Features
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Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce Board is Leadership Focused
April 14, 2016
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce is led by a 13-member board of directors that formulate and govern the organization’s policies and procedures. Board members are engaged in leading initiatives outlined in the strategic plan and advance the Chamber’s pro-business agenda to advocate for, build, connect, and promote its members and the community as a vibrant and inviting place to live and work.
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How to Use a Stay Interview to Keep Good Employees
April 13, 2016
Employee retention may not be what the 50s crooner Frankie Valli had in mind when he sang that iconic line from the song “Stay,” but it is a topic of concern for every employer who fears losing top-tier talent. That is particularly the case for small businesses where the loss of a single employee may represent an entire job function or department. Add to that the strain involved in recruiting, hiring, and training a replacement — it’s a headache no employer wants.
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Renasant Bank Hosting Annual Valdosta Shred-A-Thon Event on April 9th
April 06, 2016
More than 15 million U.S. residents are victims of identity theft each year, with an estimated cost of financial losses totaling more than $50 billion. Protecting personal identification is a growing concern among consumers and businesses. To reduce the risk of identity theft, Renasant Bank will host the annual community Shred-A-Thon event Saturday, April 9th.
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Valdosta Celebrates National Community Development Week
March 28, 2016
The City of Valdosta will participate in the 2016 observance of National Community Development Week, March 28th – April 1st, with a variety of events that highlight the city’s Community Development Block Grant program.
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Southeastern Credit Union Hires Jim Doyle as New CFO
March 25, 2016
Jim Doyle has joined Southeastern Credit Union as Chief Financial Officer/Vice President of Finance. Jim brings over 28 years of banking experience to the Southeastern senior management team.
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Pearlman Cancer Center the Region’s Choice for Cancer Treatment
March 24, 2016
Cancer does not discriminate against age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 1.6 million new cancer cases are diagnosed in the U.S. annually, and more than a half-a-million deaths are associated with cancer.
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Georgia Technology Summit Speakers Envision Innovation on Land, at Sea and in the Air
March 22, 2016
At the recent 12th Annual Georgia Technology Summit held in Atlanta by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), three keynote speakers envisioned their respective spheres of influence where future technological innovation will flourish: within the growth of cities (such as Atlanta); in the air (The Weather Company); and, at sea (the U.S. Navy).
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Gathering of Eagles Event at WGTC Focused on Networking, Economic Development, & Leadership
March 21, 2016
Business leaders and community members attended the 10th annual Gathering of Eagles sponsored by Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation South, Southwest Georgia Bank, Taylor Insurance, and Valdosta-Lowndes Development Authority.
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Cancer Coalition Honoring Dr. Ronald Zaccari at March 24th Night for Hope Event
March 17, 2016
The Cancer Coalition of South Georgia will host its second annual Night for Hope fundraising gala on Thursday, March 24th, in the Valdosta State University Student Union Ballroom. The 2016 gala proudly honors local cancer survivor Dr. Ronald M. Zaccari. The elegant, formal celebration includes a plated dinner, live and silent auctions, and live musical entertainment.
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Senator Isakson Tours Moody AFB and Visits with Chamber Representatives
March 10, 2016
U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., led a Congressional Delegation to Moody Air Force Base (AFB) in Valdosta on Friday, March 4th. Senator Isakson was joined by Senator John Boozman, R-Ark., as well as top military legislative aides from the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services.
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Georgia’s Aerospace Industry Reaching New Heights
March 08, 2016
The Centers of Innovation, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, is focused on helping industries and small businesses connect, compete, and grow globally. This is the first in a series of articles focused on the Georgia Department of Economic Development Centers of Innovation, which has six centers located throughout the state: Aerospace, Agribusiness, Energy Technology, Information Technology, Logistics, and Manufacturing.
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Valdosta Chamber & Renasant Bank Host Inaugural Chamber Awards
March 04, 2016
The Chamber and Renasant Bank hosted an evening of elegance and success in the business community at the Inaugural Chamber Annual Awards Dinner last Thursday. Awards were presented to the best of the best in the Valdosta-Lowndes County business community.
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Guardian Bank: The New Mortgages Rules and How They Impact You
February 29, 2016
In October 2015 a new set of mortgage guidelines for lenders went into effect. The intent of the reform is to prevent another housing bubble burst, but the overhaul of changes has left many lenders and borrowers puzzled and frustrated. That isn’t the case at Guardian Bank, a local Valdosta-Lowndes County community bank with an established reputation for stability and excellent customer service. Chief Executive Officer Parrish Clark explains why the Guardian Bank lending team is ready.
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Funertia Offers Unplugged, Uncomplicated, and Unusual Activities for All Ages
February 26, 2016
David Schmidt is not sure when the idea came to him, but it has been swirling in his head for about a decade. Located at 1835-G Norman Drive, in Valdosta, Funertia is Schmidt’s dream to offer customers of all ages an opportunity to engage in competitive and interactive games (no electronics) in a family-friendly environment.
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VSU Ranked for Exceptional Online Education in Georgia
February 24, 2016
Valdosta State University is one of the Best Online Schools in Georgia for 2015-2016, according to Accredited Schools Online.
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Former Columbus Chamber President Mike Gaymon Pens Book "A View from the Backhoe"
February 22, 2016
It has been more than a year since Mike Gaymon retired from the Greater Columbus, GA Chamber of Commerce where he was known as a bold and effective leader that helped transform the Columbus community. Gaymon traded in the boardrooms and business meetings for a backhoe and a quieter life in the country where he has spent time reflecting on his decades-long career as a Chamber executive. It was this new view from atop a backhoe that inspired his book, aptly tilted, A View from the Backhoe.
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Chamber Government Affairs Council Advocating for Businesses
February 19, 2016
Advocating for businesses at the local, state, and national levels is a key priority of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. Each year, the Government Affairs Council develops its legislative agenda based on issues and concerns facing local businesses.
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Valdosta Municipal Court Judge Vernita Bender Recognized by Judicial Council of Georgia
February 18, 2016
Valdosta Municipal Court Judge Vernita Lee Bender was recently featured by the Judicial Council of Georgia as one of the most influential African-American judges in Georgia.
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10 Ideas for Improving Your Business Website
February 17, 2016
Your business website isn’t just a place for potential customers to learn about your business and potentially make purchases. It’s the face of your business, an arm of your online marketing plan, and so much more. For some tips on making your business website as great a tool as it can be, check out these tips from members of our small business community.
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Chamber Awards Dinner Recognizes Businesses and Individuals for Outstanding Achievements
February 15, 2016
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce will host the 2016 Inaugural Chamber Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016, at the Rainwater Conference Center. The evening begins with a social hour and cash bar from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards presentations.
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Southwest Georgia Shines During 28th Annual Georgia Quail Hunt
February 11, 2016
Albany and Southwest Georgia welcomed a record number of guests this week to the 28th Annual Georgia Quail Hunt. Nearly 30 site location consultants as well as recruitment and expansion prospects arrived in Southwest Georgia this week to learn about doing business in Georgia while enjoying the traditional quail hunting experience.
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SGMC is Raising Awareness of Heart Disease
February 10, 2016
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing one in three deaths each year, according to the American Heart Association. February is American Heart Month, and South Georgia Medical Center (SGMC) is raising awareness of heart disease with educational screening events throughout the month.
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Should You Hire Overqualified Employees?
February 04, 2016
When hiring, have you ever thrown away a resume from a candidate who sounded far too overqualified? According to some new research, you may have made a big mistake. A study from the Journal of Applied Psychology followed job candidates who were hired for roles they were overqualified for, either by experience or education. Turns out, the overqualified employees performed better at their jobs than the average employee.
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THBoyd Communications Wins the 2016 Southwest Georgia Bank Business Plan Competition
February 03, 2016
For more than ten years, the Business Plan Competition has granted commendable entrepreneurs $10,000 in start-up capital and thousands of dollars’ worth of in-kind services from Chamber members. The Chamber and Southwest Georgia Bank are thrilled to announce 2016 winner, Thressea Boyd, of THBoyd Communications, LLC.
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Valdosta 101 Provides Behind-the-Scenes View of Local Government
January 27, 2016
Valdostans and other local citizens who want an inside look at their city government are urged to sign up for the 7th annual Valdosta Government 101 Citizens Orientation, which takes place from April 4-May 16, 2016.