April 2014 Features

• AT&T Commits to Georgia’s Future

  April 30, 2014

  AT&T made a significant investment in both serving Georgia customers and employing more Georgians in 2013 through the communication company’s Project Velocity IP. Georgia CEO spoke to AT&T Media Relations Manager Ann Elsas on the impact AT&T is having on the state.

• Lessons Learned From Your 2013 Tax Return

  April 28, 2014

  With another tax filing deadline in the rearview mirror, most people don’t think about taxes until the next year. However, take a few moments to review your return before you stock it away. This year’s return can provide valuable information on the financial health of your business, as well as show you ways to improve your tax situation in time for next year’s filing.

• Research Shows How Retirees Strengthen Georgia’s Economy

  April 24, 2014

  The State of Georgia can bolster its economy by attracting more retirees, according to new research from the University of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Growth.

• Batson-Cook Construction: Building Partnerships First

  April 23, 2014

  From its humble beginnings in the early 20th century in West Point, Ga., Batson-Cook Construction has always operated on the philosophy of building relationships with clients and partnerships with its owners, architects and subcontractors on every building project.

• Yes, Top Performing Businesses Pay More in Taxes

  April 21, 2014

  Do businesses pay their fair share of taxes? Should they pay more in taxes and are they paying considerably less than everyone else? Many consumers seem to believe they’re held more accountable for their income taxes than businesses, especially around tax time.

• Q&A with Georgia DOL’s Business Service Unit Director

  April 17, 2014

  As the Georgia Department of Labor approaches the first anniversary of their Business Service Unit, we chatted with Director Linda Manis about their progress in year one and what lies ahead for the BSU.

• How Do You Optimize Your Facebook And Twitter Accounts?

  April 16, 2014

  Whether you need to promote your brand, share event pictures, connect with your clients or create a buzz, social media marketing is a necessity and not an option any more. An optimized social media profile shows your strong social media presence. But how do you elevate your social media profile to establish a strong connection with your fans? Let’s explore two of the most popular social media platforms and how you can optimize them.

• The #1, Best Exercise To Do With Your Team

  April 14, 2014

  One of the hardest things about building trust in work environments is that there can always be ulterior motives to any good deed we do. We need each other at work. So, how can we do good for someone at work without expecting anything in return?

• Mercer University Beats Duke; Prepares for Continued Growth

  April 10, 2014

  The past few years have been all about growth for Mercer University—especially in the medical sector--with a continued effort to double the number of medical students by adding more programs for aspiring medical professionals, such as their Ph.D. in Clinical Medical Psychology degree and a four-year program added at the Savannah campus. The Mercer Health Sciences Center, which opened in 2012, is another piece to help "address the shortage of healthcare access in our region," President Underwood says.

• Savannah Author & Social Media Professional Debuts at #1 on Amazon in Category

  April 10, 2014

  Savannah writer and social media professional Shawndra Russell released a new ebook yesterday filled with tips for how business owners can step up their social media game.

• Newly Sworn SBA Chief Must Deal With Lending Defaults

  April 10, 2014

  Newly sworn-in Small Business Administration Chief Maria Contreras-Sweet may want to give small businesses access to more loans. But a bigger challenge may be adding some oversight to the administration’s current troubled loan guarantee program. Critics like the Government Accountability Office (GAO) say the program is already costing taxpayers billions. And that’s bad for everyone, small businesses included.

• Is 100% Customer Satisfaction Achievable? For This Company, Yes

  April 09, 2014

  Simplicity Sofas is a furniture manufacturer in High Point, NC. and an eCommerce retailer specializing in furniture for small spaces. After more than six years in business and $4 million in sales, the company has never received a negative review on their website – not one. We share 10 Tips For Achieving 100% Customer Satisfaction.

• Business Ethics 101: Care, Deliver and Do The Right Thing

  April 07, 2014

  This starts with our personal fundamentals, values and ethics. This is the foundation for a solid brand and reputation in the business space. If you want to be respected, taken seriously, referred and enjoy long term success, high business ethics must be our priority. Ethics are the values, company morals and culture in all your interactions and relationships. It’s your moral compass.

• Finding Manufacturing, Logistics Sites in Georgia Just Got Easier

  April 04, 2014

  The Georgia Ports Authority has updated its search engine for manufacturing and logistics sites to make it more comprehensive and easier to access. The GPA’s web-based Commercial Corridors Tool now works on all platforms, including mobile devices.

• Former Fort Gordon Commanding General to Share Leadership Rules at Success Seminar

  April 03, 2014

  Larry Miller recently announced that retired U.S. Army Brigadier Gen., Jeffrey Foley, former Fort Gordon Commanding General, has agreed to serve as the keynote speaker for the CSRA Home Connections Networking Breakfast and Success Seminar at Be My Guest Catering & Events in Evans on the morning of April 16th.

• Why the IRS and BLS Disagree on Self-Employment Trends

  April 02, 2014

  Are more or fewer Americans engaged in self-employment than a decade ago? While you might think that this is a simple factual question, its answer depends on which federal government agency’s numbers you look at.