Edited by Sarah Kirby                                                                                                                                       August 23, 2010         
Vol. 2, Issue 33

Chamber In Motion
In This Issue
Courtesy Tip
Reminder: Online Billing
Learning the Secrets to Successful Business
Ribbon Cuttings
Business After Hours hosted by Valdosta Toyota and The Ravine Grille & Dinnerhouse
Conner Encourages Improving the Appearance of our Community at Board Meeting
Member News
Courtesy Tip of the Week
Business Etiquette:
 Resist holding an offense against another person or picking up other people's offenses. Start by assuming that the motivation of others is basically good and avoid gossip.
Upcoming Events
1-Chamber 101
    Sep. 1
     8-9 a.m.
     The Chamber
 
2-Web site design 
   for t
he Global Marketplace
    Sep. 28        
 
3-Maximum Contact
    Sept. 30
    
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. 
Increase Your Web Presence for FREE
 
Learning the Secrets to Successful Business

Secrets to Success Aug CIM

Chamber members and small business owners learn the secrets to being successful in business.

The S.E.E.D.S. Center of South Georgia is here to assist entrepreneurs in every stage of the business cycle. Chamber members, established small business owners and those looking to start their own business attended the S.E.E.D.S. Center's Business University seminar, "Secrets to Success; Advice for Today's Entrepreneur" on Aug. 17. Michael Jetter (ActionCOACH) facilitated the event which was held at the Hilton Garden Inn. The esteemed panel included Kent Buescher (U.S. Press), Mike Godwin (Ambling Companies), Sue Cox (Covington's Dining & Catering and 306 North Restaurant) and James Lee Herndon for Arthur Herndon, Jr. (The Herndon Company) who are all prior BIG Thinker award recipients.  Attendees walked away with a wealth of knowledge, including the following points essential to being successful in business:
 
·Plan, have a vision and goals.
·Have a focused, measurable marketing plan.
·Provide excellent service to your customers.
·Ensure that your ethics are as good as they possibly can be.
 
For more information regarding the S.E.E.D.S. Center or other Business University events, contact Courtney Ruttinger at 229-247-8100 or visit the S.E.E.D.S. Web site.
Ribbon Cuttings
 Eats and Streets CIM
Eats and Streets
4485 Quarterman Estates Drive
Valdosta, GA 31601

Imperial Auto Sales CIM
Imperial Auto Sales
1410 N. Ashley St.
Valdosta, GA 31602

Southwest Georgia Bank CIM
Southwest Georgia Bank
3338 Country Club Rd., Suite A1
Valdosta, GA 31601
Business After Hours hosted by Valdosta Toyota and The Ravine Grille & Dinnerhouse
BAH Valdosta Toyota CIM
Pictured: Keyara Hamilton (The Chamber) shows Terry Rountree (T & T Enterprises with Send Out Cards) and Alma Holsendolph (Remerton City Hall) how to create their Traffic Catcher Site at Business After Hours.

Business After Hours, hosted by Valdosta Toyota and The Ravine Grille & Dinnerhouse, was held on Aug. 17. Business After Hours is a monthly event that gives Chamber members the opportunity to network with other members. The event began with Networking 101, a presentation by Valdosta Networking Professionals that teaches new members the basics of networking. Members and guests were able to socialize and make new business contacts while enjoying live music and food, catered by The Ravine Grille & Dinnerhouse. Door prizes were also given away to a few lucky participants. 


Click here to view more pictures from this event.

Conner Encourages Improving the Appearance of our Community at Board Meeting
Chamber Board Meeting Aug

Pictured: Gateways Committee Chair, Marshall Conner (Georgia Power Company), presenting to the Chamber board.


Gateways Committee Chairman, Marshall Conner (Georgia Power Company) provided an informative presentation to the Chamber Board regarding the mission, members, partnerships and achievements of the Gateways Committee. The Gateways Committee began from an agenda item of the Local Legislative Committee: The Chamber supports the development of a Gateways Committee, coordinated by the Chamber, charged with development of a plan to improve the appearance of the gateways to our community. Conner focused on how important first impressions and appearances are to visitors and their economic impact on our communities stating, "The Gateways Committee was needed to help create gateways that are consistent in appearance, well maintained and welcoming to visitors to our community... this will have a positive influence on our local economy."
Member News