The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce heard from Teresa Fagan, of Redmond Regional Medical Center, regarding patient safety in prescription drug issues.  The Chambers’ David Tidmore welcomed the group including Dr. Wayne Richey and staff of the Trion center along with COO, Robert Early, of Redmond Regional Rome and others. Tidmore also recognized Redmond Regional for their sponsorship of the luncheon this month.
Tidmore outlined the local jobs front by telling the group that all major employers in Chattooga were reporting increased numbers for the beginning of 2011 versus 2010.  Expansion is taking place at several locations with significant investment in plant and equipment which should translate into an improved jobs number in coming months. 
This news is tempered by the impending closure of Northwest Regional Hospital in Rome that employs many Chattooga County residents. 
Tidmore warned that significant downsizing anticipated in state and local budgets would continue to plague the local employment rate due to our large percentage of employees in the governmental sector. Bright news on that front is that state revenues are up substantially over this fiscal year which will soften somewhat the depth of the cuts. He encouraged employees to hone their skills and seek diversification to other sectors where jobs are more prevalent.
Dollar Tree will be opening in Summerville at the McDonald’s Shopping Center in February.  Watch for news reports of their taking applications very soon.  Mohawk is also in the process of hiring 50 additional workers at Lyerly.  Those interested in more information about those positions should visit www.mohawkcareers.com.
 
All business owners in Chattooga County to contact are encouraged the chamber through the chamber website about potential tax credits available for the creation of 5 or more new jobs.  These credits are available to commercial as well as industrial companies who meet the 5 job minimum threshold. The credits can be significant and he encourages all who qualify to take advantage of them. You can get more info by emailing him at dtidmore@ChattoogaChamber.org.
 
The Chamber will meet next month at noon on February 15 at the Tavern in Trion with a program provided by Floyd Medical Center.