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Wednesday September 5, 2007

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Volume VII, Issue 10
Stories in this issue:

Features

Calendars

Member Perks

Advertisers

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We would like to express our deepest appreciation to all of our members for their support of the Chamber and, especially, to our Enhanced Investors, some of whom are included below:

Continuous Sponsors   

AFLAC Incorporated; AT&T;  BlueCross BlueShield of Georgia; Columbus Bank and Trust; Columbus Regional Healthcare Systems, Inc.; Georgia Power Company; St. Francis Hospital; Synovus Financial Corp.; The Overby Co.; TSYS; W.C. Bradley Company

Platinum Sponsors:

The Jordan Company; Pezold Management, Inc.; George C. Woodruff Company

As a not-for-profit organization, the Chamber provides the ideal venue for public-private partnerships to maintain a pro-business region. While we appreciate all of our members, many business leaders recognize the value of investing more than their membership fees in the Chamber’s mission to benefit the region. The Chamber’s Enhanced Investor levels include Continuous, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Sponsors. 

Our enhanced investors receive Chamber benefits in accordance with the different levels of investments. We would like to have the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the benefits of being an enhanced investor or increasing the sponsor level of your investment. Please contact Mark Blackwell at  706-327-1566, ext. 16 or mblackwell@columbusgachamber.com.
Networking showcase held

Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce Small Business Development Department Outreach Committee Task Force Networking Showcase Sponsored by Colony Bank Hosted by ColCom Solutions

More sixty people attended the second Networking Showcase on Thursday, August 23rd, 2007, held by the Outreach Committees Task Force, made up of the Chairs of the Black Business Outreach, Hispanic Business Outreach, Minority Business Development, and Small Business Development Committees, and the Chair of the Small Business Department, Tony Calloway.

Nineteen businesses showcased their products and/or services at vendor tables set up in the parking lot of the Midland Ace Hardware Store and ColCom Solutions near the intersection of J.R. Allen Parkway and Manchester Expressway. The business to business networking that occurred resulted in several cross referrals and strategic alliances among businesses that would not come in contact with each other in the normal course of their business. Just as important was the realization of "the common language of business" regardless of type of business, target market, or perceived social/cultural barriers.

Another such networking showcase is tentatively scheduled for November of this year. For more information contact Ron Hinze at the Chamber at 706-327-1566 or rhinze@columbusgachamber.com.
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Congressman visits EOB
Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, spoke on national legislative issues at the Eye Opener Breakfast Aug. 23 during his visit to Columbus.
Mayor Pro-Tem Recognized

The Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce congratulates
Evelyn Turner Pugh for receiving the Carl Vinson Award for a City Elected Official.
Mayor Pro-Tem Pugh has always been responsive to business issues in the Columbus and Valley Partnership Region. Pugh's years on the Council for the Columbus Consolidated Government are characterized by the highest level of integrity and service to her community.

(L-R) Tom Wyatt, senior vice president of Public Affairs, Mayor Pro-Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh and Harold Bryant, vice president of Governmental Affairs Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce congratulate the Mayor Pro-Tem for her leadership.
Chamber membership provides additional benefits

A national study by The Schapiro Group, an Atlanta based market research firm, reveals a number of important findings about how consumers and business owners perceive the local chamber of commerce and the businesses that are their members.

For example:

  • When consumers know that a business is a member of the local chamber, they are 44% more likely to think favorably about it.
  • Consumers who are told that a business is a chamber member are 51% more likely to be highly aware of it and 57% more likely to think positively of its local reputation.
  • Consumers are 63% more likely to buy goods and services in the future from a company that they believe is a member of the local chamber of commerce.

The study also has good news for businesses that sell to other businesses.

  • When business decision-makers believe that a business is a chamber member, they are 37% more likely to think favorably of the business, 51% more likely to be highly aware of it, 58% more likely to think positively of its local reputation, and 59% more likely to buy goods and services from it.

Supporting the previous findings, the study also reveals a positive perception for the local chamber itself:

  • Regarding the chamber's impact on the local economy, 82% of respondents believe that the local chamber of commerce helps create jobs and promotes local economic development.

The results of the Schapiro study are clear: Positive perception increases among consumers and business owners when a business is identified as a member of the local chamber of commerce.

Business One Stop Shop a great tool for developing and growing a business

The Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) is a free service of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce. That provides business consultations to start up, new and existing businesses. BOSS clients are interviewed at the BOSS office by appointment and then referred to one of the Service Providers for further one on one counseling. This enables the business to be better prepared and be thinking about their "Next Level".

"One of the business questions we address is the one of part time ownership," said Marie Cordero, Vice President Small & Minority Business Development, BOSS & Drugs Don't Work. "The main owner has a fulltime job but wants to open a business with someone else managing and handling the business or they manage and run the business strictly part time. This may work for some types of businesses better than others because it depends on who has the expertise required to run the business (you or them), what type of business, and what kind of investment is involved, just to start."

Maintaining your "day job" is a safety net because it provides the security of a salary, funding for the business and in some cases, health benefits, 401K, and retirement. Some people are setting the stage for retirement and want to start the business before the actual date.

Here are some things to think about.

  • Do I have the experience it takes to open this business?
  • Do I have the knowledge of the business side such as entity issues, taxes, Workers Comp and types of workplace issues that may come up?
  • Do I know enough about the kind of business I plan on opening or is it an idea?
  • Who will be in front of the business? Is that person a partner of an employee?
  • What security factors must I take to assure against problems such as embezzlement, strife, and even unethical competition?
  • Will my employer understand that I may have to take time out of my workday to handle a problem with my business?
  • Will it be a conflict of interest? How long do I plan on working before I devote 100% of my time to the business?

Once you have answered these questions, then we either proceed or perhaps change the business model. A store front idea can be converted into a home based business, an internet business or perhaps wait and develop the business model, save your money and open it later down the road after you make a workplace decision.

"This is a very general point of view and of course each case is different," Cordero stated. "We never want to discourage any one, just give you information, ask questions, and have you ask questions so you can make a sound decision."

Remember, we have the resources to assist you. Give us a call. (706) 327-1566, ext. 28 or email: mcordero@columbusgachamber.com, to make an appointment.

Columbus' Oldest, Columbus' Newest Columbus'

Columbus has a brand new car wash in town! 4th Avenue Car Wash has been totally renovated inside and out. If you are looking for a car wash with more than 24 years of car washing experience and state of the art equipment, take a drive to 1020 Veteran's Parkway. At 4th Avenue Car Wash you will find our original building, the same community-minded owner since 1983, Richard Davis; our manager, Kim Moyer and the best employees in town.

4th Avenue is now home of brand new cutting edge Full Service Tunnel Conveyor Wash System. They have added Envirosoft Foam Brushes designed to dramatically increase vehicle cleaning while providing damage control safeguards. They have also installed Magnum Wheel Blasters, a Rain-X Complete Surface Protectant Arch, Triple Foam Conditioner, an Undercarriage Wash and five High Velocity Blowers! 4th Avenue Car Wash is the only car wash in the region with this high tech equipment.

What's the Problem with Our Air?

The Columbus region currently meets federal air quality standards for ground-level ozone and particle pollution, collectively known as smog. We need to keep it that way.

However, in response to emerging scientific evidence, federal air quality standards for particle pollution and ground-level ozone are becoming more stringent. Through late August, tighter particle pollution standards resulted in the Columbus area racking up nine violations this year. While seven of these violations were likely caused by the South Georgia wildfires, two were not. The region has also recorded two violations of the ground-level ozone standard. While at this point ozone pollution is less of a threat in Greater Columbus, last month, the federal EPA issued notice of its intention to make the ozone standard even more stringent in the years to come.

The State of Georgia will make its recommendations of nonattainment areas for particle pollution by the end of this year, with federal designations to occur by the end of 2009. In January 2008, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division begins issuing its first Smog Alert forecasts for the Columbus area. Imminent growth of the region will bring increased transportation challenges, and the resulting potential for increased air emissions. With all of these factors looming on the horizon, Columbus has a narrow window of opportunity to take control of its destiny before it is hoisted upon us by regulators. The time to act is now.

What are the Effects of Air Quality Nonattainment?

The potential of being designated a "nonattainment" area poses a multitude of potential impacts, including:

  • Stricter permitting requirements on both new industry and expansions of existing industry
  • Delayed implementation of some transportation projects while they are reviewed for consistency with air quality requirements
  • Hindered economic development as the region faces the stigma of "air pollution"

What Can You Do Today?

There are voluntary measures our region can take to remain in attainment, including open burning bans, and reducing diesel and auto emissions. The business community has a role to play to ensure our success in meeting air quality standards. Join Columbus community and business leaders for a discussion on Columbus' most vital natural resource - the air we breathe.

Columbus Cares for Cleaner Air
A workshop for the region's future
Friday, September 14, 2007
8:00 AM to 11:30 AM*
The Cunningham Center at Columbus University
Hosted by the Columbus-Phenix Metropolitan Planning Organization

To find out more or to RSVP for the event, call 706.653.4116

     

Teen Challenge Florida/Georgia and Global Teen
Challenge locates headquarters in Columbus

Jim Blanchard, representing Teen Challenge and retired president and CEO of Synovus, talks about adding another international organization to the Columbus Community and the importance of the work of Teen Challenge.
Teen Challenge Florida/Georgia and Global Teen Challenge opens their headquarters at 24 W. 10th Street in two buildings investing $2.5 million and creating 60 plus jobs.

The corporation of Teen Challenge Florida/Georgia, oversees 30 programs in 27 cities in six states with bed capacity for people who are seeking help with life controlling problems. Teen Challenge is a 12-15 month residential discipleship program for boys, girls, men and women.

Dr. Jerry Nance, Teen Challenge President & CEO, thanked Columbus for the warm welcome they have received from the community as they moved from Orlando, FL to Columbus.

"Teen Challenge is one of the most effective drug recovery programs because we know that to be successful; an addict needs to move from a self-centered paradigm to a Christ-centered paradigm," said Dr. Jerry Nance, Teen Challenge President & CEO. "Our faith-based programs focus on assisting students in their relationship with God, themselves and with their families," "We currently employ 300+ employees to run the centers for Teen Challenge of GA/FL and 24 full time employees serving in the administration offices. Expansion is still under way which will mean jobs for possibly 60 local residents.

Jim Blanchard, Mayor Jim Wetherington, Dr. Jerry Nance, and Mike Gaymon, President and CEO, Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon to officially open Teen Challenger of Georgia and Florida along with Global Teen Challenge Aug. 29.



Global Teen Challenge is responsible for providing leadership to more than 400 centers in 92 countries around the world. Global Teen Challenge serves Teen Challenge centers with web based leadership training, regional conferences, Leadership Training Institutes, internship programs, director mentoring, and new center development.

"An exciting part of the Global Teen Challenge will be the international visitors that will be coming to Columbus for meetings and training," said Nance. "I would like to thank the community for its warm welcome and support of our programs."

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Buffalo Rock Company expands Sun Fresh Beverages

Scott Parks, vice president, Corporate Manufacturing, Facilities and Operations, announces the expansion of Sun Fresh Beverages, Inc.
Buffalo Rock Company, one of the nation's largest food and beverage distributors is expanding Sun Fresh Beverages, Inc. (formerly Southeast Canners) with a new line capable of producing 8 to 10 million cases of product a year and hiring 50 new employees and investing $4.5 million. This brings the total number of employees to 100. Sun Fresh Beverages, Inc. produces Aquafina Pure Water, along with regular and diet teas.

"Buffalo Rock, established in 1901, has a rich history of growth, expansion and acquisitions," said Scott Parks, vice president, Corporate Manufacturing, Facilities and Operations. "Today's announcement is an investment in this plant to help meet the growth of non-carbonated and carbonated beverages in our region."

The Buffalo Rock Company operates 14 distribution centers throughout Alabama, Northwest, Georgia and the panhandle of Florida and has two manufacturing hubs. This growth will increase capacity of all manufacturing capabilities by 50%.

"Today's announcement is creating new jobs for area residents," said Mayor Jim Wetherington. "This new line is an investment by the company in the growth of our region's diversity of manufacturing products. Thank you for expanding here."

Including the new jobs announced today the Buffalo Rock Company employs more than 2,700 people.

Some of the products produced at Sun Fresh Beverages, Inc.

Partners In Education welcome to PIEradise 
kick off conference held Aug. 30

More than 300 Partners In Education (PIE) participated in the PIEradise Kick-off conference at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center Aug. 30. Educators and their partners from businesses, military, civic clubs and churches participated in the one day program.

This annual event is designed to help all the PIE partners to build their programs for the year to enhance the education of the students in the region. PIE has 84 individual schools in Chattahoochee, Harris, Fort Benning, Muscogee and Talbot school districts as well as many private and church affiliated schools.

Some of the topics covered included:

  • Hang Ten with A Winner... 2006-07 Partnership of the Year "Best Practices"
    Faith Middle School PIE = Faith X Dedicated Partners
  • Upgrading from Coach to First Class … Completing the Award Application
  • Pack your suitCACE it's time to escape the ordinary for the extraordinary In CACE you didn't know!
  • We Be Jammin…Get In the Groove with the Columbus Sports Council
  • Are you dreaming of the perfect island vacation but stuck in THE REAL WORLD
  • Just a sample of more than 13 different break out sessions

PIE Facts:

  • 220 partners made up of business partners, military partners, civic partners and church partners.
  • Last year partners contributed more than 26,700 volunteer hours in the partnerships.
More than 300 Partners In Education partners participated in PIEradise workshop Aug. 30 in Convention and Trade Center.

Special Thanks to the sponsors:

Columbus Bank and Trust

Pratt & Whitney

Muscogee County School District

Premier Martial Arts

TIC Federal Credit Union

New Horizons Community Service Board

Heritage Hills Alzheimer's Specialty Care Center

Spring Harbor

Junior Achievement

Legislative Express set for Oct. 18 sign up now

The Executive Government Affairs Committee of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce plans the Annual Legislative Express. This year's event is scheduled for Thursday, October 18th 2007 at the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber Depot. With a theme of "Maneuvering Toward a Stronger Region", we will focus on the coming growth associated with Ft. Benning's expansion, while thanking our local, state, and federal elected officials for their continued support of our community.

(R-L) Colin Martin, Government Affairs Committee Chair and Harold Bryant Vice President of Government Affairs review sponsors for this years event Oct. 18.

Part of the excitement in this annual event is meeting key decision makers at various levels of Government. Last week the Chamber confirmed that Governor Sonny Perdue will send his Chief of Staff, Mr. Ed Holcombe to represent the Governor's office while Sonny is away on a trade mission. Mr. Holcombe is chief influencer on the Governor's Staff and boasts a highly impressive resume of Executive Management experience with the Georgia Power Company having last served as the Vice President of Governmental and Regulatory Affairs.

Other invited State Executives Include: The Lieutenant Governor, The State School Superintendent, The Commissioner of Labor, the Commissioner of Revenue, and Georgia State Senators and House Members.

For additional information on this upcoming event please contact: 706.327.1566

This year, the Premier Sponsor for Legislative Express 2007 is the Chattahoochee Valley Chapter of Credit Unions which includes:

  • Chattahoochee Federal Credit Union
  • MEA Federal Credit Union
  • Phenix Pride Federal Credit Union
  • Regional Members Federal Credit Union
  • Members United Federal Credit Union
  • TIC Federal Credit Union
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The Valley Partnership Announces New Study to Look at the
Impact BRAC will have the Ten Surrounding Communities

The Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce and The Valley Partnership are preparing to launch the Fort Benning Regional Growth Management Plan (RGMP) which is being undertaken to help Fort Benning and the impacted communities in our region prepare for one of the most significant mission transformations in the United States.

The purpose of the RGMP is to assess the challenges and opportunities facing the communities impacted by the Fort Benning BRAC growth and to find solutions that address the issues that have been identified. The RGMP process is designed to prepare for the coming changes through a coordinated approach that involves community and installation leaders in planning and implementing growth management actions that address all aspects of community planning. The RGMP will look at issues such as schools, transportation, workforce development, housing, public and private utilities and infrastructure, etc.

The Fort Benning Regional Growth Management Plan will encourage local governments to work closely with Fort Benning to preserve and protect the public health, safety and welfare of those living in the region and the viability of military missions and operations. The application of smart growth planning principles and practices will achieve a balance between potentially conflicting interests and capitalize on economic enrichment opportunities, leading to a sustained and vibrantly growing community.

The Fort Benning RGMP is developed through a collaborative public involvement process that results in the following four expected outcomes: a positive, workable bi-state and local government commitment to accommodate the growth, a lasting partnership based on cooperation and sharing by all affected interests, a determined consensus course of action, including an implementation strategy and follow-through by all stakeholders so that growth benefits the affected communities and bi-state region.

The Fort Benning Regional Growth Management Plan study area includes Fort Benning and the communities that will be impacted by installation growth, which has been identified as the area within a 35 mile radius of Fort Benning. This bi-state region includes the following ten (10) counties: Chattahoochee, Harris, Marion, Muscogee, Stewart, Talbot and Taylor in Georgia along with Barbour, Russell and Lee in Alabama.

Senator briefing
U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, visited the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce Aug. 29 for an executive briefing. Stella Shulman, chair of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce welcomed the senator to the Chamber. Gary Jones provided a briefing on BRAC (Fort Benning’s growth) then Harold Bryant provided the senator with information on the national pilot projects underway in Columbus.

Energy Savers, Inc. named Greater Columbus Georgia
Chamber of Commerce Small Business Giant for August

Energy Savers, Inc. received the Small Business Giant Award at the August Eye Opener Breakfast Aug. 23.

H. Wayne Bell received the Small Business Giant award at the Aug. 23 Eye Opener Breakfast.

Energy Savers, Inc. was founded in 1977 by H. Wayne Bell. It provides services and solutions to nearly 7,000 customers in the Valley region.

Energy Savers' vision is to be The Valley's Best Service and Solutions Experience in heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and related commercial and residential services by focusing on the needs of our customers.

Energy Savers continues to aggressively grow its footprint across the valley area. One of the company's goals is to growing twice the industry/market rate.

Energy Savers and its president, Bill Bell, participate in and support Leadership Columbus Alumni, Youth Leadership Columbus, the Better Business Bureau, the "Triumph" Committee which benefits the Valley Rescue Mission, the House of Heroes through Leadership Columbus, United Way, Partners in Education, Youth Sports, Columbus State University, Habitat for Humanity, and the Salvation Army.

Recipients must be members of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, have a current business license, be locally owned or operated and have been in business for at least one year. For more information, please contact Marie Cordero at mcordero@columbusgachamber.com or 706-327-1566.

Thank you note from National Taichung University

Dear Mr. F. Michael Gaymon

I am writing to express my immense gratitude to you for your cordial reception during our trip in the U.S.A. Additionally, I would like to thank you for letting Mr. Seiko Kabumoto take us around your beautiful city that the whole delegation team will always remember this wonderful trip.

After returning from the U.S., the delegation team has made a report to Columbus State University as well as the trip to all the deans and chairs at NTCU. I believe the leaders of our school are all deeply impressed with Columbus State University and Columbus.

Thank you for your hospitality, I would like to personally to invite you to visit our school again.

Signed Dr. Szu-Wei Yang, President of National Taichung University, Taiwan.
Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development visit
(L-R) Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, visited the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce for a tour of the community and briefing Aug. 15. Mike Gaymon, president and CEO of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce introduced Stewart to the Economic Development team.
Second Round of Public Meetings for the Joint Land Use Study to be Held in September

The second of three rounds of public meetings to discuss the progress of the Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) and impact of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) will be held in September in each of the seven participating counties. These counties, located within a five-mile zone around Fort Benning's perimeter, are Chattahoochee, Harris, Marion, Muscogee, Stewart and Talbot counties in Georgia along with Russell County in Alabama. (See below for dates, times and locations of meetings.) Each meeting will be led by EDAW, the prime contractor and study leader, who has extensive experience in developing land use compatibility strategies around military installations.

The second set of meeting will be the first time the counties will get a chance to see the recommendation being made by the Joint Land Use Study. For anyone who missed the first round of meetings they can get the full presentation at www.thevalleypartnership.com/jlus/.

Fort Benning Joint Land Use Study
Schedule for Second Round of Public Meetings

Russell County
date: Wednesday, Sept. 12
time: 6:30 p.m. EST
location: Municipal Court Room, Public Safety Building, 2nd floor,
1111 Broad St., Phenix City

Harris County
date: Monday, Sept. 17
time: 6:30 p.m.
location: County Courthouse, Room 223, 102 N. College St./Hwy 27, Hamilton

Stewart County
date: Tuesday, Sept. 18
time: 9 a.m.
location: County Courthouse, Room 101, on Broad St., Lumpkin

Marion County
date: Thursday, Sept. 20
time: 6:30 p.m.
location: Marion Middle School, 100 Burkhalter Ave., Buena Vista

Muscogee County
date: Wednesday, Sept. 26
time: 6:30 p.m.
location: Columbus Public Library, Synovus Room, 3000 Macon Rd., Columbus

Chattahoochee County
date: Thursday, Sept. 27
time: 6:30 p.m.
location: County Courthouse, 377 Broad St., Cusseta

Learn about proposed to change State Tax System

The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute will host an educational workshop to discuss the legislative proposal to enact major changes in our State's Tax System. Collaborating with the GBPI in staging this forum are the AARP Georgia, Georgia Association of Educators, Georgia Municipal Association, Georgia School Board Association, and Georgia Citizens for a Responsible Budget.

This meeting will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 4 from 4-6 p.m. in Banquet Room C of the Cunningham Center on the campus of Columbus State University.

The workshop is free however advance registration is appreciated. Registration and further information is available at www.GBPI.org.

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Chamber home page . . . click here
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 . . . click here
Partnership for Workforce Development home page . . . click here
Partners In Education home page . . .  click here

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© Copyright 2007. Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
1200 6th Avenue  |  Columbus, GA 31902
P: 706.327.1566  |  1.800.360.8552  |  F: 706.327.7512