The Medical Center Hospital Authority plans to acquire Hughston Orthopedic Hospital

The Medical Center Hospital Authority has reached an agreement with HCA, Inc. to acquire Hughston Orthopedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Center in Columbus. The Authority intends to enter into an agreement under which Columbus Regional Healthcare System will manage Hughston Orthopedic Hospital as it does Doctors Hospital, which was acquired from HCA, Inc. in February. The transition of ownership of Doctors Hospital has been highly positive.

"The Hughston Orthopedic Hospital is known nationally for its superior orthopedic care, due in large part to the exceptional care provided by the physicians of the Hughston Clinic," said Larry Sanders, Chairman and CEO of Columbus Regional.

The Hughston Clinic is a private physician practice operating independently from Hughston Orthopedic Hospital, with the physicians maintaining medical staff privileges at the hospital. The Hughston Clinic is not part of the acquisition of the hospital.

"Our intent is to continue operation of Hughston Orthopedic Hospital as a high-quality orthopedic and rehabilitation facility," Sanders added.
"Hughston Orthopedic Hospital is an important member of the community's health care delivery system. Its medical staff and employees are committed to the delivery of high-quality medical care to their patients."

Following the acquisition, the Authority plans to lease Hughston Orthopedic Hospital to a newly formed company affiliated with Columbus Regional. The hospital will retain its current name.

Once acquired by the Authority, Hughston Orthopedic Hospital will be operated as a community-based, not-for-profit hospital, according to Sanders. "The hospital and the community will benefit from the local ownership and control of Hughston Orthopedic Hospital," he said. "This will ensure the hospital remains a valuable community resource for decades to come."

"The acquisition of Hughston Orthopedic Hospital is another example of our commitment to ensure the delivery of quality health care to our community and the region," Sanders said. "The hospital will strongly complement Columbus Regional's suite of well-rounded and highly respected services." These include The Medical Center, Doctors Hospital, the John B. Amos Cancer Center, the Columbus Regional Breast Care Center, the Columbus Regional Brain and Spine Center and Spring Harbor at Green Island.

There will be no immediate changes in the services offered by Hughston Orthopedic Hospital. The focus has been - and continues to be - providing quality orthopedic and rehabilitation services to patients and a quality work environment for physicians and staff.

"We look forward to working with the fine physicians and employees of Hughston Orthopedic Hospital as we continue to uphold the hospital's tradition of high-quality orthopedic and rehabilitative care," Sanders said. "The hospital has enjoyed a reputation for exemplary patient care over the years," he added. "The clinical excellence attained by the hospital has earned national recognition."

Jordan Electric Company, Inc. named March Small Business Giant

D. Wade Jordan accepts April Small Business Giant Award April 24.

Jordan Electric Company, Inc. was founded in 1995 by D. Wade Jordan, current President and CEO. He has been a life long resident and contributor to the Columbus community. Built on honesty and integrity, Jordan Electric Company exemplifies his faith in Jesus Christ his Rock and Savior.

The formation of Jordan Electric Company was a cumulative effort of years of education, on the job training, and the fulfillment of a personal desire to provide the area with a customer first, service oriented, electrical contractor to meet all your needs.

We are proud to have the best service technicians around. Over the years we have built a strong customer base through our reputation, customer satisfaction, and word of mouth. These attributes have propelled us as a leader in the electrical industry. We continue to train our employees in the latest technology available.

In April of 2007 Jordan Electric Company relocated to 4923 Warm Springs Rd in Columbus, Georgia. Our spacious office and enormous warehouse provide our employees a comfortable work environment. We are strategically located near J.R. Allen Parkway, Manchester Expressway, and Interstate 185, making us easily accessible to the Valley area.

Jordan Electric Company was voted the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer's Reader's Choice 2006 winner for best Electrical Contractor in our area. We provide outreach through numerous charitable organizations that include our personal church, youth organizations, the homeless, and those struggling with life controlling circumstances, i.e., Teen Challenge of Columbus. They are also a Certified Drug Free Workplace through the Chamber's Drugs Don't Work program.

Our well diversified staff of project managers compiles an impressive portfolio of over 150 years of training and electrical expertise.

There is something for every small business in our region during this year’s small business week running from today through May 23.

These events include: Small Business Week news conference, Protect Yourself- Essentials of Small Business Risk Management Workshop, Columbus Council Small Business Week Proclamation, Small Business and the Arts Networking Reception, Small Business Economic Workshop, Commerce Day Symposium, Business and Healthcare Expo, Maximum Marketing Workshop, Chamber of Commerce Eye Opener Breakfast, Small Business Recognition Gala and IWOW Graduation, and the Valley Partnership Economic Development Breakfast. 

“Why is small business so important to the regions economy?” said Mike Gaymon, president and CEO of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce. “Because they create a large share of new jobs in the region, one to five jobs at a time, and provide a broad range of services and products providing our region with the quality of life we all enjoy.”

There are more than 14,000 businesses in the Columbus, Georgia - Phenix City, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). More than 90 percent of these businesses are considered small businesses according to the U.S. Census Bureau. “Considering the future growth of this market there are not only opportunities for these local businesses but challenges as well,” said Lori Auten, Area Director, UGA/Small Business Development Center. “The pace of change will be accelerating, therefore, the challenge for some businesses will be a great as the opportunity. All you have to look at is the growth at Fort Benning and the new Kia plant to see this growth is taking place right now.”

This week of activities was developed by the Small Business Recognition Committee of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce to provide recognition for the small businesses in the region and help them grow and succeed.

Click here for a registration form.

Nearly 120 Young Professionals gathered at the Chamber April 25

Greater Columbus Georgia Young Professionals (YP), a new program of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, held their first networking event Friday, April 25th. YP is for people between the ages of 21-40. Many of them are looking to build a network among the future leaders of the Columbus area. The program is designed to engage YPs in building our region and the world. It is also designed for YPs new to the area and looking for smart, enthusiastic people who share their interests.

"Friday night's event attracted a broad range of young professionals in our region," said John Pezold, Chair of Young Professionals program. "We are off to a great start with 100 YP members representing more than 40 businesses in the region. But we know there are more Young Professionals that could benefit from this program. So I would encourage you to find out more about our YP program," said Pezold.

Friday's YP event was sponsored by the Marriott, ERA Elite Ventures Realty, and Clear Channel. The Founding Sponsors for the YP program are Aflac and W.C. Bradley, and our Sustaining Sponsor is TSYS.

The Young Professionals program is designed to help the business community retain and attract Young Professionals to the community. It is a great way to help YP's grow professionally in the workforce. These are important reasons for local businesses to consider becoming a sponsor of the YP program.

For more information on YP contact Mary Johnson at 706-257-1194 or by email mjohnson@columbusgachamber.com.

Want to join? Click on the link to download a membership packet http://www.ypcolumbusga.com/docs/YP.pdf.

Chamber home page . . . click here