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The Chamber Ambassadors honored Evangeline’s with a ribbon cutting on June 19, 2019 to celebrate a new beginning in South Georgia. Located west of Valdosta in Whigham, Ga, Evangeline’s is a bed and breakfast offering its guests a relaxing and peaceful property in the middle of 10 acres. Owner, Agne Hryniuk stated, “The unit is decorated and outfitted to make sure guests are greeted to an inviting environment where everything you need to make your stay thoroughly enjoyable is available.” In addition to a pleasant stay, guests are able to enjoy food prepared by Hryniuk. Hryniuk is a professionally trained culinary chef that is passionate about the food as she is serving her guests. “All the bells and whistles are important in any business, but the key ingredient is so often missing, which is excellent guest service by anticipating and exceeding guests’ needs’ and putting service before profits,” said Hryniuk According to Hryniuk, Evangeline’s is planning to add four guest cottages on the property with a pool, hot tub and sauna for the guests to enjoy. Evangeline’s is a proud member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. “Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber has allowed us the opportunity to be here for this ribbon cutting, while offering so much support to an outside business, which is nothing short of outstanding. This is a reason why this Chamber of Commerce is considered one of the top in the US,” said Hryniuk. 
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The Chamber Ambassadors honored Fourth Wall Visions with a ribbon cutting on June 25, 2019 to celebrate becoming a member of the chamber and to announce their presence in the Valdosta-Lowndes County community. Fourth Wall Visions is a full spectrum videography business, specializing in special events, creative filmmaking and promotional advertisement. Fourth Wall Visions is passionate about providing their customers with the highest quality film service possible. “We love what we do because both of us dreamt of being filmmakers since we were children,” said Alexis Johnson, co-owner. “We love to use film as a way to extract beauty and emotion from everyday life and display love, passion and drive in creative and intriguing ways.” According to Johnson, Fourth Wall Visions is planning to incorporate more creative filmmaking into the business, including short and feature films, music videos and any other form of video entertainment. Fourth Wall Visions is a proud member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. Johnson stated, “The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber have been an absolute dream to work with since recently joining. Already, they have generated a handful of leads and customers for our business. They have offered an endless amount of support and knowledge to help us in the beginning stages of our merge. Above all, the Chamber has brought a large network of fellow Chamber members who have become cheerleaders, supporters, teachers and most importantly friends into our lives.” For more information about Fourth Wall Visions, please call 229-444-4748  The Chamber Ambassadors honored Kellie Rae Photography with a ribbon cutting on June 26, 2019 to celebrate the business’ new studio. Capturing life’s most precious moments one click at a time and providing clients with memories they will cherish forever brings joy to Owner, Kellie Trent’s heart. “I love photography because it allows me to give clients something to cherish forever,” said Trent. “It’s never felt like work for me and I just really enjoy getting those happy expressions during my sessions.” Once a home based business, Trent decided to move Kellie Rae Photography into a studio. “I had a home based studio for a short period of time,” said Trent. “Rather than continue with an in home studio, I wanted to just jump all in and open a studio where I could accommodate more volume.” Kellie Rae Photography is an excited new member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce and looks forward to enjoying what the Chamber has to offer.  Super 8 Valdosta-Conference Center Recognized as the Chamber’s Leading Business of the Week6/26/2019 The Chamber Ambassadors honored Super 8 Valdosta-Conference Center as the Leading Business of the Week for June 24, 2019. Located seconds from Interstate 75 in Valdosta, Super 8 is a locally owned and operated hotel and a member of the Williams Hotel Group. Super 8 is passionate about interacting and learning more about their guests while providing quality service during their stay. “We enjoy all the interaction with our guests, meeting new people, and getting to know our guests,” said Courtney Blake. According to Blake, Super 8 Valdosta-Conference Center received the Pride of Super 8 award in 2015 and 2016 recognizing the hotel for its quality, service and overall guest satisfaction. “We have recently undergone a complete renovation and upgraded our hotel, elevating our look,” said Blake. Super is a proud member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. According to Blake, the chamber has created community awareness and allowed them to network with various businesses throughout the community. “The Chamber does an exceptional job and our company appreciates everything they do to promote our business throughout the community,” said Blake. “The Chamber is very well received by all businesses and entities throughout the community. 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 and Renasant Bank presented North Oak Family EyeCare and Optical with the June Small Business of the Month award. A locally owned Optometry practice in Valdosta, North Oak Family EyeCare and Optical strives to offer outstanding services to individual’s ages four and up. Led by Dr. Deborah McDonald, North Oak Family EyeCare and Optical opened when Dr. McDonald saw a need for the continuity of care for her patients. Through the years, Dr. McDonald has built relationships over multiple generations within families. “We want to be known as your hometown eye care and optical provider in a welcoming, professional environment,” said McDonald. NOFEO provides its patients with annual eye wellness evaluations and contact lens fitting. They offer treatments and evaluations for eye infections, injuries, allergies, dryness, diabetes, hypertension, and glaucoma. Dr. McDonald is planning to expand into sports vision and low vision therapy in the coming years to broaden the services available the patients of NOFEO. Dr. McDonald and NOFEO is passionate about community involvement. Dr. McDonald opened NOFEO to Lions Lighthouse of Atlanta to help people that did not qualify for vision benefits. Recently, NOFEO sponsored a paint party with a twist to help raise money for the local Lion’s Club. “The twist was a short talk on visually impaired artist and then painting without your habitual glasses or contact lenses,” said McDonald. NOFEO makes a great effort to be environmentally conscious by saving cardboard boxes received daily and giving them to LAMP for recycling. “We also offer them to the patients at the holiday times for gift boxes,” said McDonald. McDonald stated, “There is a box in the foyer for eyeglass donations, and we also take used contact lenses and blister packs to be recycled (but not re-used) through terracycle.” NOFEO recognizes the greatness of all programs, and do their best to support each one. “We proudly put up a sign encouraging the Blazers on the road to the national championship,” said McDonald. For more information, please visit North Oak Family EyeCare and Optical at 2724 N. Oak Street or call 229-469-7660.  Dedicated to Serving Those Who Serve: Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce Goes Military Friendly6/24/2019 The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce is supporting troops and giving back to the military community by implementing the Certified Military Friendly Program.
The program allows local business to provide discounted service to active duty service members, veterans and retirees as well as employment opportunities for military spouses. Participation in the program allows businesses around Valdosta to show their support for military members in the community. A business wishing to support those who serve must be a chamber member in good standing with no past due balance, have no unresolved issues with the Better Business Bureau, and offer a discount/incentive to active duty military members and their spouses. Prospective military friendly businesses must complete an application, pay a fee and submit business information for listing. An initial fee of $50 is required for new businesses. Returning businesses pay a renewal fee of $25. As of 2019, 154 members of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce are Certified Military Friendly. The program is proudly sponsored by Anchored Media Marketing. Sally Sutton, CEO and founder, cites Anchored Media Marketing as a strong supporter of military families. “Moody Air Force base is a big part of Valdosta and we want to see the service men, women, and their families who move here to serve be well taken care of,” Sutton said. “Being a prior military family we know what it is like to be new to the community and not know who to trust with our family and business. We feel the CMF program can provide businesses an opportunity to stand out and stand up to support our military community.” Participating CMF businesses are strongly encouraged to advertise in MoodyLink magazine, an annual Chamber publication tailored to military families and hand-delivered to Moody Air Force Base. For more information and assistance contact La Peachez Clark, Events and Military Engagement director atlclark@valdostachamber.com or 229-247-8100 ext. 232. For application access and business listings visitcertifiedmilitaryfriendly.com The Chamber Ambassadors honored Best Wallace Law Group as the Leading Business of the Week for June 17 2019. The Wallace Law Group specializes in defending employers, insurers and self-insurers in workers’ compensation and civil liability claims. “We successfully represent employers, insurers and self-insurer’s in workers compensation claims and defend all types of bodily injury claims stemming from major car accidents or slip and fall claims, “ said Russell C. Wallace, attorney. According to Wallace, their clients receive legislative updates yearly, and periodic case-law updates our sent as well. A regional educational seminar was held in April by Frank McKay, Chairman of the State Board of Workers Compensation. “We hosted Chairman McKay and the State Board representatives for a rooftop dinner at Steel Magnolias the night before the seminar,” said Wallace. “The next day we provided the Case Law update for the seminar and served as the employer’s representative for other seminar activities.” The Wallace Law Group is a proud member of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber provides a strong voice with the legislature to champion business friendly laws and pro-growth initiatives,” said Wallace. “The Chamber attracts and keeps business which strengthen our economy and grow our community in a responsible manner. 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 Best Western Plus Valdosta Hotel & Suites as the Leading Business of the Week for June 10, 2019. Located off Interstate 75 at Exit 22, Best Western Plus is locally owned by Gerald Evans, Sr. and Gerald Evans, Jr. The hotel's management team includes, Manager Jodi Brannen and Marketing Director Amber McCue. Both Brannen and McCue have been with the hotel since the beginning and helped with the construction. “A close family is an understatement when describing the Evans family, said Brannen. “In fact, those that know Mr. Evans, Sr. and Jr say “you never see one without the other”. The Best Western provides their guest with extra-large suites with full kitchens, free high-speed internet and a free hot breakfast each morning. “These features make the property perfect for extended stays,” said Brannen. Best Western Plus is pet friendly as well. “Our four-legged guests just love playing in the abundance of green space around the hotel,” said Brannen. Best Western Plus has received many honors and awards over the years. “Best Western Plus has been the number one rated hotel on TripAdvisor for the last seven years in a row for the Valdosta area, and it was just awarded the 2019 Certificate of Excellence award,” said Brannen.” Best Western Plus Valdosta has also been awarded the Best Western Directors Award.” Brannen is passionate about the people who choose to stay at Best Western Plus, and she enjoys her work relationships with the employees and owner. “Life is a story and every guest that walks through the door has a story to tell, and I love meeting our guest and listening to those stories,” said Brannen. “I also love working with our employees and owners, it’s like one big family.” Best Western Plus is a proud member of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. “Our Valdosta- Lowndes County Chamber is the driving force responsible for bringing businesses and customers to our area,” said Brannen. “We appreciate the Valdosta - Lowndes County Chamber very much because we know they are working hard every day to make our business community a success.” 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 Rowan’s Children Boutique with a ribbon cutting on June 13, 2019. Rowan’s Children Boutique offers a large choice of new and gently used clothes ranging from newborn to size 10. They also have a variety of accessories, book, development toys and maternity items. “Rowan’s Children Boutique is Valdosta’s only consignment store dedicated to kids and parents,” said Brandi DiFrancesco, owner. DiFrancesco enjoys meeting and interacting with her returning customers as well as new customers. “I love Rowan’s because I get to meet other parents who often bring in their little ones,” said DiFrancesco. “We have a lot of returning customers who visit often and they really become close friends. Rowan’s is planning to offer shipping services in the near future. “As a military town, Rowan’s has a lot of loyal customers who eventually move,” said DiFrancesco. “An online shopping experience with Rowan’s could guarantee the same great experience even after the move.” Rowan’s is a proud member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. "The Chamber has proved to be a phenomenal networking device,” said DiFrancesco. “I’ve already met many great people who have voiced ideas and opinions and allowed me to keep my mind during this process!” DiFrancesco stated, “I want to keep a transparent relationship with our longtime customers and supporters and get to know each. In turn, I want our customers to know who I am when they walk through the doors.” Visit Rowan’s Children Boutique at 2910 N Ashley Street or call 229-531-9158 for more information.  Five Stars for a Five Star Chamber: Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber Retains Five Star Accreditation6/12/2019 The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce received a five-star accreditation once again this past March. The glittering accreditation is nothing short of an honor. Accreditation from the U.S Chamber of Commerce recognizes chambers of distinction that meet and exceed organizational standards and exemplify superior service. In order to receive accreditation, chambers must submit an extensive application through the U.S Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber staff reviews each application to ensure that the chamber meets or exceeds the minimum requirements. Chambers seeking accreditation are judged in nine areas: governance, finance, human resources and staff, government affairs, program development, technology, communication, facilities and benchmarking. The status of accreditation depends on the number of criteria points scored in each area of requirement. A chamber that receives a five-star accreditation meets 90 percent or more of criteria. Maintaining accreditation requires chambers to reapply every five years. The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce has maintained five-star accreditation for its 11th year, is one of only 125 five-star chambers in the country and is ranked in the top 1 percent of Chambers nationally. This five-star accreditation sets the Valdosta- Lowndes Chamber of Commerce apart as an organization that exceeds expectations and strives for excellence. The Chamber of Commerce supports hundreds of local businesses in Valdosta and is committed to being the voice of businesses in the community. Local business owners can attest to the enrichment and support the Valdosta- Lowndes Chamber of Commerce provides business in the area. Audrey King, vice chairman of Georgia Power Company, cites the chamber as a way to build one’s business as well as open the door to beneficial opportunities. “I chose to be a part of the Valdosta- Lowndes County Chamber because I witnessed firsthand the powerful impact on the community,” King said. “The Chamber connects with the business community and delivers an experience, not just a membership. Members are provided access to multiple resources that further promote their business, build their brand and connect them to economic opportunities.” Thressea Boyd, CEO of THBoyd Communications, insist that active participation from Chamber members helps make the Chamber the unwavering buttress for business in the community that it is today. “Getting the best value from a Chamber membership is not about what you get but what you give,” Boyd said. “With any organization, active participation from all members is the key to success. Being part of the Valdosta- Lowndes Chamber allows for networking opportunities, as well as gaining valuable professional development skills through the wide variety of classes that are offered.” Both Boyd and King agree that becoming a member of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce has exceeded their expectations. “The Valdosta- Lowndes Chamber of Commerce was my first stop when I started my business,” Boyd said “Today, I not only value my membership but consider it an essential part of the success of my business.” King cites the penchant for leading local businesses to success as one of the many reasons the Valdosta- Lowndes Chamber of Commerce both meets and exceeds her expectations. “They deliver with professionalism, quality engagement and focus continuously on the roadmap for business success, while serving as a brand ambassador for other Chambers,” King said. At a five-star chamber, members receive nothing less than five-star service.  |
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