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About Barbara Kieker

Authored 216 articles.

Articles

• Love Works at Wild Adventures Theme Park

  Features, June 18, 2012

  Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta will host a special guest on Wednesday, June 20 – Joel Manby, president and chief executive officer of Herschend Family Entertainment, the owner and operator of the theme park. Manby is promoting his newly published book titled "Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders," which details the HFE framework for leadership.

• Large-Format Printing on the Rise at Matrix Department

  Features, June 13, 2012

  At Matrix Department, Inc., a large-format printer in Leesburg, business activity is up according to President John S. Bell II. Matrix prints signs, banners, displays, posters, wall graphics and its most popular item, vehicle graphics.

• ANABCO Grows With Focus on Nuts and Bolts

  Features, June 06, 2012

  With a new branches opening, a new status as a Bosch Systems Specialist and recent designation as a General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule contractor, business is booming at Albany's ANABCO Fasteners, Inc., formerly Albany Nut and Bolt Company.

• Mediacom Delivers Positive First Quarter

  Features, May 23, 2012

  Mediacom, one of the leading cable operators focused on serving smaller cities and towns in the United States, posted its best first-quarter results in Georgia in four years, according to Mediacom Senior Marketing Manager for Georgia, Melanie Hannasch. Mediacom serves all of southwestern Georgia, passing about 300,000 homes.

• Local Wendy’s Owner Says It’s All About People

  Features, May 16, 2012

  Business is up at the four Wendy’s restaurants in Albany this year, according to owner David Ivey. Sales have been building over the past two years despite a down economy.

• The Veranda Celebrates its 60th Anniversary

  Features, May 08, 2012

  This month, The Veranda marks 60 years of providing quality health care to Albany women and their families. Dr. John Inman Jr. opened a solo medical practice in obstetrics and gynecology in the summer of 1952.

• Brooks Furniture Welcomes Pam McDonald-Garrett as Co-Owner

  Features, May 06, 2012

  On April 17, Brooks Furniture announced Pam McDonald-Garrett is now a co-owner of the company with Robert Brooks, Jr. McDonald-Garrett was previously president of JLA Global, a multinational analytical and technical agricultural corporation.

• Albany ARC Announces Fourth Annual Mexican Fiesta May 17th

  Features, May 01, 2012

  On May 17, the Albany Advocacy Resource Center will hold its Fourth Annual Mexican Fiesta, one of the largest fundraising events for the agency that serves individuals with developmental disabilities across Southwest Georgia.

• Albany SBDC Sees Shift in Challenges Facing Business Leaders

  Features, April 17, 2012

  Debbie Finney, head of the Albany office of the Georgia Small Business Development Center, says that activity level at the SBDC stays high regardless of the economy. It's just the nature of the questions that changes.

• U.S. Press Grows with a Can-Do Attitude

  Features, April 10, 2012

  Founded 30 years ago, U.S. Press, LLC is a $5 million company providing color printing and related services that is growing at a nice clip despite the slow economy. Founder and owner Kent Buescher chalks it up to a can-do attitude.

• U.S. Business Products Sees Accelerated Pace in Marketing

  Features, April 03, 2012

  Information overload from the Internet has raised the level of noise that marketers must overcome to reach consumers and shortened the window of time they can hold their attention. USBPI Manager Sterling Phillips talks about the change in marketing he is seeing and changes they have made to continue growing.

• An Interview With New Chamber President/CEO Chris Hardy

  Features, April 01, 2012

  In an exclusive question and answer with AlbanyCEO, new Albany Area Chamber President/CEO Chris Hardy talks about his decision to come to Albany, and some priorities he sees in the first few months on the job.

• Easter Seals Southern Georgia Adapts to New Ways of Giving

  Features, March 27, 2012

  Executive Director of Easter Seals Southern Georgia Beth English talks about the change in fundraising strategy at Easter Seals, and how through that they are now able to help more people than ever.

• Dr. Kamil Hanna Brings Rare Cardiovascular Discipline to Southern Georgia

  Features, March 20, 2012

  Dr. Kamil Hanna, a board-certified electrophysiologist, has been practicing at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital for about five years. He shares about the growing problem of Arrhythmia, and the investment in technology and expertise that Phoebe has invested in to combat it.

• Relationships Sustain Albany's Custom Interiors

  Features, March 13, 2012

  Daphine McKenzie, owner of Custom Interiors in Leesburg, talks about how relationships in Albany sustained their business during the recession, how sales are showing signs of rebounding, and how at Custom Interiors the people make all the difference.

• Mauldin & Jenkins Outlines 2011 Tax Challenges

  Features, March 06, 2012

  With filing deadlines for state and federal tax returns rapidly approaching, business owners face a number of challenges in preparing and paying 2011 taxes. Among them are expanded reporting requirements, last-minute changes to the tax code and, in general, increasing complexity in the tax system. Partner-in-charge of Mauldin & Jenkins Albany Office John McDuffie talks about the changes and uncertainty in the tax system.

• Alltel Wireless Sees Generational Shift in Phone Usage

  Features, March 04, 2012

  According to a 2010 study by the National Center for Health Statistics reported in USA Today, 26.5 percent of Georgia households with adults and children aged 18 or older rely on wireless phone service as their primary home phone. Alltel Sales Manager for southern Georgia Byron Williams talks about Alltel filling the need in the area.

• Albany's Victory Vision Sets Sights on Growth

  Features, February 28, 2012

  An economic recovery could provide a big boost to optometrists, according to IBISWorld, a market research organization that specializes in long-range forecasting. People who may have put off an eye exam or the purchase of a new pair of glasses during the economic downturn are likely to begin making eye exam appointments as conditions improve. At Victory Vision P.C. in the Albany Mall, Business is improving.

• AIA Logo Marketing Group Drives Sales With Service

  Features, February 26, 2012

  Last year was a good year for AIA Logo Marketing Group with strong sales in the health care, home chemical, agricultural chemical and electrical market segments. Owner and President Roger Rachals credits the success in a slow economy to the strong customer service culture at the company.

• Nexxtep Technology Services Helps Local Businesses Decipher Cloud Computing

  Features, February 21, 2012

  Nexxtep Technology Vice President Ryan Williams talks about the company and its recent growth, and how having an online presence for your business is essential in todays world. Nexxtep's will be hosting a "Business Gone Mobile," Luncheon in Albany Thursday, March 8th at the Hilton.

• Chehaw Attendance Up in 2011

  Features, February 19, 2012

  Chehaw Executive Director Doug Porter talks about the rise in attendance in 2011, the evolution of the park over the last 75 years, the new African Veldt Exhibit, and how Chehaw is expanding as a regional attraction.

• Albany Mall Bridal Expo Showcases 2012 Wedding Trends

  News, February 14, 2012

• Darton College Hires New Dean of Institutional Advancement and Public Relations

  Features, February 14, 2012

  In January, Tracy Goode joined his alma mater, Darton College, as Dean of Institutional Advancement and Public Relations. Goode takes on this role, which includes raising awareness and funds for the school's programs, as Darton prepares to offer its first four-year baccalaureate program this fall.

• Walden and Kirkland Embraces Latest Technology

  Features, February 12, 2012

  From QR codes on For Sale signs to widgets on their home page and a 24/7 property information line, Walden and Kirkland is embracing the latest in technology to help their clients buy and sell properties quickly and at a good value.

• Doc Heilinbel's Pharmacy Emphasizes Personal Touch

  Features, February 05, 2012

  With the advent of national pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreen's and Walmart, the old-fashioned pharmacist who personally knows the customers and is invested in their care has become somewhat of an anomaly. That is unless you are at Doc Heilinbel's Pharmacy in Albany.

• Albany's Human Resources Inc. Sees Business Uptick

  Features, January 29, 2012

  Beth Lane, Manager for Human Resources Inc. in Albany, talks about the company's history and services they provide, and shares insight into how healthcare reform is affecting businesses.

• Katz Floorcovering Urges Consumers to Buy Local

  Features, January 24, 2012

  Chuck and Sara Katz, Owners of Katz Floorcovering in Leesburg, give some background about their company. They also talk about the affect the housing market has on businesses, and share some thoughts on buying local.

• SWGA Regional Airport Director Cautiously Optimistic for 2012

  Features, January 22, 2012

  Yvette Aehle, SWGA Regional Airport director, talks about what she expects for the airport in 2012. She also talks about the presence UPS brings to the area and gives an update on the new terminal project.

• Toyota of Albany Expects Big Year

  Features, January 17, 2012

  Mike Neves, General Manager for Toyota of Albany, looks back on 2011. He gives insight on the growing popularity of hybrids, and how the internet has become the go-to point for today's informed car consumer.

• Albany Electric Launches Plumbing Service in 2012

  Features, January 10, 2012

  With the start of the New Year, Albany Electric has launched a new plumbing service, Albany Plumbing. The firm has hired a Master Plumber with more than 17 years of experience in the plumbing business.

• EDC President Ted Clem: It's Every Business Leaders' Job to Sell Albany

  Features, January 08, 2012

  Ted Clem, President of Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, takes a look back at Albany's 2011 success. He also shares ADEDC's focus on retailing, the financing hurdle that many are coming in contact with, and how peoples impression of Albany may surprise you.

• Albany Chick-fil-A Believes Service Starts with Hiring

  Features, December 13, 2011

  On Wednesdays leading up to the holidays, AlbanyCEO will focus on several areas of Albany's Chick-fil-A that helps make their operation a success. This week, Anna Wari, director of Human Resources, shares how Chick-fil-A believes service starts with hiring.

• Local Manager Valerie Benton Publishes "Greater Heights"

  Features, December 11, 2011

  Valerie Benton, who works full-time as the public relations manager for Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, self-published the book "Greater Heights," while writing from local coffee shops and restaurants.

• Albany Chick-fil-A Makes Customers Feel Welcome

  Features, December 06, 2011

  On Wednesdays leading up to the holidays, AlbanyCEO will focus on several areas of Albany's Chick-fil-A that helps make their operation a success. This week, Sara Wari, general manager, shares how Chick-fil-A makes customer service the #1 priority.

• Catherine Glover Hopes to Bring Workers to Albany in New Role

  Features, December 04, 2011

  Catherine Glover reflects on her time as head of the Albany Chamber of Commerce, and how she hopes to bring new growth to Albany at her new position at Equinox Chemical.

• Albany Chick-fil-A Caters with Customers in Mind

  Features, November 29, 2011

  On Wednesdays leading up to the holidays, AlbanyCEO will focus on several areas of Albany's Chick-fil-A that helps make their operation a success. This week, Lawrence Knighton, who is responsible for outside catering sales, shares how Chick-fil-A caters with the customer in mind.

• ShredEX Fights Identity Theft in Albany

  Features, November 27, 2011

  Britt Garwood, general manager of ShredEX in Albany, shares how ShredEX helps customers fight identity theft, how the recession has been good for their business, and how ShredEX helps lower the environmental impact in the area.

• Petal Pushers Flower Shoppe Pushes Through a Tough Economy

  News, November 13, 2011

• MSA Chiropractic Meets Growing Demand for Alternative Therapies

  Features, November 08, 2011

  Dr. Davis Kinney of MSA Chiropractic Sport and Spine in Albany shares of the growing demand for alternative therapies as an important part of todays health benefits.

• Another Look at AlbanyCEO's Mayorial Candidates Interviews

  Features, November 06, 2011

  With Election Day looming on November 8th, AlbanyCEO.com recaps the interviews conducted with the three candidates for mayor: Dorothy Hubbard, John White, and BJ Fletcher.

• Crown Networking Consultants Encourages Proactive Computing

  Features, November 01, 2011

  Kyle Boyd, President of Crown Networking Consultants in Albany, shares how staying on top of the latest software and new technologies is essential for small businesses.

• BJ Fletcher Cites Job Creation Experience

  Features, October 30, 2011

  On Mondays leading up to Election Day on Nov. 8, AlbanyCEO.com will feature a profile of one of the candidates for mayor of Albany. This week, we profile BJ Fletcher.

• Meeting a Need at the Hilton Garden Inn Albany

  Features, October 25, 2011

  Erin Whatley of the Hilton Garden Inn Albany shares how the Hilton is benefitting from downtown growth. She also shares how the Albany Conference Center can accommodate all of your meeting needs.

• John White Thinks Globally for Albany

  Features, October 24, 2011

  On Mondays leading up to Election Day on Nov. 8, AlbanyCEO.com will feature a profile of one of the candidates for mayor of Albany. This week, we profile John White.

• Albany's Breakaway Cycles Sees Growing Interest in Biking

  Features, October 19, 2011

  Gene Kirk, owner of Breakaway Cycles, shares about how biking in Albany is growing in popularity, and what cycling events are coming up in the community.

• Dorothy Hubbard Seeks to Build a Team for Albany

  Features, October 17, 2011

  On Mondays leading up to Election Day on Nov. 8, AlbanyCEO.com will feature a profile of one of the candidates for mayor of Albany. This week, we profile Dorothy Hubbard.

• Albany Businesses Give Students with Disabilities Real-World Experience

  Features, October 12, 2011

  Amanda Wildes, Program Coordinator of Lee County High School's Vocational Instruction Program, talks about how students with disabilities are gaining valuable job experience at Albany area businesses.

• Albany Aflac Agent Melissa Etheridge Sells Peace of Mind For Good Times and Bad

  Features, October 03, 2011

  Albany's Melissa Etheridge from Aflac Insurance tells how Aflac sells peace of mind, enhances employee benefits, and talks about Aflac's dedication to cancer treatment and research.

• Business is Booming at Plato’s Closet in Albany

  Features, September 28, 2011

  Stacey Scott, owner of Plato's Closet, talks about the boom in business since opening, and the lengths she went to in order to make Plato's Closet in Albany a reality.

• Jim Wilcox of WALB Sees Encouraging Growth in Albany

  Features, September 21, 2011

  Jim Wilcox, Vice President and General Manager of WALB-TV, shares how advertising is up, and how he sees encouraging growth in Albany.

• Albany Communications Benefits From Public Safety Priorities

  Features, September 19, 2011

  Jim Deal, President of Albany Communications, shares how they benefit from public safety priorities.

• Mike Marz on How Small Business Owners are Weathering Todays Economic Uncertainty

  Features, September 12, 2011

  Mike Marz of SunTrust Bank in Albany talks about the how some small business owners are weathering todays economic uncertainty.

• Pace Burt Believes Economic Recovery Will Be Years in the Making

  Features, August 24, 2011

  Albany Developer Pace Burt shares his thoughts on the real estate market, and how the economy has shifted focus within his business.

• World Camp CrossFit Scales Elite Training to All Levels of Ability

  Features, August 22, 2011

  World Camp CrossFit's Kris Morrill shares their training approach, placing 18th at the CrossFit World Games, and what sets World Camp in Albany apart from other gyms.

• Bush Animal Clinic's Dr. Chupp Shares About Advanced Medical Care for Pets

  Features, August 15, 2011

  Many pet-owners treat their dog or cat more like a child than an animal. That’s good news for Bush Animal Clinic, where business has remained steady throughout the tough economic times.

• Tim Thomas Sees Regional Cooperation as Key to Growth

  Features, August 10, 2011

  With unemployment stubbornly high, attracting industry to the area is a top priority. State Farm agent Tim Thomas believes city and county leaders in Dougherty and Lee Counties need to work together to promote the region and attract large employers.

• Repair Services Set Allen’s Jewelers Apart

  Features, August 08, 2011

  According to Allen, people seem a little more willing to spend this year than in the past two or three years. For example, wedding engagements this summer have led to solid retail sales. However, 2012 may be a different story.

• Sylvia Phillips of Remax Albany Sees Signs of Stability

  Features, August 01, 2011

  In Dougherty and Lee counties, sales of single-family detached homes in 2011 are holding relatively steady with 2010 sales, according to Sylvia Phillips of Remax of Albany. Through July, 464 homes had sold and another 125 sales were pending within the next 30 to 60 days. That’s on pace with the full-year total sales in 2010 of 816 homes.

• Geer & Associates Delivers Hands-On Accounting Service

  Features, July 13, 2011

• BJ Fletcher Believes Strong Mayor Means Strong Albany

  Features, July 11, 2011

  “Albany is one of the few cities left in the state without a strong mayor. In 2000, Albany was listed as one of the 10 leading cities in Georgia, but not anymore. Now Valdosta, which has a strong mayor, has moved into the top 10,” Fletcher said.

• Albany IT Sees Security Risks for Businesses on Facebook

  Features, July 06, 2011

  “Social media specifically is being targeted by hackers. Most businesses think security programs like Norton or McAfee will protect their computers and networks, but even with those programs it’s very easy to get a virus from Facebook,”

• Occupancy Levels Are Up in Downtown Albany

  Features, June 29, 2011

  Aaron Blair, Albany’s Downtown Manager, counted 59 vacant buildings in downtown at the beginning of this year and set a goal of increasing occupancy by 25 percent by year-end 2011. By his count that translates into bringing 13 new businesses into the area this year.

• Beauty Aspirations Benefit Simply You Med Spa

  Features, June 23, 2011

  With uncertain economic news dominating the headlines, consumers have remained cautious. Despite the uncertainty business at Simply You Medical Spa has been "fantastic".

• Flexibility and Functionality Dominate Commercial Interior Design Trends

  Features, June 08, 2011

  With budget constraints topping the agenda at most organizations, it’s not surprising that the focus on flexibility and functionality is driving many interior design decisions. According to Beth Schultz, ASID, interior designer for SRJ Architects, specifications for new schools, libraries and offices typically include flexible, multipurpose furnishings and colors that enhance the functionality of the space.

• Studio 413 Salon & Spa Investigates What's New in Beauty

  Features, June 06, 2011

  In early June, beauty industry professionals from around the U.S. and 14 other countries will gather in Orlando at Premiere Orlando 2011, an international beauty event, to learn what’s new in products, trends and techniques. Among them will be Monica Grantham and the staff of Studio 413 Salon & Spa in Albany.

• Facebook Takes on High Gas Prices

  Features, June 02, 2011

  Protestors in Egypt enlisted the power of Facebook to topple their government. Albany Mayor Pro Tem Roger Marietta tried to use that same power to send a message to the companies and individuals responsible for today’s high gas prices. On a Public Event Facebook page, Marietta called for consumers to “minimize your use of gas for the month (of May) until the price drops below $3 per gallon.”

• Daniel Titus Offers Tips for Creating Successful Websites

  Features, May 31, 2011

  With widespread adoption of smartphones, Facebook and Twitter, more people are connecting online than ever before. That means everyone – from a small business to a stay-at-home mom – needs a web presence, according to Daniel Titus, website developer and graphic designer.

• Georgia Manufacturers Succeed on Change

  Features, May 26, 2011

  Output from U.S. factories rose in March for the fifth straight month and consumer confidence as measured by the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan preliminary index increased. Georgia manufacturing is also on the upswing as companies operate with an increasingly positive mindset, according to Art Ford, Regional Manager for the South Region of Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute.

• Marietta Presents the Albany Advantages

  Features, May 19, 2011

  Albany Mayor Pro Tem Roger B. Marietta is optimistic about the future of the local economy, citing the presence of Albany Tech, Darton College and Albany State as evidence of the area’s potential.

• New Home Construction on the Rise in Southern Georgia

  Features, May 18, 2011

  Residential construction activity continues to improve in southern Georgia. Growth was limited in 2010, but it was a much better year for new home builders than 2009. Low appraisals have been an issue. Existing homeowners whose property appraises for less than the outstanding mortgage balance find themselves unable to trade up to a new home. However, Chris Strawn, division president for custom home builder America's Home Place, Inc. believes these issues will “start to self-correct by end of this year or mid-2012.”

• Vancleave Construction Customers Seek More Energy-Efficient Homes

  Features, May 10, 2011

  As the new home construction market continues to improve, more customers want to invest in energy-efficient homes, according to Fred Vancleave, owner of Vancleave Construction. At the same time building codes are also pushing “green.”

• Place 4 Hope Reaches 1,000 Client Contacts

  Features, May 04, 2011

  Open for only six months, A Place 4 Hope, a resource center for those who find themselves homeless, has made 1,000 client contacts, according to David Blackwell, chair of the Albany-Dougherty Coalition to End Homelessness. The center provides showers, laundry facilities, phone and Internet access as well as job training to help individuals and families move into stable housing conditions.

• Professional Approach Pays Off For With Perfection, Inc.

  Features, April 28, 2011

  Few businesses recorded their best year ever in 2009, stable revenues in 2010 and significant growth in first quarter of 2011. With Perfection Landscape Management, a landscape maintenance contractor for primarily commercial properties, recorded these positive results during a severe recession and weak economic recovery.

• Short Insurance Group Sees Economic Uptick

  Features, April 21, 2011

  The commercial insurance business offers a firsthand indicator of economic health. Sales and payrolls of commercial clients largely drive insurance premiums. According to David Short of Short Insurance Group, payrolls and sales have increased in the last four to five months.

• Elite Fitness Management Makes Fitness Attainable

  Features, April 20, 2011

  Thanks to rising health care costs in the U.S. and a growing population of obese and overweight individuals, the fitness industry grew through the recession, according to Matt Thompson of Elite Fitness Management, a personal-training management firm.

• Albany Mall Bucks National Trend

  Features, April 13, 2011

  Average mall vacancy rates in the top 80 U.S. markets reached 9.1 percent in the first quarter, the highest level in 11 years according to real-estate research company Reis Inc. Communities across the U.S. are grappling with an associated decrease in sales tax revenues and more importantly the loss of an important gathering place. Not so in Albany where the Albany Mall continues to thrive.

• Bishop Clean Care Led by Natural Problem Solvers

  Features, February 22, 2011

• Dougherty Blueprint Launches “i do” Printery

  Features, February 17, 2011

• Still Pond Vineyard and Winery Launches Four New Wine Blends

  Features, February 15, 2011

• Dale Saunders Offers Albany Dining Options

  Features, February 10, 2011

• Brooks Furniture Thrives in Downturn

  Features, December 08, 2010

• Terry Ho's 9 Restaurants & Counting

  Features, November 17, 2010

• Alan Greer Promotes Recycled, Affordable Printer Cartridges

  Features, November 14, 2010

• DJ's II Expands with SOWEGA Limo

  Features, November 10, 2010

• Bil & Wes Sadler with Sadler Capital Management Plan for the Financial Future

  Features, November 08, 2010

• Duane Dodson says GA Power Promotes Industrial Development

  Features, November 04, 2010

• Chuck Knight at Knight's Appliance Offers Big-Box Pricing

  Features, November 02, 2010

• Ward Summerell says Advanced Sprinkler and Backflow Supports Safe Water

  Features, September 09, 2010

• Dr. Steve Kitchen Discusses Women's Health Professional's Expanding Services

  Features, September 02, 2010

• Rhonda Evans at Dougherty Blueprint Turns Digital Photos into Fine Art

  Features, August 31, 2010

• Randy Landers say Fast Copy is Expanding

  Features, August 26, 2010

• Dennis Mayer with Once Upon a Grill has a Taste of Customer Appreciation

  Features, August 23, 2010

• Clean Start

  Features, June 18, 2010

• U.S. Business Products Thrives on Technology

  Features, May 27, 2010

• Distinctive Medical Practices at The Veranda

  Features, May 24, 2010

• Albany State Presents an Intriguing High-Tech Vision

  Features, May 21, 2010

• Xerox Distributor Going Green

  Features, May 17, 2010

• Expert Staff Makes the Difference at Backwoods Outdoors

  Features, May 13, 2010

• Litigation Expertise Supports Positive Outlook at Watson Spence

  Features, May 12, 2010

• Accounting for Steady Growth at Draffin & Tucker LLP

  Features, May 11, 2010

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