Features
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MSA Offers New Approach to Pain Management
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.
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Do You Trust Your Employees to Work Remotely?
April 08, 2013
Yahoo’s Marissa Mayer unleashed a firestorm of commentary throughout the business world with her recent announcement that remote working was off the table for the tech company’s staffers, who will now be expected to show up in the office every day. If you’ve still got a nagging feeling that letting employees work at home means paying them to watch Cartoon Network in their jammies all day, how can you get over it?
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Commentary: Immigration Enhances Local Economies
April 04, 2013
Immigration is a divisive topic. Whenever a new segment of workers enter the market, it causes apprehension and distrust. While Arizona, Georgia, and Alabama are passing laws to restrict immigration, cities like St. Louis are openly courting immigrants in order to stem a steady loss of population.
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Prince Automotive Group Closes Purchase of Albany's Tri-State Peterbilt
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.
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Former Albany Chamber Executive Deborah Bowie Joining Gainesville Chamber as VP of Chamber Development
April 01, 2013
In an exclusive interview with Albany CEO, former Senior Director of Public Policy & Communications for the Albany Chamber Deborah Bowie announces her move to join the Gainesville Chamber in Gainesville, Florida.
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Film & Music Day at the Capitol Spotlights Industry's Impact on Georgia
March 28, 2013
The Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today celebrated the 40th anniversary of film and television productions in Georgia during Film & Music Day at the Capitol. Gov. Nathan Deal, Speaker David Ralston and Rep. Ron Stephens headlined the celebration, an annual recognition of the film and music industry’s importance to Georgia’s economy.
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5 Tips for Buying a Franchise
March 27, 2013
For those entrepreneurs itching to start their own business, purchasing a franchise can be a good alternative. Franchising can be less risky than starting a business from scratch. The franchisor has done a lot of the work for you. The business plan is ready made; there’s already strong brand name recognition, and the franchisor is often responsible for the marketing and advertising. However, any new business is risky, even a franchise. You may get an established name and business plan, but your success is ultimately up to you.
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10 Rules of Mobile Etiquette for Small Businesses
March 25, 2013
As small business owners, the mobile phone is one of our most important tools. So important, that we may forget that “anywhere and everywhere” is not our office. And as your business grows, it’s not just your own behavior with a cell phone you have to think about. You also have to make sure your employees exhibit professionalism, stay safe and present a positive public image of your business while using mobile devices.
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Why a Good February Jobs Report Might Be Deceiving
March 22, 2013
The February jobs report exceeded expectations with the unemployment rate falling to 7.7% and 236,000 jobs added. Darton State Economic Professor Aaron Johnson says while that suggests optimism, self-inflicted wounds from congressional gridlock may eventually lead to unnecessary damage to economic growth and unemployment.
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The Cancer Coalition of South Georgia Fights Cancer Here at Home
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.
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International Dignitaries to Tour Southwest Georgia Today
March 20, 2013
More than two dozen consular and trade officials from 23 countries will visit business and tourism centers in southwestern Georgia March 20-22 during Georgia’s 28th annual International VIP Tour. The tour, conducted by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), will showcase tourism destinations, businesses and economic development partnerships in the region, and provide Georgia’s diplomatic corps opportunities to meet local Georgians in Albany, Americus, Plains, Adel, Lakeland, Thomasville and Tifton.
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Scott Hunter on Why You Shouldn't Overload Your Portfolio with Company Stock
March 14, 2013
Many companies offer their employees a stock purchase plan, enabling them to purchase company stock at a discounted price and invest in the company they work for. While this can frequently be a great way to invest in the stock market, as an investor you need to question whether it’s good to load up too much on your company’s stock — or any company’s stock, for that matter. Wells Fargo Financial Advisor Scott Hunter shares more.
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Katz Floorcovering Finds Opportunities with National Partners
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.
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Maybe The Fed Is The Problem with Weak Recovery
March 12, 2013
Aaron Johnson, Economics Professor at Darton State College, digs deeper into reasons behind the weak economic recovery, and what role the Federal Reserve might be playing in it.
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Sherriff Kevin Sproul on Proposed Legislation Cuts for Law Enforcement
March 11, 2013
Dougherty County Sheriff Kevin Sproul shares his thoughts on House Bill 1, also called the Georgia Uniform Civil Forfeiture Procedure Act, and why he opposes the legislation.
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Finding the Right Sustainability Initiatives for Your Business
March 08, 2013
It’s easy to feel intimidated with sustainability. Once you address the basics—installing energy-efficient light bulbs and stationing recycle bins around the office—you may not know how to proceed. How do you determine which sustainability measures will ultimately pay for themselves and be the best investment for your business?
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Having Trouble Coaching “Sherlock the Sales Rep”?
March 07, 2013
This month local sales trainer and author Doug Robinson offers some comments to help you better manage Sherlock, your omnipresent sales guy. Certainly you are thankful for this senior, albeit anal, member on your sales team. You know who I’m talking about.
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Albany Tech, Southern Polytech Partner on Operations Management Program
March 07, 2013
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With Perfection Landscape Management Delivers Curb Appeal
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.
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Raising The Minimum Wage Will Hurt Job Creation, Research Shows
March 04, 2013
President Obama's State of the Union Address proposal to raise minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $9, with annual increases for inflation, has fired up both sides of the issue with proponents arguing that all workers should earn a good living and opponents saying the increase will cost jobs. Research at Texas A&M University shows that raising the minimum wage will reduce job creation, but not affect employee turnover or layoffs.
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7 Reasons You Should Switch to Google Apps
February 28, 2013
Late last year, Google Apps for Businesseliminated its free version. The reason? Many business users tended to outgrow the basic version too quickly and personal users were left waiting on updated features that had to become business ready before launching. But even with the new price tag, Google remains a viable option for small business.
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Albany Economic Outlook: Local Economy Stable, Still Facing Challenges
February 26, 2013
When reviewing the economic prospects for the Albany area in 2013, they can be described as stable, but highly susceptible to market shocks. Darton College Economics Professor Aaron Johnson digs deeper and gives some insight into Albany's economy for the coming year.
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Commentary: About These Rumors of Pending Senate Campaign Announcements…
February 25, 2013
Charlie Harper of Peach Pundit dives into the upcoming Georgia Senate race - the rumors, the motivations, and why there hasn't been any official word about who is running for Senator Chambliss' seat in 2014.
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Albany SBDC Offers GrowSmart Program for Area Business Leaders
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.
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Colson Printing Adapts to a Changing Industry
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.