The Fall 2009 session of O.P.E.N. held its graduation program at Rockdale Medical Center's East Tower on Nov. 2. Co-Chairs Julian Harwell and Brian Howe welcomed the class and guests, then introduced the guest speaker, surgeon Cesar Gumucio, M.D., of The Moore Center for Plastic Surgery, who spoke about his learning experiences in business as it relates to his medical practice.

O.P.E.N. is designed with small the business entrepreneur in mind. The instructors are experienced "street smart" business people who lend a perspective of practical application in the "real world" in addition to their academic training. The members of the class represent all levels of business experience and education. Some are already engaged in their own business, while others are just beginning, or planning to start.

The Fall 2009 graduates are Chunta Warthen, Gail Banks, Cynthia Perdum, Charlie Gault, John Hawkins Laverne Watson, Donna Eason, James Johannes,Vanessa Dillard, Sherry Blackman, Ronald Jones, Mary Pearson, Evelyn Cooksey, MJay Baruti, Christy Gaddis, Delano Gamble, Melvin Easley, Garry Walton, Lenora Pridgen, Tauquincy Goodcoe.

The sponsors of the program include AT&T, Financial Designs & Solutions, Ron Carley Accounting & Tax Service, Snapping Shoals EMC, Shurett Dental Services/Help a Child Smile, Bank of North Georgia, Georgia Power, Rockdale Citizen, Valais Investment Inc., Georgia Directory Company, LLC.
There will be another O.P.E.N Session in the spring of 2010. For more information, contact Fred Boscarino at (770) 483-7049.