provide our food,” he said. “The USDA works to protect land use so the farmer can grow the highest quality of goods so the industry can produce a quality final product for the consumer — a full circle.” According to Heidi Remy, counselor at Villa Rica High School, Sauls was rewarded at the Expo for his inquisitive nature. He was given a prize from Flowers Bakery for asking good questions. “They said they enjoyed my company,” Sauls said. “They encouraged me to keep asking good questions — that’s how you discover more than is first presented.” According to Burke, teacher evaluations of the Expo praised the one-on-one opportunities it provided for students to get personal attention. “Overwhelmingly positive” evaluations also commended the variety of vendors representing a good mix of career pathways and providing a good overview of the agribusiness opportunities in Georgia. Tripp is interested in math and science and the Expo demonstrated how much those two subjects are used throughout agribusiness. “Vets and people in wild life control use science all the time. For example, you would have to know the science of

Paula Burke/Special Cindy Haygood talks to students about careers with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Tripp Sauls was just one of more than 300 students who gained a new appreciation for the agribusiness career pathway.

with our food supply and not depend on so many other countries to keep us well fed and healthy.” Burke said the planning committee, with representatives from Farm Bureau, Carroll EMC, UGA Extension, local ag teachers and school administration, have already determined the date for next year’s event. (Financial supporters included Carroll County Farm Bureau and Huddleston Farm). “We have to open the eyes of the next generation that working the land is not the only avenue for an agricultural career.”

wind patterns to understand bird migration,” he noted. “A lot of calculation goes into figuring out how many crops can safely be produced on one area of land. I was really surprised in how much math and science supports the knowledge of land use.” Tripp is one smart young man. After talking with several of the different representatives, he posed a question. “Who wants to eat chicken that has come all the way from China if you can get it from a Carroll County farmer?” he asked. “If only our country could become self-sufficient

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