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Frame The Importance of

Commercial Truck Insurance in La Grange, GA

  • Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
  • Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
  • That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.

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percent The Commercial Truck

Insurance Agency in La Grange, GA You Can Trust

Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.

As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.

Commercial Truck Insurance La Grange, GA

We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't

 Truck Insurance La Grange, GA

Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.

At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.

One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.

Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.

If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:

  • Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
  • Exemplary Customer Service
  • Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
  • A+ Carriers Across the Country
  • Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
  • Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
  • Truck Insurance for New Ventures

Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.

chart The Commercial Truck

Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in La Grange, GA

At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.

As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.

Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.

For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.

While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.

Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.

Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.

Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:

  • Business Interruption Insurance
  • Reefer Breakdown Insurance
  • Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
  • Rental Reimbursement Insurance
  • Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
  • Towing Insurance
  • Electronics Insurance
  • Much More

Three plus 3 Safe Driving Tips to

Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in La Grange, GA

Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.

Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.

Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

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 Trucking Insurance La Grange, GA

Practice Defensive Driving

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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 Commercial Liability Insurance For Truckers La Grange, GA

Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

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 Commercial Truck Insurance Quote La Grange, GA

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

 Low Priced Commercial Truck Insurance La Grange, GA phone Call Now

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Commercial Truck Insurance La Grange, GA phone Call Now

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

 Truck Insurance La Grange, GA phone Call Now

check light FAQs About

Independence Insurance Agency

If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.

Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.

Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.

We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.

Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.

Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry

There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in La Grange, GA that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.

 Trucking Insurance La Grange, GA

Latest News in La Grange, GA

The Best Things To Do In LaGrange, Georgia

From an indoor water park to Biblical artifacts, this small town offers world-class attractions.LaGrange, Georgia, is a progressive small town that offers all the amenities of a big city. Located only an hour south of Atlanta, LaGrange is home to a number of musical entertainment venues, upcoming craft breweries, one of the largest collections of...

From an indoor water park to Biblical artifacts, this small town offers world-class attractions.

LaGrange, Georgia, is a progressive small town that offers all the amenities of a big city. Located only an hour south of Atlanta, LaGrange is home to a number of musical entertainment venues, upcoming craft breweries, one of the largest collections of Middle Eastern artifacts, and world-renowned gardens. The population of about 30,000 works closely with the city government and the Callaway Foundation to constantly revitalize open spaces, add trails and parks, provide affordable housing, and support small businesses.

The new visitor center located off the main Lafayette Square offers a glimpse of what to expect in LaGrange. The building boasts modern architecture with a Southern charm, a living-room style interior, and welcoming staff to orient you to the local artists and entrepreneurs who are proud to live in LaGrange. Here's what to check out on your visit.

Shop Around Downtown

The quaint historic downtown has a dozen or so local boutiques and antique stores where you can shop for unique clothing, artifacts, vintage pieces, and furniture. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the two floors of Marketplace, where new stock hits the shelves every day. Family-owned Solomon's Department Store has been an iconic landmark since 1932, selling popular adventure brands. For higher-end women's fashion, head over to Elliebelles Boutique. And for home décor and holiday accessories, Plum Southern is a local favorite.

Loop Around The Thread

LaGrange's newest attraction is a 29-mile environmentally sensitive, non-motorized, multipurpose trail designed for walking, running, and biking along downtown's squares, historic cemeteries, recreation parks, and picturesque neighborhoods. Along the way, you can watch live music or (in winter) skate at the ice rink at Sweetland Amphitheater, and skateboard at Southbend Park. The Thread is an ongoing project, with new sections being added every year.

Learn About Biblical History

The Biblical History Center is one of the few places outside Israel where you can see over 250 genuine artifacts from the ancient Middle East. On loan from the Israeli Antiquities Authority, the exhibits include pottery, ceramics, and tools, as well as a life-size recreation of a biblical village. Walk in the Archeological Replica Garden and you will feel like you are wandering through excavations in Israel, Malta, or Jordan. The center also offers a four-course Biblical meal and a shepherd's bread-making experience.

Visit a 130-Year Old Garden

The 13,000-square-foot home of the Callaway family is surrounded by one of the best-preserved 19th-century gardens in the country. Soak in the beauty of manicured terraces, rose bowers, dwarf boxwood parterres, and wooded pathways, but come back every season for different foliage. You can take a tour of the Hills and Dales Estate house and its gardens to learn about the family's legacy of stewardship and horticulture while enjoying the pristine surroundings.

Eat and Drink Local

LaGrange has a few dining outlets, and each of them is truly unique to the area. Owned and operated by local residents, the breweries, wineries, cafes, and restaurants focus on serving high-quality fare with friendly Southern hospitality.

When lunchtime rolls around, Charlie Joseph's draws a crowd for its world-famous hot dogs. Family-owned since 1920, the nostalgic diner with its Coca-Cola memorabilia makes you feel like you have stepped back in time. The downtown-based restaurant Mare Sol serves New American cuisine with ingredients sourced by local farmers, and across the street, Venucci's makes Italian soups, pasta, and desserts from scratch.

Beacon Brewing Company aims to revive a once-lively mill village area with its small-batch traditionally brewed beers and Asian-Southern bar bites. Located at what once was the Westbrook Service & Tire Co. is Wild Leap, a craft brewery with a pet-friendly courtyard, live music, and themed festivals.

Nestled on a 10-acre farm surrounded by 200-year-old pecan trees is Nutwood Winery. The relaxing manor-style tasting room and sprawling patio are great places to gather with friends or host a private celebration.

Swim and Slide

The family-friendly Great Wolf Lodge resort houses a hotel with outdoor adventure-themed suites (think in-suite log cabins and caves), a conference center, and a 100,000-square-foot indoor water park with pools and slides. There are also ropes courses, mini-golf, bowling, a MagiQuest adventure, a climbing wall, a gaming arcade, and a Build-A-Bear workshop onsite to entertain young travelers around the clock.

Glamp at the Lake

A haven for fishing, camping, kayaking, and boating, West Point Lake stretches along the Chattahoochee River on the Alabama-Georgia state line. You can spend the day exploring the wide open parks, marinas, and picnic areas, or stay overnight at one of the cabins or campgrounds. Also nearby is Pine Mountain RV Resort with more than 200 RV sites, resort cottages, cabins, glamping tents, and furnished yurts perfect for glamping.

Listen to Live Music

Immerse yourself in the listening room at Pure Life House of Music where you’ll hear new and legendary artists featuring their original works. People come here for the music, and the crowd hushes conversationalists. Bring your own beverage to sit back and enjoy an evening of blues, country, newgrass, comedy, storytelling, and more.

Tour Picture-Worthy Spots

As you explore LaGrange, you can’t help but notice tucked-away spots that make fun photo opportunities. The Callaway Memorial Tower in the historic mill village honors textile magnate Fuller E. Callaway. Stop on the lawn to pose with this iconic tribute. While in LaGrange, a stop at Doc Spier’s Gathering Place is a must. The building's historic Coca-Cola mural is the backdrop of your Instagram dreams. Once a grocery store and sandwich shop, the building’s shell is now an open space overtaken by vines and trees. Grab some takeout and sit at the table near the building, perfect for lunch. At night, the fountain in downtown’s Lafayette Square is surrounded by twinkling lights strung through the trees.

Take a Walking Tour

A good way to see LaGrange’s sights is by foot. Download the downtown walking tour app for a guided look and stories about the area’s notable homes and buildings, including a 1913 Art Deco Kress building, the LaGrange Art Museum, the Coca-Cola Building, and the Colonial Hotel building where Franklin D. Roosevelt once stayed.

Clayco to Build Georgia EV Plant; Huge Warehouse Complex Planned for LaGrange

Rivian Automotive, a California-based maker of electric vehicles (EV), announced in late December that it had chosen Clayco, a national engineering and construction firm, to build its innovative $5 billion dollar manufacturing plant in the Stanton Springs industrial area east of Atlanta.Headquartered in Chicago, Clayco is a full-service turnkey company, with additional services including real estate, architecture and design-build construction.Rivian, a company at the forefront of the EV industry, is setting out to create an 1,8...

Rivian Automotive, a California-based maker of electric vehicles (EV), announced in late December that it had chosen Clayco, a national engineering and construction firm, to build its innovative $5 billion dollar manufacturing plant in the Stanton Springs industrial area east of Atlanta.

Headquartered in Chicago, Clayco is a full-service turnkey company, with additional services including real estate, architecture and design-build construction.

Rivian, a company at the forefront of the EV industry, is setting out to create an 1,800-acre Georgia complex to build its sustainable transportation.

Dedicated to preserving the natural world for future generations, the manufacturer wants both its vehicles and facilities to be energy efficient and sustainable; the same idea is to be applied to the construction and operations of the Georgia factory, according to a news release from Clayco.

Tony Sanger, Rivian's vice president of facilities, said in a statement that the collaboration between Rivian and Clayco is a symbiotic partnership that will propel the local community forward.

"We have an ambitious goal to develop an eco-conscious facility that illustrates our mission of keeping the world adventurous forever," he elaborated. "With Clayco's dedication to developing innovative ideas and solutions, we are confident they are the right partner to ensure the Rivian plant is a shining example of sustainable manufacturing."

Not only will the new complex contribute significantly to the continued growth and adoption of electric vehicles, but it is also expected to create approximately 7,500 employment opportunities — demonstrating the company's commitment to both the local and national economies.

Plans call for the Rivian plant's construction to begin in the coming weeks, with vehicle production expected to ramp up in 2026.

The EV manufacturer has been a hot topic of conversation in the Stanton Springs area ever since it was first officially announced in late 2021, the Covington News reported.

Two months ago, prior to selecting a contractor, the Joint Development Authority of Newton, Jasper, Morgan and Walton counties (JDA) and Rivian closed on bonds to finance the EV plant.

Clayco will handle primary construction duties for the Rivian complex, with Jacobs as its engineer of record and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill serving as its design architect.

New Industrial Park to Be Built Near West Georgia Inland Port

A development team announced plans Jan. 3 for a warehouse complex roughly an hour southwest of downtown Atlanta aimed at the region's growing manufacturing and logistics industries.

Grandview Partners and Farpoint Development recently acquired 134 acres in LaGrange, Ga. to develop Lafayette Logistics Park, which is set to include up to 2 million sq. ft. of warehouse space. The land was purchased in late November from Southpoint Realty Group LLC at an undisclosed price.

Located along Interstate 85, the complex will rise near Kia's West Point manufacturing plant as well as factories and facilities utilized by Walmart, Kimberly-Clark and Duracell.

The industrial park will be located just 6 mi. from the future West Georgia Inland Port, a rail terminal set to connect LaGrange to the Port of Savannah as well as close to the Kia factory.

Grandview Partners, a minority-owned real estate fund manager based in Connecticut, said LaGrange's status as a growing industrial hub will only increase with the success of the proposed inland port.

"LaGrange is emerging as a top logistics market in the Southeast," Eric Helfand, a founding principal at Farpoint Development, said in a media release. "Lafayette Logistics Park is strategically located and will create quality jobs while supporting continued business growth in the region."

The Daily News noted that the construction of the industrial park is being completed in two phases, with the initial phase expected to get underway within the next few months and be completed by the end of 2024. It will include four industrial facilities ranging from 187,000-255,000 sq. ft. in size.

Phase II will begin once substantial work is completed on the first part of the construction and encompass a single, 700,000-sq.-ft. facility.

"With many notable national and regional manufacturers anchored in Troup County, and LaGrange's recent selection as the next major inland port site by the Georgia Port Authority, Lafayette Logistics Park is well positioned to provide much much-needed industrial space for the region over the coming years," explained Trevor Oliff, director at Grandview Partners.

Scott Malone, president of the LaGrange Development Authority, said the primary driver for bringing in new facilities like the Troup Logistics Center and the Pegasus Industrial complex, which have been leased by Kia or their suppliers, has been the automaker's electric vehicle expansion.

Developing the Lafayette Logistics Park is more about the inland port, he noted, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

"From a historical standpoint, we have 111 manufacturing facilities in Troup County, but we've never focused on logistics," Malone elaborated, noting the new logistics developments will help manufacturing continue to bring good jobs and investment into the county and city.

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New indoor play facility opens in LaGrange

By Alex AmosJ&W Play World opened its doors to the public on Nov. 18, inviting kids from all over Troup to come and visit.Owner of J&W Play World, Fiona Cao, opened the facility in hopes of providing a special place for young children to play while assuring parents of safety. Cao had her own children in mind when coming up with the idea, of naming the facility after them.“My kids are around six and seven years old, so I really wanted to make something for them to do after ...

By Alex Amos

J&W Play World opened its doors to the public on Nov. 18, inviting kids from all over Troup to come and visit.

Owner of J&W Play World, Fiona Cao, opened the facility in hopes of providing a special place for young children to play while assuring parents of safety. Cao had her own children in mind when coming up with the idea, of naming the facility after them.

“My kids are around six and seven years old, so I really wanted to make something for them to do after school,” Cao said. “I wanted them to be able to get their energy out in a safe environment, so they could sleep better at night.”

With a lack of indoor play areas for children in LaGrange, many local parents are excited about the new opening and the opportunities that may come with it.

“I think it’s a great thing for the kids good opportunity to have something here in town so we don’t have to go out of town to find something else,” Local parent, Jason Sherrer said. “We’ll definitely be back in the future for events.”

Several indoor play areas in local towns are made for children who are in older age groups. J&W Play World has curated their facility to younger children to prevent injuries, while still allowing them to have enjoyable experiences. The facility allows children as young as two years old and younger.

“I think it’s awesome for the young kids because they don’t have much confidence and it’s a great opportunity to build that here, especially during the cold and rainy season,” local parent, Jordan Parmer said. “We felt the trampoline places in Newnan were a bit too big for our daughter, and when we found this place, we thought it was a great opportunity for small kids to come and enjoy it.”

Within the next year, Cao hopes to bring more locations of J&W Play World to Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana. As an owner of several restaurants in the LaGrange area, Cao’s experience as an entrepreneur has only continued to grow with J&W Play World.

“We are trying to build three locations by next year,” Cao said. “We’re going to look at new buildings next week for Mongomery, Alabama.”

Dapper Den Haberdashery Now Open in Hillside

Article updated Feb 29, 2024The men of LaGrange and the surrounding area now have a place of their own to get their looks together. The Dapper Den is now open in LaGrange, thanks to co-owners Blaise Green and Brandon Adams. Green has a background in accounting and operations for a manufacturing and logistics company located in Prattville, Alabama. Adams is the general manager of Air Force Heating and Air in LaGrange and has years of experience in operations and successfully managing large teams of people. He also has an exten...

Article updated Feb 29, 2024

The men of LaGrange and the surrounding area now have a place of their own to get their looks together. The Dapper Den is now open in LaGrange, thanks to co-owners Blaise Green and Brandon Adams. Green has a background in accounting and operations for a manufacturing and logistics company located in Prattville, Alabama. Adams is the general manager of Air Force Heating and Air in LaGrange and has years of experience in operations and successfully managing large teams of people. He also has an extensive background in emergency medical services.

The Dapper Den is not only a one-stop shopping and barbering space for men, but also an experience tailored specifically for them. “Our rustic yet cozy lounge area is the perfect place to relax while you wait for your grooming appointment. Need a breath of fresh air? Enjoy our covered patio or even visit the brewery next door before your appointment begins,” Green says. The business will provide apparel for the blue or white collar man with seasonal casual wear in between. There will be in-house personal styling from Sandy Lee who brings years of experience in the industry, according to Green. Men looking for a new decanter or pair of shades can find all of that here, too. It is even a nice place for loved ones to find the men in their lives a gift for Father’s Day or birthday.

In terms of grooming services, they developed a “therapeutic, yet authentic approach.” For those needing a touch-up, customers can arrange a basic cut. Those needing to “put the phone on silent and unwind a bit” can schedule a premium cut tailored to their style.This includes a complementary scotch or beverage of choice, facial, traditional beard shaving, and shampooing. A first-time customer can expect to walk into a welcoming, cozy environment where he can find what he needs and feel great about himself.

“Brandon and I have always shared a passion for operating our own business where we could grow within a community we can give back to. The idea of The Dapper Den certainly didn’t develop overnight. Unlike Brandon, I was not raised in LaGrange; however, after becoming familiar with the community and living in LaGrange for over a year, conversations about desiring a store like ours developed between us. We agreed that men like ourselves would appreciate a one-stop shop, particularly on those busy days, where retail and grooming services are provided together with less hassle,” Green said.

The doors of the new business opened in early February of 2024. They are located at 710 Lincoln Street, LaGrange, Georgia 30240. You can find them on Facebook as The Dapper Den Haberdashery.

(Last Updated On: October 26, 2023)

The West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) School of Nursing recently conducted a successful simulated mass casualty event, showcasing its commitment to preparing students for real-world healthcare scenarios.

The event was held at WGTC’s Coweta campus and aimed to provide nursing students with invaluable hands-on experience in managing and responding to large-scale emergency situations. By simulating a mass casualty event, students were able to apply their knowledge and skills in a dynamic and high-pressure environment, ultimately enhancing their readiness to serve the community.

The nursing faculty created lifelike scenarios, mimicking emergencies such as natural disasters, accidents, and other mass casualty incidents. Students were challenged to prioritize patient care and make critical decisions.

Linsey Fielder, Dean of the School of Nursing, said, “This simulated mass casualty event is a testament to our commitment to preparing our nursing students for the unexpected challenges they may face in their careers. It not only provided valuable experiential learning but also encouraged teamwork and problem-solving.”

The event involved not only nursing students, faculty, and staff but also students, faculty, and staff from other programs within the College. The Emergency Medical Services program aided in arranging the event and assessed patients in the field. Students in the Esthetics program used moulage makeup to give the mass casualty victims lifelike injuries.

Air Evac Lifeteam, a helicopter air ambulance service, also joined the event. Their crew simulated airlifting patients with life-threatening injuries to ensure they reached the hospital quickly.

According to its website, Air Evac Lifeteam (AEL) is the preeminent provider of air ambulance services to communities in need of advanced emergency health care and rapid medical transport. AEL operates more than 150 helicopter air ambulance bases across 18 states. Flight crews, consisting of a pilot, flight nurse, and flight paramedic, are on duty seven days a week to respond to the scene of an emergency or provide transportation between medical facilities.

“The innovative simulated mass casualty event organized by our nursing faculty is a testament to our commitment to excellence in education,” WGTC President Dr. Julie Post said. “By providing our nursing students with real-world, hands-on experience in crisis management and patient care, we are shaping future healthcare professionals who are not just well-prepared but also compassionate and capable of making a difference when it matters most.”

For more information about the West Georgia Technical College School of Nursing, please visit www.westgatech.edu or contact Linsey Fielder, Dean of the School of Nursing, at Linsey.Fielder@westgatech.edu.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. For more information, please visit www.westgatech.edu.

Remington Arms officially closes shop after more than 200 years in NY to move to LaGrange

LAGRANGE, Ga. — After more than 200 years of calling a small New York town home, Remington Firearms is officially moving to Georgia.While it means a loss of jobs from New York, the company is expected to bring $100 million to Georgia and create more than 850 jobs once they are in operation in Troup County.The current owners of Remington Firearms, RemArms, blamed “production inefficiencies” for the plant closure in a Nov. 30 letter to union officials. They cited the high cost of maintaining and insuring about 1...

LAGRANGE, Ga. — After more than 200 years of calling a small New York town home, Remington Firearms is officially moving to Georgia.

While it means a loss of jobs from New York, the company is expected to bring $100 million to Georgia and create more than 850 jobs once they are in operation in Troup County.

The current owners of Remington Firearms, RemArms, blamed “production inefficiencies” for the plant closure in a Nov. 30 letter to union officials. They cited the high cost of maintaining and insuring about 1 million square feet of space in multiple buildings, many dating to World War I.

RemArms added that Georgia offered an environment that better “supports and welcomes the firearms industry.”

CEO Ken D’Arcy also said in a news release that the industry was concerned about the “legislative environment” in New York.

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Some believe Remington is primarily shifting to the South to reduce labor and operational costs.

Remington is not the first firearms maker to commit to a more gun-friendly state.

Smith & Wesson opened its new Tennessee headquarters in October after being based in Springfield, Massachusetts, since 1852. In announcing the move in 2021, company officials criticized proposed state legislation they said would prohibit them from manufacturing certain weapons.

The company said in its letter to the union it expected to end facility operations around March 4. The company previously announced in 2021 it was moving its headquarters to LaGrange, Georgia, and would open a factory and research operation there.

“I am a proud owner of some of Remington’s first-class products, and now, I am excited to welcome them to their new home in the Peach State. As yet another big manufacturing win for our state, I look forward to seeing the oldest firearms manufacturer in America thrive in Georgia’s pro-business environment,” Gov. Brian Kemp said when he announced the company was coming to Georgia.

Over the past years, Georgia has become one of the top states for gun manufacturing, attracting companies with its skilled workforce, robust infrastructure and a significant population of hunting enthusiasts, Yahoo! Finance reports.

Founded in 1816, Remington Firearms is one of the United States’ largest domestic producers of shotguns and rifles. Several of the company’s strategic products will be manufactured here in Georgia.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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