March 2013 Features

  • Film & Music Day at the Capitol Spotlights Industry's Impact on Georgia

    March 28, 2013

    The Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today celebrated the 40th anniversary of film and television productions in Georgia during Film & Music Day at the Capitol. Gov. Nathan Deal, Speaker David Ralston and Rep. Ron Stephens headlined the celebration, an annual recognition of the film and music industry’s importance to Georgia’s economy.

  • 5 Tips for Buying a Franchise

    March 27, 2013

    For those entrepreneurs itching to start their own business, purchasing a franchise can be a good alternative. Franchising can be less risky than starting a business from scratch. The franchisor has done a lot of the work for you. The business plan is ready made; there’s already strong brand name recognition, and the franchisor is often responsible for the marketing and advertising. However, any new business is risky, even a franchise. You may get an established name and business plan, but your success is ultimately up to you.

  • 10 Rules of Mobile Etiquette for Small Businesses

    March 25, 2013

    As small business owners, the mobile phone is one of our most important tools. So important, that we may forget that “anywhere and everywhere” is not our office. And as your business grows, it’s not just your own behavior with a cell phone you have to think about. You also have to make sure your employees exhibit professionalism, stay safe and present a positive public image of your business while using mobile devices.

  • Why a Good February Jobs Report Might Be Deceiving

    March 22, 2013

    The February jobs report exceeded expectations with the unemployment rate falling to 7.7% and 236,000 jobs added. Darton State Economic Professor Aaron Johnson says while that suggests optimism, self-inflicted wounds from congressional gridlock may eventually lead to unnecessary damage to economic growth and unemployment.

  • The Cancer Coalition of South Georgia Fights Cancer Here at Home

    March 21, 2013

    Cancer is at home in South Georgia. In many counties in the region, the incidence rate of cancer is higher than both the state average and the U.S. average. The Cancer Coalition of South Georgia is the only local collaborative cancer organization focused on preventing cancer and increasing survival among the people of South Georgia.

  • International Dignitaries to Tour Southwest Georgia Today

    March 20, 2013

    More than two dozen consular and trade officials from 23 countries will visit business and tourism centers in southwestern Georgia March 20-22 during Georgia’s 28th annual International VIP Tour. The tour, conducted by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), will showcase tourism destinations, businesses and economic development partnerships in the region, and provide Georgia’s diplomatic corps opportunities to meet local Georgians in Albany, Americus, Plains, Adel, Lakeland, Thomasville and Tifton.

  • Scott Hunter on Why You Shouldn't Overload Your Portfolio with Company Stock

    March 14, 2013

    Many companies offer their employees a stock purchase plan, enabling them to purchase company stock at a discounted price and invest in the company they work for. While this can frequently be a great way to invest in the stock market, as an investor you need to question whether it’s good to load up too much on your company’s stock — or any company’s stock, for that matter. Wells Fargo Financial Advisor Scott Hunter shares more.

  • Katz Floorcovering Finds Opportunities with National Partners

    March 13, 2013

    In 2012, Katz Floorcovering became a franchisee of Abbey Carpet & Floor, a national flooring distributor comprised of 800 locally owned and operated showrooms across the United States and Canada. In addition, the Katz Leesburg showroom underwent a full remodel with all new displays and fresh paint. Market response has been very encouraging.

  • Maybe The Fed Is The Problem with Weak Recovery

    March 12, 2013

    Aaron Johnson, Economics Professor at Darton State College, digs deeper into reasons behind the weak economic recovery, and what role the Federal Reserve might be playing in it.

  • Sherriff Kevin Sproul on Proposed Legislation Cuts for Law Enforcement

    March 11, 2013

    Dougherty County Sheriff Kevin Sproul shares his thoughts on House Bill 1, also called the Georgia Uniform Civil Forfeiture Procedure Act, and why he opposes the legislation.

  • Finding the Right Sustainability Initiatives for Your Business

    March 08, 2013

    It’s easy to feel intimidated with sustainability. Once you address the basics—installing energy-efficient light bulbs and stationing recycle bins around the office—you may not know how to proceed. How do you determine which sustainability measures will ultimately pay for themselves and be the best investment for your business?

  • Having Trouble Coaching “Sherlock the Sales Rep”?

    March 07, 2013

    This month local sales trainer and author Doug Robinson offers some comments to help you better manage Sherlock, your omnipresent sales guy. Certainly you are thankful for this senior, albeit anal, member on your sales team. You know who I’m talking about.

  • Albany Tech, Southern Polytech Partner on Operations Management Program

    March 07, 2013

  • With Perfection Landscape Management Delivers Curb Appeal

    March 06, 2013

    Most business owners and managers realize that an attractive storefront or office entrance sends an important message to current and prospective customers. According to David Blackwell, owner of With Perfection Landscape Management, that message actually starts at ground level.

  • Raising The Minimum Wage Will Hurt Job Creation, Research Shows

    March 04, 2013

    President Obama's State of the Union Address proposal to raise minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $9, with annual increases for inflation, has fired up both sides of the issue with proponents arguing that all workers should earn a good living and opponents saying the increase will cost jobs. Research at Texas A&M University shows that raising the minimum wage will reduce job creation, but not affect employee turnover or layoffs.