Progress 2012 Summer Issue

PROGRESS Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce

Summer 2012,Vol. 56, No. 2

Carla Penny Classic Art & Frame Co.

Chamber Celebrates

100 Years!

Proudly sponsored by

- SPECIAL EDITION -

2012 Mid-Year Report to Members

www.ValdostaChamber.com / Summer 2012

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN Tim Jones Citizens Community Bank CHAIRMAN-ELECT 2013/ VICE CHAIR ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE DIVISION Jay Prince, Prince Automotive of Valdosta, Inc. CHAIRMAN-ELECT 2014/TREASURER Carlton Holley Fowler, Holley, Rambo & Stalvey, P.C. VICE CHAIR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIVISION Greg Reid, Edward Jones Investments VICE CHAIR, MEMBER SERVICES DIVISION Baha Zeidan, Azalea Health Innovations, Inc. VICE CHAIR, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION Tom Carroll, Sunset Farm Foods, Inc. VICE CHAIR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION Megan Smith, SmithBarnas & Associates, Inc. VICE CHAIR, WORKFORCE DEV. & EDUCATION Clinton Beeland, CJB Industries, Inc. VICE CHAIR, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Sue Cox, Covington’s Dining & Catering IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Tom Gooding, Elliott, Blackburn & Gooding, P.C. PRESIDENT Myrna Ballard, Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce Jeff Fulp, ERCO Worldwide, Inc. Mike Hill, Mike Hill Real Estate Terri Lupo, Georgia Power Company Bill Simmons, Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM)

CHAMBER STAFF Myrna Ballard, President Karil Brockington, Senior Director of Administration Mike Stalvey, Senior Director of Operations Betty Morgan, Vice President Patty Martin, Administrative Assistant Keyara Hamilton, Director of Business & Workforce Development Erika Bennett, Director of Government Affairs & Marketing Wanda Stanley, Director of Communications & TCH Varian Brown, Director of Economic Development

Letter from the

President

C

ertainly one of the highlights of my years with our Chamber is the Centennial Luncheon on June 18 honoring our former Chamber leaders. Our former presidents and chairmen of the board are a virtual who’s who of our community’s past and present leadership. It was an honor just to be in the same room with those folks!

Myrna Ballard

It also was a highlight to see the genuine affection of the group for former Chamber Executive Vice President, Johnny B. Lastinger.

Although Johnny B left the chamber profession nearly 20 years ago, I can assure you that he Johnny B. Lastinger Marilyn Crawford has not been forgotten by his Chamber friends, nor his colleagues across Georgia. He continues to be regarded as one of Georgia’s all-time best chamber executives.

Johnny B’s 23-year tenure and Marilyn Crawford’s 30 years were also spotlighted during the Centennial Luncheon.

Many thanks to Carla Penny (Classic Art & Frame), Donald Davis (Lowndes County Historical Society), Anne Shenton (Nexxtep Technologies), and the Chamber’s Erika Bennett for the countless hours required to recreate the Chamber’s 100 year history in photographs. And special thanks to Georgia Power Company and Covington’s Dining & Catering for sponsoring this special event.

Stay tuned for the next 100 years….

Sincerely,

Myrna Ballard President

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Leading Businesses.

Leading Communities. TM

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Summer 2012 / www.ValdostaChamber.com

VALDOSTA-LOWNDES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PROGRESS

Summer 2012

Summer 2012

CONTENTS FEATURES:

Volume 56, No. 2

Champions of Business....................................... 6

Design & Layout Wanda Stanley

PIM - Expand Your Business............................... 8

Advertising Erika Bennett

Economic Summit................................................. 9

7

Printing

Sustainable Energy Network...............................10 Chamber Choice Awards....................................12 Members Put Valdosta on the Map....................17 Business Outlook Breakfast................................18 2012 Mid-Year Report.........................................21

Copyright by Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. Progress is produced and published three times per year by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. Subscription rate of $40 is included with Chamber membership. Reproduction in whole or in part of this publication without the expressed written consent of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce is prohibited. All claims, materials, photos appearing herein are believed by the editors to be accurate. However, no responsibility or liability is assumed, and is expressly disclaimed, by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions. Advertisements, articles, photos, editorial information, and other materials submitted for publication herein are subject to the unrestricted right to the edit of and by our editors and publisher. ©

IMPACT 2012 Update..........................................27 Leading Businesses................................................28 Chamber Government Affairs Council.............30

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Centennial Luncheon............................................34 Centennial Gala......................................................35 Centennial Tree Project........................................36

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Progress Magazine, P.O. Box 790, Valdosta, Georgia 31603.

Triple Crown Hometowns Luncheon...............39 Small Business Week.............................................42

DEPARTMENTS: President’s Letter................................................. 4 Business After Hours.............................................7 Calendar of Events............................................... 7 Ground Breakings & Ribbon Cuttings..............14 Membership Renewals.........................................32 Welcome New Members....................................40

34 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 416 North Ashley Street • P.O. Box 790 Leading Businesses.

LeadingGeorgia Communities. 31603 Valdosta, (229) 247-8100 • Fax: (229) 245-0071 TM

www.ValdostaChamber.com

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About the Cover!

Carla Penny, Chair of the Chamber’s Cover photo by Steven He ddon.

Centennial Committee, has been instrumental in the planning and implementation of special celebratory events which include:

• MetroOne’s list of 100 Fun Things to do in Metro Valdosta

• Centennial Tree Project • Centennial Luncheon

• Centennial Gala www.ValdostaChamber.com / Summer 2012

For more information on these events see pages 34 through 37.

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Legislators Recognized as Champions of Business

T

op community leaders gathered on June 25 to honor and recognize State Senator Tim Golden and State Representatives Ellis Black, Amy Carter and Jason Shaw for their pro-business efforts during the 2012 Legisla- State Representative Ellis Black, Kevin Curtin (Georgia Chamber), Senator tive Session. The Chamber’s Manufacturers Council and the Tim Golden, Lauren Fralick (Georgia Chamber) and State Representative Jason Shaw.

Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority hosted the event to commend the passing of the Tax Reform bill which employers were due to pay on unemployment insurance will eliminate the sales tax on energy used in manufacturing, taxes. He also led on creating the insurance mandate review giving Georgia a competitive edge. Georgia Chamber reprecommittee,” stated Curtin. “This year his leadership and sentatives Lauren Fralick and Kevin Curtin praised the bipartisan efforts to pass Senate Bill 402 was one of the delegation for receiving all A’s on its legislative scorecard for biggest pro-business victories of the 2012 session.” Georgia two years in a row and honored Sen. Golden with its 2012 was the only state in the nation that did not allow alternaSenator of the Year award, which he previously received in tive investments with state pension funds, denying the state 2007. access to critical funds for venture capital investments. This “Sen. Golden has constantly fought to strengthen busilegislation has been in play for the past five years and thanks nesses here in Georgia - last year leading the charge to to Golden’s tireless work, it passed with strong bipartisan pass House Bill 292 – which capped the surcharge increases support in both chambers.

Event sponsored by: Annette Howell Turner

Center For The Arts

Celebrating The Art In Life

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Summer 2012 / www.ValdostaChamber.com

Southwest Georgia Bank Hosts Business After Hours

By: Candler Bennett,VSU Intern

S

outhwest Georgia Bank hosted a Business After Hours on April 19 to showcase its North Valdosta Branch to approximately 200 Chamber members and guests. SGB offers conventional personal and business banking services, investment planning and management, trust management, mortgage banking and commercial and individual insurance products. They have been serving South Georgia communities for more than 84 years. Attendees took the time to share contact information and network.

Stan Fillion and Jud Moritz (Southwest Georgia Bank) greet Chamber members Kathy Dallas and Dick Rockey (American Red Cross Southland Blood Center) as they arrive at Southwest Georgia Bank.

Baha Zeidan (Azalea Health Innovations) and Gino Fina (Valdosta Shared Office Space) discuss community matters at Business After Hours.

CHAMBER EVENTS CALENDAR

For more photos and information visit www.ValdostaChamber.com/PhotoGallery. If your business is interested in hosting a Business After Hours, contact Erika Bennett at 229-247-8100 or ebennett@ValdostaChamber.com for details.

JULY:

10 Social Media Lunch and Learn 11 Chamber 101 12 Business After Hours

Wiregrass GA Technical College Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce

1 - 2 p.m.

4 - 5 p.m.

5 - 7:30 p.m.

12 Accounting for Small Businesses Lunch and Learn 31 Members to be Heard

Chamber of Commerce

Noon - 1 p.m.

Presented by SAM’s Club

AUGUST: 1 23

21 30

Valdosta City Annex

3:30 p.m.

Chamber 101 Silver Stars Lunch and Learn

Chamber of Commerce

Valdosta Conference Center

8 - 9 a.m.

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Business After Hours Brand/Market Your Business Lunch

Chamber of Commerce

Wiregrass GA Technical College

5 - 7:30 p.m.

Noon - 1 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce

Valdosta Conference Center

4 - 5 p.m.

7:30 p.m. - Midnight

Wiregrass GA Technical College

Noon - 1 p.m.

Presented by Tanner Investment Group

SEPTEMBER:

5 Chamber 101 8 Centennial Gala

Presented by Citizens Community Bank

27 Business Advertising Lunch and Learn

Presented by Southwest Georgia Bank

www.ValdostaChamber.com / Summer 2012

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Expand your business in tough times by increasing your exposure!

By: Candler Bennett,VSU Intern

T

he Chamber provides many opportunities to expand your business in the local community. Whether your business is small, medium or large, the Chamber’s Promotion in Motion sponsorship program has a variety of tools which can help you grow.

The sponsorship program utilizes various marketing strategies to increase awareness about your business.

Your business will have its name and logo on various signage and advertising media which is seen by the community at large.

The program also promotes a positive corporate image while allowing you to network with other local businesses. This helps foster new business contacts while bolstering existing customer relationships.

Promotion in Motion is flexible enough to help any size business grow. Contact Erika Bennett, Director of Government Affairs & Marketing, at 229-247-8100 or ebennett@ valdostachamber.com to see how Promotion in Motion can help your business. For more information or view PIM online, visit www.ValdostaChamber.com/PIM.

Your Money’s Still Working..

With the right plan, you can relax and enjoy life’s special moments. Our financial experts can help you plan for a future that’s sunny and bright.

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EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

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First State Bank & Trust is a division of Synovus Bank. Synovus Bank, Member FDIC, is chartered in the state of Georgia and operates under multiple trade names across the Southeast. Divisions of Synovus Bank are not separately FDIC-insured banks. The FDIC coverage extended to deposit customers is that of one insured bank.

Summer 2012 / www.ValdostaChamber.com

Leading Businesses.

Leading Communities. TM

Express Employment SUMMIT Professionals presents second annual Economic Summit

2012

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ECONOMIC

TRANSFORMING Our LOCAL ECONOMY

Where are we Growing?

4,000+

new jobs in targeted sectors

W

alter Hobgood’s (Express Employment Professionals) passion for the community led him to sponsor the annual Economic Summit for the second time.

The 2012 Summit began with an update from VSU’s Dr. Cynthia Tori and Dr. Attila Cseh, both economists with the Langdale College of Business. The report is called “Lowndes County By The Numbers,” and was provided by the Center for Business & Economic Research at VSU. The report compares Valdosta with 14 peer communities, carefully selected by Tori and Cseh to be comparable to our community in size and assets. The comparison includes nearly a dozen measures of community economic health. Like last year’s report, our community ranked 11th of the 15 communities on these measures of economic health.

Warner Robins, GA and Bowling Green, KY placed first and second, respectively, for the second consecutive year.

Mara Register, Assistant to the City Manager in Valdosta, shared the results of our community’s recent analysis of impediments to housing and economic development in the City. This report echoed many of Dr. Tori’s comments and provided a picture of our community’s economic challenges. Lowndes County has a poverty rate of 24 percent and we are noticing a growing trend in the number of babies born to teenage mothers in the City of Valdosta. Nearly half of the net population increase in the City between 2000 and 2010 is females 18 years of age and younger. Nearly 20 percent of our City’s adult population has less than a high school education.

Dr. Andrew Carswell, Associate Professor of Housing and Consumer Economics at the University of Georgia, provided a comparison of our community with the rest of the State.

“Although you’ve heard some bad news today, there’s some great news as well,” said Chris Miller (Creative Cities and Consulting and Illuminomics), who has been a consultant for the Chamber’s effort to grow a knowledge-based economy since 2008.

“This community is punching above its weight class when we assess your community-wide focus to grow average weekly wages by specifically targeting high-wage, knowledge-based jobs in your targeted business sectors of information technology, environmental technology and medical services and support. As a result of your efforts,Valdosta has experienced an 11 percent annual increase in job growth in these knowledge-based sectors resulting in an additional 4,162 jobs in our targeted sectors,” Miller added. “Keep up your efforts with the Business Plan Competition, the SEEDS Center, and your young professionals group. They’re working.”

During the open discussion portion of the Summit, leaders reiterated the need for improvements in education and leadership collaboration.

Nearly 100 business and community leaders participated in this year’s Summit. www.ValdostaChamber.com / Summer 2012

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GO Green... and SAVE Green!

As a business owner, can you afford

to spend additional money on your energy costs each month?

Retrofitting your light bulbs is just one of many ways to save money fast. This was the consensus among energy experts at the Chamber’s Sustainable Energy Network workshop May 17 at Courtyard by Marriott Valdosta.

The Chamber has partnered with the Green Chamber of the South and will be facilitating trainings and workshops to further educate our business community about the economic benefits and business venture opportunities available Presenters at the Sustainable Energy Workshop included: Bruce Bailey (Colquitt EMC), John Noel through use of sustainable energy products (Energy & Environment, LLC), Steve O’Neil (Consensus Energy), and services. Visit our website today to view and Mike Morris (Georgia Power Company). information and access resources, and start going green -- and saving green -- today!

For more information please visit www.OpportunityCentral.net.

ERCO Becomes Chamber’s First Chairman’s Circle Investor!

T

Chairm 10

le

here is no doubt that ERCO Worldwide is one of the leading manufacturers in the Valdosta area and it truly shows through its commitment to the community and to the Chamber.

ERCO Worldwide recently became the Chamber’s first investor in its top membership tier, the Chairmen’s Circle. “ERCO Worldwide is pleased Jeff Fulp (ERCO Worldwide) an’s Circ to be the first Chairman’s Circle investor,” states Jeff Fulp, plant manager.

“One of the best ways we can demonstrate our commitment to this community is through the local Membership chamber and its many programs.”

2012 ERCO is in the business of developing and supplying chlorine oxide systems to pulp and paper customers and has been in operation since 1996. Currently employing 32, ERCO has maintained a stable workforce since the company opened 16 years ago.

As a corporate citizen, ERCO and its employees take an active role in the community through annual contributions to local organizations which include: United Way, Community Partners in Education, Moulton Branch Elementary, JL Lomax Elementary, Pinevale Learning Center,Valdosta and Lowndes High,VSU, and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.

ERCO provides numerous programs to support work and life balance for its employees, offering opportunities to learn more and earn more and providing tuition reimbursement and onsite and offsite continuing education. Employee recognition and rewards programs, as well as conservation, and reuse and waste reduction programs are of high priority at ERCO. ERCO is the two-time winner of the Chamber’s Manufacturer of the Year Award, which honors the elite of manufacturing in economic impact, corporate citizenship and workplace excellence.

For more information, visit www.ERCOWorldwide.com.

Summer 2012 / www.ValdostaChamber.com

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©2012 Georgia Power

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&

Present 3rd Annual Chamber Choice Awards More than 350 Chamber members attended the 3rd Annual Chamber Choice Awards Breakfast on March 22 at the Rainwater Conference Center. Six prestigious awards were given to outstanding businesses and volunteers from the Valdosta-Lowndes County community.

2012 BIG Thinker… Jeff Sikes (First America Drugs) “Recognition by Chamber members as a 2012 BIG Thinker for the Greater Valdosta business area came as a total surprise. At First America, our purpose for being and only focus has always been to take care of the healthcare needs of our patients in a caring and professional manner.

“A business which doesn’t value its employees is going to have a very tough time with retention, possibly even imploding from within. The challenge to render the best service possible at all times is what motivates me and the staff at First America. I’ve always said that if we take care of the people who grace our doors, everything else will take care of itself.”

– Jeff Sikes

2012 Young Professional of the Year...

Emily Macheski-Preston (Coleman Talley)

Emily Macheski-Preston and Carrie Johnson

Giovanni Panizzi and Jeff Sikes

“I am honored to be recognized among so many talented individuals in the Valdosta business community for the Young Professional of the Year Award. As an attorney with Coleman Talley LLP, I’ve had the opportunity to work with and be mentored by some of Valdosta’s finest lawyers.

“Our commitment motivates us to not only provide quality legal services to our clients, but to give back to the community by participating in local charitable efforts, including Relay for Life and the Second Harvest Food Bank. Stay active in your community and be aware of all of the resources available through local organizations such as the Chamber and MetroOne Young Professionals. Seek out other professionals with qualities that you desire and mentor with them as much as possible.”

– Emily Macheski-Preston

2012 Members’ Choice Award…South Georgia Eye Partners “This award is so unique and special to us because it is combination of community votes and votes from fellow Chamber members. There are so many exceptional businesses in town, so to be singled out for a customer service award really means that ‘see the difference’ is more than just our business tagline – people really do see what sets us apart and want to recognize us for it. We’ve built South Georgia Eye Partners on the foundation of experienced physicians, the latest technology and topnotch customer service.

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Summer 2012 / www.ValdostaChamber.com

By: Candler Bennett,VSU Intern “Being truly dedicated to consistently meeting and even exceeding your customers’ needs is where the rubber meets the road. From the little things that provide a personal touch to asking for input to providing memorable customer service on the phone, online and in person is how I think a long term relationship with customers is built and maintained.”

– Scott Peterman, M.D.

2012 Ambassador of the Year…Cindy Hotchkiss

Dr. Peterman and his team

(Cornerstone Design & Consulting) “This was truly a surprise! As a small business co-owner myself, I know how important relationships are and especially what having a good name means to me. Doing the simple things we do as Ambassadors for the Chamber means a lot…ribbon cuttings and Leading Business of the Week presentations mean so much more than posing for a picture! It is taking time to listen to that business owner or leader give credit to their team or share their outlook on what they are about and what they hope to accomplish through this undertaking. I am so glad to be able to encourage people in this way.

“Tough economic times are not new but working together will enable all of us to grow and prosper. I enjoy doing what we do as Ambassadors – to represent our Chamber as an entity that works to help our local economy.”

– Cindy Hotchkiss

Michael Anderson and Cindy Hotchkiss

2012 Small Business of the Year…Smith Drug Company “The most unique aspect of winning this award was that we never expected to be publicly recognized for what we do for our employees and our community and it was very humbling for me personally. My main motivation is to make sure that my employees are as protected from the downturn as much as possible and then to focus on those outside of our work environment who are affected and try to help as much as we can.

“I have always believed if you take care of your customers and then take care of your employees the rest will take care of itself. Make it your goal to make someone’s life better every day. I truly believe that the real key to success is, live to serve, always try to be humble and I think you will find true success in your endeavors.”

– Bruce Allred, General Manager, Director of Operations Bruce Allred and Sue Cox

2012 Manufacturer of the Year…ERCO Worldwide, Inc. “Being recognized for the second time speaks volumes for the quality of our workforce and excellent corporate support we receive at the Valdosta Plant. It reminds us that our support of this community does not go unnoticed and is appreciated.

“Our motivation is our employees and our customers. We want to provide safe, stable employment for our employees and a superior product for our customers.

Get involved in this great community and support your local Chamber. Joining the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber has been one of the best business decisions I have made in the last 16 years.”

– Jeff Fulp, Plant Manager The ERCO team and Tom Carroll www.ValdostaChamber.com / Summer 2012

For more photos visit www.ValdostaChamber.com/PhotoGallery 13 13

Congratulations! Ground Breakings 5 Star Exterior Cleaning 3804 Cross Creek Trail 912-585-6786 / Mr. Demetric Byrd Cleaning Service

Agri Supply 2825 US Highway 84 229-316-2710 / Mr. Henry Fortson Farm Equipment

Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC 401 Woodrow Wilson Drive 229-247-7707 / Mr. Andrew Woods Physician

Catko Distributors 2301 West Savannah Avenue 229-249-8229 / Mr. Jamie Catikos Distribution Services

Chez What 124 N. Ashley Street 229-412-2784 / Ms. Katie Wiggins Consignment/Antiques

Chow Town Grill & Buffet 1550 Baytree Road 229-293-0642 / Mr. Xiagn Rong Ou Restaurant

Factor X Fitness 1711 Norman Drive 229-469-4292 / Hal Jackson Fitness Center

Fred’s Super Dollar 4401 Bemiss Road 901-238-2583 / Mr. Bob Langreder Retail

H&R Block - N. Ashley Street 2182 N. Ashley Street 352-586-5207 / Ms. Danielle Pascali Tax Preparation

H&R Block - Bemiss Road 4030A Bemiss Road 352-586-5207 / Ms. Danielle Pascali Tax Preparation

H&R Block - Madison Hwy. 800 Madison Highway 352-586-5207 / Ms. Danielle Pascali Tax Preparation

H&R Block - Gornto Road 1709 Gornto Road, Ste. A 229-259-9061 / Ms. Deana Miller Tax Preparation

H&R Block - St. Augustine Road 952 N. St. Augustine Road 352-586-5207 / Ms. Danielle Pascali Tax Preparation

Heritage Bank 3277 Inner Perimeter Road 229-293-8590 / Mr. James Salter Banks and Credit Unions

iGadget Doctor, LLC 1703 Norman Drive, Suite D 229-244-3900 / Ms. Tessa Garcia Electronic Service & Repair

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Summer 2012 / www.ValdostaChamber.com

& Ribbon Cuttings Centennial Tree Project St. Augustine Road 229-247-8100 / Erika Bennett Chamber of Commerce

Jungle Jym’s 3124 N. Oak Street Ext. 229-247-1271 / Mr. Roy Taylor Amusement Place

Limu 2323 N. Forrest Street 229-412-6867 / Ms. Twanna Beverly Sales Representative

Manny’s Sub Shop 1211 Baytree Road 229-219-7710 / Mr. Jeremy LaCorte Sub Shop

McDonald’s (North) 1177 St. Augustine Road 229-251-1457 / Ms. Melissa McDonald Restaurant

Olive Garden 1315 N. St. Augustine Road 229-244-9990 / Ms. Theresa Strickland Restaurant

Pregnancy Support Clinic of Valdosta

214 W. Park Ave 229-333-0080 / Becky Deas Pregnancy Clinic

Rabbit Moon Yarn 102 N. Church Street, Hahira, GA 229-794-8162 / Ms. Colleen Baxter Yarn Shop

Repeat Boutique 285 Norman Drive 229-333-0063 / Ms. Robin DeRocco Second Hand Apparel

Richard Shelton-Attorney at Law 106 E. North Street 229-245-9156 / Mr. Richard W. Shelton Law Office

Southeastern Freight Lines 2126 W. Hill Avenue 229-247-1859 / Mr. Leggett Lovan Transportation

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc. 3555 North Crossing Circle 229-293-1125 / Mr. Barry Barr Financial Planning Consultants

Southwest Georgia Bank 1404 Baytree Road 229-244-4444 / Dion Chapman Bank

Valdosta Nutrition 2904 C. N. Patterson Street 229-242-4024 / Mr. Will Baker Health & Wellness Products

Zaxby’s 1102 N. St. Augustine Road 229-254-0799 / Mr. Wes Kennedy Restaurant

www.ValdostaChamber.com / Summer 2012

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Equal Housing Lender Member FDIC

We are proud to have served five

Generations

of South Georgia families with extraordinary customer service.

Citizens Community Bank

hahira - morven - valdosta

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Hahira (229) 794-2111 Morven (229) 775-2441 N. Valdosta (229) 242-2225 Baytree (229) 242-2221 www.citizenscommunitybank.net

Summer 2012 / www.ValdostaChamber.com

Members Put Valdosta on the Map By: Candler Bennett,VSU Intern

Fresh Beginnings is located at: 4001 Coleman Rd. N. • Valdosta, GA • 229.242-0237 • www.freshbeginnings.com Judith Hathcock, owner and president of ELEAD One (Fresh Beginnings), gained national attention by being quoted in a recent USA Today article. The article recognized the top dealerships in terms of outstanding customer service.

The Chamber is proud of its members! Has your business been recognized for a special award? Let us know about it.

Contact Erika Bennett at ebennett@ValdostaChamber.com for your chance to be spotlighted in Chamber publications.

Videoconference connects local leaders to a top-rated community Bowling Green, Kentucky is a city very similar in size and other attributes to Valdosta. In a recent assessment

by two economists with VSU’s College of Business, Bowling Green ranked second highest among 15 communities in the southeastern US which were compared to Valdosta on a dozen measures of economic health. Bowling Green, like Valdosta, is surrounded by mostly rural counties. Located in the southwest region of Kentucky, Bowling Green has established a very stable economic environment.

The Chamber’s Opportunity Central Book Club and IT Network hosted a videoconference with the business leadership of Bowling Green, KY to determine their “secrets to success.” The only cost for this “virtual trip” was a few hours of time and the willingness to learn from other Ken Ricket (Ricket & communities that are making progress.

Associates) facilitates the Book Club chairman Ken Ricket (Ellis, Ricket & Associates) facilitated the conversation as videoconference session local business leaders in Valdosta asked probing questions of Bowling Green’s leaders. “Kentucky and business roundtable is not a particularly affluent state. It struggles with cyclical poverty and low education attainment discussion with Bowling levels in certain areas and doesn’t have unusual assets that we don’t have,” said Myrna Ballard Green, KY leaders on May (Chamber president). “I think it’s possible 7 at Wiregrass Tech. that we actually have more to work with than they do, yet Bowling Green is faring better than we are on some important measures of community economic health.”

“Bowling Green’s secrets to success appear to be their willingness to collaborate with regional partners, and their local Leaders from the Valdosta-Lowndes county community parleaders’ willingness to work cooperatively,” said Ricket.

Visit www.OpportunityCentral.net to view the complete ticipate in a videoconference with Bowling Green, Kentucky leaders. videoconference and see what’s next on our to-do list. www.ValdostaChamber.com / Summer 2012

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Wiregrass Tech Hosts 2012 Business Outlook Breakfast

T

he Chamber’s Business Outlook Breakfast, hosted by Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, took place Feb. 16 at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center. A very distinguished panel including Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Dr.Thomas Cunningham, UGA economist Dr. Jeffrey Humphreys and VSU economist Dr. Cynthia Tori presented the outlook from national, state and local perspectives.

Dr. Cunningham provided both a national and regional business outlook.

He explained that lack of confidence in the economy has caused people to defer purchasing goods, which has contributed to continuing sluggishness of the economy.

The Georgia economic outlook was presented by Dr. Humphreys, who indicated that the State of Georgia will

For more information about the 2012 Business Outlook Breakfast, please visit www.ValdostaChamber.com/ businessoutlook.

continue to experience slow growth, however it may take two decades to recoup lost jobs.

Dr. Tori explained to the 100-plus bankers and business leaders present that Lowndes County’s residential foreclosures were below the national average, and shared that we have a stabilizing real estate market and an abundance of qualified labor from WGTC and VSU. The Business Outlook Breakfast was sponsored for the second consecutive year by Wiregrass GeorgiaTech.

“We are proud to be a partner in assisting you as you grow your business,” said WGTC president Dr. Ray Perren. “We view the Business Outlook Breakfast as a way to help our business community make informed business decisions.”

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Dr.Thomas Cunningham, University of Georgia Selig Center Director Dr. Jeffrey Humphreys and Valdosta State University’s Center for Business & Economic Research Dr. Cynthia Tori are pictured from left to right.

When you apply for a loan with us we can give you a straight answer. We make our loan decisions locally.

There’s no waiting for out of town loan committees at Commercial Banking Company.

We know the community, and we know our customers.

CBC

COMMERCIAL BANKING COMPANY Member FDIC

Valdosta

Hahira

Moultrie

Tifton

3462 North Valdosta Road - 1215 Baytree Road - Valdosta / 110 West Main St. - Hahira 635 Veterans Parkway North - Moultrie / 729 West 2nd Street - Tifton L-R Back: Taylor Biddle, Sam Warren L-R Front: Beth Odom, Vickie Godwin, Pam Yeager, Dain Smith

229-242-7600 - www.cbcbank.com

It just makes sense.

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Summer 2012 / www.ValdostaChamber.com

Celebrating 75 Years of Trusted Legal Services in 2012!

Wade H. Coleman

George T. Talley

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Edward F. Preston

William S. Steinberg

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C. George Newbern

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William E. Holland

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Keith A. Jernigan

John W. Boykin

Justin S. Scott

L. Lake Jordan

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Timothy M. Tanner •

C. Hansell Watt IV

Andrew V. Thomas II

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R. Clay Powell

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Richard L. Coleman •

Gregory T. Talley

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Mark A. Gilbert

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Beau Howell

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Russell D. Henry •

Lisa Wannamaker

Eric A. Collins

Mary Margaret Williams

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Annette Kerlin McBrayer

910 North Patterson Street, Valdosta, GA 31601

Thompson Kurrie Jr.

W. Harrison Coleman, Jr.

Gregory Q. Clark

Emily Macheski-Preston

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Ryan E. Spell

colemantalley.com

229.242.7052

Join nearly 7 million investors who get the face time they deserve.

Ranked “Highest in Investor Satisfaction with Full Service Brokerage Firms.”

Greg Reid, AAMS® Financial Advisor .

113 West Brookwood Drive Suite C Valdosta, GA 31601 229-242-8800

Royce Coleman, AAMS® Financial Advisor

www.edwardjones.com

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119 N Ashley Street Valdosta, GA 31601 229-241-0001

Edward Jones received the highest numerical score among full service brokerage firms in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Full Service Investor Satisfaction Study.SM Study based on responses from 4,401 investors measuring 16 investment firms and measures opinions of investors who used full-service investment institutions. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in February 2012. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

Member SIPC © Edward Jones, 2012

www.ValdostaChamber.com / Summer 2012

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Summer 2012 / www.ValdostaChamber.com

Dear IMPACT 2012 Investors: We are in the 5th and final year of the IMPACT 2012 Plan. During the planning phase business and community leaders agreed to invest in specific programs to stimulate and change the face of our local economy. Many, but not all, of our goals have been achieved. Some highlights include: • Through our targeted business expansion division, our community has facilitated the growth of 4,162 jobs in environmental technology, information technology, and medical services and support.

• The annual Economic Summits truly have opened our eyes about our community’s strengths and areas of needed improvement.

• MetroOne, our young professionals group, is firmly established with regularly scheduled activities to promote professional development and community improvement.

• Triple Crown Hometowns has recruited 352 retiree households.

• The SEEDS Business Resource Center has assisted more than 2,500 clients.

• The workforce development program has improved the skills of more than 400 supervisors through Supervisor Essential Workshops.

• SORT has developed a true public-private collaboration to improve the business development process, and make our community more business-friendly.

What will the next 5 years bring to our community? No one knows for sure. However, we have proven that with a plan and with public/private collaboration it is possible to achieve extraordinary results.

Respectfully,

204568_CottonCornerBC

5/14/12

Walter Hobgood 204568_CottonCornerBC 5/14/12 10:09 416 North Ashley Street • P.O. Box 790 • Valdosta, GA 31603 • 229-247-81400 Oversight Committee Chairman

10:09

Event rental space for receptions, meetings, special occasions, and more...

Event rental space for receptions, meetings, special occasions, and more... www.cottoncorner101.com

www.ValdostaChamber.com / Summer 2012

101 North Ashley Street

www.cottoncorner101.com 101 North Ashley Street P. O. Box 1362 Valdosta, Georgia 31601 229-242-3157

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Celebrating 100 Years of Leading Businesses!

Our community would not be what it is today without the hard work and leadership of its many businesses. The Chamber recognizes a “Leading Business” each week to showcase its exceptional members.

Star Insurance “We offer services to our clients ranging from annuities to worker’s compensation. We have professionals with over 200 years of service who can answer any insurance needs of our clients.”

Archie Waldron

Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts “The Turner Center for the Arts exhibits, Presenter Series, classes, concerts, gift shop and other offerings not only enrich our quality of life, but contribute to the vitality and prosperity of our community.”

Cheryl Oliver

SmithBarnas & Associates, Inc. “At SmithBarnas our services are unique to the area as we are the only company that offers total human resource services to our local and regional area employers.”

Megan Y. Smith

Belk - Valdosta “At Belk not only do we offer relentless customer care, but also brands not carried by other stores in Valdosta.”

Paul Clingan

Coleman Talley LLP “Our firm has an unwavering commitment to quality work product and exemplary personalized client services that make Coleman Talley LLP a leading law firm.”

Russell D. Henry

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Miller Hardware “One of our biggest accomplishments is having a fourth generation business since 1908. We have a long term vision and are known for a culture of helping people solve problems.”

Dutton Miller

Summer 2012 / www.ValdostaChamber.com

Sponsored by

Photography By: Steven Heddon, Fusion Marketing

Endless Summer Tanning Salon “Voted Valdosta’s best tanning salon by the Valdosta Daily Times, Endless Summer takes pride in providing a relaxing tanning experience with excellent customer service in a clean and refreshing environment.”

Stacie Thornton

Express Employment Professionals

COOMBS Heating and Air Conditioning

“After opening our business 7 years ago, we have consistently grown our business through excellent customer service and with a passion for helping people. We provide total client care and HR solutions.”

Walter Hobgood

Wes Sewell Photography “Wes Sewell Photography moved from a hobby to a full time business with a downtown studio providing professional photography in all weather situations.”

Wes Sewell

Brandon, Rackley and Dukes, P.C. “We have been in business since 1967, and are now serving second and third generation owners of original clients. We have continued to grow and provide up to date accounting, tax and consulting services to our clients.”

Jud Rackley

Teamtemps Personnel Staffing, Inc. “Teamtemps is the area’s only locally owned and operated staffing service, serving our clients and employees from our Valdosta office since 1988. We consistently train and educate our staff.”

Sean Panizzi

www.ValdostaChamber.com / Summer 2012

Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Center “What sets us apart at the Holiday Inn is our customer service and our willingness to go above and beyond for our clients and guests.”

Ron Wilson

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Chamber Government Affairs Council Keeping you “in the know” and connected to your elected officials!

T

he Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber wants to make sure your business has all the tools it needs to succeed, and one essential key to all business is ADVOCACY. We want to keep you connected to your elected officials. The Chamber recently held two important events to do just that.

CertusBank Hosts U.S. Senator Isakson There was a packed house as U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson provided Chamber members with a legislative update on May 30 at the Rainwater Conference Center.

Russ Collett, President of CertusBank, thanks Isakson for visiting with Valdosta business leaders.

NEW!

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson visited Valdosta on May 30 and spoke about taxes, regulations, international affairs, and state competitiveness at a luncheon sponsored by CertusBank and co-hosted by the Chamber and Rotary Club of Valdosta. More than 200 area leaders came to hear the Senator speak about issues which affect the local community and country as a whole. Senator Isakson emphasized his support for the deepening and widening of the Savannah Port. The port is a key source of jobs and is critical to keeping Georgia competitive in the global market. The Senator praised the Chamber’s effort in keeping him and other legislators informed of the top business concerns in the area over the years. Senator Isakson ended the luncheon by encouraging citizens to reach out to their elected officials whenever they need help.

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Summer 2012 / www.ValdostaChamber.com

By: Candler Bennett,VSU Intern

Governor Deal Speaks at Chamber Breakfast

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n April 25 Governor Nathan Deal spoke at the Chamber’s state legislative breakfast presented by Packaging Corporation of America and co-hosted by Valdosta State University. Local legislators and more than 200 area leaders thanked Gov. Deal for $32 million for funding the Valdosta State University Health Sciences and Business Administration project. The Governor emphasized that reducing government spending and improving education Gov. Deal and State Senator Tim Golden talk will continue to be top legislative priorities at the Chamber breakfast. priorities. Recent tax reform legislation was also discussed which will eliminate the sales tax on energy used by manufacturers, eliminate the birthday tax currently applied on auto tag renewals, eliminate the marriage tax penalty and increase sales tax incentives for farmers. The Chamber thanks State Representative Amy Carter for arranging Gov. Deal’s visit.

Gov. Deal speaks with Joyce Aigen (JL Concepts) after the breakfast, sponsored by Packaging Corporation of America.

How do we know what to advocate for? WE ASK!

T

he Chamber’s GAC needs to hear from our members, local governments, local authorities, organizations and entities.

We encourage all to share their top legislative concerns with the GAC Executive Committee during this meeting via an “open mic” format.

The Chamber’s GAC Executive Committee hears concerns at the January Members to be This allows the GAC to take Heard meeting. appropriate steps to make informed decisions on whether to support, oppose, endorse and/or • Sales Tax Holiday • E-Fairness • E-SPLOST investigate issues regarding business in our community. For • Sales Tax Exemption on Energy Used in Manufacturing more information visit ValdostaBusinessVoice.com.

Don’t miss our next Members to be Heard meeting!

Examples of past issues presented include: Tuesday, July 31 (Election Day) • 3:30 p.m.

• Funding for VSU Health Sciences and Business Administration Building Valdosta City Hall Annex Multipurpose Room

NEW Chamber Website Brings Legislators to Your Fingertips The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber has launched a new website dedicated to make it easier for YOU to track local, state and federal legislation and voting resources for our area. ValdostaBusinessVoice.com is the official public affairs website of the Chamber. “This site is one resource for everything legislative,” said Erika Bennett, Director of Government Affairs and Marketing for the Chamber. “The site features tools for tracking legislation, voter resources, and advocacy information.

There will also be information on contacting your legislators, and voting history for elected officials. Issues key to the Valdosta community are readily available which will help voters make decisions in upcoming elections.” www.ValdostaChamber.com / Summer 2012

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CHAMBER MEMBERS

Membership Renewals

The following businesses renewed their Chamber memberships between February 1, 2012 and May 31, 2012. These businesses are committed to the prosperity of Valdosta-Lowndes County. Do business with the best - a Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber member. Look for the plaque that says “2012 Member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce”.

1st Franklin Financial 21st Century Telecommunications, Inc. 480 Murray Apartments A & M Self Storage A.S.A.P. Services, Inc. AA Superior Transportation Company Abundant Life Church of God Ace Electric, Inc. ACE Technologies ACS Prudential ACS Real EstateThomas Peacock ACS-Prudential ACS Real Estate Services -Nathan Smith ACS-Prudential ACS Real Estate -Abigail Hughes ACS-Prudential ACS Real Estate -Adonna C. Smith ACS-Prudential ACS Real Estate -Andy Deal ACS-Prudential ACS Real Estate -Brian Cooper ACS-Prudential ACS Real Estate -Chasity Luke ACS-Prudential ACS Real Estate -Katha Twiner ACS-Prudential ACS Real Estate -Stacy Touchton Action Printing ADP ADT Security Services, Inc. Advanced ATC Affinity Building Systems, LLC Airman & Family Readiness Center Alan Sutton Company, Inc. Alert-Tech Systems, Inc. All South Door & Hardware, Inc. Allan Dear Real Estate Allstar Garage Doors Allstate Used Trucks of Valdosta Alpha Protech Engineered Products, Inc. Alpha Protech, Inc. Alvin Payton, Jr. American Classifieds American Self Storage Ameris Bank Amy and Pinky’s Anderson Power Services Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts Architectural Ornamental Castings of Valdosta, Inc. Arthur Herndon Co. Real Estate, Inc. Arthur Herndon Co. Real Estate, Inc. -Ann Guess Arthur Herndon Co. Real Estate, Inc. -Beth Gross Arthur Herndon Co. Real Estate, Inc. -Elaine Peace Arthur Herndon Co. Real Estate, Inc. -Larry Mercer Arthur Herndon Co. Real Estate, Inc. -Mike Williams Arthur Herndon Co. Real Estate, Inc. -Pam Pitts

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Arthur Herndon Co. Real Estate, Inc. -Wendy Woodruff Artists on Ashley Ashley Perry Ashley’s Business Solutions, Inc. Ashton Meadows Atlanta Bread Company Atlanta Gas Light Company Atlantic Southeast Airlines Atlantic Tel-Com Inc. Audibel Hearing Aid Centers Austins Cattle Co. Auto Repair Experts Automotive Parts & Equipment (NAPA) Avalon Virtual Assistance, LLC Avis Rent-A-Car Azalea City Animal Hospital Azalea City Bonding Company, Inc. Azalea City Limousine Service, Inc. Azalea Health Innovations, Inc. Backyard Retreat Bajalia and Associates, LLC Barker Realty & Auction Co., Inc. -Tony Barker Bass Collision Services, Inc. Bath Craft, Inc. Baytree Condominiums Baytree Pizza Baytree Veterinary Hospital bebe Nails Beech Island Knitting Company Behavioral Health Services Belk Bemiss Bar-B-Q/Catering, LLC Bemiss Citizens Bank Bennett Electric and Industrial Contractors, Inc. Better Mood Clinic Big Cocke Charters BIZ With A Good Name Blanton & Griffin Insurance Agency Blanton Construction Blue Grace Logistics Bojangles Brainy Scholars Brandon, Rackley & Dukes, PC Brighter Day International Ministries, Inc. Brooker Insurance Agency, Inc. Brookfield Academy Brooks County Schools Bruce and Anne Cousins Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Buddy Coleman Buddy’s Home Furnishings Buescher & Ruff C. Byrd Simmons, CPA California Sun Care Medical Center Carson McLane Funeral Home Carter’s Septic Tank and Sewer Line Cleaning Cass Burch Chrysler Castlewood Apartments

C BV Collections Inc. CCCS of SWGA, Inc. Central Floral Company Charlie Tripper’s, Inc. Chemx Pest Control Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc. Christian Love Bible Baptist Church, Inc. Church Street Coffee Cintas Corporation Circuitboard Computers & Technology Citizens Community Bank City Market City of Valdosta, Main Street CVDA Clarion Inn Classic Art & Frame Co. ClientTell, Inc. Code 3 Response Security Services Coggins Farm Supply, Inc. Coldwell Banker Premier Real Estate -C. King Coldwell Banker Premier Real Estate -Cindy Pegg Coldwell Banker Premier Real Estate -Lisa Thomas Coldwell Banker Premier Real Estate -Missy Sherwood Coldwell Bankers Premier Real Estate -Lamar Pittman Coleman Talley LLP-William E. Holland Colson Printing Co. Comfort Keepers Commercial Banking Company Community Link/Craig Williams Creative Computer Clinic Conservative Neurology Services Constangy, Brooks & Smith, LLP Convergys Corporation Corbett Electrical Construction, Inc. Cornerstone Design & Consulting, Inc. Country Cobbler Country Inn & Suites Courtyard by Marriott Cowart & Son Well Drilling, Inc. Crawford Powell Credit Bureau Associates Crossroads Baptist School Crystal River Seafood C-Tech Water Solutions, LLC Cunningham Tree Service, Inc. Curves for Women Cypress Lakes Development, Inc. Daily Dinners Personal Chef Service Davis Air Conditioning Company Dawn Mashburn Days Inn-Lake Park Debbie Parker McLeod DeLoach Automotive Dialysis Corporation of America Dishforce District Attorney’s Office - Southern Judicial Court Ditto’s Upscale Resale Doctors Laboratory, Inc.

Don Penny Donald W. Garner, DMD Dover, Miller, Stone & Karras Drawdy Roofing Drug Testing of South Georgia Earl Copeland Garage, Inc. East & West Investments, Inc. Easter Seals Southern Georgia, Inc. Edward Jones Investments/Greg Reid Edward Jones Investments/Jeff Whelchel Edward Jones Investments/Royce Coleman Electrical Test Labs of Georgia Elliott, Blackburn & Gooding, P.C. -Tom Gooding Ellis, Ricket & Associates Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University EMC Engineering Services, Inc. Endless Summer Tanning Salon Engineers’ Consulting Group Enterprise Rent-A-Car Equipment Parts Supply E-Travel Anytime Eubanks Appliance Service EXIT REALTY IN TOUCH Express Care Medical Clinic Express Employment Professionals Eye Associates of South GA., L.L.C. Fairview Inn Bed & Breakfast Farmer Brown’s Produce Market Farmers Home Furniture Company Farmers Supply Company First Federal of Valdosta First United Methodist Church Flash Foods, Inc. FootLocker F-O-R-T-U-N-E Personnel Consultants of Valdosta Foster Travel Agency Four Seasons Chocolates Fowler, Holley, Rambo & Stalvey, PC Fred DeLoach, Jr. Fred Ware-VSU Dept. of Management Fresh Beginnings, Inc. Freshair, LLC Fruits of the Garden Winery and Gifts, LLC Fusion Creative Marketing Gary L. Moser, Attorney Gary R. Zeigler, P.C. Georgia Gulf Sulfur Corp.

Georgia Petroleum, Inc. Georgia Printco, LLC Georgia Warehousing Girlfriends II Hair Salon Glenn T. Swindle, DDS Goodwill Career Center Gourmet Guys, LLC Greene Supply Company Greenleaf Center Greystone Medical Clinic Griffin Corporation Griffin’s Handyman Service Griner Automotive Group, Inc.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Leading Businesses.

Leading Communities. TM

Guardian Bank Guesthouse International Inn of Valdosta H & H Insurance Solutions, Inc. H & S Supply Co., Inc. H. Arthur McLane Hahira Laundromat Hahira, City of Hampton Inn & Suites Hasty’s Communications & Electronics Heritage House Nursing Home Heron Lake Hibachi Express Hickory Head Plantation, LLC Higher Heights Learning Center Hill Tire Co. Hilton Garden Inn Hogan’s Pharmacy Holly Hill Healthcare Home Instead Senior Care Home of 10,000 Picture Frames Homes and Land of Valdosta and Surrounding Areas Honey Baked Ham Hooters of Valdosta House of Joy Humane Society of Valdosta/ Lowndes County Imperial Auto Sales Independent Associate of PrePaid Legal Services, Inc. Innovate Engineering Solutions, LLC IPG, Inc. Ivey’s The Man’s Shop J. Allen Lawson J. Glenn Gregory & Associates J. Randall Hicks Jack Edwards Jacobs’ Ladder Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath James Bridges Jason Shaw Jeani Synyard Jerry Mercer Physical Therapy Jessie’s Eats and Treats, LLC Jim Hinton Oil Co. Jim Morgan Productions Jodi’s Accessories John’s Body Shop, Inc. Johnson Distributing Company Judy Martin Trexler, LCSW Keeman Petroleum Company, Inc. Kuddles & Huggs Learning Academy La Quinta Inn & Suites Lakehaven Health & Rehab Lamar Advertising Langdale Ford Company Langdale Forest Products Co. Langdale Hyundai of South Georgia Langdale Industries Langdale Vallotton, LLP LB Masonry, Inc.

Summer 2012 / www.ValdostaChamber.com

Learning in Retirement at Valdosta State University Learning Tree Educational Resources Lee Office Equipment Lee’s Book Store LeFiles Financial Planning, LLC Legacy Coaches Leland S. Moore, Jr., CPA Letica Corporation Lewis & Lewis Lawn Service Liberty National Life Insurance Co. Lighthouse Baptist Church Lighthouse Christian School Lillie Bea’s Daycare and Learning Center Lincoln Realty Line-X of South Georgia, Inc. LODAC Lowndes Drug Action Council Lovell Engineering Associates, PC Lowe’s Distribution Center Lowndes Advocacy Resources Center Lowndes Associated Ministries to People, Inc. Lowndes County Board of Commissioners Lowndes County Democratic Party Lowndes County DFACS Lowndes County DUI School Lowndes County Farm Bureau Lowndes County Health Department Lowndes County Historical Society & Museum Lowndes County Tax Commissioner Lowndes County, Solicitor General of Lowndes Improvement Association Loyce W. Turner Mackey Lumber Company Mac’s Automotive Service March of Dimes Marilyn Dye Mark A. Retterbush, D.M.D., P.C. Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc. Matrix Department, Inc. McCall & Associates, Inc. McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens Medicare Supplement Insurance Services Merchant Home Medical Services, LLC Messiah Lutheran Church Metabolic Research Center MIDS, Inc. MIKE HILL Real Estate Mims Computers & Networking Mink Chiropractic Center, LLC Mirate Eye Center Miss Mother’s Kiddie Care & Pre-School, Inc. Mizell Floor Covering, Inc. Moore, Clarke, Duvall & Rodgers, P. C. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Moss Car Wash & Detail Services Moss Trim Shop Nails by Chris Nairobi African Art Natalie Vondersmith Necessary Details Mobile Spray Tanning New Concepts Publishing New Life Ministries New York Life - Lee McArthur New York Life - W. Chris Baltrus

N ewbern & Newbern, DDS Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc. No-Carbarita Margarita Mix & Zero Margarita Mix Northside Animal Hospital Nu-Smile Family Dentistry -Sherry C. Colvin, D.M.D., P.C. Oakwood School Ole Times Country Buffet Only Options, Inc. On-Site 1 Ortlieb Moving & Storage Co. Oyster Bar Fish Market, Inc. Packaging Corporation of America, Inc. PammyCakes Park Avenue United Methodist Church Pathway Wellness Center Pearl Executive Shuttle, Inc. Peliton Plastics Peoples Financial Pepsi Cola Company Pilot Truck Care (Wingfoot Commercial Tires, LLC) Pioneer Credit Plastic Surgery Assoc. of Valdosta, P. C. Pleats & Creases Precision Industries Inc. Premier Home Inspection Premier Rental-Purchase Presbyterian Hospice Prince Automotive of Valdosta, Inc. PromoFX Graphics & Promotional Products Purchasing Alliance Solutions, Inc. Quality Electric Co. Quillian Powell Construction Co. Inc. Quinn Construction Group, Inc. Quola LC/CDC, Inc. R.S.T. Construction Inc. Radiology Associates of Valdosta RAM International, Inc. Rapid Press, Inc. Rascals Bar & Grille Ray & Son Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. RCC Western Stores Real Living Realty Advisors -Jeannie Lugo Real Living Realty Advisors -Monet Coles Real Living Realty Advisors -Terry De Coudres Redirect Driver Improvement & Counseling redwire Regal Marine Regions Bank Remax of Valdosta-Jack Oliver Remax of Valdosta-Lamar Golivesky Remax Realty of Valdosta.-Jeff DeLoach Remax Realty of Valdosta-Joan Kierce Remerton City Hall Rev. V L Daughtery, Jr. Rhythm & Blues Cafe Ricky’s Roof Maintenance Rivendell USA, LLC RK Distributing Robert T. Daugharty, Jr. Robinson Insurance

Robinson Recycling, Inc. Rock-Rodeo Roll Em Here Tobacco Roto Rooter Plumbers Rountree Construction Company, Inc. Roy E Taylor, Sr RSC Equipment Rental Rutland Low Voltage Systems, Inc. Rutland Music Company S & M Air Duct Cleaning/ Pressure Washing S.C. Barker Construction Company Sabrina Auto Sales, Inc. SAFT America Inc. Salvage GM Sam Dennis, Attorney Sands Horizon, Inc. SCANA Energy Scruggs Concrete Company Second Harvest of South Georgia Servpro of Valdosta Sew and So Fabrics SGCEH Community Case Management Shaw Brothers Sherry M. Wood Sherwin-Williams Company #2138 Sherwood & Sherwood, P. C. Shipping Unlimited Signature Landscapes, Inc. Sleep Inn, Inn and Suites Smith Drug Company SMITH Northview Hospital SmithBarnas & Associates, Inc. So. Ga. House of Hope Soil Remediation, Inc. Sonic Drive In Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q South GA Solar Power South Georgia Die & Machining Co. South Georgia Medical Center South Georgia Motorsports Park South Georgia Pecan Co. South Georgia Plumbing South Georgia Regional Libraries, Inc. South Georgia Vein Centers South Georgia Western Star, Inc. South Health District Southeast Capital Investment Group, LLC Southeastern Federal Credit Union Southeastern Freight Lines Southern Carpet & Tile, LLC Southern Printer Cartridge Supply Southern Skin & Wellness Center Southern States Cooperative Mill Southern States Toyota Lift Southern Stationery Southwest Georgia Bank Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition Spanish Mission Apartments (Stonemark Management) Sparkles Weddings & Special Events Special Occasions Spring Chase Apartments Star Insurance State Farm Insurance - Paul Cribbs State Farm Ins. - Bubba Highsmith Stellar Photo Booth Rental Stephenson Jewelers & Beautiful

Flowers S tevens & Keesling, PC Stone Creek Golf Club Storey Machining Services, LLC SunCrest Home Health Sunrise Bank Valdosta Sunrise Irrigation Superior Home Security Services, Inc. Superior Shine Mobile Detail SurEste Cantina T & C Services T M Poly-Film, Inc. T.C. Brown Construction, Inc. Talk 92.1 Tall Tree Apartments Taylor Insurance Services TC Tax Service Teamtemps Personnel Staffing, Inc. Telamon Corporation Temple Israel That Others May Live Foundation The Beanery Coffee Roasters The Bleu Cafe The Floor Shop, Inc. The Flower Gallery The Foot & Ankle Institute of South Georgia, P.C. The Garden Center, Inc. The Gardens The Greeting Service The Group, Inc. The Howard Diet The Lawn Service The Links The Park Avenue Bank The Ravine Grille & Dinnerhouse The RCL Company DBA Lawlor Painting and Repair The Residences at Five Points The Salvation Army The U Can Man The UPS Store The Vintage Dragonfly The Vision Church Thelma J. Branham Three Oaks Apartments Tillman Motors Tim Golden Timothy A. Oliver T-Mobile #8040 Toads and Teacups Childrens Shop Total Image Productions TTL, Inc. Turner Furniture Company Turner Insurance Services, LLC Two Friends Cafe’ & Market U. S. Therapy Outlet U.S. Army U.S. Press Union Cathedral Union Tank Car Company University Gifts & Apparel Upper Cervical Health Centers of America Valdosta Anesthesia Associates, PC Valdosta Board of Realtors Valdosta Chiropractic & Rehab Valdosta Coaching Network Valdosta Country Club

Valdosta Daily Times Valdosta Electric Co. Valdosta Flying Service, Inc. Valdosta Foot & Ankle Clinic Valdosta Furniture & Mattress Valdosta Housing Authority Valdosta Insurance Services, Inc. Valdosta Junior Woman’s Club Valdosta Lighting Center Valdosta Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Valdosta Stadium Cinemas 16 Valdosta State University Valdosta State University - SIFE V aldosta State University Foundation, Inc. Valdosta State University, Community, Regional Relations Valdosta State University-Continuing Education Valdosta State University-Co-Op Office Valdosta Teachers’ Federal Credit Union Valdosta Toyota Valdosta Veterinary Hospital Valdosta-Lowndes Co. Conference Center & Tourism Authority Valenti, Rackley & Associates, LLC Village Shoe Repair Virtual World Technologies, Inc. VisionQuest Technology, LLC W P Walker’s Vack, Inc. WALB TV Wallace & Scott, LLP Waller Insurance & Investments, Inc. WAL-MART Waterstreet Hotel and Marina Watson’s Pools & Patios, Inc. Weeks Landscaping & Irrigation, LLC Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Wes Sewell Photography Western Auto Stores Wetherington Farms Williams Investment Company Wilson Eye Center Window Treats, Inc. Windstream Wingate by Wyndham Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Wisenbaker Construction & Grading Company Wooden Nickel Pub Holding Co., LLC Woodstone Apartment Homes Xstream Yancey Brothers Yes, it’s Cake!

YMCA Young, Thagard, Hoffman, Smith & Lawrence, LLP Zaxby’s

With your membership investment and by volunteering with the Chamber, you help promote quality business development in the community. www.ValdostaChamber.com / Summer 2012

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Centennial Luncheon Honoring Chamber Leaders, Past and Present

I

t was a time to remember as top Chamber leaders were recognized at the Centennial Luncheon for their accomplishments and impact on the community. The lunch, sponsored by Georgia Power Company and Covington’s Dining & Catering, featured a presentation of the past 100 years of the Chamber detailing significant accomplishments.

Former Chamber Executive Vice President Johnny B. Johnny B. Lastinger (center) shares memories Lastinger received an enthusiastic and extended standing ovation with former Board Chairmen Tyson McLane after photos encapsulating his 23 years of service to the Chamber (1978) and Wally Colson (1986). were displayed. “Although it has been nearly 20 years since Johnny B left the chamber profession, he is still recognized in statewide chamber circles as one of Georgia’s all-time top chamber executives,” said Chamber President Myrna Ballard.

“We are very proud to pay Johnny B this small and long overdue tribute.”

After viewing the presentation, it was clear that the advantages the community enjoys today didn’t just happen, but are a direct result of powerful leadership.

Terri Lupo (Georgia Power Company) announced that a tree will be planted at the Chamber of Commerce house in honor of the past Chairmen of the Board as part of the yearlong Centennial Tree Project.

.

To view more photos and presentation from event please go to

www.ValdostaChamber.com

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Summer 2012 / www.ValdostaChamber.com

Metro Valdosta is a Great Place for YPs The list of “100 Fun Things to Do in Metro Valdosta” was unveiled by the MetroOne Young Professionals group on the 100th day of the year, April 9. This list was compiled as an advocacy project for YPs to promote the many assets available in Metro Valdosta. This also serves as a way to promote the many businesses who provide these services and products. Lowndes County Commission Chairman Ashley Paulk and Valdosta Mayor John Gayle declared April 9 “Explore Metro Valdosta Day.” If you are between the ages of 21-40, MetroOne provides the perfect opportunity for you to get more involved in the community, and to enhance your personal professional development. Visit our website at www.MetroOneValdosta. com for more information and sign up for our 100 Fun Things e-list.

Like us on Facebook!

Morgan Plyler (Exit In Touch Realty) and Emily Macheski-Preston (Coleman,Talley, LLC) unveil the 100 Fun Things to Do List in Downtown Valdosta on behalf of MetroOne Young Professionals group.

You are cordially invited ... to a gala celebrating 100 years of progress in Valdosta and Lowndes County.

Cocktail reception & dance will be held at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center

Saturday, September 8th Live music provided by

“The Grapevine Band” • 7:30 p.m. till Midnight • Heavy Hors d’oeuvres

$450 for

corporate table (Includes 10 Guests)

- Or -

$50 per ticket

• Semi-formal Attire • Bar opens 7:30 p.m.

Please go ahead and purchase your tickets online at www.ValdostaChamber.com. Limited seating available.

Sponsored by:

The Seasons

Flower Market Garden & Gifts

www.ValdostaChamber.com / Summer 2012

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Centennial tree project

Beautifying the com

Dozens of businesses and individuals from the community are taking part in the Chamber’s Centennial Tree Project.

The year-long project, designed to help celebrate the Chamber’s 100th birthday, will plant 100 trees in the Valdosta community.

100 TREES to Represent

100 YEARS of Progress & Growth!

Terry Bennett (Heritage Bank of the South) Clinton Beeland (CJB Industries)

Sherry Zipperer (First State Bank and Trust)

Phase one of the project has already been completed on St. Augustine Road toward the Airport. Travelers will now see 65, 12’ live oak trees planted in the median.

Phase two will consist of a cluster of trees at a location in the city, complete with a mounted plaque.

To complete the project, the 100th tree will be planted at the Chamber office, located on 416 N. Ashley Street in honor of former Chamber leadership.

Andrea Schruijer (Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority)

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Jeff Hanson (Southwest Georgia Bank) D. K. Hollis (Citizens Community Bank)

Jud Moritz (Southwest Georgia Bank)

Terri Lupo (Georgia Power Company

munity, one tree at a time!

To commemorate the project, Valdosta State University Art Professor Hollis Barnett is sculpting a piece of art to recognize tree sponsors and honorees. The 2-D sculpture is an 8’ x 4’ metal tree with leaves containing the names of tree sponsors to be located at the Chamber.

Douglas Swords (Azalea Health Innovations)

Dan Henry (Azalea Health Innovations)

Tim and Bobbie Jones

Baha Zeidan (Azalea Health Innovations)

A Special Thank You to our Current Tree Sponsors: Alvin Payton, Jr. In Honor of Alvin Payton, Sr. Azalea Health Innovations Bush Wealth Managment In Memory of Dr.Thomas Smoot Chet and Myrna Ballard (2) In Honor of Fred DeLoach, Jr. In Honor of Joe Cordova Citizens Community Bank In Honor of D.K. Hollis, Jr.

CJB Industries (2) In Memory of Brian Reagan In Appreciation of CJB Industries Employees

ERCO Worldwide

Classic Art & Frame In Memory of Gil Harbin

First State Bank & Trust

Southeastern Federal Credit Union

GA Power Company (20)

Southwest Georgia Bank

Heritage Bank of the South

Sunset Farm Foods

Lynne Conrad Marvet In Honor of Kevin and Delthia Conrad

Tim Jones In Honor of Bobbie Jones

Coleman Talley (2) In Memory of Henry Turner Brice, Jr. In Memory of B. Lamar Tillman DuPont Crop Protection (4)

Express Employment Professionals

MSIS Inc. In Honor of Charles and Martha Carter

Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority

To purchase a tree in honor of your business founder, partner, spouse or favorite character in Valdosta’s history visit www.ValdostaChamber.com

Jeff Fulp (ERCO Worldwide)

Stacy Bush (Bush Wealth Management)

Luis Garcia (Dupont Crop Protection)

John Hamilton (Dupont Crop Protection)

Carrie Zimmer (Dupont Crop Protection)

Byron Williams (Dupont Crop Protection)

37

Is Your Business Supporting Substance Abuse??

Proudly Sponsored by: Peaceway Counseling & Mediation Services and Peaceway DUI School “Helping To Put The Pieces Together”

T

he answer is YES if you have not implemented a drugfree workplace policy and program in your business.

April 18 marked the 15th Anniversary of the Chamber’s DRUGS DON’T WORK In South Georgia program. A panel of experts recently educated business owners, supervisors, managers and others on hot topics related to substance abuse in the workplace. Attendees were presented alarming statistics of employed substance abusers, provided insight on the new popular drugs like Spice (aka k2), the epidemic of prescription drug abuse, the pros and cons of drug testing methods and so much more. Make the decision to stop substance abuse in your workplace.

How? Become a certified Dr. F.T. Andrews (Peaceway drug-free workplace today, Counseling & Mediation Serand save 7.5% annually on vices and Peaceway DUI School) your Workers Comp preshares alarming statistics of miums. the overwhelming presence of substance abuse in the workVisit www.ValdostaChamber. place during the annual DDW com/ddw for more informa- Supervisor Workshop on April 18 at Holiday Inn Hotel and tion.

Conference Center.

“Specializing in providing innovative supplemental employee benefit solutions.”

Gina M. Cox, American General Agent

114 East Northside Drive Valdosta, GA 31602 (229) 232.1854 (Cell) (229) 242.5576 (Office) • (229) 242.5578 (Fax) Email: gina.cox@agla.com www.myagla.com/gina.cox

38

Summer 2012 / www.ValdostaChamber.com

2012 Triple Crown Investors $10,000 EMERALD CROWN South Georgia Medical Center/ SMITH Northview Hospital (A Campus of South Georgia Medical Center) $5,000 RUBY CROWN City of Valdosta Fellowship Home at Brookside

Bennett Shares Estate Planning Essentials

A

Attorney John Bennett speaks on Estate Planning..

ttorney John Bennett (Bennett Trust, Estate & Elder Law) shared vital information on the importance of Estate Planning at the Triple Crown Hometowns retiree luncheon on May 23 at the Valdosta Country Club. More than 50 retirees and Silver Star members were in attendance.

Why is estate planning important? It makes one “healthy, wealthy and wise.” It makes you “healthy” by reducing the stress of how you will best provide for yourself and your spouse during your elder years or disability and then for your loved ones once you pass. “Wealthy” in knowing that through proper planning you will be securing assets for your possible disability and your family’s future needs while saving money through establishing a long term estate plan. “Wise” when you choose the right estate planning professionals to guide you in selecting the best estate planning tools for your situation and taking action now rather than procrastinating until your options are greatly limited.

Bennett will be hosting follow-up workshops on Estate Planning Essentials in the upcoming months. Please contact Bennett Trust, Estate & Elder Law for complete information at 229-333-0860 or www.bennetttrust.com Aside from enjoying great food and fellowship with some of Valdosta’s greatest retirees Randy and Suzanne Cox of Valdosta provided a wonderful dance exhibition to the foxtrot and the shag!

If you know an active retiree that enjoys being engaged in the business community, please contact Wanda Stanley about becoming a Silver Star Member. Being a Silver Star member will help you stay in touch with YOUR community, while making new friends and renewing old friendships. For a $100 annual investment, you will be invited to over 25 Chamber events per year along with contacts with business leaders, volunteer opportunities, Business After Hours and so much more. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to join call today at 229247-8100 or visit www.GeorgiaRetire.com

www.ValdostaChamber.com / Summer 2012

$2,500 SAPPHIRE CROWN Citizens Community Bank Lowndes County Board of Commissioners Southeastern Federal Credit Union The Greeting Service $1,000 AMETHYST CROWN Allan Dear Real Estate AT&T Bennett Trust, Estate & Elder Law Brandon, Rackley & Dukes, PC Cypress Lakes Development Edward Jones Investments, Greg Reid Eye Associates of South Georgia, LLC Farmers & Merchants Bank Georgia Power Company Hospice of South Georgia Lanier County Board of Commissioners Moody Law Firm, LLC Prince Automotive Group South Georgia Travel Tanner Investment Group The City of Quitman The Herndon Company

Randy and Suzanne Cox of Valdosta present a great dance exhibition for the Triple Crown Luncheon.

39

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to the Chamber!

The following businesses joined the Chamber during the months of

February, March, April, May and June 2012 5 Star Exterior Cleaning 3804 Cross Creek Trail Valdosta, GA 31605 912-585-6786 Demetric Byrd/Cleaners

Bank of the Ozarks 1012 Lakes Blvd Lake Park, GA 31636 229-559-7056 Sandy Rentz/Banks

Crosspointe Church 110 Northside Drive Valdosta, GA 31602 229-242-7702 David Rogers/Churches

Hertz Car Rental 4534 N Valdosta Rd. Valdosta, GA 31602 229-249-9221 Joel Bedgood/Automobile Renting

Adventurous Cuisines, LLC 300 N Taylor Street Apt #1 Nashville, GA 31639 229-256-7180 Nikki Jones/Chefs Personal

Bank of the Ozarks 1517 Baytree Road Valdosta, GA 31602 229-241-2799 Ricky Rowell/Banks

Echols Festival Committee 110 General DeLoach Street Statenville, GA 31648 229-559-6538 Karen Corbett/Organizations

Hertz Equipment Rental 1624 James P Rogers Drive Valdosta, GA 31601 229-244-8301 Jason Asuncion/Rental & Leasing

AGLA American General Life & Accident 114 Northside Drive Valdosta, GA 31602 229-242-5576 Patricia Morris/Insurance

BARC P O Box 574 Valdosta, GA 31603 229-560-0844 Charles DeVane/Organizations

El Cazador 1600 N Ashley Street Valdosta, GA 31602 229-333-0554 Jonas Garcia/Restaurants

James McGahee 1307 Winding Ridge Circle Valdosta, GA 31605 James McGahee/Associate Member

Bob & Beth DeVan 2515 Muscogee Drive Valdosta, GA 31602 229-247-3598 Bob DeVan/Associate Members

Envoy Mortgage 1210 Clover Hill Road Valdosta, GA 31602 229-563-0522 Becky Herndon/Mortgages

Jody T Hall 7288 Hall-Webb Road Hahira, GA 31632 229-756-3176x2 Jody Hall/Associate Members

Black’s Lawn Care 2811 New Statenville Hwy Valdosta, GA 31606 229-412-5110 Alan Black/Lawn Maintenance

Eric & Brenda Connell 11156 Troupeville Road Valdosta, GA 31602 229-247-4667 Eric Connell/Silver Star Member

John Thomas 3003 Wendover Road Valdosta, GA 31602 229-241-9480 John Thomas/Silver Star Member

Boll Weevil Education Foundation 359B Enterprise Drive Valdosta, GA 31601 229-469-4038 Jim Wilson/Organizations

Fazoli’s 1307 N St Augustine Road Valdosta, GA 31602 229-241-7780 Carl Cruz/Restaurants

Jungle Jym’s 3124 N Oak St Ext Valdosta, GA 31602 229-247-1271 Roy Taylor/Amusement Places

Fifth of December 2157B Bemiss Road Valdosta, GA 31602 229-232-3226 Chennei Simms/Clothing-Women’s

Kids’ Cove Learning Center 104 Kelly Drive Valdosta, GA 31601 229-293-0445 Pamela Burnett/Child Care Centers

Cheddar’s Casual Cafe 270 Norman Drive Valdosta, GA 31601 229-247-5551 Tye Tyler/Restaurants

Fouraker Electronics 204 E Gordon Street Valdosta, GA 31601 229-242-5513 Forrest Fouraker/Security Control Equipment

Lexus Platinum Real Estate 2410 Andover Drive Valdosta, GA 31602 229-242-9293 Teri Wilson/Real Estate Management

Chez What 124 N Ashley Street Valdosta, GA 31601 229-412-2784 Katie Wiggins/Consignment Service

Fred’s Super Dollar 4401 Bemiss Road Valdosta, GA 31605 901-238-2583 Bob Langreder/Department Stores

Limu 2323 N Forrest Street Valdosta, GA 31602 229-412-6867 Twanna Beverly/Weight Control Services

Clean & Complete 622 Brookwood Drive Valdosta, GA 31601 229-740-1560 Stella Graham/Cleaning-Interior

Giulio’s Greek Italian Restaurant 105 E Ann Street Valdosta, GA 31601 229-333-0929 Rachel Giuly/Restaurants

Limu 1619 N Lee Street Valdosta, GA 31602 229-444-1938 Floyd Rose/Consultants

AGLA American General Life & Accident-Gina Cox 114 E Northside Drive Valdosta, GA 31601 229-242-5576 Gina Cox/Insurance Altitude Communications 4020 Hwy 41 South Valdosta, GA 31603 229-232-8036 Lori Thomas/Internet Products & Services America’s Swimming Pool Company of Valdosta 3338-L1 Country Club Rd Valdosta, GA 31605 229-300-1811 Kevin Harnage/Swimming Pool Contractors Annie Fisher 905 Bunche Drive Valdosta, GA 31601 229-242-5873 Annie Fisher/Silver Star Member Applebee’s 1301 N St Augustine Road Valdosta, GA 31601 229-241-9933 Aaron Fenstermaker/Restaurants Applebee’s 3254 Inner Perimeter Road Valdosta, GA 31605 229-257-0003 Corey Williams/Restaurants Balloons & More Party Store 1337-M Baytree Road Valdosta, GA 31601 229-219-7444 Sandy Puckett/Party Supplies Bank of the Ozarks 3102 N Oak St. Ext. Valdosta, GA 31602 229-259-7867 Denise McKenzie/Banks Bank of the Ozarks 124 W Hill Avenue Valdosta, GA 31601 229-242-1993 Katherine Kilpatrick/Banks

40

Brightway Insurance 2947-A N. Ashley St. Valdosta, GA 31602 229-316-4884 Trey Taylor/Insurance

Compro LLC---Commercial Promotions 908 S Lakeshore Drive Valdosta, GA 31605 229-560-5024 Jamie Harris/Advertising-Newspaper

Griffin Concrete, LLC 223 Sunset Road Valdosta, GA 31602 229-251-8351 Jeannie Griffin/Concrete Contractors

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 1195 St. Augustine Road Valdosta, GA 31602 229-244-5258 Ralph Smith/Restaurants

Harriet Messcher 676 Justin Drive Valdosta, GA 31602 229-834-7759 Harriett Messcher/Associate Members

Creative Photography 1507 North Ashley Street Valdosta, GA 31602 229-242-1457 Ronnie Pierce/Photographers

Hertz Car Rental 1750 Airport Road Valdosta, GA 31601 229-242-7070 Joel Bedgood/Automobile Renting

Liquor Barn 3990 N Valdosta Rd. Valdosya, GA 31602 229-300-0831 Neil Patel/Liquor Stores Manny’s Sub Shop 1211Baytree Road Remerton, GA 31602 229-219-7710 Jeremy LaCorte/Restaurants Maryland Fried Chicken 1406 N Ashley Street Valdosta, GA 31602 229-469-4418 Joe Viegas/Restaurants

Summer 2012 / www.ValdostaChamber.com

McDonald’s 715 S Patterson Street Valdosta, GA 31601 229-671-9908 Melissa McDonald/Restaurants McDonald’s 4109 Bemiss Road Valdosta, GA 31605 229-671-9940 Melissa McDonald/Restaurants McDonald’s 2102 N. Ashley Street Valdosta, GA 31601 229-671-9833 Melissa McDonald/Restaurants McDonald’s 7207 Lakes Blvd Lake Park, GA 31636 229-559-9552 Melissa McDonald/Restaurants McDonald’s 1840 W Hill Avenue Valdosta, GA 31601 229-671-9883 Melissa McDonald/Restaurants Mr.Fixit Smart Phone Repair 3952 Cutter Point Valdosta, GA 31605 770-633-6900 Gadson Woodall/Cellular Phones Mr. Power Clean 15 Willow Cove Road Valdosta, GA 31602 229-244-9779 Doug Larrison/Pressure Cleaning Services Northside Baptist Church of Valdosta, Inc. 200 E Park Avenue Valdosta, GA 31602 229-242-4940 Karen Hunter/Churches Olive Garden 1315 St Augustine Road Valdosta, GA 31602 229-244-9990 Theresa Strickland/Restaurants Prince Automotive of Tifton, Inc. 1410 Hwy 82 W Tifton, GA 31794 229-382-2525 Heather Stripling/Automobile Dealers Rabbit Moon Yarn 102 N Church Street Hahira, GA 31632 229-794-8162 Colleen Baxter/Yarn Shop Ralph & Sandra Beckham 6217 Ridgeview Court Naylor, GA 31641 229-671-9561 Ralph Beckham/Assoc. Members

Salvage 135 N Ashley Street Valdosta, GA 31601 229-460-7276 Dawn Rocheleau/Consignment Service Sandra Guest 700 W Park Avenue Hahira, GA 31632 229-412-2721 Sandra Guest/Associate Members Secured Benefits Group 100 N Patterson Street Suite P Valdosta, GA 31601 229-242-5527 Clint Ashley/Insurance Service One Janitorial/ SOG Lawn Service 3338-L1 Cntry Club Rd. PMB# 193 Valdosta, GA 31602 229-412-6493 Michael Nestor/Cleaning-Interior Shoppes @ Baytree Village 2410 Andover Drive Valdosta, GA 31602 229-242-9293 James Sineath/Shopping Centers & Malls Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ 1088 Lakes Blvd Lake Park, GA 31639 229-241-8090 Debbie Fountain/Restaurants South Georgia Medical Education and Research Consortium 1 Sweet Bay Court, Suite C Moultrie, GA 31768 229-456-3007 Jessica Rivenbark/Medical Information & Research

Team Xtreme Cleaning Service 229-251-4343 Jason Wright/Cleaning-Interior The Green Iguana Mexican Bistro 515 N St Augustine Rd Valdosta, GA 31602 229-245-8264 Javier Quiroz/Restaurants The Rock Church 1401 Old Clyattville Road Valdosta, GA 31601 Glen Starling/Pastor The Seasons Flower Market Garden & Gifts 219 A East Screven Street Quitman, GA 31643 229-605-0077 James Bednar/Florists The Tax Shop 201 N Ashley Street Valdosta, GA 31601 229-241-0701 Buddy Walker/Tax Return Preparation & Filing The Vixen Boutique 1650-C Baytree Road Valdosta, GA 31602 229-588-5086 Ellesia Thurmond/Clothing-Women’s

Thomas D. and Dixie Lee Haller 303 Wells Street Valdosta, GA 31601 229-247-5081 Thomas Haller/Silver Star Members Total Image Productions 906 E Cranford Avenue Valdosta, GA 31602 229-630-3044 Asha Shealy/Marketing Consultants Tyler Hamby ADP P O Box 761 Valdosta, GA 31603 229-563-4291 Tyler Hamby/Business Management Valdosta Choral Guild 2125 Northwood Circle Valdosta, GA 31602 229-247-4673 Ann Embry/Organizations Valdosta Printing Company 1507 North Ashley Street Valdosta, GA 31602 229-242-3650 Trent McDaniel/Printers Zaxby’s 1102 N St Augustine Road Valdosta, GA 31601 229-254-0799 Wes Kennedy/Restaurants

Let’s support these new Stars!

South Georgia Medical PracticeBailey Medical 2704 N Oak St. Bldg A-2 Valdosta, GA 31602 229-251-0675 Julie Baliey/Physicians & Surgeons Stanley & Bonnie Rumphol 5571 Bob White Drive Valdosta, GA 31606 269-650-0242 Stanley & Bonnie Rumpohl/ Silver Star Members Steel Magnolias 132 N Patterson Street Valdosta, GA 31601 229-259-0010 Keira Moritz/Restaurants

Regions Bank Mortgage 2611 N Patterson Street Valdosta, GA 31602 229-241-6750 David Parker/Mortgages

Sun Alterations And Dry Cleaners 2904-H N.Patterson st Valdosta, Ga 31602 229-244-1553 Kumsun Siegrist/Cleaners

Rueda’s/Quezada Communication P O Box 862 Lake Park, GA 31636 770-363-6240 Hector Quezada/Advertising

Tanner Investment Group 100 N Patterson Street Valdosta, GA 31605 229-546-5922 John Tanner/Financial Planning Consultants

www.ValdostaChamber.com / Summer 2012

41

Sam’s Club and Chamber celebrate

National Small Business Week Honoring and empowering small businesses

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation to recognize the contributions small businesses have made

to the overall health and prosperity of our country. There were 702,076 businesses in Georgia registered with the Secretary of State last year, 96 percent of which were categorized as small businesses employing fewer than 500 employees; 87 percent employed five or fewer employees.

Ninety-nine percent of our Chamber members have 100 or fewer employees; 86 percent have fewer than 10 employees.

Clearly we are a state and a community that is largely composed of small businesses. The Chamber planned a week of activities in May designed to celebrate, empower and honor our community’s small businesses.

Monday, the week began with an open invitation to join either of our two sales leads groups, Valdosta Networking Professionals and Professionals Building Relationships, for an hour of networking and lunch. New Chamber members Compro LLC, producers and distributors of the USA Funnies, took advantage of the opportunity. Colby Harris was gratified to discover that this type of networking opportunity exists in Lowndes County.

42

Tuesday, Marcus Ray and Adermi Folarin of Circuitboard Computers & Technology made themselves available to inform business owners of the increased risk of cyber crimes, internet security breaches and the proliferation of mobile devices in the workplace. CBCT encourages everyone to be aware of malware attacks. In 2011, over 314,000 complaints were received by the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Later that day Valdosta’s first “Cash Mob” had the cash registers ringing at City Market in beautiful Downtown Valdosta. Cash mobs have become a popular way for an entire community to come together and support small businesses and their local economy. The first cash mobs occurred in Buffalo, NY and Cleveland, OH, where the idea of a flash mob and the economic impact of a large group of people making an immediate economic impact collided. The idea has spread across the country and is even being practiced overseas. It took less than 30 minutes for 30 people to boost the sales at Jessica Newman’s business.

“It was exciting to see such a mix of people shopping at City Market,” said Newman.

Summer 2012 / www.ValdostaChamber.com

Thursday, Amy Hightower,

great example given was the story of the janitor CPA (Carr, Riggs & Ingram) shared insweeping the floor at formation with Small Business Breakfast NASA. When asked what attendees at the Hilton Garden Inn on he was doing, he replied, the current tax environment. She noted “I am helping to put a man that in recent audits conducted by the IRS, on the moon.” business owners have been asked to justify Bob Ganzak (Folkner business-related travel by producing the and Associates, providers of itineraries of the business trip along with Dale Carnegie Training®) the program and agenda from the conferChamber representatives Myrna Ballard and Varian Brown closed out the breakfast ence they attended, an indication of the pose with Small Business Breakfast presenters Curt Fowler with several powerful increasing level of documentation busi(Fowler & Company), Bob Ganzak (Folkner Training and Associates, stories meant to inspire nesses can expect.

Inc.) and Amy Hightower (Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC). the business leaders Curt Fowler (Fowler & Company) to tap into their full leadership potential.

Ganzak shared the expressed the importance of having stated company values, importance of clear and concise communication in leadership. and hiring employees who have embraced those values. A

Support a Small Business EVERYDAY!

Friday, Sam’s Club set the stage for a $2,500 grant presentation to the SEEDS Business Resource Center to support the efforts of the program to help start, grow and expand local businesses. Club Manager Amy Matlaga and Member Services Supervisor Maria Roberts presented the check to Chamber Chairman Tim Jones (Citizens Community Bank) who noted that the original mission of Sam’s Club was to “be in business for small business.”

Sam’s Club, a sponsor for the U.S. Chamber’s 2012 Dream Big Small Business Award, then recognized Azalea Health Innovations, which was nominated for the award by the ValdostaLowndes Chamber. AHI was recognized in Washington D.C. on May 22 for being selected as one of 75 companies in the entire US to be selected as a finalist.

The Chamber salutes our small business owners and their entrepreneurial drive to be successful.

Congratulations!

The Chamber salutes our small business owners and their entrepreneurial drive to be successful.! www.ValdostaChamber.com / Summer 2012

43

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Main Office 229.241.9444

Ashley Street Office

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Soft Play Area

Miniature Golf Golf Miniature 229-244-3302 / 229-247-1271 44

3124 N. Oak St. Ext. Valdosta, GA 31602

junglejyms.net

Summer 2012 / www.ValdostaChamber.com

Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 790 • Valdosta, GA 31603

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 47 Valdosta, GA

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Leading Businesses.

Leading Communities. TM

uspress.com 229.244.5634

1628 James P. Rodgers Drive • Valdosta, GA 31601

America’s Color Printer