Features

• goBeyondProfit CEO Interviews: Heath Fountain, CEO of Colony Bank (Part 2)

  December 15, 2023

  In part 2 of our interview with Colony Bank and its CEO Heath Fountain we explore intentional leadership practices that effectively communicate strategic priorities to a dispersed workforce. With 40+ offices across the state, Colony Bank implements these practices daily.

• VSU Promotes Rural Economic Vitality with Retail Academy

  December 14, 2023

  With a focus on enhancing rural prosperity, Valdosta State University’s Center for South Georgia Regional Impact invited economic development, city, county, and community leaders from across Georgia to participate in Retail Academy and learn about maximizing retail opportunities in their communities.

• GDOT Outlines Need for Major Hike in Highway Funding

  December 14, 2023

  Georgia will need to spend at least $81 billion on transportation improvements by 2050 to keep people and freight moving on highways that otherwise will becoming increasingly congested, state Commissioner of Transportation Russell McMurry warned Wednesday.

• Wild Adventures Reveals Name, Breaks Ground on Campground

  December 13, 2023

  On Tuesday, Wild Adventures Theme Park unveiled the name and broke ground on the park’s latest addition, a new seven-acre campground.

• Governors Kemp, Ivey Announce Agreement in Long-running Chattahoochee River Water Lawsuit

  December 13, 2023

  Governor Brian P. Kemp of Georgia and Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama announced that they have reached an agreement with the United States Army Corps of Engineers expected to end a lawsuit brought by Alabama while assuring both states’ citizens who live and work in the Mid- and Lower Chattahoochee River Basin of sufficient minimum water flows during times of drought.

• Georgia Chamber CEO Chris Clark: It’s Time for Washington to Reverse Course on Interest Rates

  December 13, 2023

  It’s no surprise to anyone who has filled up their tank, been to the grocery store, or applied for a loan that sky-high inflation and increasing interest rates are placing an undue financial burden on citizens across the country and constraints on business investments.

• Over Forty High School Students Complete Colony Bank's Leadership Academy

  December 12, 2023

  Over 40 high school students in Georgia recently graduated from the Colony Leadership Academy, the graduation ceremony took place on November 18th in Savannah and upon completion of the program, each student received up to a $1,000 scholarship to the college or university of their choice.

• Georgia’s Economy is Headed for a “Soft Landing” but Could Still Hit Some Speed Bumps

  December 12, 2023

  Georgia’s post-COVID economic expansion is expected to slow but continue, with GDP increasing by 1.1% in 2024, according to economic forecasters at the University of Georgia Selig Center for Economic Growth.

• Feds Providing More Funding for Passenger Rail in Georgia

  December 11, 2023

  The Biden administration is stepping up federal funding of three planned intercity passenger rail projects in Georgia. The Federal Rail Administration has awarded $1.5 million in grants to explore linking Atlanta with Savannah; Charlotte, N.C.; and Chattanooga, Tenn.

• goBeyondProfit CEO Interviews: Heath Fountain, CEO of Colony Bank

  December 08, 2023

  Colony Bank and its CEO Heath Fountain were recently awarded the goBeyondProfit Champion Award for their commitment to a larger purpose beyond the bottom line. In our latest CEO interview with Colony Bank CEO, Heath Fountain, he clearly articulates not only the role that community banks play in improving lives but also offers practical ways to tie daily tasks and customer interactions back to the company purpose.

• As Responsibilities Increase, US Corporate Boards are Taking a Fresh Look at Their Committees

  December 08, 2023

  Science and technology. Health and safety. ESG and sustainability. A few years ago, board committees on such topics were nearly non-existent. But as boards expand their role to address a broadening array of topics, they are not only assigning responsibilities to existing committees but also starting to form new types of committees.

• SBA Delivers Over $1.4B in Funding to Georgia Small Businesses

  December 06, 2023

  The U.S. Small Business Administration recently announced that the SBA delivered $50 billion in capital, disaster relief, and bonding to small businesses and disaster-impacted communities across America in Fiscal Year 2023.

• Colony Bank Honored with the goBeyondProfit 2023 Champion Award

  December 05, 2023

  goBeyondProfit, a first-of-its-kind business leader initiative that inspires business generosity, today announced it has honored Fitzgerald-based Colony Bank and its CEO, Heath Fountain, with the goBeyondProfit Champion Award.

• Governor Kemp Wants to Accelerate State Income Tax Cuts

  December 05, 2023

  Gov. Brian Kemp said Monday he will ask Georgia lawmakers to provide additional tax relief during the upcoming legislative session by accelerating a state income tax cut lawmakers adopted last year.

• Study: 33.3% of Georgia Taxpayers Report Charitable Contributions, Above U.S. Average

  December 04, 2023

  Giving Season—which kicks off with Giving Tuesday and runs through December 31st—is when 30% of all annual nonprofit giving takes place. In Georgia, 33.3% of taxpayers report charitable contributions, compared to 32.9% of taxpayers nationally.

• All Berths Open for Business at Port of Savannah

  December 04, 2023

  The Port of Savannah’s Garden City Terminal handled 129 container ship calls last month, an increase of 26 percent compared to October 2022.

• Drawdown Georgia Announces $1.2 Million in New Climate Solutions & Equity Grants

  December 01, 2023

  Six Georgia-based family foundations today announce the awarding of the 2024-2025 Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions & Equity Grants in support of efforts that advance climate solutions and prioritize equity in Georgia.

• UGA SBDC to Bolster Georgia Business Community Thanks to a $6.2 Million Federal Grant

  December 01, 2023

  The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center has been named a sub-recipient in the State Small Business Credit Initiative Grant. A $6.2 million grant funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury and administered through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

• goBeyondProfit - The Business Case for a Generosity Reboot

  December 01, 2023

  If you pay close attention, you will hear a growing disagreement between companies, employees, and the communities they serve. While they are bound together by a mutual interest in meaningful engagement, employees and community-serving nonprofits are begging for a relationship reboot.

• Signature Choice Realty Hosting 2nd Annual Jacket Drive

  November 30, 2023

  Local beneficiaries include Moulton Branch Elementary School and The Children's Advocacy Center Valdosta - Janice MacMillan, owner of Signature Choice Realty is seeking youth jacket donations for their 2nd Annual Jacket Drive, now through December 18th.

• Georgia Ranks Second as the Most Entrepreneurial State in America

  November 30, 2023

  Research by project management experts at The Digital Project Manager analyzed eight indicators for how entrepreneurial a state is; these included the percentage of the population that started a new business, the percentage of start-ups still active after one year, number of small businesses per 100,000 of the population, growth rate of business applications as well as others.

• Valdosta Transforms into a Winter Wonderland This Christmas Season

  November 28, 2023

  The Capital of South Georgia will transform into a magical Christmas wonderland this holiday season. With millions of lights, decorations, sweet treats and jolly visits from Santa, Valdosta is the ultimate Christmas destination for festive family fun.

• Georgia Chamber Foundation Releases War for Talent Economic Report

  November 28, 2023

  Today, the Georgia Chamber Foundation, the state’s leading economic research organization, announced the release of its Fourth Quarter Economic Report highlighting the strength of Georgia’s position in the global War for Talent.

• City of Valdosta to be the Next Stop for Young GameChangers Program

  November 27, 2023

  If you are a local young leader seeking personal and professional growth while making a difference in the community, then Young Gamechangers is for you! Here is your chance to significantly impact the future of Valdosta. The 2024 Young Gamechangers is accepting applications.

• GEDA Hosts Annual Awards to Recognize Exceptional Individual Achievements & the Top Deals of the Year

  November 27, 2023

  At its Annual Awards luncheon, the Georgia Economic Developers Association recognized top deals of the year and excellence by individuals. Awards included the Deals of the Year, Committee Chair and Member of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Rip Wiley Award for Professional Excellence.

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