May 2014 Features

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Local Real Estate Firm's Growth Coincides with Greater Augusta's Economic Expansion

    May 22, 2014

    The real estate market in the Greater Augusta area has recently been undergoing some new and exciting changes. These changes are also reflected in the positive growth at CENTURY 21 Larry Miller Realty.

  • Georgia Primaries Bring Expected Congressional Runoffs

    May 21, 2014

    Tuesday’s primary election results brought runoffs for candidates for both houses of Congress.

  • How to Keep Your Family Business All in the Family

    May 19, 2014

    Is your small business family-owned? Family business owners are feeling optimistic about the short term, but pessimistic about the long-term outlook for their companies, says a recent survey by The Alternative Board. The good news? If your family business is on the wrong track, there are some simple steps you can take to right it before it’s too late.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • No Such Thing As Bad Publicity? Apparently There Is

    May 09, 2014

    Think all that matters is how much people are talking about your brand online? Think again. A recent study finds sentiment is more important than volume of online conversations when it comes to driving sales.

  • Georgia's Tourism Industry Impact Hits Record High With $53.6B

    May 08, 2014

    Georgia Tourism, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), announced Thursday that tourism demand generated $53.6 billion in business sales including direct, indirect and induced impact in 2013, up 4.5 percent, according to the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics.

  • Self Employment Continues to Decline, Despite the Recovery

    May 07, 2014

    The recently released Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity (KIEA) shows that pace of entry into self-employment declined last year. The media has put a positive slant on the news. Because many people go into business for themselves out of necessity when the economy is doing poorly and they have few employment alternatives, this decline is okay, the reporters say. It means that the jobs market is doing better.

  • TUG Technologies Sold to E-Z-GO

    May 05, 2014

    E-Z-GO, a Textron Inc. company, has acquired TUG Technologies Corporation, a leading manufacturer of ground support equipment in the aviation industry.

  • SunTrust Finds Business Leaders Rank Companies Stronger Than Economy

    May 01, 2014

    Business owners and top decision-makers are more optimistic about their own businesses in 2014 than they are about the overall U.S. economy, according to an annual survey sponsored by SunTrust Banks, Inc.

  • Talk to the Hand, Cause the Face Ain’t Listenin’

    May 01, 2014

    When I was in the fourth grade, I had a crush on Jill. It was a one-sided relationship, but as Valentine’s Day came closer I decided the best way to wow her was to walk to Lintner’s Drugstore and buy her a heart-shaped box of Russell Stover chocolates. It took about 6 weeks allowance to be able to afford that purchase, but to me Jill was worth it.