June 2018 Features

• Hands-Free Law Will Become Effective on July 1st

  June 29, 2018

  House Bill 673, also known as the “Hands-Free Georgia Act,” will become effective on July 1, 2018. The legislation was introduced during the 2018 Legislative Session, passed both the Senate and House and was signed by Governor Nathan Deal on May 2nd.

• LaKisha Bryant Bruce Named DCSS Director of Community Relations

  June 28, 2018

  The Dougherty County Board of Education has voted to name LaKisha Bryant Bruce as the district’s Director of Community Relations. Bruce will assume the position effective September 1st.

• Phoebe Welcomes Largest Class of New Residents

  June 28, 2018

  The Phoebe Family Medicine Residency program officially expanded Wednesday by welcoming eight new residents for the first time. The growth puts the program on a pace to include a full complement of 24 residents two years from now.

• Auburn Mayor Linda Blechinger Elected President of GMA

  June 28, 2018

  Auburn Mayor Linda Blechinger was elected president of the Georgia Municipal Association during the association’s annual meeting in Savannah on Sunday, June 24th. The city of Auburn has maintained its old southern charm while evolving to attract businesses and provide valued amenities to its residents. Community members, local and state leaders credit much of this redevelopment success to Blechinger.

• How to Develop A Connected, State-Wide Innovation Ecosystem

  June 27, 2018

  Most entrepreneurs are jacks-of-all-trades who are equipped with the knowledge and abilities to solve business problems as they arise, but there are some obstacles that require a more specialized industry-centric approach. These are the challenges that keep business owners up at night because they don’t have the in-house expertise or resources necessary to develop a solution.

• Locate South GeorgiaLEADS Recruits Regional Leaders for Third Year

  June 26, 2018

  Locate South GeorgiaLEADS is actively recruiting for participants for the third year across a 21-county region in South Georgia. With Locate South GeorgiaLEADS, presented by Electric Cities of Georgia, recruiting the class for the 2018-2019 program, the region’s economic development initiative, Locate South Georgia seeks to link business and civic leaders, as well as elected and public officials, to the region’s economic development agenda and efforts.

• Charlie Harper: Transit Moves Beyond Atlanta

  June 26, 2018

  Last week Governor Nathan Deal assembled state leaders at Georgia’s Capitol for an announcement. The State would be contributing $100 Million toward building Bus Rapid Transit on Georgia 400 through North Fulton County. The money will leverage $184 Million in Federal Funds granted to build express lanes from I-285 to McFarland Road, bringing traffic relief to one of Georgia’s fastest growing and most congested corridors.

• Georgia Power Named Utility Communicator of the Year by UCI

  June 25, 2018

  Georgia Power has been recognized by Utility Communicators International as Communicator of the Year and took home the Best in Show award among 17 others in the annual Better Communications Competition held June 21st, in Louisville, Kentucky.

• Georgia Lottery Corp. Celebrates 25th Anniversary

  June 21, 2018

  The Georgia Lottery Corp. marked its 25th anniversary during a ceremony Wednesday at the Georgia State Capitol. Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin was joined by Gov. Nathan Deal to commemorate the occasion, which was a celebration of the Georgia Lottery, Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Program and Georgia’s Pre-K Program.

• Georgia Retains AAA Ratings for 21st Consecutive Year

  June 21, 2018

  Gov. Nathan Deal announced Georgia again earned a rating of AAA, with a stable outlook, from each of the three main credit rating agencies — Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s. Of the states that issue general obligation bonds, only nine currently meet this standard. These ratings resulted in low interest rates during the sale of state general obligation bonds to fund $1.32 billion for new projects.

• Study Indicates Pet Friendly Companies Are More Likely to Attract, Engage and Retain Employees

  June 19, 2018

  A recent study conducted by Nationwide, in partnership with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, reveals that 90 percent of employees in pet friendly workplaces feel highly connected to their company's mission; fully engaged with their work; and willing to recommend their employer to others. In contrast, less than 65 percent of employees in non-pet friendly workplaces made the same claims.

• Georgia Economy Achieves Record Job Creation & Employment in May

  June 15, 2018

  Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Georgia once again set records for employed residents, labor force and jobs for May, continuing a trend from previous months. The state is approaching the 5-million mark for employed residents. At the same time, Georgia posted more than 4.5 million jobs and a labor force of more than 5.1 million.

• 5 Secrets to Building Great Company Culture You May Not Have Realized

  June 15, 2018

  One thing I’ve learned across all the companies I’ve created is just how vital company culture is. This is especially true when you’re starting a new company and can’t afford to hire experienced veterans who command high salaries. So, how can you put great people in place without spending the fortune you haven’t earned yet? You create such an amazing culture that people want to work for you.

• Albany Tech Breaks Ground on $4.9M Carlton Construction Academy Renovation

  June 14, 2018

  Albany Technical College held a groundbreaking yesterday to kickoff Phase II renovations of the Carlton Construction Academy. The event was held at the current site of the Carlton Construction Academy. Phase II of the facility renovation will center on an extensive overhaul of the industrial warehouse space on the site.

• Phoebe CEO Joel Wernick to Retire Next Year

  June 08, 2018

  After a stellar 30-year career at Phoebe during which he oversaw incredible growth of the organization, Phoebe Putney Health System (PPHS) President & CEO Joel Wernick announced he will retire next year. “Joel has been an incredible asset to Phoebe and to our entire region of the state for three decades,” said PPHS Board Chairman Lem Griffin. “His years of dedicated experience will be missed, but we plan to conduct a thorough national search to identify a person best-suited to lead Phoebe into the future.”

• 4 Ways to Master Risk in Your Small Business Without Breaking a Sweat

  June 08, 2018

  Risk is something that few people enjoy. Sure, there are always daredevils who push things too far, but the majority of people are relatively cautious. And while there’s something to be said for protecting yourself, successful entrepreneurs don’t shy away from risk altogether.

• WebstaurantStore Expands in Albany

  June 07, 2018

  WebstaurantStore, along with the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, announced the industry’s expansion of its Albany distribution center though the addition of 40 new jobs along with significant pay scale increases.

• DCSS Awards More Than $463k in Charter System Innovation Grants

  June 07, 2018

  The Dougherty County School System awarded more than $463,000 to schools who are implementing innovative classroom and learning experiences for students. The grants were announced Wednesday during a luncheon at the Dougherty County School System Administrative building. The awards are a part of the funding from the Georgia Department of Education earmarked to the DCSS through the Charter System Program.

• AG Chris Carr: Frequently Asked Questions When It Comes to Open Records and Open Meetings

  June 07, 2018

• To Find Your Happy Place, Try Spending That Well-Earned Time Off on Jekyll Island

  June 06, 2018

  If you're hesitant about slipping away from the office for a couple weeks to take your family on that long-awaited summer vacation, relax. Research shows that vacation travel is the one type of travel that has virtually everyone's approval. Nestled on the Atlantic coast between Savannah and Jacksonville, Jekyll Island boasts a rare combination of activities, attractions and natural wonders that capture the imagination, regardless of age or interests.

• Coats & Clark Holds Grand Reopening and Ribbon Cutting of North American Distribution Center

  June 05, 2018

  Coats & Clark, together with the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, celebrated the grand reopening and ribbon cutting of its newly rebuilt North American distribution center in Albany.

• Grady EMS Opens South Georgia Headquarters

  June 05, 2018

  Grady EMS celebrated the grand opening of its South Georgia headquarters with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house on Friday, June 1st. The event also included an education and job fair for those looking for work or for more information about careers in emergency medical services.

• GDEcD Trade Mission to South America Opens New Markets

  June 05, 2018

  Recently, GDEcD International Trade Manager, Alice Carson, has been traveling across South America connecting Georgia businesses with new opportunities in Latin American markets. The mission involved stops in three countries: Colombia, Peru and Chile.

• Albany Area Chamber Launches ‘Albany Under 40’ Awards

  June 04, 2018

  The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce announced the launch of “Albany Under 40,” an awards program that honors and celebrates the Albany Area’s emerging leaders and professionals. The new program recognizes professionals in a variety of industries, each representing a component of the Albany Area’s diversified talentpool and economy.

• Aron Levine, Head of Consumer Banking & Merrill Edge, Offers Insight into Making a Difference in the Community this Year

  June 04, 2018

  Now that we’ve settled into 2018, if you’re anything like me, you’re re-thinking your progress on New Year’s resolutions. For some, this might mean evaluating your philanthropic or community involvement goals for the year. Or, you may be in the research stages of finding the specific causes or organizations you’ll support—either with your time or financial contribution.