February 2012 Features

  • Turner Insurance Reports Increased Flexibility in Coverage Options

    February 28, 2012

    Insurance carriers are being increasingly flexible and creative in their product offerings this year following implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in 2010 and 2011, according to Justin Turner and Mandi Turner Biery of Turner Insurance Services, LLC. In particular, small carriers are trying to be more flexible to stay competitive and keep their products in circulation.

  • How One Decision Can Solve 3 Problems for Your Small Business

    February 26, 2012

    Small business owners and their HR staffs are all too familiar with the arduous challenges of balancing business and employee needs. Rising costs, particularly related to health care/medical insurance, are central to business concerns.

  • Nexxtep Technology Services Helps Local Businesses Decipher Cloud Computing

    February 21, 2012

    Ryan Williams, Vice President for Nexxtep Technology in Valdosta, talks about the company and its recent growth, and how having an online presence for your business is essential in todays world.

  • Let Customers Serve Your Small Business

    February 19, 2012

    It may sound like the opposite of conventional wisdom, but as businesses strive to serve their customers better, owners should also think about how the customer is the one supporting your business. It’s an interesting perspective to consider.

  • International Trade in Georgia Booms in 2011

    February 16, 2012

    Georgia’s international trade in 2011 continued its upward trajectory of the past several years, with both exports and imports growing in numbers and value, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics released last week. For the first time in Georgia’s history, Asia was the top destination for the state’s exporters.

  • Solving the Small Business Credit Mess

    February 14, 2012

    The U.S. federal government said the Great Recession was over in June 2009. Unfortunately, it’s at least year three and counting of a very difficult economic climate for many people . It’s not just the protesters at Occupy Wall Street or in your local community; it’s every small business owner. Why are they so mad?

  • Pros and Cons of Buying A Franchise

    February 12, 2012

    As with anything in life, there are pros and cons involved and it’s important to consider every aspect of them. In this piece, we’re going to take a look at the pros and cons of buying a franchise as a way of getting into your own business.

  • Need to Do More With Less? How Research Can Steer You in the Right Direction

    February 09, 2012

    Organizations everywhere are being asked to do more with fewer resources. So why is now the ideal time to spend resources on research? With budgets shrinking it is more important than ever to be sure that you are spending your money in the right areas in order to have the most impact.

  • Unemployment Rate Drops, Conspiracy Theories Rise, Economy Improves

    February 07, 2012

    Last Friday’s unemployment report was met with cheers and skepticism, and all because of the annual pre-announced and well-telegraphed statistical adjustments made by the Bureau of Labor Statistics were both large and confusing. Dr. Joe Webb breaks it all down.

  • Sixth Annual Leadership Symposium Scheduled at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

    February 05, 2012

    On March 1st, the sixth annual Gathering of Eagles will be held at Brooks Hall Conference Center on the Valdosta campus of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. This year the Gathering of Eagles is expanding with a special half-day symposium specifically for agricultural leaders scheduled for February 29th.

  • Are You Ready to Make the Jump into Small Business Ownership?

    February 05, 2012

    There are two types of entrepreneurs: those that jump into a new business headfirst, and those that dip their toes in the water. In Making the Jump into Small Business Ownership, authors David Nilssen and Jeff Levy guide readers into the water, so to speak. They dissect what it takes to become a business owner into easy-to-digest chapters peppered with real-world examples.

  • You’ve Started A Business: Is Your Brand Protected?

    February 02, 2012

    Nothing represents your company and brand more than your business name. It’s the cornerstone of your business and shapes everything that follows – from marketing tone to a customer’s first impressions. Have you protected this valuable asset?