Features
-
Latest Survey Results for The Georgia Climate Index Suggest Major Shift in Outlook for Future Business Conditions
February 07, 2017
The results of the fourth quarter Georgia CEO survey suggests that Georgia business leaders feel more optimistic about the current business conditions in Georgia compared to the previous surveys. The purpose of the surveys is to better understand how general business conditions are impacting Georgia CEO subscribers on a quarterly basis. Georgia CEO partners with the Bureau of Business Research and Economic Development (BBRED), a member of the College of Business at Georgia Southern University, to prepare, distribute and analyze the survey.
-
VSU Raises $49.1 Million in 30 Months Through Comprehensive Capital Campaign
January 30, 2017
Valdosta State University is proud to announce that it has secured more than $49.1 million in gifts and pledges through its first-ever comprehensive capital campaign — "Invest. Ignite. Inspire. The Campaign for Valdosta State University."
-
Valdosta Responds to Storm, Assists Neighboring Counties with Resources
January 24, 2017
In addition to responding to storm-related issues throughout the city, City of Valdosta department personnel were also some of the first responders on scene following the tragic tornado that hit Cook County on January 22nd.
-
Leadership Georgia Announces 2017 Class & Programs
January 19, 2017
The Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees recently announced the 2017 Class of Leadership Georgia. Sixty-three participants were selected from a pool of several hundred candidates. With a principal focus on “Georgia A State of Mind,” the 2017 Class of Leadership Georgia will travel to Brasstown Valley, Jesup, Jekyll Island, Perry and Brasselton.
-
Georgia Chamber Eggs and Issues: Government Leaders Optimistically Address Initiatives, State’s Future
January 11, 2017
Georgia’s top elected officials addressed their priorities and proposals to nearly 2,000 attendees at the Chamber of Commerce “Eggs and Issues Breakfast,” on Tuesday. The meeting coincided with the 2017 state legislative session opening this week.
-
Does Your Business Need a Mobile-First Strategy?
December 20, 2016
When you hear the term “mobile first,” it generally prompts you to think of visual design, meaning the way a website appears on a desktop versus smartphone.
-
How to Help Employees Adapt to New Technology
December 16, 2016
Every year, new and improved technologies emerge that have consistently proved to be beneficial for our everyday lives. Owing to the positive impacts that these tools of technology bring to the businesses, more and more organizations are adopting these to improve efficiency and productivity. While staying updated is a cornerstone of every successful business, it is equally important to ensure that your employees can adapt to the integration. Only a fully functional team that is ready to move towards innovation can help in taking your business forward. Let’s take a look at a few ways in which you can accomplish this.
-
Hargray to Bring Fiber Optic Services to Valdosta Residents & Businesses
December 09, 2016
The residents and businesses of the greater Valdosta, Georgia area will soon have a new option when it comes to Internet, television and telephone service. Hargray Communications, a leading communications services provider in Georgia and South Carolina, announced today that it is bringing its fiber optic network to Valdosta.
-
Wiregrass Marketing Wins 2016 National Marketing Contest
December 05, 2016
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College was named the winner of the 2016 National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships marketing materials contest. This announcement was made at the 2016 NACEP National Conference in Kentucky.
-
Dr. Richard Carvajal Recommended for Valdosta State University Presidency
December 02, 2016
Board of Regents Chair Kessel Stelling and Chancellor Hank Huckaby and Chancellor-elect Steve Wrigley announced today the Regents Special Committee has recommended the full Board consider and vote on Dr. Richard Carvajal for the position of president of Valdosta State University.
-
How to Train Temporary Workers During the Busy Holiday Season
December 01, 2016
Many businesses hire additional workers during the holiday season to help with increased demand. This year, retailers are expected to employ between 640,000 and 690,000 temporary workers, according to the National Retail Federation. Improperly trained temporary hires can present workplace safety risks. A 2014 study conducted by Travelers Insurance found that 28% of injuries happen within the first year of employment.
-
10 Small But Essential Ways to Boost Your Business
December 01, 2016
Giving your business a boost doesn’t have to be difficult or incredibly time consuming. In fact, there are some essential elements of building successful businesses that can sometimes get overlooked. These suggestions from members of our small business community include some small but important things you can do to boost your business right away.
-
Valdosta Named First Cornerstone Community by GPP
November 30, 2016
Mike Beatty, President and CEO of Great Promise Partnership, named Valdosta as the first Cornerstone Community in Georgia on Nov. 28th for their commitment to providing an educated and well-trained workforce and for achieving the Four Cornerstones of GPP Success, which are Political Leadership, Educational Leadership, Business Leadership and Community Leadership.
-
Taylor Insurance Services' CEO Appointed to CPLI Board
November 28, 2016
Taylor Insurance Services CEO, Trey Taylor, was named to the Board of Trustees for the Conservative Policy Leadership Institute.
-
Valdosta Events Kick Off Holiday for Community
November 17, 2016
Mayor John Gayle and Valdosta First Lady Peggy Gayle will officially kick off the holiday season in Valdosta at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, on Friday, Dec. 2, at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus, as he assists with the lighting of the fully-decorated 30-foot Christmas tree located on the front lawn of City Hall, at 216 E. Central Avenue.
-
Georgia Manufacturing Summit Keynote Speakers Tout Good-to-Great Experiences
November 17, 2016
As keynote speakers at the recent 2016 Georgia Manufacturing Summit in Atlanta, two prominent Georgia manufacturing executives provided good-to-great, real-life examples, strategies, and personal business philosophies to over 500 attendees.
-
Deloitte: 67% of Americans Who Have Worked as Independent Contractors Would Choose Not to Do So in the Future
November 15, 2016
While the number of independent workers is expected to grow to 54 million people by 2020 (MBO Partners: State of Independence in America 2015), the rise of the "gig economy" many forecasters see on the horizon may develop slower than expected.
-
8 Tips for Retailers When Dealing with the Holiday Labor Shortage
November 11, 2016
With unemployment rates dropping and retail wages rising, small retailers who need seasonal holiday employees are facing stiff competition from big retailers this year, Monster.com reports. Adding to the crunch, since Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, more consumers are projected to head to brick-and-mortar stores for last-minute gifts since they won’t be able to get products shipped fast enough. That means more customers and potentially less help. How can your business successfully compete for retail employees at this critical time of year? First tip: Start hiring now.
-
Valdosta’s Public Safety Personnel Provide Youth with Happier Holidays
November 10, 2016
The Valdosta Police Department and the Valdosta Fire Department are collecting donations for their annual Shop with a Cop and Shop with a Firefighter programs.
-
7 Powerful Ways to Empower Your Employees
November 09, 2016
If you own a small business and manage other people, one thing you have to realize is that the success of your company depends on the success of your team. This is one reason why more and more businesses are working to find the top employee incentives that promote peak performance. Investing in your employees is an investment in the future of a business.
-
SGRC Receives National Award for Transportation Planning
November 01, 2016
The Southern Georgia Regional Commission, as the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for Valdosta and Lowndes County, received the National Award for Outstanding Overall Achievement in Metropolitan Transportation Planning for cities under 200,000 population last week in Fort Worth, Texas at the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations Annual Conference.
-
Existing Industries Hear From Local Government Leaders
October 27, 2016
Over 22 existing industries in Valdosta-Lowndes County attended a panel discussion luncheon featuring local government leaders from the City of Valdosta and Lowndes County. Lowndes County Board of Commission Chairman, Bill Slaughter, County Manager Joe Pritchard, City of Valdosta Mayor, John Gayle and City Manager Larry Hanson served on the panel.
-
Valdosta State University Students Tour Local Supply Chain and Logistic Companies
October 24, 2016
Management teams from Dillard’s Regional Distribution Center, Lowes Regional Distribution Center and Smith Drug Company recently toured students from Valdosta State University who are currently in supply chain and logistic courses. Students were able to see first-hand what they have been learning in class.
-
Deadline Approaching for This Year’s Small Business ROCK STARS Awards
October 18, 2016
We all recognize that small businesses are an important part of our state’s economy, but did you know that almost 98 percent of the businesses in Georgia employ fewer than 100 employees? That’s why the Small Business ROCK STARS recognition is returning for its fourth year.
-
Valdosta-Lowndes Development Authority Recognizes National Manufacturing Day
October 05, 2016
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority along with the City of Valdosta and Lowndes County government officials celebrated local manufacturers with a National Manufacturing Day proclamation on Monday, October 3rd at the Historic Lowndes County Courthouse.