by Chamber News on April 24th, 2013
In 1999, Leslie Jacobs started a local non-profit, named Jacobs' Ladder, with 4 riders a week. Here’s how our name was chosen: Jacob, in the Old Testament, had a dream about an angel going up & down a ladder to Heaven. In a similar way, for a child with a disability, getting to ride a horse is much like climbing that ladder toward fun & happiness – virtually ‘heaven”! In 2004, we provided services for as many as 50-70 riders a week. Numbers continue to increase!
Jacobs' Ladder became a Member Center in the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) in January, 2000, when there were only 14 other therapeutic riding centers recognized in the state of GA. NARHA changed their name in 2011 to the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH).
Leslie is a Registered Instructor. In April, 2003, Jacobs' Ladder passed its' Accreditation to become a Premier Center. Accreditation is an important aspect of our service, as it validates our interest in maintaining the highest industry & safety standards.
We joined the Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce in September 2002 & are a United Way agency.
by Chamber News on April 24th, 2013
Carl Copeland opened Commercial Cleaning Industries in 2006 after he noticed how he had always been a natural at identifying cleaning issues.
Commercial Cleaning Industries offers a variety of service plans, ranging from once a week to seven days a week. Commercial Cleaning Industries has experience cleaning industrial facilities, government buildings, churches, retail stores, office buildings, medical facilities and warehouses. Their services include:
Commercial Cleaning Industries believes in taking a professional approach to its customers specific cleaning needs. Commercial Cleaning Industries treats their customers and employees with respect and dignity and their goal is to provide quality service in a consistent manner. The commercial cleaning business is continually challenged to maintain this high level of service in an ever changing economy.
Commercial Cleaning Industries offers a variety of service plans, ranging from once a week to seven days a week. Commercial Cleaning Industries has experience cleaning industrial facilities, government buildings, churches, retail stores, office buildings, medical facilities and warehouses. Their services include:
- Quality control for other companies
- VCT Strip and Wax
- Carpet Cleaning
- Water Extraction
- Wood Floor Refinishing
- Natural Stone and man made Floor Polishing
- Green Cleaning Options
- Construction Cleaning
- Rental Move Out and Clean Up
- Medical Building Cleaning.
Commercial Cleaning Industries believes in taking a professional approach to its customers specific cleaning needs. Commercial Cleaning Industries treats their customers and employees with respect and dignity and their goal is to provide quality service in a consistent manner. The commercial cleaning business is continually challenged to maintain this high level of service in an ever changing economy.
by Chamber News on April 24th, 2013
Mr. Stacy Bush opened his practice, Bush Wealth Management, in 2004. Bush Wealth Management offers a wide range of insurance, estate and wealth planning strategies, enabling clients to reach their full financial potential and live the lives they have worked hard for and deserve.
Since opening Bush Wealth Management, Mr. Bush's scope of expertise includes the laws on income, gift and estate taxation, retirement planning and charitable tax planning as it relates to investments. Also, Bush Wealth Management helps parents plan for their children's futures by offering college savings plans.
Many investment companies taut the ability to preserve and grow assets, but Bush Wealth Management sets itself apart by taking a comprehensive approach to wealth planning. Before building each client's inclusive wealth plan, Mr. Bush, connects with individual clients to learn their attitudes toward money and emotions on investing, while encouraging them to communicate the goals of what their investments should accomplish. Because Bush Wealth Management is a small, local based firm, it is able to design a personalized plan, as well as provide outstanding customer service.
As part of staying in touch and involved with clients, Bush Wealth Management offers online access to all client accounts, including daily transactions and reports. Bush Wealth Management prides itself on the fact that the client will not get a voice mail, but a live voice when calling the office. If a voice mail is left after hours, calls are usually returned within two hours. Bush Wealth Management's service goes beyond the "sale," as a relationship is formed with clients. Bush Wealth Management meets with its Advisory clientele at least every six months to keep lines of communication open.
Bush Wealth Management's mission is to provide world class management to people the staff knows and cares about intimately, which is accomplished through multiple meeting processes between Mr. Bush, his staff and the clients.
Since opening Bush Wealth Management, Mr. Bush's scope of expertise includes the laws on income, gift and estate taxation, retirement planning and charitable tax planning as it relates to investments. Also, Bush Wealth Management helps parents plan for their children's futures by offering college savings plans.
Many investment companies taut the ability to preserve and grow assets, but Bush Wealth Management sets itself apart by taking a comprehensive approach to wealth planning. Before building each client's inclusive wealth plan, Mr. Bush, connects with individual clients to learn their attitudes toward money and emotions on investing, while encouraging them to communicate the goals of what their investments should accomplish. Because Bush Wealth Management is a small, local based firm, it is able to design a personalized plan, as well as provide outstanding customer service.
As part of staying in touch and involved with clients, Bush Wealth Management offers online access to all client accounts, including daily transactions and reports. Bush Wealth Management prides itself on the fact that the client will not get a voice mail, but a live voice when calling the office. If a voice mail is left after hours, calls are usually returned within two hours. Bush Wealth Management's service goes beyond the "sale," as a relationship is formed with clients. Bush Wealth Management meets with its Advisory clientele at least every six months to keep lines of communication open.
Bush Wealth Management's mission is to provide world class management to people the staff knows and cares about intimately, which is accomplished through multiple meeting processes between Mr. Bush, his staff and the clients.
by Chamber News on April 24th, 2013
Michelle Lamb founded Lemongrass Day Spa, LLC in 2006 after transforming a former doctor's office into a functioning day spa. Lamb is a licensed Esthetician and Massage Therapist and sole proprietor of Lemongrass Day Spa.
Lemongrass Day Spa's original location was at a busy intersection in a plantation style home with five treatment rooms, two nail stations and a small retail area. For five years, the spa was blessed with the original location, wonderful clientele and a hardworking staff. However, thanks to much success, Lemongrass Day spa went in search of a new location to accommodate the growing business.
After traveling to various day spas in different cities and states, Lamb and her staff were ready to develop a "new" Lemongrass Day Spa. Full of inspiration, Lamb decided to move the business to a state-of-the-art facility in Summit Pointe. The location was chosen for its warm, welcoming and relaxing environment, which gave clients the same comfort as the original building. Today, Lemongrass Day Spa also enjoys locations in Valdosta Country Club, Live Oak Plantation and Lenox River Ranch. All Lemongrass Day Spa locations offer the experience of total relaxation thanks to talented therapists.
Lamb recognizes and appreciates the hard work and dedication of her employees, providing continued education and training to help supplement employees' licenses. Lamb believes she would not be where she is today if it were not for her staff and technicians.
In addition to an exceptional level of customer service, Lemongrass Day Spa now has a total of nine treatment rooms for massage, esthetics and body treatments, three nail stations, men's and women's locker and steam rooms, as well as a larger retail area for its award winning Repechage products. Since opening in 2006, Lamb has received awards for Best Skin Care during the Les Nouvelles Esthetiques and Spa Magazine Awards Convention and Best Skincare Worldwide by Repechage.
At Lemongrass Day Spa focuses their passion on unique, customized spa experiences and develops these services for client's individual needs. Clients' specific needs are placed as the top priority at Lemongrass Day Spa and clients are reassured that they will always be appreciated as guests.
Lemongrass Day Spa's original location was at a busy intersection in a plantation style home with five treatment rooms, two nail stations and a small retail area. For five years, the spa was blessed with the original location, wonderful clientele and a hardworking staff. However, thanks to much success, Lemongrass Day spa went in search of a new location to accommodate the growing business.
After traveling to various day spas in different cities and states, Lamb and her staff were ready to develop a "new" Lemongrass Day Spa. Full of inspiration, Lamb decided to move the business to a state-of-the-art facility in Summit Pointe. The location was chosen for its warm, welcoming and relaxing environment, which gave clients the same comfort as the original building. Today, Lemongrass Day Spa also enjoys locations in Valdosta Country Club, Live Oak Plantation and Lenox River Ranch. All Lemongrass Day Spa locations offer the experience of total relaxation thanks to talented therapists.
Lamb recognizes and appreciates the hard work and dedication of her employees, providing continued education and training to help supplement employees' licenses. Lamb believes she would not be where she is today if it were not for her staff and technicians.
In addition to an exceptional level of customer service, Lemongrass Day Spa now has a total of nine treatment rooms for massage, esthetics and body treatments, three nail stations, men's and women's locker and steam rooms, as well as a larger retail area for its award winning Repechage products. Since opening in 2006, Lamb has received awards for Best Skin Care during the Les Nouvelles Esthetiques and Spa Magazine Awards Convention and Best Skincare Worldwide by Repechage.
At Lemongrass Day Spa focuses their passion on unique, customized spa experiences and develops these services for client's individual needs. Clients' specific needs are placed as the top priority at Lemongrass Day Spa and clients are reassured that they will always be appreciated as guests.
by Chamber News on April 24th, 2013
The year was 1927. The late D.K. Hollis Sr. had been a resident and banker in Hahira for 10 years, and he realizes his dream of chartering a new financial institution. Little did he know that his dream would continue to grow in financial strength and community impact into the next century. The new bank was called Citizens Community Bank of Hahira, and it operated a branch in Morven known as Citizens Community Bank Morven. A change in branch banking laws later that same year would cause Hollis to re-charter the bank as Citizens Bank of Morven. A group of Atlanta investors took over the Hahira bank with that move, and they subsequently folded during the Great Depression.
The newly chartered Citizens Bank of Morven had assets of $41, 243.99 in 1927. The bank continued to prosper, and years later, Hollis Sr. moved the headquarters bank to Hahira. He managed the bank's growth to over $1.3 million before he passed away in 1960.
D.K. Hollia Jr. was a young 23 when his father died, but he had worked in the family bank for several years, earned his business degree from the University of Georgia and had become Mayor of Hahira. "I was too young to even get scared," Hollis Jr. said. Hollis Jr. was named president of the bank that his father started and placed his political opportunities aside.
Today the bank has $125 million in assets, with two branches in Valdosta (North Valdosta Road and Baytree Road), a branch in Morven and headquarters in Hahira. The name was changed to Citizens Community Bank in the 1980's to reflect its growing presence. Executive management now consists of D.K. Hollis Jr., Chairman of the Board, Glen Copeland, Chief Executive Officer, Tim Jones, President and the third generation Hollis, Starling H. Waldron, the bank's Chief Financial Officer and Vice-Chairman of the Board. Through the years, Hollis Jr. has attracted and groomed a talented group of people to help run the bank. Fifteen people have over ten years of employment with the bank, and one employee (Martha "Mott" York) has 52 years of service with the bank in Morven. "This loyalty among the staff has translated into a bank that now serves five generations of customers," Copeland, CEO, said. Copeland goes on to say, "I came from a big bank environment where it was becoming harder to bank my customers the way they deserved to be banked. I have thoroughly enjoyed the 20 years that I have had to do business the way our true community operates."
While the bank offers ATM banking, Remote Deposit Capture, Internet Banking and mobile banking applications as some of its products, management continues to place more emphasis than ever on good old-fashioned personal service. Loan requests are reviewed and approved by a local loan committee, and quick response time is a priority. Bank representatives are always available for whatever the customer needs, and they take pride in earning trust and building relationships that last a lifetime. "So you see, in a time where most banks are distancing themselves from the customer through technology, we feel that our high tech --- high touch approach to serving the customer sets our bank apart from the competition," President Jones said. "The bank will continue to be competitive with technology driven services, but we feel that our niche is what D.K. Hollis Sr. started in 1927, and it is timeless; provide good customer service at a fair price, and always try to exceed the customer's expectation."
The newly chartered Citizens Bank of Morven had assets of $41, 243.99 in 1927. The bank continued to prosper, and years later, Hollis Sr. moved the headquarters bank to Hahira. He managed the bank's growth to over $1.3 million before he passed away in 1960.
D.K. Hollia Jr. was a young 23 when his father died, but he had worked in the family bank for several years, earned his business degree from the University of Georgia and had become Mayor of Hahira. "I was too young to even get scared," Hollis Jr. said. Hollis Jr. was named president of the bank that his father started and placed his political opportunities aside.
Today the bank has $125 million in assets, with two branches in Valdosta (North Valdosta Road and Baytree Road), a branch in Morven and headquarters in Hahira. The name was changed to Citizens Community Bank in the 1980's to reflect its growing presence. Executive management now consists of D.K. Hollis Jr., Chairman of the Board, Glen Copeland, Chief Executive Officer, Tim Jones, President and the third generation Hollis, Starling H. Waldron, the bank's Chief Financial Officer and Vice-Chairman of the Board. Through the years, Hollis Jr. has attracted and groomed a talented group of people to help run the bank. Fifteen people have over ten years of employment with the bank, and one employee (Martha "Mott" York) has 52 years of service with the bank in Morven. "This loyalty among the staff has translated into a bank that now serves five generations of customers," Copeland, CEO, said. Copeland goes on to say, "I came from a big bank environment where it was becoming harder to bank my customers the way they deserved to be banked. I have thoroughly enjoyed the 20 years that I have had to do business the way our true community operates."
While the bank offers ATM banking, Remote Deposit Capture, Internet Banking and mobile banking applications as some of its products, management continues to place more emphasis than ever on good old-fashioned personal service. Loan requests are reviewed and approved by a local loan committee, and quick response time is a priority. Bank representatives are always available for whatever the customer needs, and they take pride in earning trust and building relationships that last a lifetime. "So you see, in a time where most banks are distancing themselves from the customer through technology, we feel that our high tech --- high touch approach to serving the customer sets our bank apart from the competition," President Jones said. "The bank will continue to be competitive with technology driven services, but we feel that our niche is what D.K. Hollis Sr. started in 1927, and it is timeless; provide good customer service at a fair price, and always try to exceed the customer's expectation."
by Chamber News on April 22nd, 2013
Stuart Avera and Paul Nichols CPA founded Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc. in August 2002, serving primarily existing small business clients from previous ventures. Ryan Williams joined the company in January 2003, becoming a shareholder in September 2003, and Bart Shiver became a shareholder in April 2005. The four partners bring diverse experiences and capabilities together, giving Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc. a unique advantage among area technology service providers.
Since its founding over ten years ago, Nexxtep Technology Services has achieved double-digit revenue growth each year, grown from 2 to 22 employees and moved from a small shared-office arrangement to occupying the former Park Avenue Bank operations center on North Valdosta Road.
Nexxtep Technology Services' clients are mainly businesses with 10 to 250 employees in the South Georgia area, but they also serve a significant client base in Florida and several other states throughout the country. Nexxtep Technology Services has major concentrations in the healthcare and hospitals, public accounting and law firms, agriculture, real estate, construction and manufacturing industries.
Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc. is a technology outsourcing company, which exists to be clients' trusted IT advisers and to help solve business challenges with the goal of making them more efficient and profitable.
Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc. services fall into broad categories of professional services, managed IT services, data services, cloud services and mobile office services. Nexxtep Technology Services is forward-thinking and attempts to stay ahead of the fast-changing technology landscape in order to provide clients with innovative solutions. Nexxtep Technology Services' professional services include business process management, custom application development, virtual CIO services, website design and web marketing.
Beginning in 2012, Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc. began developing and marketing a commercially available application for business process management called ProcessPlan. This application allows a company to automate its workflows and employee notifications so each team member knows what is needed and important tasks don’t fall through the cracks. This application has been in beta testing and development continues with a national roll out planned for the near future.
Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc. internally-focused goal is to create an exciting, challenging and rewarding work environment that allows employees to flourish. Nexxtep Technology Services also strives to be a good corporate citizen of the community and to participate in activities that provide a positive impact on the area’s civic, economic and social professions. As Nexxtep Technology Services has grown, confronted challenges and enjoyed success, they have come to recognize the responsibility of thecompany to support efforts to improve Valdosta-Lowndes County’s business environment and quality of life.
For Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc. to be successful, they must provide superior service to their customers and must employ the best people. Members of the Nexxtep Technology Services team are critical to their success. Through employee dedication, creativity, perseverance and efforts, Nexxtep Technology Services will continue to grow.
Since its founding over ten years ago, Nexxtep Technology Services has achieved double-digit revenue growth each year, grown from 2 to 22 employees and moved from a small shared-office arrangement to occupying the former Park Avenue Bank operations center on North Valdosta Road.
Nexxtep Technology Services' clients are mainly businesses with 10 to 250 employees in the South Georgia area, but they also serve a significant client base in Florida and several other states throughout the country. Nexxtep Technology Services has major concentrations in the healthcare and hospitals, public accounting and law firms, agriculture, real estate, construction and manufacturing industries.
Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc. is a technology outsourcing company, which exists to be clients' trusted IT advisers and to help solve business challenges with the goal of making them more efficient and profitable.
Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc. services fall into broad categories of professional services, managed IT services, data services, cloud services and mobile office services. Nexxtep Technology Services is forward-thinking and attempts to stay ahead of the fast-changing technology landscape in order to provide clients with innovative solutions. Nexxtep Technology Services' professional services include business process management, custom application development, virtual CIO services, website design and web marketing.
Beginning in 2012, Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc. began developing and marketing a commercially available application for business process management called ProcessPlan. This application allows a company to automate its workflows and employee notifications so each team member knows what is needed and important tasks don’t fall through the cracks. This application has been in beta testing and development continues with a national roll out planned for the near future.
Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc. internally-focused goal is to create an exciting, challenging and rewarding work environment that allows employees to flourish. Nexxtep Technology Services also strives to be a good corporate citizen of the community and to participate in activities that provide a positive impact on the area’s civic, economic and social professions. As Nexxtep Technology Services has grown, confronted challenges and enjoyed success, they have come to recognize the responsibility of thecompany to support efforts to improve Valdosta-Lowndes County’s business environment and quality of life.
For Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc. to be successful, they must provide superior service to their customers and must employ the best people. Members of the Nexxtep Technology Services team are critical to their success. Through employee dedication, creativity, perseverance and efforts, Nexxtep Technology Services will continue to grow.
by Chamber News on April 22nd, 2013
Clinton Beeland founded CJB Industries, Inc. in March 1997 as a repair and assembly operation. Its first business was the removal of flashing from plastic termite spikes and assembling them for use as a monitor for termite activity. After working for a few months in two small locations with limited opportunity for growth, the search for a new location began.
A local businessman convinced CJB Industries to move to a 6,000 square foot enclosed pole barn and trailer office on Cypress Street. Soon after relocating, a customer asked if CJB Industries would like some tanks that the customer had in an idled plant in New Jersey. CJB Industries and the customer agreed on the tanks in exchange for a fee payable in manufacturing services. The tanks were moved, bringing CJB Industries, Inc. into the chemical business.
In 1999, CJB Industries landed contracts to produce paper coatings and a patented liter amendment. Expansion at this point was necessary, and a 40,000 square foot facility was built on Cypress Street in 2000. In 2002, additional facilities were needed, and again the Cypress Street location expanded, adding warehouse space, analytical and formulation labs and a corporate office. Shortly after the addition, CJB Industries entered automotive undercoating and the adhesive market. The following year they added structure to the business, becoming ISO-9001 and TS-16949 certified.
With an understanding of its competencies and with a focus on manufacturing services, CJB Industries, Inc. began expansion again in 2006 with the addition of a maintenance facility on Cypress Street and additional warehousing. CJB Industries became registered under the environmental standard, ISO-14001. During this time, they focused more on the agricultural market and its needs.
From 2006 to 2008, Cypress Street saw three more additions and the elimination of the original pole barn. During this time, CJB Industries was also proudly named a Ford Quality 1 Supplier. CJB Industries also added people, as they were continually looking to hire the best. Processes for hiring were added, which included the Georgia Work Ready, or work KEYS, to ensure that employees hired are capable of the tasks given. Great people, great facilities and a defined focus continued to build CJB Industries, Inc.
2009 was a big year, marking the beginning of a multi-plant corporation, and with it, new opportunities. The Gil Harbin facility was purchased, which had Herbicide and Industrial Chemical production as its focus. Later that year, CJB Industries was awarded the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce “Manufacturer of the Year Award" for 2009.
The next year, the Gil Harbin facility expanded with liquid milling, dry processing operations and an equipped and staffed laboratory. Cypress Street grew yet again, adding more warehousing.
In 2011, a vacant 1890’s building in Valdosta’s downtown area was purchased and completely renovated, keeping as much of the original historic architectural elements as possible. Today, it is conveniently situated two miles from each Valdosta plant, and to better support a multi-plant corporation, is being used as the CJB Industries, Inc. corporate headquarters. For this endeavor, CJB Industries won the 2012 Outstanding Achievement Award from the Valdosta Heritage Foundation.
CJB Industries, Inc. strongly believes in working whenever possible with Valdosta businesses, government concerns, VSU, SGMC, Moody Air Force Base and the Chamber. CJB Industries supports numerous events and charitable organizations around town with donations of time, money and sponsorship.
Thanks to hard work, dedicated employees and staying true to their values, from 1997 to the present, CJB Industries, Inc. has experienced average sales growth of 175 percent. Respect, integrity, trust, excellence and stewardship are the values that built CJB Industries, Inc., sustaining and carrying them into the future.
A local businessman convinced CJB Industries to move to a 6,000 square foot enclosed pole barn and trailer office on Cypress Street. Soon after relocating, a customer asked if CJB Industries would like some tanks that the customer had in an idled plant in New Jersey. CJB Industries and the customer agreed on the tanks in exchange for a fee payable in manufacturing services. The tanks were moved, bringing CJB Industries, Inc. into the chemical business.
In 1999, CJB Industries landed contracts to produce paper coatings and a patented liter amendment. Expansion at this point was necessary, and a 40,000 square foot facility was built on Cypress Street in 2000. In 2002, additional facilities were needed, and again the Cypress Street location expanded, adding warehouse space, analytical and formulation labs and a corporate office. Shortly after the addition, CJB Industries entered automotive undercoating and the adhesive market. The following year they added structure to the business, becoming ISO-9001 and TS-16949 certified.
With an understanding of its competencies and with a focus on manufacturing services, CJB Industries, Inc. began expansion again in 2006 with the addition of a maintenance facility on Cypress Street and additional warehousing. CJB Industries became registered under the environmental standard, ISO-14001. During this time, they focused more on the agricultural market and its needs.
From 2006 to 2008, Cypress Street saw three more additions and the elimination of the original pole barn. During this time, CJB Industries was also proudly named a Ford Quality 1 Supplier. CJB Industries also added people, as they were continually looking to hire the best. Processes for hiring were added, which included the Georgia Work Ready, or work KEYS, to ensure that employees hired are capable of the tasks given. Great people, great facilities and a defined focus continued to build CJB Industries, Inc.
2009 was a big year, marking the beginning of a multi-plant corporation, and with it, new opportunities. The Gil Harbin facility was purchased, which had Herbicide and Industrial Chemical production as its focus. Later that year, CJB Industries was awarded the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce “Manufacturer of the Year Award" for 2009.
The next year, the Gil Harbin facility expanded with liquid milling, dry processing operations and an equipped and staffed laboratory. Cypress Street grew yet again, adding more warehousing.
In 2011, a vacant 1890’s building in Valdosta’s downtown area was purchased and completely renovated, keeping as much of the original historic architectural elements as possible. Today, it is conveniently situated two miles from each Valdosta plant, and to better support a multi-plant corporation, is being used as the CJB Industries, Inc. corporate headquarters. For this endeavor, CJB Industries won the 2012 Outstanding Achievement Award from the Valdosta Heritage Foundation.
CJB Industries, Inc. strongly believes in working whenever possible with Valdosta businesses, government concerns, VSU, SGMC, Moody Air Force Base and the Chamber. CJB Industries supports numerous events and charitable organizations around town with donations of time, money and sponsorship.
Thanks to hard work, dedicated employees and staying true to their values, from 1997 to the present, CJB Industries, Inc. has experienced average sales growth of 175 percent. Respect, integrity, trust, excellence and stewardship are the values that built CJB Industries, Inc., sustaining and carrying them into the future.
by Chamber News on April 22nd, 2013
The words “teamwork” and “collaboration” echoed throughout the day from presenters, as well as from the diversified audience of community leaders at the Chamber's 2013 Economic Summit, which was presented by VSU's Langdale College of Business and by co-sponsors, Chartwells and First Federal Savings and Loan. Dr. Attila Cseh opened the program with the third edition of Lowndes County by the Numbers. The report compares Lowndes County to 14 peer and aspirant communities:
Warren, KY (Bowling Green)
Clarke, GA (Athens)
Houston, GA (Warner Robins) Montgomery, TN (Clarksville)
Houston, AL (Dothan)
Ouachita, LA (Monroe)
Lee, AL (Auburn)
Morgan, AL (Decatur)
Forrest, MS (Hattiesburg)
Nash, NC (Nashville)
Rapides, LA (Alexandria)
Floyd, GA (Rome)
Florence, SC (Florence)
Wayne, NC (Goldsboro)
The first half of the 2013 Lowndes County by the Numbers report examined the demographic makeup of the Lowndes community and its workforce. Lowndes County’s community growth is no secret. However, despite the area’s growing numbers, one of the most alarming figures found in the report revealed that Lowndes County ranked 13th among its peers with a poverty rate of 27.1 percent. Dr. Cseh explained to the audience that college towns normally have a higher poverty rate, but show much potential for improvement as college and university students begin their careers after graduation.
The second half of Dr. Cseh’s report compared Lowndes County’s mix of jobs, income levels and unemployment rates to those of its peers. The effects of the Great Recession are apparent in our steep decline of private sector jobs dating back to 2007 and downward trend of median household income since 2008. In 2007, Lowndes County was fast approaching 40,000 private sector employees. In 2011, it slipped into 9th place among peers with 34,712 private sector employees. Median household income has remained constant for the United States and peer communities, but for Lowndes County the rate has declined 10.2 percent since 2009 from $38,143 to $34,252 in 2011.
Dr. Cseh made it a point to paint an even clearer picture of our current economic situation when he provided the following graphs, showing our median household income and average weekly wage adjusted for inflation. He went on to explain that our unemployment rate of 9.3 percent does not account for the duration of unemployment, the discouraged workers or the underemployed. Lowndes County is showing improvements in its share of knowledge based jobs and in the average weekly wage of the knowledge based sector. The 11 people and job indicators used in the Lowndes County by the Numbers report ranks Lowndes County 11th among peer and aspirant communities.
A group discussion allowed attendees an opportunity to explore the strengths, weakness, opportunities, threats and trends of the community. The room was later tasked with identifying ideas for increasing average weekly wage and retaining college and university graduates. Summit participants shared many ideas during this portion of the program, but the idea of the community establishing a business incubator, focusing more attention on jobs and employers that match graduates’ areas of study was the major focus.
Additionally, Industrial Authority Executive Director Andrea Schruijer, Chamber President Myrna Ballard, VSU President William McKinney and WGTC President Dr. Ray Perren participated in a panel discussion based on the impact of higher education on regional economic development. Schuijer shared that Lowndes County is not only competing against Georgia communities for new industries, but globally as well. Ballard noted that it is the mix of jobs that matters, emphasizing the importance of growing local jobs for high school graduates, college students and university graduates. President McKinney discussed the Employer-Educator Compact and encouraged the community to take advantage of the incredible amount of intellectual capital available at VSU. Dr. Ray Perren discussed high job placement rate at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and the college’s ability to adapt programs based on changes in technology. Lowndes County Commission Chairman Bill Slaughter and Mayor John Gayle presented a unified front as they expressed their concerns for educating our students and provided examples of what we can do as a community to help students find gainful employment.
For more information or updates on the Economic Summit, please contact Varian.
Warren, KY (Bowling Green)
Clarke, GA (Athens)
Houston, GA (Warner Robins) Montgomery, TN (Clarksville)
Houston, AL (Dothan)
Ouachita, LA (Monroe)
Lee, AL (Auburn)
Morgan, AL (Decatur)
Forrest, MS (Hattiesburg)
Nash, NC (Nashville)
Rapides, LA (Alexandria)
Floyd, GA (Rome)
Florence, SC (Florence)
Wayne, NC (Goldsboro)
The first half of the 2013 Lowndes County by the Numbers report examined the demographic makeup of the Lowndes community and its workforce. Lowndes County’s community growth is no secret. However, despite the area’s growing numbers, one of the most alarming figures found in the report revealed that Lowndes County ranked 13th among its peers with a poverty rate of 27.1 percent. Dr. Cseh explained to the audience that college towns normally have a higher poverty rate, but show much potential for improvement as college and university students begin their careers after graduation.
The second half of Dr. Cseh’s report compared Lowndes County’s mix of jobs, income levels and unemployment rates to those of its peers. The effects of the Great Recession are apparent in our steep decline of private sector jobs dating back to 2007 and downward trend of median household income since 2008. In 2007, Lowndes County was fast approaching 40,000 private sector employees. In 2011, it slipped into 9th place among peers with 34,712 private sector employees. Median household income has remained constant for the United States and peer communities, but for Lowndes County the rate has declined 10.2 percent since 2009 from $38,143 to $34,252 in 2011.
Dr. Cseh made it a point to paint an even clearer picture of our current economic situation when he provided the following graphs, showing our median household income and average weekly wage adjusted for inflation. He went on to explain that our unemployment rate of 9.3 percent does not account for the duration of unemployment, the discouraged workers or the underemployed. Lowndes County is showing improvements in its share of knowledge based jobs and in the average weekly wage of the knowledge based sector. The 11 people and job indicators used in the Lowndes County by the Numbers report ranks Lowndes County 11th among peer and aspirant communities.
A group discussion allowed attendees an opportunity to explore the strengths, weakness, opportunities, threats and trends of the community. The room was later tasked with identifying ideas for increasing average weekly wage and retaining college and university graduates. Summit participants shared many ideas during this portion of the program, but the idea of the community establishing a business incubator, focusing more attention on jobs and employers that match graduates’ areas of study was the major focus.
Additionally, Industrial Authority Executive Director Andrea Schruijer, Chamber President Myrna Ballard, VSU President William McKinney and WGTC President Dr. Ray Perren participated in a panel discussion based on the impact of higher education on regional economic development. Schuijer shared that Lowndes County is not only competing against Georgia communities for new industries, but globally as well. Ballard noted that it is the mix of jobs that matters, emphasizing the importance of growing local jobs for high school graduates, college students and university graduates. President McKinney discussed the Employer-Educator Compact and encouraged the community to take advantage of the incredible amount of intellectual capital available at VSU. Dr. Ray Perren discussed high job placement rate at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and the college’s ability to adapt programs based on changes in technology. Lowndes County Commission Chairman Bill Slaughter and Mayor John Gayle presented a unified front as they expressed their concerns for educating our students and provided examples of what we can do as a community to help students find gainful employment.
For more information or updates on the Economic Summit, please contact Varian.
by Chamber News on April 22nd, 2013
Small businesses do not need to think small. The Text Biz is very much a small business: a one-person enterprise that was started just over three years ago, in 2010, in Finland. However, the content of the business is the English language, which means that publicity and marketing involve reaching out to companies and educational institutions in non-English speaking countries and regions around the world. Given the large size of this potential market, the exercise becomes a practical example of the adage “think global, act local”.
Since the beginning of 2013, the text biz has been based in Valdosta and run by Bruce Marsland, putting it a greater physical distance from established customers. This means, though, that it is possible to make a positive use of different time zones. A client in Europe can submit a draft text at the end of their business day; it can be picked up in the morning e-mail in Valdosta; and the text can then be edited and returned in time for the next European working day. Meanwhile, from the point of view of the Valdosta business community, every euro of revenue becomes fresh dollars in the local economy.
The text biz offers services that include editing, copywriting, English language education, and consultation in corporate style guidelines. Assignments have been completed for clients in Austria, Finland, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere.
See more at www.thetextbiz.com.
Since the beginning of 2013, the text biz has been based in Valdosta and run by Bruce Marsland, putting it a greater physical distance from established customers. This means, though, that it is possible to make a positive use of different time zones. A client in Europe can submit a draft text at the end of their business day; it can be picked up in the morning e-mail in Valdosta; and the text can then be edited and returned in time for the next European working day. Meanwhile, from the point of view of the Valdosta business community, every euro of revenue becomes fresh dollars in the local economy.
The text biz offers services that include editing, copywriting, English language education, and consultation in corporate style guidelines. Assignments have been completed for clients in Austria, Finland, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere.
See more at www.thetextbiz.com.
by Chamber News on April 22nd, 2013
Azalea Health (Azalea) is a leading provider of cloud-based health information technologies, specializing in electronic health records and practice management software. Additionally, Azalea provides tech-enabled services such as revenue cycle management and precertification. Azalea systems and services allow healthcare professionals to streamline their workflow processes and enables them to provide the highest level of patient care.
Azalea began full-time operation in April of 2008 after winning the Guardian Bank/Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce Business Plan Competition. Throughout the past five years Azalea has experienced unprecedented growth; expanding from only four employees in 2008 to forty employees in 2013. Since January of 2012 the company has added nineteen employees, specializing in areas from medical billing and prior authorizations to client relations, software development, and information technology support. This company growth has resulted in the opening of a third Azalea location in Macon, GA, which joins the previous two existing locations; Valdosta, GA and Savannah, GA.
Azalea has received both local and national recognition for their innovative technologies and unique business model. Azalea co-founders were recognized as winners of the Valdosta State University GOLD Award, in 2009 Azalea was nominated for the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) Virtual Excalibur Award, in 2012 company received the Blue Ribbon Award; an honor given to only 75 small businesses throughout the nation, just to name a few. Most recently Azalea was given the honor of 2013 Small Business of the Year awarded by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce.
by Chamber News on April 19th, 2013
In the spring of 1963, the Office Manager of Ellinor Motor Co, the Ford Dealership for Valdosta, heard that the business was possibly for sale. Mr. J. Carol Sherwood approached his friends, the Langdales, to ask if they would be interested in forming a partnership with him to purchase the business. In April 1963 Langdale Ford was created with the partnership of Mr. Sherwood, Harley Langdale Jr., John W. Langdale and William P.
Langdale. They were officially awarded the Ford franchise in May 1963 and opened for business.
Carol Sherwood was the operating partner and General Manager, and he performed in that capacity until 1986 when he decided to retire. He sought a prospect to buy him out and finally sold his interest to William Laskey a former NFL football player who had been in the car business since his football years. Mr. Laskey was the Manager until 1992 when Stephen A. Everett was recruited by the Langdale family to replace Mr. Laskey, who had left the business. Mr. Everett, with the Langdale Company bought out the original Langdale brothers and became Vice President and General Manager. He still performs those duties today, and for more than 50 years the business has had only three General Managers.
Originally, Langdale Ford was located on West Central Ave. in what is now the Western Auto store. The business had several satellite lots around downtown to house trucks, used vehicles and excess inventory. The partners immediately made plans for a new facility, and in early 1965, they moved to their new building and location on the corner of Oak and Magnolia streets in downtown Valdosta.
Today the business is still committed to serving downtown and is the last car dealership to remain in that location. Customers who frequent Langdale Ford for service, maintenance and sales find that it is convenient to most places of employment such as City, County and State Government offices, Industrial Parks, the Valdosta Mall area and local retail businesses. Customers continue to ask that they remain downtown, and Langdale Ford will continue to honor their customers request for the near future. In fact, Langdale Ford is planning a major renovation this year, which will further solidify their commitment to remaining downtown.
In 1996, Langdale Ford purchased the buildings diagonally across the street that once housed a grocery store and a chain drug store, expanding their facilities. This building was remodeled to house all Pre Delivery and Detail operations inside. The front portion was expanded to house the growing used vehicle operation that was so cramped in the original facility. The expansion was named Langdale's Used Car and Truck Super Center, which aptly describes the vast inventory and resources dedicated to this growing part of the industry.
The original facility was remodeled in the mid 1990’s to bring both the image up to date and to help with the growing volume of new car and truck sales. New offices were added, the Parts and Service Departments were expanded and the display lot was resurfaced. Today the facility is positioned to handle all facets of a successful New Car and Truck Dealership, including sales, service, parts and collision repair.
As the assigned franchised dealer for all Ford Car and Truck products, Langdale Ford has had a tremendous working relationship with Ford Motor Co. for almost half of their years in existence. As the industry has been turned upside down through business cycles, recessions, oil shortages and bankruptcies, Ford Motor Co. has not only survived but thrived. The company is in the best possible financial position ever at this time and is admired by its rivals for its ability to maintain and grow market share in the face of fierce competition.
Ford products have an incredible history, dating all the way back to the original Model T. Ford cars and trucks that have touched most families and companies at some time in their life. Almost every person has a fond memory of a particular model. Ford has continued the tradition in recent years with state of the art products that are well positioned for the current market. Ford vehicles are safer and more technologically advanced than most cars and trucks offered today. In addition, they offer the most fuel efficient lineup in the industry. Ford cars and trucks either lead or tie every segment in the market with regards to fuel mileage. A sneak peak at the future tells of great styling, even more technology and alternate fuels with an emphasis towards electrification.
Together, Ford Motor Co. and Langdale Ford are well positioned to take on the ever demanding automotive market. As the Ford Dealer for over 50 years, Langdale Ford feels that it is ready for the next 50 years, as well.
Langdale. They were officially awarded the Ford franchise in May 1963 and opened for business.
Carol Sherwood was the operating partner and General Manager, and he performed in that capacity until 1986 when he decided to retire. He sought a prospect to buy him out and finally sold his interest to William Laskey a former NFL football player who had been in the car business since his football years. Mr. Laskey was the Manager until 1992 when Stephen A. Everett was recruited by the Langdale family to replace Mr. Laskey, who had left the business. Mr. Everett, with the Langdale Company bought out the original Langdale brothers and became Vice President and General Manager. He still performs those duties today, and for more than 50 years the business has had only three General Managers.
Originally, Langdale Ford was located on West Central Ave. in what is now the Western Auto store. The business had several satellite lots around downtown to house trucks, used vehicles and excess inventory. The partners immediately made plans for a new facility, and in early 1965, they moved to their new building and location on the corner of Oak and Magnolia streets in downtown Valdosta.
Today the business is still committed to serving downtown and is the last car dealership to remain in that location. Customers who frequent Langdale Ford for service, maintenance and sales find that it is convenient to most places of employment such as City, County and State Government offices, Industrial Parks, the Valdosta Mall area and local retail businesses. Customers continue to ask that they remain downtown, and Langdale Ford will continue to honor their customers request for the near future. In fact, Langdale Ford is planning a major renovation this year, which will further solidify their commitment to remaining downtown.
In 1996, Langdale Ford purchased the buildings diagonally across the street that once housed a grocery store and a chain drug store, expanding their facilities. This building was remodeled to house all Pre Delivery and Detail operations inside. The front portion was expanded to house the growing used vehicle operation that was so cramped in the original facility. The expansion was named Langdale's Used Car and Truck Super Center, which aptly describes the vast inventory and resources dedicated to this growing part of the industry.
The original facility was remodeled in the mid 1990’s to bring both the image up to date and to help with the growing volume of new car and truck sales. New offices were added, the Parts and Service Departments were expanded and the display lot was resurfaced. Today the facility is positioned to handle all facets of a successful New Car and Truck Dealership, including sales, service, parts and collision repair.
As the assigned franchised dealer for all Ford Car and Truck products, Langdale Ford has had a tremendous working relationship with Ford Motor Co. for almost half of their years in existence. As the industry has been turned upside down through business cycles, recessions, oil shortages and bankruptcies, Ford Motor Co. has not only survived but thrived. The company is in the best possible financial position ever at this time and is admired by its rivals for its ability to maintain and grow market share in the face of fierce competition.
Ford products have an incredible history, dating all the way back to the original Model T. Ford cars and trucks that have touched most families and companies at some time in their life. Almost every person has a fond memory of a particular model. Ford has continued the tradition in recent years with state of the art products that are well positioned for the current market. Ford vehicles are safer and more technologically advanced than most cars and trucks offered today. In addition, they offer the most fuel efficient lineup in the industry. Ford cars and trucks either lead or tie every segment in the market with regards to fuel mileage. A sneak peak at the future tells of great styling, even more technology and alternate fuels with an emphasis towards electrification.
Together, Ford Motor Co. and Langdale Ford are well positioned to take on the ever demanding automotive market. As the Ford Dealer for over 50 years, Langdale Ford feels that it is ready for the next 50 years, as well.
by Chamber News on April 19th, 2013
Eye Associates of South Georgia began with the opening of Dr. Moye’s private ophthalmology practice in 1973 with 12-15 employees. Over time, the practice grew and expanded to a new location at 3024 North Patterson Street, which remains the primary office of Eye Associates of South Georgia. Eye Associates of South Georgia has grown and currently has 27 employees, including owners Dr. Cliff Courtenay and Dr. Albert Gonzalez.
In 1992, Dr. Cliff Courtenay joined Dr. Moye to create Eye Associates of South Georgia, LLC. Dr. Courtenay is an optometrist with extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, as well as visual and optical conditions. Their goal was to expand the range and quality of patient care by offering both ophthalmology and optometric services. With an emphasis on patient service and improving technology, Eye Associates of South Georgia continued to grow.
In 1998, Eye Associates of South Georgia opened an ambulatory surgery center, which remains the only office-based eye surgery center in Lowndes County. The ambulatory surgery center has been successful in achieving its goal of delivering top quality out-patient surgical services to residents of South Georgia and North Florida.
In 2006, Eye Associates of South Georgia opened a separate administrative office on Oak Street. This facility serves as the administrative business office, but it also contains audiovisual equipment, space for staff management and educational presentations.
Albert Gonzalez, MD joined Eye Associates of South Georgia in 2008. Gonzalez is a board-certified ophthalmologist trained at the University of South Carolina. He completed his residency at the national Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. Dr. Gonzalez is the only general ophthalmologist in the area with sub-specialty training. In 2010, Dr. Moye retired and Dr. Gonzalez became half owner. Soon after, a major renovation of the Patterson Street office was completed in 2012.
The doctors and staff at Eye Associates of South Georgia remain committed to growing the practice by providing excellent eye care with a personal touch. Issues in technology, regulatory rules, third party payers and employment law all present constant challenges in managing an active business such as Eye Associates of South Georgia. Dedicated staff, modern equipment and continuing education are all necessary to negotiate the hurdles that exist in the delivery of health care.
Eye Associates of South Georgia attempts to recruit and retain the most talented and trained people as members of their staff. Eye Associates of South Georgia hires based on potential and works constantly on employee development. Staff meetings are conducted weekly, and individual training is an ongoing effort. Biweekly meetings with the doctors and management staff give Eye Associates of South Georgia the opportunity to fix any issues.
Eye Associates of South Georgia provides uniform allowances, health care allowances, birthday remembrances, quarterly meetings and company trips every other year to recognize employees. Eye Associates of South Georgia believes that their future success lies in the ability to change and adapt as conditions change in health care, and they cannot successfully do this without their employees.
Eye Associates of South Georgia is actively involved in the community and continues to give back when they can. They participate in the Valdosta State University’s Happening and Physical Education Day, Senior Living Showcase, Hahira Honey Bee Festival, Colquitt EMC Public Health Meeting Health Fair and several other activities.
Eye Associates of South Georgia continues to stay dedicated to being the leader in eye care delivery. They recognize that they cannot achieve their goals or success without their valuable employees and patients. Eye Associates of South Georgia remains true to their core values and knows they will continue to achieve growth for another 39 years.
In 1992, Dr. Cliff Courtenay joined Dr. Moye to create Eye Associates of South Georgia, LLC. Dr. Courtenay is an optometrist with extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, as well as visual and optical conditions. Their goal was to expand the range and quality of patient care by offering both ophthalmology and optometric services. With an emphasis on patient service and improving technology, Eye Associates of South Georgia continued to grow.
In 1998, Eye Associates of South Georgia opened an ambulatory surgery center, which remains the only office-based eye surgery center in Lowndes County. The ambulatory surgery center has been successful in achieving its goal of delivering top quality out-patient surgical services to residents of South Georgia and North Florida.
In 2006, Eye Associates of South Georgia opened a separate administrative office on Oak Street. This facility serves as the administrative business office, but it also contains audiovisual equipment, space for staff management and educational presentations.
Albert Gonzalez, MD joined Eye Associates of South Georgia in 2008. Gonzalez is a board-certified ophthalmologist trained at the University of South Carolina. He completed his residency at the national Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. Dr. Gonzalez is the only general ophthalmologist in the area with sub-specialty training. In 2010, Dr. Moye retired and Dr. Gonzalez became half owner. Soon after, a major renovation of the Patterson Street office was completed in 2012.
The doctors and staff at Eye Associates of South Georgia remain committed to growing the practice by providing excellent eye care with a personal touch. Issues in technology, regulatory rules, third party payers and employment law all present constant challenges in managing an active business such as Eye Associates of South Georgia. Dedicated staff, modern equipment and continuing education are all necessary to negotiate the hurdles that exist in the delivery of health care.
Eye Associates of South Georgia attempts to recruit and retain the most talented and trained people as members of their staff. Eye Associates of South Georgia hires based on potential and works constantly on employee development. Staff meetings are conducted weekly, and individual training is an ongoing effort. Biweekly meetings with the doctors and management staff give Eye Associates of South Georgia the opportunity to fix any issues.
Eye Associates of South Georgia provides uniform allowances, health care allowances, birthday remembrances, quarterly meetings and company trips every other year to recognize employees. Eye Associates of South Georgia believes that their future success lies in the ability to change and adapt as conditions change in health care, and they cannot successfully do this without their employees.
Eye Associates of South Georgia is actively involved in the community and continues to give back when they can. They participate in the Valdosta State University’s Happening and Physical Education Day, Senior Living Showcase, Hahira Honey Bee Festival, Colquitt EMC Public Health Meeting Health Fair and several other activities.
Eye Associates of South Georgia continues to stay dedicated to being the leader in eye care delivery. They recognize that they cannot achieve their goals or success without their valuable employees and patients. Eye Associates of South Georgia remains true to their core values and knows they will continue to achieve growth for another 39 years.
by Chamber News on April 19th, 2013
In 2002, Williams Investment Company purchased the land at the corner of St. Augustine Road and 1-75. At the time, the land was home to a 1960’s era Howard Johnson’s Motor Inn. The plan was to build two modern hotels of similar size and style but with slightly different clientele on the same footprint: a Comfort Suites and a Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Comfort Suites was built first and opened October of 2007, and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites opened July of 2009.
When The Holiday Inn Express & Suites opened, Valdosta was right in the middle of the worst financial recession since the great depression. Occupancy levels for the hotel industry as a whole were the worst on record for over 30 years in 2009. The hotel had a slow start, taking a little longer to ramp up than the Williams family anticipated.
To counteract the slow economy, special attention was given to local sales efforts. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites networked at Chamber functions, local service clubs, churches and even sporting events. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites also conducted a “Sales Blitz,” bringing together the efforts from all the senior management of Williams Hotel Group Valdosta to concentrate on community awareness and revenue building for this one key property. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites had a new building, clean hotel and a ready crew, with few customers.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites encouraged the staff to go the extra mile to do more for guests than just the normal. Staff was taught the difference between a good employee and a great employee. A good employee will see a guest walking down the hall with an ice bucket in his hand and without being asked, they will offer “the ice machine is right down here on the right.” A great employee will see the same guest with the ice bucket and say, “Could I get that ice for you and deliver it to your room?”
The result of these unique sales and service efforts far exceeded anticipated goals and helped to elevate The Holiday Inn Express & Suites to the position of market leader. The hotel has shown a growth in occupancy year after year from 3.5 to 4 percent per year and an increase in revenue from 9 to 10 percent per year, each year it has been open.
When the contractor gave The Holiday Inn Express & Suites the keys to their new building, it was a dusty, empty husk. The opening staff went to work cleaning rooms, moving furniture, installing fixtures, putting together guest rooms, organizing work areas and stocking storage rooms. Slowly, the building started to take shape and become a hotel. By having them all work together, the employees all took ownership of the hotel. The hotel might belong to the Williams Hotel Group but the employees “owned” it and they were determined they were going to make it the best.
The hiring, training and retention of quality people has indeed had an impact on the hotel. For the year 2011/2012, the first year that The Holiday Inn Express & Suites met IHG’s very stringent eligibility requirements, the hotel won IHG’s Quality Excellence Award. This award is presented to hotels that maintain a guest satisfaction score exceeding 90.5% and put The Holiday Inn Express & Suites in the top 2 percent of all The Holiday Inn Express hotels nationwide. To date, The Holiday Inn Express & Suites is well on their way to repeating this award for the year 2012/2013.
The hotel as a “family” also wanted to invest in our community. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites decided there were several areas where we could make a difference: Children, Victims of Domestic Violence and the American Red Cross. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites became a drop off point for Toys for Tots as well, as several employees donated their time to assist in the annual toy drive.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites also partnered with The Haven to provide them linens and supplies. Some of the products are used in The Haven’s facility, while the rest are utilized through their distribution center when the participants leave The Haven and start a new life on their own.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites sales efforts and unique approach to outstanding customer service has shown them to be a leader in both guest satisfaction as well as profitability.
When The Holiday Inn Express & Suites opened, Valdosta was right in the middle of the worst financial recession since the great depression. Occupancy levels for the hotel industry as a whole were the worst on record for over 30 years in 2009. The hotel had a slow start, taking a little longer to ramp up than the Williams family anticipated.
To counteract the slow economy, special attention was given to local sales efforts. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites networked at Chamber functions, local service clubs, churches and even sporting events. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites also conducted a “Sales Blitz,” bringing together the efforts from all the senior management of Williams Hotel Group Valdosta to concentrate on community awareness and revenue building for this one key property. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites had a new building, clean hotel and a ready crew, with few customers.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites encouraged the staff to go the extra mile to do more for guests than just the normal. Staff was taught the difference between a good employee and a great employee. A good employee will see a guest walking down the hall with an ice bucket in his hand and without being asked, they will offer “the ice machine is right down here on the right.” A great employee will see the same guest with the ice bucket and say, “Could I get that ice for you and deliver it to your room?”
The result of these unique sales and service efforts far exceeded anticipated goals and helped to elevate The Holiday Inn Express & Suites to the position of market leader. The hotel has shown a growth in occupancy year after year from 3.5 to 4 percent per year and an increase in revenue from 9 to 10 percent per year, each year it has been open.
When the contractor gave The Holiday Inn Express & Suites the keys to their new building, it was a dusty, empty husk. The opening staff went to work cleaning rooms, moving furniture, installing fixtures, putting together guest rooms, organizing work areas and stocking storage rooms. Slowly, the building started to take shape and become a hotel. By having them all work together, the employees all took ownership of the hotel. The hotel might belong to the Williams Hotel Group but the employees “owned” it and they were determined they were going to make it the best.
The hiring, training and retention of quality people has indeed had an impact on the hotel. For the year 2011/2012, the first year that The Holiday Inn Express & Suites met IHG’s very stringent eligibility requirements, the hotel won IHG’s Quality Excellence Award. This award is presented to hotels that maintain a guest satisfaction score exceeding 90.5% and put The Holiday Inn Express & Suites in the top 2 percent of all The Holiday Inn Express hotels nationwide. To date, The Holiday Inn Express & Suites is well on their way to repeating this award for the year 2012/2013.
The hotel as a “family” also wanted to invest in our community. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites decided there were several areas where we could make a difference: Children, Victims of Domestic Violence and the American Red Cross. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites became a drop off point for Toys for Tots as well, as several employees donated their time to assist in the annual toy drive.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites also partnered with The Haven to provide them linens and supplies. Some of the products are used in The Haven’s facility, while the rest are utilized through their distribution center when the participants leave The Haven and start a new life on their own.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites sales efforts and unique approach to outstanding customer service has shown them to be a leader in both guest satisfaction as well as profitability.
by Chamber News on April 19th, 2013
Roy and Irma Taylor founded Taylor Insurance Services in 1968 in Tifton, Georgia. Their vision was to assist local businesses in their recruitment and retention efforts by offering high-quality insured products to their employees, funded by payroll deduction and serviced by professional agents. Roy Taylor has been described by Ash Verlander, the former CEO of American Heritage Life Insurance Company, as “the grandfather of the payroll deduction” industry.
In 1976, the company relocated to Valdosta to take advantage of the growth occurring in the area. The company employed only two agents, sold only one product and had only two clients. However, the business was managed profitably and began to grow.
After the relocation to Valdosta, the firm entered into its first phase of sustained growth. The firm was at the forefront of new product design and deployment into the payroll marketplace, earning the distinction of developing and introducing several products, which have become commonplace today.
With new clients and new products came new agents. Taylor Insurance Services expanded, leading to new divisions in Jacksonville, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. Taylor Insurance Services’ total headcount expanded to 20 as they added sales and support staff to accommodate a growing list of clients, including 200 companies and more than 30,000 individual clients.
During this time the Taylor family became involved in community issues and politics, which led to funding and managing several initiatives designed to address the rapid growth and development of Valdosta and Lowndes County. The redevelopment of Downtown Valdosta was of particular interest.
The second generation of Taylors to lead the firm marked Taylor Insurance Services next phase of existence, as the founding generation handed the reins to Eddie Taylor in 1992. A dynamic and engaging leader, his vision revamped the way client accounts were acquired and serviced. He had the unenviable task of making some difficult decisions necessary to put the firm on sound financial footing, as he withdrew from unprofitable lines of business and client relationships. During this time, the firm grew greatly in the same business segment, boasting a client list of over 400 employers and 40,000 clients.
In 2005, the current ownership took control of the firm when Eddie Taylor passed away unexpectedly. Since then Trey and Trent Taylor have guided the firm to take advantage of the economic climate and the opportunities that technology and advanced partnerships provide.
In 2006 the brothers recognized a pronounced need in the community for a professional, client-focused financial planning firm. Metis Planning was founded that year to provide personal CFO services for select clients. In 2010 the Taylor brothers recognized that the state of the Property and Casualty marketplace in Valdosta had become overly dominated with single-line carriers with captive agent field forces. To remedy this problem and take advantage of the opportunity to provide better quality products, greater choice and better value, Taylor Insurance purchased an interest in Brightway Insurance, an INC 500 company focused on the P&C marketplace, opening its first Georgia location.
Today Taylor Insurance Services and its associated firms zealously represent the insurance and financial needs of over 1,100 businesses with more than 80,000 individual clients across 11 states. Taylor Insurance Services is proud to claim 1 in 8 residents of Lowndes County, and 1 in 4 families are owners of Taylor Insurance products.
As Taylor Insurance Services continues to grow, they see many opportunities for growth, innovation and investment in the future. The community has a significant need for efficient and growth-oriented investment in the private sector. Taylor Insurance Services exists to provide opportunities for achievement for each of its associates. Taylor Insurance Services manages their organization to provide each person with the opportunity to draw upon their true talents and creative passions in pursuit of excellence in their chosen field of endeavor.
In 1976, the company relocated to Valdosta to take advantage of the growth occurring in the area. The company employed only two agents, sold only one product and had only two clients. However, the business was managed profitably and began to grow.
After the relocation to Valdosta, the firm entered into its first phase of sustained growth. The firm was at the forefront of new product design and deployment into the payroll marketplace, earning the distinction of developing and introducing several products, which have become commonplace today.
With new clients and new products came new agents. Taylor Insurance Services expanded, leading to new divisions in Jacksonville, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. Taylor Insurance Services’ total headcount expanded to 20 as they added sales and support staff to accommodate a growing list of clients, including 200 companies and more than 30,000 individual clients.
During this time the Taylor family became involved in community issues and politics, which led to funding and managing several initiatives designed to address the rapid growth and development of Valdosta and Lowndes County. The redevelopment of Downtown Valdosta was of particular interest.
The second generation of Taylors to lead the firm marked Taylor Insurance Services next phase of existence, as the founding generation handed the reins to Eddie Taylor in 1992. A dynamic and engaging leader, his vision revamped the way client accounts were acquired and serviced. He had the unenviable task of making some difficult decisions necessary to put the firm on sound financial footing, as he withdrew from unprofitable lines of business and client relationships. During this time, the firm grew greatly in the same business segment, boasting a client list of over 400 employers and 40,000 clients.
In 2005, the current ownership took control of the firm when Eddie Taylor passed away unexpectedly. Since then Trey and Trent Taylor have guided the firm to take advantage of the economic climate and the opportunities that technology and advanced partnerships provide.
In 2006 the brothers recognized a pronounced need in the community for a professional, client-focused financial planning firm. Metis Planning was founded that year to provide personal CFO services for select clients. In 2010 the Taylor brothers recognized that the state of the Property and Casualty marketplace in Valdosta had become overly dominated with single-line carriers with captive agent field forces. To remedy this problem and take advantage of the opportunity to provide better quality products, greater choice and better value, Taylor Insurance purchased an interest in Brightway Insurance, an INC 500 company focused on the P&C marketplace, opening its first Georgia location.
Today Taylor Insurance Services and its associated firms zealously represent the insurance and financial needs of over 1,100 businesses with more than 80,000 individual clients across 11 states. Taylor Insurance Services is proud to claim 1 in 8 residents of Lowndes County, and 1 in 4 families are owners of Taylor Insurance products.
As Taylor Insurance Services continues to grow, they see many opportunities for growth, innovation and investment in the future. The community has a significant need for efficient and growth-oriented investment in the private sector. Taylor Insurance Services exists to provide opportunities for achievement for each of its associates. Taylor Insurance Services manages their organization to provide each person with the opportunity to draw upon their true talents and creative passions in pursuit of excellence in their chosen field of endeavor.
by Chamber News on April 18th, 2013
Coleman Talley LLP is a full service law firm, founded in 1937 in Valdosta, Georgia. The firm has grown in recent years to 29 attorneys with offices located in Valdosta and Atlanta, Georgia. Coleman Talley’s attorneys remain supported by 75 years of historical perspective, relationships, and success, thereby offering our clients unparalleled advice and expertise in many practice areas.
Coleman Talley has a sophisticated commercial practice area servicing commercial real estate and construction needs, creditors’ rights and affordable housing transactions. Coleman Talley is also one of the largest defense litigation firms in South Georgia and has a well established municipal law practice, proudly serving the city of Valdosta for over 65 years.
The firm attracts and develops highly qualified attorneys and staff dedicated to personal and professional excellence. Employees of the firm regularly attend community events and educational opportunities to further advance this endeavor. Coleman Talley is active in the community, having served as the presenting sponsor for the American Cancer Society in 2011 and 2012, with donations totaling more than $20,000. The firm was recognized in May of 2012 by Attorney General Sam Olens, for winning the Georgia Legal Food Frenzy event, where Coleman Talley won 1st place in the Medium Firm size category collecting 36,655 total pounds of food for Second Harvest of South Georgia. For the past two years, Coleman Talley has sponsored the Hope for a Cure Gala hosted by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation which provides funding for some of the most cutting edge research into identifying a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. Coleman Talley provides sponsorships each year for the furtherance of education initiatives, such as the annual Regents’ Salute to Education benefiting the USG Foundation and the annual Gala benefiting the VSU Foundation.
Just recently Martindale-Hubbell announced that Coleman Talley LLP was selected as one of the Top Ranked Law Firms in the United States based on AV Preeminent rating reviews. More than 254,000 law firms were considered in the selection process, but less than one-half of one percent of firms across the nation made the final cut. Several of Coleman Talley’s attorneys are rated AV Preeminent® which reflects a significant rating accomplishment, a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence. The firm’s Sr. Partner, Wade Coleman and Partner Hansell Watt were recently selected by Super Lawyers magazine as “Super Lawyer” and “Rising Star,” respectively. Only 5 percent of Georgia attorneys are chosen each year for the list of Super Lawyers for attaining a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. No more than 2.5 percent of Georgia attorneys are recognized as Rising Stars, lawyers who are age 40 and younger. The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers magazines and in leading city and regional magazines across the country.
Coleman Talley has an ongoing commitment to integrate the latest technologies into our practice areas at every level to meet the needs of our clients. The firm has made substantial technology investments in recent years equipping attorneys and staff with the necessary tools to serve clients as efficiently as possible. In 2011, the firm embarked on a mission to re-create the functional traditional paper file, which typically contains all case information including billing, into a 21st-century e-file that is instantly accessible by any of its 28 attorneys in any office. Following an extensive search process by our IT committee, the firm implemented a new platform which is now used throughout the firm.
Looking ahead to the future, we envision the expansion of our Valdosta location. Currently the Valdosta firm consists of two separate buildings located directly next door to each other on Patterson Street. In the past 5 years, we have quickly reached our office capacity, with the addition of the firm’s bankruptcy and creditors’ rights and affordable housing practice areas. As the firm continues to grow the pressing need to expand our office in Valdosta is foreseeable. Coleman Talley’s Atlanta office relocated to Buckhead in 2011, with office space on the 4th floor of the One Live Oak Center across for the Lenox Square Mall. The newly renovated suite provides 3 spacious modern conference rooms and office space to meet our growing staffing needs in the North Georgia market.
We attribute our success to the depth of knowledge of the firm’s 20 partners and the ongoing commitment to excellence. Our Partners have over 475 years of combined legal experience in a wide array of practice areas. The firm’s attorneys work hard to build solid lasting relationships with those who call upon us for legal services. We recognize that there are countless numbers of law firms that can provide legal services, but we’ve been around long enough to know what it takes to narrow the selection down when it comes to service. At Coleman Talley we strive to be different. We make it part of our daily routine to provide exemplary service and the highest degree of courtesy and professionalism to our clients.
Coleman Talley has a sophisticated commercial practice area servicing commercial real estate and construction needs, creditors’ rights and affordable housing transactions. Coleman Talley is also one of the largest defense litigation firms in South Georgia and has a well established municipal law practice, proudly serving the city of Valdosta for over 65 years.
The firm attracts and develops highly qualified attorneys and staff dedicated to personal and professional excellence. Employees of the firm regularly attend community events and educational opportunities to further advance this endeavor. Coleman Talley is active in the community, having served as the presenting sponsor for the American Cancer Society in 2011 and 2012, with donations totaling more than $20,000. The firm was recognized in May of 2012 by Attorney General Sam Olens, for winning the Georgia Legal Food Frenzy event, where Coleman Talley won 1st place in the Medium Firm size category collecting 36,655 total pounds of food for Second Harvest of South Georgia. For the past two years, Coleman Talley has sponsored the Hope for a Cure Gala hosted by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation which provides funding for some of the most cutting edge research into identifying a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. Coleman Talley provides sponsorships each year for the furtherance of education initiatives, such as the annual Regents’ Salute to Education benefiting the USG Foundation and the annual Gala benefiting the VSU Foundation.
Just recently Martindale-Hubbell announced that Coleman Talley LLP was selected as one of the Top Ranked Law Firms in the United States based on AV Preeminent rating reviews. More than 254,000 law firms were considered in the selection process, but less than one-half of one percent of firms across the nation made the final cut. Several of Coleman Talley’s attorneys are rated AV Preeminent® which reflects a significant rating accomplishment, a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence. The firm’s Sr. Partner, Wade Coleman and Partner Hansell Watt were recently selected by Super Lawyers magazine as “Super Lawyer” and “Rising Star,” respectively. Only 5 percent of Georgia attorneys are chosen each year for the list of Super Lawyers for attaining a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. No more than 2.5 percent of Georgia attorneys are recognized as Rising Stars, lawyers who are age 40 and younger. The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers magazines and in leading city and regional magazines across the country.
Coleman Talley has an ongoing commitment to integrate the latest technologies into our practice areas at every level to meet the needs of our clients. The firm has made substantial technology investments in recent years equipping attorneys and staff with the necessary tools to serve clients as efficiently as possible. In 2011, the firm embarked on a mission to re-create the functional traditional paper file, which typically contains all case information including billing, into a 21st-century e-file that is instantly accessible by any of its 28 attorneys in any office. Following an extensive search process by our IT committee, the firm implemented a new platform which is now used throughout the firm.
Looking ahead to the future, we envision the expansion of our Valdosta location. Currently the Valdosta firm consists of two separate buildings located directly next door to each other on Patterson Street. In the past 5 years, we have quickly reached our office capacity, with the addition of the firm’s bankruptcy and creditors’ rights and affordable housing practice areas. As the firm continues to grow the pressing need to expand our office in Valdosta is foreseeable. Coleman Talley’s Atlanta office relocated to Buckhead in 2011, with office space on the 4th floor of the One Live Oak Center across for the Lenox Square Mall. The newly renovated suite provides 3 spacious modern conference rooms and office space to meet our growing staffing needs in the North Georgia market.
We attribute our success to the depth of knowledge of the firm’s 20 partners and the ongoing commitment to excellence. Our Partners have over 475 years of combined legal experience in a wide array of practice areas. The firm’s attorneys work hard to build solid lasting relationships with those who call upon us for legal services. We recognize that there are countless numbers of law firms that can provide legal services, but we’ve been around long enough to know what it takes to narrow the selection down when it comes to service. At Coleman Talley we strive to be different. We make it part of our daily routine to provide exemplary service and the highest degree of courtesy and professionalism to our clients.
by Chamber News on April 18th, 2013
BCB Boutique began in a small corner at the Azalea Center for Plastic Surgery office in Valdosta. Once the boutique began, its popularity quickly grew beyond the walls of the practice and it quickly had to relocate to a more permanent location. Christy Howell's vision grew increasingly innovative and once her visions became reality, there was no stopping the astounding success of BCB.
Nestled into the intimate setting of Summit Pointe Plaza, BCB has quickly grown to become the best place to shop for the latest trends in women's fashion. BCB's ambition and intended destination is to become a special boutique that stocks cutting edge trends at affordable prices. BCB believes that all women are and deserve to feel beautiful at any budget.
BCB offers a refreshing take on fashion and glamour by taking great time and energy personally selecting each item in the boutique. This insures a truly exclusive shopping experience rivaled by no other. BCB takes pride in offering a wide range of styles suited for women of nearly all ages- there is something for everyone at BCB.
BCB first started out with a measly Facebook page with maybe 100 followers and has since grown a staggering amount of over 2,000. Social media has become remarkably important as an opportune way to connect with customers. BCB constantly posts photos of new arrivals, with continual updates and creative graphics announcing sales and upcoming events. This ensures their customers know exactly what they're doing and feel involved.
BCB recently launched a new website that expanded their inventory and customer base. BCB also utilizes Twitter, Instagram and blogging to stay connected with their customers. Using the as an innovative way to announce trends for each season and relate them back to items in their boutique.
Nestled into the intimate setting of Summit Pointe Plaza, BCB has quickly grown to become the best place to shop for the latest trends in women's fashion. BCB's ambition and intended destination is to become a special boutique that stocks cutting edge trends at affordable prices. BCB believes that all women are and deserve to feel beautiful at any budget.
BCB offers a refreshing take on fashion and glamour by taking great time and energy personally selecting each item in the boutique. This insures a truly exclusive shopping experience rivaled by no other. BCB takes pride in offering a wide range of styles suited for women of nearly all ages- there is something for everyone at BCB.
BCB first started out with a measly Facebook page with maybe 100 followers and has since grown a staggering amount of over 2,000. Social media has become remarkably important as an opportune way to connect with customers. BCB constantly posts photos of new arrivals, with continual updates and creative graphics announcing sales and upcoming events. This ensures their customers know exactly what they're doing and feel involved.
BCB recently launched a new website that expanded their inventory and customer base. BCB also utilizes Twitter, Instagram and blogging to stay connected with their customers. Using the as an innovative way to announce trends for each season and relate them back to items in their boutique.
by Chamber News on April 17th, 2013
Spirit of Enterprise Award is Given to Select Group of Legislators for 25th Year
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today honored 252 members of the House and 48 members of the Senate with the annual Spirit of Enterprise Award for their support of pro-jobs, pro-growth policies during the second session of the 112th Congress. Among those recipients were U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, along with Congressmen Jack Kingston and Austin Scott.
“This recognition is great news for the Valdosta-Lowndes County business community as all of our elected officials were honored,” said Ron Borders, Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber Government Affairs Council Chair. “We visit our legislators in D.C. each year to present our Federal Legislative agenda and this shows they are listening to the needs of our business community.”
The U.S. Chamber’s prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award, in its 25th year, is given annually to members of Congress based on key business issues outlined in the publication How They Voted. Members who support the U.S. Chamber’s position on at least 70 percent of those votes qualify to receive the award.
The U.S. Chamber scored Congress on 8 Senate and 12 House votes in 2012, including reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the establishment of Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with Russia, and the reauthorization of surface transportation legislation. Also scored were votes to repeal onerous provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, improve the process by which regulations are promulgated, and better secure the United States from cyber threats.
To view a complete list of the 2012 Spirit of Enterprise recipients, please visit www.uschamber.com/soe.
“This recognition is great news for the Valdosta-Lowndes County business community as all of our elected officials were honored,” said Ron Borders, Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber Government Affairs Council Chair. “We visit our legislators in D.C. each year to present our Federal Legislative agenda and this shows they are listening to the needs of our business community.”
The U.S. Chamber’s prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award, in its 25th year, is given annually to members of Congress based on key business issues outlined in the publication How They Voted. Members who support the U.S. Chamber’s position on at least 70 percent of those votes qualify to receive the award.
The U.S. Chamber scored Congress on 8 Senate and 12 House votes in 2012, including reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the establishment of Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with Russia, and the reauthorization of surface transportation legislation. Also scored were votes to repeal onerous provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, improve the process by which regulations are promulgated, and better secure the United States from cyber threats.
To view a complete list of the 2012 Spirit of Enterprise recipients, please visit www.uschamber.com/soe.
by Chamber News on April 15th, 2013
The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber is now accepting nominations for Metro Valdosta’s 4 Under 40 to recognize outstanding young professionals in the Valdosta-Lowndes County community.
Winners will be announced during the 4 under 40 reception on May 16 at Cotton Corner, sponsored by CJB Industries and Archer Daniels Midland Co. The elite four will then be submitted to Georgia Trend’s 40 under 40 program.
Candidates are selected based on professional accomplishments, experience, community involvement, leadership qualities, entrepreneurial spirit, professional and community impact.
Last year’s winners included: Brittney Foster-Hull (Packaging Corporation of America), Jennifer Steedley (Valdosta City Schools), Parrish Clark (Guardian Bank) and Drew DeMott (Moore, Clarke, Duvall & Rodgers, P. C.)
The deadline to submit nominations is May 1 and ballots are available online at www.MetroOneValdosta.com or you can click here. For more information contact Erika Bennett at ebennett@ValdostaChamber.com or 229-247-8100.
Winners will be announced during the 4 under 40 reception on May 16 at Cotton Corner, sponsored by CJB Industries and Archer Daniels Midland Co. The elite four will then be submitted to Georgia Trend’s 40 under 40 program.
Candidates are selected based on professional accomplishments, experience, community involvement, leadership qualities, entrepreneurial spirit, professional and community impact.
Last year’s winners included: Brittney Foster-Hull (Packaging Corporation of America), Jennifer Steedley (Valdosta City Schools), Parrish Clark (Guardian Bank) and Drew DeMott (Moore, Clarke, Duvall & Rodgers, P. C.)
The deadline to submit nominations is May 1 and ballots are available online at www.MetroOneValdosta.com or you can click here. For more information contact Erika Bennett at ebennett@ValdostaChamber.com or 229-247-8100.
by Chamber News on April 15th, 2013
The Chamber & Cooper Craft Communications are making a BIG deal over small business in May with a jam-packed month of opportunities for you! Aside from events focused on small business, the Chamber wants to help share your story! We are going to feature five small businesses in an eblast each Friday in May.
In order to qualify for a featured spot, you must submit a 150-250 word description of your business that briefly describes how your company began, growth seen throughout operation, products or services offered, or anything unique you would like to share with our members. Please submit your description, along with a photo and logo via email to ebennett@valdostachamber.com by noon on Monday, April 22. Features are limited to 25 selections and will be accepted on a first-come basis. We look forward to your participation and featuring your business as part of Small Business Month.
In order to qualify for a featured spot, you must submit a 150-250 word description of your business that briefly describes how your company began, growth seen throughout operation, products or services offered, or anything unique you would like to share with our members. Please submit your description, along with a photo and logo via email to ebennett@valdostachamber.com by noon on Monday, April 22. Features are limited to 25 selections and will be accepted on a first-come basis. We look forward to your participation and featuring your business as part of Small Business Month.
by Chamber News on April 9th, 2013
After reviewing the numbers for Ambassador of the Quarter, the Chamber staff announced a tie for this year's first quarter.
Chamber Ambassadors Courtney Matthews and Jerry Kozuch are 2013's first Ambassadors of the Quarter! With Matthews and Kozuch each receiving a total of 520 points this quarter, there was no better solution than to honor them both for all of their hard work and dedication to the Chamber. Matthews and Kozuch earned points through volunteering at Chamber events and programs throughout the last four months. The Ambassadors were awarded a certificate and a pin at last week's Chamber 101.
Matthews, serving her third year as an Ambassador, is Director of Sales with the Courtyard by Marriott Valdosta.
Kozuch works as the patient representative and head of public relations for South Georgia Vein Centers of Valdosta. Here at the Chamber, she is beginning her second enrollment this year as an Ambassador, giving her an overall total of six years as an Ambassador.
Chamber Ambassadors Courtney Matthews and Jerry Kozuch are 2013's first Ambassadors of the Quarter! With Matthews and Kozuch each receiving a total of 520 points this quarter, there was no better solution than to honor them both for all of their hard work and dedication to the Chamber. Matthews and Kozuch earned points through volunteering at Chamber events and programs throughout the last four months. The Ambassadors were awarded a certificate and a pin at last week's Chamber 101.
Matthews, serving her third year as an Ambassador, is Director of Sales with the Courtyard by Marriott Valdosta.
Kozuch works as the patient representative and head of public relations for South Georgia Vein Centers of Valdosta. Here at the Chamber, she is beginning her second enrollment this year as an Ambassador, giving her an overall total of six years as an Ambassador.
"I love being an Ambassador because I am always getting to meet new people and help with their businesses," Kozuch said. "It is my privilege to serve our wonderful Chamber, and thanks to Dr. Greg Martin, with South Georgia Vein Centers, for allowing me the honor."
Chamber Ambassadors are professionals from local businesses, which serve as the public relations arm of the Chamber, aiding in welcoming new businesses to the Valdosta-Lowndes County area. They can be recognized by their green jackets, which represent prosperity, something they wish for every business community.
If you are interested in becoming one of our Chamber Ambassadors, contact Wanda Stanley at the Chamber at wstanley@valdostachamber.com.
Chamber Ambassadors are professionals from local businesses, which serve as the public relations arm of the Chamber, aiding in welcoming new businesses to the Valdosta-Lowndes County area. They can be recognized by their green jackets, which represent prosperity, something they wish for every business community.
If you are interested in becoming one of our Chamber Ambassadors, contact Wanda Stanley at the Chamber at wstanley@valdostachamber.com.
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