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The Chamber hosted the 2018 Economic Summit on Sept. 25, as part of its quarterly Community Council meeting. The meeting was sponsored by Hargray Fiber. Jan Brice, chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, welcomed community and business leaders. She provided an overview of the Chamber’s mission to advocate, build, connect, and promote on behalf of its approximately 1,200 members. From advocating on a variety of legislative issues and building a pro-business environment to connecting members through networking opportunities, Brice said the Chamber provides tangible and measurable benefits. One of the Chamber’s newest membership benefit is the Spectrum insurance program. Tom Dorywalski with Taylor Insurance, explained that the Spectrum program leverages the buying power of the Chamber membership to provide substantial savings for employees and employers. The Spectrum program, which started last year, is a partnership with the Chamber and Taylor Insurance. The initial success of the program has secured more than $844,000 in annualized health insurance premium savings for 30 groups (representing 309 employees) in Lowndes County. “This is a strategic, sustainable health benefits solution that addresses the underlying causes of healthcare costs without reliance to a single carrier," Dorywalski said. Providing an economic overview, Dr. Cindy Tori, professor of economics at Valdosta State University’s Langdale College of Business Administration, presented the 2018 Lowndes County by the Numbers report. The annual report examines the economic, geographic, and demographic similarities of 14 peer and aspirant communities in comparison with Lowndes County. To assess the strengths and weaknesses of Lowndes County there are 12 indicators linked to economic growth and prosperity, and then divided into two categories representing people and jobs. Tori said the people category examines demographic characteristics while the job section captures the labor market. “By using the indicators, we create a ranking of the 15 communities, including Lowndes, and compare how we are changing,” Tori said. “We look to see if there are improvements or declines.” Lowndes County’s overall ranking is 11th among the 15 peer and aspirant communities. The standing has remained virtually unchanged since 2011. While looking at 2011 to 2018, Tori said overall the Lowndes County area had seen improvement; however, relative to the peer and aspirant communities Lowndes has remained about the same in its ranking status. “We have improved, and there are ways to continue improving,” Tori said. “The information needs to be used to identify how the community can come together and decide where to focus attention to move forward.” Moving the community forward is the focus of One Valdosta-Lowndes, a multi-faceted and implementable strategy to guide community and economic development. Audrey King, regional director with Georgia Power and vice chair of the Chamber's Business Division, said One Valdosta-Lowndes is a project based on community input. Approximately 80 individuals and stakeholder groups were interviewed, and more than 600 residents participated in online interviews. Several themes emerged from the initial fact-finding and listening sessions including the need for higher-paying jobs and creation of more diverse entertainment options for residents of all ages. “The plan is to collectively create a new vision for our Valdosta-Lowndes County community to lead it into the future,” King said. “Over the following year, the initiative of One Valdosta-Lowndes will be the effort that shapes our future by addressing our challenges and maximizing our assets.” The 2018 Lowndes County by the Numbers report is available on the Chamber’s website at www.valdostachamber.com. Information on the One Valdosta-Lowndes initiative is available at www.onevaldostalowndes.com  The Chamber’s 2018 Economic Summit, sponsored by Hargray Fiber, had a panel of speakers including, left, Todd Tillman, Hargray Fiber; Jan Brice, chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors; Dr. Cindy Tori, Valdosta State University Langdale College of Business Administration; Audrey King, vice chair of the Chamber Business Division; and Tom Dorywalski, Taylor Insurance.
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 The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber’s Government Affairs Council (GAC) presented its 2019 Legislative Agenda to state legislators representing Lowndes County.
The agenda outlines priorities where the Chamber and members of GAC will focus attention during the upcoming legislative session, which is set to convene on Jan. 14, 2019. Based on information gathered during a series of Members to be Heard forums and surveys, the legislative agenda was developed by the GAC and approved by the Chamber’s Board of Directors. GAC Chairman John P. Page stated that the legislative agenda represents the Chamber’s core mission to advocate on behalf of its more than 1,200 members. “Having the opportunity to directly present the Chamber’s 2019 State Legislative Agenda to our local legislative delegation is an important part of the Chamber’s core mission of advocating for local businesses and industries,” Page said. “The Chamber works on behalf of its membership to promote pro-business, low taxes, and less restrictive regulations so that businesses can thrive in our South Georgia region.” Senator Ellis Black stated that he values the opportunity to hear the concerns of local business owners. “Business drives the economy,” Black said. “That means jobs. It is important for me to know the issues of the business community.” As a business owner, Representative John LaHood agreed that meetings like the one hosted by the Chamber are vital to understanding concerns that impact businesses. “It is great to hear about issues from the business community related to workforce development, permitting, and regulations, so that I know what the common business owner faces,” LaHood said. Page added that meetings with members of the state delegation, as well as federal and local elected officials, are essential in keeping the priorities of businesses at the forefront of legislators. “There have been many victories that began with meetings such as this,” Page said. “Chief among those is the implementation of the first sales tax holiday that was led by the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber. Our Chamber continues, once again, to support this legislation because we know it benefits local businesses here in Lowndes County.” For the second consecutive year, the General Assembly did not renew the “Back to School” sales tax holiday. Heath Dawson, who chairs the GAC economic development and taxation committee, said the primary purpose of the sales tax holiday is to encourage and promote spending at the local level throughout Georgia. “As a result, border communities, such as Lowndes County, are positioned to capitalize on economic activities and growth within our area in place of this activity traveling outside our area,” Dawson said. Black agreed to the economic importance of the sales tax holiday, especially within border counties. “It has a very positive effect on communities on the border,” Black said “This is a big revenue generator. It also helps parents buying supplies for their kids for school. We do have challenges in trying to get it back.” LaHood said with Lowndes County proximity to Florida, the sales tax holiday is an important issue. “Lowndes County is especially susceptible to a loss in revenue by not having a sales tax holiday,” LaHood said. “It is very important not only to Lowndes but all bordering counties throughout the state.” The Chamber’s 2019 Legislative Agenda represents a variety of issues that impact the Valdosta and Lowndes business community including transportation, healthcare, local government, labor and workforce development, education, economic development and taxation, and military affairs. “As we approach the start of the General Assembly in January, GAC members will continue to bring these issues to the attention of our legislators,” Page said. “We are looking forward to a productive legislative session and know that in working in partnership with our legislative delegation, we can achieve positive results that will benefit our community.” The Chamber’s 2019 Legislative Agenda is available to view at https://www.valdostachamber.com/legislative-agenda.html Members of the GAC: John P. Page, Chairman Gary Wisenbaker, Transportation Nathan Brantley, SORT/Local Government Amanda Johnson, Labor/Education/Workforce Development Heath Dawson, Economic Development/Taxation Nick Lacey, Military Affairs For more information, contact Thressea Boyd communications@valdostachamber.com 229-460-7059 Photo Caption: Members of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber’s Government Affairs Council met with local state legislators to present its 2019 Legislative Agenda. Front row, left to right, John P. Page, Senator Ellis Black, Representative John LaHood, and Myrna Ballard. Top row, left to right, Heath Dawson, Amanda Johnson, Gary Wisenbaker, Nick Lacey, and Nathan Brantley. The Chamber and Renasant Bank presented Newbern Family Dental Practice with the September Small Business of the Month award.
Located in Valdosta, Newbern Family Dental Practice has provided quality dental care for the past 31 years. Started by Jeff L. Newbern, III, DDS, the practice also includes David O. McGee, DMD. “We have provided the highest quality care dentistry to over 34,000 patients,” said Newbern. “Our goal is to help patients achieve a perfect smile. A smile on a patient’s face is the best compliment we can ever receive.” According to Newbern, the dental practice does not compromise on the care given to each patient. “It is important for us to understand the patient’s fears, concerns, and points of resistance. This helps us to treat them properly and provide better solutions to their problems.” Newbern said it is the support of the patients and partnership with the Chamber that has helped the business succeed. “We want always to remain grateful for our patients and to the Chamber. Without either of them, we would not be where we are at today.” For more information about Newbern Family Dental Practice, call 229-242-6202 or visit them at 800 Northwood Park Drive, Valdosta. The Chamber Ambassadors honored Stone Creek Golf Club as the Leading Business of the Week for September 17, 2018.
Since opening in 1992, Stone Creek Golf Club has provided a well maintained gated community and persevered natural resources such as lakes, wetlands, and wooded areas. “Stone Creek has many different golf leagues, social committees, and athletic teams that all use the golf and swimming facilities,” said Mark Tillman, general manager at Stone Creek Golf Club. “These organizations encompass a wide range of age groups from our senior groups to the beginners in all stages of life.” Stone Creek Golf Club continues to make improvements to its golf course including the recent replacement of grass with Champion Dwarf Bermuda grass. “This is premium putting surface used at many top-ranked facilities,” Tillman said. “We believe that we can offer championship golf at a reasonable and affordable price.” For Tillman, being a part of Stone Creek Golf Club is an enjoyable and great privilege. “It is my great pleasure seeing people enjoy with friends and family the facility we have created,” Tillman said. “Every day I can get up and continue to strive to make our guest experience better each day.” Tillman said he appreciates the support he receives as a Chamber member. “The Chamber specifically helps target people new to the area that are looking for our facility and the community,” he said. “The Chamber is an important advocate for our community to continue to bring businesses and people to this wonderful community. The professionalism and first impression is a responsibility the Chamber brings to our community year after year.” The Leading Business of the Week program is designed to recognize members who have partnered with the Chamber for at least five years. Colson Business Systems proudly sponsors the 2018 Leading Business of the Week program. For more information, visit www.ValdostaChamber.com/Leading-Business-of-the-Week. The Chamber Ambassadors recently honored Ray and Son Heating and Air Conditioning with a ribbon cutting on September 22, 2018, to celebrate the opening of its new facility located at 3174 Joseph Road in Valdosta.
For 53 years, Ray and Son has provided heating and air conditioning repair and replacement service, as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment for new construction. They have been a part of the Valdosta business community for approximately ten years. According to Sandy Steinman, chief development officer with Ray and Son, the constant change in technology requires a significant amount education and training to ensure its technicians and installers are proficient on the latest equipment. “We have to be sure our technicians are up to date,” said Steinman. “All of our technicians are N.A.T.E. certified which is a major accomplishment.” Ray and Son is a three-time winner of the Carrier President’s award, which is given only to the best-of-the-best among Carrier Factory authorized dealers. The most recent award was received earlier this year. Ray and Son is a proud member of the Chamber. “Being a Chamber member adds to our credibility and shows that we are a part of the community,” Steinman said. The Chamber Ambassadors recently honored Merchant Home Medical with a ribbon cutting on Sept. 21, 2018 to celebrate its newly renovated facility located at 136 North Patterson Street.
Since 2001, Merchant Home Medical has provided medical equipment that allows patients to remain in the comforts of their homes for as long as possible. “I love taking care of people,” said Stacy Lewis, who purchased the business in 2015. “Being able to make a difference in their and keep them independent truly my passion.” Lewis is active and involved with the business and the patients. “Most of my patients have my cell phone number and know that they can call me when there is a problem,” she said.  Want a piece of the Holiday Sales Pie? The key is to start earlier. If you’re like most businesses, you’ve sent out a crafty email blast or a beautifully designed direct mail piece to a highly targeted audience right before the holidays and zero, zilch… no response. Wonder why? You may be thinking it was the headlines, the wrong message, or even the wrong graphics? It may not have been any of those. Ever think it could have been the timing? “According to eMarketer Retail, consumers are shopping for the holiday season earlier than ever. In fact, according to TrendSource, 54% of online shoppers are completely finished with their holiday shopping on Cyber Monday. For these buyers, it doesn't matter how well designed or printed your communication is. If it comes after Cyber Monday, they aren't listening. As tracked by eMarketer Retail, the five-day period between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday has been taking an increasing share of online holiday spending for the past three years. Citing comScore data, eMarketer Retail reports that the percentage of holiday spending that occurs during those six days has risen from 16.2% in 2015, to 16.8% in 2016, to 17.7% in 2017. Sales occurring on Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving, have shown a particularly large jump: comScore found that Cyber Monday sales saw 26% growth in 2017 vs. 15% the year before.” To catch those early shoppers, you must start early. If you normally start your holiday marketing in early November, then it may mean starting in early October or even earlier than that. We all know the busiest shopping period is between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so it may be vital to your success for holiday sales, to be ready for this period. Waiting until a day before, just won’t cut it. Did you know…. According to Google’s shopping insights 55% of shoppers begin their research in October or earlier. Start planning early, in fact the earlier the better.Get creative and put a different spin on your messaging than everyone else and do it earlier than everyone else. We can all get caught up in our daily business and forget to plan. Planning is critical to holiday success Create a budget and marketing calendar with a deadline on the times your direct mail should go out. This one step will help with the execution and results of a great holiday campaign.  Feeling stuckSome businesses are so involved in their day to day shuffle, it seems hard for them to create their own marketing material or even be able to define their market. Need Help Talk to us today about setting a realistic marketing schedule for your holiday promotions. You might need to give yourself more time than you think. We can help you design the perfect advert! We have a variety that will work for your business: a highly targeted and custom designed postcard, brochure, or catalog printing for your products will make you stand out above the crowd! Reach out to us today! U.S. Press – Business Printing Services 1628 James P Rodgers Dr Valdosta, GA 31601 (800) 227-7377 Article Provided by U.S. Press
Cited: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/want-more-holiday-sales-start-now-dirk-swisher/ Even with the growth of social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn, face-to-face interaction is still the best way for business professionals to connect with potential customers.The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce is providing the chance for small to large businesses to network during its annual PrimeTime Business Expo from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct 4, at the Rainwater Conference Center in Valdosta. The event is open to the public, and there is no charge for admission.
With corporate sponsorship provided by Mediacom Business and FilmStory, the expo will include more than 100 vendors representing a variety of local businesses and organizations. “The expo represents the largest networking event in the area,” said Jeanette Stensgaard, membership director at the Chamber. “Making positive connections and developing new partnerships is an important part of growing a business. The expo allows business people to promote their products and services. It is also a great way to support our local businesses.” With something for everyone, Stensgaard said this year’s expo will feature a Children’s Business Fair sponsored by Cook’s Pest Control. “The Children’s Business Fair provides our community’s youngest entrepreneurs with a chance to showcase their businesses,” Stensgaard said. “It is an important part of the Chamber’s mission to foster entrepreneurship.” Stensgaard said many of the vendors look forward to the expo all year and consider it a vital part of their overall marketing efforts. “We have vendors who have been participating in the expo since it started,” she said. “They put a lot of effort in creating a booth that is both informative and engaging with the visitors.” From small local businesses to larger companies, the expo features a range of products and services available in the region. Pete Layne, store manager with the Home Depot in Valdosta, said he considers the expo an important networking event. “The expo perfectly highlights our Chamber’s mission,” Layne said. “This mission, in part, is to build, connect, and promote. I think the expo achieves these goals at the highest level. The Home Depot is proud to be an active member of the Chamber, and we are looking forward to connecting with other participants at this year’s expo.” Vendor space is still available. Businesses and organizations wanting to reserve booth space should contact Jeanette Stensgaard at jstensgaard@valdostachamber.com or call 229-247-8100 ext. 231. The Chamber Ambassadors honored Southern Pediatric Clinic as the Leading Business of the Week for Sept.10, 2018
The Southern Pediatric Clinic was established in 2005 by Dr. Charlene Blache with a mission to promote healthy lifestyles for infants, children, and teenagers, and to offer high-quality management of acute and chronic illnesses in a caring, friendly, and professional environment. “We continue to develop and improve our practice in ways that allow our patients to get what they need, in a friendly, caring, and compassionate environment,” Blache said. To expand services, Southern Pediatric Clinic plans to offer yoga classes to patients at a low cost to help children with physical and mental development. The Leading Business of the Week program is designed to recognize members who have partnered with the Chamber for at least five years. Colson Business Systems proudly sponsors the 2018 Leading Business of the Week program. For more information, visit www.ValdostaChamber.com/Leading-Business-of-the-Week. The Chamber Ambassadors recently honored The Orchard at Stone Creek with a ribbon cutting in recognition of its additional residential facilities.
The Orchard at Stone Creek, which is locally owned and managed, was designed to serve as a vibrant assisted living community ingrained with southern hospitality and all the comforts of home. “Our design is the latest and the greatest of the current trends that people are searching for,” said owner Fred McGill. “The specialty-trained staff members are committed to providing residents with the best possible care in a safe, comfortable environment. Residents are provided a combination of assisted living, memory and respite care as needed, with onsite assistance 24 hours/seven days a week, to ensure that residents are living independent lives. McGill said he appreciates the Chamber for being a reliable place for his business. “We leaned on the Chamber for our first original groundbreaking and our first original ribbon cutting ceremony a year ago. The Chamber has given us a tremendous amount of exposure to the members and citizens of the Lowndes County community. The Orchard at Stone Creek is located in 4900 Tillman Crossing in Hahira. For more information, visit its website at www.theorchardatstonecreek.com |
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