Features

• Georgia’s Unemployment Rate Rises to 5.5%

  April 14, 2016

  The Georgia Department of Labor announced today that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in March was 5.5 percent, up one-tenth of a percentage point from 5.4 percent in February. The rate was 6.2 percent in March 2015.

• How to Use a Stay Interview to Keep Good Employees

  April 13, 2016

  Employee retention may not be what the 50s crooner Frankie Valli had in mind when he sang that iconic line from the song “Stay,” but it is a topic of concern for every employer who fears losing top-tier talent. That is particularly the case for small businesses where the loss of a single employee may represent an entire job function or department. Add to that the strain involved in recruiting, hiring, and training a replacement — it’s a headache no employer wants.

• Taking Care of Your Business Means Taking Care of Yourself

  April 11, 2016

  Growing up, everyone is told there’s no room for selfishness in corporate America. If you want to be successful, then you have to be a team player. Unfortunately, over the years, many of us have confused the notion of being a “team player” with the idea that you can’t do anything for yourself. This often manifests itself in unhealthy habits that aren’t healthy or productive. As a busy entrepreneur who’s grown accustomed to selflessly serving everyone’s needs but your own, here are a handful of things you to start focusing on.

• Whose Fault Is It When Employees Fail?

  April 08, 2016

  I recently read a book that every small business owner and entrepreneur should read. “Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win” is written by former U.S. Navy SEAL and current management consultants Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. I generally don’t look to martial or sports resources for today’s modern business problems, quite frankly because many of them are outdated and ineffective. These two professionals, however, provide experience from both their military and civilian background that every manager of people should have in their toolbox.

• Lessons to Learn on Great, Terrible Customer Service

  April 07, 2016

  There’s a lesson to be learned from everything — even from horrible customer service experiences. What can your small business learn about providing better customer service from the worst customer service mistakes other businesses make? The 2016 24/7 Customer Engagement Index has some answers.

• Rep. Lynn Westmoreland: MetLife Ruling a Devastating Blow to Dodd-Frank Bureaucratic Nightmare

  April 05, 2016

  Washington bureaucrats, overreaching regulations, and unsubstantiated labels: that’s been Dodd-Frank’s M.O. for the last six years. These truths were reinforced by U.S. District Judge Rosemary Collyer’s two-page order this week in the case of MetLife Inc. v. Financial Stability Oversight Council. Judge Collyer’s ruling in favor of MetLife delivered a devastating blow to Dodd-Frank’s “too big to fail” designation process.

• How to Increase Employee Engagement to Boost Your Bottom Line

  April 01, 2016

  In America, only 32 percent of employees are engaged at work, and it’s costing businesses billions of dollars a year in lost revenue, from the cost of employee turnover to lost productivity and poor customer satisfaction ratings. The answer: If you want to increase profits, keep your team happy.

• 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.

• The Right and Wrong Reasons to Incorporate or Form an LLC

  February 26, 2016

  Picking a business structure is usually the first big decision for any new business owner. My own companies have helped tens of thousands small businesses get started with an LLC or corporation — and as such, I’ve heard countless reasons why business owners think they should (or shouldn’t) incorporate. There are some common misconceptions associated with incorporation, often related to trying to avoid state taxes or any liability.

• Former Columbus Chamber President Mike Gaymon Pens Book "A View from the Backhoe"

  February 22, 2016

  It has been more than a year since Mike Gaymon retired from the Greater Columbus, GA Chamber of Commerce where he was known as a bold and effective leader that helped transform the Columbus community. Gaymon traded in the boardrooms and business meetings for a backhoe and a quieter life in the country where he has spent time reflecting on his decades-long career as a Chamber executive. It was this new view from atop a backhoe that inspired his book, aptly tilted, A View from the Backhoe.

• Former Columbus Chamber President Mike Gaymon Pens Book "A View from the Backhoe"

  February 22, 2016

  It has been more than a year since Mike Gaymon retired from the Greater Columbus, GA Chamber of Commerce where he was known as a bold and effective leader that helped transform the Columbus community. Gaymon traded in the boardrooms and business meetings for a backhoe and a quieter life in the country where he has spent time reflecting on his decades-long career as a Chamber executive. It was this new view from atop a backhoe that inspired his book, aptly tilted, A View from the Backhoe.

• Newnan-Built Yahama YXZ1000R, Wolverine SE Models Revealed for 2016

  February 18, 2016

  Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, is introducing two new Special Edition models to its growing line of side-by-side vehicles. Yamaha’s YXZ1000R, the world’s first and only pure sport side-by-side, and Wolverine, a new standard in off-road capability and comfort in a side-by-side, both receive new SE versions for 2016.

• Southwest Georgia Shines During 28th Annual Georgia Quail Hunt

  February 11, 2016

  Albany and Southwest Georgia welcomed a record number of guests this week to the 28th Annual Georgia Quail Hunt. Nearly 30 site location consultants as well as recruitment and expansion prospects arrived in Southwest Georgia this week to learn about doing business in Georgia while enjoying the traditional quail hunting experience.

• Should You Hire Overqualified Employees?

  February 04, 2016

  When hiring, have you ever thrown away a resume from a candidate who sounded far too overqualified? According to some new research, you may have made a big mistake. A study from the Journal of Applied Psychology followed job candidates who were hired for roles they were overqualified for, either by experience or education. Turns out, the overqualified employees performed better at their jobs than the average employee.

• UGA Law Students Gain Valuable Work Experience in the Atlanta Market

  January 25, 2016

  Students at the University of Georgia School of Law can now earn full-time professional experience in the Atlanta market while continuing to work toward a degree from the state’s flagship institution. The Georgia Law Atlanta campus is located at the Terry College of Business Executive Education Center, across from the Lenox Square Mall in Buckhead.

• Georgia Chamber of Commerce “Eggs and Issues Breakfast” Draws Over 2,000 Business Leaders to World Congress Center

  January 14, 2016

  An agenda featuring Georgia’s senior government officials—U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, Governor Nathan Deal, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and House Speaker Dennis Ralston—drew over 2,000 business and community leaders to the annual Georgia Chamber of Commerce “Eggs and Issues Breakfast on Tuesday.

• Will 2016 Usher In “5G” Mobile Internet Technology? AT&T Expert Weighs in

  January 04, 2016

  The year 2015 brought us everything from the "hover board" to widespread use of "wearable" devices and "connected cars." Will 2016 also ring in the already well-publicized and much-buzzed about "5G" mobile Internet speeds? AT&T's Tom Keathley, Senior Vice President, Wireless Network Architecture & Design, breaks down the facts vs myths of 5G, where we are now - and where we still need to go before the new standard of "fast" really takes hold.

• Small Town, Big Opportunity: Where Do Startups Fare Best?

  December 08, 2015

  When it comes to small business startups, location is a key component of success. When choosing which town might be best for your business, factors like economic health, annual income, unemployment, and cost of living should be considered. As it turns out, major cities like New York and San Francisco are not high on the list for reasons like high taxes and strict regulations that can hinder growth. Interestingly, small businesses actually tend to perform best in small towns.

• Carvana Revs its Technology Engines, Revolutionizes Pre-Owned Car Market in Georgia and Nationwide

  December 04, 2015

  Carvana, the first 360° online pre-owned car buying experience, is certifiably not your father’s used car dealer. According to co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer, Ryan Keeton, Carvana’s technology has allowed the two-and-a-half year old firm to make the secondary car market buying process totally transparent.

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