WHAT I LEARNED DURING THIS WEEKEND

Read below for quotes from the LG Class of 2008. Each class member response includes 3 things they learned while in Dalton.

 

Dalton is definitely progress in motion
I never thought a waste water treatment plant could be interesting, BUT that was great.
The carpet industry has become very innovative, "green", and has great potential in the future.

--- April Massey

 

State of the Art Water Treatment facility in my back yard.  I didn't realize the impact on the environment, the community, and the State of Georgia.  Very impressive operation.
The Shiroki tour was great.  In all the textiles in North Georgia, there is an almost completely automated (robotics) plant that manufactures door parts for automobiles.
There are some great leaders in the NWGA part of the State.  Great speeches from Don Cope with Dalton Utilities, Vance Bell with Shaw Industries and David Pennington and Brian Anderson, Mayor and Future Chamber President.  Emphasis on what Dalton provides the State and the entire U.S.  They all did a great job showing Dalton's economic impact.

---- Eddie Reeves

 

We learned of the Diversity in Dalton especially Latinos in the area (over 20% of the workforce).  We hear so much negative news in the press regarding immigrant labor.  I would love to see Dalton's success story shared more.  Immigrants are what is keeping that community afloat, and I think Georgia and America needs to know.  I also learned about the carpet manufacturers and their precarious situation trying to compete with cheap foreign imports.  Dalton Utilities is doing some pretty special things in the area especially pertaining to water treatment. ---- Troy Mahone

The player will show in this paragraph

 

Dalton has a lower elevation than Atlanta - Who knew?
All sewer plants don't stink.
I wouldn't mind living my life out as a horse at the Cross Creek Stables

---- David Danzie

I learned that Dalton is much larger (population) and quite possibly the friendliest community I have visited in quite some time.
I learned that the leaders of Dalton are extremely proactive in their approach for making sure their community remains on the cutting edge of technology.  The steps they are taking to preserve their water and provide the citizens of Whitfield County with great utility services are nothing short of amazing.
I also learned more than I could have ever imagined about carpet and how it is made.

---- Scott Hudson

 

I learned that most things are more complicated than they seem;
[That] success is often found in filling a very specific need; [and]
some horses live in mansions

---- Camille Russo

 

The importance of a stable and engaged business community to the ongoing success of a municipality.
How flexibility and communication can allow businesses and communities to accommodate significant changes in demographics while continuing to succeed.
More about the foundation of Leadership Georgia.

---- Hugh Hope

 

I learned how important Business input is to solving infrastructure issues
I learned that it is time for our generation to propose the “Big” tasks and be willing to do the work to get them done
I learned that I like the game “Cornhole” and I’m now going to get one to have at home

--- Mark Peeve

 

Shaw makes a carpet that is recyclable & it is as good as the original.
Shaw makes a fake turf that is pretty cool.
Shaw has a bio-friendly backing for some of their carpets
I wish I had learned: More about the students we brought school supplies for. (SEE SIDE BAR >>>>)

--- Leanne West

Three of Dalton's wonderful Little Bloomers - a hope for a great future!

 

I learned how much of an impact the carpet industry has on our State's economy. I really did not know the huge economic impact the carpet industry has on Georgia.
I also saw the issues of "amnesty" and "immigration" through the eyes of someone who has lived it. The two women who spoke on Saturday really made me see many issues through their eyes. It made me look at my own views a lot harder.
I learned alot about how Dalton handles one of their most valuable resources- water and how forward thinking their leaders were years ago when they set up Dalton Utilities. It made me aware of many improvements that need to be made in my own community concerning our water resources.

--- Ray Mckinney

 

Good planning for infrastructure and lead to great economic success for a community.
It is important for business leaders in a community to take a stake in government and economic development within that community.
Embracing demographic change is much more productive than resisting it.

--- J. Hill

 

Continuously amazed at how the evolution of technology continues to change and shape everything around us. 
We take for granted many luxuries, such as carpet, and never realize how complicated and how many resources it takes to "knit a rug". 
Industries are embracing the concept of "going green".  Many times it is motivated by economics, but the motive does not matter as long as we are saving and reusing our resources.

--- Chris & Julie Chance

 

A city of 30,000 plus can have a huge impact on the state of Georgia!
Dalton had brilliant forefathers who had the best interests of future generations at heart.  This foresight paid off!
The carpet industry has a positive and significant impact on our state economy as well as US economy.

--- Anna & Tripp Wilson

 

Dalton-Whitfield County has remarkable industry outside of the carpet industry.
Dalton-Whitfield County has one of the most progressive utilities in the country.
Dalton-Whitfield County epitomizes leadership regarding the changing demographics they have experienced over the last couple of decades. They have truly embraced the Hispanic population that has moved into the community.

--- Matt Bishop