The Daily Citizen, Dalton, GA

October 23, 2009

Down to business

By Scoop Thornton

More congratulations to Al Johnson Volkswagen-Volvo of Dalton (1202 Cleveland Highway) for receiving the 40 Year Association Award from Volkswagen.

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And even more congratulations to Derek Bennett of Shaw Industries for being named in Georgia Trend magazine’s 2009 Forty Under Forty special edition. Bennett, a resident of Calhoun, is the assisting tufting manager at Shaw’s Plant 4 in Dalton.

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The Dalton Freight Depot “officially” opened for business on Thursday. The 95-year-old building, recently refurbished by the city, houses the Downtown Dalton Development Authority, the Dalton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, a gift shop and visitors information center.

The facility also has a large meeting room available for public use.

Train watchers will be thrilled to know that there is an observation deck with a fine view of local choo choo traffic.

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As part of its anti-drug Red Ribbon Week (Oct. 17-25) campaign the Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce is encouraging local businesses to participate in its Drug’s Don’t Work program. If you'd like more information on how your company can save 7.5 percent on Worker’s Compensation premiums call the Chamber at (706) 278-7373.

Also coming up from the Chamber is Chamber Connections, a new event which which allows those in attendance to give 45-second commercials for their business. Chamber Connections is set for Friday, Oct. 23, at Outback Steakhouse from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event costs members $15. Non-members pay $65.

Contact the Chamber at (706) 278-7373 for more information.

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Beaulieu of America received a hearty pat on the back recently for the company’s participation in the American Heart Association’s Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program.

The program is designed to encourage physical activity and better workplace health.

More than 800 companies in the U.S. who are participating in the program, which targets obesity high blood pressure and diabetes.

“We are truly honored to receive this award,” said Phil Bates, vice president of organizational development for Beaulieu. “It celebrates the commitment and dedication of our team members to become healthier employees which benefits them at home and at work. When you’re healthier you’re happier”

Companies interested in joining the Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program should call the American Heart Association office at (423) 763-4408.

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Free legal advice will be available in Dalton as part of Ask a Lawyer Day on Friday, Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. Attorneys will provide legal advice at no charge in the following areas of expertise: bankruptcy/consumer law, elder law, family law, landlord tenant and foreclosure and Social Security.

Low income residents of Whitfield or Murray counties in need legal assistance should call (706) 272-2924 or 1 (888) 408-1004 to make a mandatory appointment.

The event is sponsored by the Pro Bono Project of Georgia Legal Services Program, Dalton Regional Office.

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If you have any business news — hirings, promotions, special sales, openings, closings, etc. — please call (706) 272-7735 or e-mail to Editorial@daltoncitizen.com.