Features
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QR Codes: Right for Your Business?
December 10, 2012
Daniel Titus of DanielTitus.com recalls the hype of QR codes a while back. How they were going to be the next big thing. Now, a bit of the hype has died down, and some of the interest has too. This leaves one to wonder if QR codes ever had the potential to be good for one’s business. He discusses some things to consider before using them in your business.
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Want to Franchise a Business? 5 Sacred Rules to Become the Next Great Franchise
December 07, 2012
Two experiences have helped deepen my understanding of the five Sacred Rules that distinguish great franchise opportunities. I offer them here, in case you are considering converting your business into a franchise company.
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Ameris Bank Sees Favorable Outlook in Albany
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.
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Senator Saxby Chambliss Talks Truth About Taxes
December 03, 2012
Senator Saxby Chambliss shares his views on the growing debt that our country is continuing to build, and how simply raising taxes are not the answer.
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If at First You Don’t Succeed, You’re About Average
November 30, 2012
Having witnessed our Buster Posey and the Giants sweep the 2012 World Series last month, Albany CEO contributor Doug Robinson shares the following excerpt from his recently-released book, “Sell is NOT a Four Letter Word."
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Invision Technologies, LLC Helps Power Local Job Creation
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.
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2012 Georgia Academy for Economic Development Announces Albany Area Graduates
November 27, 2012
The Board of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development announces the graduates of their 2012 Region 10 Multi-Day Training Program. 12 graduates hail from the good life city.
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Daniel Titus Shares How to Get the Most Out of Your Website Design
November 26, 2012
Daniel Titus of DanielTitus.com shares a few tricks of the trade to help you get the most out of your website design.
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Thanksgiving Travel to Increase for 4th Consecutive Year, Bringing Economic Boost
November 16, 2012
AAA projects 43.6 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, an increase of 0.7 percent over the 43.3 million people who traveled last year. This increase marks the fourth consecutive year of growing holiday travelers since 2008 when Thanksgiving travel fell by 25 percent. The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, Nov. 21 to Sunday, Nov. 25.
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Bil Sadler Talks About How to Take a Hardship Withdrawal from a 401(k)
November 15, 2012
There's no question the past five years have been some of the toughest economic times since the Great Depression. Many people have been out of work, and some for prolonged periods. If work has been found, it's possible for lesser pay. An extended economic slowdown, such as this, eventually can take its toll on more and more people, including the affluent. Thats why hardship withdrawals from 401(k)'s have been on the rise in the past few years.
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Albany's Integra Business Alternatives Plans to Expansion in Columbus
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.
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How to Leverage Big Brands for Your Small Business
November 12, 2012
No man is an island, and no small business is either. As small business owners, we know that success requires reaching out to others. You can’t do it all on your own. At least… you can’t do it all on your own and be anywhere near sane by the end of the quarter. By leveraging big brands, you’ll be able to boost your own reputation and solidify those leads you’re already working on.
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The Five Most Important Estate Planning Documents
November 09, 2012
It may be the subject matter — death, incapacity and taxes — that causes us to avoid estate planning. However, the fact is that, no matter what your age or how much wealth you’ve accumulated, you need an estate plan to protect yourself, your loved ones and your assets — both now while you’re still active as well as after your death. Having an effective estate plan is one of the most important things you can do for your family.
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Albany Technical College Launches Center for Business Solutions
November 07, 2012
Albany Technical College has officially launched its new Center for Business Solutions (CBS), which will serve as an extension of the College's Economic Development division to provide expanded business solutions for area employers. Dedicated to improving workplaces around all of Southwest Georgia, CBS will focus heavily on providing customized business training and continuing education, as well as provide outlets on the college campus for venues and services to clients.
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Renovations, New Starbucks Coming to Hilton Garden Inn
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.
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Respect the Process: MillerCoors Employees Blend Art & Science to Create Great Beer
November 05, 2012
At MillerCoors, brewing beer is more than following a formula. Tim Dill, Vice President of the Albany brewery, explains how new employees join an experienced workforce to create a product the customer desires.
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Darton State College Hosting Men's Soccer Championship Set to Bring Economic Impact to Albany
November 02, 2012
City officials and business owners alike can anticipate a surge of over 4,000 spectators and hundreds of student-athletes, coaches and supporting staff to come to Albany this November with Darton State College Hosting the 2012 NJCAA Men’s Soccer National Championship Tournament. It is expected to bring an economic impact of about $830,000 for the Albany area.
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NEOS Technologies Sees Technology-Driven Future for Albany
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.
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The Myth of Customer Service
October 29, 2012
There’s a pervasive myth about customer service that, if you believe it, could have devastating consequences for your small business. It’s one you’ve probably heard dozens, if not hundreds, of times over the life of your business.
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Sheriff Kevin Sproul Offers Holiday Safety Tips Businesses & Shoppers Alike
October 26, 2012
The holiday season is upon us. Unfortunately, many holiday shoppers may fall prey to unscrupulous criminals who hang out in mall and shopping center parking lots, doing their “shopping” from the packages placed in parked vehicles. Some foresight and planning can reduce the chances of becoming a victim during a season that should be a joyous and loving celebration.
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Modern Gas Opens New Showroom
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.
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Prince Automotive Plans New GM Dealership in Lee County
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.
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What Should You Do With A Dying Industry: Run or Reinvent?
October 19, 2012
Things change. The business owner knows that better than any one. Change can alter the impact of your company. And if it’s not the kind of change that you’re looking for, it can kill your bottom line. We change everyday. Our favorite items may not be our favorites any more. When we change our mind, we alter our spending to match our new taste. It’s the same for your clients, they can change their minds and their spending habits.
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Pent-Up Demand Turns to Sales at Turner's Fine Furniture
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.
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Mac Business Systems Opens Albany Store
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.