Features
-
Prospecting Activity Hits Multi-Year High at Macon EDC
June 18, 2014
Economic development prospect activity in Macon is at the highest level since 2007, according to Patrick Topping, CEcD, senior vice president of the Macon Economic Development Commission (EDC). Many existing companies in the area are also considering significant expansions and that means all hands on deck at the Macon EDC.
-
Small Business Sentiment Improving But No Sign of Surge
June 17, 2014
NFIB Optimism Index rose 1.4 points in May to 96.6, the highest reading since September 2007. However, while May is the third up month in a row, the Index is still far below readings that have normally accompanied an expansion and there have been similar gains in the past that haven’t panned out in this recovery period. Five Index components improved, one was unchanged and four fell, although not by much.
-
12 Tips for Training Your Summer Interns
June 16, 2014
Summer interns can be an invaluable resource for a small business. But although these bright young college kids are ready to tackle challenges, they’re likely inexperienced in the business world and won’t automatically integrate with your team. We look at how other entrepreneurs were successfully training their interns for the summer.
-
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.
-
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.
-
There are Times When Business is Personal and Not Just Business
June 11, 2014
Some people believe one needs to make decisions based upon the bottom line 100% of the time. If it benefits you, great. Otherwise, discard the idea. Emotional decisions in business benefit no one. On the other hand it is said, what you put out into the atmosphere will be received back many times over.
-
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.”
-
Are You Hiring for the Right Traits?
June 06, 2014
There’s lots of talk lately about the talent shortage – how employers, especially small ones, can’t find workers with the skills and experience they are seeking. But maybe the problem is that small business owners are putting too much emphasis on the wrong things.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.