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2 7 2 7 U P L A N D C O U R T / A L B A N Y, G E O R G I A / 2 2 9 - 8 8 3 - 8 4 7 3 / w w w. l r a c o n s t r u c t o r s . c o m

www.AlbanyGa.com

IN E D A M #

A G , Y N A B L A

B U S IN E SS Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Magazine

President/CEO Editor Chris Hardy, IOM Chair Jim Deal Chair-Elect Ron Wallace Director of Communications Rachelle Bitterman Printing Colson Printers Photography Todd Stone Rachelle Bitterman Director of Sales Donna Gray Business (U.S.P.S. 886-680) is published bi-monthly by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, 225 W. Broad Avenue, Albany, Georgia 31701. Subscription rate of $50 is included in membership investment. Periodicals postage paid at Albany, Georgia. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Business Magazine, 225 W. Broad Avenue, Albany, Georgia, 31701. For more information about this publication or advertising rates, call (229) 434-8700. This publication is produced by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. Reproduction in whole or part of this publication without expressed written consent of the publisher is prohibited. All claims, materials, and photos furnished or used are, to the publisherâ€™s knowledge, true and correct. Hence liability cannot be assumed by the publisher for errors or by the publisher for errors or omissions. Advertisements and editorial information published in this publication is subject to the unrestricted right to edit of, and by, our editor/publisher. U.S. Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation Date of Filing: 09/15/14 Business (U.S.P.S. 886-680) is published bi-monthly by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, 225 W. Broad Avenue, Albany Georgia 31707. Subscription rate of $50 is included in membership investment. Periodicals postage paid at Albany, Georgia. Owner/Publisher: Albany Chamber of Commerce 225 W. Broad Avenue, Albany, Georgia 31701 Extent and Nature of Circulation:

A. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run) B. Paid and/or Requested Circulation 1. Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, and Counter Sales (Not mailed) 2. Paid or Requested Mail Subscriptions (Include Advertiserâ€™s proof copies and exchange copies) C. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of B (1) and B (2) D. Free Distribution by Mail E. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (carriers or other means) F. Total Free Distribution (Samples, complimentary and other free) (Sum of D and E) G. Total Distribution (Sum of C & F) H. Copies not Distributed 1. Office Use, Leftovers, Spoiled 2. Returns from News Agents I. Total (Sum of G, H(1), and H(2)

September/October 2014 | BUSINESS

Avg No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months

Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

2,000 1,600 120

8,000 6,400 480

1,720

6,880

0 200

0 800

200

800

1,920

7,680

80 0 2,000

320 0 8,000

www.AlbanyGa.com

S e P T e M B e R /O C TO B e R 2 0 1 4

C O N T E N T S

Comments from the 2014 Chair of the Board

18 Star Business of the Week

30 Message From the President/CEO

08 Business Expo Was A Huge Success

11 Networking Calendar

VO lu M e 1 3

And Hereâ€™s What They Said...Think Local Survey Results

State of the Community Showcases Exciting and Optimistic Times for Albany

NuMBeR 5

Employment Law for the SmallEmployer Lunch & Learn

Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau Update

August Business After Hours Held at Turkey Track Plantation

Ribbon Cuttings

Welcome New Members

Thank You Renewing Members

Get Plugged Into the Chamber Lunch & Learn

Chamber Salutes Our Armed Forces During Rise N Shine Breakfast

Hardy Recognized During Turner Job Corps 50 Year Celebration

ABOUT THE COVER The 2014 Business Expos was one of the best yet! The booth space sold out early and there was something for everybody. Read all about the Expo starting on page 8. Design by Rachelle Bitterman Photography by Todd Stone

w w w. a l b a n y g a . c o m

THE BRANDS YOU WANT AT THE PRICE YOU LIKE FORM THE PEOPLE YOU TRUST

146 North Slappey Blvd. 229.432.9338

September/October 2014

www.AlbanyGa.com | BUSINESS

COMMENTS FROM THE 2014 CHAIRMAN A VERY BUSY CHAMBER! The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce has been very busy this summer providing new and improved services to our valued membership. The State of the Community Luncheon on August 28th at Albany Technical College was a huge success with over 160 in attendance. We heard from Mayor Hubbard, County Chairman Jeff “Bodine” Sinyard and Mr. R.D. Harter from the Dougherty County School system. I certainly anticipate that this will become an annual event. The first class of the Chamber Institute for Leadership Development began in September. We have 14 members in this class and they have all been matched up with mentors from the community. The first meeting was held September 18th and led into Business Expo. Talking about success, kudos to Jenny Savelle, Small Business Committee Chair, and her committee for selling out the Business Expo this year! It was held at the Hilton Garden Hotel and we had over 45 vendors participating and more than 300 visitors. This year’s theme was “Let’s Grow Together,” because that’s what the Chamber is all about…growing businesses! Jim Deal Albany Communications

Ron Wallace arranged for a small group from the Education Committee to attend Martin Luther King Elementary School. We were blown away by what Principal Vontressa Childs and her staff have done for that school. It has been labeled a turnaround school and the test scores have increased dramatically in the past two years. The YMCA is MLK Elementrays School’s Partner In Excellence and they have started an after school tutoring session. The next Rise N Shine Breakfast, October 15th, will honor the Partners in Excellence program and the Dougherty County School System. The Albany Area Chamber is working to add value to the business community through programs designed to enhance and improve business opportunities that result in community success and quality of life for all our citizens. Our mission statement is to grow member businesses to create a thriving community. We do this by being Pro Active, Progressive, and Pro Business! Enjoy college football and the cooler weather, but let’s continue to work on and improve our Attitude, Behavior and Commitment about the good things that Albany has to offer! Have a great fall. Remember… “There’s Only One Albany.”

September/October 2014 | BUSINESS

www.AlbanyGa.com

FROM PERFORMING AT THE ART PARK, TO PAINTING THE TOWN RED, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.

I think of Albany as my blank canvas with everything I need to create a beautiful and vibrant life. I eat, dance, play, explore, rediscover, you name it. Look at the city with fresh eyes and youâ€™ll see that it really is one-of-a-kind.

Delaney Burnett, Proud Albanian since 2003

OnlyOneAlbany.com

Business Expo Was A Huge Success

The Expo is a member benefit that allows businesses to communicate and network, but we try to make it fun, informative and attractive, too," Bishop Clean Care CEO Jenny Savelle, the chairwoman of the Chamber's Small Business Committee, said as she surveyed the jam-packed Expo floor space at the downtown hotel. "We've been growing and improving over the last three years, and we completely sold out of space this year. In fact, we're a little over capacity with 48-plus displays.

September/October 2014 | BUSINESS

A recent survey conducted by the Atlanta-based Schapiro Group consulting firm found that Chamber of Commerce membership by small businesses increases those businesses' consumer favorability rating by 49 percent, consumer awareness by 73 percent and likelihood in consumer patronization by an incredible 80 percent. Representatives of Albany Area Chamber of Commerce member businesses who participated in the September 18 Chamber Business Expo at the Hilton Garden Inn can add another significant number to the Schapiro Group's findings: Taking part in the Expo increases fun by 100 percent. "The Expo is a member benefit that allows businesses to communicate and network, but we try to make it fun, informative and attractive, too," Bishop Clean Care CEO Jenny Savelle, the chairwoman of the Chamber's Small Business Committee, said as she surveyed the jam-packed Expo floor space at the downtown hotel. "We've been growing and improving over the last three years, and we completely sold out of space this year. In fact, we're a little over capacity with 48-plus displays." Fellow Chamber member Matthew Shoemaker with Matrix Department Inc. said the response to the showcase is a positive sign for the community. "What you're seeing here today at the Expo is an indication of what we're starting to see in the region's business community," Shoemaker said. "A lot of small businesses like ours were able to maintain during the economic slowdown, and now we're starting to see an increase in business. "We're getting repeat business from existing customers and seeing quite a bit of new business. That's a very good sign for our economy." One Chamber member said the popularity of the Expo did have a downside. "I waited too long to get a booth, and by the time I came to apply, they were full," Lisa Burke, owner of Mailbox Monster, said. "But I'm here anyway for a couple of reasons: You make some very important contacts at the Expo and it's just a very cool thing for our business community. It's great September/October 2014

for the businesses, and it's great for the community." Healthy Living Farms' booth was named the top display at the Expo, earning a free half-page ad in the Chamber's Business magazine for the naturally-grown produce company. Our Daily Bread, the runner-up in the competition, received a free one-thirdpage ad in the Chamber magazine. "This is absolutely awesome," HLF Project Manager Ann Milton said after the announcement. "Everything about the Expo has been awesome, exactly what a business like ours needs. We've

Our Daily Bread was runner up for their display during the Expo.

Healthy Living Farms received the best display award during Business Expo.

been able to get our name out there to a lot of potential customers, and we've gotten such positive feedback from everyone who's stopped by our booth. "We're so proud to be providing, good, healthy food to our community. It's important that we keep our bodies healthy and strong." Milton's co-worker, Fredando Jackson, said the Expo proved that "the people of Albany have been looking for a business like ours." "We've gotten so many people â€” from individuals to restaurant owners â€” who've come by and asked about the food we grow," Jackson said. "They seem pleased that we promise fresh produce like they can't get anywhere else around here. Like we have okra at HLF that I harvested today. Everything was harvested the day of or the day before you stop by." Our Daily Bread chef/owner Jason Warren said he expects nothing but good to come from the only Chamber-

sponsored event that provides business owners one-on-one access to the public. "There will be about 400 people who come through here before the day is over," Warren said. "If we could get 10 percent of them to come and give us a try, that would be huge for us. Even though we've been open now for four years, there are still people in Albany who don't know about our business. "Since we're really pushing our Thanksgiving office party this year, we've prepared everything that our customers will get. To have so many business representatives and citizens come through here at one time is just an amazing opportunity for small businesses like ours." Chamber Chairman Jim Deal lauded Savelle and her committee for making the 2014 Expo the largest ever in number of vendors. "The whole idea of the Showcase is to give business owners an opportunity www.AlbanyGa.com | BUSINESS

Kavita Sirmans with Daveâ€™s Computers was the lucky winner of the iPad.

to show potential customers what they're all about," Deal said. "I know without a doubt our businesses pick up customers by participating. But the Expo is, in addition, a fun event for the community as well. "I think Jenny and her committee and the Chamber staff outdid themselves this year. They did an incredible job." Ann Carter with Colson Printing Co. agrees. "We've done this every year that I've been with the company, and we always

end up getting business from the Expo," Carter said. "It's great to socialize and see friends, but this is a great opportunity to network with other businesses that might need the services we provide." One of the Chamber's newest members, Dunkin' Donuts, was a newcomer to the Business Expo. "This is amazing," Area Manager Teresa Salter said. "We're using this as an opportunity to meet some of the other members of the local business community. We've only been open four weeks now, but we've been welcomed by the other business owners. "We're so happy that we've been well-received in the community, and we want to reach out to the community. This is our first opportunity to do that, but we'll be doing more." Albany Herald representatives Debi Griffin and Jimmie Smith used the Expo to show off the newspaper's new Southwest Georgia Health Beat magazine, which has more than 300,000 monthly print and online readers and is distributed at hospitals, medical offices, drug stores, grocery stores, dental offices, fitness centers, colleges, technical colleges, industry breakrooms and Chambers of Commerce throughout the region. "This is not a typical medical publication," Griffin said. "It's medical information that you can use, important

September/October 2014 | BUSINESS

information that impacts the lives of people in our region. We've been overwhelmed by the excellent response so far." Mary Newcomb represented the area health care industry at the Expo, distributing information about ASPIRE's behavioral health and developmental disability services. ASPIRE offers a variety of mental health and crisis intervention services. "I think being a part of the Expo is important for us because it allows us to make contact with Human Resources representatives at a number of businesses," she said. "Mental health issues are not typical topics of conversation, but they impact every business at some time or another. "By letting businesses and individuals know who we are and the services we provide, we're letting them know they have somewhere to turn in the event of emergencies. Mental health issues and addictive diseases touch all of us at some time." Newcomb's marketing business, The Merry Fox Agency, is also a Chamber of Commerce member. Thank you to sponsors: A. West Enterprises, Central Monitoring, CTSI, Edward Jones, Pellicano Construction, Southern Point Staffing, and our media sponsors: Cumulus, The Albany Herald, WALB and WSWG.

www.AlbanyGa.com

MARK YOUR CALENDAR October 21 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Albany State University Eula Lovett Hall 5:00pm-7:00pm Sponsored by Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau Albany State University

October 29 LUNCH & LEARN Money Saving Solutions for Healthcare Albany Welcome Center 11:30am-1:00pm

November 13 LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS RISE N SHINE BREAKFAST Merry Acres Event Center 7:30am - Coffee & Networking 8:00am - Breakfast & Program Sponsored by Procter & Gamble U Save It Pharmacy

November 18 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Chehaw Chehaw Educational Center 5:00pm-7:00pm Sponsored by Chehaw

December 9 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Theatre Albany 5:00pm-7:00pm Sponsored by Central Monitoring Austin's Firegrill & Oyster Bar Baja's Restaurant

September/October 2014

www.AlbanyGa.com | BUSINESS

And Here’s What They Said... Think Local Survey Results During the Business Expo everyone that came through was given a survey asking pertinent questions concerning what they wanted to see in local businesses. Here are the results. We hope this helps you market your business. 1. How many times per two weeks do you shop local? a. 1 to 3 18% b. 4 to 6 39% c. 7 to 10 26% d. 10 or more 14% 2. Tactics for effectiveness a. Discount 25% b. Rewards 23% c. Emphasis on Economic Impact 26% d. Business owners actions 20% e. Online 20% f. Good service 9% 3. When you shop local what is the motivation? a. Savings 14% b. Unique items 3% c. Knowing people on a personal level/Support friends 15% d. Customer service 7%

e. Tax dollars stay in our community 12% f. Support 35% g. Convenience 12% h. Quality 3% 4. Is it important to shop local? a. Yes 92% b. N/A 3% c. No 3% d. I shop both-I like local 3% 5. How can business make it easier to shop local? a. Good customer service/ Friendly service 5% b. Online helps - e-commerce Component-Buy Now! 15% c. Stay open later 9% e. Diverse selection of inventory 7% f. Advertising/social media 25% g. Discounts/deals 22% h. Multiple locations 4% i. Location 5% j. Move downtown 4% k. Be a chamber member 4% 6. What would you like to see from a local program? a. More free things 6% b. Spotlight on TV 9% c. More businesses involved 9% d. Discounts/coupons 34%

September/October 2014 | BUSINESS

e. More like “There’s Only One Albany” – Community come Together 34% f. Loyalty cards 6% 7. What is motivation for NOT shopping local? a. Higher prices 31% b. Ease of online and price 5% c. Cheaper prices online 12% d. Hours 5% 14% e. Bad customer service f. Variety/selection 29% g. New different experience/ Scenery 5% 8. What is the difference between local and small business? a. Local-hometown, family owned: Small 50 or less employees 7% b. Local=homegrown; small – not home but small, franchises 3% c. Not much difference 26% d. One owner/family owned 6% e. Local – non-franchise; small – Less than 10 employees 10% f. Mom & Pop establishments 6% g. Local is community based 6% h. Size – corporate Headquarters 4% i. Small 6% j. Owned by local person 7% k. Not commercial 8%

www.AlbanyGa.com

September/October 2014

www.AlbanyGa.com | BUSINESS

State of The Community Showcases Exciting and Optimistic Times for Albany The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their first annual State of the Community luncheon at Albany Technical College Kirkland Conference Center on August 28. The event featured three of local AlbanyDougherty County leaders: City of Albany Mayor Dorothy Hubbard, Dougherty County Commission Chairman Jeff ‘Bodine’ Sinyard and R. D. Harter Public Information Director Dougherty County School System. Mayor Hubbard said she was especially excited about the city’s new Deal-Closing Fund, which recently benefited Thrush Aircraft. After meeting all requirements of the criteria the fund allocated $200,000 to be used to hire extra employees at their Old Pretoria Road facility. Sinyard said the Marine Corps Logistics Base contributes 1.5 billion dollars to our economy annually and one-half billion of that is spent on salaries. He also commented that the county is made of many entities and each one is important and contributes in their own unique way. Harter, who was standing in for Dougherty County School Superintendent Dr. David “Butch” Mosely, commented on the changes in the past 18 months as well as the restoration of their financial status within the state. He also remarked on the renovations of Monroe and Dougherty High Schools, naming nine new principals in our 23 schools and the implementation of the One-to-One Technology Initiative that will put an electronic learning device in the hands of all students by 2016. Thank you to our sponsors for helping make this inaugural event a great success: presenting sponsor SB&T; supporting sponsors - Albany Technical College, Oxford Construction, Albany-Dougherty EDC and Albany CEO.

Deerﬁeld-Windsor School A College Preparatory School • • • •

HOPE Scholarship retention rate of twice the state average 2014 Graduates did more than 7200 hours of community service Top honors in Visual and Performing Arts Winner of the GISA Region 3AAA All-Sports Trophy for the 15th consecutive year

Excellence in Academics-Arts-Athletics and Service 2500 Nottingham Way • www.deerﬁeldwindsor.com • 229-435-1301

September/October 2014 | BUSINESS

www.AlbanyGa.com

Employment Law for the Small Employer Lunch & Learn On July 9, 2014 The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a Lunch and Learn entitled Employment Law for the Small Employer. Mr. Jason Willcox, associate at Moore, Clarke, DuVall & Rodgers, P.C. was the guest speaker. Topics included Title VII, Harassment, Discrimination & Retaliation, Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, National Labor Relations Act along with Best Hiring Practices and Best Practices for Defending Unemployment Claims. Thank you to Moore, Clarke, DuVall & Rodgers, P.C. for sponsoring the delicious lunch and to our media sponsor, The Albany Herald.

7 16

September/October 2014 | BUSINESS

www.AlbanyGa.com

September/October 2014

www.AlbanyGa.com | BUSINESS

Star Business of t The Star Business of the Week initiative is an exciting "random draw" p

FARRIS SCREEN PRINTING & EMBROIDERY 1306 W. Broad Avenue | 229.889.1740 www.farrisprint.com

LOCOS GRILL AND PUB 547 N. Westover Blvd. | 229.888.5055 www.locosgrill.com

Contact: Hassan Mohamed

Contact: Shawn Walters

sponsored by Albany-Dougherty EDC

in elevator sales and service for over 45 years!

THRONATEESKA HERITAGE CENTER

STATE FARM INSURANCE BOBBY UNDERWOOD

Contact: Tommy Gregors 100 W. Roosevelt Avenue (229) 432-6955 heritagecenter.org

Contact: Bobby Underwood 307 Grand Island Drive, Suite 1 (229) 436-3946

1432 US Highway 19 South 229-436-7131 | Fax 229-436-1188 www.albanyelevator.com

Discover Albany

on a bicycle

SOUTHERN ELEGANCE OF GEORGIA Contact: Maryann Reddick 2700 Dawson Road, Suite 6 (229) 436-6887

LIVE NATURALLY Contact: Debbie Peavey 2726 Ledo Road, Suite 4 (229) 888-2466 livenaturallyvitamins.com

BIKE RENTALS AVAILABLE Albany Welcome Center 112 N. Front St. 229.317.4760 www.visitalbanyga.com

GA FEDERAL-STATE INSPECTION SERVICES, INC. Contact: Sherry Thomas 951 Pecan Grove Drive (229) 432-9155 www.gafsis.com

HEALTHY LIVING FARMS Contact: Fredando Jackson 3810 Gillionville Road (229) 432-8461 healthylivingfarms.org

If your business has moved or expanded and you would like to have a Ribbon Cutting or Groundbreaking contact Mary Bickerstaff at 317.7183 or mbickerstaff@albanyga.com. 24

September/October 2014 | BUSINESS

www.AlbanyGa.com

www.AlbanyGa.com | BUSINESS

*for qualified residential customers

229-883-8330

For more information contact Mari Wright

Y, G E O

LIGHT C & O S

0% for 60 Months Up to $300 in Rebates

On natural gas tank / tankless water heaters

Special Rebates & Financing!

WATE R , G

September/October 2014

I RG

SSION I M M

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS August/September

VISIT WWW.AlBANyGA.COM AND VIeW THe WeB PAGeS fOR All CHAMBeR MeMBeRS. Austin's Firegrill & Oyster Bar RESTAURANTS, CATERERS 2817 Old Dawson Road Albany, GA 31707 Contact: Austin Newman (229) 883-4482 austinsfiregrill.com acn32872@aol.com

David Anderson Financial Services, LLC FINANCIAL SERVICES/MORTGAGE 1222 Lovers Lane Road Leesburg, GA 31763 Contact: David Anderson (229) 888-6892 Fax: (229) 888-2661 davidandersonfin@bellsouth.net

Cancer Ties, Inc. NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS P.O. Box 71812 Albany, GA 31708 Contact: Carrie Hutchinson (229) 344-4992 cancerties@gmail.com

Dunkin Donuts BAKERIES, RESTAURANTS 311 W. Oglethorpe Blvd Albany, GA 31701 Contact: Mark Weber (229) 496-1150 dunkindonuts.com

Casket House, The FUNERAL DIRECTORS/ MONUMENTS, SPECIALTY SHOPS/ITEMS 507 West Broad Avenue Albany, GA 31701 Contact: Gregory Harris (229) 435-3922 Fax: (229) 435-3922

Edward Jones Investments INVESTMENTS/SECURITIES 1151 Dawson Road Albany, GA 31721 Contact: Trae Sims (229) 438-8466 Fax: (888) 326-0255 www.edwardjones.com trae.sims@edwardsjones.com

ConAgra Foods MANUFACTURER/PROCESSOR 101 Seabrook Drive Sylvester, GA 31791 Contact: Jennifer Tucker (229) 438-6301 Fax: (229) 438-6370 www.conagrafoods.com jennifer.tucker@conagrafoods.com

Griffin Lumber & Hardware BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT, HARDWARE STORES 153 Robert B. Lee Drive Leesburg, GA 31763 Contact: Rick Watson (229) 759-2963 griffinlumber.com rickwatson@griffinlumber.com

Harris Professional Care HEALTH CARE SERVICES803 1716 Gillionville Road Albany, GA 31707 Contact: Gregory Harris (229) 435-3922 Fax: (229) 435-3945 Lee Power Equipment LAWN & GARDEN SERVICES/LANDSCAPING & MAINTENANCE 194 Cedric Street Leesburg, GA 31763 Contact: David Potter (229) 420-0661 Fax: (229) 420-0665 leepowerequipmentleesburg. stihldealer.net leepowerequipment@yahoo.com Ralph Paustian Jr. INDIVIDUAL 111 Charlie Lane Albany, GA 31707 Contact: Ralph Paustian (229) 395-5802 (229) 435-5153 Robert Lane Trucking, Inc. TRUCKING COMPANIES 213 7th Avenue Albany, GA 31701 Contact: Robert Lane (229) 436-3990 Fax: (229) 432-0330 rlaneinc@bellsouth.net

START SAVING ON OFFICE PRODUCTS TODAY The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Office Depot to provide our members with deep discounts on office supplies.

September/October 2014 | BUSINESS

Go to www.albanyga.com and click on programs to start saving today!

www.AlbanyGa.com

Your Specialist for helping you connect with your customers.

NEW STARS continued TCBY ICE CREAM PARLOR, CATERERS 2416 Dawson Rd., Ste. 6 Albany, GA 31707 Contact: Sandra Jones (229) 883-7143 www.tcby.com sassysue31707@aol.com The Staffing People EMPLOYMENT/TEMPORARY/ LEASING 1118-D Stuart Ave Albany, GA 31707 Contact: Tim Holley (229) 434-1182 thestaffingpeople.net tholley@thestaffingpeople.net

Specialty Advertising Products

We make it easy!

MAKING YOUR BUSINESS LOOK GOOD For over 30 years

• Unique trade show items • Golf tournaments • Marketing campaigns • School & spirit ideas

Kendyl White

• Customer appreciation... and more

Your reputation and image is important... Don’t trust it to anyone but the BEST!

Turkey Track Plantation PLANTATION/FARMS 4256 Goose Hollow Road Sasser, GA 39842 Contact: Jared Warren (229) 317-1159

2807 Old Dawson Rd. • Albany, GA 31707 • 229.435.0000 • marlin@logosplus.com • www.logosplus.com

Managing the components of your business is not easy. For more than 95 years, we have helped clients put the gears of success in motion.

We understand the mechanics of your business. A UDIT | A CC OU NTI NG | T AX S ERVI CES

229-446 -3600 | mjcpa.com 2303 Da wson Road | Albany, GA 31707 September/October 2014

www.AlbanyGa.com | BUSINESS

THANK YOU RENEWING MEMBERS July/August

ACC Distributors, Inc. ...................2013 Agape Christian Worship Center ..2009 AHERA Response Services, Inc. ............................2007 Albany 8 Inn .................................1999 Albany Advocacy Resource Center, Inc. ................................1989 Albany Auto Service .....................2008 Albany Land Co., Inc. ...................1979 Albany Mall, LLC ..........................2001 Albany OB-GYN, LLC ..................1984 Albany Typewriter Exchange ........1975 ALPHA Ministries .........................1996 Amputee Prosthetic Clinic Company ...................................2013 AT&T Georgia...............................1975 ATL Landscaping & Maintenance, Inc. ......................2010

Farris Screen Printing & Embriodery ............................2002 Fast Copy and Blueprint ...............2013 Flint Office Furniture.....................2000 GA Foam Solutions.......................2011 Glass Service Center ........................... Golden Corral...............................1998 Guang Zhou .................................2013

National Distributing Company, Inc. ...........................1975 Nexus Pain Center of Albany, LLC ...............................2013 Nonami Plantation........................2002 North Slappey Pawn Shop ...........2013

Hall, Williamson & Hart, PC..........2001 Hasan Shrine ...............................1982 Hilton Garden Inn Albany .............2005

Oakland Plantation.......................2005

WE DO COMPOUNDING

Badcock Home Furniture & More .......................................2010 Barkley Estates.............................2010 Beckhom Behavioral Consulting...2010 Belk Inc. .......................................1975 Boyd Brothers Inc. ........................1986 BreakAway Cycles ........................2011 Burks Real Estate Investments ..../2011 Byne Memorial Church .................2013 Captain D's Albany .......................2013 Central Plumbing & Heating Contractors of Albany, Inc. .........2013 Child Care Resource & Referral of Southwest GA, Darton College..2010 Clear Choice Engraving & Awards ...................................2013 Coach's Sports Bar LLC ...............2013 Commercial Construction Consortium................................2009 Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Southwest GA .......................1997 Dallas Margeson, DMD, MS, PC ..2007 Dawson Road Pawn Shop Dawson Road ............................2013 Divine Finney, PC .........................2011 DOCO Credit Union .....................1978 Dougherty County Rotary Club ....2013 Ellis Management Group, LLC .....2002 Enterprise.....................................2009 Evangelical Faith Vision Ministries, Inc. ...........................2008 28

Microf Financial Services..............2012 Moorhead Law Firm, LLC .............2013 Musculoskeletal Associates..........1983

Pearly's Famous Country Cooking........................2013 Phoebe Putney Health System.....1975 Premium Web Development, LLC....................1999 ProBuild........................................2005 Professional Networking ..............2007 Quality Wrecker Service, Inc.........2011 RE/MAX - Sylvia Phillips ..............2009 Rock Albany, The..........................2007 RSE, Inc...............................................

229-434-1414 â€˘ 610 N. Slappey Blvd.

Industry Insulation, Inc. ................2007 J G Johnson, CPA ........................2013 Jones Welding & Industrial Supply, Inc. ................................2010 Kay Fuller Lighting ........................2013 King, Charles, Dr. .........................2005 Kirbo & Kirbo, PC .........................1994 Labor Finders ...............................2000 Landmark Auto Sales ...................2009 Lawson Industries ........................2007 Leadership Albany, Inc. ................2001 Leesburg Air .................................2009 Levy & Thompson, LLC................2009 Majors Electric & Mechanical Co., Inc...................2002 Matre Forestry Consulting, Inc. ....2008

September/October 2014 | BUSINESS

S&S Roofing & Construction ........2010 Salt Lick Sausage Company.........2013 Sample, Steven, DDS, PC............1998 SB&T............................................1975 Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. ....................2003 Sherwood Baptist Church ............1998 South Georgia Bail Bonding .........2013 Southeastern Aluminum Recycling/Paper Stock ..............2008 Southern Woods Plantation .........2003 Southwest Georgia Dermatology, P.C.......................2002 Southwest Georgia Pediatrics, PC............................1981 Southwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery..................2011 St. Teresa's School .......................2012 Stardust 2 Skate Center ...............2013 State Farm Insurance Andy Christo ..............................2013 Sterling Finance Company/ Mathes Management.................2010 Stewart Short Insurance Services, Inc.............................1995 Sunnyland Farms, Inc. .................1986 www.AlbanyGa.com

July/August Renuew Members Continued

Talecris Plasma Resources..........2008 Theatre Albany .............................2006 Toyota of Albany ...........................2008 True Vapor Inc. .............................2012 TTL, Inc ........................................1991 Turner's Fine Furniture .................1993

UniFirst Corporation......................2011 Urology Institute & Continence Center, The.................................2003

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC ...........1975 Yielding, Wakeford & McGee, Architects, PC ............................2013

Vital Smiles Georgia P.C ..............2009 WALB-TV .....................................1975

Zion Christian Fellowship Ministries Internation, Inc. .........................2002

Albany Communications, Inc. 3303 Gillionville Road Albany, Georgia 31721 SOLUTIONS Radio Solutions Channel Partner

Phone: 229-432-9301 Fax: 229-436-3189 1-800-226-9301

www.albanygacomm.com

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

Technology T echnolog echnology hn no gy @ work k for you VOIP Training T rain raining Networking etworking Helpdesk pdes Solutions tions Managed aged Services ices

• COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL 705 Canal Street www.awestenterprise.com

(229) 888-8347 September/October 2014

229.446.9641

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO The Value of Customer Retention Retention is a word that we all know and love. We all want to retain what we hold dear and what makes our lives so special. In business, retention can mean the difference between ensuring your customers keep returning or constantly searching for new ones to replace those that have been lost. Many experts will tell you that it is five times more profitable to spend marketing and advertising dollars to retain current customers than it is to acquire new ones.

Chris Hardy, IOM, CCE President/CEO

Chambers of Commerce all across the country struggle with retention each year, including YOUR Chamber. Although we are considered a non-profit we are as close to being a business without actually being one. Since the economic slide, our Chamber has reduced in membership size though we are desperately working to rebuild our organization so that we can be the strength behind your business every day. This article is not about the Chamber’s retention efforts, it is about yours.

Customer retention is not only a cost effective and profitable strategy, but in today’s competitive environment it’s essential. Considering the fact that 80% of your sales comes from 20% of your customers, it is hard to doubt that conclusion. Taking this into consideration, are your marketing and sales campaigns designed to attract new customers or keep your existing customers coming back? In years past when the information highway lacked today’s amount of information and options, customer retention was an afterthought as it was “assumed” they would return. Options were just as plentiful for consumers, though many did not realize just how many options were available to them. The internet plays a large role in business retention efforts, especially to small businesses. As a result, customer loyalty has all but disappeared and large corporations and virtual storefronts are unable to ask the millions of disloyal customers what caused them to stray. However, there are solutions. In a relatively small community like ours who also depends on neighboring counties and their citizens to shop in our community, the single most important and often times overlooked resource that every business has access to is; customer service. No matter how much is spent on marketing and campaigns; no matter how much is spent on printed coupons and special offers; whether your current customers will continue to return relies on those two simple words. The Chamber urges you to pay close attention to your front line employees and how they are serving your customers. After all, they are your Directors of First Impressions!!

PRINCE OF ALBANY

2701 Ledo Road, Albany 229-432-6271 PrinceAutoAlbany.com

September/October 2014 | BUSINESS

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Get Plugged Into the Chamber Lunch & Learn

The Get Plugged Into the Chamber Lunch and Learn gives new members and existing members the opportunity to learn whatâ€™s new at the Albany Area Chamber. At the September Lunch & Learn Mary Bickerstaff, Director of Membership, explained to the participants all the ways that they can market themselves through the website, Business After Hours and other Chamber social events. She also explained all the savings programs available through the Chamber. A special thank you goes to Firehouse Subs for being our Lunch & Learn sponsor.

SHOP AT PJSFABRICS.NET 511 W. Broad Ave., Albany, GA 229.439.7265

May/Junel 2014

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Chamber Salutes Our Armed Forces During Rise N Shine Breakfast Jim Deal, 2014 chairman of the board, welcomed more than 125 people to the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Military Appreciation Rise N Shine Breakfast honoring the military presence in southwest Georgia and its impact on the area. The Marine Corp Logics BaseAlbany Color Guard presented the colors and Rev. Kurt Bland, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Deputy Director of Communications & Information Systems Division MCLB Albany gave the invocation. Col. Don Davis, commanding officer of MCLB-Albany, made remarks about the relationship of to the community. Leland Burkart, chairman of the Albany Area Chamber Military Affairs Committee, presented awards to NonCommissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year for Marine Corps Logistics Command (LOGCOM), Marine of the Year for LOGCOM, Marine of the Year for MCLB and NCO of the Year for MCLB. Cpl. Jacob Jones was named top NCO for the base, Sgt. Johnnie Encarnacion was recognized as top NCO for LOGCOM and Cpl. Fabio ChapinaRodriquez was named Marine of the Year for LOGCOM. Sgt. Stephanie Bowens, named Marine of the Year for MCLB, was not at Thursdayâ€™s ceremony. Sponsors for this event were: Albany Air Conditioning and Heating, Artesian Contracting and A. West Enterprise event, with Prince Automotive as a contributing sponsor.

September/October 2014 | BUSINESS

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Hardy Recognized During Turner Job Corps 50 Year Celebration This year the Job Corps program celebrated 50 years of serving our nation’s youth and young adults. The work of the Turner Job Corps Center (TJCC) located in Albany, GA requires dedication, commitment and a call to service. During this year’s community wide celebration, TJCC took a moment to honor special community partners with the Turner Job Corps’ 50th Anniversary Hero Award. The Job Corps Hero award is given to community partners who have engaged our students as mentors, community partners, work based learning sites, and who have remained actively involved with the Center on a consistent basis. The recipients of the award included Kenneth Cutts, Senator Freddie Powell Sims, Pamela G. Jackson, Constance Williams, and the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s President & CEO Chris Hardy. Mr. Hardy was recognized for his work as a champion for Job Corps with our legislative representatives and his

From left: Congressman Sanford Bishop, TJCC Director, Ms. Rose Walker Cook, President/CEO Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Chris Hardy.

work as a mentor to the young men of TJCC’s Empowerment Male Professional Development Program. Mr. Hardy also serves on TJCC’s Community Relations Council, where he works to build strong relationships with our business

community and serves as a spokesperson on the correlation between the professional development and education of Turner students and creating the nation’s next workforce.

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September/October 2014

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Albany Area Chamber Announces a New Giftcard Program The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with MicroNet and GiftCards.com to offer members a turnkey gift card program. There are two options available The GiftLocal FREE option is free. The GiftLocal PREMIUM option includes a $199 annual fee for additional features. Members who upgrade to PREMIUM option will have access to two reports: • Number of cards sold and total amount loaded on each card. • Transaction history of the gift cards used at the member business location(s); the member business will see the date of each transaction and the amount that was charged to the card. If your business has a gift certificate or gift card program already, that is fine, we do not interfere with that. The GiftLocal program simply brings you another new sales channel. The consumer purchases the gift cards online and they are sent out directly from Giftcards.com. If your business is set up to accept Discover credit cards, the gift cards should work seamlessly. The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce is always looking for ways to help empower your business and keep shopping local. The GiftLocal program does just that. It’s a win-win for

everyone. And on top of all of that, it is FREE to you! GiftCards.com provides free support 24x7x365 to gift card purchasers & recipients. There is also a community card that can be purchased on the Albany Area Chamber website at http://www.giftcards.com/albany-area-chamber-ofcommerce-gift-cards-albany-ga?affiliate_id=13965. This card can be used at any Albany Area Chamber member that takes Discover.

Frequently Asked Questions Are there any minimum commitments or requirements? There are no commitments or minimums and the only requirement is that you accept Discover cards and agree to our Terms of Service.

Is there any training required for my employees to accept this gift card? Not really. The cards are run as a Discover credit card transaction. We do provide a training document that you can download from your merchant account with us that gives you and your employees answers to standard questions as well as support information. If your business is a restaurant or hotel, we do recommend going over the training documentation with your employees because typically restaurants and hotels are set up to authorize a higher value than the actual transaction amount on a credit or debit card of this nature which can cause a decline.

What if I don’t accept Discover? Chances are that your existing Point of Sale (POS) systems may already be set up to accept Discover and just needs to be turned on or you may require a software update. you should contact the company who set up your POS systems to inquire about accepting Discover. It should be a fairly easy process for them to set you up.

What are the fees? It depends on how many locations you have. for most local Merchants the fee is $199.00/year. This fee goes towards us creating your card, provides you the ability to customize a page on our website to promote your business and gift card, and we send you a marketing kit for your gift card. As your gift card is ordered, there is a charge of $2.00 that you can pay on behalf of the consumer if you choose. Please see our GiftCards.com local Merchant Agreement for a detailed breakdown of charges.

Can I sell this gift card in my stores? Not at this time but we will be oﬀering that option in the near future. What you can do now though is to promote your gift card on your website and within your store for your customers to purchase online. We provide graphics and promotional materials for you to use at your discretion.

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September/October 2014 | BUSINESS

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