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The Chamber Ambassadors recently honored S & L Decorative Concrete and Resurfacing with a ribbon cutting Jan. 17, 2019, to celebrate their grand opening. Offering an array of concrete surface options, S & L Decorative Concrete and Resurfacing specializes in concrete restoration and concrete design. Owner, Susan Flanders, along with her son, Lane Fletcher became opened their concrete resurfacing business after several years in the business. “We are excited about being able to use our creativity and turn average concrete into a masterpiece,” said Flanders. A new member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, S & L Decorative Concrete and Resurfacing plans to use the resources offered by the Chamber. “The Chamber has given me the opportunity to advertise my business and to network with the other business owners,” said Flanders. Flanders stated, “The ribbon cutting was a celebration and advertisement opportunity for my new business, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about offering our services to other Valdsota-Lowndes members.” For more information about how to turn your dilapidated or unsightly concrete into something much more aesthetically pleasing, call 229-507-9291or email Susan at sflanders1962@gmail.com. 
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The Valdsota-Lowndes Chamber and Renasant Bank, sponsor of the Small Business of the Month program, presented Winnersville Elite Cheer & Dance (WE) with the January Small Business of the Month award. Winnersville Elite Cheer & Dance has provided service to the Valdosta-Lowndes County community since 2008. WE offer competitive and recreational programs for cheerleading and dance to people of all ages. Program director, Desiree Hagan, and the staff are passionate about instilling strong morals in each of their students. “Our main goal is to teach our athletes that with hard work and dedication, they can achieve anything,” said Hagan. “We pride ourselves on always hiring well-trained staff to instruct the student and to carry out our mission.” Hagan stated, “We truly do create a family environment that allows our athletes to grow both physically and mentally. This sets our program apart from all others.” Each year, the recreational program teaches more than 150 students. The newest program established is Little Explorers. Little Explorers is for students ages two to five and focuses on developing gross motor skills while having fun with tumbling and dance. The competitive programs at WE has received several championship awards over the year. WE is a proud member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce and an active business of in the community. “Every year, Winnersville Elite participates in local events such as the Honey Bee Festival & Parade and The Greater Downtown Valdosta Christmas Parade,” said Hagan. “We are a community partner for the Lowndes and Valdosta School Systems, participating in Career Days, STEM programs, and other school events. We’ve also participated in the Moultrie 21st century program dedicated to serving low-income schools by providing enrichment opportunities after school.” Winnersville Elite Cheer & Dance is located at 1974 Business Parkway, Valdosta. For more information, call 229-293-9323 or visit www.winnersvilleelite.com.  The Chamber Ambassadors honored AmeriMed Pharmacy as the Leading Business of the Week for Jan.14, 2019.
For more than 12 years, AmeriMed Pharmacy has provided customized prescriptions to meet the needs of each patient that enters their establishment. “We offer customized compound prescriptions which includes hormone replacement therapy, veterinary medicines and more,” said Sheri Gordon, pharmacist. AmeriMed Pharmacy is grateful for their employee retention and growth. “Two of the employees that opened this business the first day, are still here 12 years later,” said Gordon. “We started with two and have grown to more than twenty employees.” Gordon stated she enjoys her job because of the family atmosphere and interaction with the patients that depend on AmeriMed Pharmacy for their needs. AmeriMed Pharmacy is a proud member the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. According to Gordon, the Chamber has a great impact on the community, and has increased AmeriMed Pharmacy’s referral base. 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 Battery Source as the Leading Business of the Week for Jan. 8, 2019.
Providing friendly service to their customers, Battery Source has become the largest privately-owned chain in retail battery stores in the Southeast. Battery Source offers many options for battery and golf cart needs. “If it’s a battery, we’ve got it,” said Anthony Humpel. In addition to battery needs, Battery Source performs services for cell phones and tablets. According to Humpel, each day brings a new challenge at Battery Source, and Humpel welcomes each one. “Whether it is finding the right battery for a customer or golf cart servicing and repairs, we specialize in it,” said Humpel. “Every day is something new and exciting to look forward to.” A proud member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber, Battery Source appreciates the Chamber’s interaction with the citizens of Valdosta. “The Chamber does a great job of keeping our citizens informed about small businesses,” said Humpel. “This makes Valdosta a great place to have a business, and it has helped in our success.” Humpel stated, “By honoring us as the Leading Business of the Week, this will provide even greater exposure to those in the community that do not already know about our services.” 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.  Classes for the Valdosta Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) are back underway as of January 8, 2019, as the class continues its weekly meetings scheduled for three hours after school, where they learn how to properly pitch their business ideas and launch a real business or social movement.
During the winter break, many students chose to prioritize their time and work on completing their business plans as true entrepreneurs. “While you may have increased flexibility regarding time as an entrepreneur, it is equally important to not let time get away by not capitalizing on opportunities to execute on your business ideas and plans. There is no holiday for execution as an entrepreneur,” commented H. DeWayne Johnson, YEA! Program Director. Emma Micklon, who is a Pine Grove Middle School 7th grader and YEA! student, took heed to those words and chose to meet personally with YEA Program Manager and Instructor, Amanda Johnson, on the morning of Christmas Eve. During the meeting, Johnson and Micklon made progress on her business plan for her Pet Lap Pad idea. When asked of her opinion on the meeting, Emma replied, “It was a big help for Mrs. Amanda to help me understand the business plan. She helped me with the questions that I wouldn't have understood by myself.” YEA! also includes access to valuable experts like attorneys, accountants, business mentors and graphic designers; plus, an audience with investors for earning start-up funds. Students will also have the opportunity to win college scholarships. Emma’s mother, Adrea Micklon, who is a local educator at SL Mason Elementary School, expressed her impression of the program’s assets. “I am amazed at the detail included in the guidebook. It really does walk you through each step of the way to creating your own business! I am also very grateful that (the Program Managers) take the time outside of the scheduled program to help these students achieve success.” said Micklon. YEA! is a program of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber, providing an opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to join, and for local business leaders interested in supporting the community’s next generation of leaders. The program will soon begin pre-registration for its next class of students for the Fall of 2019. For more information about YEA and how students can enroll, emailjohnson.yea@valdostachamber.com or call (229) 588-0866. PHOTO CAPTION: YEA! Student Emma Micklon and YEA! Program Manager, Amanda Johnson, share a laugh during their business plan meeting on December 24, 2018. The Chamber and Renasant Bank presented Backyard Retreat with the December Small Business of the Month award.
Since 2007, Backyard Retreat has been serving South Georgia and North Florida with a variety of options for pool services. With more than 20 years of experience in the aquatic business, Backyard Retreat offers several personalized services to their residential clients as well as their commercial clients. “We are certified for warranty work for Hayward and Pentair products,” said Sheri Johnson, office manager. “Our services include swimming pool repairs, outdoor deck work, liner replacement, Polaris sales and repairs, spas, above ground pools as well as a full line of pool supplies and chemicals.” For the past 11 years, Backyard Retreat has been a proud member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. Backyard Retreat is thankful for the business and community relationship shared with the Chamber. “We value and treat our customers as part of our family and will help them in their time of need,” said Johnson. “We are involved with the Chamber of Commerce and the Red Carpet.” For more information about Backyard Retreat, call 229-249-9440 or visit their website www.backyardretreatpool.com. Providing professional mentorship is an essential part of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), which is sponsored by the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. The innovative program guides students through the process of starting a business, and pairs each student with a professional mentor. Professional mentors for the 2018-2019 class include: • Peter Layne, The Home Depot • Arthur Morin, BrandSouth Marketing • Victoria Copeland, The Victoria Copeland Team • Sally Sutton, Anchored Media Marketing • Lennard Howell, Team-Britt Mobile Game Arcade • Elizabeth Omiteru, Cre8ive Zone • Betty Morgan, Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce • Vicky Layne, Self Employed • Franchesca Griffin, Black Crow Media • Beverley A Richardson-Blake, Richardson's Lawn Service • Gary Kuhlmann, Spyderserve Corp • Les Bass and Ivelisse Torres, Goodwill “These industry experts will help the students fine-tune their concept, write a business plan, and identify their target audience,” said DeWayne Johnson, YEA! program director. “YEA! relies on the generosity of its sponsors; people who identify with entrepreneurship and want to help pave the way for future entrepreneurs.” The YEA! 2018-2019 Superstar Sponsor is Southwest Georgia Bank, and Premier partners include Georgia Power and Valdosta State University Enactus. In addition, Investor Panel Judges include: • CJB Industries • Miller Hardware • Barnes Healthcare Services • The Home Depot • RISE: A Real Estate Company • Lowndes County Schools “We can’t wait to see the results of their passion and creativity,” said Jonathan Miller, owner of Miller Hardware. “As a community, we are very fortunate to have this program influencing the business forecast of Lowndes County.” During the course of the 20-week program, local businesses have an opportunity to become involved with YEA! at various levels. From teaching the basics of business to inviting students to tour their companies, volunteers participate in a variety of capacities. “Students work in close cooperation with local business and community leaders and educators, who use their personal experiences to demonstrate how to develop ideas and objectives, pitch to potential investors, obtain funding, register with governmental agencies, establish e-commerce and a web presence, and more,” said Johnson. “By the end of the class, students own and operate fully-formed and functioning businesses that they can continue after graduation from the program.” For more information about YEA or how to get involved, email DeWayne Johnson, at johnson.yea@valdostachamber.com.  YEA student, Jacob Howington, left, receives assistance with plans for his live-gaming competition business, from Lennard Howell of Team-Britt Mobile Game Arcade and Ivelisse Torres of Goodwill-Southern Rivers.
The Chamber Ambassadors honored Ace Electric as the Leading Business of the Week for Dec 10, 2018.
For the past 43 years, Ace Electric has grown to be one of the largest electrical contractors in the Southeast. Ace Electric has expanded outside of South Georgia and now has locations in Macon, Atlanta, Statesboro, North Carolina and Tennessee. Ace Electric recently began a partnership with Wiregrass Technical College to create a program focused on the commercial and industrial electrical industry. “We are committed to bringing exposure to the skilled trades including commercial electrical industry, to middle schools, high schools and technical colleges,” said Kelly Madsen. “Ace Electric actively participates and supports skills challenges and the CEFGA CareerExpo and SkillsUSA.” As a member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, Ace Electric is thankful for the many networking opportunities with other businesses along with meeting leaders in the community. “Even though we have grown into one of the larger companies in the industry, we still have a small family business feel,” said Madsen. 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 Proficient Pool and Landscaping with a ribbon cutting.
“We are not just a pool store, nor are we a garden center; we offer irrigation supplies, pavers, outdoor lighting, and many other products,” said Brent Moore, CEO of Proficient Pool and Landscaping. Proficient Pool and Landscaping takes pride in the providing their customers a full outdoor experience. “I have enjoyed being outside since I was a child and knew my career path would involve creating enjoyment for others,” said Moore. “I love to see gratification on customers' faces with their property transformation.” Proficient Pool and Landscaping provides options for pool services, landscaping design, lawn maintenance, and pressure washing. For more information, contact Proficient Pool and Landscaping visit www.outdoorlivingvaldosta.com/ The Chamber Ambassadors recently honored Prime Mortgage Lending with a ribbon cutting on Dec. 4, 2018, to celebrate the opening of their new branch located at 3380 Greystone Way.
Established in 2005, Prime Mortgage Lending is passionate about helping their customers get into the home of their dreams. “Our drive is the passion that we have for the people that comes to us with their home needs,” said Melba Tabor, branch manager, and loan officer. “Whether a customer is refinancing or applying for a USDA, VA, FHA or conventional loan or one of the many other options, Prime Mortgage Lending is confident they can offer an option to everyone.” Prime Mortgage Lending is a proud member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to see where our partnership might take us, and the exciting people that we will able to meet along the way,” Tabor said. “Valdosta is a thriving city, full of all kinds of people from every walk of life looking for home lending. We are looking to be of great service to the people that we meet in this community.” For more information, contact Prime Mortgage Lending at 229-349-6745. |
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