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Health is a top concern across the world for all mankind, but locally owned small businesses have a bit more on their shoulders at this time. The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber recognizes that these businesses rely on a steady flow of customers and consumers that have recently come to a halt. Over 80% of businesses in Lowndes county fall into this category. Social distance and limited contact has been advised to all and while it is the best practice for our health, these small businesses need our attention through alternate avenues. In just the short period of time since COVID-19 has reached our area, these businesses are already feeling a hit. Sue Cox, owner of Covington’s Dining & Catering and 306 North has come up with options to continue to feed the community in a safer, more distant way. Like many other restaurants, they are offering take-out and curb-side delivery options. Even with these limited contact options, both restaurants are continuing their top-of-the-line hygiene practices provided by the Lowndes County Health Department. “We continue to train and update our employees to do everything we can for your public safety and the freshness of our food,” stated Cox. Cox expressed that “all small businesses need the community’s help right now, and we look forward to being here to serve the community at this time, too.” Thacker Dermatology, like many others have already adapted and made necessary changes. Though she understands the financial concerns, owner, Dr. Betsy Backe “can’t emphasize enough the importance of staying home.” The office is only open for high-risk appointments at this time. They are rescheduling all routine appointments or encouraging them to use TeleDerm, a form of video consultation. For those that must come in, Dr. Backe has “instructed the staff to wear face masks and wipe down exam tables, chairs and door handles between each patient,” Dr. Backe shared. In addition to taking precautions with her employee’s while in the office, Dr. Backe is making sure they are taken care of financially as well. Working with a “skeleton crew” to keep numbers down, many of Thacker Dermatology’s employees are not working at the moment. “I have come up with a policy so our workers can get paid even when they are not here,” explains Dr. Backe. Gift certificates and skin products are currently available to the public and can be purchased through curb-side delivery. Stephanie Smith, owner of L.S. Smith Photography has also looked for the “windows” in her business that are “geared towards keeping clients’ experiences awesome” in a safe way. “Being flexible is key,” Smith states. While primarily a portrait photographer, Smith has created an outdoor “booth” providing a more spacious, safer environment to capture the same professional look of an in-studio portrait. Smith is also encouraging seniors to plan ahead for their portraits and purchase a gift certificate available on her website. Some businesses have no choice but to keep running, such as local accounting firm, Fowler, Holley, Rambo & Stalvey, PC. Though tax season has been extended, people need to “get their financial reports completed and their taxes filed, but also they need help analyzing how this pandemic will affect their business,” according to Curt Fowler, a CPA at the firm. Through this busy time, the firm’s goal remains to keep clients and staff safe and do their part to stop the spread of the visrus. All in person meetings have been suspended and clients are encouraged to drop off their materials rather than come in. “This is a big change for us,” Fowler admits. “We traditionally have many clients in our offices this time of year, but instead, we are utilizing web and tele-conferences to communicate. We are prepared and ready to work from our homes if that is required.” Our daily lives may be shaken, but as we are trying to do new things at home, we must get creative to support our local business community. The community can be wiser and stronger than COVID-19 with a few modifications and smart practices. 
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Nearly 100 21-40 year olds gathered at Georgia Beer Company on Tuesday, March 10th to kick off the brand new group, Valdosta Young Professionals. The group is presented by the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Georgia Power Company. Interested members came together for networking, further information on the organization and a behind the scenes tour of the local brewery. “The enthusiasm of the participants was fantastic,” said Chris Jones, owner of Georgia Beer Company. Jones was equally as eager to provide a space for the first meeting of this up-and-coming crew. “There is nothing like this in Valdosta,” said Olivia Royal, an attendee from Southern Point Investment Partners. Kristi Hill of the Valdosta Daily Times, reigning Young Professional of the Year, agreed. “As young professionals, we have a duty to fulfill. I am excited to have a like-minded group of people to accomplish things in the community with,” shared Hill. While many event attendees found VYP via social media, others were referred by their employers. Aneesha Johnson of Corteva was happy to pass the information on to her employees and encouraged their attendance. “Valdosta Young Professionals is a great networking opportunity for my employees. Giving our young professionals the tools to grow will help them, our community and their employer,” Johnson shared. With the support of Georgia Power, VYP looks forward to future events with their new following. As the population of young professionals grows in Valdosta, there has become more of a need for them to feel at home and get connection to the community. With this in mind, the group has been established and is open to those who live, work or do business in Metro Valdosta. VYP is open to all young professionals looking for networking, education and social opportunities with like minded individuals. Membership is free of charge. To join, simply visit www.valdostachamber.com. For more information, call the Chamber at 229-247-8100 ext 231.  The Chamber Ambassadors honored Farmers Home Furniture as the Leading Business of the Week for March 11, 2020. Established in 1949 and serving the Valdosta community for 35 years, Farmers Home Furniture is passionate about providing the utmost customer service and home furnishings. “We are the only ESOP-Employee Owned Home Furnishings retailer in the state of Georgia,” said Tim Carroll, store manager. “We are continuously working to improve the customer experience. This year we will be employing a "mystery shopper" program to help identify areas we can improve on.” Farmer Furniture encourages and supports their employees be active citizens in the Valdosta-Lowndes community. Carroll stated, “I have been with the company for 35 years. Farmers encourages and supports community involvement such as our Chamber of Commerce. Through this I have had the opportunity to serve in the Chamber as a past Chairman of Board. Plus, a number of civic projects and being an elected official on the Valdosta City Council.” Farmers Furniture has been a proud member of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce since 1987. “The Chamber has helped in networking, exposure for my store and opening doors for our business to continue to thrive.” said Carroll. “It is THE voice for businesses here. The Chamber's focus on addressing business issues locally as well as the state and federal governments is unmatched.” For more information, please visit 3135 N. Ashley Street or call 229-244-0928. The Leading Business of the Week program is designed to recognize members who have partnered with the Chamber for at least five years. Marcotek Digital Office Solutions proudly sponsors the 2019 Leading Business of the Week program. For more information visit www.ValdostaChamber.com/Leading-Business-of-the-Week  The Chamber Ambassadors honored the Greenleaf Center with Leading Business of the Week for March 2. The Greenleaf Center is a behavioral health facility that specializes in psychiatric and substance abuse care for adolescents, ages 12-17, and adults 18 and older. Starting small, the Greenleaf Center has since expanded. After being purchased by Acadia Healthcare Inc. in 2013, the business has more than doubled in size. The growth was gradual and spanned over five years. "At the time of purchase by Acadia, Greenleaf immediately launched major renovations to the interior and exterior of the hospital. By the summer of 2014, Greenleaf began operating at a 73-bed capacity," said Lance Wilcher, Director of Business Development. As the need for more space arose, the center expanded yet again. "In our commitment to meeting the needs for expanded mental health and substance abuse treatment, Greenleaf undertook the construction of a new 40-bed wing in early 2017. By January 2018 the expansion was completed and Greenleaf celebrated the opening of the new two-story addition bringing the total bed count to 113," said Wilcher. The now 113-bed facility employs a staff of over 250 people. With more patients, there was a demand for more services. Greenleaf Center is beginning a stand-alone women’s trauma program for those that have been impacted by traumatic events along with a long-term women’s recovery program. Also, Greenleaf recently began yoga therapy for both in-patient and out-patient services and will soon begin pet therapy as an additional piece of programming. The staff prides themselves on being present in the community and providing services that help their patients and encourage them to live healthier lives. "One of the most rewarding things about working at Greenleaf is knowing that you have a small role in affecting the life of another human being," said Wilcher. The Leading Business of the Week program is designed to recognize members who have partnered with the Chamber for at least five years. Marcotek Digital Office Solutions proudly sponsors the 2019 Leading Business of the Week program. For more information visit www.ValdostaChamber.com/Leading-Business-of-the-Week For more information, visit Greenleaf Center at 2209 Pineview Drive or contact them at 1-800-247-2747.  On March 19, 2020 from 6-8:00PM at the Langdale College of Business, Pound Hall Auditorium, 13 student entrepreneurs will take the stage to present their business plans before a panel of local leaders of industry and a public audience. The students will be dressed as young professionals and ready to wow the crowd.
The students, representing 11 businesses from the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), will have five minutes to pitch their business plans to a panel of local business leaders of the community in “Shark Tank” style. Based on the appeal and merit of the students’ plans and presentations, the panel will determine the amount of funds to allocate to each business. The judges will also select one business to advance to the Young Entrepreneurs Academy Saunders Scholars Competition, where they will compete with students across the United States for college scholarships. The pitch event is free and open to the public. Interviews with young entrepreneurs or members of the judging panel can be arranged. The Investor Panel will be comprised of prominent local businesspeople, including:
Nearly 500 people gathered to see the greatest stars in Valdosta take the stage at the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner sponsored by First Commerce Credit Union. The opening award made history as it was the first time there was a first-place tie for the Ambassador of the Year Award. Scott and Lisa Register, better known as “Team Register” of Comfort Keepers took the win, as announced by the award’s sponsor, Biotest Plasma Center. The Chamber Ambassadors are an iconic group sporting green blazers as a sign of prosperity in the business community. This award recognizes the Ambassador who volunteered the most hours in 2019. Both individuals volunteered 94 hours in the year, which is a huge sacrifice for an employee, especially a business owner, but “it is absolutely worth it,” according to Scott Register. “The Chamber is a huge part of our success and we hope to encourage other businesses to participate in all the Chamber offers,” Lisa Register added. Wild Adventures Theme Park, sponsor of the Members’ Choice Award, served as a stellar example to the nominees. “Nobody knows customer service like Wild Adventures,” shared Molly Deese, the award’s presenter. This award is determined solely by Chamber members and recognizes a business who offers exemplary customer service. With over 1,100 votes, Wilson Eye Center earned the title placing first out of 108 nominees. “Customer service is our top priority,” said Heather Gaskins, Wilson Eye Center’s Operations Director. “It just means taking care of people using the old-fashioned approach and being hands on.” The Most Valuable Employee Award sponsored by Teamtemps Personnel Staffing Inc. was highly anticipated as it offers a check to the deserving winner. Local employers were invited to nominate their top employee who shows initiative and dedication in the workplace the be in the running for this award. Nominees and their employers went through a series of interviews before a group of finalists were selected. Natisha Pizzaro of Comfort Keepers humbly accepted the award. “I am truly shocked,” Pizarro expressed. “I don’t see it as work, it’s what you are supposed to do.” Kristi Hill of The Valdosta Daily Times won the Young Professional of the Year Award Sponsored by Georgia Power Company. To qualify for this award, one must be an asset to their business, show promise for their future and be between the ages of 21 and 40. “This award means the world. I’ve only been with this company for five years, so to go from a new hire to being nominated for young professional, in five years, is so humbling and exciting,” Hill shared. Winnersville Elite Cheer & Dance won the title of Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Renasant Bank. The sponsor awards 12 winners, one per month, throughout the year who are then put in the running for the annual award. All 12 considerations have 20 employees or less and are active in the community. Desiree Hagan, Program Director, accepted the award. “It’s so overwhelming,” Hagan said. “It means everything to know that what we do to be a positive part of children’s lives is recognized by our community.” SAFT America Inc. named The Children’s Advocacy Center of Lowndes County, Inc. the first-ever Nonprofit of the Year. The Chamber and SAFT felt a need to highlight nonprofit Chamber members who have shown excellence in serving their organization’s mission. “It’s just amazing to think that the community recognizes and support us year after year, and really it’s all about the kids and so knowing that they’ve supported the kids for so many years is just amazing,” expressed Ashley Lindsay, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Lowndes County, Inc. Looking at more businesses with a large impact, Miller Hardware announced this year’s BIG Thinker Award. Miller and his company won the award in 2019. The Chamber presents the BIG Thinker Award to self-made visionary and successful entrepreneurs who give back to their community. Barnes Drug Store, a community staple since 1909, earned the title. “I think that my great grandfather would have been surprised yet proud that we are still moving forward, four generations later, all with his same name,” said Charlie Barnes IV of Barnes Drug Store. “The idea is to make a difference, a real difference in the community and the customers we serve, and you want to be doing things different, you want to be doing things new to make a bigger impact.” Myrna Ballard, Chamber President, and the rest of the Chamber Staff closed the night by recognizing the winner of the prestigious A.L. Girardin Award. This is the only award chosen by the Chamber staff. The A.L. Girardin Award is presented to a member who has made extraordinary contributions to the Chamber and the local business community. It dates to 1975. This year’s award was given to the Chamber Ambassadors. This deserving group serves as the Chamber’s cheerleaders, always willing to welcome new businesses and celebrate the old. They can be spotted in their green blazers at ribbon cuttings, leading business ceremonies, ground breakings and more. Amongst the 38 individuals, they volunteered over 1,000 of their time in 2019. The staff selected Jerry Kozuch, the longest standing Ambassador, to accept the award on behalf of the entire program. Kozuch has represented her business, South Georgia Vein Centers and the Chamber for 14 years. “I was honored to accept this award on behalf of the Ambassadors. This group is made up of some of the best people I have ever met and we are proud to represent our Chamber in the business community,” said Kozuch. Each ambassador was awarded a unique, gold pin that they will sport on their blazers. The moral was high as Chamber members cheered on one another as they were recognized for their achievements and dedication.  |
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