If you’re a business owner, it’s tough to find time to work “on the business” when it seems every waking minute is spent working “in the business”.

Today’s business leaders are time-challenged like never before.  Increasing regulations, hiring, marketing, developing an effective social media presence, generating revenue, dealing with multi-generational workforces and expanding their client base all require evolving skills in a changing environment. This leaves little time for creativity and incorporating innovation into their thinking, planning and execution. Yet, it is transformational innovation that will lead to true growth and long-term success.

To address this growing issue for Lowndes County, the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the upcoming Innovation Summit.  Set for May 9 at the Rainwater Conference Center, this half-day conference will focus on the innovative thinking needed to achieve transformational growth leading to current and future success. 

“Our community is poised to make a major push into fostering innovation and even incubating new technology companies”, says Myrna Ballard, President of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber.  “We are starting up a business incubator specifically to attract and grow new businesses here in Lowndes County, and we felt that it was time for our business leaders and executives to be exposed to creative and innovative ways to examine their business and future customers.  We are especially pleased to have David Peterson put together a program tailored just for our business community”.

Peterson, the founder of local software company Goldleaf Technologies, is an author, international speaker and Chief Strategic Officer of i7strategies.  David focuses on helping companies and their executives to “think about how they think” and educates on how to incorporate creativity and innovation into organizations.  “I have reached out to experts, both local and national speakers, who will come to Valdosta on May 9 to provide area business leaders and executives with insight and inspiration,” shared Peterson.  “This program will pack a considerable amount of wisdom into a half-day program that will provide attendees with specific takeaways they can implement in their businesses immediately”.

In addition to Peterson, the program includes nationally recognized experts Lee Wetherington (Hahira, GA) and TedTalk veteran and author Kent Gustavson (College Station, PA). The program also features compelling content from sales expert Jerry Federico (Waco, TX), Cachet Prescott (Valdosta, GA) and Estel Powell (Valdosta, GA).  To register on-line visit www.valdostachamber.com or call Betty Morgan at 229-247-8100 ext.234