March 2016 Features

  • Still Climbing Out of the Recession? 8 Tips to Consider

    March 25, 2016

    Eight years after the recession, as many as 93 percent of U.S. counties are still feeling the effects. Only 1 in 5 small businesses have completely recovered. While the economy slowly improves, small businesses have sung the same tune of sluggish recovery for almost a decade.But it’s a new year. In a world of political and international uncertainty, 77 percent of small business owners feel confident about the upcoming year, and many are positioned to hire new employees and make strategic investments.

  • Georgia Technology Summit Speakers Envision Innovation on Land, at Sea and in the Air

    March 22, 2016

    At the recent 12th Annual Georgia Technology Summit held in Atlanta by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), three keynote speakers envisioned their respective spheres of influence where future technological innovation will flourish: within the growth of cities (such as Atlanta); in the air (The Weather Company); and, at sea (the U.S. Navy).

  • 5 Simple Reasons You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of Selling

    March 16, 2016

    Many entrepreneurs are afraid of selling. It’s a pretty common fear. While there are many reasons to fear selling, there are also great reasons why entrepreneurs shouldn’t be afraid of selling. That’s what this article is about.

  • Can Your Customers Be Even More Valuable to Your Small Business?

    March 14, 2016

    There are no new ideas under the sun, really? So what can you do to help your small business stand out in the marketplace?

  • Charlie Harper: Transit Support Growing While Funding Still Elusive

    March 09, 2016

    The direct tie of MARTA rail to economic development has transformed the conversation regarding MARTA expansion into one that can be had even in Republican circles. Discussion is relatively easy. Legislation, specifically ones that identify and appropriate sources of funds, are a bit harder.

  • Georgia’s Aerospace Industry Reaching New Heights

    March 08, 2016

    The Centers of Innovation, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, is focused on helping industries and small businesses connect, compete, and grow globally. This is the first in a series of articles focused on the Georgia Department of Economic Development Centers of Innovation, which has six centers located throughout the state: Aerospace, Agribusiness, Energy Technology, Information Technology, Logistics, and Manufacturing.

  • AMC to Acquire Carmike CInemas in $1.1B Deal, Become Largest Movie Theatre Chain in World

    March 04, 2016

    AMC Theatres and Carmike Cinemas, Inc. announced today they have entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which AMC will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Carmike for $30.00 per share in cash. The transaction is valued at approximately $1.1 billion, including the assumption of Carmike net indebtedness. The purchase price per screen is approximately $376,000, and the per share purchase price represents an approximate 19.47% premium to Carmike’s March 3rd closing stock price.