Leadership Paulding 34 Graduation
Pictured l-r: Stacy Hamby-Paulding Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, 2024 LEO Award Recipient-Danny Plunkett-White Ash Realty, Leo Parker-The City of Hiram, Brandon Test-Paulding Chamber of Commerce Chairman

The Paulding Chamber of Commerce has established an annual award for their Leadership Paulding program to honor the precedence that LP 32 alumni Leo Parker set while a participant. The prestigious LEO Award is an accolade that stands as a symbol of Leadership, Excellence, and Outstanding contribution. Each letter in "LEO" represents a core value that Leo Parker set as a standard and that we now hold in the highest regard:
L for Leadership: The ability to inspire, guide, and drive progress through vision and integrity.
E for Excellence: The relentless pursuit of the highest standards, setting benchmarks for others to follow.
O for Outstanding Contribution: Making a significant impact that resonates and uplifts their classmates and community. This year’s recipient of the LEO Award embodies all these same qualities.
Congratulations to Danny Plunkett, Leadership Paulding 34 graduate, for being the recipient of the 2024 LEO Award. He demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding his team through challenges and toward success with unwavering determination.

DID YOU KNOW?
Jess Rousey Honoring Heroes Foundation

Founder – Samantha Rousey Glass
• Samantha has had a lifelong concern for the safety of law enforcement and fire/rescue teams seeing childhood friends choosing these professions and the tragic loss of one of those friends.
• In 2018, as President of the West Cobb Business Association, she became actively involved as an advocate and supporter.
• The nonprofit was established in 2021 in memory of her father, Jess Rousey, her personal hero.
• She performs regular embedded accompaniments and training with multiple agency Crime Suppression, Tactical and Drug Task Force units across several local jurisdictions and is a graduate of several police citizen’s academy programs to help bridge the gap between public safety and the community with personal experiences.

Mission
• “To provide advocacy, support, and appreciation opportunities that honor local heroes who protect and serve our communities through their dedication to public safety while strengthening relationships between the community and public safety.”

Team
• All non-compensated volunteers
• Board of Directors – 5 private citizens and 5 public safety personnel.
• Advisory Board – 7 first responders who represent partner agencies.
• Multiple Ambassador Volunteers.

Events
• May – National Police Week – Providing appreciation packages, serving nearly 2,000 law enforcement heroes across multiple county and city agencies, including K9s units.
• June Fundraiser- Hot Rods for Heroes ™ Car Show and Community Festival
• July – “Honoring SWAT” month
• August Fundraiser - Jess Rousey Golf Fore Heroes ™ Charity Tournament

Fundraiser Results
• Delivering meals & care packages to fire and police stations; honoring acts of merit and valor; donated the new fallen K9 memorial for Paulding Sheriff’s Office; donations of training and safety equipment; supporting first responders & their families in time of need or crisis; Blue & Gold Honoring Heroes Gala a free event honoring 300 first responders; providing Christmas & other holiday parties; donations to multiple Cadet programs; donations to K9 programs; creating a Serenity Suite for 911 dispatchers.

Recognition
• 2021 and 2022 Citizen of the Year & Civilian Spotlight Award from Cobb County Police Department
• 2021 and 2023 Powder Springs Police Community Partner Spotlight
• 2022 and 2023 Support Partner Appreciation Award Paulding County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team & Special Ops
• 2023 Nonprofit of the Year for the Paulding Chamber of Commerce

DID YOU KNOW?
All Points Bookkeeping, LLC
Proud Member of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce

Personal History
• Leigh Anne Lindsey is a multi-generational life-long resident of Paulding County
• She attended Chattahoochee Tech for her basic classes and loved her accounting class. For her, it was like a puzzle to get everything to balance.
• Transferred to Kennesaw State and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting

Work Experience
• Leigh Anne worked as a bookkeeper/office manager for 15 years with a plumbing company that had an opening for an employee who could organize the office and fulfill their need for a degreed bookkeeper
• Her next job was working with a CPA where she learned additional in-depth skills including tax preparation

Change in Direction
• After going through the work challenges during covid, she decided to begin her own business. All Points Bookkeeping LLC opened on August 1, 2021, as an independent bookkeeping service

Services
• All Points Bookkeeping LLC emphasizes 3 areas of Service: Timely Service; Peace of Mind; Access to Your Books
• Leigh Anne caters to small businesses that are mostly service-based; organizes financials; mainly works virtually and sometimes in-person; prepares taxes for individuals; and does accounts payable auditing
• She enjoys the challenge of creating organized records, which also includes clients who have several years of taxes and bookkeeping to bring up to date

Professional Growth
• Quick Books Pro Advisor
• Certified Tax Preparer
• Graduate of Leadership Paulding 33
• Leigh Anne is constantly learning something new when her client needs specific skills required by their business

Contact
• www.allpointsbookkeeping.com
• leighanne@allpointsbookkeeping.com
• Office: 678-414-0668
• Dallas, Georgia

DID YOU KNOW?
Gas South
Proud Member of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce

Beginning of Gas South
• Kevin Greiner, President and CEO, founded Gas South in January 2006 in Atlanta with other key industry leaders who also had a background working in other utility companies.
• Gas South is a subsidiary of Cobb EMC, one of the largest electric cooperatives in Georgia. Greystone Power Corporation is also a valued partner.
• The company serves residential, commercial, industrial, and wholesale customers.
• Our purpose is to Be A Fuel For Good® by caring for their customers and employees and elevating their industry and communities. Their mission is to be the energy provider of choice by delivering exceptional value, service and simplicity.

Growth
• In 2020, Gas South acquired Infinite Energy in Gainesville, Florida. This led to their expansion in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and eleven other states. It also gave Gas South naming rights to Infinite Energy Center in Gwinnett, which is now named Gas South District.
• Gas South is headquartered in The Battery Atlanta. They opened their new office in August of 2024. The new office provides employees with a modern workspace customized for hybrid work and collaboration while also providing easy access to their 16-year partner, The Atlanta Braves.
• Gas South also opened a new office in Gainesville, Florida at Celebration Pointe in October of 2023.
• The company has more than 400 employees and serves nearly 500,000 customers.

Gas South Focus
• Be A Fuel For Good®
• Five core values
o Do What’s Right
o Own It
o Serve Others
o Be Better Together
o Keep Growing
• Gas South gives back 5% of their annual profits to organizations that support basic needs, education, and health for children in need.
o In 2023, Gas South donated $4.5 million to organizations in Georgia and Florida communities.
o Gas South has named the 10 organizations that receive these funds their “Fuel For Good Allies”.
o Gas South also rewards two different organizations annually with their Impact Investment Award. Organizations submit applications for the funding, and employees, customers, and the community choose the winners.
o Volunteerism is another large focus of the giving culture at Gas South. The company dedicated 1,302 hours of community service to 70 opportunities in 2024.

Awards
• The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) has named Gas South as one of Atlanta’s “Top Places to Work” eight times.
• USA Today named Gas South as one of the 2024 “Top Workplaces”.
• Kevin Greiner was named Georgia’s most respected business leader in 2021 by Georgia Trend magazine and the AJC named him one of Atlanta’s most admired CEOs in 2018 and 2021.

Georgia History of Natural Gas Companies
• The Natural Gas Competition and Deregulation Act of 1997 increased competition and consumer choice.
• Passage of this Act increased competitive pricing, improved customer service, and provided innovative energy solutions.
• Natural gas marketers now purchase gas wholesale and sell directly to consumers in areas that are deregulated, including the entire state of GA.

Contact
• For more information, visit www.gassouth.com
• Office: 1-877-472-4932

DID YOU KNOW?
CASA Paulding
Paulding Chamber of Commerce Member Since August 6, 2001

• CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates
• The National CASA organization was founded in 1976 when Judge David Soukup from Seattle, WA began a local volunteer advocacy group for children who were facing family trauma, foster care, or adoption. It was emotionally too difficult for him to decide on the fate he would decree for the children brought into his court. He wanted additional information from those who were involved in the child’s life.
• CASA Paulding was formed in 1995 by Frederick (Fred) J. Fox and his daughter, Deirdre “Dee” Fox Morris. The mission of CASA Paulding is to recruit, screen, train, and supervise volunteer advocates to speak in court for children in foster care.
• Has an ongoing need for volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who find themselves in the court system because of abuse or neglect. Most Paulding children in foster care are placed outside of Paulding County – as far as Augusta, GA! They have been pulled away from their families, friends, schools, etc. and a CASA advocate is a person who can help provide encouragement, reassurance, and stability.
• In 2023 – 32% of the children with a CASA volunteer were unified with parents who completed a court case plan; another 31% found permanency with a loving adoptive family.
• CASA Paulding often works with other community agencies- CASA volunteers work with DFCS case managers to gain information about the needs of the child; in some cases the Paulding Child Advocacy Center does a forensic interview; Paulding Family Alliance is court appointed to supervise family visits; Paulding RCO assists with peer support and resources for addiction situations; therapists and other professionals are available for counseling. CASA Paulding attends all court hearings, reports findings, and makes recommendations for the best interests of the child.
• Jean Dudley, CASA Paulding Executive Director; over 30 years as an educator and founder of a nonprofit after-school program for at-risk children; 1 year at CASA Paulding with a strong and dedicated staff.
• Support for CASA Volunteers – restaurant gift cards like McDonald’s or Chick-fil-a to provide a meal at the child visit; gas cards (33,000 miles driven by volunteers); provide lunch for volunteer support time – “Meet, Greet, and Eat”
• Volunteer information - www.casapaulding.org; or email CASA Paulding at casapaulding@casapaulding.org; Office 770-505-0065 for more information.

DID YOU KNOW?
The Southern Historical News
Paulding Chamber of Commerce Member Since March 8, 2002

• Started as the Tri-County Shopper for Cobb, Paulding and Douglas Counties with owners, Jim & Beverly Rogers, and partner, Leon Withers, in 1980
• Changed to a newspaper focusing on the history of Paulding County a year later.
• Is now printed in 10 states with a total of 76 different newspapers.
• No ad is paid for until the papers are printed and delivered by truck to you.
• 3 drivers pick up the papers; drive to the destination; hand deliver the number of requested papers to every advertiser; bring the invoice; collect the payment; and return home. The papers are also delivered to local Chambers, libraries, museums, etc. for the public to pick up for free.
• There has been only one ad price increase in over 40 years.
• Articles are submitted from local families, historians, Chambers, and staff research.
• At this time there are 3 papers printed each week but have started increasing to get back to 5 per week.
• Only 3 staff members build the ads and the entire paper to be ready for printing.
• Some papers are printed and distributed only twice/year; some 3 times a year.
• Jane Eberle, the General Manager, began her career with the paper at age 17 as a student under Janet Peppers, the VOT teacher (Vocational Office Training); was only allowed to write and build ads for the first 6 months; and only then was allowed to touch any of the files! Mr. Rogers had very concise and organized guidelines as to how everything was to be run.
• Mike and Wayne Rogers have maintained the legacy of their parents. Watch for poems written occasionally by Mike!

DID YOU KNOW?
G.L.A.S. Angels

Founder – LaShawn Baker
• LaShawn has always had a heart of service and concern for others. She chose the homeless and underserved as her nonprofit focus areas.
• Nonprofit established in 2016 – providing resources so those she is caring for “evolve into self-sufficient members of their community”
• Giving Love Awareness and Support Angels, Inc.

Services
• Housing – locating availability through area connections with other organizations; homes with shared space; individual homes; and saving homes in bankruptcy with renters
• Financial support
• Economic Mobility – managing finances training

Resources
• Food, clothing, toiletries, etc.
• Outsourcing for transportation
• Personal care for seniors
• Collaborating with area organizations

Volunteers
• Volunteers - email contact@glasangelsinc.org with subject line “Volunteers Interest”
• Board members – email contact@glasangelsinc.org with subject line “Board Members Interest”

Contact
• Email – contact@glasangelsinc.org
• Phone – 770-338-6377

DID YOU KNOW?
Datafying Tech Services
Proud Member of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce

Why Start a Cyber Security Firm
● When Kevin Goldstein and his friend were young, online bullies took a severe mental toll on one of his friends.
● Kevin used this as fuel to begin learning Cyber Security strategies and was able to dive into where the bully was coming from
● Bully appears again; Kevin calls him by name; and mentions enough personal information to scare him away
● Kevin went on to graduate at 14 and began taking college courses at age 15 and has built his own malware and defense programs
● Nearly 15 years later he has used this background to begin protecting Paulding County residents from Cyber Criminals.

Realizes the Vulnerability of Others on the Internet
● Began researching the many areas of open to illegal hacking
● Focused on Radio Frequency (RF)/Wi-Fi hacking methods as a specialty
● Created new ways to protect vulnerable areas
● Began with a computer repair business and then moved into his passion which was to protect, rather than repair, the huge safety gap for small businesses

2024 - Datafying Tech Services is Opened for Service
● Using LinkedIn and Google Business, Kevin developed strong international partners in the Cyber Security space over multiple years, meeting with them on zoom calls where his knowledge was recognized as an experienced partner to collaborate with
● He is now protecting Paulding County with an MDR Team of 400 intelligence officers who are monitoring Datafying Tech Services clients 24/7 for data breaches
● He is also partnered with a world leading cyber-crime research team connected to Datafying Tech Services with over 40 personnel on that team

Important to Know as a Potential Client
● Getting a computer virus is not the main problem with business cyber security
● Largest targets are the small personal (Gmail, Facebook, local websites) or business accounts (Outlook, Company website, websites used for pulling resources) which can be tied to other more valuable accounts found on the same computers – these are the easiest passwords to find and the passwords don’t have to be stolen because they’re often in free databases
● Every device will be attacked at some point including computers, phones, and SMART devices (Alexa, thermostats, TVs, routers, etc.)
● You must use a 2-factor authentication to be safer

Certifications
● Fortinet Network Security Expert - 1 and 2
● Cisco Network Scaling
● Microsoft Certified Expert
● Former Apple Genius
● Certified Ethical Hacking – two of those with continuing education

Contact
• www.datafying.tech
• sales@datafying.tech
• Office: 470-785-3035
• Mail: 8735 Dunwoody Place, Suite R, Atlanta, GA 30350; Main Office in Dallas, GA

DID YOU KNOW?
Stars and Strikes - Dallas
Proud Member of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce since 2008

Answering a Need
• 2003 – Jack Canouse and Chris Albano; neighbors and friends
• Saw the need for a family-friendly entertainment center in the Metro Atlanta area

First 3 Centers
• 2005 – Cumming, Georgia; 2007 – Dacula, Georgia; 2008 – Dallas, Georgia
• Every center was set up with all the basics you see today – bowling alleys; arcade area; and restaurant

Growth
• 17 centers in 5 states
• Extra activities in some centers – axe throwing, laser tag, bumper cars, and escape rooms

Events
• Parties – birthday, anniversary, graduation, retirement, bachelor and bachelorette, etc.
• Corporate – holiday get togethers and team building with special menus
• Large Groups with special rates and packages (SMERF)
Sports – teams, parks and recreation groups
Military – active and veterans
Education – public and private schools
Religion – churches, youth, day care, summer camps
Family – reunions
• Customized and will work with any budget
• Collaborates with local businesses and hotels for additional services
• Bowling Leagues available – seniors, youth, and competitive

Community Support
• Partner with schools – PTA incentive cards for parent, top reader certificates, star student awards, teacher appreciation, and more
• Round-Up for Charity with purchases – Make-A-Miracle, Relay for Life, and Fur Kids – all non-profits
• December event – Christmas for foster children

In Memory of Randy Riggs
• Director of Entertainment with a personal focus on all areas of sports in Paulding County
• Founder of STAR radio; online station still broadcasts in all 17 centers

Contact
• www.starsandstrikes.com/locations/dallas-ga
• Corporate office number: 678-965-5707
• 2400 Hiram Acworth Highway, Dallas, GA, 30157

DID YOU KNOW?
Fellowship of Extraordinary Women

About
• Kimberly Joy founded the FEW on October 15, 2014
• Bringing together a support network of professional women focused on faith, family and finances
• “Women are made to complete – not compete.”

Membership Benefits
• Promoting Confidence, Community, Connection, and Courage
• Monthly forums; FEW Institutes of Certified Leadership, Trainers/Coaches, and Speakers; International Publications; Monthly Leaders Circle; Events, Trainings, Publication Packages
• Over 100 published authors from 11 – 77 years old

Atlanta Chapter President – Buffy Payne
• Buffy is a global executive with a vast network and passion for impacting the lives of others.
• FEW will be offering the Certified Speaker 3-day course in September 2024.
• FEW will also be at the C-Suite for Christ Symposium on September 19, 2024, at the Acworth Community Center, come out and meet the women of The FEW.

Contact
• Go to www.thefewwomen.com for more information
• buffy@thefewwomen.com; 770-335-2169

DID YOU KNOW?
Boomerang Sanitation
Proud Member of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce

Why A Sanitation Business
• Mike Plowman started seeing trash carts being left full on the side of the road for more than a week
• Recognized a need; began with his pickup truck; and a new business was born

New Start
• Boomerang Sanitation opened in January 2018 with the motto “We Keep Coming Back”
• Christy Plowman was a former school counselor and joined Mike full-time to help start Boomerang Sanitation.
• Family owned and operated with 4 generations actively involved

Focus
• God, family, and community
• Galatians 5:13b “Serve one another in love.”
• Create an environment of safety for the family and employees

Customer Service
• Sanitation companies are not always known for good customer service
• Boomerang Sanitation employees take whatever time is required by the customer, including on the phone
• People love it when a company remembers who they are – names of pets, important dates, etc. Notes are kept with any information that adds to a personal conversation with each customer
• Customers receive weekly curbside pick-up with a 95 gallon trash cart per household using 6 trucks

Community Service and Awards
• Sponsors local high school athletes
• Mike spoke at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference for high schools on personal leadership and entrepreneurship
• 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Douglas Sentinel Reader’s Choice Award winner for Top Sanitation Service
• 2020 Douglas County Chamber Business of Excellence finalist and 2024 Small Business of the Year Finalist

Contact
• www.boomerangsanitation.com
• boomerangsanitation@gmail.com
• Office: 678-324-4246
• P.O. Box 5734, Douglasville, GA

DID YOU KNOW?
Praise Christian Academy
Proud Member of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce

The Beginning Story
In the early 1980s, a vision took shape in Powder Springs through minister Tommy Chapman and his wife, Joyce. They dreamed of a place where education and faith could blend harmoniously. In 1983, they founded the Total Learning Center, starting with kindergarten. The school quickly grew, and by 1984, an elementary school was added in response to community enthusiasm. By 1985, their vision expanded further with the addition of a high school, leading to the renaming of the center as Praise Christian Academy. The school, now serving 300 students from Cobb, Paulding, Douglasville, Haralson, Polk and surrounding counties, became a cornerstone of the community, offering a supportive, faith-centered educational worldview for students from K-3 through high school.

Changes
● 1990’s – Code of Conduct and Excellence established, sports programs, candidate for ACSI accreditation
● Early 2000’s – main educational building, gymnasium, accreditations from ACSI and SACS, addition of classrooms, remodel of front of school, and new kitchen and dining hall

Student Results
● From multiple counties, denominations, and churches
● Graduates go to college, trade schools, technical colleges, and military; leave with a trained mind, a disciplined heart, and a transformed purpose and perspective (Portrait of a Graduate)
● Serve in hospitals, churches, mission fields, classroom, and military to name a few

Focus
● “Sending out academically prepared and biblically grounded graduates into a world desperately needing Christ.”

5-Year Strategic Plan
● Prepare the facilities and programs for future growth
● Strengthen the ability to serve the needs of today’s families
● Expand opportunities for every student

Service Projects
● Hardy’s Christmas celebration for children
● BETA Club – assist at the Pumpkin Patch
● Food Drive for M.U.S.T. Ministries

Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, Inc.
● Send Georgia State tax dollars to the State of Georgia OR to provide a child with a life changing Christian education (select Praise Academy)
● 100% state income tax credit
● Information at www.goalscholarship.org

Contact
• www.praiseacademy.com
• Office: 770-943-2484
• 4052 Hiram Lithia Springs Road SW, Powder Springs, GA 30127

DID YOU KNOW?
Dignity Nursing School
Proud Member of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce

Personal Importance of the Name
• Great-Aunt Constance Eve from Buffalo, New York founder of Women for Human Rights and Dignity – “Dignity Circle”
• Purpose – Job readiness for women

Recognizing a Need
• 2006 – William and Nikki Benford started Dignity Place targeting Georgia’s underserved population
• First clients – Bartow County Magistrate Judge and Mrs. Brown from Cartersville
• 2008 – Awarded the Community Care Service Program Provider from The Area of Aging of Northwest Georgia
• 2012 – Launched the Allied Healthcare School Nurse Aid training program
• Recognized the importance of increasing the number of professional, well-trained Nurse Aides in medical facilities

Responding to Lack of Nurses
• 2019 – Expanded the Allied Healthcare School to meet the demand for skilled nurses nationally
• 2020 – Dignity Nursing School was created with additional courses -Phlebotomy Technician and a Practical Nurse program
• 2021 – Dr. Kimberly Roberts was added to the staff as the Program Director with her exceptional ability and background

Honors and Support
• Received major funding supporting Social Determinant of Health for the delivery of nurse education in the underserved population of Georgia from a Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention grant (NEPQR)
• Received funding awarded by the Atlanta Black Nurse Association

Mantra
• “Purposefully Serving the Community, ‘Student’ Need --- At A Time.”

Mission
• Empowering Nurses with the latest technology, cognitive science, collaborative classrooms for multi-age learners

Vision
• To empower a thriving community

Contact
• www.dignitynursingschool.org
• Office: 770-529-6801
• 8492 Hiram Acworth Highway, Building 207, Dallas, GA 30157

DID YOU KNOW?
Ivybrook Academy Seven Hills
Proud Member of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce

How it began:
• Jennifer (First grade teacher) and Drew (Real Estate) McWilliams – founders
• Jennifer’s students were showing a gap in preparation entering first grade, which created a major concern
• 2007 – The original concept was written on a cocktail napkin and the flagship school was born in Weddington, NC
• “The school was founded to address the growing need for preschools that value, celebrate, and nurture children’s natural curiosity.”

Ivybrook Academy Strategic Concept
• Half-day preschool; no naps or lunches; ages 18 months to 6 years old; students kept actively engaged exhibit fewer behavior challenges
• Teaching life skills appropriate for each age group, such as – proper handling of materials; caring for plants; cleaning up after yourself, establishing routine – hang up school bag, set water tumbler in proper place, and wash hands before starting the morning provocation.
• Each classroom is created with a subdued environment of natural wood furniture; different areas for different activities – circle time, writing, math, art, science and creative play
• Learning materials are carefully selected to reflect real life objects
• The curriculum builds a continual flow of skills and experiences individualized to the needs of the students
• Classrooms are co-taught with two adults per room and small class sizes.
• Each school has a Discovery program introducing creative expression, music and movement, literacy connections, and Spanish

From One School to a Franchise
• At the request of families relocating across the United States who were unable to find another half-day preschool like Ivybrook, the idea of franchising became a reality
• Ivybrook Academy became a franchise in 2017 and currently supports 40 open schools with another 60+ looking for real estate across the county.

Ivybrook Academy Seven Hills
• #37th open franchise, the 4th for Georgia
• Bruce and Dani Humphries wanted to open a business that would create a meaningful impact in their community and promote work-life balance
• A family friend shared her experience working on the franchise team for Ivybrook Academy’s corporation and knowing their love of children, felt it would be a good fit for their first business.
• They began their franchise journey in 2022; attending “Discovery Day” for potential owners; they found their location in June of 2023, began their building upfit in January of 2024 and opened with summer camp in June.
• Ivybrook Academy Seven Hills is a half-day preschool with a proprietary curriculum where children learn through multiple intelligences

Contact
• www.ivybrookacademy.com
• Office: 678-224-8226
• 1305 Cedarcrest Road, Suite 123, Dallas, GA 30132

DID YOU KNOW?
Birch Tree Bookstore
Proud Member of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce

Owner – Monica Anderson
• Background – Over 10 years working in Business Operations, Human Resources, and Technology with a master’s in psychology
• Father – Burchell “Burch” Smith – emphasized education as a priority; became ill in 2023; focusing on time with her father gave Monica the opportunity to evaluate her life’s purpose and dreams and changed her direction after his passing
• Community and connections became her priority for her next journey

Why A Bookstore
• Monica is an avid reader and has a desire to share and encourage that passion in others
• A “hands-on” book is extremely important, and society is losing that exceptional experience
• About half of the customers coming into the store are in their late teens and early 20’s – bookstores, holding an actual book, and reading in a cozy environment is a unique and new experience for them
• Birch Tree Bookstore is named in honor of her father, “Burch”

Events
• Opened on May 1, 2024
• Local author signings with books available from that author
• “Stuffy Sleep-Over” only with a child’s stuffed toy – a book is read to the “stuffy” with photos taken to give to the child when “stuffy” is picked up
• Book Club meetings arranged – the book is ordered through Birch Tree Bookstore for the participants
• Custom book orders – sometimes by genre or author
• Sign up for the newsletter under the heading “Subscriptions” on the website for updates

Books Sold
• New – already in the store; special request; may be purchased online
• Some “top shelf” quality used books available
• Currently no purchase or credit program is in place, but donations are accepted

Additional Information
• Retail gifts available for purchase
• Showcases local artists on a commission basis
• Booth at Dallas Markets; Building 1; Booth 71

Contact
• www.bookstorebirchtree.com
• bookstorebirchtree@gmail.com
• Office: 1-762-352-1483
• 8879 Dallas Acworth Highway, Suite 135, Dallas, GA 30132

DID YOU KNOW?
KEYS Primary Academy…the Readiness School

Post-COVID Educational Challenges
● “44 % of public-school students began the 2023-2024 school year behind grade level in at least one academic subject.” National Center for Education Statistics
● 2022 national survey by EdWeek Research Center for social skills and emotional maturity – 39% Much less advanced; 41% Somewhat less advanced; 16% About the same; 4% Somewhat more advanced; 1% Much more advanced

Marketa George – Founder
● 23-year Master Educator
● Former Elementary Principal
● Education Specialist
● Experienced the damage done to students returning to school after COVID

KEYS Primary Academy
● Began offering intense tutoring services in June 2023
● Created its first academic summer program in June 2024
● “Readiness School” – not competing with local schools, the mission is to compliment local schools
● “We are the KEY to student success”
● Knowledgeable Enthusiastic Young Scholars
● “Starting with little people helps us produce better big people”

Target Population
● Private readiness school designed to serve all children in primary grades, specifically targeting:
★ At-risk learners who need support closing learning gaps
★ Behavior challenged students who need behavior strategies and support
★ Home-schooled students whose parents need human and/or physical resources

Focus
● Academic Standard of Excellence in all basic skills
● Creative problem solvers
● Determining – “What are student glows?” “What are student grows?”
● Guidance in social skills, conflict resolution, zones of regulation
● Every day begins with students being encouraged to be mindful about how they feel. Students then engage in morning conversations using classroom morning meeting chips.
● For those who arrive with external issues, they are directed to write or draw a picture on a post it-note of what has caused anger, worry, or frustration. After recognizing the root, students acknowledge the feeling, wad up the note; and toss it in the wastebasket. Now the mind is clear and ready to learn!

Contact
• Visit KEYS Primary Academy Website
• engage@keysprimaryacademy.com
• Office: 678-471-2344
• 3595 Hiram Douglasville Highway, Suite 225, Hiram, GA 30141