Features
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5 Ways to Boost Your Retail Sales This Summer
June 18, 2014
For many retailers, summer isn’t exactly the high season. But that doesn’t mean it has to be a bust. With summer about to go into full swing, have you thought about how you’ll boost business for your retail store this season?
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Al Newton on the Personal Liability of an Executor for the Decedent's Taxes
June 16, 2014
A recent ruling of a Maryland federal court, although ultimately containing facts not sympathetic to the defendants, highlights the minefield of risks facing a personal representative appointed to settle the estate of a loved one. Attorney Al Newton with Watson Spence gives us some commentary on the matter.
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4 Steps to Facing the Challenge in Strategy
June 13, 2014
Strategy is a way through a difficulty, an approach to overcoming an obstacle, a response to a challenge. If the challenge is not defined, it is difficult or impossible to overcome it.
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Blanchard Leadership Forum Brings Big Names to Georgia
June 12, 2014
The Jim Blanchard Leadership Forum consistently hosts some of the biggest names in business during this annual event on August 25th and 26th, and this year’s event lives up to its expectations. The 2014 line-up is headlined by Entrepreneur Mark Cuban and Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg.
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Wayne Jones Joins Clear Channel Media & Entertainment in Albany
June 11, 2014
Since joining Clear Channel Media and Entertainment in Albany in early April as general sales manager, Wayne Jones has been learning the ropes of a new market, new company and new community. He moved here from a larger market, Dallas, Texas, where he worked for a much smaller, privately held company.
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Is the USDOJ Trying to Shut Down Businesses it Doesn’t Like?
June 09, 2014
What if government officials suddenly decided they didn’t like your business? Then they went to your bank and warned them you were a bad risk and that the government had its eye on you? Suppose the government brought so much pressure to bear that before long, your bank closed down your account or refused to open new ones in your name or the name of your business. Apparently, this is exactly what is happening with the U.S. Department of Justice initiative called “Operation Choke Point.”
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Justin Strickland Approved as ADEDC President
June 06, 2014
The Board of Directors of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission approved interim president Justin Strickland as the agency’s permanent chief.
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Deductions, Tax Credits, & Government Subsidies for Health Care
June 05, 2014
What does it all mean? Judging from comments on previous items, there is much confusion about this terminology and how it impacts health coverage for small business owners.
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9 Things You Shouldn’t Overlook When Planning Your Next Event
June 04, 2014
Business events are a great way to build relationships with potential partners, meet investors and network. But making sure your event goes well requires a lot of forethought and planning. There’s nothing worse than a lousy event. From location to food, there’s much to consider when picking the perfect venue for your event.
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Georgia Manufacturing Activity Continues Growth in May
June 03, 2014
Georgia manufacturing activity remained strong for May, even as new orders fell from its high April reading, according to the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) released today by Kennesaw State University’s Econometric Center in the Michael J. Coles College of Business.
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SASCO Chemical Receives Presidential Award for Exports
June 02, 2014
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today presented SASCO Chemical Group with the President’s “E” Award for Exports at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The “E” Awards are the highest recognition any U.S. entity may receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.
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Sheriff Kevin Sproul on Securing Your Home for Summer
May 30, 2014
Summer is upon us! Summer is a season that can bring increased burglaries and other property crimes. Because of this, I would like to share some advice that may help you keep your home safe so that you can enjoy your family time without worry.
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Georgia Credit Unions Impact Their Members, Their Communities & Beyond
May 29, 2014
Georgia credit unions are committed to helping their members afford their lives. But the impact of credit unions reaches far beyond the branch walls. As not-for-profit institutions, credit unions contribute their resources to the greater good of their communities. They live out the values of working together to accomplish more, and the difference they make is felt across Georgia every day.
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Behind the Scenes at Medient's $700 Million Georgia StudioPlex
May 28, 2014
“Georgia’s film industry is booming,” touted Governor Nathan Deal in last week’s video address to the Savannah Economic Development Authority’s (SEDA) annual luncheon, and rightfully so. Employment, tax revenue and new construction are rising steadily throughout the state. However, one proposed development in Effingham County near Savannah should be a warning to all counties in Georgia. This is the story of how a proposed $700 million “Disneyland meets Googleplex” development has created high hopes for one Georgia community only to be at risk by the players involved.
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Working Flextime? According to New Research, Bosses Prefer Early Birds to Night Owls
May 27, 2014
In a new study of flexible work policies, researchers at the University of Washington Foster School of Business have found that people who elect to work an early shift are perceived by their bosses to be better employees than those who work a later shift.
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Your Brand Equals Higher Profits
May 23, 2014
It's proven. Strong brands drive higher profits. In fact, most of the value of some of the biggest corporations in the world are their brand, not their buildings or the equipment.
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Secondary Self-Employment in Decline
May 22, 2014
Fewer Americans are working for themselves than did at the turn of the 21st century. That’s true for both people’s primary and secondary jobs, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicate.
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Georgia Primaries Bring Expected Congressional Runoffs
May 21, 2014
Tuesday’s primary election results brought runoffs for candidates for both houses of Congress.
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Underdog Businesses Must Work Harder
May 20, 2014
Small business owners are almost always underdogs. They deal with competition from companies with much larger budgets and more resources at their disposal. So how can David compete with Goliath? In a recent sit-down with Inc.’s Issie Lapowski, author Malcolm Gladwell explained.
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Jimmy Lindsey Discusses Rules Versus Standards in the Workplace
May 19, 2014
An interesting and challenging idea is presented by Coach Mike Kryzyzewskie in his book, The Gold Standard. There are many noteworthy ideas throughout the book, but one statement that was particularly bold and that really got my attention was his declaration that “in developing teams, I don’t believe in rules.
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A Quick Guide to What You Should Be Doing NOW for the Affordable Care Act
May 16, 2014
Between the time President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law in 2010 and today, there have been a number of adjustments and changes to its implementation. One thing hasn’t changed, however. As of 2014, Americans, including solopreneurs and employees of small businesses, are required to carry health insurance as individuals. If you don’t, you may face a penalty come tax time. However, subsidies may be available to make coverage affordable.
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36 Percent of Small Business Owners Feel Optimistic – Do You?
May 15, 2014
Given the way people and politicians talk about us, you might think all small business owners are exactly alike, with the same motivations, goals and challenges. Of course we small business owners know that’s not true, and a sneak peak from the Infusionsoft 2014 Small Business Market Survey, conducted in partnership with Audience Audit, proves it.
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CooperCraft, Now ISNetworld Certified and Ready for Continued Growth
May 14, 2014
CooperCraft made the move from Sylvester to Tifton December 2011, and the transition has treated the company well. The easy access to I-75, continued growth of Tifton, and larger office space have all led to increased productivity and volume for the statewide company ran by childhood friends Jerry Cooper and Darrell Powell, who lived three houses apart since elementary school while growing up in Sylvester.
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Three Ways to Cut Costs for Your Small Business
May 13, 2014
Even with the economy on the rise, it’s general good practice to keep a check on your business costs and see if there’s any room for improvement when it comes to savings. As the old adage goes, “a penny saved is a penny earned.” Here are a few ways you might be able to cut costs and save your small business some money in the long run.
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When the Boss Calls After Hours
May 12, 2014
We shouldn’t laugh too hard about the agreement announced last month in France that sought to protect employees from after-hours texts and emails but confused a lot of people. Here in the United States, where we are known for our relentless work ethic, we are ignoring this issue and letting confusion govern what is expected from employees after they leave work.