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About Barbara Kieker

Authored 216 articles.

Articles

• Focus on Members Drives Growth at DOCO Credit Union

  Features, June 08, 2015

  Member growth at DOCO Credit Union was just shy of 5 percent in 2014, according to CEO Barry Heape, and that's well above the national average for credit unions. Heape attributes the performance to the fact that "customer service is still king" at the credit union.

• New Distribution Center Bolsters the Albany Logistics Story

  Features, June 02, 2015

  WebstaurantStore, an online retailer of restaurant supplies and equipment, announced it plans to open its newest distribution and fulfillment center in an existing 472,000-square-foot facility in Albany earlier this year. The move represents an investment of $10 million over the next three years and will create 150 jobs. Hiring is expected to begin in December.

• Shutters Plus Thrives on a Clientele 10 Years in the Making

  Features, May 27, 2015

  With new home construction picking up, business activity is good at Shutters Plus, Inc., a custom shutter and cabinetry manufacturer based in Albany. Remodeling work, which kept the business going during the recession, also continues strong.

• TTL is Building a Stronger South Georgia

  Features, May 18, 2015

  If a commercial or industrial structure is being built or pavement is being laid in southern Georgia, then chances are TTL has consulted with the owners, architects or structural engineers on site preparation or the types of footings to be used. The company provides geotechnical engineering, analytical/laboratory testing, environmental consulting and material testing.

• Open Roads Smokehouse Entering into Corporate Catering Market

  Features, May 15, 2015

  B.J. Fletcher is getting ready to knock on doors at local businesses with tasting samples from the menu at Open Roads Smokehouse. Opened in January, the restaurant features barbeque, steaks, catfish and other specials prepared fresh daily.

• Albany Audiology Brings a Family Feel to Hearing Health Care

  Features, May 11, 2015

  Advances in hearing aids and devices have accelerated "from zero to 100 over the last three to four years," according to Dr. Doug Lorber, audiologist and owner of Albany Audiology. While the latest in hearing-related digital technologies may bring patients in to Albany Audiology, the warm family feel is equally important.

• Capital Campaign Underway For Phoebe Medical Student Housing Complex

  Features, May 07, 2015

  Phoebe Foundation is seeking to raise $3.8 million through a capital campaign for the construction of medical student housing in Albany. A lead gift of $1 million from the Richard K. Mellon Foundation and approximately $200,000 in donations from local and area individuals have already been made. Phoebe Volunteers have committed $900,000 to the project and P.E.A.C.H. – the Phoebe Foundation employee giving program – will also be a major supporter.

• From Stories to Deals, Dawn Hobby Moves Into Real Estate

  Features, April 27, 2015

  Instead of chasing stories, Dawn Hobby is now chasing deals. After 35 years in television news at WALB, Hobby entered the world of residential and commercial real estate. Hobby is the newest sales associates at Coldwell Banker – Walden and Kirkland, Inc., the oldest real estate agency in Albany.

• Albany-Dougherty Industry Roundtable Builds Rapport Among Local Leaders

  Features, April 16, 2015

  Every other month or so since mid-2014, a group of leaders from about 15 companies that operate in and around Albany get together at different plant locations to talk about the common opportunities and challenges they face. They share ideas on how to influence positive change in the community and explore solutions that have worked well in other times and other places.

• Albany-Dougherty Industry Celebration Week Recognizes Existing Industries

  Features, April 13, 2015

  The city of Albany and Dougherty County issued proclamations today declaring this week to be Albany-Dougherty Industry Celebration Week. With these proclamations, a weeklong slate of activities hosted by the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission (ADEDC) in appreciation of the community's existing industries officially gets underway.

• Being Active in the Community Drives Mike Gonzalez Jr. and Pro Outdoor LLC

  Features, March 24, 2015

  In the five years since he left high school, Mike Gonzalez Jr. launched his own landscaping business – Pro Outdoor LLC, served as logistics chief for Albany-Dougherty Search & Rescue, raced cars on dirt tracks throughout the Southeast and entered the market for rental properties. Being active in the community is a big part of Gonzalez' business strategy.

• Locate South Georgia Takes Economic Development to a New Regional Level

  Features, March 09, 2015

  Leaders of Locate South Georgia, a newly formed regional economic development group representing 21 counties, were in Atlanta last week to promote the group to state economic development officials. Launched at the beginning of 2015, Locate South Georgia combines the efforts of two previous groups – an older version of Locate South Georgia and the Southwest Georgia Chamber Council.

• Albany Marathon & Street Festival Set for the First Weekend in March

  Features, February 23, 2015

  The 2015 Albany Marathon and Mardi Gras Street Festival are scheduled for Saturday, March 7th. A qualifier for the Boston Marathon, the race attracts runners from around the world. Last year, more than 1,400 runners from 40 different states, Austria, Canada, United Kingdom and Venezuela registered and 1,280 runners finished the race.

• Georgia Southwestern Interim President Patterson Takes a Long View

  Features, February 18, 2015

  Dr. Charles Patterson took the reins at Georgia Southwestern State University on Jan. 1, 2015, as interim president. Former president Dr. Kendall Blanchard retired at the end of 2014 after leading the university for six years.

• Invision Technologies Acquires Alarm Detection Technology to Further Growth

  Features, February 05, 2015

  On January 1st, Invision Technologies LLC acquired Alarm Detection Technology, Inc., the ADT Security Services provider for South Georgia. Both firms are located in Albany. The new combined company, which will use the Invision Technologies name, will continue to provide ADT security and automation services along with IT services and support.

• Tommy Clark Begins Term as Chair at Albany Area Chamber of Commerce

  Features, January 28, 2015

  On Jan. 1, Tommy Clark began his one-year term as chair of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce with a commitment to "keep fighting every day for a better business community in Albany."

• Many Now Believe There's Only One Albany

  Features, December 17, 2014

  There's Only One Albany – the marketing campaign launched by the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission (ADEDC) – finished its six-month run this month. The campaign was designed to positively change how people who live and work in Albany feel about their community.

• Construction Begins on New Ambulatory Surgical Center in Albany

  Features, December 09, 2014

  Albany will soon be home to a new ambulatory surgical center located on a 2.4-acre site on Westover Blvd. Albany Surgical, P.C., a six-physician general surgery practice, broke ground Monday on a new 25,000 square foot office and surgical facility, which is expected to be complete in 11 months.

• EMC Engineering Finds Growth in Project Diversity

  Features, September 23, 2014

  Surveying activity, which can be a harbinger of future growth in design and construction work, is up at EMC Engineering Services in Albany. A number of diverse, smaller projects including public sector transportation work and private sector work are driving the activity.

• U Save It Pharmacy Uses Service Model to Deliver Customer Value

  Features, September 18, 2014

  U Save It Pharmacy prides itself on the relationships it builds with customers, as well as the convenience it provides. Extensive knowledge of patient needs, fast service – including free delivery – and accessible locations all play an important part in the pharmacy's model for delivering value to its customers.

• Kim Colby Joins Flint Community Bank

  Features, September 10, 2014

  On July 31st, Kim Colby joined Flint Community Bank as a vice president. Her role blends personal banking and business banking, an approach that fits well in a community bank and the Albany market.

• Georgia Department of Labor Keeps Albany Labor Market Moving

  Features, September 03, 2014

  Although many people might think of the Georgia Department of Labor as the unemployment office, GDOL Albany Area Manager Catherine Hogg prefers to think of it as the employment office.

• Albany Leaders to Discuss the State of the Community

  Features, August 25, 2014

  On Aug. 28, Albany Mayor Dorothy Hubbard, Dougherty County Commission Chairman Jeff "Bodine" Sinyard and Dougherty County School System Superintendent of Schools Dr. David "Butch" Mosely will give their perspectives on the "State of the Community."

• Mortgage and Commercial Business Drive Performance at Ameris Bank in Albany

  Features, August 19, 2014

  According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, borrowing by commercial and multifamily real estate owners through the end of July is running at the same pace as last year. Low interest rates and improving property fundamentals are cited as the primary drivers of the steady demand for mortgage loans. Albany and the surrounding region are experiencing the same borrowing demand, according to Ameris Bank Albany Market President Cal McMillan.

• New Executive Director Looks to Evolve Role of the Albany Arts Council

  Features, August 05, 2014

  Nicole Williams joined the Albany Area Arts Council as executive director on May 1st with the aspiration of "making the town I've chosen to live in an even better place." With a husband who is an art professor at Albany State University, Williams has always been very involved in the local arts scene even as she worked in the private mental health field for the past eight years.

• SB&T & Synovus Formalize Leadership Positions

  Features, July 31, 2014

  On August 1st, Pam Simmons will step into the role of president and CEO of SB&T in Albany, a division of Synovus Bank. Simmons, a 30+ year banking veteran, has worked closely with SB&T President and CEO Mark Lane since early 2012, filling in as he also served as Regional CEO for Synovus with responsibility for the banking operations of seven divisions including SB&T.

• ASU to Offer MBA Degree in Supply Chain and Logistics Management

  Features, July 29, 2014

  This fall, Albany State University College of Business will introduce a new Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree concentration in Supply Chain and Logistics Management.

• Albany Area Chamber Chair Jim Deal Talks ABC's

  Features, July 22, 2014

  In his first six months as Chair of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, Jim Deal has focused on improving the attitude of people in Albany. He terms it the "ABCs" where "a" is attitude, "b" is behavior and "c" is commitment.

• There's Only One Albany Campaign Launches Today

  Features, July 14, 2014

  Expect to see a familiar faces talking about the good things in Albany, as the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission launches its There's Only One Albany marketing campaign today.

• Adams Exterminators Helps Keep Albany Pest-Free

  Features, July 08, 2014

  From dehumidifiers to backyard mosquito treatments, Adams Exterminators offers the latest in pest control services. Established in 1971, the business serves all of southwest Georgia with employees across the region. It’s a family-owned and operated business run by Jeff Sinyard and his sons Bridges and Stuart.

• Business is on the Move at Albany Travel

  Features, June 18, 2014

  People are on the move again, according to Cheryl Haley of Albany Travel Agency, shedding the cautious stance they took during the recession. And they are moving back to traditional travel agencies from online agencies. As a result, Albany Travel is experiencing strong volume in 2014.

• Wayne Jones Joins Clear Channel Media & Entertainment in Albany

  Features, June 11, 2014

  Since joining Clear Channel Media and Entertainment in Albany in early April as general sales manager, Wayne Jones has been learning the ropes of a new market, new company and new community. He moved here from a larger market, Dallas, Texas, where he worked for a much smaller, privately held company.

• Former Albany Banker Mike Marz Finds New Opportunity as Columbus City President for Regions Bank

  News, May 09, 2014

• Albany Internal Medicine Embraces New Approaches to Patient Care

  Features, May 05, 2014

  With the upheaval in health care created by the Affordable Care Act and the shift away from fee-for-service payment models, independent medical practices face an uncertain future. Albany Internal Medicine grabbed the bull by the horns over two years ago and set about identifying the most likely future scenario for primary care as well as the skills needed to thrive in that environment.

• ADEDC Wraps Up Industry Week Celebration With a Look Ahead

  Features, April 21, 2014

  Last week, the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission celebrated existing industries in the community with a series of events designed to build community awareness and support. Events included a new video launch, awards ceremony, golf outing and Business After Hours networking reception.

• Interim President Justin Strickland Reflects on ADEDC Progress

  Features, April 17, 2014

  To mark Albany-Dougherty Industry Celebration Week, AlbanyCEO posed a series of questions to Justin Strickland, interim president, Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission on the ADEDC and the state of economic development in the area.

• ADEDC Industry Week Celebration Begin Today, Continues All Week

  Features, April 14, 2014

  The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission (ADEDC) today kicks off a weeklong celebration of existing industries in Albany-Dougherty County. Albany-Dougherty Industry Celebration Week is one of the ways the commission provides recognition to the successes and contributions of existing industries to the community.

• SafeAire Heating & Cooling Building Share in Residential Market

  Features, April 03, 2014

  Over the past three years, SafeAire Heating & Cooling has focused on building its share of the residential market. With new training programs, ramped-up marketing and an emphasis on customer satisfaction, the company has grown its residential business.

• Georgia Southwestern State University Offers Flexibility to MBA Seekers

  Features, March 25, 2014

  In the Masters of Business Administration program at Georgia Southwestern State University, students can set their own pace of study, starting and finishing the program at a time that best fits their schedule.

• ADEDC Opens Nominations for 2014 Industry Awards

  Features, March 12, 2014

  Albany-Dougherty Industry Celebration Week, April 14 to 18, includes daily events highlighting the success of the industries that exist in and support the community. The highlight of the week is the announcement of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission's annual industry awards.

• Albany State Seeks Collaboration with Local Business Leaders

  Features, March 06, 2014

  Dr. Art Dunning, interim president of Albany State University, is a proponent of taking a new way of looking at how we solve problems together as a community.

• HeritageBank of the South Thrives in Challenged Banking Industry

  Features, December 03, 2013

  Where other banks see challenges, Heritage Financial Group sees opportunities. As interest rates ticked up in 2013 and mortgage-refinancing volumes dropped, big banks such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo have cut hundreds of jobs in their mortgage units. HeritageBank of the South, a subsidiary of Heritage Financial Group, is hiring.

• United Way of SWGA Delivers Strong ROI For Donors

  Features, November 13, 2013

  The United Way of Southwest Georgia is about halfway through its 2013 campaign and making good progress. According to LaKisha Bryant Bruce, chief executive officer of United Way of SWGA, interest in the campaign is high.

• Paul Davis Emergency Service & GRAP Restoration Provide "One" Solution

  Features, October 29, 2013

  With the aim to provide a complete mitigation and rebuild solution to customers and their insurance providers, Greg Suess and Brian Bradshaw opened a Paul Davis Emergency Service of Albany and Leesburg franchise in November 2012. Paul Davis is a full-service water, fire and mold cleanup and restoration firm that operates through more than 300 franchise locations.

• Interim Darton State College President Named

  Features, October 21, 2013

  Dr. Paul Jones, currently the senior vice president for Finance and Administration and a professor of Educational Administration at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, was appointed interim president for Darton State College by the University System of Georgia.

• The Clay Spot Acquires a New Owner; Expands Its Reach

  Features, October 15, 2013

  The Clay Spot, a paint-your-own pottery studio that has been a fixture in Albany for 15 years, acquired a new owner at the end of June – Stacie Porter Brown. Brown is the studio's fifth owner, a former marketing professional and a fine arts graduate.

• Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany Provides Fiscally Responsive Support

  Features, September 10, 2013

  One of the largest employers in the Albany area, the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) faces a number of issues related to cuts in defense spending from the sequester and the end of U.S. engagement in Afghanistan.

• Artesian Contracting Builds Albany

  Features, September 04, 2013

  Artesian Contracting could be described as a federal, commercial and industrial construction company based in Albany with 80 percent of its business in Georgia, 25 percent in Albany. Co-owner Glenn Singfield Sr. would prefer people think of the firm as a committed community partner.

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

  Features, 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.

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

  Features, 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.

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

  Features, 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.

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

  Features, 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.

• Society of Human Resource Management Offers Support for Managing Personnel Issues

  Features, July 31, 2013

  If you're responsible for Human Resources strategic initiatives or personnel issues in your company and would like to meet others who share those responsibilities, then the Southwest Georgia chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) in Albany might be just the place for you. With 55 active members from local businesses and organizations, the chapter has monthly meetings that feature speakers, panel discussions or round table discussions.

• LRA Constructors Sees Uptick in Construction Activity

  Features, July 23, 2013

  Industrial and commercial construction activity in Southwest Georgia became a bit more active in second quarter 2013, according to Jake Reese of LRA Constructors. Business has for the most part remained the same for much of 2012 and early 2013.

• SafetyMax of Albany Sees Economic Uptick

  Features, July 10, 2013

  Sales at SafetyMax, a distributor of workplace safety, first aid and fire extinguisher products, are up 15 percent so far in 2013 over the same period in 2012. The company serves numerous, diverse industries including agriculture, service and manufacturing as well as local, state and federal government entities.

• Mediacom/Raycom Negotiations Part of High-Stakes Industry Dynamic

  Features, July 03, 2013

  On June 21st, Mediacom Communications Corporation and Raycom Media, Inc., owner of WALB TV, reached agreement on a contract that had been the subject of several messages broadcast to WALB viewers. For weeks, WALB warned Mediacom cable customers they could lose access to the station if an agreement wasn't reached by June 30th, the expiration date of the existing contract.

• Knight's Appliance Offers Latest Innovations

  Features, June 26, 2013

  French door refrigerators with instant hot water dispensers. Ball-bearing oven glide racks that can be self-cleaned. Water dispensers with auto-fill capability. Knight's Appliance and Electronics offers appliances packed with the latest technology innovations.

• New Chick-fil-A Generating Strong Customer Traffic

  Features, June 19, 2013

  On May 9, Chick-fil-A opened a freestanding restaurant at Lee Crossings on U.S. Highway 19 South. The new location is Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator, K.J. Wari’s third restaurant, and the first freestanding unit in the Albany trade area.

• CooperCraft Communication Continues Growth With Select-Tel Merger

  Features, May 28, 2013

  On May 23rd, CooperCraft Communications, which specializes in the installation and upgrades of security systems, telecommunication systems and cabling infrastructure, completed a merger with network specialists, Select-Tel Systems. The combined company, called CooperCraft Communications, has approximately 45 employees and offices in Albany and Tifton.

• Hughey & Neuman Sells Albany

  Features, May 15, 2013

  Founded in 1954, Hughey & Neuman, Inc. is a third-generation family-owned real estate firm that is dedicated to its industry and to Albany itself.

• FiveStar Customer Service Strategies Focuses on Front Line to Grow the Bottom Line

  Features, May 01, 2013

  Every company needs customers to stay in business. Rita Suiter built FiveStar Customer Service Strategies from scratch over the last 12 years by focusing on that one commonality for all businesses. Suiter provides customized training to a diverse client base with an approach that helps employees upgrade interpersonal skills, improve attitudes and develop positive "customer service" habits.

• Georgia Credit Unions Continue to Add Members

  Features, April 17, 2013

  Credit union membership and deposits in Georgia grew in 2012, continuing a national trend that began with Bank Transfer Day in the fall of 2011. In a exclusive interview with Albany CEO, President/CEO of the Georgia Credit Union Affiliates Mike Mercer speaks as to why credit unions across the state have encountered such growth.

• MSA Offers New Approach to Pain Management

  Features, April 09, 2013

  Business is growing at Musculoskeletal Associates (MSA), a primary-care orthopedic practice with an emphasis on spine and interventional pain management procedures and diagnostics. It offers physical therapy, imaging services such as MRIs and CTs, neurodiagostics; and it has an ambulatory surgery center. With a full spectrum of services, MSA can in many cases enable patients to receive the treatment they need without going to a hospital.

• Prince Automotive Group Closes Purchase of Albany's Tri-State Peterbilt

  Features, April 03, 2013

  On March 28, Prince Automotive Group completed its purchase of Tri-State Peterbilt in Albany. Tri-State Peterbilt, which has been in business for about 38 years, sells heavy-duty Class 8 trucks, which are any trucks with a gross vehicle weight over 33,000 lbs. and all tractor-trailers.

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

  Features, 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.

• Katz Floorcovering Finds Opportunities with National Partners

  Features, 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.

• With Perfection Landscape Management Delivers Curb Appeal

  Features, 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.

• Albany SBDC Offers GrowSmart Program for Area Business Leaders

  Features, February 21, 2013

  From March 7 to April 19, the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Albany will offer GrowSmart, a program for business owners and senior managers that provides tools and strategies to meet the needs of growing businesses. It's the third year that the Albany SBDC has offered GrowSmart.

• Colson Printing Adapts to a Changing Industry

  Features, February 20, 2013

  New buying trends in the printing industry are driving Colson Printing to launch an extension of its website to enable 24/7 click ‘n print functionality for its clients. Expected to go live in the first half of 2013, the new website capabilities will enable Colson to broaden its market nationally and appeal to locals who prefer to order online.

• CTSI Outsourcing Partners with Clients on IT Support

  Features, February 12, 2013

  CTSI Outsourcing provides businesses with an IT support team that is familiar with their business, their servers and applications. In the company's IT Timeshare Service, every client is assigned a technician and a back-up technician who visit weekly and are accessible by cell phone at any time.

• P&G Celebrates 40 Years in Albany

  Features, January 29, 2013

  This year Procter & Gamble is celebrating 40 years of manufacturing in southwest Georgia. The Albany mill, which manufactures Bounty towels and Charmin toilet tissue, has received hundreds of millions of dollars of investment from P&G over that period according to Vince Falcione, external relations manager for P&G in Albany.

• New SWGA Airport Terminal On Track for Summer Opening

  Features, January 22, 2013

  Construction of the $10.8 million terminal building at the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport is on budget and on track for completion in June. Airport operations are scheduled to move from the current building into the new terminal in July.

• PT Gym Keeps Fitness Safe, Effective and Enjoyable

  Features, January 14, 2013

  With a strong emphasis on the individual, the fitness programs at PT Gym offer personalized attention outside of one-on-one personal training. For example, members can participate in small group programs that are supervised by certified trainers or sign up for online nutritional programs that can help manage their diet.

• Manpower Seeks Skilled Professionals in Albany

  Features, December 11, 2012

  Even with unemployment in the Albany metro area at a stubbornly high 9.3 percent in October, employers are struggling to find qualified people. According to Stacie Wills, manager of the Albany office of Manpower, a national leader in the staffing industry, the biggest challenge her team faces is finding people who want to work.

• Ameris Bank Sees Favorable Outlook in Albany

  Features, December 04, 2012

  Albany Ameris Bank Market President Cal McMillan shares about the bank's history, community involvement, and highlights from their 3rd annual "Helping Fight Hunger" campaign.

• Invision Technologies, LLC Helps Power Local Job Creation

  Features, November 28, 2012

  Small businesses with fewer than 500 employees accounted for 65 percent of the new jobs created in the U.S. between 1993 and 2009, according to the Small Business Administration. One of those small businesses is Invision Technologies in Albany, which has created nine jobs since its founding in 2007. Three of those jobs were added in 2012.

• Albany's Integra Business Alternatives Plans to Expansion in Columbus

  Features, November 13, 2012

  Integra Business Alternatives, a payroll, staffing and human resources firm based in Albany, continues to experience steady double-digit growth. Against a backdrop of high national and local unemployment, the firm grew revenues by 32 percent from 2009 to 2010 and 46 percent from 2010 to 2011.

• Renovations, New Starbucks Coming to Hilton Garden Inn

  Features, November 06, 2012

  A $1 million renovation of the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Albany gets under way this month. The property, which opened in 2005, will be updated with a new Starbucks in the lobby overlooking the pool, a bar area overlooking the Ray Charles Plaza with future outdoor seating and a fire pit, as well as a new fresh, contemporary look in its 122 guest rooms and common areas. The renovation work is expected to be complete in January.

• NEOS Technologies Sees Technology-Driven Future for Albany

  Features, October 30, 2012

  Robert Collins, president of NEOS Technologies, believes with long-term investment and a new mindset that Albany can become a hotbed for leading-edge technology companies. He cites the "great technology infrastructure" already in place that provides access to high-speed bandwidths throughout the city.

• Modern Gas Opens New Showroom

  Features, October 24, 2012

  In late September, Modern Gas Company opened its new showroom on Highway 82 in Lee County with an expanded selection of indoor and outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, patio furniture, spas, grills and other backyard appliances. The new showroom replaces the company's previous location on Broad Avenue in downtown Albany.

• Prince Automotive Plans New GM Dealership in Lee County

  Features, October 22, 2012

  Prince Automotive Group broke ground last week on its new six-acre dealership site at Ledo Road and Grand Isle Road in Lee County. The 30,400 square foot facility will sell and service four General Motors brands – Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC. It will replace the Prince Chevrolet dealership on Slappey Blvd. in Albany.

• Pent-Up Demand Turns to Sales at Turner's Fine Furniture

  Features, October 17, 2012

  Austin Turner, co-owner with his brother Fortson of Turner's Fine Furniture, believes "things are getting ready to turn in the housing market." Business at the furniture retailer was up in August compared to the same period in 2011.

• Mac Business Systems Opens Albany Store

  Features, October 15, 2012

  The area's first certified Apple reseller and warranty service provider is now open on Dawson Road in Albany. Mac Business Systems, based in Tallahassee, opened on October 3 with a selection of new Apple computers, including the MacBook Pro Retina, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, and iMac desktops.

• Darton College Targets Specific Market Segments

  Features, October 10, 2012

  This is the final story on the state of education in and around Albany. Here we check in with Darton College on trends and developments affecting the school and its stakeholders.

• Albany State Aims to Create Jobs

  Features, October 04, 2012

  This story is one in a series of stories on the state of education in and around Albany. In this story, Dr. Everette Freeman, president of Albany State University shares his views on the future of higher education and the initiatives under way at ASU.

• Albany Tech Provides the New Gold Standard

  Features, September 26, 2012

  This story is one in a series of stories on the state of education in and around Albany. In this story, Dr. Anthony Parker, President of Albany Technical College (ATC), shares his views on the future of college-level education programs.

• J. Durham Reports Strong Interest in Farmland Sales

  Features, September 12, 2012

  Sales activity is up at at J. Durham & Associates, a full-service auction company specializing in farmland and equipment, industrial property and equipment, commercial property and other real estate, driven mostly by farmland sales. Sales of commercial property, timberland and hunting property remain depressed.

• Azalea Health Innovations Brings Cloud-Based Technologies to South Georgia

  Features, September 05, 2012

  Digital patient records hold the promise of improved quality of care and lower health care costs. Rules published by the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Healthcare IT require that hospitals, clinics and private physician offices be able to share patient information electronically with other unaffiliated facilities by 2016 or be faced with lower Medicare reimbursement money and face penalties.

• Drawdy Roofing Finds Success Despite Recession

  Features, August 22, 2012

  Drawdy Roofing realized some of its highest revenues during the recent recession, booking more than $20 million in roofing sales alone over the past five years. Owner and Leesburg, Ga. resident Ken Drawdy attributes the success to the company's strong reputation.

• SunTrust Sees Strong Deposit Growth in South Georgia

  Features, August 15, 2012

  Within SunTrust Bank, the southern Georgia region is at the top of the company in new deposit growth, according to Jay Montgomery, President of SunTrust Bank, South Georgia. Deposit growth has come mostly from new clients, primarily small businesses and municipalities.

• Hardy Sets Priorities for Albany Area Chamber of Commerce

  Features, August 08, 2012

  Leadership development, membership engagement and public relations have emerged as top priorities for Chris Hardy in his first three months as president and chief operating officer of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. Hardy spent much of his time since he began work on April 30 meeting with members and staff to get their feedback on the Chamber's effectiveness.

• Equinox Seeks the Best Opportunities for Growth

  Features, August 01, 2012

  Mark Grimaldi, president of Equinox Chemicals LLC, advises local business leaders to "look outside of the local market for growth." The strategy has worked well for Equinox, which is on pace to double its sales for the third year in a row.

• Lane Price Hopes to Bring Unity to School Board

  News, July 30, 2012

• Landers Boldly Goes Where No Business Man Has Gone Before

  Features, July 25, 2012

  Managing Fast Copy, Inc., a digital copy service provider, doesn't keep Randy Landers from spending time on his passion – creating Star Trek fan films. Landers and about 36 other Star Trek hobbyists debuted their sixth short film on YouTube this past month.

• Thrush Aircraft Employs Hundreds in Skilled Manufacturing Jobs

  Features, July 18, 2012

  One of every six jobs in production, craft, repair, and machine operation was lost in the first two years of the recession, according to a 2010 white paper by MIT economist David Autor. While the rest of the country struggles with the loss of middle-class manufacturing jobs, Albany is home to a thriving company that employs hundreds of skilled workers – Thrush Aircraft, Inc.

• Price Goes Door to Door to Win School Board Seat

  Features, July 16, 2012

  After completing another media interview, Lane Price, M.D., was headed for another evening of walking door to door to ask residents for their vote in the July 31st Democratic primary for the at-large seat on the Dougherty County School Board. The election will be decided on the 31st, as there will be no vote in November for this race.

• Expansion in the Works at Flint Community Bank

  Features, July 11, 2012

  Flint Community Bank is planning to break ground on August 1st on a new operations center located on the lot behind the bank's current facility. The 3,500 square foot center will house deposit and loan operations, regulatory compliance and IT support.

• Sam Shugart Discusses Planning For Upcoming Music and Arts Festival

  Features, July 03, 2012

  Sam Shugart, president of Reynolds, Shugart & Associates, and his partners – Justin Andrews, Jeb Tabb, and Evan Barber of Threeforty Creative Group, and Bo Henry – expect to announce this week the first national acts for the inaugural Sowega Music & Arts Festival to be held at The Exchange Club Fairgrounds this October.

• New Albany Ga Biz Directory Goes Live

  Features, June 27, 2012

  Glennette Goodbread, owner of Premium Web Design and Hosting in Albany, launched a new online directory of Albany-based businesses this month. The Albany Ga Biz Directory, is a categorized, searchable listing of hundreds of area businesses that includes links to their websites, contact information as well as mapped locations.

• Fullerton Offers Wrap-up of Legislative Session

  Features, June 20, 2012

  Carol Fullerton announced last month her re-election bid for the Georgia House of Representatives, District 153. During her terms in the House, she has served on five committees for the betterment of Albany, and offers a recap of the most recent legislative session.

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