The Founding of Lavonia

In 1878, the Elberton-Air Line Railroad had reached a point known as Aquilla, Georgia (Lavonia’s first name), a Post Office at the intersection of the South Carolina-Carnesville Road. At this point a station was planned for the Railway and consequently a town.The property belonged to Samuel H. Knox, but before the plans could be carried out Mr. Know died, leaving minor heirs, and as a clear title could not be obtained, the site was moved a mile to the south on the property of Abner Burgess.

 R.W. Cleveland-Certified Surveyor of Elberton, made a survey of the property on July 12, 1878, and a plat of a representation of the town of Lavonia. The plat had four streets named for the four promoters of the town, namely Jones, Grogan, Bowman, and Vickery. The name given the town was the name of the wife of J. H. Jones, Mrs. Lavonia Jones.

	Chamber Hosts Cre8tively Twisted TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2010 The Lavonia Chamber in conjuction with the Grassroots Program sponsored Cre8tivley Twisted, a magician/balloon twister, on August 20, 2010.Click the photo to view more photos.
	Lavonia’s Classic Car Show And Main Street Music WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2010 Lavonia’s Classic Car Show and Main Street Music earned two thumbs up from visitors who enjoyed the daylong events July 17. Sponsored by the Chamber and the Northeast Georgia  Mustang Club, the car show drew 59 entries covering the spectrum from seriously restored to whimsical autos from 1930 to present day. Click the photo to read more and see more photos
	Chamber Of Commerce Learns About Assisted Living Options THURSDAY, JUNE 03, 2010 Chris Smith, executive director of The Veranda at Carnesville, an assisted living community, was the guest speaker at the May meeting of the Lavonia Chamber of Commerce. She described the differences between a nursing home and assisted living.Residents of an assisted living facility must be ambulatory although that includes use of walkers and wheelchairs. They have private rooms with bath and possibly a kitchenette, she said. Usually they are private pay which can include long term care insurance or some VA plans, but Medicaid does not usually apply.Click the photo to read more
	LAVONIA CHAMBER LEARNS ABOUT TOURISM’S IMPACT FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010 LAVONIA CHAMBER LEARNS ABOUT TOURISM’S IMPACT “The day of recruiting big industries is about over. Now we have to fight to keep our industries and businesses open,” said Dr. Judy Hulsey at the April meeting of the Lavonia Chamber of Commerce. Citing the financial impact tourist dollars and tax revenue can have on a community, Dr. Hulsey stressed the many ways to entice people to come to Franklin County and spend money.  “One overnight tour bus carrying 54 passengers has an impact of $11,000 in our community,” she said. As co-producer of “Land of Spirit,” Dr. Hulsey said three tour buses have made the folk life play their destination, bringing passengers who spend money on food, lodging and shopping.The tourism industry in Georgia provides jobs for 251,500 people. The state receives $20.8 billion in direct expenditures from tourists and $1.557 billion in state and local tax revenue. Even in a down economy tourism continues to rise, she said.CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO READ MORE
	March Luncheon MONDAY, MARCH 29, 2010 Sherri Lockhart, Director of the Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter, spoke to the Lavonia Chamber of Commerce at its March meeting regarding the function of the shelter and its operational needs. Accepting lost or homeless cats and dogs from Franklin and Hart counties, the shelter strives to place as many animals as possible into safe, caring homes while encouraging responsible pet ownership, she said. ~~ ~~Click on the picture to read more.
	Lavonia Chamber Learns About Chiropractic Benefits MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2010 Dr. Jeffrey Bailey presented an informative program about current chiropractic methods to the Lavonia Chamber of Commerce at the February meeting. After living and working in China, Bailey has recently moved to Lavonia and opened True Health Chiropractic Clinic on Augusta Road. A native of Dewey Rose, his interest in chiropractic began following an accident he had as a boy. ~~Bailey has studied for 10 years, taking every course offered to medical doctors, plus thousands of class hours in chiropractic, and passing the National Board Exam. Bailey stated that “the body has an innate power to heal itself if the spine is maintained in a healthy condition.” ~~He said his “goals are to educate, motivate and create the opportunity where the body can take care of itself.” His future plans are to teach persons how to improve the quality of their lives by daily walking, group exercise and swimming. He will soon be offering classes on nutrition, exercise, rehabilitation, yoga, physical therapy and massage therapy. ~~(pictured from left to right: Samantha Damroze, receptionist and chiropractic assistant, Dr. Jeffrey Bailey and Chamber president Al Goldsmith)
	THE DATE HAS CHANGED………… SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 06, 2010 Lavonia Chamber of Commerce Spring Festival will be APRIL 17, 2010 We would appreciate your joining us for the Lavonia Spring Festival scheduled for APRIL 17, 2010.  We are working to make your weekend as enjoyable and profitable as possible. Our plans include expansion of events and crowd-pleasing activities to increase our attendance.
	2010 Chamber Banquet FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 05, 2010 Al Goldsmith was installed as president of the Lavonia Chamber of Commerce and Frances Andrews was named the Good Citizen of the Year at the annual meeting Thursday evening. Mrs. Andrews is retiring and closing Andrews Jewelers after 52 years in business. Outgoing president Peggy Moon cited Mrs. Andrews’ involvement in numerous church, civic and charitable organizations including having been a charter member of the Lavonia Jaycettes and Lavonia Pilot Club, and receiving the Credit Women Boss of the Year award.
	NOVEMBER LUNCHEON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009 Volunteers are urgently needed  for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to help children in Franklin County.  Although typically 60-80 children are in foster care, there are presently only six CASA volunteers in the county, according to Melissa Mitchell, Executive Director of  Northeast Georgia CASA.
	Greeting From The President - Peggy Moon FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2009 Welcome to Lavonia! Our historic town is located less than a mile from Interstate 85 and is the gateway to beautiful Lake Hartwell, one of the southeasts largest and most popular public recreation lakes.  Lavonia is a town with exciting events and attractions, a growing economy, a remarkable history, and gracious people.
	Founding Of Lavonia THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2009 In 1878, the Elberton-Air Line Railroad had reached a point known as Aquilla, Georgia (Lavonia’s first name), a Post Office at the intersection of the South Carolina-Carnesville Road. At this point a station was planned for the Railway and consequently a town.The property belonged to Samuel H. Knox, but before the plans could be carried out Mr. Know died, leaving minor heirs, and as a clear title could not be obtained, the site was moved a mile to the south on the property of Abner Burgess.
	Lavonia Chamber Of Commerce Officers: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2009 Lavonia Chamber of Commerce Officers
	Reports And Stats - By-Laws WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2009 Chamber By Laws
	Organizations WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2009 Franklin County Organizations
	Work Ready WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2009 Franklin County has been designated as a Certified Work Ready Community. Georgia’s Work Ready initiative is based on a skills assessment and certification for job seekers and a job profiling system for businesses.  By identifying both the needs of business and the available skills of Georgia’s workforce, the state can more effectively generate the right talent for the right jobs.  This system will create opportunities for greater economic development.
	Scholarship Recognition WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2009 The Chamber would like to acknowledgment the 2009 student scholarship recipients