Honoring Heart of Georgia Hospice: Local non-profit named Perry Chamber’s January Business of the Month

PERRY, Ga. — The Perry Chamber recognizes local businesses that significantly contribute to their communities through their Business of the Month program.

In January, they coincidentally celebrated a significant milestone with a hospice care provider in Warner Robins. Chamber staff, sponsors, and local business leaders gathered at Heart of Georgia Hospice on Jan. 16. This year marks the hospice’s 40th anniversary.

With over 20 of their staff in tow, the chamber gave the hospice staff a sign to proudly display at the business. The program’s sponsor, AF Realty, provided a cake from Acres and Oak Kitchen and a cutting board.

Despite a cold morning, the event saw a sizeable turnout, something Heart of Georgia Hospice Community Ambassador Rachel Ferraris was grateful for.

“To see our community partners, our [other local] businesses just come out and support us and celebrate us being business of the month, it really meant a lot,” Ferraris said.

According to Perry Chamber President and CEO Maggie Schuyler, anybody can nominate a business for an award. After receiving nominations, the chamber selects their recommendations based on factors such as chamber membership, a positive image, community advocacy and the length of time the business has been operating. The recommendations are then sent to the diplomats’ committee.

Once selections are final, the chamber notifies the business. The businesses that received awards are eligible for Business of the Year, awarded during the chamber’s annual meeting. Voting is currently open on the chamber’s Facebook page for Business of The Year, which will close on Jan. 29.

Ferraris said she was ecstatic to receive the news when the chamber reached out.

“I was very excited, because I know the chamber has some amazing businesses that are very involved in our community. And so, to be the first one selected was just an honor,” Ferraris said.

Heart of Georgia Hospice was established in 1984, just a decade after hospice care was first introduced in the country. The care facility can provide services to families without charge, thanks to the generous donations they receive and the proceeds from an auxiliary thrift store on Watson Boulevard.

Their primary mission is to provide care and comfort to individuals facing terminal illnesses, treating them and their families with dignity and compassion. Ferraris said that due to their care, some patients graduate from the program and are brought to a higher quality of life.

She thanked the chamber for their partnership and the community for their support.

“Thank you again for your continued support and trusting Heart of Georgia Hospice to come in to take care of your loved ones and your family at the time that you need it the most. And thank you for letting us serve our community,” Ferraris said.

The Business of the Month program is another way the Perry Chamber fulfills its mission to support local businesses and build a stronger community.

“This is just a way for us to celebrate the impact that our businesses are making on our community and the impacts that they’re also making on other businesses,” Schuyler said. “Because if one business thrives and one business is succeeding and making an impact, then other businesses are going to be able to follow suit, and then we’re just going to have an even more stronger community after all is said and done.”

More information on Heart of Georgia Hospice can be found at https://www.heartofgahospice.org/

More information on the Perry Chamber can be found at https://www.perrygachamber.com/.

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