June 2018 Features

• Hands-Free Law Will Become Effective on July 1st

  June 29, 2018

  House Bill 673, also known as the “Hands-Free Georgia Act,” will become effective on July 1, 2018. The legislation was introduced during the 2018 Legislative Session, passed both the Senate and House and was signed by Governor Nathan Deal on May 2nd.

• Auburn Mayor Linda Blechinger Elected President of GMA

  June 28, 2018

  Auburn Mayor Linda Blechinger was elected president of the Georgia Municipal Association during the association’s annual meeting in Savannah on Sunday, June 24th. The city of Auburn has maintained its old southern charm while evolving to attract businesses and provide valued amenities to its residents. Community members, local and state leaders credit much of this redevelopment success to Blechinger.

• How to Develop A Connected, State-Wide Innovation Ecosystem

  June 27, 2018

  Most entrepreneurs are jacks-of-all-trades who are equipped with the knowledge and abilities to solve business problems as they arise, but there are some obstacles that require a more specialized industry-centric approach. These are the challenges that keep business owners up at night because they don’t have the in-house expertise or resources necessary to develop a solution.

• Locate South GeorgiaLEADS Recruits Regional Leaders for Third Year

  June 26, 2018

  Locate South GeorgiaLEADS is actively recruiting for participants for the third year across a 21-county region in South Georgia. With Locate South GeorgiaLEADS, presented by Electric Cities of Georgia, recruiting the class for the 2018-2019 program, the region’s economic development initiative, Locate South Georgia seeks to link business and civic leaders, as well as elected and public officials, to the region’s economic development agenda and efforts.

• Charlie Harper: Transit Moves Beyond Atlanta

  June 26, 2018

  Last week Governor Nathan Deal assembled state leaders at Georgia’s Capitol for an announcement. The State would be contributing $100 Million toward building Bus Rapid Transit on Georgia 400 through North Fulton County. The money will leverage $184 Million in Federal Funds granted to build express lanes from I-285 to McFarland Road, bringing traffic relief to one of Georgia’s fastest growing and most congested corridors.

• Georgia Power Named Utility Communicator of the Year by UCI

  June 25, 2018

  Georgia Power has been recognized by Utility Communicators International as Communicator of the Year and took home the Best in Show award among 17 others in the annual Better Communications Competition held June 21st, in Louisville, Kentucky.

• Georgia Lottery Corp. Celebrates 25th Anniversary

  June 21, 2018

  The Georgia Lottery Corp. marked its 25th anniversary during a ceremony Wednesday at the Georgia State Capitol. Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin was joined by Gov. Nathan Deal to commemorate the occasion, which was a celebration of the Georgia Lottery, Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Program and Georgia’s Pre-K Program.

• Georgia Retains AAA Ratings for 21st Consecutive Year

  June 21, 2018

  Gov. Nathan Deal announced Georgia again earned a rating of AAA, with a stable outlook, from each of the three main credit rating agencies — Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s. Of the states that issue general obligation bonds, only nine currently meet this standard. These ratings resulted in low interest rates during the sale of state general obligation bonds to fund $1.32 billion for new projects.

• Moody Airmen ‘Ignite’ Innovation During Spark Tank

  June 19, 2018

  Seven Moody Airmen pitched business ideas before a panel of 23d Wing and community leaders during the base’s first installment of the Air Force’s Spark Tank competition, June 15th.

• Study Indicates Pet Friendly Companies Are More Likely to Attract, Engage and Retain Employees

  June 19, 2018

  A recent study conducted by Nationwide, in partnership with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, reveals that 90 percent of employees in pet friendly workplaces feel highly connected to their company's mission; fully engaged with their work; and willing to recommend their employer to others. In contrast, less than 65 percent of employees in non-pet friendly workplaces made the same claims.

• Georgia Economy Achieves Record Job Creation & Employment in May

  June 15, 2018

  Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Georgia once again set records for employed residents, labor force and jobs for May, continuing a trend from previous months. The state is approaching the 5-million mark for employed residents. At the same time, Georgia posted more than 4.5 million jobs and a labor force of more than 5.1 million.

• 5 Secrets to Building Great Company Culture You May Not Have Realized

  June 15, 2018

  One thing I’ve learned across all the companies I’ve created is just how vital company culture is. This is especially true when you’re starting a new company and can’t afford to hire experienced veterans who command high salaries. So, how can you put great people in place without spending the fortune you haven’t earned yet? You create such an amazing culture that people want to work for you.

• SBDC, Chamber of Commerce, Entrepreneur David Peterson Present Innovate! 2018 Conference

  June 12, 2018

  The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center at Valdosta State University, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce SEEDS Business Resource Center, and South Georgia entrepreneur David Peterson are teaming up to present Innovate! 2018.

• 4 Ways to Master Risk in Your Small Business Without Breaking a Sweat

  June 08, 2018

  Risk is something that few people enjoy. Sure, there are always daredevils who push things too far, but the majority of people are relatively cautious. And while there’s something to be said for protecting yourself, successful entrepreneurs don’t shy away from risk altogether.

• AG Chris Carr: Frequently Asked Questions When It Comes to Open Records and Open Meetings

  June 07, 2018

• To Find Your Happy Place, Try Spending That Well-Earned Time Off on Jekyll Island

  June 06, 2018

  If you're hesitant about slipping away from the office for a couple weeks to take your family on that long-awaited summer vacation, relax. Research shows that vacation travel is the one type of travel that has virtually everyone's approval. Nestled on the Atlantic coast between Savannah and Jacksonville, Jekyll Island boasts a rare combination of activities, attractions and natural wonders that capture the imagination, regardless of age or interests.

• GDEcD Trade Mission to South America Opens New Markets

  June 05, 2018

  Recently, GDEcD International Trade Manager, Alice Carson, has been traveling across South America connecting Georgia businesses with new opportunities in Latin American markets. The mission involved stops in three countries: Colombia, Peru and Chile.

• Aron Levine, Head of Consumer Banking & Merrill Edge, Offers Insight into Making a Difference in the Community this Year

  June 04, 2018

  Now that we’ve settled into 2018, if you’re anything like me, you’re re-thinking your progress on New Year’s resolutions. For some, this might mean evaluating your philanthropic or community involvement goals for the year. Or, you may be in the research stages of finding the specific causes or organizations you’ll support—either with your time or financial contribution.

• Project Renaissance Seeks to Revitalize VSU’s Spirit of Collaboration

  June 01, 2018

  Project Renaissance, a new student organization at Valdosta State University, is on a mission to unite students and enhance their college experience by providing them with the resources and connections they need to succeed.