Features
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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.
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UGA SBDC at Valdosta State University Presents Digital Marketing Boot Camp
January 25, 2016
The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Valdosta State University is helping businesses across the state learn the latest in Digital Marketing and will hold their state wide program, Digital Marketing Boot Camp, in Valdosta on Feb. 3rd.
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UGA Law Students Gain Valuable Work Experience in the Atlanta Market
January 25, 2016
Students at the University of Georgia School of Law can now earn full-time professional experience in the Atlanta market while continuing to work toward a degree from the state’s flagship institution. The Georgia Law Atlanta campus is located at the Terry College of Business Executive Education Center, across from the Lenox Square Mall in Buckhead.
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City Approves New $12 Million Investment in Downtown Valdosta
January 22, 2016
The Valdosta Mayor and City Council approved the sale of downtown property to the Central Valdosta Development Authority (CVDA) at their Jan. 21 council meeting to make way for a $12 million hotel project that is expected to spur growth in downtown Valdosta and encourage future economic development in the heart of the city.
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Chamber’s 10th Annual Business Outlook Breakfast Announced for February 11th
January 20, 2016
Southeastern Credit Union will host the Chamber’s 10th Annual Business Outlook Breakfast on Thurs., Feb. 11, 7:30–9 a.m. at Rainwater Conference Center.
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Georgia Chamber of Commerce “Eggs and Issues Breakfast” Draws Over 2,000 Business Leaders to World Congress Center
January 14, 2016
An agenda featuring Georgia’s senior government officials—U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, Governor Nathan Deal, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and House Speaker Dennis Ralston—drew over 2,000 business and community leaders to the annual Georgia Chamber of Commerce “Eggs and Issues Breakfast on Tuesday.
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SGMC Continues to Expand Use of Surgical Robotics Systems
January 13, 2016
The use of robotic-assisted surgery is becoming more commonplace as physicians and surgical patients are discovering benefits that include shorter hospital stays, less scarring, and faster recovery time. South Georgia Medical Center introduced the da Vinci Surgical System in 2010. The da Vinci System is a robotic-assisted procedure that provides state-of-the-art minimally invasive options for a variety of surgeries including hysterectomies, endometriosis, pelvic pain, ovary removal, and hernia repairs.
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City Partnership Provides More Access to Job Search Resources
January 07, 2016
The City of Valdosta’s Neighborhood Development Division is partnering with Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, Inc. to expand community access to job training and connections services through a series of workshops and a new Job Connections Kiosk in the City’s Customer Service Center.
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Cancer Coalition to Honor Dr. Ron Zaccari for Second Annual Night for Hope Gala
January 04, 2016
The Cancer Coalition of South Georgia will host its second annual Night for Hope fundraising gala on Saturday, March 5th 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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VSU Raises $46M in 18 Months Through Comprehensive Capital Campaign
December 18, 2015
Valdosta State University is proud to announce that it has secured more than $46 million in gifts and pledges through its first-ever comprehensive capital campaign — Invest. Ignite. Inspire. The Campaign for Valdosta State University.
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Nature Nate’s Announce Expansion of Nature Nate’s Honey Processing Operations to Valdosta
December 17, 2015
The Valdosta-Lowndes Development Authority and Nature Nate’s announce the expansion of Nature Nate’s honey processing operations to Valdosta, GA. The project represents a $1.75 million investment, will create 10 jobs immediately and at least 15 jobs after 36 months.
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Wiregrass to Host 10th Annual Gathering of Eagles, a Leadership Symposium
December 14, 2015
The annual Wiregrass Gathering of Eagles Business and Leadership Symposium 10th anniversary symposium will feature two experts on the topics of talent acquisition, business growth, job growth, and community growth. The opening keynote speaker is Ricky Steele, Chief Development Officer for Delta Global Staffing. The second keynote speaker is Ron Kitchens who is CEO of Southwest Michigan First Group of Companies, a cluster of privately funded economic development advisors who act as the catalyst for economic growth in Southwest Michigan.
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Small Town, Big Opportunity: Where Do Startups Fare Best?
December 08, 2015
When it comes to small business startups, location is a key component of success. When choosing which town might be best for your business, factors like economic health, annual income, unemployment, and cost of living should be considered. As it turns out, major cities like New York and San Francisco are not high on the list for reasons like high taxes and strict regulations that can hinder growth. Interestingly, small businesses actually tend to perform best in small towns.
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Fifty Percent of Mobile Users Don’t Search, One Estimate Says
December 07, 2015
If Google has an Achilles heel, it’s mobile search, but in reality it is also PC search. And a detailed analysis on why this is so was published by tech journalist Charles Arthur on his blog recently.
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Carvana Revs its Technology Engines, Revolutionizes Pre-Owned Car Market in Georgia and Nationwide
December 04, 2015
Carvana, the first 360° online pre-owned car buying experience, is certifiably not your father’s used car dealer. According to co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer, Ryan Keeton, Carvana’s technology has allowed the two-and-a-half year old firm to make the secondary car market buying process totally transparent.