August 2013 Features

  • Big Business Tactics Your Businesses Can Use

    August 30, 2013

    Don’t buy into the idea that as a small business, you’re limited to your personal capabilities. Software is getting more affordable. And DIY is “in” right now in a major way. The lines blur between “big” and “small” business when it comes to tools and techniques like these.

  • 49% of Workers Do Not Negotiate Job Offers

    August 29, 2013

    A failure to negotiate a job offer means many workers are leaving money on the table. A new CareerBuilder survey finds that even though 45 percent of employers are willing – and expect – to negotiate salaries for initial job offers, almost half (49 percent) of workers accept the first offer given to them.

  • Synovus Exits TARP; SB&T Sharpens Focus on Hometown Businesses

    August 28, 2013

    On July 26th, Synovus announced its exit from the Troubled Asset Relief Program or TARP, the 2008 federal government program designed to curb the financial crisis. The Columbus, Ga.-based financial services company redeemed $968 million of preferred stock held by the U.S. Treasury. According to Synovus Regional CEO and SB&T CEO Mark Lane, the TARP exit is good news for the company's shareholders and represents a journey to return Synovus to a position of strength.

  • Chris Hardy Shares About Upcoming Chamber Membership Campaign

    August 26, 2013

    The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce (AACoC) sets goals to make our business community a viable and growing entity in southwest Georgia. We include these goals in strategic plans, committee and division reports, board of directors meetings and any other opportunity that presents itself. Often times we are asked, “What does the Chamber do?” My answer to that is “we do the things that most people think just happens.”

  • Phoebe Putney Health System Announces Settlement with FTC

    August 23, 2013

    Phoebe Putney Health System, Inc. announced it and the Hospital Authority of Albany-Dougherty County have reached a settlement agreement with the Federal Trade Commission to address issues stemming from the acquisition of Palmyra Park Hospital. Under the terms of the settlement, the Hospital Authority of Albany-Dougherty County will retain ownership of, and Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital will continue to operate, the Phoebe north campus.

  • Scott Hunter on Income Strategies for Retirement

    August 22, 2013

    Will I have enough money in retirement? It’s a question more and more Americans are asking. Baby boomers in particular wonder if they’ll be able to live comfortably and securely when they leave the workaday world. The good news is that you may be able to retire with confidence and enough assets — if you get organized.

  • Raymond James Aims to Stand Out at its New Pointe North Location

    August 21, 2013

    On July 29, the local Raymond James & Associates branch moved into a new office building at 624 Pointe North Blvd. As a single-occupant building, the new location gives Raymond James a higher profile in the community than its previous location on Old Dawson Road.

  • What You Need to Know About Business Licenses and Permits

    August 20, 2013

    If you’re launching a business, you’ve probably already looked into the option of incorporating or forming an LLC for your new company. This act registers your business with the state, and you should be all set to legally operate your business, right? Not so fast. Incorporating or forming an LLC creates a legal entity for your business, but there are most likely other permits and licenses that you’ll need to obtain.

  • Georgia Currently 23rd in the Nation for Solar Power

    August 16, 2013

    Today, Environment Georgia Research & Policy Center released Lighting the Way, a new report highlighting a solar energy boom across the country. The report outlines the twelve states that have made a considerable contribution to the nation’s rise in solar power. Georgia, however, missed the cut and ranks 23rd in the nation for per capita solar installations. But, Georgia should not be written off yet, in the past year the Georgia Public Service Commission has voted to expand Georgia’s solar market by over 700 MW.

  • “Jobs” Movie Chronicles the Life of a Creative Entrepreneur

    August 15, 2013

    Jobs, the indie biopic about Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, is set to release tomorrow. The movie chronicles Jobs’s journey from college dropout to successful creative entrepreneur, taking place roughly from 1971 to 1991. Though the movie is specifically about the beginnings of Apple and, more specifically, Jobs’ rise as an innovator, entrepreneurs may find things that will inspire them in their own journey.

  • Walker Bros. Heating and Air Conditioning Takes Pride in "Small"

    August 13, 2013

    According to Grant Walker, Walker Bros. Heating and Air Conditioning Co. takes pride in its family name, its business and in keeping its “small business” operating as efficiently as possible. Grant represents the third generation to work in the family-owned and operated business.

  • How Do Your Employee Benefits Stack Up?

    August 12, 2013

    Are you worried about retaining your key employees as the economy heats up? Or do you need to attract new workers to help with growing demand for your product or service, or to expand your business? In either case, employee benefits are an important factor in whether employees choose to join your company, stay with your business for the long haul or jump ship. How do you know if your employee benefits measure up?

  • Doug Robinson: Perfect Practice Makes Perfect

    August 09, 2013

    Salespeople continually hear the mantra, practice makes perfect, but that’s not really true. As the title above emphasizes, it’s perfect practice that makes perfect, underscoring the fact that not just any practice will do.

  • Albany-Dougherty EDC's New Brand Campaign to "Get the Message Out On Albany"

    August 07, 2013

    On August 1st, the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission (EDC) began work with Lattimer Communications, a minority-owned advertising agency based in Atlanta, on a new brand campaign for Albany-Dougherty County. The Atlanta office of JWT, a global ad agency, has been working with the Albany-Dougherty EDC on a pro bono basis and recommended Lattimer to research and develop the brand strategy.

  • Sheriff Kevin Sproul Talks About "Stand Your Ground"

    August 05, 2013

    It seems as though everyone has been following the case against George Zimmerman and the shooting death of young Travon Martin. Since that case hit the national airwaves last year, many people have voiced their personal opinions or interpretations of the ”stand your ground” law, I have also crossed paths with several individuals who wanted to know the similarities or differences with Georgia’s “stand your ground” law in comparison to Florida’s law. Georgia is a “stand your ground” state also; and I feel that it is important that everyone has a clear understanding of exactly what rights that allows (and what it does not allow).

  • 5 Ways Your Business Can Beat the Summer Slump

    August 01, 2013

    It’s the dog days of summer, and your small business might be starting to feel like a ghost town. Everybody seems to be working shorter days, or on vacation, or just not ready to shift gears from browsing to buying. You may be thinking of throwing in the towel, but your business doesn’t have to suffer from a summer slowdown.