| Upcoming Events |
October
26-Chamber's Meet the Candidates Reception 5-7 p.m. James H.Rainwater
3-Chamber 101
8-9:30 a.m.
The Chamber
9-World Class Employee Recognition Breakfast7:30-9 a.m. James H. Rainwater Conference Center To RSVP, click here |
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Courtesy Tip of the Week |
SHAKE HANDS:
Shaking hands is the universal way in which we greet another person,
a form of communication. You are judged by your handshake. It says a lot about you. In business and social situations you should feel at ease shaking hands. The person who
extends their hand first has an advantage. Be ready to initiate or extend your hand. Right hand should be free. Extend your hand with the thumb up; connect with a firm grip, and two smooth pumps. Shake from the elbow. Face the other person. Name badges are worn on the right shoulder so they are easy to read when extending
your hand in an introduction. |
| Have You Gone GREEN with Online Billing? | |

Reminder: You can now receive your invoices through traditional mail or electronically. Please check your e-mail inboxes for all Chamber billing. If you have questions, or would like to start receiving your invoices through e-mail, please contact Mike Stalvey.
Help our environment by becoming a
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| Early Voting Information | |
Early voting continues
8 a.m.-5 p.m. until Oct. 22, and 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Oct. 26-29, at the Lowndes County Board of Elections. Early voting will also take place 8 a.m-5 p.m., Oct. 25-29, at the University Center, 1401 N. Patterson St. Polling places will be open
7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 2. You can find your polling place by visiting My Voter Page.
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A Downtown Experience | |
Pictured: Jeff Hanson (The Park Avenue Bank) and Cathy Hanson (AFLAC) receiving the downtown guide from Sandy Prentiss (Chamber).
Business After Hours, a monthly networking event for Chamber members, took place in Downtown Valdosta on Oct. 21. The event was hosted by Valdosta Main Street. Guests enjoyed drinks provided by Covington's and hors d'œuvres from six different downtown restaurants. Along with delicious foods, members and their guests had the opportunity to experience Downtown Valdosta in a unique way. Massages, artwork and raffle drawings were all a part of a memorable night provided by over 30 of our local downtown businesses. |
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Manufacturers Council | |
Pictured above: Chair of the Manufacturers Council, Brandon Raddatz (ADM), spoke with committee members about the purpose of the Manufacturers Council and the significance of the annual BREP survey
The Manufacturers Council held its first quareterly Oct. 22 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Center. While enjoying complimentary lunch, the group discussed in detail the results of the 16th Annual Business Retention & Expansion Program (BREP) survey results.
Bill Kielma (Letica Corporation) commented at the conclusion of the meeting, "...it was a productive meeting but small group. It was nice to meet others from around the area who are in the manufacturing business."
Manufacturers in attendance included: ADM, DuPont Crop Protection, Arizona Chemical and Letica Corporation. If your business is in the manufacturing industry, this council is a great opportunity for your continued success. Please contact Keyara Hamilton for more information at 229-247-8100. |
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Ribbon Cuttings | |

Rickey's Tire & Auto Repair
102 Ray Alley Valdosta, GA 31601

The Outlet Christian Life Worship Center, Inc.
207 Pendleton Avenue Valdosta, GA 31601

Honey Baked Ham
1601 Baytree Road Valdosta, GA 31602

WAL-MART
340 Norman Drive Valdosta, GA 31601
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Strategic Planning at October's Board Meeting | |

Walter Hobgood (Express Employment Professionals) passing out the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce 'Top Ten Goals of the Strategic Plan' to Board members
The Chamber Board of Directors Meeting on Oct. 21 was action-packed and highly informative. The Strategic Plan Task Force Report was presented by Walter Hobgood (Express Employment Professionals), Jack Edwards (Associate Member) and Andy Deal (ACS-Prudential ACS Real Estate). The report provided an in-depth overview of the Strategic Plan of the Chamber for 2011-2012 and the Top Ten goals were reviewed, discussed and then prioritized by the Board members in attendance The Workforce Development & Education Division Report Update was presented by Vice Chair of the Workforce Development & Education Division, Greg Justice (Regal Marine) and Keyara Hamilton (Chamber). The duo provided information to the Board and guests summarizing the accomplishments of the 2010 goals for the division.
Click here to view the Board of Directors Meeting Power Point presentation. |
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Members Area: Community Calendar | |

Along with a new Web site, the Chamber has now launched a community calendar. The calendar enables members to submit events online for FREE. The entry allows for a detailed description with dates and times to encourage event participation from our community. To submit an event, click here. For more information about our Web site and how you can advertise with us, please contact Sarah Kirby at 229-247-8100. |
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