December 2014 Features

  • Small Business Loans Bounce Back in November

    December 18, 2014

    Big bank lending to small businesses rebounded in November and resumed a positive trend that has lasted much of the year. This latest data from Biz2Credit’s Small Business Lending Index should be good news to any small business owner seeking more capital to expand or diversify their operations.

  • Many Now Believe There's Only One Albany

    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.

  • Last Minute Corporate Gift Ideas for When Time is Running Out

    December 16, 2014

    No one has to tell you that your business relationships are important. Saying thank you and showing your appreciation creates a good rapport with your colleagues, partners, and clients. One of the best ways to do this is with thoughtful and timely gifts. But often in the busy business world it’s not possible to spend a great deal of time picking the perfect gift for every person you work with.

  • Tis the Season for Strategic Giving

    December 15, 2014

    With the holidays just around the corner many are focused on giving back, especially in Atlanta, the fourth most charitable large metro in the United States. Forty-three percent of wealthy donors said that they make more charitable contributions during the holiday season compared to the rest of the year, according to the recent Bank of America Study on High Net Worth Philanthropy.

  • Daniel Titus: The Importance of an Honest Business Image

    December 12, 2014

    I am always telling people, "Trust your designer." Even if your designer is not me, trust your designer. However, it occurred to me recently that not all designers are honest. Not all creative people are honest about who they are or what kind of work they do or what kind of price they charge or ... whatever. It's shocking; I know. So, what is my advice to those who have a designer (or other creative professional) who is not honest? This is not something I say often because I think that one's work should speak for itself, but my advice is this.

  • HeritageBank to Merge with Mississippi-Based Renasant Corporation

    December 11, 2014

    Renasant Corporation and Heritage Financial Group, Inc. jointly announced today the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Renasant Corporation will acquire, in an all-stock merger, Heritage Financial Group, Inc., a bank holding company headquartered in Albany, Georgia, and the parent of HeritageBank of the South, aGeorgia savings bank.

  • Construction Begins on New Ambulatory Surgical Center in Albany

    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.

  • Regions Bank Georgia President: Going Beyond the Brick and Mortar Branch

    December 08, 2014

    Now that the U.S. has traversed the recession and planted its feet on the banks of a new economic era, the banking industry is strengthening. Leaders within the banking industry are mobilizing to reinvigorate commercial enterprises that make the economy hum. Bill Linginfelter, Area President of Regions Bank for Georgia and South Carolina, says, “We try to take a lot of the financial management tasks off their plates so they can spend more time developing their business or making more products or innovating.”

  • Albany Tech Named a Top School in Advanced Education's Guide to Colleges & Universities

    December 05, 2014

    Military Advanced Education (MAE) has awarded Albany Technical College the designation of a Top School in its 2015 MAE Guide to Colleges & Universities, measuring best practices in military and veteran education.

  • Mediacom Business Launches Real Customer Story Series

    December 03, 2014

    We recently chatted with Kristi Salmon, Mediacom Business’ Marketing Director, to find out what the telecommunications service provider is planning for 2015, especially concerning the hot topic of Google Fiber.

  • Who Do You Tip at the Holidays (and How Much)?

    December 02, 2014

    Tipping service providers during the holidays is a great way to show your appreciation for services throughout the year. Who do you tip at the holidays? And how much do you tip them? What is an appropriate gift or tip for that courier who always delivers your packages, or your hairdresser, or your landscaper?

  • BCBS Georgia President Morgan Kendrick: Blue Cross Blue Shield Starts New Healthcare Discussion

    December 01, 2014

    As the Affordable Care Act (ACA) continues to unfold, insurance providers and businesses, particularly small to medium sized businesses, continue to adjust. Making decisions that best serve both the bottom line and employees requires knowledge and flexibility. Morgan Kendrick, President, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa), acknowledges that the ACA is a response to health care costs that had risen to an untenable level.