Features
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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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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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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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Five Health Insurance Tips that Can Make Your Workforce Appreciate You
June 02, 2014
Over the past several months, small businesses may have grappled to understand the many changes and regulations to the evolving health care landscape. In developing compliant strategies, employers have made, and continue to make, key benefits decisions that will impact the personal and financial well-being of their workers for years to come.
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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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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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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.
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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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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.