The November Chamber Breakfast was hosted by Southwest Georgia Farm Credit at their new location on Colquitt Highway. Liz Nogowski, Farm Credit Marketing Director, welcomed everyone to their new home.

Nogowski stated that Farm Credit, who has been serving the agricultural industry for decades and serves in 21 counties is proud to serve as an agricultural lender, is the country's top agricultural lender and proud to be part of the community.

Evelyn Clay, Brian Rivers, Liz Nogowski, Frances Edmunds, Paxton Poitevint, Brant Harrell, Belinda Robertson, Tarrell Bennett and Keith Lyle.
Nogowski turned the program over to Brian Rivers for a presentation on the area United Way Campaign. Rivers stated that this year the United Way board members established a goal of $65,000, helping 12 local agencies meet their budgetary needs. Rivers said, "We feel good about these organizations and the things they do and feel really good about their causes."

The applications that were accepted for funding this year are: BAIN, Inc., CASA for Southwest Georgia, Inc., Decatur County Family Connection, Inc., Decatur County Neighborhood Service Center, Friendship House, Halcyon Home, Inc., Laymen Brotherhood 2nd Chance Outreach Center, Inc., LIFE- Decatur County Certified Literate Community, RISE Educational Tutoring, Inc., Salvation Army, Samaritan Counseling Center and Decatur County Senior Center.

Suzy Brooks, Human Resource Assistant at Southwest Georgia Farm Credit, presents a check to United Way of Bainbridge-Decatur County Board members Bud Holleman and Brian Rivers. Brooks, who coordinates the campaign each year for the Farm Credit team, said she was so very pleased with the support her co-workers showed to the community this year. According to Rivers, Farm Credit employees contributed more than 10% of United Way’s 2010 goal – just over $6,600.
Rivers stated that the $65,000 goal is a challenge because of the economy, but that they are up to the challenge. "This community has always been real supportive of United Way and I feel like we're going to make our goal this year." Rivers said. 

In closing, Rivers stated that while there are some individuals in the community that contribute large sums of money but the 'bread and butter' comes from smaller contributions from lots and lots of people. He and other board members have been speaking at various business about the payroll deduction plan and their willingness to speak at other businesses to employees. Rivers stated that no donation is too small.

Rivers also thanked Farm Credit not only for sponsoring the breakfast but for their donation to United Way. He stated that Farm Credit had provided over 10% of the $65,000 goal for this year.