Makers, Micros and Mentors gathered together on Wednesday, April 18 for a Valdosta-based development conference. Perfectly Priscilla, the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber, the Quitman-Brooks Chamber, and the UGA Small Business Development Center at VSU partnered in holding Valdosta’s first M3 Conference. Seasoned business professionals presented to a group of nearly 50 entrepreneurs travelling from areas ranging from Tifton and Moultrie to Jennings and stops in-between. Each presenter discussed not only the benefits of entrepreneurship, but their struggles and successes, too.

Held at Valdosta State University’s UC, an informal conference setting allowed entrepreneurs the freedom to ask questions and make the most of the opportunity to speak casually with presenting business owners and professionals regarding their topics.

Presenting sponsor for the 2018 M3 Conference, Deidra Thompson of Perfectly Priscilla Boutique, is not only an online fashion sales expert, but she’s no stranger to managing her social media! Perfectly Priscilla Boutique exploded into a million-dollar business in just three years through thoughtful use of social media, and now boasts more than 820,000 likes on her Facebook page alone. Thompson covered topics pertaining to major social networking sites, the importance of a website, and how to show up first in Google searches (a process called Search Engine Optimization).

Have you ever heard that you can’t ever go wrong with dogs and children? Well, 2018’s M3 Conference covered the “dog” part in-full! Shannon Jones of Southern Pawz, spoke about branding through quality packaging. Jones began doing some research on her dog Bella’s diet shortly after Bella’s seizure in 2014. Jones found that there was a more natural way to treat her beloved pets; thus began Southern Pawz! Jones stated that the dog treat industry is surprisingly competitive, and quality packaging is a major part of what distinguished her from her competition.

After twin-layoffs, third speaker Heather Abbott and her husband began SouthLife Supply Company. Abbott disclosed details of the growing pains SouthLife experienced and how the company has grown to overcome those growing pains, making them a known commodity in boutiques and stores across the southeast.

The afternoon session began with well-traveled photographer (and might we add, hilarious speaker) Javon Longieliere of Longieliere Photography. Seriously, if you haven’t heard this guy speak, it is truly a treat. Longieliere has a  down-to-earth approach and realistic tips-and-tricks anyone can implement.  

Having a business is nothing if people don’t remember your name. Steven Heddon of Fusion Creative Marketing presented a branding workshop by taking a psychological perspective when it comes to a company’s logo and creating a “brand promise” to capture your audience and determine what your product means to them, setting you apart from your competition.
 
With comments like “Real issues discussed by real people,” and “These speakers get it, they’ve been there,” the 2018 M3 Conference was a perfect fit for startups and veteran businesses alike. “After talking with many of the other attendees, I learned that we each walked away with so many ideas that we could go back and implement into our businesses immediately, and that is so valuable,” said Sally Sutton, SEO specialist and owner of Anchored Media Marketing.
 
The M3 Conference is here to stay and you’re invited to join in on the fun! Keep an eye out for the next conference in April 2019!
 

​Renasant Bank and the Chamber presented Tickle Me Pink Daycare with the Small Business of the Month award in April.
 
Co-directors Pam and Brent Carter have found that the childcare business is not just work, it’s a true passion. Tickle Me Pink Daycare’s 20-year tenure in the community has withstood the test of time, when many in the industry weren’t so fortunate. “Not only [has it] maintained its existence, it has grown and expanded its Valdosta location to include GA-Pre-K and in the Fall of 2OI8, an accredited Kindergarten class,” said Pam. The facility began in a 1,200 square foot space and has since relocated to a 7,500 square foot location and serves more than 130 children and 70 families across Brooks and Lowndes counties.
 
Tickle Me Pink Daycare is a quality-rated learning facility and will be pursuing their third star in the coming months. The facility was awarded the Georgia Shape Award in 2017, when the center earned its second Quality Rated star which recognizes early learning centers and elementary schools that go the extra mile in educating ...that go the extra mile in educating and providing healthy meals and physical activity on a daily basis, according to Carter.
The owners and staff believe that the children’s success gives our community promise for long-term success. Evidence of that fact can be found in their teachers and employees. Made up of 14 certified, experienced childcare providers that are not only qualified, but have a true love for educating children. One teacher, in particular, is quite the special case. Kenya Durden started at Tickle Me Pink as a child and has since returned as a pre-school teacher with a degree from Valdosta State University.
 
Tickle Me Pink is open Monday through Friday from 5:30a.m. until 10:30p.m.Tickle Me Pink Daycare offers free GA. Pre-K, Summer Transition Program (for students who did not attend Pre-K), and in the Fall of 2018 will begin offering Kindergarten classes. The Carter’s are eager to welcome your family into theirs and invite you to contact them at 229-245-9881 for more information. You can also visit their website at http://ticklemedaycare.com/home.html, or visit them at 252 North St. Augustine Road in Valdosta. Don’t forget, Tickle Me Pink Daycare & Learning Center is the place “Where Children’s Success Matters.”

The Chamber of Ambassadors honored Sands Horizon, Inc. as Leading Business of the Week for April 23, 2018.
Sands Horizon, Inc. provides low income, subsidized housing for seniors that are 62 years of age and older.

The housing facility has been in full operation for approximately 10 years, over two phases of construction. They plan to continue that process with the construction of smokers’ huts as well as another section of units for residency.

“Keeping decent, affordable, safe housing for senior citizens” is a passion for Shelby Wright, manager of Sands Horizon, and it is apparent in the way they conduct business.

A member since 2005, Wright finds the networking of the Chamber to be of great benefit to the business. “This (networking) helps the businesses grow and meet goals and potentials,” said Wright.

Sands Horizon, Inc. is located at 1195 Old Statenville Road in Valdosta, and can be contacted by calling 229-242-4025.
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The Leading Business of the Week program is designed to recognize members who have partnered with the Chamber for at least five years.  The 2018 Leading Business of the Week program is proudly sponsored by Colson Business Systems.  For more information, visit www.ValdostaChamber.com/Leading-Business-of-the-Week. 

The Chamber Ambassadors honored Pineywoods Veterinary Hospital as Leading Business of the Week for April 9, 2018.
Pineywoods Veterinary Hospital works to better the health of the small animals of Valdosta, treating every patient as if it were their own pet.

Pineywoods makes it their responsibility to build relationships with pet owners and keep them up to date on the rapidly evolving world of veterinary medicine. In these conversations, Pineywoods emphasizes prevention. Dr. Amanda Perry, veterinarian and owner of Pineywoods, said, “We believe that educating clients about preventative maintenance helps to avoid costly treatments in the future.”

Dr. Perry named the hospital after the family farm she grew up on in Colquitt County, Georgia. After graduating from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997, she now specializes in brachycephalic breeds—dogs such as pugs, whose skulls are broad and short, leading to a variety of health problems. As a woman owning a predominantly female business, Perry considers the prosperity of Pineywoods a major accomplishment.
Pineywoods works regularly with the Lowndes County Animal Shelter and the Lowndes County Human Society, providing low-cost surgeries, rabies vaccinations, and microchips. “We consider it a privilege to be able to offer high-level care to the communities we serve,” said Dr. Perry.

Dr. Perry appreciates the Chamber for their “remarkable work in creating a community for local businesses in the area.” In reference to Leading Business of the Week, she added, “As with this spotlight recognition, the Chamber works to make this community aware of the many services available to them… leading to the success of these businesses.”
Stop by Pineywoods Veterinary Hospital at 4310 N Valdosta Road or call them at 229-219-0777. They are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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The Leading Business of the Week program is designed to recognize members who have partnered with the Chamber for at least five years.  The 2018 Leading Business of the Week program is proudly sponsored by Colson Business Systems.  For more information, visit www.ValdostaChamber.com/Leading-Business-of-the-Week.