The Cochran Bleckley Chamber of Commerce had to cancel its annual banquet and awards dinner for January 2021 due to continued impacts of COVID-19 as well as current restrictions in our normal large event space at Middle Georgia State University facility.  It was a decision that was made in the best interest of our community and everyone involved to postpone, but in no way minimizing the recognition of our annual awards program.  

Despite the cancelation of the Cochran Bleckley Chamber banquet, we are very proud of the Chamber Members who were selected as Business of the Month by our Board of Directors. It has been a challenge for us to recognize them properly during COVID-19, but we continue to do our best. Congratulations to these 11 Community Businesses that have excelled in our small town during 2020.  Despite the hardships many businesses have faced this year, these businesses and organizations have continued to be involved and give back to those in need and serve our community: January - McDonald’s of Cochran, February -  Paulk Landscaping, March - Dairy Queen of Cochran, April - Davis Propane, May - Lindsey Dykes State Farm, June - Food Depot Market Place, July - Bleckley Memorial County Hospital, August - Heartland EMS, September - At Home Senior Living, October - O’Reilly Auto Parts, and November - Dixie Lawn and Landscaping.

On Thursday, February 4, 2021, the Chamber made a special presentation to award At Home Senior Living the 2020 Cochran Bleckley Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.  At Home Senior Living was established in Cochran in 2019 by Glenn Sawyer who felt God’s calling to provide a safe and compassionate community where our seniors could receive excellent care.  Currently the facility has 32 assisted living suites, 16 memory care rooms, and 8 independent living apartments.

According to Shanna Dupree Executive Director at the facility, “2020 has been a year we will never forget. Upon initially hearing the reports of COVID-19 being on the horizon in the very early part of 2020, we immediately put into practice the guidelines and recommendations to protect our precious residents. Our staff has battled daily to the point of shear exhaustion monitoring, planning, and execution of many processes, policies, and details trying to keep everyone safe.”

Over the course of 2020 every decision that was made by the staff was in the best interest of the residents and their families.  It is difficult to put into words the toll it has taken on everyone involved. The staff worked countless hours to provide an increased level of care while battling a staffing shortage that has all but consumed the healthcare industry infrastructure on every level.

During 2020 the residents faced all forms of quarantine from remaining in their room, to socially spaced areas, to having the meals served in their room, to family visits had to occur outside on the porches to only window visits, and daily phone calls to resident families for updated reports.  A great number of changes had to be implemented and enforced for the safety of all.

Dupree also stated, “Perseverance was 2020. We are not on the other side of this pandemic yet, but we believe we are much closer than we were this time last year. The love and support from our Cochran community and surrounding counties has been very humbling. You all have never hesitated to meet any need. We are beginning to enjoy activities again and dining together while following the guidelines provided to us. Thank you for standing beside us on our journey and all of your prayers.”

In normal times, senior living facilities embrace a range of emotions where staff learn to love and accept residents as family. This past year, with COVID-19, the staff have taken the role of counselor, minister, caregiver, friend, family, as well as entertainer.  Dupree shared they became stronger encouragers in 2020, they cried from broken hearts, found strength when they were not sure they had anything left to give, fought to keep energy levels up, battled fear as it would creep in and they learn to cherish every breath of life while always loving the residents.   

To learn more about At Home Senior Living visit their webpage at athomesl.com.  If you are a Facebook fan, visit their page and follow them for exciting resident activities and events.  You can see the outpouring of love, delicious menu items, resident entertainment, and much more.

Cochran Bleckley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are charged with guiding the chamber as we enhance the business environment and the overall quality of life in our communities. With community and members support, we will identify new and positive means to improve collaboration as we strive for economic vitality. Our current officers are: Chairman Mike Stoy, Vice-Chairman Dani Dykes, Secretary-Treasurer Catherine Mullis, Past Chairman Rusty Lloyd, Ann Bennett, Lisa Chastain, Scott Cox, Quincy Nobles, Brock Wilcher. Ex-Officios are Sole Commissioner Mike Davis, IDA Chairman Matt Fordham, School Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith, Middle Georgia State University appointed staff Henry Whitfield and Mayor Billy Yeomans.

Please join the Chamber of Commerce as we honor all businesses for their outstanding efforts in operating a business in our community during the pandemic.  We acknowledge the challenges in a normal year, but if you overlay it with COVID-19, it has been extremely difficult. We are very proud of our business community and believe the best days are ahead of us in 2021.  

We are all grateful for Glenn Sawyer pursuing the call to provide a home for the elder members of our community.  This facility has been a haven and will continue to be a wonderful place for seniors to call home.  

Someone once said it’s not the years in your life that counts.  It’s the life in your years.  When we are granted many years of life, growing old in age is very natural but growing old with grace in your life with the staff of At Home is a life well lived.  Again, congratulations to At Home Senior Living for being the 2020 Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.