CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU NOW HOME TO STATE RECORD ALLIGATOR

Thanks to the guys in the Street Department for helping us get the alligator to his new home!

FLY-BY RADIO TO PERFORM AT JULY 4 CELEBRATION

Get out your leather, tease your hair and get ready for a rockin' good time at this year's July 4 Celebration.  Fly-By Radio, a 1980s and 90s rock band will be performing at Earle May Boat Basin Park on Monday, July 4. 

Fly-By Radio, from Birmingham, Alabama, has become one of the biggest draws in the southeast.  They perform hits from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, and Guns N' Roses.

The concert will begin at 7:15 p.m. and will be followed by southwest Georgia's largest fireworks display at dark, or approximately 9:30 p.m.  There will be food vendors on site, so come and enjoy the food, fun and fellowship on Monday, July 4 at Earle May Boat Basin Park.

This year's July 4 Celebration is brought to you by the City of Bainbridge, Bainbridge Convention & Visitors Bureau, DaniMer Scientific, Inland, Southwest Georgia Farm Credit, The Money Tree and Tim Smith & Associates.    

CHARLES MILLER RETIRES

The City of Bainbridge held a retirement luncheon on Thursday, May 26 to  celebrate the retirement of Charles Miller. Charles worked in the Leisure Services Department for over 30 years and has served as an example and mentor to numerous other employees. 

THANK YOU Charles for your outstanding service to the City of Bainbridge!  

Cornerstone Businesses Honored

In honor of Historic Preservation Month, the Downtown Development Authority and Bainbridge Main Street held an Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, May 24 to honor downtown businesses.  A large crowd gathered in Willis Park to say “thank you” to the businesses that have become cornerstones in Downtown Bainbridge. 

Mayor Edward Reynolds welcomed the crowd and presented certificates to businesses who received Façade Grants from the Downtown Development Authority from 2009 to 2011.  One of the many goals of the Downtown Development Authority is to encourage reinvestment in the Main Street Business District.  One way they do this is to offer merchants grants of up to $1500 to work on their facades.  The businesses that have applied for and received Façade Grants since 2009 are  Airgas Test, LLC, Cleveland and Robbins, Sweet’s Barber and Beauty Shop, The Bon Air Hotel and The Hairworks.

Main Street Manager Dit Albritton recognizes Facade Grant recipient Sweet's Barber and Beauty Shop

Community Development Director Amanda Glover then recognized downtown’s Cornerstone Businesses, those that have been in Downtown Bainbridge for 25 years or more.  While some of these businesses may have changed ownership or locations over the years, they have invested in Downtown Bainbridge and become a staple in the lives of the citizens of Bainbridge.  Sixteen businesses were recognized, including Alderman’s (56 years), Cox-Ware Funeral Home (85 years), Edwin J. Perry III, Attorney At Law (37 years), Edward Jones Investment (27 years), Isaacs Bakery & Deli, Inc. (84 years), Jake’s Pawn Shop (63 years), James Conger, Attorney (32 years), Janet’s Fabrics (33 years), Jerry Maxwell, CPA (32 years), Jim’s Style Center (43 years), Joe’s Barber Shop (37 years), Kres Jewelers (62 years), Reeves Linens & Gifts (39 years), Sweet’s Barber and Beauty Shop (44 years), The Money Tree (39 years) and Young Fashion (29 years). 

Dit Albritton recognizes James Conger with a Cornerstone Business plaque



Mayor Edward Reynolds welcomes everyone



A large crowd gathered in Willis Park

VIPER

VIPER Squad members help out at Relay for Life.

CITY HOLDS EMPLOYEE HEALTH FAIR

The City of Bainbridge had a great turnout at their annual Employee Health Fair on Thursday, April 21.  Memorial Hospital and Manor was on hand doing lab work and blood pressure screenings, the YMCA did a body fat analysis on participants and there were numerous other agencies available for screenings and information.  Thanks so much to everyone who helped make this event a huge success!

TAKE A WALK IN THE SHOES OF A BAINBRIDGE CITY OFFICIAL

April 19 and 20 of 2011, the city of Bainbridge underwent a total staff change.  Thirty seven students of Bainbridge High School’s class of 2012 took over the city for Student Government Day!  Students chose the area in which they were interested and shadowed the director of that job.

Today, Hannah Williams and Bernard Burke became the city story-teller as the Communications Director.  As part of their job as the Bainbridge story-tellers, Hannah and Bernard traveled around the city and reported on the other 35 students.  In Public Works, Blair Nix worked in the shop, learned about the department, and even learned how to fix a trash truck!  Under the Police Chief, Halle Thomas learned how to take complaints from the Bainbridge citizens.  One of the complaints she received regarded the lack of sidewalks behind the hospital.  In Purchasing, Khadeeijah Cooper and Jessica Rogers learned how to make street signs and also made some with their names printed on them!  Austin Sapp, who worked in the Gas Department, learned how to detect gas lines and change batteries in a gas line locator.  Diamond Bouie was a part of the Sewage Treatment Plant staff today.  She learned about the microorganisms placed in the water for cleansing and which pipes serve which purpose.  Steven Bench shadowed the Athletic Supervisor this afternoon.  He comments that he enjoyed learning about how the new baseball complex is kept up and run.  J.D. Poole learned about what a Fire Chief of Bainbridge does every day.  He told about his experience with a hidden fire alarm, his attempt to write a burn permit, and his visit to court.  At the Public Safety building, Allison Whitaker and Kristin Pollock learned about the procedures and rules for arresting a person.  Meanwhile at City Hall, Kelly Brooks, Quiana Childs, Sarah Bush, Dillen Thomas, Emily Ward, Stacey Martin, Jodie Sanders, and Hannah Brock discussed renovation plans and profits from recreational complexes with the City Manager, Chris Hobby.

Story and Photos by: Hannah Williams and Bernard Burke

Communications Directors, Student Government Day 2011

BILL REYNOLDS SPORTS PARK III RIBBON CUTTING

Thanks to everyone who attended the Bill Reynolds Sports Park III Ribbon Cutting and Baseball and Softball Opening Ceremonies on Monday, April 11!

EMPLOYEES OF THE SECOND QUARTER

Congratulations to Cpl. Brian Boyett (left) and PSO Shannon Dunaway for being named Employees of the Second Quarter!

On March 8, 2011 Bainbridge Public Safety received a call for an unknown medical problem at a home on Garland Ave.  Cpl. Boyett was the first to arrive at the residence.  He entered the home to find a heavy layer of black smoke inside.  A few minutes later, PSO Dunaway arrived and the two realized there was an elderly women inside.  While Cpl. Boyett searched for the cause of the fire, PSO Dunaway and two neighbors removed the 104 year old woman from the house.  Due to these officer's quick response, her life was saved.

What a heroic act by two of Bainbridge's finest!  Thank you for helping to keep our community safe and secure and congratulations on this honor.

DOWNTOWN FASHION SHOW PICTURES

CITY STAYING BUSY

April is set to be another busy month for the City of Bainbridge.  We kicked off the month by hosting nearly 200 young athletes for the Georgia-Florida Junior Tennis Championships.  We had a such a great turnout for the tournament and truly appreciate everyone who helped make the event a big success and all of our citizens who showed our visitors great hospitality while they were here.

Head to the new Bill Reynolds Sports Complex for Youth Baseball and Softball Opening Ceremonies on Monday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m.  League games will begin once the ceremonies are concluded.  Leisure Services will also be hosting the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Bill Reynolds II on Saturday, April 23 at 11:00 a.m.  There are three age categories, 3 and under, 4-6 and 7-10, and there will be a prizes awarded to first, second and third places for the prize eggs in each age category.   There will also be a drawing for extra prizes, so be sure to register!  The event is free and you can call Leisure Services at 229-248-2010 to pre-register for the event. 

City departments will be hosting over 30 juniors from Bainbridge High School during Student Government Days on April 19 and 20.  On Tuesday, April 19, students will tour different parts of the City, such as the Sewage Treatment Plant, Public Safety, Public Works, City Purchasing and the Firing Range.  The following day, they are each assigned to a City Division Leader or Department Head to shadow during the day.  They will also hold mock Planning Commission and City Council meetings.  Student Government Days are a great way to educate our youth on the functions of the City, as well as get them involved in the local government.

Thanks to everyone who attended and participated in the Spring Fashion Show and Brown Bag on Saturday, March 26.  We had a great turnout and the participating merchants did a great job putting their looks together.  The First Saturday Market held on Saturday, April 2 was also a great success and we truly appreciate everyone who was involved.  We had some great vendors offering things such as produce, handmade jewelry and soaps, cakes and pies and much more!  The next First Saturday Market will be held on Saturday, May 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon in Willis Park. 

ASK THE MAYOR - APRIL 2011

Mayor Reynolds,

Chief Funderburke is saying that the way the Public Safety Department is currently functioning is not working anymore.  Why are the Mayor and City Council insisting to keep things “as is?”

The Mayor and City Council spent a lot of time discussing the Public Safety model at their retreat on Saturday, March 19 after the department heads left.  Through that discussion, we determined to remain committed to the Public Safety model.

 The Public Safety model is a huge cost saving to our taxpayers.  Studies show that it would take a minimum of $1.5 million per year to split the police and fire departments.  That equals to three additional mills of property tax for each person in the City.  Secondly, the public safety model allows for more officers to be on patrol at any given time.  This helps Bainbridge keep the public safe.  While Bainbridge has a higher than desired incident of property crimes (larceny, theft, etc.), our violent crime rate is very low compared to other Georgia cities.  Finally, the public safety model increases efficiency and productivity among our employees.  With a majority of officers assigned to patrol, there is less down time with no need for officers to work overnight shifts.  Furthermore, the average response time of public safety is a little more than one minute, far below the nation’s average response time.  Because of our short response time, the City’s insurance rating is very low, which in turn, saves all of our citizens on their insurance premiums.

It is true that some cities in Georgia and the nation have abandoned the public safety model, but others have adopted it.  The city of Social Circle is one example.  In fact, they used Bainbridge as their model in implementing the public safety concept.  We feel the Public Safety model is a good fit for the City of Bainbridge and the City Council has reaffirmed their commitment to Public Safety. 

Sincerely,

Mayor Reynolds

Decatur County more ready than ever for film, TV productions

Often the best time to stoke the flames is when a fire is burning hot.

That’s exactly what the State of Georgia and Decatur County are doing with the state’s new Camera Ready program.  Decatur County joins 88 other communities across the Peach State in earning this special designation by the Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office since October.  Being named Camera Ready means we have in place a program that provides film and television production companies with easier, faster and better access to local resources and location information. 

Why is that important?  2009 was a banner year for filming in Georgia, with more than 348 productions bringing an estimated $770 million to our state’s economy, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development.  Georgia-lensed movies "Zombieland" and "The Blind Side" both opened at No. 1 at the box office. In 2009, productions were shot in 50 counties in Georgia, impacting local communities like ours throughout the state.

As many communities have also experienced, films and television programs can drive increased tourism inspired by the success of the local production.  For example, the church built as a set for the Disney project “The Last Song” is now an event facility in Tybee Island. And the Whistle Stop Café from “Fried Green Tomatoes” put Juliette on the map. 

Producers love Georgia for our diverse settings, talented workforce and tax incentives.  Since it was created in 2005, the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act has helped generate unprecedented direct investment in our state.  In fact, economic impact from productions in Georgia amounted to more than $1.4 billion – up from $240 million just three years earlier.  Today, we’re one of the top five production destinations in the country.

 More than 25,000 Georgians are now employed in the entertainment industry, and numbers are only expected to grow.  The local economic impact from productions can be significant, including hiring of local residents, hotel stays and purchases of goods and services.

But while Georgia has done an effective job selling itself to production companies, other states have also worked hard to lure films and television programs.  Camera Ready will help to ensure we can stay ahead of the competition by meeting the very specific local needs production companies have. 

Adrienne Harrison is serving as Decatur County’s Camera Ready Liaison, which means she serves as the primary local contact for production companies. She helps to identify local resources, from locations and hotels to associated businesses, such as caterers and dry cleaners. 

There are a wealth of locations, talent and assets in our community and in our state that production companies can use to everyone’s advantage.  Camera Ready is one more way we’re making sure they do

STAFF CHANGES WITHIN THE CITY OF BAINBRIDGE

March 22, 2011, BAINBRIDGE, GA - The City of Bainbridge saw staff changes early in the week.  Jason Strickland has been named interim Leisure Services Director for the City of Bainbridge.  Former Leisure Services Director Al Kelley has taken over management of the City Shop and Sanitation Departments, which is part of the city’s Public Work Division.

City Manager Chris Hobby said the staff changes are not disciplinary in nature, but rather an effort to streamline management and improve productivity within the city.  In recent months, the City’s sanitation department has fallen behind on things such as picking up yard trash, due in large part to broken equipment.  With Kelley heading the two departments, Hobby feels confident they will become more effective and efficient.  

CITY OF BAINBRIDGE KICKS OFF SPRING EVENTS

The weather is perfect for a great time outside, and the City of Bainbridge has three upcoming events to get you outdoors and enjoying the beautiful spring weather.

Head to Willis Park on Saturday, March 26 at 11:00 a.m. for the Spring Fashion Show and Brown Bag.  Downtown merchants will be showing off spring’s hottest looks as models parade through Willis Park.  Participating merchants include:  Allen Sports, Bella’s Boutique, Isabee’s, Polka Dots, Reeve’s Linens and Gift and Special Occasions.   The Bean and Isaac’s Bakery will also be selling brown bag lunches at their stores.  There will be a drawing held at the end of the fashion show for prizes donated by each of the participating merchants, so be sure to stick around until the end!

Saturday, April 2 marks the first First Saturday Market.  This event, formally known as Downtown Farmer’s Market, will be full of new vendors and new items!  While there will still be plenty of locally made and grown products, the market is expanding to include sales from downtown stores, yard sale items and much more.  And the best part?  It’s free to have a booth!  The First Saturday Market will be held on the first Saturday of each month until November.  Contact Dit Albritton at 229-248-2000 ext. 119 for more information on the event. 

The annual Easter Egg Hunt will be back on April 23 at Bill Reynolds Sports Complex II.  The fun begins at 11:00 a.m. with kids from three different age groups hoping to find the prize egg for their groups.  The age groups are 3 years old and under, 4-6 years old and 7-10 years old.  This event, brought to you by Bainbridge Leisure Services, is also free, but participants are encouraged to call 229-248-2010 to pre-register for the event.   

CITY REPAIRS GAS LEAK

The City of Bainbridge worked diligently to fix a gas leak on the Southeast corner of Scott Street and College Street, in front of Family Bank.  Earlier today, Georgia Power was digging a hole to place a new power pole at the intersection when their auger hit a two-inch plastic line. 

There were no injuries in the accident, but Bainbridge Public Safety evacuated the nearby building and shut down the intersection as a safety precaution.  The City’s Gas Department clamped the leaking line before shutting off gas flow to replace the busted line.

Natural gas is a safe gas, which is lighter than air.  Because it is so light, when a leak develops, the gas rises and disperses through the atmosphere giving little chance for ignition. 

COMING SOON...

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER

Congratulations to Jacquie Wingate, winner of the CVB's 2011 Photo Contest!! Jaqcuie's photo, "Southern Comfort" will be feaured on the front of the new Bainbridge brochure. Click here to see Jacquie's winning photo and all of the other great photos that were entered in the contest. Thanks to everyone who sent us photos. We had some great ones and you'll definitely be seeing your work in some of our upcoming publications.

BAINBRIDGE VYING FOR TITLE OF ULTIMATE FISHING TOWN USA

The Bainbridge CVB has nominated Bainbridge to become Ultimate Fishing Town USA. The contest, held by World Fishing Network (WFN) is now underway and communities from across the nation have entered, all hoping to be named the Ultimate Fishing Town. The winning town will receive $25,000 to use towards fishing-related causes and a 30 minute television show about their town on World Fishing Network, along with other prizes.

Bainbridge needs YOUR help to win the title. Let's all join together so Bainbridge can be recognized as the premiere fishing spot in the United States. The contest is in three stages. First, community members can add supporting nominations to the original nomination. Then, there will be one round of regional voting followed by a final round.

From now until April 8, you can visit www.wfnfishingtown.com to upload photos, videos and to give your take on why we are the Ultimate Fishing Town. These supporting nominations are very important to have because the more supporting entries we have, the better our chances of being selected to the final round. After all of the supporting materials have been submitted, public voting will begin on April 12.

There will be two rounds of voting. First, we will compete regionally against North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. The top two vote getters from our region will move on to the final round, which begins on May 10. If we are not one of the top two vote getters, we still have a chance to make it to the final round. WFN will choose six wild card communities based on originality, persuasiveness, energy, and the nature of the community organization. Bainbridge is THE Ultimate Fishing Town and it's time to prove it to the nation!

Click here to view Bainbridge's nomination and to add your own supporting entry.

Allen Sports Holds Ribbon Cutting