Tom Sheldon, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

Lisa Paez with Jackson County CLCP

April 6, 2023 by Tom Sheldon

Lisa Paez/Jackson County Certified Literate Community Program

Jackson County Certified Literate Community Program is a non profit established by the State of Georgia in the 1990s to address critically low literacy rates. The mission of the JCCLCP is to mobilize local agencies & volunteers in a literacy campaign resulting in credentialed, civic-minded adults, training for high-wage, high- demand jobs in Jackson County.

The State of Georgia launched the Certified Literacy Community Program (CLCP) in 1990 as a means of addressing low adult literacy rates across the state. Improved literacy rates help the state attract new businesses (jobs) and increase self-sufficiency among all residents. To qualify as a participant in the CLCP program, Jackson County is required to set a goal of reducing its functional illiteracy rate by 50% within ten years. As a CLCP member organization, JCCLCP is responsible for securing local community support and sources of funding, implementing a variety of literacy programs, and executing successful strategies to help residents achieve educational and employment goals.

Traci Bledsoe with Peace Place

April 4, 2023 by Tom Sheldon

Traci Bledsoe/Peace Place

Peace Place is a domestic violence agency providing emergency safe shelter and supportive services to adults and children fleeing abusive homes in Jackson, Banks, and Barrow Counties.

Mark Valentine with Mark Valentine Financial Coaching

March 28, 2023 by Tom Sheldon

Mark Valentine/Mark Valentine Financial Coaching

Mark Valentine is a Dave Ramsey Certified Master Financial Coach. Mark works with individuals and couples that find themselves experiencing stress and anxiety resulting from their financial situation, debt, and related troubles. The typical process is to (1) understand the situation, (2) help develop a plan, and (3) work the plan together. As a coach, Mark’s focus is on injecting hope and encouragement, providing motivation, knowledge, and accountability. Coaching sessions can take place in person or via zoom.

Charmaine Augustin with Ameris Bank

March 28, 2023 by Tom Sheldon

Charmaine Augustin/Ameris Bank

Ameris Bank was established in 1971 in order to bring peace of mind to their customers and communities. Today, they are a financial partner to businesses and consumers at over 200 locations across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic and nationwide through their digital banking and on-line lending options.

Shana Shoden with Medlink Georgia

March 22, 2023 by Tom Sheldon

Shana Shoden/MedLink Georgia

MedLink Georgia is a Non-Profit Community Health Center with 26 locations in Northeast Georgia. They provide access to high quality, affordable, comprehensive primary and preventive medical, dental, and mental healthcare. Experience quality, patient-centered care to everyone, regardless of financial situation with MedLink Georgia! Visit them online for a location nearest you.

Assistant District Attorney Andy Crawford with Piedmont Judicial Court

March 21, 2023 by Tom Sheldon

Andy Crawford/Piedmont Judicial Court

Andy Crawford is a career prosecutor who has litigated over a thousand cases in Barrow, Banks, and Jackson Counties. He has secured jury trial convictions for murder, special victims crimes, domestic violence, major thefts, and drug trafficking.

Andy is a graduate of Jackson County High School, the University of Georgia, and Mercer University. Upon graduating from law school, he returned to the area with his wife, Allison, who has worked in special education in the Jackson County School System for 13 years. They have three daughters who will attend Gum Springs Elementary School.

Andy has served on the staff of the Piedmont Drug and Mental Health Courts, chaired the Jackson County Child Fatality Review Board, was appointed Solicitor for Jefferson Municipal Court, coached mock trial at Jefferson High School, and spoken at numerous career days in the Barrow, Jackson, and Jefferson school systems. Recently, he was elected to serve as President of the Piedmont Bar Association for 2023.

Nicole McGiboney with Gibb Grows and Rebecca Armstrong with the City of Jefferson

March 21, 2023 by Tom Sheldon

Nicole McGiboney/Gibb Grows

Gibb Grows is a small business located in Jefferson, GA with a lineup of products from seed to plate by assisting the inspiration of growing your own food. Gibb Grows works with schools, restaurants, communities and families.

Rebecca Armstrong/City of Jefferson

The City of Jefferson, a 200 year old community, is located in Northeast Georgia about an hour north of Atlanta along Interstate 85. Jefferson has a population of 10,195 and is the county seat of Jackson County with a population of 61,257 (2015 U. S. Census Bureau Estimates).

Jefferson, the county seat of Jackson County, is named for President Thomas Jefferson. It is a picturesque community set among the gently rolling hills in the piedmont region of Northeast Georgia. The landscape is still dotted with small farms and lakes. Jefferson like many small towns in the south has gradually made the transition from primarily agriculture, to a balance of commercial and industrial businesses. The City’s leadership is working to maintain Jefferson’s small town character while strongly encouraging the development of a diverse economy that employs the growing local workforce.

Most people move to Jefferson for economic opportunity, its small town atmosphere, acceptance of newcomers and wholesome environment for raising a family. The Jefferson City School System is highly ranked, year after year, in terms of student achievement and SAT scores. The City offers a broad range of extra curricular activities including community theater and an award winning recreation department for adults and children of all ages.

Hart Fandrich of Piedmont Injury Massage

March 20, 2023 by Tom Sheldon

Hart Fandrich/Piedmont Injury Massage

Piedmont Injury Massage offers an unique experience that combines relaxation and recovery. Their advanced education in massage helps to reduce pain from fibromyalgia, pre and post surgeries, as well as soft tissue damage! Piedmont Injury Massage also performs cosmetic spa facials.