Features
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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.
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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.
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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.
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GDEcD's Global Commerce Generates $6.33B in Investments
September 20, 2017
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Coca-Cola & Chick-fil-A Keynote Speakers Confirmed for the Georgia Manufacturing Summit
August 30, 2017
Manufacturing leaders from across Georgia will hear two of the top leaders in Supply Chain Management during the Georgia Manufacturing Summit on October 25th. Debra Shankle, V.P. of Supply Chain for Coca-Cola North America, and Rob Dugas, the Chief Procurement Officer and V.P. of Chick-fil-A, will address the impact of manufacturing on the Food & Beverage Industry.
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Governor Unveils Martin Luther King Jr. Statue at State Capitol
August 29, 2017
Gov. Nathan Deal, joined by First Lady Sandra Deal, members of the King family, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, House Speaker David Ralston, Rep. Calvin Smyre, members of the Georgia Capitol Arts Standards Commission and other dignitaries, unveiled the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue at the northeast quadrant of the State Capitol.
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Curt Fowler: Learning to Listen to Your Customers
August 25, 2017
There are a lot of great ways you can be listening to your customers. Surveys, using different tools including the Net Promoter Score, are just one of the methods. Here are some others you can try.
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CSU’s Leadership Institute to Bring 2017 Jim Blanchard Leadership Forum to Columbus August 28th-29th
August 25, 2017
For the 12th year, the Jim Blanchard Leadership Forum, hosted by the Leadership Institute at Columbus State University, will bring a lineup of the best and brightest minds in the world to Columbus. This year’s event, themed “Inspired Leadership” features leaders in various sectors, including business, education, technology, leadership, sports, politics and military.
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Valdosta City Manager Larry Hanson Appointed Vice-Chairman of DCA Board
August 23, 2017
City Manager Larry Hanson was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Board on August 16th.
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Albany-Dougherty County Spring 2018 Site of Gamechangers Leadership Program
August 23, 2017
Albany-Dougherty County leaders announced yesterday the community's selection as the host site for the spring 2018 class of GeorgiaForward's Young Gamechangers, a leadership action program that makes a tangible impact in select communities by bringing young minds into the public sphere as respected idea-generators and problem-solvers.
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University System of Georgia’s Economic Impact on Georgia Totals $16.8B
August 22, 2017
The University System of Georgia’s economic impact on the state was $16.8 billion in Fiscal Year 2016 according to the most recent study conducted by the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.
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SGMC Honors August Hospital Heroes
August 18, 2017
Joy filled the room on Wednesday, as the Hospital Authority of Valdosta Lowndes County, GA Board of Directors honored a team of hospital heroes for their role in saving a patient’s life. However, it wasn’t the typical physical life that being saved, but a spiritual one.
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Georgia’s Jobless Rate Continues to Drop, Down to 4.7% in July
August 18, 2017
Georgia’s unemployment rate is the lowest it’s been in over a decade. The state’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate decreased for the sixth consecutive month to 4.7 percent in July. The rate is down one-tenth of a percentage point from 4.8 percent in June. In July 2016, the rate was 5.3 percent.
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Georgia Chamber Hosts Annual Congressional Luncheon
August 17, 2017
On Tuesday, the Georgia Chamber hosted their annual Congressional Luncheon at the Macon Marriott City Center with a sold-out crowd. Each year, the luncheon brings together over 2,000 business leaders, state and federal elected officials, and community champions from all regions of the state.
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Thirty-Five Named to Expand Leadership Efforts Across South Georgia
August 10, 2017
Locate South GeorgiaLEADS is proud to announce its second cohort, with 35 participants named to continue the development of a strong leadership pipeline across South Georgia. Presented by Electric Cities of Georgia, Locate South GeorgiaLEADS will kick off this month on August 17th, at Southern Woods in Sylvester-Worth County.
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Creative Financial Group Surpasses $1 Billion in Assets: Insights from Robert “Buzz” Law and Richard Raby
August 09, 2017
Georgia CEO presents this special profile on the Creative Financial Group, Ltd (CFG) in Atlanta, Georgia. We had the opportunity to sit down with Robert “Buzz” Law who serves as President, and Portfolio Manager Richard Raby to learn how the Creative Financial Group helps corporations, executives and area residents and their families with comprehensive financial, estate, investment and tax planning matters.