Grandmother, survivor and a staple in a town's quest for job development, Melinda Lemmon has served Cartersville and Bartow for more than half a decade.

Currently she can be seen at the Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development while her efforts for growth and an improvement to citizens' quality of life are evident through the growth in businesses such as Toyo Tire.

Occupation/Title: Economic Development/Executive Director, Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development

How long have you worked with the department of economic development: 7 years



City of residence: Cartersville

If in Bartow, how long have you lived in Cartersville/Bartow County: 7 years



Family: husband Glen Crowe, "my friend for 28 years;" son Gordon Wallin; stepdaughter and son-in-law Kimberly Crowe Flegal and Walt Flegal; my "Grands" Bradyn, Emma and baby Aubree Flegal -- I'm their "Minda;" Stepson Andrew Crowe



If married, how long: 6 years



Education: Ringgold High School; Dalton State, Associates of Science in Business Marketing; attended West Georgia; University of Tennessee, Bachelors of Science Business Marketing; University of Oklahoma, Economic Development Institute; Georgia Institute of Technology, various Continuing Education courses in Economic Development



What drew you to this line of work?

A: I volunteered at the Ringgold Chamber of Commerce the summer I turned 15. The Development Authority shared the same office and I was able to help them too. Working with some amazing mentors in both organizations, I was able to understand ways that my interests in community service, business, marketing, architecture, education and finance could all come together with economic development. Until then I thought I would have to choose one career over another. When I saw all disciplines could come together into great results for my hometown, I was hooked.



What has been the most rewarding part of your role in Bartow County?

A: Observing the community at the end of the day: It's rewarding when a stranger at a party tells me that Linde Air is the best company her husband has ever worked for.

It's rewarding when I overhear someone at a football game talk about how they hope to get a job at Toyo.

It's rewarding to observe a Shaw executive say how successful they've been here, and how they are committed long-term.

It's rewarding when a friend tells me his friend's neighbor got to put a "bicycle under the Christmas tree" this year because of a job at Vista Metals.

It's rewarding when someone at a drive-thru window shares that he saw me in Emerson and is excited about LakePoint Sports.

It's rewarding to have been a part of Highland 75 from the beginning and to realize what an amazing gift its economic impact will be to this community over time.



What would you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

A: Raising an amazing young man. Far more than personal adversity or being a cancer survivor, my "Generous Leader" will be the real achievement. He'll appreciate someday the meaning of his name (even though he's definitely not to that point yet).



What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

A: Most people might be surprised that I was "Miss Chamber of Commerce" in my hometown. As lame as it sounds, my hope was that if I won the pageant my parents would let me spend even more time working there.



Where is your favorite place to be in Bartow County?

A: Downtown Cartersville. If I could assemble all of my favorite things to shop for, favorite places to hang out, and put it in a charming setting with history, character, trains and antique cars, it would look like downtown Cartersville.



What are three words you would use to describe yourself?

A: Servant-leader, Loyal, Competitive.



If you were not in this line of work, what would you like to do?

A: Community development or computer animation for Disney!