(EVANS, GA, April 29, 2011) – Governor Deal will take advantage of his presence in Columbia County to sign a bill important to the local community during the annual Chamber’s Post Legislative Breakfast on May 5, 2011, hosted by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce.

The House Bill 280, which was passed in March by both Georgia House and Senate, allows local governments to use leftover funds collected for 911 centers to pay for additional 911 related expenses. Sheriff Clay Whittle will also be in attendance and is expected to make a few comments on how this bill will impact Columbia County’s emergency call system.

Governor Deal is the keynote speaker for the Chamber’s Post Legislative Breakfast, which is an annual event designed to bridge the business community and state legislators. Senator Bill Jackson along with Representatives Lee Anderson, Ben Harbin and Barbara Sims will also be there, available to talk directly with business leaders about others issues of their concern.

The Post Legislative Breakfast begins with a buffet at 7:00 a.m. and the program begins at 7:30 a.m. Admission is free for Columbia County Chamber members and $20 for non-members. The event is nearly sold-out, with advance registration required.

Details about the bill can be found online at http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display.aspx?Legislation=32893.

For more information about the Post Legislative Breakfast, call the Columbia County Chamber at 706-651-0018.

JOAN BOWEN (and her hubby) are the creators and owners of JOLLY ROMPERS www.jollyrompers.com

They are an on-line children’s boutique specializing in classic children’s clothing.  Jolly Rompers is located among the rolling hills of historical Washington, Georgia. They are a family-owned business and proud to say that their family has called this area home for over 8 generations. Jolly Rompers was born out of necessity with pure entrepreneurial spirit.  Several years ago the company that employed her husband for over 12 years declared bankruptcy, cut his pay by 60% and decimated their  retirement plan.  There went their main source of income along with the dreams they had for their family’s future. With two small children to support, they went into survival mode. Instead of getting bitter  – - they got busy …  planning, implementing and building the foundation of a business that she had conceived in her head many years before.

They offer free shipping as well.

It’s been mostly local South Carolina realtors that have controlled most of the market in North Augusta and Aiken. Fred’s is the main anchor in the shopping center now welcoming Keller Williams Realty Augusta Partners. It’s at 401 West Martintown Road. Keller Williams Augusta Partners are owned by an Atlanta group that has steadily grown in the CSRA with their main office in the Atrium. They also rent homes now as well as sell. The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce celebrated with Keller Williams in late April.

Photo by Kelly Johnson

Story by Kelly Johnson and Neil Gordon

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