Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Retiring Airmen with Career Skills Program9/16/2019 The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce is once again supporting troops and helping Airmen transition back into civilian life by supporting the Career Skills Program. The Career Skills Program, also known as JTEST-AI (Job Training, Employment Skills Training, Apprenticeships and Internships), is a vocational program hosted by the Department of Defense SkillBridge Initiative. The program is designed to prepare Service men of all branches for the transition from military to civilian careers and focuses on the practical application of learned skills that can later lead to employment. The Career Skills Program offers both vocational and technical training. This training is separated into three categories: apprenticeships, internships and on-the-job training. To qualify for the program, an Airman must complete 180 continuous days of active duty service and expect to be discharged or released within 180 days. Participation must be approved by the first Field Grade Officer who is authorized to impose non-judicial punishment in the Airman’s chain of command. The Chamber extends this opportunity to Airmen nearing the end of their Military service with the hopes of providing invaluable workplace skills needed for the eventual career field of their choosing. La Peachez Clark, Events and Military Engagement Director at the Chamber is the Chamber’s very first Career Skills intern as well as a testament to the effectiveness of the program. Clark became aware of program after a former Chamber employee reached out to the Career Skills Program coordinator at Moody Airforce Base with a listing of openings for interns. Clark describes transitioning from a military career to a civilian career as difficult as many servicemen receive a culture shock when readjusting to civilian life. “After members leave the military they do not always have the opportunity to find a job right away,” Clark said. “The transition is not always smooth depending on the military member’s skill set and coping with the way things are in the civilian sector.” The Career Skills Program seeks to make that transition easier. Clark believes that a helping hand in the transition from military to civilian life is owed to servicemen and women. “We have sacrificed so much for our country called ‘Home of the Free and Land of the Brave!’ ” Clark said. “It is a way of paying it forward.” According to Clark, the Chamber offers Airmen looking for that helping hand an opportunity to intern with an organization that works intimately with the local community. The opportunity has allowed Clark a peak into the world of civilian business that she will soon reintegrate into. “It has opened my eyes to the way business is conducted in the civilian world opposed to what I have grown accustomed to in the military,” Clark said. “It has enabled me to make an informed decision with the correct career path I should take post retirement.” For more information about internship opportunities, contact Lauren Pope at 229-247-8100, ext. 231 or lpope@valdostachamber.com 
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The Chamber Ambassadors honored Ole Times Country Buffet as the Leading Business of the Week for September 9, 2019. For 20 years, Ole Times Country Buffet has provided the Valdosta-Lowndes community with “good ole” home-cooked comfort food. Ole Times offers an array of southern cooked food in a friendly and inviting atmosphere. The staff of Ole Times is passionate about their customers and enjoy providing a warm, memorable experience during each visit. “Our major accomplishments are keeping the customers happy and satisfied with the quality of food and continue to have a family friendly environment at all times,” said Dannita Bivins, general manager. “The customers are the reason I love working here. I have seen little kids grow up and become adults. My employees are like family; a couple of us have been here working alongside each other for many years.” Ole Times Country Buffet is a proud member of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. Bivins stated, “The Chamber has been a positive influence on our business. They have sent in customers from the downtown area to try our variety of fresh vegetables and southern fried chicken that we have at our bar on a daily basis.” Ole Times plans to keep up the service and food they offer for years to come. “We will continue brining good food and customers together at the table like we have done for 20 years,” said Bivins. For more information, visit Ole Times Country Buffet at 1193 St. Augustine Road or call 229-253-1600. 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 EnSpire Counseling & Wellness with a ribbon cutting on August 23, 2019 to celebrate becoming members of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, their grand opening and to share with the community that EnSpire Counseling & Wellness is available for a variety of mental health and counseling needs. Committed to caring for people, EnSpire Counseling & Wellness was conceived out of the desire to merge mental health-counseling and preventive and wellness services under one umbrella. EnSpire Counseling & Wellness offers an array of services while providing the utmost possible level of care and treatment to their clients. Founder and owner Leah McMillan stated, “It is the first collaborative counseling and wellness center serving Valdosta, Lowndes County, and our surrounding communities. Our goal is to provide the highest possible level of care and treatment for our clients. The relationship between providers here at EnSpire is special and provides continuity of care that you will only find here with us.” EnSpire Counseling & Wellness is passionate about serving everyone no matter their age, race, or socioeconomic status and believe everyone is entitles to the best possible counseling and wellness treatment. “Lowndes County, a metropolitan area, offers diversity with a small town feel,” said McMillan. “Major industries such as Moody Air Force Base, South Georgia Medical Center, and Valdosta State University bring a diverse population of active military, veterans, families, professionals, and students. EnSpire Counseling & Wellness strives to offer multiple services to a diverse population while providing a culturally sensitive environment.” EnSpire Counseling & Wellness is proud member of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. “The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber has assisted our business in planning our grand opening celebration, ribbon cutting event and facilitated contact with various business owners and local citizens,” said McMillan. For more information about EnSpire Counseling & Wellness, visit them at 3790 Old US HWY 41 N. Suite A, www.enspirecounselingandwellness.com or call 229-262-1000.  The Chamber Ambassadors for the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce honored Letica Corporation as the Leading Business of the Week for August 26, 2019. Letica Corporation is an environmentally conscious company dedicated to providing eco-friendly products for the general population. This includes a commitment to making lightweight products, reusable and recyclable packaging, and creating renewable materials. One of the Letica Corporation's best accomplishments is integrating with Berry Global, another company dedicated to conserving energy and creating a healthier environment. "Berry Global Group, Inc. has announced its sustainability strategy through a company initiative named "Impact 2025". As a part of the initiative, Berry will focus on further increasing the positive impact it has through its products, performance and partners with a long-term plan for the year 2025." Richard A. Colangelo, general manager of the Letica Alabama and Georgia Plants, said. Colangelo went on to say that their primary goals for the project were helping climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% and reducing landfill waste by 5% per year. They also plan to end plastic waste by expanding its usage through alternative means. The Letica Corporation is passionate about improving the lives of those in the Georgia-Alabama area. "I have a great deal of autonomy running both the Alabama and Georgia plants. Everyone shares the same vision and is dedicated to the same goals and initiatives," Colangelo said. The Letica Corporation is a proud member of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, citing the regular networking events as a great way to allow members to exchange ideas, develop relationships, and improve their professional work. "The Chamber is essential to the growth and revitalization of this community. They guide and support Lowndes County intending to increase economic opportunities and fostering a healthy business climate," Colangelo said. For more information, visit Letica Corporation at 2020 Steeda Way or call 229-244-2222.  The Chamber Ambassadors honored Bodyworks Family Fitness 24/7 with a ribbon cutting on August 22, 2019 to celebrate becoming members of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, in addition to their renovated facility. Bodyworks Family Fitness 24/7 is passionate about encouraging people to live a healthy life. It is their mission to help their members achieve personal fitness goals in a friendly setting. “Our members feel welcomed the second they walk in and we offer a wide variety of services that no other gym offers,” said Rebecca Lassitter, personal assistant. “We are striving to offer as many services in house so our members feel that we are the complete package when it comes to fitness.” In the coming months, Bodyworks is planning to expand their business by offering even more unique services. Lassitter stated, “We are opening our Iron Eaterz side, which is an old school lifting kind of gym. We are also planning on expanding and having an onsite chiropractor and massage therapist as well as expanding our growing Lil Ironz child care service.” According to Lassitter, Bodyworks began with an estimated enrollment of 60 members and now the gym has 900 members and is growing. Bodyworks is a proud member of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. “The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber has helped us reach people and businesses that can help us grow and keep everything local,” said Lassitter. “We love the community and support that Lowndes county people offer. For more information, visit Bodyworks Family Fitness 24/7 at 4510 North Valdosta Rd, Valdosta, GA 31602 or call (229) 229-253-9977.  The Chamber Ambassadors honored Learning Tree Educational Resources as the Leading Business of the Week for August 19, 2019. For 40 years, Learning Tree Educational Resources has catered to primarily schools and teachers by providing educational materials, supplies and equipment. In addition to the traditional educational materials, Learning Tree offers a wide-range of toys, games and puzzles. “In addition to the retail store, which is open to the general public, Learning Tree also markets through an online web site, mylearningtree.com, and a print catalog which is distributed throughout South Georgia and North Florida,” said Robin McGhin Sr., Owner. “While most of our business comes from around a 100 mile radius of Valdosta, over the years we have filled orders in almost every state and a number of foreign countries.” One of the Learning Tree’s greatest accomplishments has been simply surviving. McGhin stated, “The past decade or so has been very hard on the school supply industry. First, with the recession, came severe cuts in school budgets. Then, came the explosion of the internet. School supply companies started falling like flies. In 2010, our national education market association directory had 55 listings for companies in Georgia. In the 2018 directory, we were one of only five companies listed for the state.” Learning Tree is passionate about the serving and providing resources to the people of the Valdosta-Lowndes County community. McGhin said, “The thing I love most about being in this business are the personal bonds that have developed: bonds with customers, with employees, and with family. Over the years, we have had customers who first visited us as education students at VSU and shopped with us throughout their teaching career. Some are now retired and shop with us for their grandchildren. We love our customers.” According to McGhin, Learning Tree has employed hundreds of people over the years. Most of the employees were students in a part-time position. McGhin stated, “Many went on to be teachers, a few stayed on to work for Learning Tree full-time, and others went on to other professions. But no matter what their route, it is very rewarding when they stop by or call and update us on their journey.” Learning Tree Educational Resources is proud member of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. McGhin stated, “The Chamber has done a magnificent job of fostering the growth of our community into a hub for South Georgia. The networking and educational opportunities the Chamber provides support local business and foster entrepreneurship. In addition to promoting private business, the Chamber has played a major role in preserving and advancing important community institutions such as Valdosta State University, Wiregrass, SGMC, and Moody AFB.” For more information, visit Learning Tree Educational Resources at 281 Norman Drive or call 229-244-9967. 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 Riviera Maya Bar & Grill, LLC Mexican Restaurant with a ribbon cutting on August 14, 2019 to celebrate their grand opening and becoming members of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. Serving customers with authentic, made from scratch Mexican food while providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere is the model for Riviera Maya Bar and Grill. “We always put our customers first and go above and beyond to make sure they are happy and encounter an experience they will remember,” said Jaime Fitzpatrick, Sandra Garcia and Carlos Vega. “Not only do we serve amazing, made from scratch Mexican cuisine, we also offer fun for the entire family with trivia nights, live music, salsa dancing and much more.” Riviera Maya was established on Bemiss Road to provide a family oriented sit-down restaurant and to provide support to the families of Moody Air Force Base, according to Fitzpatrick, Garcia and Vega. Riviera Maya is a new, excited member of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce and they look forward to utilizing the many resources the Chamber has to offer. For more information, visit Riviera Maya at 4333 Bemiss Rd, Valdosta, GA 31605 or call, (229) 474-4435.  The Chamber and Renasant Bank presented Southern Shipping Solutions, LLC with the August Small Business of the Month Award. Since 2009, Southern Shipping Solutions has been serving customers all over the world, right from the city of Valdosta. “Southern Shipping Solutions, LLC is the base of a dedicated service team ready to work for you,” Said Connie Ledbetter, owner. “Our leading–edge technology and robust procurement power enables our clients to see significant transportation savings while enjoying the best-in-class-service.” Customers around the globe can take advantage of the services of Southern Shipping Solutions with friendly service desk support, shipment execution, customized reporting proprietary web-based technology. The diversity of service and the rapport they build with customers helps to set the company apart. “Our customers are family to us, we work to understand their businesses so we can best design a model to fit their specific business needs,” said Ledbetter. The company offers customers a variety of services including but not limited to: parcel shipping, logistics management, domestic and international air-freight and local and regional courier service. Southern Shipping Solutions prides themselves in customizing their service to meet the needs of customers and being a locally owned business. “Because we are locally owned and managed, we map our own course,” said Ledbetter. “Local service providers always gets-first consideration in moving out hot shots and full truck load shipments because we believe it is important to keep out work local whenever possible.” Southern Shipping Solutions has been active in the local city of Valdosta for a decade and looks forward to continuing to serve the community. For more information please visit Southern Shipping Solutions LLC at 3460 N Valdosta Rd or call 229-249-0997.  The Chamber Ambassadors honored Ella’s Top Corral with a ribbon cutting on August 13, 2019 to celebrate the drive thru redesigned menu. For the past two years, the hidden gem known as Ella’s Top Corral has become a prominent restaurant in the Valdosta-Lowndes Community. “We love what we do because we are using hard work, and quality ingredients to feed a public that wants to support you,” said Kyle Steven Webb, Marketing and Business Development Director. “They want to see us succeed and they truly, authentically enjoy what is being produced for them.” Ella’s is excited to share with the community their redesigned express drive thru. According to Webb, the drive thru provides easier and effective service to a larger number of people in a shorter amount of time. The appeal, and menu style can also entice new customers as well. Ella’s Top Corral is a proud member of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. Webb stated, “Our Chamber welcomed us with open arms when we first joined and their intentions have not waivered since. The Chamber has aided in giving us exposure to a market that had not been touched before with the location of our restaurant. They provide such a source of proofing, confirmation and care that it is nice when you are a business or a representative of a business and you have them as a resource. Ella’s Top Corral views our Chamber as a highly valuable membership to any local business or company.” For more information, visit Ella’s Top Corral at 1007 N Patterson St, Valdosta, GA 31602 or call, (229) 241-0322.  The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce is rooting for local businesses around Valdosta with a team of professional volunteers known as Chamber Ambassadors. The diverse team of Ambassadors come from local businesses to give new businesses in the area a warm welcome and well-wishes. Chamber Ambassadors have made it their mission to serve as goodwill ambassadors for the Chamber and the community with the highest degree of professionalism, knowledge and integrity as well as promote the development of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber. Lauren Pope, Communications and Marketing Director and Coordinator of Chamber Ambassadors describes the team as representatives of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. “They are the first faces new businesses will see,” Pope said. Chamber Ambassadors are not hard to spot. Sporting crisp, Kelly Green blazers, which symbolize prosperity, the benevolent group can be found at ribbon cuttings, ground breakings and leading businesses of the week. To become an Ambassador, one must be an owner or employee of a business with a Chamber membership. Ambassadors are rewarded for their support of business through a quarterly points system. Points are earned by attending meetings, celebratory events and referring new members to the Chamber. When an Ambassador reaches a certain number of points, they are awarded their official Chamber Ambassador name badge. This quarter, Dr. Lacie Guy, Vice Chair of Member Services of the Chamber Board presented these awards at her business, Valdosta Chiropractic and Rehab. Currently, the committee is made up of about 50 Ambassadors. Deanna Smith of the Investment Centre at CBC Bank cites becoming an Ambassador as a way to get involved with the Chamber and the community. “ I decided to become an Ambassador because I made a career change and knew I needed to get plugged into the Chamber of Commerce,” Smith said “When I found out that my current employer not only supported it but encouraged it, I was very excited. I felt the quickest and best way to get involved with the Chamber would be to become an Ambassador.” Smith insist that her involvement with Ambassadors has allowed her to witness the major impact the Chamber has, and continues to make on local business. Kristi Hill, Digital Sales Manager of Valdosta Daily Times and 2018 Chairman describes participation with Ambassadors as a way of “getting your foot in the door to introduce yourself”. Hill’s personal goal of joining the committee was to prove that there is not one look for business professionals and that millennials are just as capable of networking and maintaining a professional persona as their older counterparts. “We’re a close knit group who all want to help small businesses in the community,” Hill said. “It’s fun for everyone.” Kyle Webb, Marketing and Business Development Director of Ella’s Top Corral and a first year ambassador also cites the warm and inviting environment of the Chamber and the comradery of the ambassadors as a benefit of joining the committee. “Being able to connect with, and support like-minded individuals is something that I not only get pleasure from but motivates me in my own day to day as well.” Webb said. Sally Sutton, Chief Executive Officer of Anchored Media Marketing and Chamber Ambassadors’ 2019 Chairman believes while service has personal and connective benefits, being an Ambassador is all about supporting the Chamber and local businesses. “It’s not about what the Ambassadors Program can do for me, it's more about how can we, as Ambassadors, support our Chamber and local businesses.” Sutton said. Scott and Lisa Register, owners of Comfort Keepers of South Georgia, agree that being a part of the Ambassadors Program is about serving the Chamber and giving back to the community. “The Chamber heled us get started. It’s really made a tremendous impact on our business” Scott Register said. “It’s our way of giving back to our organization that helped us.” “We enjoy being ambassadors,” Lisa Register said. “We consider it a privilege.” Lisa Register is a long time ambassador with 11 years of service on the committee. Scott Register has been an ambassador for five years and currently holds the title of Ambassador of the Quarter. The Ambassadors Program is sponsored by Biotest Plasma Center. “The Chamber of Commerce has always and still is an ally to our business,” said Don Gamache, Director of Plasma Marketing Operations. The Chamber is grateful that Biotest makes it possible for the Ambassadors to be the Chamber Champions they are! If interested in joining this elite committee, contact Lauren Pope, Communications and Marketing Director at lpope@valdostachamber.com or 229-247-8100 ext. 231.  |
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