​The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce and Renasant Bank are excited to announce Coleman Talley LLP as the second-ever esteemed winner of the Corporation of the Quarter Award.
 
The Corporation of the Quarter (COQ) award recognizes larger businesses with 36 or more employees who excel in community involvement and truly value their employees. COQ awardees do not only supply a large quantity of jobs, but they provide quality jobs and prioritize creating an employee centric culture. Candidates for COQ are anonymously nominated judged by a panel of local business owners. Each quarter, just one business earns the title.
 
“Our partnership for business recognition originally dates back when the Bank, along with the Chamber, created the Small Business of the Month Award, which continues to exist today,” Terry Bennett, Market President of Renasant Bank, said. “When we were approached about the program, we felt compelled to continue this effort, which will allow us to reach out and recognize business leaders and their employees who are making a difference in our community.” 
 
Coleman Talley LLP is a leading mid-size law firm dedicated to providing trusted legal service for more than eight decades. The firm is committed to fostering industry-focused and lasting client relationships, representing clients throughout the Southeastern United States from offices in Valdosta and Atlanta, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida.
 
“We are honored to be recognized as the Corporation of the Quarter by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber,” said Justin Scott, Managing Partner. “Coleman Talley strongly believes in the importance of investing back into the community that has invested in us and made our firm successful. We also recognize that no business can truly succeed without a team of hardworking people committed to its continued growth and development.”
 
Coleman Talley attorneys and staff regularly dedicate their time and support to a variety of causes, including the arts, education, youth athletics, and community development. As a whole, the firm lends its support to Second Harvest of South Georgia through the annual Georgia Legal Food Frenzy competition. They task their attorneys, staff, and clients with raising food and funds during a 2-week period to fight hunger, all of which goes to the local food bank. The firm has been recognized as a winner each year since the competition began in 2012.
 
Coleman Talley LLP is an outstanding community partner and Chamber member. Visit them at 109 South Ashley Street or give them a call at 229-242-7562.

​The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce and First Commerce Credit Union named C- Tech Water Solutions, LLC the June Small Business of the Month.
C-Tech provides water service to South Georgia and North Florida.
 
From repairs to installation, rental service, salt delivery and testing, the business gladly serves commercial and residential customers meeting their individual needs. They are also a leader in supplying water softeners, reverse osmosis systems and other quality products.
 
Owners Chris and Jami West have 20 years of experience in water treatment and customer service, 14 of which have been with C-Tech. The company is dedicated to taking care of their customers while offering a wide variety of water solutions for customer’s home or business. C-Tech's mission is to supply high quality equipment to customers and provide a higher quality of service, all at a fair price.
 
Jami, Co-Owner of C-Tech says, “Customer Service is not a problem, it is our pleasure” has been the company motto before they even knew the name of the company!
 
“These were the same words Chris’ dad had for every business he owned so to honor him, we chose it for our business as well,” she shared. “We truly appreciate each customer we have and find joy in servicing each home and business.”
 
C-Tech is active in the local community supporting local sports teams such as Lowndes High School Wrestling and Valwood basketball. For many years, the company has remained active in the Lowndes County Relay for Life event as a team and as volunteers for the leadership of the event. C-Tech Water Solutions is also an active member of the local Home Builders Association. They support multiple local charities through the events the HBA hosts. The most recent community event they participated in was the Georgia Beer Company 5K to support the Valdosta Children’s Advocacy Center in April 2021.
 
For more information on C-Tech Water Solutions, LLC, contact them at 229-245-8100.

​The Chamber Ambassadors honored THBoyd Communications with a ribbon-cutting on June 30, 2021, to celebrate the launch of the South Georgia Insider Podcast. 
 
Recorded and produced in the Smalltown Broadcast and Talk 92.1 studio, located in Valdosta, the South Georgia Insider Podcast features conversations with business and civic leaders and community influencers about the exciting and sometimes challenging issues impacting the region. 
 
Hosted by Thressea H. Boyd, CEO of THBoyd Communications, the podcast topics range from business and manufacturing to entrepreneurship and rural prosperity, economic development, agriculture, education, healthcare, tourism, and the arts.
 
"The podcast is part of our continued growth," says Boyd, editor of South Georgia Business Magazine and the monthly South Georgia Insider e-newsletter.  "As content for the magazine and e-newsletter continues to expand, the podcast provides another platform to share engaging stories that promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit."
 
With more than a dozen podcast episodes published, Boyd says working with producer Spencer Van Horn and the Smalltown Broadcasting team has been imperative to the podcast's early success. 
 
"A major factor in producing a podcast is high-quality audio equipment and editing experience,” Boyd says. "Smalltown Broadcast provides production expertise, along with state-of-the-art equipment and professional studio space."
 
According to Edison Research, podcasts have seen a steady rise in popularity in the past decade. Approximately 78 percent of Americans are now familiar with the "podcasting" term, and more than 80 million Americans identified as weekly podcast listeners. 
 
"As we continue to look for ways to partner with the local community, we recognize the growing need for a professional studio space for use by individuals recording podcasts or other recorded events," says Jeff Masters, Sales and Operations Manager with Smalltown Broadcasting  "We have an additional studio that is available for rent by the hour to those in our community. We provide the technical assistance needed to allow for the very best completed projects."
 
Owned by Scott James Matheson, Smalltown Broadcasting consists of four radio stations, including Talk 92.1, home of the Scott James Matheson weekday morning show.
 
"We're excited to be part of producing the South Georgia Insider Podcast and look forward to helping other businesses and individuals launch their podcasts," says Matheson. "It fits within our company's mission to create an outlet to share information throughout the region."
 
THBoyd Communications and Smalltown Broadcasting are Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce media sponsors and actively promote Chamber members and activities. 

​The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber Ambassadors named CCB Tech Group Leading Business of the Week on June 28, 2021.
CCB Tech Group was founded in 2005 when two people decided to start a technology business that provides high-touch, high quality, and high-competence service. Today, a team of skilled engineers provides installation, repair and training with equipment from all major data and telephone vendors. CCB is confident in its ability to complete a project with no missteps.
 
The CBB team comes to work with the singular focus to excel at technical competence and maintain a genuine interest in the well-being of the customer. The team measures their accomplishments by participating in their customer’s successes.
 
Account Manager of CCB, Lee McArthur, expressed how qualified their staff is to ensure a job well done. “There are generous investments in employee training to keep everyone on the cutting edge of IT security and problem-solving,” McArthur shared.
 
True to the company mission statement “Leave things better than you found them,” the team is involved in the project every step of the way from the blueprint to moving IT assets, assuring the client that everything is taken care of.
 
Like the technology that grows and expands, CCB does the same. They have extensive experience in the healthcare industry and understand HIPAA and PCI better than most IT firms. Additionally, they have several options implemented in the healthcare industry that protects against ransomware and assure the safety of customer data.
 
McArthur says, “We are a true family/team.  It is rare, in my experience, to have everyone sharing the same core values for customer care and work priorities.”
 
CCB is appreciative of the efforts of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber. They have benefited from the working opportunities with other professionals. “The Chamber is the tip of the spear for helping assure that Valdosta is the best place to run a business and raise a family.  It brings individual members together for mutual benefit and represents the community at large at all three levels of government,” said Arthur.
 
For more information, visit CCB Tech Group at 4069 Inner Perimeter Road or call them at (229)-244-3535.

​The pandemic could not stop the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber from continuing the long-held tradition of honoring business and community leaders at their annual awards ceremony.
The annual awards celebration sponsored by First Commerce Credit Union was held on February 25 at Rainwater Conference Center. To ensure the safety of participants, the event was held in a hybrid format with individuals attending socially distanced in person and virtually through a live stream from Event Point.
The first award of the evening was brand-new and will only be presented one time. Georgia Power teamed up with the Chamber to create the Industry Innovation Award recognizing businesses who pivoted to find success in the midst of the pandemic.
Event Point, Jessie’s Restaurant and Catering and Kona Ice of Lowndes were named finalists and applauded for their admirable success and commitment to client safety.
Georgia Power’s Joe Brownlee announced Event Point as the winner. Chris Shelton, Project Manager, accepted the award.
“It feels great to have this recognition, but mostly to know that we have been able to continue to serve people during these unprecedented times,” said Shelton.
Anthony Lentini, District Sales Coordinator for Aflac was presented with the 2021 Ambassador of the Year awarded by Beth Kirk with BPC Plasma, Inc.
The Ambassador of the Year Award is presented to the person who exemplifies exceptional volunteer support for Chamber members and donates countless hours to assist with Chamber initiatives.
“The Chamber Ambassadors have a heart for service, and I am so grateful to be a part of a group that truly cares for the community,” expressed Lentini.
Runners-up for Ambassador of the Year award included Dr. Elaine Lewis with UNO-United as One and Deanna Smith with The Investment Centre at CBC Bank.
The next award presentation got the entire Chamber membership involved. The Members’ Choice Award is earned by a business who showcases exemplary customer service and is voted on by their fellow members.
After more than one hundred nominations and nearly 1,000 votes, Platinum Roofing was named the honoree and was presented with the award by Miller Hardware’s Johnathan Miller.
Zack Marcus, COO of Platinum Roofing, gratefully accepted the award. “We strive to give our customers the best experience,” he shared. “A house is someone’s greatest investment, and it all starts with a roof.”
Renasant Bank and Watson's Pool and Patio's Inc. also received an impressive number of votes, making them runners up.
Rachel Thrasher with Valdosta Main Street was announced as the 2021 Most Valuable Employee by Teamtemps Personnel Staffing’s Sean Panizzi. In addition to the award, Thrasher received a $1,500 check courtesy of Teamtemps.
Most Valuable Employee candidates are nominated by local employers who believe their employee illustrates remarkable work ethic, job knowledge, and an overall tremendous workplace effort. Main Street Director, Ellen Hill, felt that this perfectly described her employee, Rachel.
“It is always nice to be recognized for the hard work you put in each day,” said Thrasher. “I am forever grateful for my boss, Ellen Hill, for not only nominating me but for allowing me the creative freedom it takes to do this job well.”
The finalists are selected after an extensive interview process, which included Senovia Bryant and Latrell Williams, both with CJB Industries, Inc.
Brownlee (Georgia Power) entered the stage again to present the Young Professional of the Year Award which recognizes a young professional who positively impacts his or her employment and community place through civic engagement.
Dr. Jamie Foster-Hill, special education teacher at Pine Grove Middle School was named the winner.
“I have dedicated a lot of my life to being involved in the community and it feels amazing to know that it has been rewarded,” she stated.
Runners-up for the 2021 Young Professional of the Year included Nick Perry with Ella's Top Corral, Robin Salisbury with Langdale Place, and Taylor Strickland with The Have, Battered Women's Shelter.
Next up, T3 Outdoors was presented with the 2021 Small Business of the year award by Heath Dawson from First Commerce Credit Union.

The Small Business of the Year Award recognizes an innovative business with 35 or fewer employees demonstrating growth and stability in the business community.
T3 Outdoors Owner, Jud Tanner, was proud to accept the award.
“I am incredibly grateful for my team who works hard six days a week. Them along with our customers make it possible to do what we do,” he expressed.
Runners-up for the 2021 Small Business of the Year included Danny's Music and FilmStory.
Greater Valdosta United Way, Inc. was presented with the 2021 Nonprofit of the Year award by Clinton and Jeana Beeland of CJB Industries Inc. In addition to the award, they received a $1,500 check courtesy of CJB.
The Nonprofit of the Year Award highlights Chamber members who have shown excellence in serving their organization's mission and the community.
Michael Smith, CEO, was flattered to receive the award.
“It is an honor to help so many nonprofits in our area,” he said. “Our goal is to help people grow in South Georgia and we look forward to helping people live united.”
Runners-up for the 2021 Nonprofit of the Year Award included Second Harvest of South Georgia and The Salvation Army.
Sunset Farm Foods was presented with 2021 The BIG Thinker awarded by Daryn Russell, Board Chairman for the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce.
The BIG Thinker is awarded to self-made, visionary, and successful entrepreneurs who give back to their community.
Sunset Farm Foods is a fourth-generation family-owned business that has withstood the test of time for 103 years.
Tom Carroll took the stage to accept the honor.
“We are so grateful to join the great list of other companies who have received this award in the past,” he said. Carroll was proud to also introduce his staff that were present.
New Chamber President Christie Moore was the last presenter to take the stage. Before presenting the A.L. Girardin Award, the only award selected by the Chamber Staff, she took a few minutes to introduce herself and reiterate the Chamber’s commitment to their members and the community.
“We recognize that one size does not fit all and that you all need something different from your Chamber and we are excited to work together to help provide creative solutions and opportunities to ensure a prosperous future for our community,” Moore shared with attendees.
 
Moore presented the final award of the night to Commercial Cleaning Industries.
She stated that, “Commercial Cleaning Industries continually goes above and beyond ensuring the Chamber and the businesses they serve are operating in a clean environment. A special thanks to Commercial Cleaning Industries for taking additional steps to ensure the Chamber building, and many others, were safe, especially during the time of a pandemic.”
Carol Copeland, owner of Commercial Cleaning Industries, joined Moore on stage to accept the award.
“When we started the business, it was a whole different ball game than what it is today,” he shared. “With COVID, we feel more needed now than ever and we are happy to be of service.”
The evening concluded with remarks from the Chamber’s 2021 Board Chairman, Daryn Russell of CBC Bank. His remarks focused on the Chamber’s commitment to continualy improving the value the organization offers their members and community.
For more information on the Chamber Annual Awards, contact the Chamber’s Events Director, Chloe Wade at 229-247-8100 ext 229. 

​The Chamber Ambassadors honored Ace of Fades Barbershop, Phase II with a ribbon-cutting on January 4, 2021 to celebrate the grand opening of their brand-new facility.
 
Ace of Fades Barbershop, Phase II is a barbershop for gentlemen looking to unwind while experiencing top notch grooming.
 
Although this location may be new, customers can rest assured that they are in good, qualified hands as owner and operator, Arthur Lee Weatherspoon, III has been doing business for over 30 years, half of which being at the original Ace of Fades location on West Hill Avenue.
 
According to Weatherspoon, having an established location gives him the advantage over first time barbershops that may not have the connections in the community.
 
Weatherspoon stated, “Although women are welcomed, Ace of Fades Barbershop, Phase II is a modern barbershop that offers today’s gentlemen a setting where they can sit back, relax, and experience the new age style of male grooming services.”
 
Weatherspoon is optimistic about the future of this location and plans to introduce skin care someday.
 
”I want to introduce our clients to therapy of skin healing. We want to provide more than just a hair here at this location,” said Weatherspoon.
 
Ace of Fades Barbershop, Phase II recently joined the Valdosta Chamber and is excited to continue reaping the benefits of being a Chamber member.
 
“The Chamber has given me the opportunity to network with other business owners who are impacting the community in ways I tend to and those who can also provide the essential tools needed to thrive in our community,” said Weatherspoon.
 
For more information about Ace of Fades Barbershop, Phase II visit 1835 Norman Drive or call 229-232-2863. 

​The Chamber Ambassadors honored Wright’s Heating and Air as the Leading Business of the Week for December 14, 2020.
 
A family-owned and operated business and recognized as one of Valdosta’s most respected HVAC contractors, Wright’s Heating and Air has provided service for more than two decades.
 
Owner Michael Wright stated, “Wright’s Heating and Air started from scratch, the ground up to one the areas major HVAC service providers.”
 
Wright’s Heating and Air is passionate about the services they provide to the Valdosta area and is grateful for the community’s unwavering commitment.
 
According to Wright, most of their business stems from referrals from satisfied customers. He stated, “We owe our reputation to quality workmanship, reliability, and the kind words from our customers.”
 
When asked how the Chamber has impacted his business, Wright said, “The Chamber has provided endless opportunities to network with businesses and potential prospects.”
 
For more information about Wright’s Heating and Air, visit www.hvacdonewright.com or call 229-241-1066.

The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber and First Commerce Credit Union proudly named Platinum Roofing a Small Business of the Month award winner.
 
Platinum Roofing operates with a goal of preserving the wellbeing of everything under your roof, whether that be your family, cherished possessions or employees. They offer premium roof installations, replacements and repairs of all kinds for both residential and commercial clients.
 
Customers can trust that work done by Platinum will be done right. The business is a member of the Georgia Roofing Contractors Association and the Home Builders Association of South Georgia.
 
“Neither of these memberships are required for us to be in the roofing industry, but we would not practice without such authority,” Cody Perkins, Owner, expressed.
 
Though the business is only nearing their three-year mark, Platinum Roofing jumped into the community with two feet.
 
“We are proud that our name and logo has become so well recognized,” said Perkins.
 
They sponsor events each year that benefit the community and both school systems.
 
Platinum Roofing’s marketing efforts and community involvement have made them recognizable, but their customer service and integrity have defined their brand.
 
“We make sure our customers are taken care of no matter the amount of work it takes on our end,” Perkins added. 
 
Platinum roofing offers 24-hour emergency service, lifetime workmanship warranties and is happy to help their customers along they way in any way they can.
 
“We do a lot of insurance restoration work and are happy to help alleviate the headache of payment by helping with the paperwork and the process.”
 
Visit Platinum Roofing at 1515 North Ashley street Suite C or give them a call at 229-561-3107.
 

​The Chamber Ambassadors honored Law’s Furniture as the Leading Business of the Week for November 9, 2020.
 
Established 62 years ago, Law’s Furniture is a family-owned full-service retail furniture provider in Valdosta.
 
Known as the “Easy Credit Guys,” Law’s continues striving to offer a variety of unique choices at a price that fits every budget.
 
Law’s furniture continues its tradition of offering in-store credit financing to its valuable customers.
 
Law’s has been a proud member of the Valdosta Chamber for the past 62 years, making them the third oldest member.
 
Visit Law’s Furniture at 129 West Central Avenue or call (229) 242-7965.
 
The Leading Business of the Week Program is sponsored by Marcotek Digital Office Solutions.
 
PHOTO CAPTION: The Chamber Ambassadors named Law’s Furniture Leading Business of the Week

The Valdosta Chamber Board and Staff safely gathered on Tuesday, December 8th to celebrate the successful career of outgoing President of 23 years, Myrna Ballard. 
Ballard took on the title of Chamber President in February of 1997 and has overseen the implementation of countless successful programs in her time, most notably, the SEEDS Business Resource Center which has helped many of our small, local businesses begin and grow.  
Her success has not only been recognized in Valdosta, but by the state-wide and nationally. She has earned awards from The Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, an organization in which she has also held leadership positions.  
Ballard has also continuously earned her Chamber a spot in the top 1% of all Chambers nationally with their 5-star accreditation.  
In a tribute presented by Chamber Board member, Thressea Boyd, Ballard was recognized as a “mentor to many.” 
John Page, also a Chamber Board member, dedicated a plaque to Ballard that recognized her contributions to the Chamber and community. Page read three words on the plaque that he felt described her work the best, “Advocate, build and connect.” 
The awards presentation also honored select Chamber Board and Staff members.  
Paul Nichols, Treasurer, was thanked for his 3-year term on the Chamber Board.  
Lee McArthur, Chairman of the Board graciously accepted a shadow box as a tribute to his two-year term as Chairman of the Board.  
Staff members Karil Brockington and Betty Morgan were also awarded for their long-term dedication to the Chamber.  
Brockington celebrates her 20-year anniversary and Morgan celebrates her 10th.  
After the awards commenced, McArthur invited everyone into the parlor of the Barber House to unveil the star of the evening: a portrait of Ballard to forever hang in the Chamber. 
“It only seems right to have Myrna’s portrait in the Barber House. If anyone deserves to be here forever, it is her!” shared Karil Brockington. 
The portrait was hand-painted by Fay Bridges Hyatt, owner of Kaleidescope Gallery & Emporium.  
“Our artist exceeded our expectations. It is amazing how she truly captured Myrna’s spirit,” expressed Betty Morgan.  
Ameris Bank, CBC Bank, CCB Tech Group and Langdale Vallotton LLP sponsored it’s completed and presented it to the honoree, Myrna Ballard.  
Other event sponsors include: Anchored Media Marketing, CBC Bank, CCB Tech Group, Colony Bank, Comfort Keepers, Elliott, Blackburn & Gooding, P.C., Enay Coaching, Farmers Home Furniture Company, IDP Properties, LP, Page Insurance and Financial Services, Paul Nichols, Real Living Realty Advisors, THBoyd Communications, US Press, Valdosta Chiropractic & Rehab and Valenti, Rackley & Associates, LLC.  
​