February 2016 Features

  • Guardian Bank: The New Mortgages Rules and How They Impact You

    February 29, 2016

    In October 2015 a new set of mortgage guidelines for lenders went into effect. The intent of the reform is to prevent another housing bubble burst, but the overhaul of changes has left many lenders and borrowers puzzled and frustrated. That isn’t the case at Guardian Bank, a local Valdosta-Lowndes County community bank with an established reputation for stability and excellent customer service. Chief Executive Officer Parrish Clark explains why the Guardian Bank lending team is ready.

  • Funertia Offers Unplugged, Uncomplicated, and Unusual Activities for All Ages

    February 26, 2016

    David Schmidt is not sure when the idea came to him, but it has been swirling in his head for about a decade. Located at 1835-G Norman Drive, in Valdosta, Funertia is Schmidt’s dream to offer customers of all ages an opportunity to engage in competitive and interactive games (no electronics) in a family-friendly environment.

  • VSU Ranked for Exceptional Online Education in Georgia

    February 24, 2016

    Valdosta State University is one of the Best Online Schools in Georgia for 2015-2016, according to Accredited Schools Online.

  • Former Columbus Chamber President Mike Gaymon Pens Book "A View from the Backhoe"

    February 22, 2016

    It has been more than a year since Mike Gaymon retired from the Greater Columbus, GA Chamber of Commerce where he was known as a bold and effective leader that helped transform the Columbus community. Gaymon traded in the boardrooms and business meetings for a backhoe and a quieter life in the country where he has spent time reflecting on his decades-long career as a Chamber executive. It was this new view from atop a backhoe that inspired his book, aptly tilted, A View from the Backhoe.

  • Chamber Government Affairs Council Advocating for Businesses

    February 19, 2016

    Advocating for businesses at the local, state, and national levels is a key priority of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. Each year, the Government Affairs Council develops its legislative agenda based on issues and concerns facing local businesses.

  • Valdosta Municipal Court Judge Vernita Bender Recognized by Judicial Council of Georgia

    February 18, 2016

    Valdosta Municipal Court Judge Vernita Lee Bender was recently featured by the Judicial Council of Georgia as one of the most influential African-American judges in Georgia.

  • 10 Ideas for Improving Your Business Website

    February 17, 2016

    Your business website isn’t just a place for potential customers to learn about your business and potentially make purchases. It’s the face of your business, an arm of your online marketing plan, and so much more. For some tips on making your business website as great a tool as it can be, check out these tips from members of our small business community.

  • Chamber Awards Dinner Recognizes Businesses and Individuals for Outstanding Achievements

    February 15, 2016

    The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce will host the 2016 Inaugural Chamber Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016, at the Rainwater Conference Center. The evening begins with a social hour and cash bar from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards presentations.

  • Southwest Georgia Shines During 28th Annual Georgia Quail Hunt

    February 11, 2016

    Albany and Southwest Georgia welcomed a record number of guests this week to the 28th Annual Georgia Quail Hunt. Nearly 30 site location consultants as well as recruitment and expansion prospects arrived in Southwest Georgia this week to learn about doing business in Georgia while enjoying the traditional quail hunting experience.

  • SGMC is Raising Awareness of Heart Disease

    February 10, 2016

    Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing one in three deaths each year, according to the American Heart Association. February is American Heart Month, and South Georgia Medical Center (SGMC) is raising awareness of heart disease with educational screening events throughout the month.

  • Should You Hire Overqualified Employees?

    February 04, 2016

    When hiring, have you ever thrown away a resume from a candidate who sounded far too overqualified? According to some new research, you may have made a big mistake. A study from the Journal of Applied Psychology followed job candidates who were hired for roles they were overqualified for, either by experience or education. Turns out, the overqualified employees performed better at their jobs than the average employee.

  • THBoyd Communications Wins the 2016 Southwest Georgia Bank Business Plan Competition

    February 03, 2016

    For more than ten years, the Business Plan Competition has granted commendable entrepreneurs $10,000 in start-up capital and thousands of dollars’ worth of in-kind services from Chamber members. The Chamber and Southwest Georgia Bank are thrilled to announce 2016 winner, Thressea Boyd, of THBoyd Communications, LLC.