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Commission marks National Black Business Month and recognizes local NFPA Rising Star
Summary
On Aug. 10 the commission proclaimed August 2026 National Black Business Month, praised the Northwest Georgia Minority Business Association and presented an NFPA Rising Star award to Fire Educator Linda Patty, who thanked the commission and credited her department.
The Rome City Commission issued a proclamation declaring August 2026 as National Black Business Month and publicly recognized the Northwest Georgia Minority Business Association for its work supporting black-owned businesses in the region.
Commissioner Vic Hixson read the proclamation, which references the history of Rome's "5 Points" commercial district and encourages residents to "honor the legacy of 5 Points, support black owned businesses, and celebrate the contributions of black entrepreneurs to our community and economy." The proclamation text, as read on the record, concluded with "Signed, Jim Bojo, mayor, on this date." The association's representative thanked the commission for the recognition and noted the organization's role in bringing grants and resources into the area (an unspecified government grant was mentioned in remarks).
The commission also recognized Miss Linda Patty of the Rome and Floyd County Fire Department as a 2026 NFPA Rising Star for public-education work. Patty, a 28-year department employee, accepted the recognition and emphasized teamwork: "I got the award, but in the recognition, we're a team," she said.
Commissioners offered congratulatory remarks to the honorees and noted continuing efforts to support downtown businesses and public-safety outreach programs.
