September 2017 Features

  • Technical College System of Georgia Extends State’s Workforce Development Ties with Germany

    September 29, 2017

    Leaders of the Bavarian State Ministry for Education, Culture and Science and the Technical College System of Georgia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that establishes a partnership giving Georgia and German students expanded educational opportunities. TCSG Commissioner Gretchen Corbin and Georg Eisenreich, the Bavarian ministry’s State Secretary, signed the MOU in a ceremony held Sept. 26th in Munich.

  • Bank of America’s Evolution of Workplace Policies: Insights on New 16-Week Leave Policy for Mothers and Fathers

    September 27, 2017

    Bank of America recently expanded its parental leave policy from 12 to 16 weeks of paid leave for new mothers and fathers – one of the most competitive offerings across the industry. We sat down with BofA’s Jennifer Darwin, SVP of Corporate Communications for the Carolinas to learn more about this workplace evolution.

  • Wiregrass Tech is Preparing for Industry Needs

    September 22, 2017

    In the 1990’s there was a huge push for high school and college students to consider Health Occupation careers with the growing number of the baby boomer generation getting older. Now, Manufacturing and Construction industries are feeling the effects of an aging population. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College works closely with industries and businesses in the eleven counties it serves in South Georgia.

  • Area Development Names Georgia #1 State for Business for Fourth Year in a Row

    September 22, 2017

    Georgia did it again! Georgia has been ranked No. 1 on Area Development’s Top States for Doing Business survey, a distinction Georgia has now earned for the fourth consecutive year.

  • GDOT Explores Statewide Broadband and Wireless Expansion

    September 21, 2017

    Increasingly, the world is dependent on high-speed internet and reliable cell phone service. But many throughout Georgia rely on spotty or inconsistent cellular and slow internet. Better days may be ahead as Georgia DOT explores two initiatives—broadband and wireless—that use the state-owned right-of-way to expand the 511 Navigator system statewide, as well as enhance telecommunications for all Georgians.

  • Jobs Up, Unemployment Rate Down in Valdosta in August

    September 21, 2017

    State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said today that metro Valdosta’s unemployment and jobs picture looked bright in August. Butler said that in August the unemployment rate was just 4.8 percent and job growth continued to climb.

  • GDEcD's Global Commerce Generates $6.33B in Investments

    September 20, 2017

  • Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority Recognized as Top 25 Economic Development Organization in North America

    September 19, 2017

    The Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority was recognized last night as one of the top 25 digital economic development organizations in North America at the 2017 International Economic Development Council Annual Conference.

  • Nominations Open for 2018 Georgia Small Business ROCK STAR Awards

    September 18, 2017

    According to Mary Ellen McClanahan, Entrepreneur and Small Business director for the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), the future is bright. That’s why the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) and GDEcD work together each year to “spotlight Georgia’s best, brightest and most unique.”

  • Race for the Best Business Plan Is On in Valdosta

    September 15, 2017

    Matching 2017’s record, 16 registration packets for the 2018 Southwest Georgia Bank Business Plan Competition have been submitted to the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber, and the race for the best business plan is on.

  • Georgia Sets Record for Total Jobs in August

    September 14, 2017

    State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said today that Georgia set a record in August for total jobs, surpassing 4.5 million for the first time.

  • Third Annual J.W. Fanning Community Leadership Conference Set for February 2018

    September 13, 2017

    Individuals committed to improving their communities and organizations through leadership development are encouraged to mark their calendars to attend the 2018 Community Leadership Conference, Feb. 22-23, 2018, at UGA. Organized by the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, the Community Leadership Conference will again take place at the UGA Center for Continuing Education and Hotel.

  • Governor Expands State of Emergency to Include All 159 Counties

    September 11, 2017

    Acting on a recommendation from the state's Emergency Operations Command and ahead of heavy rains, strong wind and potential flooding from Hurricane Irma, Gov. Nathan Deal expanded the emergency declaration to include an additional 65 counties.

  • Stacy Bush: Strategic Investment Planning - The Basics

    September 08, 2017

    Why do so many people never obtain the financial independence that they desire? Often it’s because they just don’t take that first step — getting started. One of the biggest risks you face is not educating yourself about which investments may be able to help you pursue your financial goals and how to approach the investing process.

  • Governor Expands State of Emergency for 64 Additional Counties

    September 08, 2017

    Following a recommendation from Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency officials and local Emergency Management Agencies, Gov. Nathan Deal is expanding his emergency declaration to include 64 additional counties, with a total of 94 counties now included in a state of emergency

  • Governor Announces More Than $37.5M in Community Development Awards

    September 05, 2017

    Gov. Nathan Deal announced that 59 Georgia communities will receive a total of $37.55 million in federal assistance to help grow their local economies. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the funding to Georgia’s Community Development Block Grant program, which is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.