Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce

While in conversation about signs at Whatagraphic!, Rich Gallagher, CEO of the Moultrie YMCA, came in all excited about their Chick-fil-a-sponsored Rugged Run. It was their first event like this. Rich shared that he was the first one in the mud earlier that day, testing the 11 obstacles. His entire staff was thrilled about the momentum the event was catching. As I wrapped up the sign project details and headed for the door, Rich mentioned that the Y had hoped for 200 participants originally and were rapidly approaching the 300 mark heading into the last day of registration – a major success for a brand new adventure introduced to the community!

The Rugged Run was a success with over 315 participants, as well as Main Street’s Downtown Fabulous Friday full of shopping and live music, the Arts Center’s Music Man performances, and the Mother/Son Dance put on by the Moultrie Police Department to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs, bringing in approximately 80 mothers and sons.

We kicked off the month in celebration with PruittHealth – Magnolia Manor as our May Business of the Month. They are one of many PruittHealth providers in our community. They have served over 7 years as a replacement for the old Magnolia Manor nursing facility. Their dedicated, in-patient, short-term rehabilitation unit offers physical therapies through the use of cardio bikes, Nautilus and Biodex strengthening equipment, and a Hydroworx therapy pool with a built in treadmill, as well as offering occupational and speech therapies. PruittHealth – Magnolia Manor employs 115 full-time partners, bringing abundance to the workforce and economy of Moultrie. With a total capacity of 100 and the rehab unit admitting 30-40 patients per month, their census fluctuates between 87 and 98. Ninety percent of those 30-40 patients discharged per month following services are able to return safely back to their own homes. Contact Jennifer Curles, their Admissions Director, at 229-985-3422 for details, as well as to schedule a tour of their location at 3003 Veterans Parkway South in Moultrie.

Throughout May, we welcomed four new members to the Chamber of Commerce – the Downtown Y – Moultrie YMCA’s additional location on the square (229-985-1154), Hallmark Wealth Strategies – a financial planning company (229-891-1042), Staggerwing Country Jamboree – country music and dancing on Friday nights (229-921-2165), and Blough Tech – an IT company that’s people focused and technology driven (229-377-8825).

The Chamber celebrated with our members during two ribbon cutting ceremonies. The Sterling Physicians Group opened their latest project, Sterling Center Women’s Health, to the community while Henry Thomas with Henry’s Table Manners launched his business providing tablecloths, table settings, centerpieces, and so much more for your events.

Our Ambassador Committee started May strong with plenty of assistance with our Annual Golf Tournament. We couldn’t have made it the success it was without their hard work prior to and during the fun event. They also celebrated with our members during the ribbon cuttings and at our Business of the Month presentation, with plenty of moments to network with others in the community.

Our Tourism Committee has been focused on bringing more awareness to Moultrie as a great destination to bring families for visits and relocation, as well as hard at work getting signs leading into Moultrie from neighboring towns.

Our Workforce Committee had a great post-event planning session for Leadership Colquitt County, securing details for next year’s program. We are excited about the new ideas to implement to make this elite leadership program even better for upcoming participants, as well as ways of keeping alumni involved. Stay tuned for details about the application process for the 2018-19 Leadership Colquitt County class.

Our Ag Committee members are jumping full swing into their busy farming season. As a result, May is the first of our 3-month stint of releasing our farmers to focus on the land solely. Our Agricultural & Rural Services Committee meetings will resume in August.

June already has an abundance of events on the calendar. Quality Employment Service is holding a job fair. Serenity House is hosting their annual golf tournament at Sunset Country Club. The Moultrie-Colquitt County Library System has plenty planned for your children this summer with Toddler Tuesday StoryTime, a summer reading plan, and much more. Many summer camps are available through our Friends of Reed Bingham State Park, the Boys & Girls Clubs, and the Moultrie YMCA, and of course, learn to swim through the Moultrie-Colquitt County Parks and Recreation Authority. For the adults, take up a class painting your pet at the Colquitt County Arts Center during June or jump into a course with Southern Regional Technical College to increase your skills and knowledge. With the SCORE workshop, the launch of Teen Maze planning, our Business After Hours event, four ribbon cuttings scheduled so far, and of course our Business of the Month presentation, there are plenty of ways to learn, get involved, and network in the community through the Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce. Join us!