June 2012 Features

  • Have You Reinvented Your Business Lately?

    June 29, 2012

    What has it taken to keep your small business thriving—or even just surviving—for the past four years since the U.S. economy crashed? For my business, it’s been an ongoing process of reinvention.

  • Experiencing Valdosta Thru the Valdosta Tourism Authority

    June 27, 2012

    Residents may think they know all there is to do in and around Valdosta but Tyra Howard, director of tourism at the Valdosta Tourism Authority., says there is much more.

  • Measuring Your Financial Progress

    June 25, 2012

    Many times people measure their financial progress by how much money they make, the things they acquire, or their ability to pay off debt. Although all three of these measures can contribute to a person’s financial progress, none is an accurate measure to actually determine if progress is truly being made.

  • U.S. Presidential Candidates And Their Small Business Records

    June 22, 2012

    Focus on small business has been growing more intense as the U.S. Presidential election heats up, with each candidate stressing what they can do for the that sector. But attention to small business in U.S. policy and abroad seems heightened, too. Here’s a look at the debate over the kinds of policies that affect small businesses the most.

  • How to Use Background Checks When Making Hiring Decisions Without Discriminating Under the EEOC’s New Guidelines

    June 20, 2012

    Many employers use some sort of criminal background check or screening before hiring new employees. On April 25, 2012, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued new guidelines regarding the use of criminal background checks in hiring decisions.

  • Love Works at Wild Adventures Theme Park

    June 18, 2012

    Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta will host a special guest on Wednesday, June 20 – Joel Manby, president and chief executive officer of Herschend Family Entertainment, the owner and operator of the theme park. Manby is promoting his newly published book titled "Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders," which details the HFE framework for leadership.

  • 7 Ways to Make Your Small Business Stand Out Online

    June 15, 2012

    Fighting for mindshare in a crowded market? You’ve been fighting against your local competitors for years, trying to convince customers that your business can better serve them and that you meet their needs better than that other guy. But then the Web and social media came along and now it feels harder than ever. Whether you’re just starting out or you’d like to increase your presence in your market, we talk about seven tips to help your small business stand out on the Web.

  • Southwest Georgia Bank Leverages Full-Service Advantage

    June 13, 2012

    High unemployment and low economic growth is nothing new in rural southern Georgia, according to President and CEO of Southwest Georgia Bank DeWitt Drew. Yet the bank continues to grow, reaching $320 million in assets and 127 employees in 2012.

  • Building a Team of Professionals for Independent Business Owners

    June 11, 2012

    When was the last time you met with your team of professionals to help you with a key business decision? If you're like many independent business owners, you may be thinking “What team of professionals?” As a business owner, you probably handle the running of the business yourself. Valdosta New York Life Agent Lee McArthur highlights 4 key players to help you as a small business owner.

  • Deadline Extended for $15,000 Guardian Bank Business Plan Competition

    June 08, 2012

    The 2012 Guardian Bank Business Plan Competition deadline has been extended until Friday, June 15. Aspiring entrepreneurs and start-up companies that have not filed a full year’s tax return may register. This year’s competition winner will receive $15,000 in start-up capital along with in-kind products and services provided by local Chamber members.

  • Valdosta State University Receives Funds to Increase College Success

    June 06, 2012

    To support Governor Nathan Deal’s Complete College Georgia plan, which is designed to produce these additional college graduates, Valdosta State University will receive approximately $2.5 million to develop programs and initiatives that will increase student retention and overall college success.

  • Does Flextime Benefit You More Than Your Employees?

    June 04, 2012

    Are you resisting offering employees at your small business flexible working hours because you think it’ll give them an excuse to slack off? Well, some new research should convince you otherwise. It seems flextime may actually be less flexible than a regular schedule.

  • Is it Time to Sell Your Business or Buy a New One?

    June 01, 2012

    Have you delayed retirement because the recession was preventing you from getting a fair price for the business you worked so hard to build? Have you been contemplating buying another business, but couldn’t find the financing? Small business owners in both of these situations have a lot to be hopeful about.