CONTENTS J U LY / A U G U S T V O L U M E 9 N U M B E R 4

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3 BUSINESS Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Magazine Chairman John McDuffie Chairman-Elect Jimmy Wilson President/CEO Catherine Glover Vice President Public Policy & Communications Wendy Martin Director of Communications Rachelle Bitterman Printing Boyd Brothers Photography Todd Stone Director of Sales Donna Gray Business (U.S.P.S ) is published bimonthly by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, 225 W. Broad Avenue, Albany, Georgia Subscription rate of $50 is included in membership investment. Periodicals postage paid at Albany, Georgia. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Business Magazine, 225 W. Broad Avenue, Albany, Georgia, For more information about this publication or advertising rates, call (229) This publication is produced by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. Reproduction in whole or part of this publication without expressed written consent of the publisher is prohibited. All claims, materials, and photos furnished or used are, to the publisher s knowledge, true and correct. Hence liability cannot be assumed by the publisher for errors or by the publisher for errors or omissions. Advertisements and editorial information published in this publication is subject to the unrestricted right to edit of, and by, our editor/publisher. U.S. Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation Date of Filing: 9/29/08 Business (U.S.P.S ) is published bi-monthly by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, 225 W. Broad Avenue, Albany Georgia Subscription rate of $50 is included in membership investment. Periodicals postage paid at Albany, Georgia. Owner/Publisher: Albany Chamber of Commerce 225 W. Broad Avenue, Albany, Georgia NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES July 24 China Trip Reservation Deadline Trip October 23-31, 2009 $1,899 Chamber Members Includes: Airfare from JFK, NY, 3 Meals a Day, Tours, Deluxe Tour Bus, English Speaking Guide, 4 & 5 Star Accommodations Call for more information or go to August 4 Member Orientation Chamber Board Room Noon August 26 Small Business & Not for Profit of the Year RNS Breakfast Albany Conference Center at the Hilton Garden Inn 7:30 a.m. - Networking 8:00 a.m. - Breakfast & Program Sponsored by: SB&T August 18 Business After Hours Albany State University 5:30 p.m - 7:30 p.m. CONTENTS J U LY / A U G U S T V O L U M E 9 N U M B E R 4 Comments from the 2009 Chairman of the Board page 6 Albany Equals...College Town page 8 And the Marines Remain Victorious page 10 Member Orientation page Teacher of the Year and Finalists page 12 Business After Hours Once Upon A Grill and South Georgia Media Group page 14 Past Presidents/ Chairmen Meeting page 15 Emerge Albany Hosts 5 Events page 16 Chamber Hosts State-wide Certified Literate Community Directors page 17 Cats With Clubs Charity Golf Classic page 18 Star Business of the Week page 20 Basics of Doing Business With Government Agencies page Legislative Appreciation Luncheon page 23 Ribbon Cuttings page 24 Get Georgia Moving page 25 Shop With These New Stars page 26 Thank You Renewing Members page 28 Albany Chamber Hosts Regional Advocacy Meeting page 30 Employee Free Choice Seminar page 31 Shining Stars page 32 Discover Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau page 34 About the Cover: Albany is extremely lucky to be home to three institutions of higher education. Their impact on the area is phenomenal. From left: Dr. Everette Freeman, president, Albany State University; Dr. Anthony Parker, president, Albany Technical College; and Dr. Peter Sireno, president, Darton College, explain how these institutions impact the city of Albany and the region truly making Albany a College Town. Read the story starting on page 8. Photography by Todd Stone Design by Rachelle Bitterman your comments to rbitterman@albanyga.com 4 July/August 2009 BUSINESS 5

4 C O M M E N T S F R O M T H E 2009 Chairman John McDuffie 2009 Chairman Education is an economic driver. This statement, while true, may actually understate the importance of education to our region of the state. Our educational institutions provide quality jobs to many of our citizens. More importantly these institutions and their employees are helping prepare our future workforce. Your Chamber is actively partnering with area educators at all levels to help these institutions achieve their goals. This provides hope for a bright future for the students but also helps provide a quality workforce. Through the efforts of the Education Division led by Jenny Collins, VP and general manager of WFXL FOX 31, and Harriet Hollis, director of workforce development and education, the Chamber supports education initiatives and is thereby promoting and stimulating the economic well being of our membership. Albany is a college town. The combined enrollment of Albany State University, Darton College, and Albany Technical College is over 15,000 students. These institutions are true assets to our community. We must capitalize on opportunities available to us as a college town by encouraging each student to stay in Albany, join our workforce and raise their families. Update on Chamber Activities: 2009 continues to be an active year for your Chamber. The experience and wisdom of past leaders in any organization can be a great source of advice and counsel. A major goal of mine has been to bring together the past presidents/chairmen of our Chamber to update them on current activities and reconnect to their experience as we continue to improve service to our members. To that end, we held a meeting in early June and sixteen of these leaders attended. I was more than pleased with the attendance and the conversation. The meeting provided a great time of fellowship for all plus achieved my goal of reconnecting with these leaders. As a result of this meeting several of them are stepping forward and working on specific projects for the Chamber. Under Catherine Glover s leadership and with the support and encouragement of the board of directors we are beginning a new project which is designed to reach out to businesses of all sizes in all areas of our community with the goal of retooling Chamber services to best meet the needs of our business community. The COMPASS project seeks to connect with businesses in our service area from all points of the compass. Charlene Glover, pastor/ceo of Trumpet of God Ministries, has stepped forward to provide the volunteer leadership for this project. Thank you for your continued support of our chamber as we continue to be proactive, progressive and pro business. 6 July/August 2009 BUSINESS 7

5 Albany equals... COLLEGE TOWN By definition, one would have to recognize Albany as a college town. With three institutions of higher education serving some 15,000 students, there s no question that the designation fits. But where locales like State College, Penn., Auburn, Ala., and Princeton, N.J., earn recognition as college towns because those communities are built solely around Penn State, Auburn and Princeton universities, respectively, Albany has not typically been viewed as a stereotypical college town because of the diversity of its enterprises. But the presidents of Albany s three institutions with a boost from the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce say the time has come for that to change. I ve championed the use of that phrase college town since I came here in 2005, Albany State University President Everette Freeman said. Some people have looked at me oddly, but what else would you call a town that has three excellent institutions within a five-minute drive of each other? Albany is truly a college town by any measure. Freeman, Darton College President Peter Sireno and their counterpart at Albany Technical College, Anthony Parker, have different takes on Albany s designation as a college town, but all three agree that the reason locals don t embrace the concept is a simple one. Albany is not what most consider a typical college town because it is a pretty large metropolitan area with a lot of major businesses, industries and service organizations, Sireno said. What happens in a community this large is that the community itself and the leadership focus on the Procter & Gambles, the United Ways, the American Heart Associations the different businesses, industries and organizations. They haven t necessarily focused on the three colleges. However, since the turn of the century, it s become evident that institutions of higher education are becoming economic engines in their communities. You look at Albany: Albany State has a $130 million impact; Darton has a $100 million impact; and Albany Tech has a good $75 million- $80 million impact. Collectively, that s around $300 million a year. That s a P&G. Parker says the exclusion of ASU, Darton and Albany Tech from any serious conversation about community impact has not been intentional. But he s quick to note that the institutions are at a point where they can no longer be ignored. It s our turn, Parker said. Albany has been a manufacturing community for some time, and it has been a health care community for some time. But now that the development of a qualified work force has become a driving factor in the location of business and industry, our leaders have no choice but to recognize that education is a must. In the 1960s, 70s and part of the 80s, only about 20 percent of the decent occupations available required education beyond the high school level. You didn t need a college education to get on at P&G, at Coats & Clark, at MillerCoors Brewing. Now, only about 10 to 15 percent of the sought-after jobs don t require education beyond high school. Like a freight train, the change has been swift and dynamic. Freeman, whose Albany State University has grown dramatically in just the past decade, said the institution is intent upon creating pathways for individuals who have not traditionally had an opportunity to be a part of the educational process. ASU, which offers more than 30 undergraduate and six advanced degrees to its more than 4,000 students, has done that by working with other area institutions to customize fields of study to fit area industries. All of our institutions are providing specialized training that is vital to local industry, the Albany State president said. Our university and Darton are training employees in the health care field; Albany Tech has done a tremendous job in working with the Chamber on the (statewide) workready work force program; and all three institutions are vital to the area s intellectual and cultural communities. Albany is sitting in the Silicon Valley of water, and the Water Policy Center at Albany State is a jewel in the crown of state water policy issues. We have partnered with Albany Tech on a key logistics training program for the local Marine base, and all three local institutions work hand-in-hand with the Dougherty County School System to build their pre-kindergarten-12thgrade programs. And we have one of the best early college programs in the country. While the local institutions of higher learning have become an even greater force in helping prepare a well-trained work force, Darton s Sireno, whose college offers a total of 133 associate s degrees to its 5,078 students, notes that it works both ways. If we re going to be a true college town, the community, its businesses and its leaders must support all three institutions, the Darton president said. Yes, alumni and supporters must be willing to provide financial support, but it s got to be more than that. Our colleges each have unique missions, and the community must support fundraising efforts to accomplish those missions. It also makes good business sense to build around these colleges. Pizza places, coffee shops, restaurants, retail outlets that cater to college-age students You should see these springing up on Radium Springs Road around Albany State, on Slappey around Albany Tech and on Gillionville around Darton. We should be surveying our students blogging, Facebooking and Twittering them to find what they want and getting it for them. Some state legislators have suggested combining ASU and Darton, while others have pushed to combine the state s two-year and technical colleges. Parker said the unique programs offered at all three local institutions should help ward off such talk. It s not to Albany s detriment that we have these three unique institutions, said Parker, whose college offers 26 associate degree programs, 44 diplomas and 75 certificates of credit to its 3,000 full-time and 2,500 parttime students. It s to this community s betterment. What each of the three of us must do is add to the value of our individual institutions to show how positively and profoundly we impact the community. Our three institutions must market our economic prowess. In addition to providing liberal arts degrees, we directly affect jobs in the region as well. Our associate s degrees lead directly to bachelor s degrees at Albany State, and we have paramedic-to RN and LPN-to-RN programs with Darton. We have value that can t be ignored. All three presidents say the backing of the Chamber will help sell the institutions vital roles. This is a college town; I think that s a concept more and more people are buying into, Freeman said. The Chamber is one of the first entities to embrace the concept, and that s going to pay off for us handsomely. Albany State University Darton College Albany Technical College 8 July/August 2009 BUSINESS 9

6 AND THE MARINES REMAIN VICTORIOUS MEMBER ORIENTATION On May 8 the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee once again challenged MCLB Albany to a golf tournament. The tournament, known as the Salty Sandbagger, began at noon with a hamburger and hotdog lunch with all the fixings at River Pointe Golf Club. The golfers started the scramble tournament at 12:30 p.m. with 11 teams from the base and 11 teams from the Military Affairs Committee pitted against each other. It was a long hot day and a hard fought-game, but the Marines retained the trophy once again. WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO at e Parks at Chehaw Member Orientation was held June 2 in the boardroom at the Chamber. Twenty representatives from member businesses introduced themselves and spoke briefly about their business. Melissa Howard, director of membership, gave an overview of the benefits of being a member of the Chamber and how membership can help business save money on services. Thank you to Papa John s Pizza for furnishing the delicious lunch. 10 July/August 2009 BUSINESS 11

7 2010 Teacher of the Year Shay Bradshaw Still enthusiastic about teaching and truly loving what she does, Sharon Shay Bradshaw has been named the 2010 Dougherty County School System Teacher of the Year. Shay is a third grade teacher at Lake Park Elementary School. Shay has taught kindergarten, third, and fourth grades over her 30 year teaching career and doesn t plan on retiring yet! Shay creates a fun learning environment for her students, even laughing and dancing around the classroom at times. She wants her kids to love school, learning, and attending school everyday. Now teaching third grade, her kindergarten background seems to reappear from time to time as she makes her students sit on the floor to participate in hands-on learning activities. This is just one of her successful ways of teaching. Shay is aware that students learn differently and says, Because each child can require different methods and timetables, a great deal of patience and perseverance is required to make a successful and enjoyable classroom. I try to create a relaxed classroom where children feel at home. Shay is always encouraging her students to do their best. She uses so many encouraging words that many of her students have started saying them to each other, creating a positive learning environment. Shay has earned bachelor s, master s and education specialist s degrees in early childhood education. Her colleagues say Shay brings a love for students and a lot of enthusiasm for teaching to her classroom every day. This year represents her second time as a school Teacher of the Year, reflecting consistent effort and contribution to the work of her schools throughout her career. She has conducted and facilitated numerous workshops for fellow teachers and has served on accreditation, faculty advisory and superintendent s forum committees. Shay Bradshaw still loves what she does after 30 years. "Teaching has been a part of my life for 30 years, and it's just what I enjoy doing," Bradshaw said. "When you teach you don't expect to get rewards like this. You just do your job and try to do the best you can. And, I try to make each year better." 2010 Teacher of the Year Finalists Michelle Bergozza LINCOLN ELEMENTARY MAGNET SCHOOL Teaches: Science Grade 5 Jordan Cambron ALICE COACHMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Teaches: Math Grade 5 Angela Fillingame MORNINGSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Teaches: All Subjects Grade 1 NEW MEMBER BENEFIT ALBANY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Gift Card Benefits of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Gift Card NO credit card fees Convenient - processes like any credit/debit card Cards ONLY accepted at participating chamber member businesses Compatible with most credit card terminals Transactions also processed through the internet 24/7 customer service Keeps shopping dollars in the community Nancy Gay ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL Teaches: Biology Grade 11 Karen Liebert INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL Teaches: Media Specialist/ Librarian Amy Teston RADIUM SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Teaches: All Subjects. Grade 1 Shunta Whitfield SOUTHSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL Teaches: Math We are excited that SB&T partnered with the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce to provide this new benefit. Gift cards can be purchased at the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and SB&T s Oakland Plantation location. To be included on the merchant list, members make an annual investment of $50 ($4.16/month). If you employ over 25 people, the annual investment is $100 ($8.33/month). Contact Melissa Howard at (229) or mhoward@albanyga.com to participate. 12 July/August 2009 BUSINESS 13

8 Is Technology Driving You Crazy? Our professionals can install and support your systems... Burglar Alarms Fire Alarms Telephones and VoIP Computer Networking Fiber Optic Cable Wireless Leave the Technical Stuff To Us! 2407 Commerce Lane BUSINESS AFTER HOURS ONCE UPON A GRILL & SOUTH GEORGIA MEDIA GROUP Once Upon A Grill and South Georgia Media Group teamed up at The Parks at Chehaw to host the May 19 Business After Hours. Over 150 people came out to enjoy the delicious ribs and duck quesadillas prepared by Once Upon A Grill and to look at the displays, pick up information and discuss how South Georgia Media Group can help their business. Folks gathered on the deck at the Education Building in The Parks at Chehaw to network and enjoy an absolutely perfect evening. Chehaw also brought out several of their animals for entertainment and education of those attending. PAST PRESIDENTS/CHAIRMEN MEETING When great minds gather, great ideas arise. This is just what the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce was looking for when they called together the past presidents/chairmen for a brainstorming meeting June 9. The idea of calling this historic meeting (the last meeting of this magnitude occurred 18 years ago) was the brainchild of John McDuffie, 2009 chairman of the board. Sixteen past presidents/chairmen entered the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce with approximately 100 years of Chamber experience among them. Mr. Walter Keenan was the senior representative, having served as chamber president in Ms. Patsy Martin, past president 1991, was the first female president, and Mr. James Griffin, past chairman 1992, was the first chairman as well as the first African-American to head the chamber. It was in that year the title was changed from president to chairman. Each past president/chairman spoke briefly about the year First row from left: Sherman Willis, John McDuffie, Julie Roth, Lamar Clifton, Catherine Glover, W.P. Westbrook Second row from left: Fred Tolbert, James Griffin, Patsy Martin, Fred Sumter, Luke Flatt, Barry Cohen, Leland Burkart Third row from left: Ben Barrow, Courtney Brinson, Temp Davis, Walter Keenan, Mark Davis, Bobby McKinney they served. McDuffie updated the group on changes that have taken place and future opportunities that the Chamber is developing for the business community. Catherine Glover, the first female president/ceo of the Chamber, was introduced and avidly shared her comments for the future direction of the Chamber, emphasizing the COMPASS project that seeks to garnish as much information as possible from businesses of all sizes, from all points of the compass, with an overall goal of retooling Chamber services to best meet the needs of our overall business community. When asked about the importance of this gathering to the Chamber, Glover stated, If you combine the current skill and dedication level of John McDuffie, with the committed service and vast knowledge base of our volunteer pool, and in particular our past volunteer leaders, the Chamber does and will continue to benefit immensely under the wise and influential guidance of our Chairs. Dennis Mayer (left), owner Once Upon A Grill and Dwain Walden with South Georgia Media Group sponsored the Jackpot. They present Paula Fay with a $100 and plaque. 14 July/August 2009 BUSINESS 15

9 EMERGE ALBANY HOSTS 5 EVENTS June 2nd Friday Luncheon Mark Lane, president of SB&T, spoke and sponsored June s 2nd Friday Luncheon for Emerge Albany. He opened the floor to questions pertaining to his work with the Chamber, community and the banking industry. Lunch was provided by Hooter s. May 2nd Friday Luncheon Emerge Albany hosted its monthly 2nd Friday Luncheon on May 8 at the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. Judy Randle, Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee member and owner of Central Monitoring, served as keynote speaker. She spoke to the group of 17 about the benefits of networking and how to make it work for your business. Thank you to Central Monitoring for sponsoring the luncheon. Lunch was provided by Moe s. Bowling Night Emerge Albany hit the lanes for a night of bowling at AMF Bowl-A-Rama in May. Fun and laughter was had by all. ALBANY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE On Wednesday, June 17, the Chamber hosted the quarterly State Certified Literate Community Program (CLCP) directors. There were 27 CLCP Directors present from across the state. This was the first time that Albany has hosted the meeting since this group s inception in The CLCP s mission is to help improve the literacy levels in Georgia by involving entire communities, which translates into businesses, industry, k-12 schools, higher education institutions and the community-at-large working collectively to ensure that they have a qualified educated workforce. The CLCP is important because it enables communities to improve their literacy rates, fosters a collaborative approach and mobilizes all community resources to fight illiteracy. When the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce had its Imagine Albany 2010 fundraising campaign, one of the main things that every sector of Albany agreed upon was the need to increase hosts State-wide Certified Literate Community Directors literacy levels from the cradle to the grave in order for Albany to be competitive. The CLCP here in Albany was revived in 2005 when the Chamber hired a full-time Literacy Director Harriet Hollis. Harriet has worked with the Dougherty County School System through various efforts such as Reading is Fundamental, the Dictionary Project, 9th grade Thesauruses and graduation lanyards, and has been responsible for PSAs to promote Adult Education for citizens in need. Having an educated workforce helps equip Albany with an economic development tool that will enable it to recruit new business/industry and expand/enhance existing industry. CLCP goes hand-in-hand with Certified Work Ready as Georgia seeks to become a global competitor in the workforce development arena. Cats with Kids On May 9, Emerge Albany along with the United Way s Young Leaders Society volunteered at Cats with Kids, a collaboration between the South Georgia Wildcats and United Way to recognize students within the Dougherty County School System who are excelling in school. Approximately 100 students from Robert A. Cross Middle School were treated to hot dogs, t-shirts and seats at the Wildcats game. Tailgate Party What better way to start summer than with a tailgate party. Emerge Albany and the Young Lawyer s opened up the season with barbeque from Rooster s, music from Ed Mcree and an exciting game from the South Georgia Wildcats. 16 July/August 2009 BUSINESS 17

10 Cats With Clubs Charity Golf Classic Thank you to our Sponsors Abacus Group Allen s Jewelers Albany Home Patient Care Artesian Contracting Co., Inc. Buffalo Rock CINTAS Draffin & Tucker CPA's ELECTRICAL ASSOCIATES of Albany, Inc. Firehouse Subs Flint Equipment Company Ford Town of Albany Goo-Goo Car Wash Hall, Booth, Smith & Slover, PC HeritageBank of the South Kimbrell-Stern Langley & Lee, LLC Mauldin & Jenkins, CPA MillerCoors One Plus Mail & Albany Word Processing Phoebe Putney Health System Procter & Gamble Paper Products Quail Country Plantation U Save It Pharmacy Wallace Chevrolet Walgreens Walmart Webb Properties, Inc. Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Darnell Kennedy (far left), Wildcat s quarterback, practices his driving before the tournament. From left: Lucious Davis Wildcats player, Dwayne Myles, Michael Revell, and Jason Rooks (not pictured) were the United Way Young Leaders Society team who were the big winners of the day. From left: Frank Sullivan, Joy Carver, Burkett Carver, Britt Rogers and Bucky Leach enjoy relaxing after the tournament. Twelve teams of golfers teed off for a touchdown June 1 at Doublegate Country Club for the Chamber s first Cats With Clubs Charity Golf Classic. Each team was made up of three golfers and one South Georgia Wildcat. There were three hole-in-one prizes up for grabs, a riding lawn mower donated by Flint Equipment, a $10,000 gift certificate donated by Allen s Jewelers, and a Wildcats blue Ford Focus donated by Ford Town of Albany. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Albany Chamber Foundation and the United Way Cats for Kids program. Charity Golf Classic Cats With Clubs 18 July/August 2009 BUSINESS

11 The Star Business of the Week initiative is an exciting "random draw" program for our regional member businesses in good standing. DAVE S COMPUTER SERVICE 2345 Dawson Road, Suite C ALBANY GENERAL TIRE SERVICE 1002 W. Broad Avenue QUIZNOS 1406 Dawson Road WESTOVER ANIMAL HOSPITAL 410 North Westover Blvd Sponsored by ELLIS J. COSBY, OD 1200 Whispering Pines Road LIBERTY HOUSE OF ALBANY P.O. Box ALBANY BEDDING COMPANY 3900 Pecan Grove Court Thank you to our additional sponsors...

12 ORTHOPAEDIC ASSOCI ATES BASICS OF DOING BUSINESS WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES 2009 LEGISLATIVE APPRECIATION LUNCHEON THE SPECIALISTS IN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY, FRACTURES, HAND SURGERY AND SPORTS MEDICINE T. GLENN WILLIAMS, M.D., A.A.O.S., F.A.C.S. THOMAS M. DARDEN, M.D., A.A.O.S., F.A.C.S. PAUL A. MICHAS, M.D., A.A.O.S., F.A.C.S. JAMES S. MASON, D.O., F.A.O.A.O. MARK A. WOLGIN, M.D., A.A.O.S., F.A.C.S. PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES OFFERED WITHIN OUR PRACTICE 619 POINTE NORTH BLVD. ALBANY, GEORGIA (229) From left: Rep. Winfred Dukes, Sen. Freddie Powell Sims, Chamber President/CEO Catherine Glover, Rep. Carol Fullerton and Rep. Ed Rynders The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce held its Legislative Appreciation Luncheon on May 22 at the Merry Acres Event Center. The luncheon is held to thank our legislators for all the work they do for our region throughout the year and also give them a moment to reflect on the year s legislative session. Legislators in attendance were Representatives Winfred Dukes, Ed Rynders, Carol Fullerton and Senator Freddie Powell Sims. The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce held a seminar, in conjunction with Small Business Week, May 20 entitled Basics for Doing Business With Government Agencies. Over 40 people attended this informative seminar presented by Larry Selman with Georgia Tech Procurement. Some of the topics discussed were: general overview of how the government buys goods and services 7 phases of government procurement governmental registrations market research on what the government buys how government agencies advertise their procurements how to find Internet marketing opportunities locating subcontracting opportunities with government "prime" contractors 22 July/August 2009 BUSINESS 23

13 Albany Area Chamber of Commerce The Wireless Solutions Company Alpha Text Paging Cellular Phones PAGING Paging Voice Mail Authorized Dealer wireless 2516 B Dawson Road QUALITY INN MERRY ACRES EVENT CENTER HOTEL/EVENT CENTER Contact: Gerry Dozier 1500 Dawson Rd. Phone: LOS VAQUEROS MEXICAN RESTAURANT RESTAURANTS Contact: Geronimo Lopez 603 N. Westover Blvd. Phone: Mon.-Thurs., 11 am - 10 pm Fri. & Sat., 11 pm - 10:30 pm Closed Sundays GROUNDBREAKING GET GEORGIA MOVING The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce enhanced its advocacy efforts this year with the help of a focused, registered lobbyist and highly effective members of the Legislative Affairs committee. While there were successes, one great disappointment was the inability of the Georgia legislature to pass a bill to fund transportation needs in our state. The Get Georgia Moving Coalition was formed during the 2008 legislative session. Its members are representatives of businesses across the state impacted by transportation decisions. Brian Noyes and Seth Millican, of Brock Clay Government & Public Affairs, represent the Coalition and were in Albany on June 15 on the first stop of a seven city listening tour. They heard from Chamber members interested in solutions for the transportation funding issues at hand. Brian and Seth provided an overview of the two very different funding proposals offered by the Georgia House and Senate. The House offered a proposal for a one-cent sales tax which would have to be approved in a statewide referendum, to fund projects across the state. Specific transportation projects were listed in the proposed legislation but there was no guarantee all listed projects would ultimately be funded and there was no priority listing. The Senate proposed legislation (approved in the House in 2008) which would allow counties to come together, ask voters to approve a one-cent sales tax specifically for their area and their projects. One of the first questions asked was about future plans for Highway 133. Concerns were voiced about keeping tax dollars collected in Southwest Georgia coming back for our regional transportation needs. Rep. Ed Rynders, a member of the House Subcommittee for Funding Transportation, spoke about his efforts to ensure representation from outside Atlanta on any committee approving projects. Rep. Winfred Dukes reminded everyone about how tight the state budget was this year and looks to be for next year. Check for more information. ASU TRAFFIC SIGNAL Radium Springs Rd. & University Dr. DARTON COLLEGE New Student Center Congratulations to Ambassador Richard Bolin, manager of Reed s Jewelers in the Albany Mall, for recruiting Dyes Heating and Cooling, owned by Steve and Gable Dyes. 24 July/August 2009 BUSINESS 25

14 SHOP WITH THESE NEW STARS April/May Please visit to view the web pages for all Chamber members. A Place on Dawson CLOTHING/ACCESSORIES Ms. Norma Aguirre 1115 Dawson Road (229) Albany Auto Trim AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES/ PARTS/PAINT & BODY Mr. Donald Krack 404 Roosevelt Ave. Albany, GA (229) (229) Albany Rescue Mission NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Bro. Larry Hample 604 North Monroe Street Albany, GA (229) (229) Austin's BBQ & Oyster Bar RESTAURANTS Mr. Austin Newman 2820 Meredyth Dr., Ste 3, 4 & 5 (229) Auto Damage Appraisers, Inc. APPRAISALS Mr. Hank Wadkins 1152 Dawson Rd. (229) (229) appraisers.net B & J McGirt & Company COMPUTER/SALES,SERVICE, TRAINING & CONSULTATION PHOTOGRAPHERS Mr. Brandon McGirt 1912 Dawson Road (229) Black Jack BBQ RESTAURANTS Ms. Tereasa Baker 717 N. Westover, Suite B (229) Brown Bean Coffee Company, The RESTAURANTS Mr. Jim Leaskey 114 North Jackson Street Albany, GA (229) Casa Tapatia Mexican Restaurant RESTAURANTS Ms. Yolanda Medina 108 North Slappey Blvd (229) Enterprise AUTOMOBILE RENTAL/ LEASING Ms. Carrie Howard 2925 North Slappey Blvd. Albany, GA (229) (229) Enterprise - Airport AUTOMOBILE RENTAL/ LEASING Ms. Carrie Howard 3905 Newton Road Albany, GA (229) Federated Mutual Insurance Company INSURANCE & INSURANCE ADJUSTERS Mr. Brad Futia 2303 Heathridge Ct. Albany, GA (229) (229) Flint River Auto AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES/ PARTS/PAINT & BODY AUTOMOBILE DEALER- NEW/USED Mr. Sam Widman 3925 Newton Road Albany, GA (229) Georgia Department of Economic Development GOVERNMENT AGENCY/ MILITARY Ms. Haley Pass 75 Fifth Street, NW Suite 1200 Atlanta, GA (404) (404) GrayLand Construction BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT Mr. Larry Gray 969 White Pond Road Leesburg, GA (229) Howard Johnson Express Inn HOTELS/MOTELS Mr. Navin Patel 2719 Point North Blvd. (229) (229) Leesburg Air AIR CONDITIONING/ HEATING Mr. Howard Craven 1723 Philema Road Albany, GA (229) Liberty National INSURANCE & INSURANCE ADJUSTERS Mr. Rodney Scott 1216 Dawson Road, Ste 208 (229) (229) Los Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant RESTAURANTS Mr. Geronimo Lopez 603 North Westover (229) (229) Mr. Rooter PLUMBING Ms. Leslie Brunswick PO Box Albany, GA (229) (229) Piper Realty, LLC REAL ESTATE/COMMERICAL REAL ESTATE/SALES & RENTAL Mr. Scott Piper 235 W. Roosevelt Ave., Ste 230 Albany, GA (229) (229) Re/Max in Motion REAL ESTATE/SALES & RENTAL Ms. Dorene Parker 1277 Hwy 82 West Leesburg, GA (229) (229) Sandefur & Associates, LLC INVESTMENTS/SECURITIES/ ADVISORY SERVICES Mr. William Sandefur 2305 Robinhood Road (229) (229) Stewbo's Enterprises RESTAURANTS Mr. Bo Henry P.O. Box Albany, GA (229) Super 8 Motel HOTELS/MOTELS Mr. Dino Patel 2444 North Slappey Blvd. Albany, GA (229) Tara Foods MANUFACTURER/PROCESSOR Mr. Carl Evans 1900 Cowles Lane Albany, GA (229) World Camp Fitness GYMS/PERSONAL TRAINERS Mr. Kris Morrill Dawson Road (229) training.com 26 July/August 2009 BUSINESS 27

15 THANK YOU RENEWING MEMBERS April/May Access Integrated Network Since 2006 ADICA Since 1996 ADT/Alarm Detection Technology, Inc. Since 2005 Airgas South Since 1975 Albany Audubon Society Since 1999 Albany Autism Center Since 2008 Albany Eye Care Since 1985 Albany Federal Employees Credit Union Since 1995 Albany Harley - Davidson/Buell Since 2008 Albany Journal Inc., The Since 2004 Albany Land Co., Inc. Since 1979 Albany Printing Co., Inc. Since 2008 Allergy and Asthma Clinics of Georgia, PC Since 1995 American Cherokee Confederacy Since 2008 American Legion Post 512 Since 2000 Applewhite and Associates, Inc. Since 1996 Berry,III, William Russell, DDS Since 2006 Bill Thompson Tire Service, Inc. Since 1983 Black, Custer & Lynch, LLC Since 2003 Blalock Machine Works, Inc. Since 1992 Blufish Design Since 2005 Boyd Brothers, Construction Company Since 1993 Brooks Furniture Company Since 1980 Butterfly Kisses Since 2002 Carlon Bays, Becky, DDS, FAGD, PC Since 2000 CiCi's Pizza Since 1996 Collins, Jr., Chappell A., MD Since 1993 Colony Bank Since 1997 Communities In Schools, Albany/Dougherty Partnership in Education Since 1993 Continental Realty & Land Co., Inc. Since 2002 Criterion Club Since 2000 Delta Life Insurance Company Since 1996 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Albany (GA) Alumnae Chapter Since 1998 Destiny Transporation Group, Inc. Since 2007 Dimensions Financial Group Since 2008 Eagle Cleaners Since 1999 Econ-Lodge Inn & Suites Since 1994 Edward Jones Investments - John Paul Martin, Jr. Since 2007 ESS, Inc. Since 1993 Financial Strategies Corporation Since 1995 First Baptist Church Since 1995 Futral, Harry M. Since 2003 Gillespie Printers Since 2001 Gray Distribution Services, Inc. Since 1975 Hall & Hall Funeral Home, Inc. Since 2001 Hamilton Relay Since 2006 Hampton Inn Since 1994 Hank Young Real Estate Company Since 1989 Hilton Garden Inn Albany Since 2005 Holiday Inn Since 1975 HoneyBaked Ham Since 1995 Hong Kong Cafe Since 2003 House of China II Since 1985 House of Refuge Baptist Church, Inc. Since 2007 Industrial Control Associates Inc. Since 2008 Insurance Management Services, Inc. Since 1975 InterNetworking Link LLC Since 2008 Invision Technologies Since 2008 KIA Autosport of Albany, Inc. Since 1999 Kosola & Associates, Inc. Since 1999 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Since 2004 Liberty House of Albany, LLP Since 2004 LimeLight Nail Design & Aesthetics Boutique Since 2008 Logo Marketing Group Since 2002 Lula B. Davis Realty Company Since 1994 Lynne Ranew-Mertins Catering, LLC Since 1994 Malone Group, The Since 1998 Marilyn Nobles, Freelance Creative Services Since 2005 Marketing Communications Since 1999 Master Body Works, Inc. Since 2000 Miller Brewing Company Since 1979 Mint Julep Day Spa Since 2002 Moe's Southwest Grill Since 2003 Morgan Keegan & Co. Since 2003 Moulton & Hardin Inc., CLU Since 1975 MRI & Imaging of Albany, Inc. Since 1999 Murray M. Webb & Associates Since 2002 Navy Federal Credit Union Since 2002 Oliver Catering Since 2004 Palmyra Nursing Home, Inc. Since 2006 Parker Real Estate Group Since 2006 Phoebe Putney Health System Since 1975 Popham Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Since 1991 Powell's Refrigeration/Heating & Air Since 2001 Pro-1 Sportswear, Inc. Since 1995 ProBuild Since 2005 R & S Sports Since 1997 Regency Inn Since 2002 RK Distributing, Inc. Since 2005 Robert McWhorter Construction Since 2007 Ross Dismuke, Inc. Since 2006 Rynders, Ed State Representative Since 2003 Sadler Capital Management Since 2004 Safe Aire Heating & Cooling Co., Inc. Since 1964 Sam's Club Since 1994 Sasser Flea Market & Antique Mall Since 2003 SB&T Since 1975 Select Supply, LLC Since 2008 Seminole Pest Management Since 2008 Send Out Cards Since 2008 SHOE BOX ONSITE, LLC, (Work Shoe Mobile) Since 2002 Singleton, Jeffery R., DMD, PC Since 2002 Slater H. King Center Since 1997 Southeastern Commercial Tire & Recapping, Inc. Since 1998 Southern Commercial Materials, Inc. Since 1988 SouthernAg Carriers, Inc. Since 1994 Southwest Georgia Medical Center Since 2001 Southwest Georgia Pediatrics, PC Since 1981 St. Patrick's Episcopal Church Since 2001 St. Teresa School Since 1996 State Theatre Since 2004 Sumter Electric Membership Corporation Since 1987 Sunnyland Farms, Inc. Since 1986 Surgical Associates of Albany, PC Since 1981 Synovus Mortgage Corp. Since 2006 Tara Foods Since 1976 Technical Associates Since 1989 The YBH Project, Inc. Since 2005 Thrush Aircraft, Inc. Since 2005 Todd Stone Photography Since 1996 Trans Waste Services Since 2000 Trumpet of God Ministries & Training Center, Inc. Since 2004 Uniforms by Julie, Inc. Since 2003 Urology Institute & Continence Center, The Since 2003 Verizon Wireless Since 1987 Wallace Chevrolet Since 1975 Wellcare of Georgia Since 2007 Westover Animal Hospital Since 1981 Wild Pines Ltd Since 1983 Zion Christian Fellowship Ministries International, Inc. Since July/August 2009 BUSINESS

16 ALBANY CHAMBER HOSTS REGIONAL ADVOCACY MEETING EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT SEMINAR ALLERGY ASTHMA C L I N I C S O F G E O R G I A &BOARD CERTIFIED A L L E R G I S T S Mike Fowler, PA-C Dennis Robinson, MD Tracy Bridges, MD Hay Fevers Hives Insect & Food Allergies Allergic Skin Disorders Asthma Sinus Problems Pediatric & Adult Allergies Spanish Court Inside Grand Island The Advocacy Division continues to enhance regional initiatives by hosting chamber presidents from across Southwest Georgia on June 16. Presidents and representatives included (photo above from left) Catherine Glover and Wendy Martin, Albany Area Chamber; Rhonda Gordon, Terrell Co., Patricia Goodman, Randolph Co. Chamber; Hilary Halford, Blakely/Early Co. Chamber; Eddie McCarty, Camilla Chamber; William Hancock, Albany Area Advocacy Chair; and Winston Oxford, Lee County Chamber. Invitations were sent to chambers in all counties in the 2nd Congressional District and the Lower Flint-Ocklocnee Water Council District in hopes of identifying common goals and issues. The purpose of the meeting was to create greater impact on regional needs by representing the collective resolve of multiple chambers members. The Albany Area Chamber represents over 30,000 people. Adding members from across the region allows us to better utilize limited resources while speaking with a louder voice. Attendees identified common issues of need and opportunity including, but not limited to, the upcoming Census, water, agriculture and transportation. Each county discussed dreams they had for their area, ranging from teaching classes for young entrepreneurs and developing downtown areas to better utilizing existing buildings. Group members also discussed opportunities such as attracting retirees and focusing on tourism. Everyone seemed energized by the discussion and the hope of achieving more by working together. The Employee Free Choice Act represents anything but free choice. This law, pending now in the U.S. Senate, is big labor s effort to change, among other things, the way unions are created in the work place. Georgia is one of 22 right-to-work states and this bill will put that in jeapordy. To help our employers better understand the ramifications and get involved with this effort, the Chamber held a seminar June 17 in the Chamber boardroom. Local attorneys Jason Willcox and G. Robert Ryan, Jr., from Moore, Clarke, DuVall & Rodgers, P.C. spoke on the many employment changes that are looming in Human resourse consultants Anne Barnes and Megan Smith from SmithBarnes & Associates, Inc., offered practical solutions to better serve companies as they move forward. 30 July/August 2009 BUSINESS 31

17 SHINING STARS Chica s Bridal & Boutique was voted as a Southwest Georgia A-List winner and received an Elite Retailer of the Year award from Jim s Formal Wear. Chica s Bridal & Boutique was voted the #1 Bridal Salon in the Southwest Georgia A-List competition. Thousands of votes were cast on and Chica s Bridal & Boutique s customers and friends chose them as the best business in the area. Chica s Bridal & Boutique also received an Elite Retailer of the Year award from Jim s Formal Wear. Jim s is the largest formalwear distribution network in the U.S. with over 5,000 independent retailers. The Chicas Familly Says Thank You, Southwest Georgia, For Voting Us #1 Bridal Salon B R I D A L BOUTIQUE Bridal Gowns Bridesmaids Mother of the Bride Homecoming Prom Tuxedos Maggie Sottero Casablanca Montage 2510 ARCHWOOD DR. ALBANY Quality Inn Merry Acres owner, Gerry Dozier, was presented with the 2009 Quality Inn of the Year award. The award, presented at the company s 55th Annual Convention in Washington, Jovani D.C., recognizes one Quality hotel that best represents excellence in the Choice Tony Bowls...and many more Hotels system and lodging industry. Gerry Dozier gave credit to his staff for their continued dedication to excellence and guest service. He said, They are motivated to go beyond the expected, and have maintained the high standards that reflect the award-winning hospitality tradition that Merry Acres is known for. The Quality Inn Merry Acres is Choice Hotels only 6 time recipient of the Quality Inn of the Year. PLEASE READ ill not accept responsibility for errors or omissions not noted on this proof. This proof must be signed before we can proceed with your order. Clearly mark all changes on proof provided. uced by Southwest Georgia Living are the property of Southwest Georgia Living Publications, Inc. and may be used for ing purposes only. Reproduction without written permission will result in additional charges by Southwest Georgia Living. OOF st 2009 O.K. as is O.K. With Noted Changes Changes Marked (need another proof) Albany Realty celebrated its 50th Anniversary in Albany Realty is a familyowned company founded by Dan Blackshear in After attending FSU on a diving scholarship, Blackshear incorporated his real estate firm after putting in over 5 years with Walden & Kirkland. From Pine Avenue to Slappey Drive to Dawson Road, Blackshear built his agency on the basis of building for the community. He was appointed to the Georgia Real Estate Commission by then Gov. Jimmy Carter and served for 17 years, 14 of those as Chairman. He received numerous state and national awards for his real estate endeavors, including Realtor of the Year for the State of Georgia. Dan s children, Danny Blackshear and Bonny Blackshear Dorough, have continued their father s legacy by offering full service real estate sales, rentals and subdivision development. The siblings have developed new construction in both residential and commercial sales. Danny and Bonny are involved in numerous community organizations and charities and continue to honor their father s memory as they carry on his dream of building and selling a beautiful Albany. Dr. John Culbreath was recently recognized by Leadership Albany as the Edward A. Freeman Outstanding Alumnus for With the help of Program Director Mary Ligon, Culbreath worked with R.D. Harter of the Dougherty County School System; Dr. Joan Darden of Darton College; Joe Dan Banker of Albany Technical College; and Dr. Joyce Johnson of Albany State University to plan two education days for Leadership Albany. Dr. Sally Whatley from DCSS, ASU President Everette Freeman, Darton President Peter Sireno and Albany Technical College President Anthony Parker all helped make the visits meaningful for the participants. Culbreath also worked with Nedra Woodyatt from the city of Albany to obtain buses for transporting the class members from one site to another. One participant uses a wheelchair and I volunteered to transport him in my car. It was a unique learning experience for the students, and for me. I will always cherish this award because my peers decided that I should receive this award, said Culbreath. The Leadership Albany Board of Directors established the Edward A. Freeman Leadership Award, named after the founding board chairman of Leadership Albany, to recognize the civic contributions of program participants who have come to embody the best of Mr. Freeman's ideals. 32 July/August 2009 BUSINESS

18 Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau EVENTS April SIAC Men s Golf Championship - Economic Impact of $46, with 211 room nights April 30-May 2 - SIAC Men s Baseball Championship Economic Impact of $157, with 156 room nights Lisa Riddle presented a preview of Albany to the Columbus Building Officials Assn. of GA to prepare for their visit in 2010 Submitted a bid for 2011 or 2012 GA Motorcoach Assn. conference Gave a welcome at the NARFE convention held at Merry Acres Participated in the US Travel Rally Day with a trade show of local hotels and attraction, a press conference, and a proclamation by the Mayor. Attended the Legislative Appreciation Luncheon Assisted with the Swinging Safari Golf Tournament. Submitted a bid for a GACCE Conference in Assisted 40 events in April/May 2009 TRADE SHOWS & CONFERENCES Attended Georgia On My Mind Day in Valdosta and Plains Attended the Unity/Multicultural Day at the MCLB Attended the Georgia Society of Assn. Execs. conference in Asheville ADVERTISING AAA Tourbook AAA Going Places Convention Forum Georgia Travel Guide Georgia State Park Guide GA Voyager Albany Herald Albany Journal GSAE Member Directory Newcomer Magazine Responded to 44 advertising leads Mayor Willie Adams hands Lisa Riddle, CVB director, the proclamation at the Travel Rally Day. MARKETING/PR Presented 2008/1st Quarter 2009 update to County Commission Launched CVB online gift shop Press release for online Wildcat s Vacation Package Met with stakeholders to set up the Dream Pass system Created new templates for hotels and attractions Planned for Familiarization (FAM) tours FAM tour for Glory Tours from Alabama Attraction Day, training for front line staff, was hosted at the Albany Museum of Art with more than 25 attendees Attended the Rose Festival in Thomasville and booked a tour for late 2009 Gave a tour to the Dougherty Leadership group of 20 people Hosted Kiwanis presentation by Liz Gray Creating more golf packages Summer vacation packages available in June Finalizing plans for June Travel Writer visit. FAM tour for GA Made GA Grown resulted in tour later in 2009 Met with the colleges and area associations to promote meetings in Albany Public relations company to create new marketing materials. WELCOME CENTER 8,573 Visitor Guides distributed 39 Information/Planning Packets distributed 45 Relocation Packets mailed 6 Accommodation Bids sent to hotels 3,411 signed the Welcome Center guest book Door count - 6,588 Gift Shop Sales $1, Giveaways $8,ritcher335 SPECIAL GUESTS 150 Mitchell County Primary students. Historic Preservation Committee GA State Coalition for the Blind Hahira School students Jane Willson brought by 4 guests from Spain 4 couples from Switzerland A couple from France 3 separate couples from Germany Visitors from Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, NY, Colorado, California, Washington, Virginia, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kentucky, Arizona and South Dakota. SMITH TRAVEL RESEARCH APRIL Occupancy, down 10.1% $60.02 Average Daily Revenue, up 1.9% 64,260 Room Supply, up 3.4% 33,477 Room Demand, down 7% $2,009,219 Room Revenue, down 5.3% 34 July/August 2009 BUSINESS

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