Features
-
Governor Deal Highlights Recent Legislative Session at Valdosta State University
April 25, 2012
Governor Deal stopped in Valdosta to commemorate the VSU Health Sciences building and to update local businesses and leaders on the recent legislative session.
-
Common Misconceptions About Salaried Employees: Who is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act?
April 24, 2012
Many business owners assume that if an employee is “salaried,” the employee is exempt from the minimum wage and overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Whether or not an employee is exempt depends on the employee’s actual job duties. Its important that your business stay up to date with the FLSA.
-
4 Steps To Succeed In The Government Marketplace
April 22, 2012
The U.S. Federal Government buys nearly $100 billion worth of goods and services from small businesses each year – but cracking this market as a small business can be challenging. If your small business is interested in selling to Uncle Sam, we share a four-step plan that summarizes the process of entering the federal marketplace succesfully.
-
4 Surprising Things Great Sales People Say
April 19, 2012
A lot of people in the sales business seem to think that there is a standard expectation of what a “good sales person” is supposed to sound like. We’ve built up this idea that a “good sales person” is supposed to be relentless, energetic, good at building relationships, always eager to close the deal, and unwilling to take “no” for an answer.
-
Lee McArthur Encourages Investors to Start Saving Today
April 17, 2012
With the political parties advocating very different directions for the federal government and a presidential election in November, many investors – individuals and small businesses alike – are sitting on the sidelines to see what happens. According to Lee McArthur, a registered representative of New York Life, that is a mistake.
-
Dr. William J. McKinney Named President of Valdosta State University
April 15, 2012
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has appointed Dr. William J. McKinney as the next president of Valdosta State University. Dr. Mckinney comes to VSU from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) where he served as the vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.
-
States Rely Heavily on Tax Incentives, But Few Evaluate Whether They Work
April 12, 2012
Every state offers tax incentives to attract, retain, and expand businesses and jobs. But no state ensures that policy makers rely on good evidence about whether these investments deliver a strong return, A new study examines outcomes at a time when most states are trying to rebuild their budgets and many have not regained private-sector jobs lost during the Great Recession.
-
U.S. Press Grows with a Can-Do Attitude
April 10, 2012
Founded 30 years ago, U.S. Press, LLC is a $5 million company providing color printing and related services that is growing at a nice clip despite the slow economy. Founder and owner Kent Buescher chalks it up to a can-do attitude.
-
Curt Fowler on Improving Outcomes Without an Increase in Skill
April 08, 2012
Improving and helping capture knowledge are always at a premium in organizations, and sometimes can actually help improve outcomes in your business without an increase in skill set from your employees. Curt Fowler of Fowler & Company talks about the use of checklist to help improve work outcome in your organization.
-
VSU Alumnus & TV Star Tiffany Young to Speak at Langdale Lecture April 10th
April 03, 2012
Tiffany Young, Valdosta State University alumnus, owner of the Pink Pastry Parlor, and star of the reality tv show "Party at Tiffany's" will speak on April 10th as part of the Harley Langdale Jr. Lecture Series at Valdosta State University.
-
The Total Package: A Marketing Message That Resonates
April 01, 2012
Your company focus and marketing message should be so clear that it’s driven home in every opportunity you get. There should be a consistency in the message and that’s where your branding pieces come in to play. But before you start printing things, the message has to be core and clear.
-
Developing Your Interview Skills for Attracting and Assessing Talent
March 29, 2012
Peak Focus Founder and Principal Jerry Scher talks about the final step in the recruiting and hiring process - the interview.
-
Easter Seals Southern Georgia Adapts to New Ways of Giving
March 27, 2012
Executive Director of Easter Seals Southern Georgia Beth English talks about the change in fundraising strategy at Easter Seals, and how through that they are now able to help more people than ever.
-
An Often Overlooked and Undervalued Investment
March 25, 2012
Financial Advisor Bil Sadler shares about an often overlooked and undervalued investment - the emergency fund.
-
Predicting Suitability for Attracting and Assessing Talent
March 22, 2012
Peak Focus Founder and Principal Jerry Scher talks about predicting suitability for attracting and assessing talent to fit in your organization.
-
Dr. Kamil Hanna Brings Rare Cardiovascular Discipline to Southern Georgia
March 20, 2012
Dr. Kamil Hanna, a board-certified electrophysiologist, has been practicing at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital for about five years. He shares about the growing problem of Arrhythmia, and the investment in technology and expertise that Phoebe has invested in to combat it.
-
E-Verify and the Illegal Immigration Reform Act
March 18, 2012
Last year, the General Assembly passed the “Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011.” Although portions of this Act have been challenged in the courts, one important provision still applies to local businesses: private employers with more than ten employees must use E-Verify when hiring employees.
-
Defining Eligibility for Attracting and Assessing Talent
March 15, 2012
Peak Focus Founder and Principal Jerry Scher talks about defining eligibility for your organizations positions and assessing talent to place in those positions.
-
Azalea Health Innovations Earns U.S. Chamber Blue Ribbon Award
March 13, 2012
Azalea Health Innovations Inc. of Valdosta was named a 2012 Blue Ribbon Award winner by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on March 1st. CEO of Azales Health Innovations Baha Zeidan talks about the honor, shares the companies tradition of winning, and the strong ties the company has in Valdosta.
-
Test Your Financial Health
March 11, 2012
How’s your financial health? Finacial Adviser Bil Sadler shares a self quiz that may give you a good indication of whether your financial health is in good shape or could be better.
-
How Do You Build a Talented Sales Team?
March 08, 2012
Peak Focus Founder and Principal Jerry Scher talks about how to assess talent and build a successful sales team. He breaks down 3 basic assessments that should be addressed when considering candidates: eligibility, suitability, and the interview process.
-
Shapiro Properties: Valdosta's Full-Service Commercial Real Estate Firm
March 06, 2012
Micah Shapiro of Shapiro Properties talks about the company he established in 2003, the recent success of the North Ashley Professional Center, and trends he sees in the real estate market in 2012.
-
Small Business Startup Remains a Challenge
March 04, 2012
Small business business startup is a huge challenge from getting that first great idea all the way through the process to creating an exciting new business with an incredible future. We spotlight some tips and some sources for you.
-
Curt Fowler Talks About The Value of Values
March 01, 2012
Can the core values of a company create economic value? People often assume that sticking to your values can cost you, at least in the short term. But is that true? Curt Fowler of Fowler & Company takes a look.
-
Turner Insurance Reports Increased Flexibility in Coverage Options
February 28, 2012
Insurance carriers are being increasingly flexible and creative in their product offerings this year following implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in 2010 and 2011, according to Justin Turner and Mandi Turner Biery of Turner Insurance Services, LLC. In particular, small carriers are trying to be more flexible to stay competitive and keep their products in circulation.