Chamber In Motion: Get your Summer 2010 Progress!

The LAST day to vote is Tuesday, July 20.

Offices on the ballot include County Commissioners up to Georgia Governor and U.S. Congressmen.

The Elections office hours: M-F 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for early voting for the Primary Election

Avoid the lines during the last week of voting!

Call 671-2850 or e-mail to receive a ballot.

Visit www.sos.ga.gov/mvp
or come into the elections office for a sample ballot.

THEY'RE HERE!

Progress Summer 2010 Cover The Summer 2010 issue of Progress magazine has made its début. This quarterly publication includes a special IMPACT 2012 update, a feature on the "Pass It On" program started by Southern Tile and Carpet's Cal Stubbs, and a review of the Business<2>Consumer Business After Hours. The Chamber Choice Awards is the center of attention this quarter with the award recipients announced! Progress is sent to every Chamber member and can also be found in the lobbies of Chamber member offices.

If you would like additional copies for you office lobby or more information please contact ReKasa Deen.

Ribbon Cuttings

Red Velvet Bakery
1900 Gornto Road Suite E
Valdosta, GA 31602
229-561-5689

Rhythm & Blues RC

Rhythm & Blues Café
132 N Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA 31601
229-245-9822

Gateways Committee reviews conceptual plans for City's corridors

The Chamber's Gateways Committee provided input on West Hill Ave. and Madison Highway corridors during a concept review meeting lead by LPA Group Inc. for the City of Valdosta. Committee members provided recommendations on priorities of design and construction elements in addition to prioritizing phases of the plans. The public will have the opportunity to review the recommended concepts on July 20 at the City Hall Annex prior to finalization and Valdosta City Council approval. Mayor John Fretti commented to the group, "We hope that every citizen and every business embraces these Gateways Projects. This is a very important committee as it brings our community together, and there is a seat and a voice for all of our partners at the table."

Promote your events for FREE!

comm calendar

Have you checked out the new features on the Chamber's Web site? One great new feature is our Community Calendar, located under News & Events. By visiting the Community Calendar page and clicking "Submit Event," you can let the community know what your business or organization has coming up. Also, be sure to check the Community Calendar for happenings throughout the community.

Anne Shenton (Nexxtep Technologies Services Inc.) was the first to post an event, "The Chamber suggested I use the new Community Calendar on their site to promote our upcoming lunch-n-learn, and I thought it was a great idea! My thanks go to the Chamber for creating such a valuable resource for members to use!"

Fellowship Home at Brookside announced as TCH Diamond Crown Investor on TALK 92.1!

Pictured above: John LaHood (Fellowship Home at Brookside, Inc.), Dustin Swedelson (Talk 92.1) and Scott James (Talk 92.1)

John LaHood (Fellowship Home at Brookside, Inc.) announced their investment as the Triple Crown Hometowns Diamond Crown Investor Tuesday during the Scott James Morning Show. "I can't think of a better way to invest my marketing dollars than with the Chamber's Triple Crown Hometowns Retirement Development Partnership," said LaHood. "Any business whose target market is 50 years or older should join Triple Crown Hometowns." The Diamond Crown is the highest-level investment, but there is a level to suit every business and organization. "What a strategic economic development initiative. This is a win-win for everyone," stated LaHood.

For more information on investing in Triple Crown Hometowns, contact Alison Stokes.

LOWNDES COUNTY RECIEVES GEORGIA WORK READY HONORS!

A check for $10,000 was presented to the Lowndes County Community on June 30. Pictured: Fred McConnel (Governor's Office of Workforce Development), Mayor John Fretti (City of Valdosta), Dr. Ray Perren (Wiregrass Georgia Technical College), Greg Justice (Regal Marine), Penelope Schmidt (Wiregrass Georgia Technical College), Clinton Beeland (CJB Industries, Inc.) and Myrna Ballard (Chamber)

It's official!! Lowndes County is a "Certified Work Ready Community of Excellence." The entire community was invited to attend this historical event on June 30 at the Valdosta City Hall Annex. Penelope Schmidt (Wiregrass Georgia Technical College) coordinated the program along with sponsorship from the City of Valdosta, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and the Chamber. Testimonials were given by local Employer Team Leaders Greg Justice (Regal Marine) and Clinton Beeland (CJB Industries, Inc.) who shared how the Georgia Work Ready program has been an effective hiring tool as well as the incentives received for using this service. On behalf of Governor Purdue, Fred McConnel (Governor's Office of Workforce Development) presented a $10,000 check to the Lowndes County Community for this accomplishment. Schmidt explained this funding will be used to continue financing Georgia Work Ready initiatives in Lowndes County. Additionally, 15 signs will be posted throughout the Lowndes County Community displaying "Lowndes County Certified Work Ready Community of Excellence". To find out how your business can receive incentives through Georgia Work Ready, contact Penelope Schmidt at 229-333-2121.

Member News

Snazzy Shoes and Swinging Skirts benefit for Hospice of South Georgia & Langdale Hospice House
Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc. presents "How to Make the Most of Your iPhone or iPad at Work" Click here for details.
Small Business Health Care tax credits available now as a result of the new Health Care reform law.
That Others May Live Foundation publishes semi-annual Newsletter.

REMINDER: Electronic Invoices and Statements

Reminder: All Chamber members with e-mail addresses on file in the Chamber database now receive invoices and statements electronically. Please check your e-mail inboxes for all Chamber billing. If you have questions, contact Mike Stalvey.