June 2018 Features

  • Hands-Free Law Will Become Effective on July 1st

    June 29, 2018

    House Bill 673, also known as the “Hands-Free Georgia Act,” will become effective on July 1, 2018. The legislation was introduced during the 2018 Legislative Session, passed both the Senate and House and was signed by Governor Nathan Deal on May 2nd.

  • Newnan-Coweta Chamber Announces Finalists for Small Business of the Year

    June 28, 2018

    The Newnan-Coweta Chamber recently announced this year's Small Business of the Year Award nominees.

  • Auburn Mayor Linda Blechinger Elected President of GMA

    June 28, 2018

    Auburn Mayor Linda Blechinger was elected president of the Georgia Municipal Association during the association’s annual meeting in Savannah on Sunday, June 24th. The city of Auburn has maintained its old southern charm while evolving to attract businesses and provide valued amenities to its residents. Community members, local and state leaders credit much of this redevelopment success to Blechinger.

  • How to Develop A Connected, State-Wide Innovation Ecosystem

    June 27, 2018

    Most entrepreneurs are jacks-of-all-trades who are equipped with the knowledge and abilities to solve business problems as they arise, but there are some obstacles that require a more specialized industry-centric approach. These are the challenges that keep business owners up at night because they don’t have the in-house expertise or resources necessary to develop a solution.

  • Charlie Harper: Transit Moves Beyond Atlanta

    June 26, 2018

    Last week Governor Nathan Deal assembled state leaders at Georgia’s Capitol for an announcement. The State would be contributing $100 Million toward building Bus Rapid Transit on Georgia 400 through North Fulton County. The money will leverage $184 Million in Federal Funds granted to build express lanes from I-285 to McFarland Road, bringing traffic relief to one of Georgia’s fastest growing and most congested corridors.

  • Georgia Power Named Utility Communicator of the Year by UCI

    June 25, 2018

    Georgia Power has been recognized by Utility Communicators International as Communicator of the Year and took home the Best in Show award among 17 others in the annual Better Communications Competition held June 21st, in Louisville, Kentucky.

  • Learn about the Future of CEC at the June 27th State of Community Lunch

    June 22, 2018

    Central Educational Center in Newnan is without a doubt one of Coweta's great education success stories. Our well-known college and career academy was built on the unique model of connecting business and the community with education to ensure a skilled 21st century workforce. But do you know what's next for CEC?

  • Former U.S. Representative Lynn Westmoreland Elected to State Transportation Board

    June 21, 2018

    On Monday, former U.S. Congressman Lynn Westmoreland of Coweta County was elected to represent west central Georgia’s Third Congressional District (CD 3) on the State Transportation Board. Westmoreland was affirmed by state representatives and senators from his district to serve the remaining term of retired Board Member Sam Wellborn, which expires April 15, 2022.

  • Georgia Lottery Corp. Celebrates 25th Anniversary

    June 21, 2018

    The Georgia Lottery Corp. marked its 25th anniversary during a ceremony Wednesday at the Georgia State Capitol. Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin was joined by Gov. Nathan Deal to commemorate the occasion, which was a celebration of the Georgia Lottery, Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Program and Georgia’s Pre-K Program.

  • Georgia Retains AAA Ratings for 21st Consecutive Year

    June 21, 2018

    Gov. Nathan Deal announced Georgia again earned a rating of AAA, with a stable outlook, from each of the three main credit rating agencies — Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s. Of the states that issue general obligation bonds, only nine currently meet this standard. These ratings resulted in low interest rates during the sale of state general obligation bonds to fund $1.32 billion for new projects.

  • Study Indicates Pet Friendly Companies Are More Likely to Attract, Engage and Retain Employees

    June 19, 2018

    A recent study conducted by Nationwide, in partnership with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, reveals that 90 percent of employees in pet friendly workplaces feel highly connected to their company's mission; fully engaged with their work; and willing to recommend their employer to others. In contrast, less than 65 percent of employees in non-pet friendly workplaces made the same claims.

  • Yamaha Celebrates 30 Years in Newnan

    June 15, 2018

    Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America and Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, are celebrating 30 years of U.S. manufacturing at the Newnan, Georgia, facility.

  • Georgia Economy Achieves Record Job Creation & Employment in May

    June 15, 2018

    Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Georgia once again set records for employed residents, labor force and jobs for May, continuing a trend from previous months. The state is approaching the 5-million mark for employed residents. At the same time, Georgia posted more than 4.5 million jobs and a labor force of more than 5.1 million.

  • 5 Secrets to Building Great Company Culture You May Not Have Realized

    June 15, 2018

    One thing I’ve learned across all the companies I’ve created is just how vital company culture is. This is especially true when you’re starting a new company and can’t afford to hire experienced veterans who command high salaries. So, how can you put great people in place without spending the fortune you haven’t earned yet? You create such an amazing culture that people want to work for you.

  • Rep. Smith Leads Energy and Environment Policy Delegation to Washington, D.C.

    June 12, 2018

    State Representative Lynn Smith (R-Newnan), chair of the House Natural Resources & Environment Committee, led a delegation of southern state lawmakers to Washington, D.C., from June 5th to June 6th, 2018, to engage in meetings with senior officials from the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior.

  • Community Valuing Community: UWG’s CDI Earns $10K Walmart Grant

    June 11, 2018

    The University of West Georgia will launch an initiative aimed to make the campus and community at large even more welcoming and inclusive, thanks to a recent $10,000 donation from the Walmart Foundation.

  • Main Street Newnan Presents Summer NewnaNights

    June 08, 2018

    Main Street Newnan will be hosting a monthly summer event series at Greenville Street Park during the months of June-August.

  • 4 Ways to Master Risk in Your Small Business Without Breaking a Sweat

    June 08, 2018

    Risk is something that few people enjoy. Sure, there are always daredevils who push things too far, but the majority of people are relatively cautious. And while there’s something to be said for protecting yourself, successful entrepreneurs don’t shy away from risk altogether.

  • AG Chris Carr: Frequently Asked Questions When It Comes to Open Records and Open Meetings

    June 07, 2018

  • To Find Your Happy Place, Try Spending That Well-Earned Time Off on Jekyll Island

    June 06, 2018

    If you're hesitant about slipping away from the office for a couple weeks to take your family on that long-awaited summer vacation, relax. Research shows that vacation travel is the one type of travel that has virtually everyone's approval. Nestled on the Atlantic coast between Savannah and Jacksonville, Jekyll Island boasts a rare combination of activities, attractions and natural wonders that capture the imagination, regardless of age or interests.

  • Skilled Trades: Open House Shows Careers Women Should Consider

    June 05, 2018

    In today’s economy, women who want to get ahead are turning to a surprising area – skilled trades. Long dominated by men, careers like welding, air conditioning, industrial maintenance and truck driving are booming, so much so that employers can’t find qualified candidates. “We have local companies contact us all the time looking for machinists, welders and other skilled positions,” West Georgia Technical College Dean of Trade and Technology Linda Sullivan said.

  • GDEcD Trade Mission to South America Opens New Markets

    June 05, 2018

    Recently, GDEcD International Trade Manager, Alice Carson, has been traveling across South America connecting Georgia businesses with new opportunities in Latin American markets. The mission involved stops in three countries: Colombia, Peru and Chile.

  • Aron Levine, Head of Consumer Banking & Merrill Edge, Offers Insight into Making a Difference in the Community this Year

    June 04, 2018

    Now that we’ve settled into 2018, if you’re anything like me, you’re re-thinking your progress on New Year’s resolutions. For some, this might mean evaluating your philanthropic or community involvement goals for the year. Or, you may be in the research stages of finding the specific causes or organizations you’ll support—either with your time or financial contribution.