August 2014 Features

  • Board of Regents Approves VSU’s New Mission Statement

    August 27, 2014

    The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved Valdosta State University’s new mission statement during its Aug. 20 monthly board meeting. The new mission statement, proposed by VSU President William J. McKinney, was developed as part of the university’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan and more effectively aligns with the university's reclassification from a regional to a comprehensive institution.

  • South Georgia State College Provides Alternative Path with VSU Entry Program

    August 26, 2014

    Students who think college is not an option should think again. The South Georgia State College entry programs offer another option to high school students who are unable to meet the academic requirements of a regional university or unable to afford it.

  • Moody AFB to Support Afghan Pilot, Maintainer Training Missions

    August 25, 2014

    The Air Force recently completed its environmental analysis and has selected Moody Air Force Base, Ga. as the stateside training location for Afghan A-29 pilots and maintainers.

  • Q&A with Gretchen Corbin, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Community Affairs

    August 21, 2014

    On August 1st, Commissioner Corbin celebrated her 1-year anniversary of being at the helm of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. While she feels that a lot was accomplished in her first year, she has no plans of slowing down and is dedicated to making an even bigger splash—with the help of her great team—in year two. We chatted with Ms. Corbin about adjusting to her role and what else she has up her sleeve for Georgia’s economic development.

  • Tackling the Top Five Business Challenges at the VSU SBDC

    August 19, 2014

    In 2014, the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center in Valdosta is focused on helping small businesses continue to navigate and thrive in a sluggish economy. Here are the top five challenges SBDC clients are facing this year, according to Valdosta SBDC consultant Lynn Bennett.

  • Stacy Bush: Yours, Mine, and Ours -- A Couple's Guide to Retirement Planning

    August 18, 2014

    While the reasons for earning two incomes may vary from couple to couple, these families often face a similar financial challenge: participation in separate retirement programs. Stacy Bush explains.

  • Curt Fowler on 2 Keys to Effective Resolutions

    August 15, 2014

    What are some of your resolutions or big goals that you hope to accomplish this year Considering your track record of goal accomplishment, how likely are you to achieve them?

  • Pellicano Construction Continues Georgia Expansion

    August 14, 2014

    Pellicano Construction recently opened its fourth office location in Macon on June 2nd. Currently, Pellicano is managing projects across the Southeastern and Midwestern United States to a broad base of clients in the retail, hospitality, healthcare, industrial, corporate commercial, restaurant, entertainment, automotive, assisted living, and faith-based market segments.

  • Georgians, Some Unconventional Health Advice: Maybe You Need a Vacation

    August 13, 2014

    Is a vacation good for your mental health? And if so, is that a good enough reason to take one? Most people enjoy out-of-town excursions. Lots of people take them annually. But as another summer begins to fade, many workers may be wondering if a vacation is worth the trouble and expense — especially in a time of high gas prices and airfares.

  • Daniel Titus on What Small Business Owners Need to Know About Web Design

    August 12, 2014

    Working on designing websites for many different types of businesses, Web Designer Daniel Titus often comes up against the same issues. Regardless of the industry, there are a few things that every small business owner needs to know about their company website. The way he sees it, these things break down into four areas: Form, Function, Format and Information.

  • Turning Life Experience Into Credit Hours at Wiregrass

    August 12, 2014

    Recognizing that college-level learning often takes place outside of a classroom, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offers a path for students to apply for college credit based on their portfolio of life experiences.

  • Chamber Helping to Keep Our Heroes Here at Home

    August 11, 2014

    As Moody AFB begins to see the effect of the drawdown in manpower taking place military-wide, our community is preparing for the inevitable. Our heroes need a place to go.

  • VSU’s Convocation Will Focus on Student Success and Engagement

    August 08, 2014

    Dr. Susan Albertine, vice president for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Student Success at the Association of American Colleges and Universities will be the featured speaker at Valdosta State University's fall convocation on Monday, August 11th.

  • 8 Things to Ask Your Employees Before They Leave for Vacation

    August 07, 2014

    Summer vacations are a great time for employees to relax and recharge. However, it does leave your team in the office short staffed. Luckily, with the right systems in place your office can continue to run just as smoothly in their absence.

  • Prince Automotive of Valdosta Breaks Ground on New Facility

    August 06, 2014

    Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC customers will soon discover how a more welcoming atmosphere will enhance their experience of buying a new or preowned car or servicing a vehicle at Prince Automotive of Valdosta. Prince Automotive today announced that they will be building a new 34,000 square foot facility to be located at its current location – 4550 North Valdosta Road in Valdosta.

  • AirLife Valdosta Bolsters South Georgia's Growing Health Care Sector

    August 05, 2014

    Operating one A-Star single-engine helicopter out of the Valdosta Regional Airport, AirLife Valdosta provides critical care to patients requiring emergency medical attention. Since it began operations in May 2013, AirLife has been successful in transporting patients in their time of need to tertiary care facilities for critical healthcare access.

  • Time of Change and Crisis in the Hospital World

    August 04, 2014

    The financial turmoil rocking Georgia’s hospitals shows no signs of fading. Just this past week, Emory-Adventist Hospital announced it would close by the end of October. By doing so, the Smyrna hospital would become the fifth Georgia hospital to close within the past two years. And unlike the previous four, it is in the affluent Atlanta suburbs, not a struggling rural area.

  • Chamber Warns Businesses to Beware: Avoid Becoming Another Victim

    August 01, 2014

    According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), companies with fewer than 100 employees lose approximately $155,000 as a result of fraud each year. In addition, small businesses have a higher fraud rate than larger companies and non-business owners.