Kodak breaks ground here investing $15 million

(L-R) Mike Gaymon President and CEO of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Jim Wetherington, Sue Hall, Columbus Plant Manager, Kodak, Bob Gilson, chair of the Development Authority of Columbus, Nancy Kot, Director, Americas' Plate Operations, Graphic Communications Group, Eastman Kodak Company.

In response to the strong demand for digital plates throughout the Americas, Kodak broke ground on a 16,000 square feet expansion of the plate production facility. Their third production line will meet the digital plate supply needs of print service providers in a wide of variety Markets.

Kodak's investment in the new production line totals approximately $15 million and will enable the company to more efficiently produce current and future generation digital plates. The increased plate production capacity also is expected to bring 30 or more employees to the Columbus Region and further establish Kodak's commitment to the community.

Sue Hall, Columbus Plant Manager, Kodak talked about the company's 16,000 square foot and $15 million expansion here.

First opened in 1990 by Sun Chemical for the production of Polychrome branded printing plates, the facility has undergone several previous improvements to increase production quality and capacity. Kodak entered into a joint venture with Sun Chemical in 1998 to form Kodak Polychrome Graphics and in 2005 Kodak Polychrome Graphics became a wholly owned subsidiary of Kodak.

Currently the facility occupies 250,000 square-feet and boasts approximately 250 employees operating two plate production lines. Construction is expected to be completed second quarter 2009.

DayJet Corporation announced today the addition of Columbus, Georgia to its service network as a DayStop. Starting Feb. 20, DayJet members can fly "Per-Seat, On-Demand" jet service to and from seven DayPorts across their network of more than 45 regional destinations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina.

Malcolm Murphy, manager Government & Community Affairs, DayJet Corporation announces Columbus as a DayStop for DayJet Feb. 20.

DayJet uses a fleet of Eclipse 500 very light jets (VLJs) to provide customized travel according to business traveler's time and budget requirements; fly point-to-point between DayJet's growing service network and return home in a single day. Prices start at a modest premium to full-fair economy coach airfares. The company is accepting corporate membership applications for the Columbus Region.

DayJet will operate out of Fixed Base Operator (FBO) at Columbus Metropolitan Airport. "Columbus will have the opportunity to grow from a DayStop to DayPort depending on the demand for services," said Malcolm Murphy, manager Government & Community Affairs, DayJet Corporation. "It will provide business travelers with the option to fly to other communities to do business and return home all in the same day. DayJet will continue to expand our service network, giving business travelers throughout the Southeast unprecedented regional travel options."

"Your growth into this market will help our businesses access other business markets in the southeastern region," said Mayor Jim Wetherington. "Thank you for choosing the Columbus market to expand into. We know the Columbus market has a great deal of growth potential by providing new destinations. I know the Columbus Metropolitan Airport looks forward to your expansion into this market and looks forward to your continued growth."

"An exciting part of this announcement is that businesses will be able to fly to cities that the major carriers don't serve said," Stella Shulman, chair of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce. "The expected growth of the Columbus Region and Fort Benning in the next several years will also provide new opportunities for DayJet."

The Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce Columbus Day at the Capitol is scheduled for Wednesday, March 12th, 2008. Come join us for several special presentations in the Chambers of the House of Representatives and the Senate, followed by group photos with the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Speaker of the House for Georgia.

Our Executive Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman, Rob Doll of Rob Doll Nissan encourages all businesses to get involved in the legislative process that impacts your bottom line. Come participate in this opportunity to meet your elected officials.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Each sponsor logo will be placed on an insert to the gift presented to each Legislator, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House.

For additional information email twyatt@columbusgachamber.com or call 706.257.1191.

Partners In Education (PIE) celebrated the spirit of partnership between schools in Cusseta-Chattahoochee County, Harris County, Fort Benning, Muscogee County and Talbot County, Aaron Cohn Regional Youth Detention Center and 220 business, civic organizations, churches and military units in the Columbus Region Feb. 4-8.

"I have found PIE to be as rewarding to our staff who participates in the programs as it is for the students they are there to help," said Kent Fleming, chair of PIE. "It is a two-way street with schools and area organizations working together."

PIE was established in 1987 (as Adopt-A-School) through the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce. PIE is based on the concept that "human capital" is the most important resource a partner can provide. Although businesses sometimes provide funding for specific needs, the greatest benefit to education is derived from the personal involvement of volunteers in schools.

During this week-long celebration of partnerships some of the activities include:

• Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m. Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School 5th grade students will be touring TIC's Peachtree Branch on a field trip.
• Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. TIC Federal Credit Union will be at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School 1973 Torch Hill for their monthly financial fitness classes.
• February 9 from 10:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. - Pratt Whitney will host a dessert social at Midland Middle School.
• Columbus Bank and Trust/South Columbus Elementary-They provided Junior Achievement programs to the entire school (K-5) utilizing their PIE room representatives as the Junior Achievement facilitators.
• Omega Training Group will provide some needed classroom supplies to Reese Road Elementary and provide goody bags to school staff.
• Hardaway High School will deliver goodies to their partners- Ray Underwood Architects, Macy's Peachtree Mall and the Non-Commission Officer Academy and will provide them lunch at the school.
• The Junior League of Columbus is providing snacks and inspirational messages to Wynnton Arts Academy staff.
• ERA Elite Ventures Realty is making a banner with pictures from Aaron Cohn Regional Youth Detention Center students and the ERA staff. They will also host a job fair for them later this month.

Puddle Jumpers named Hometown Hero for February

When we first began talking about opening a day care center it was because we felt Columbus was missing something. Where you leave your child while you go to work is probably one of the hardest decisions a parent makes. Anyone can take a building and fill it with toys and desks and books - but it takes special people to fill it with love. That's what we saw missing and feel we have accomplished at Puddle Jumpers.

Amy Croom received the Hometown Hero award at Power Lunch Feb. 14 at Buckhead Grill and BAR

Our mission statement is: At Puddle Jumpers Child Enrichment Center we are committed to nurturing and educating your children in a faith based environment through experienced and devoted teachers while still allowing children to be children.

Puddle Jumpers opened in January 2006 as a full service child care-center serving children ranging in age from 6 weeks - pre-K and up to 12 years with "Before and After" school programs. Drop off and pick up services are provided at Blanchard, Double Churches, Britt David and North Columbus Elementary. Growth came quickly and in February of 2007, Amy Croom, Laurie's sister opened Puddle Jumpers Too.

Giving back to a community that has given so much to us is very important. Laurie Wolfe, owner of Puddle Jumpers currently sits on the boards of The Better Business Bureau, UPtown Columbus Inc., the Arthritis Foundation, a past graduate and board member of the Leadership Columbus program, and the immediate past president of the CSU Alumni Assoc. In addition, we support, either financially or through volunteerism, The Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce (we are a Certified Drug Free Workplace), CSU Foundation, CSU Alumni, The Better Business Bureau, Children's Miracle Network, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, the area arts programs through The Steeple Chase, God Bless Fort Benning, The Optimist Club of Columbus, The Columbus Family Connection and several area youth sports programs.

Puddle Jumpers is here to serve you and your children's day care needs. Puddle Jumpers Child Enrichment Center is located at 120 Bascom Court, Columbus for more information call (706) 507-3623

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