May 2014 Features

  • Flint Energies Committed to Region With New Headquarters

    May 30, 2014

    In a process that began in 2003, the Flint Energies Board of Directors is taking the next step toward building a new headquarters in Reynolds to better serve its members. “Flint’s commitment to rural and middle Georgia goes all the way back to 1937,” said Chief Executive Officer Bob Ray.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Macon State Senator Staton Leaving Legislature for University System

    May 23, 2014

    State Sen. Cecil Staton, R-Macon, is resigning from the General Assembly to take an administrative position with the University System of Georgia. Staton, who was not seeking re-election to the legislature, will become vice chancellor for extended education, which will give him a leading role in the system’s initiatives in the areas of military affairs, extended and continuing education, entrepreneurship education and international education.

  • 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.

  • World Class Care in the Heart of Georgia

    May 22, 2014

    Dr. Ninfa Saunders took the helm of Central Georgia Health System in 2012, and the President and CEO has already made a number of noteworthy changes – not an easy feat when the organization is already considered by many to be world-class.

  • Georgia Primaries Bring Expected Congressional Runoffs

    May 21, 2014

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Middle Georgia State College Sets Its Sights on University Status

    May 15, 2014

    On May 16th, more than 1,300 students are expected to graduate from Middle Georgia State College (MGSC) in ceremonies to be held at the Macon Coliseum. It will mark an exciting, new beginning for the graduates and, in many ways, for the school as well. Under new President Christopher Blake, Ph.D., MGSC is diversifying its program offerings, expanding its facilities and strengthening its commitment to provide greater access to educational opportunities for the people of Middle Georgia.

  • 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.

  • Deal Between Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medical Center Falls Apart

    May 13, 2014

    Central Georgia Health System and its affiliated entities announced Monday that they are preparing for termination of their contracts with Blue Cross Blue Shield.

  • 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.

  • Curt Fowler on How GE Uses Lean Innovation

    May 06, 2014

    Lean innovation is not just for startups. According to a recent Harvard Business Review article by Brad Powers, GE is implementing lean innovation principles into its appliance division as it attempts to prove that it can bring manufacturing back to the US and compete successfully.

  • Top Stories: Minimum Wage Increase Defeated, Internet Explorer Fixed

    May 05, 2014

    Top stories for small business owners this week involved the fate of a contentious minimum wage bill and the repair of a major Web security issue. The Small Business Trends editorial team has you covered with this important news and more. Just follow our roundup.

  • Local Economic Development officials Announce the Grand Re-Opening of Pactiv Plant

    May 02, 2014

    Mayor Robert Reichert was joined by local Economic Development and Pactiv officials for the Grand Re-Opening of the Pactiv facility in the Airport Industrial Park May 1, 2014. The 235,000 sq. ft. food packaging plant suffered a fire exactly one year ago that caused major damage to the facility. Because of Pactiv's commitment to their employees, customers and the community the company decided to rebuild in Macon.

  • 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.