Page 15 - Thomson-McDuffie NCG 2019

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well, and don’t leave you with outrageous “On the Move” theme, JumpStart MILEAGE FROM MCDUFFIE COUNTY
school debt.” was born. The name speaks
for itself, giving students a Charlotte, NC
Thomson High School was one of
the first schools in Georgia to found a jump start into career planning. 190
work-based learning program in 1986, Students enrolled in JumpStart
but by 2017 the program did not have put together a promotional video Athens
much participation from local industry or of testimonials regarding their 64
businesses that employed tradesmen. apprenticeship experiences. Atlanta Augusta
Additionally, students were typically The Chamber was integral in 120 31
using the program to work their after- circulating the video and it
school jobs and were unaware that quickly went viral.
they could begin their post-secondary Next, Thomson High Birmingham, AL McDuffie
careers early. The committee decided to School’s counseling 262 County
rebrand the program and educate both department hosted a resume-
businesses and students on the benefits writing class for 150 students interested Savannah
of the program. The first step was to in JumpStart. Finally, the Chamber 153
give the program a brand-new name, organized and hosted a career fair
so to coordinate with the school system’s at the high school, which included Jacksonville
approximately 30 businesses and 228
industries, and hosted 250 students.
Students were given the
opportunity to engage with
local business leaders with GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
completed resumes in hand.
“There are many Ashley Morey, Thomson The Thomson-McDuffie Chamber
trade jobs here in High School counselor Government Affairs Committee is the
stated, “This committee,
voice for your business in local, state,
McDuffie County and the Chamber in and federal government. The Committee
particular, have been vital
that pay extremely in our efforts to expose actively develops and promotes policy
well, and don’t leave our students to the positions on critical issues impacting
the business community, as well as
opportunities available to
you with outrageous them and also in preparing continuously using the Chamber’s role as
school debt.” them to effectively fill open the leading business organization in the
positions in our community. community to advocate on behalf of its
We are hopeful that our students members. The Chamber’s Government
will be more successful than ever Affairs Committee promotes policy
as a result of our strengthened priorities that support the expansion of
business partnerships” business and protect employers.

Thomson-McDuffie Newcomers Guide • Thomson-McDuffie Chamber of Commerce • www.thomsonmcduffiechamber.com • (706) 597-1000 13