Business Magazine December 2015

December 2015

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Here is where aisle four becameaisle fourteen.

SERVING YOU LOCALLY AS

229.430.7000

December 2015 | BUSINESS4 www.AlbanyGa.com

BUSINESSAlbany Area Chamber

of Commerce Magazine

Interim President and CEOEditor

Bàrbara Rivera Holmes

ChairTommy Clark

Chair-ElectEd Newsome

Director of CommunicationsRachelle Bitterman

PrintingColson Printing

PhotographyTodd Stone

Ant Hil PhotographyRachelle Bitterman

Director of SalesDonna Gray

Business (U.S.P.S. 886-680) is published bi-monthly by the Albany Area Chamber ofCommerce, 225 W. Broad Avenue, Albany,Georgia 31701. Subscription rate of $50 isincluded in membership investment. Periodicalspostage paid at Albany, Georgia.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:Business Magazine, 225 W. Broad Avenue,Albany, Georgia, 31701. For more informationabout this publication or advertising rates, call(229) 434-8700. This publication is produced bythe Albany Area Chamber of Commerce.Reproduction in whole or part of thispublication without expressed written consentof the publisher is prohibited. All claims,materials, and photos furnished or used are, tothe publisher’s knowledge, true and correct.Hence liability cannot be assumed by thepublisher for errors or by the publisher forerrors or omissions. Advertisements and editorialinformation published in this publication issubject to the unrestricted right to edit of, andby, our editor/publisher.

U.S. Postal Service Statement of Ownership,Management and Circulation

Date of Filing: 9/29/08

Business (U.S.P.S. 886-680) is published bi-monthly by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, 225 W. Broad

Avenue, Albany Georgia 31707. Subscriptionrate of $50 is included in membership investment.

Periodicals postage paid at Albany, Georgia.

Owner/Publisher: Albany Chamber of Commerce225 W. Broad Avenue, Albany, Georgia 31701

#MADE IN ALBANY, GA

www.AlbanyGa.com | BUSINESS

CO

NTENTS

ABOUT THE COVERThe Albany Area Chamber of Commercewelcomed more than 120 new members in2015. Read comments from some of our newmembers starting on page 8.

Design by Rachelle BittermanPhotography by Ant Hill Photography

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 Vo lu M E 1 4 N u M B E R 6

5December 2015

08 1612The Values ofChamber

Membership

Star Business ofthe Week

BusinessCommunity Wins

Fall SaltySandbagger

18 2220Thank You,RenewingMembers

Chehaw UshersIn Holiday

Season WithBusiness

After Hours

Ribbon Cuttings

24 2625Fire Station No. 7Groundbreaking

Message Fromthe President and CEO

“Get Plugged In”Breakfast

Educates NewMembers OnChamberBeneftis

3028Schools UsingArt to BuildCommunityRelations

2015 NewMembers

w w w. a l b a n y g a . c o m

06Comments fromthe 2015 Chair of the Board

14Welcome To OurNew Members

11 Mark YourCalendar

What a great year it has been for the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. You can see inthis edition of Business magazine that membership has positive momentum. We have seengrowth in our membership this year, but more importantly, we see members joining who areactively engaged in their chamber. When I became chairman of the board in January 2015, Ispoke about involvement and the impact you have on your membership when you are activelyinvolved. I am excited to say that I am now seeing greater involvement from our members thanever before.

We’ve also seen what collaboration with our community stakeholders can produce. To movethis great city forward, we must work together and be unified in our efforts. We have seenbetter communication and partnership between the chamber, the Albany-Dougherty EconomicDevelopment Commission, city of Albany and Dougherty County. Iwant to thank our partnersin this community for working together to make great things happen and allowing ourchamber to be a part of the discussions and solutions involving our community. Albany MayorHubbard, Dougherty County Commission Chair Christopher Cohilas, Albany City ManagerSharon Subadan and Dougherty County Administrator Richard Crowdis have all beenextremely helpful in working together for the greater benefit of the Albany Area. It’s inspiringto see organizations come together for the greater good of all.

I also want to point out that this past year’s chamber events have seen record attendance and participation. From the RiseN Shine Breakfasts to Business After Hours and from Celebrate Small Business Week to Business Expo, we have seengrowth in attendance and sponsorships. It is encouraging to see businesses come together and move the chains of progress.Great things happen when people work together.

Lastly, as I write this final piece during my tenure as chamber chair, let me encourage you to stay actively involved inyour chamber and engaged with your community. Even though I may be passing the gavel at the upcoming annual meetingon January 21, 2016, I am not going anywhere. There is still a lot of work to be done, but as they say: It takes a village. Let’seach do our part in continuing to make Albany a great place to live and do business. There are incredible things on thehorizon; to realize them we must continue working together.

I hope each and every person reading this has had a wonderful year. I look forward to continuing to serve this greatorganization.

COMMENTS FROM THE2015 CHAIRMAN

Tommy ClarkHeritageBank of the South


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www.AlbanyGa.comDecember 2015 | BUSINESS8

The Value of amr Memhip

Barry Taylor, Rosenberg Men's Wear & Custom Clothier

Rich Patel, Red Roof Inn Tom Gieryic (right), Gieryic’s Automotive Repair

Ansley Cotton, Etch Creative, llC


One of the measures of anorganization’s strength is how well itweathers times of financial hardship.

The Albany Area Chamber ofCommerce, like virtually every otherorganization in the country,experienced such hardship with therecent recession that left many smallbusinesses reeling, searching for cost-cutting measures that would allowthem to withstand the devastatingdownturn.

“There was a definite trenddeveloping in net membership loss,”said 2015 Chamber Board ChairmanTommy Clark. “I truly believe it mostlyhad to do with the lingering effects ofthe recession. Small businesses werelooking for any cost cuts they couldfind, asking themselves, ‘Can I dowithout this or that?’ If they had a costthat wasn’t an absolute need, theyoften cut it.

“Now that the financial picture hasbrightened, we’ve seen ourmembership start to grow again. Ibelieve many of our members whocame back realized the value ofchamber membership.”

Indeed, from a period of net-lossduring the hardest days of therecession, the chamber has had abanner year in 2015, adding 120 newmembers and counting heading intothe final month of the year.

“What the numbers say about theAlbany Area Chamber is that we havecreated programs with a customerservice approach that are meeting theneeds of the community,” said BàrbaraRivera Holmes, interim president andCEO of the Albany Area Chamber ofCommerce. “This shows that we’velistened to our members when they’vehad challenges and our approach toleadership is reflective of their sharedvoice.

“We’re excited about the largenumber of new members we’ve added,but we’re just as excited about eachmember’s renewal. Our goal is to makechamber membership so valuable,renewing is non-negotiable," Holmessaid. "We want chamber membership tobe part of members’ successfulbusiness plan.”

New members’ reasons for joiningthe chamber are as varied as theirproduct lines, but such value-addedelements as reduced insurance rates,

networking opportunities and theaddition of a dynamic customer baseare among those that are frequentlylauded.

“I didn’t know if I would be a‘chamber-type’ guy because I’m moreblue-collar,” Gieryic’s AutomotiveRepair owner Tom Gieryic said. “Butbecause the chamber had given me so

much help with my ‘Back the Blue’campaign, I decided to join for the firsttime. It immediately became obviousthat there were benefits to chambermembership, the insurance being thefirst thing that jumped out at me.

“Now that I’ve seen how thechamber operates, I plan to get moreinvolved. That’s a huge group ofbusiness owners, and that means thereare tremendous networkingopportunities. Plus, for those of us whodon’t have a large marketing budget,the chamber helps us get the word outabout things we’re doing.”

Kent Nance, who expanded his StateFarm Insurance Agency into Albany inSeptember, said joining the AlbanyArea Chamber of Commerce hasenhanced his opportunities forcommunity involvement.

“One of the first things thatimpressed me about the Albany AreaChamber is the way the organizationdoes so many things in thecommunity,” Nance said. “In mybusiness, it’s important to meet people,and the chamber offers plenty ofopportunities through events like itsBusiness Expo, which is fantastic. Butit’s also very involved in the things thatare important in the community, likethe county’s school system.

“I’ve done volunteer work with,mostly, Turner and Jackson Heightselementary schools since I’ve beenhere, and I’m pleased that the chamberhas partnerships within our schoolsystem. It’s a positive to be part of an

organization that puts a high value oneducation.”

Glenn Singfield Jr., managing partnerof the Albany Fish Co., said chambermembership was never a questionwhen he opened his popularestablishment a year ago.

"My father (Glenn Sr.) has workedwith the chamber for a long time, and

one of the first lessons he taught me inbusiness is how important chambermembership is," Singfield said."Ironically, I was talking with a friendof mine in Savannah last night, and oneof the things we were talking aboutwas how important the Albany AreaChamber is to new businesses. Ibelieve you have to join the chamber tobe a true part of your city: Thechamber needs you, but you need thechamber, too.

"When we first got started, there waslittle money for advertising. We gotword out about our business throughsocial media and through the chamber.That promotion has been vital to thesuccess of our business. We know that,as part of the chamber, we have 'family'in our community."

Rich Patel, who manages the newand successful Red Roof Inn in Albany,said that while most of his hours arespent at work, he's been impressedwith chamber-sponsored events thathe's had the opportunity to attend.

"I think the events like Business AfterHours allow chamber members tonetwork, and they give people like mewho are new to the community anopportunity to meet a bigger part ofthe business community," Patel said."I've used the contacts I've made atsome of these events to help improvemy business.

"I'm proud of the accomplishmentswe've made in the year that we've beenhere, and I know a lot of them wouldnot have been possible without the

Now that I’ve seen how the chamber operates, I plan to getmore involved. That’s a huge group of business owners, andthat means there are tremendous networking opportunities.Plus, for those of us who don’t have a large marketingbudget, the chamber helps us get the word out about thingswe’re doing.

Tom Gieryic, Owner Gieryic’s Automotive Repair


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opportunities presented by mymembership in the Albany AreaChamber of Commerce."

Vicky Leister, whose Studio V-FitDance and Fitness Center offers uniquegroup fitness classes, said she, too,relies on the chamber to help spreadthe word about her business.

"Like so many small businesses, wedo not have a large budget foradvertising," Leister said. "We rely onthe chamber to not only help us getthe word out about what we're doing,but to also give us a customer baseamong the many small businesses whoare also chamber members.

"One of my goals with the fitnessstudio is to help our communitybecome more physically fit," she said."The chamber gives me immediateinvolvement with the community atlarge."

Chairman Clark said that thechamber's uptick in membership, whilepartially a response to an improvingeconomy, is about more than finances.

"I would argue that maybe the most

important reason we went from aperiod of net-loss in membershipthrough a period of stopping thebleeding to a period of gain is thatwe've developed a great partnershipwith our leadership, staff andmembership," he said. "I've been a partof the chamber board since 2010, and Ibelieve there was a period ofdisconnect between communityleadership and communitystakeholders. But the Albany-Dougherty Economic DevelopmentCommission's (There's Only OneAlbany) rebranding campaign was abig step in reversing that process.

"Now you have this amazingpartnership going on between theChamber, the EDC, the AlbanyConvention and Visitors Bureau, and allthe stakeholders whose voices are vitalto a strong community," he said. "Plus,you don't see us doing anythingwithout talking first to Dot (MayorDorothy Hubbard), Sharon (Subadan,the Albany city manager), Richard(Crowdis, the Dougherty County

administrator) or Chris (Cohilas,chairman of the Dougherty CountyCommission). Where there had been alack of trust, now you seecommunication and collaboration."

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Business Community Wins Fall Salty Sandbagger Golf TournamentThe Albany Area Chamber of Commerce’s MilitaryAffairs Committee, chaired by Leland Burkart,organizes the Salty Sandbagger Golf Tournamenttwice a year. The event pits the Marines and CivilianMarines against the business community for a littlefriendly competition. The golf tournament is just oneway the chamber helps to build relationships withMCLB Albany. The fall tournament, held atDoublegate Country Club, was hard fought but thebusiness community once again took the trophyback to the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. Maj.Gen. Craig Crenshaw, commanding general of MarineCorps Logistics Command (LOGCOM), said he willbe holding the trophy after the spring tournament.


www.AlbanyGa.comwww.AlbanyGa.com14414 December 2015 | BUSINESS www.AlbanyGa.com

Acree Beverage Co. IncDISTRIBUTORS/FOOD/BEVERAGE4500 Sylvester RoadSylvester, GA 31791Contact: Skip Nichols (229) [email protected]

Burger, [email protected]

C. Todd Ross, P.C.ATTORNEY/PROFESSIONAL614 N. Westover Blvd.Albany, GA 31707Contact: Todd Ross (229) 299-9911Fax (229) [email protected]

EGA ProductionsMUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT156 Ragan St.Leesburg, GA 31763Contact: Steven Owens(229) [email protected]

Folsom Construction Management, LLCCONTRACTOR/BUILDER105 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33801(863) 226-0885Fax (863) 582-9350Contact: Michael [email protected]

Golden's Table/Chair Linen RentalsRENTAL SERVICES WEDDING SUPPLIES131 Marlow Lane

Albany, GA 31721Contact: Juanita Golden(229) 886-9708Fax (229) [email protected]

Grant TransportHEALTH CARE TRANSPORTATION1905 Avalon AvenueAlbany, GA 31707Contact: Demarcus Grant(229) [email protected]

IMSolutions, LLCCONSULTANTS 1517 Moultrie RoadAlbany, GA 31701Contact: Martin Langaigne703-221-2685 ext 107Fax: (703) [email protected]

Lori McCalvin, Mary Kay Independent Sales DirectorBEAUTY CONSULTANT(229) 395-8860www.marykay.com/[email protected]

Love LettersSPECIALTY ITEMS/GIFT STORE2726 Ledo Rd.Albany, GA 31707Contact: Yvonnie (NAN) Brooks(229) 883-1333Fax: (229) [email protected]

Mingledorff's, Inc.AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING205 Baldwin Drive Albany, GA 31707Contact: Josclyn Powell(770) 239-2337

[email protected]

Miyo's Restaurant & Global CuisineRESTAURANTS2820 Meredyth Drive Suite 4 Albany, GA 31707Contact: Michael Daniels(229) [email protected]

Mt. Pilgrim Baptist ChurchNON-PROFIT/CHURCH 1501 Newton RoadAlbany, GA 31701Contact: Walter Ingram, Pastor (229) [email protected]

Shiloh Missionary Baptist ChurchNON-PROFIT/CHURCH 325 Whitney Ave. Albany, GA 31701Contact: Loretta Jones-Singleton (229) 435-3114Fax (229) [email protected]

Spectacular VisionOPTICAL GOODS/RETAIL2234 Palmyra RoadAlbany, GA 31701Contact: Lisa [email protected]

Walmart Neighborhood Market - Slappey BlvdGROCERS/ RETAIL2586 N. Slappey Blvd.Albany, GA 31707Contact: Jason Folsom(229) 434-9662Fax (229) 889-9056www.walmart.com/[email protected]

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERSVISIT WWW.AlBANyGA.CoM AND VIEW THE WEB PAGES foR All CHAMBER MEMBERS.

November/December


DIVINE FINNEY DAVIS, PC600 N. Jackson St. | 229.883.1610

www.dfdpclaw.com

Contact: W. Douglas Divine

AMERICA’S HOME PLACE2300 Dawson Rd. | 229.438.0930www.AmericasHomePlace.com

Contact: Candace Watson

LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE2733 Dawson Rd. | 229.889.1866www.longhornsteakhouse.com

Contact: Josh Mullin

Thank you to our additional sponsors ...

Sponsored by

The Star Business of the Week initiative is an exciting "random draw" p

Star Business of t

Thank you forproviding donutsto our Star Businesses


R & L ENGINEERING, INC.1005 Willie Pitts, Jr. Rd. | 229.883.6052

www.rleng.com

Contact: David Blitch

BENNETT FEED & SEED1006 N. Washington St.

229.436.2459

Contact: John Albritton

RE/MAX OF ALBANY INC.2535 Lafayette Plaza Dr., Suite D | 229.434.1600

www.remaxofalbany.com

Contact: Kay Martin

HAMILTON RELAY2231-T Dawson Rd. | 229.435.5185

www.hamiltonrelay.com

Contact: David Castellano

rogram for our 1000+ regional member businesses in good standing.

the Week


A-1 Wrecker Service.....................1997AAA Concrete Products

Corporation ...............................1983AB&T National Bank ....................1998Adams, Bob,

LtCol USMC Retired..................2005Addison Properties, LLLP ............2002AFLAC - Karen Luthman ..............2013Agape Christian Worship Center ..2009Albany Museum of Art ..................1987Albany Regional Plastic Surgery..2000Alfa Insurance - Kyle Harrison......2013Alzheimers Association ................2013AT&T Georgia...............................1975

Bennett Feed & Seed....................2011Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany ........2011Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar ......2012

Central Plumbing & HeatingContractors of Albany, Inc. .........2013

Checkers ......................................2004Clean Start, Inc. ...........................2009Clear Choice Engraving

& Awards ...................................2013Communities In Schools,

Albany/Dougherty Partnership in Education ..............................1993

ConAgra Foods.............................2014Concurrent Technologies

Corporation ...............................2007Courtyard by Marriott ..................2004Custom Interiors, Inc. ...................1991

Dallas Margeson, DMD, MS, PC..2007Dasher & Padgett Financial

Advisors, Inc. .............................1985David I. Peterson, Inc. ..................1977Deerfield-Windsor ........................1981Dialysis Clinic, Inc.........................1976DJ's Car Wash II...........................1986DOCO Credit Union .....................1978Dougherty County Rotary Club ....2013Drawdy Roofing, Inc. ....................2008Dunkin' Donuts .............................2014

Eagle Cleaners.............................1999Englewood Health Care, Inc. ........2014ERA All in One Realty ..................2013

F & W Forestry Services, Inc. ......2007Farris Screen Printing

& Embriodery ............................2002

Finnicum Motor Company ............2008First State Bank of Albany ...........1996Flint Community Bank..................2005Flower Basket, The.......................2012Four Star FreightlinerFreeze Frozen Yogurt Inc. .............2012Futral, Harry M. ............................2003

Georgia Department of Labor ......1984Goo-Goo Car Wash......................2006

Greene Finance Company ...........1997

Hadden's Flowers .........................2014Hall, Thomas K., CPA...................1992Hatcher Petroleum

Transport, Inc.............................2010Hester, J. Dennis, CPA .................1989Holiday Inn Express & Suites .......2014Housing Authority

of the City of Albany ..................1992HTS Construction Inc. ..................2013Huggins Outboard, Inc. ................1997

In The Light, LLC ..........................2014Innovative Senior Solutions ..........2014

Judicial Alternatives of Georgia, Inc. .........................2000

Katz Floorcovering Inc. ................2007King, Charles, Dr. .........................2005KingsMark Private

Financial Advisors......................2012Lake Blackshear Resort

& Golf Club................................1997Lawson Industries ........................2007Leadership Albany, Inc. ................2001Lee County Chamber

of Commerce.............................2001Leesburg Air .................................2009LifeLink of Georgia .......................2002Locos Grill & Pub .........................2006Logos-Plus, Inc. ...........................1989

Magnolia Pet Resort & Spa..........2007Mallary Baptist Association, Inc. ..2006Mark's Melon Patch......................1999Matrix Department, Inc. ...............2002Mediacom.....................................1975Medical Associates

of Albany, PC.............................2005Mellow Mushroom........................2006Merritt Insurance

and Investments ........................2014Moore, Clarke, DuVall

& Rodgers, PC ..........................1994Morningside of Albany ..................2014Musculoskeletal Associates..........1983

Partners In Excellence/School Volunteers.........................1995Pittman & Pool Construction ........2009Pratt Industries -

Target Containe ........................1997rPT Gym Personal Training............2002

Quality Inn ....................................2013

Radiation Oncology Associates ....2012Railway Freight .............................1975Ralph Paustian Jr. ........................2014Raytheon Technical

Services Company....................2006Roger Marietta -

Albany City Commissioner ................RSE, Inc. ......................................2013

SB&T............................................1975Servpro of Albany and Americus ..2013Sherwood Baptist Church ............1998Shutters Plus, Inc. ........................2005Sodexo..........................................2011Southern Elegance Catering........2004Southwest Georgia Area

Health Center, Inc. ....................2002SOWEGA Council on Aging, Inc...1987

THANK YOU RENEWING MEMBERSSeptember/october 2015

WE DOCOMPOUNDING

229-434-1414 • 610 N. Slappey Blvd.


Stardust 2 Skate Center ...............1987Swain Equipment Co ....................2013

TCBY ............................................2014Technology One LLC....................2014The Staffing People ......................2014The Youth Becoming Healthy Project

(YBH) .......................................2005Tomlinson Marketing Group..........2013Toyota of Albany...........................2008Turner's Fine Furniture .................1993

United Distributors........................1975

Vansant & Corriere, LLC ..............1977Webco Electrical Construction

& Design ...................................2000Westover Cleaners........................2011Westwood Apartments .................2012Wynfield Park Health

& Rehabilitation Center .............1985

Make Your Homea Dream Home

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129 Flint Ave., Albany, GA | 229.435.7474 or 800.532.TILE

Here’s how to cut 40%off the bill for yourcollege tuition and fees.

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What a great idea. A college for everybody.

ELECTRIC

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December 2015 | BUSINESS www.AlbanyGa.com20

DEERFIELD-WINDSORGRAHM P. LOWEContact: Dave Davies

2500 Nottingham Way | (229) 435-1301www.deerfieldwindsor.com

DOO DAH'S BAR & GRILLContact: Dale Hathcock

411 Philema Rd.(229) 405-3651

Ribbon CuttingsRibbon CuttingsRibbon Cuttings uttingsRibbon Cuttingsbbon Cu utting

NEWMAN'S BAR & GRILLContact: Mandy Burson

2807 Meredyth Dr. | (229) 496-1176www.newmansbarandgrill.com

PLACE ON THE POINTE - 30TH ANNIVERSARY

Contact: Susan Wiley2416 Westgate Dr.

(229) 883-8585 | (800) 883-6949

If your business has moved or expanded and you would like to have a Ribbon Cutting orGroundbreaking contact Mary Bickerstaff at 317.7183 or [email protected].

in elevator sales

and service for

over 45 years!

1432 US Highway 19 South229-436-7131 | Fax 229-436-1188

www.albanyelevator.com FLINT RIVER HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, INC.

Contact: Jennifer Vanston717 Pine Ave. | (229) 446-8199

www.flintriverhabitat.org

GARDEN PATHContact: Richard Spencer

1209 Whispering Pines | (229) 446-2668www.gardenpath-albany.com

Albany Welcome Center112 N. Front St.229.317.4760

BIKE RENTALSAVAILABLE

Discover Albanyon a bicycle

www.visitalbanyga.com BROAD AVENUE MEMORIAL BRIDGE

Contact: Latoya Cutts Intersection of Broad Ave. and Front St.

www.albany.ga.us

FLINT AG & TURFContact: Chris Cannon

741 Highway 82 East, Leesburg (229) 432-7468

www.albanytractor.com

December 2015 | BUSINESS22

Chehaw Ushers In Holiday Season With Business After Hours

For several years, Chehaw has helped usher in the holidayseason by hosting the November Business After Hours. Thisyear, Chehaw moved the event from its education centerinto the zoo at the Santa Village. With over 700 acres ofpristine, conservation land and a wild animal park dedicatedto education, Chehaw is a unique attraction for South

Georgia. As one of the only two accredited zoos in Georgia,Chehaw continues to be devoted to the three areas it wasfounded on: conservation, preservation and education.Chehaw also touts a play park, disc golf course, BMX bikecourse, mountain bike trails, RV sites, tent camping, cabins,and pavilions for picnics.

Steve Johnson with Bishop CleanCare won the Albany Area Chamber$100 cash drawing.


PRINCE OF ALBANYPRINCE OF ALBANY

2701 Ledo Road, Albany229-432-6271PrinceAutoAlbany.com

GROUNDBREAKINGfire Station No. 7

The city of Albany officially broke ground on FireStation No. 7. The new station will be located at theintersection of Elsom Street and Leonard Avenue, andwhen completed will replace the fire station located onNorth Mock Road. The new station will house 12employees and look identical to Fire Station No. 3.Work on the new station is expected to be completedby spring 2016. The Albany Fire Department has 10 firestations located throughout the city and county.


“Get Plugged In” Breakfast Educates New Members On Chamber Benefits

New members attended the December “Get Plugged In”breakfast to learn more about the benefits of chambermembership. The breakfast informed participants howthe chamber’s website can be used as a marketing toolfor their business. Discounts and networkingopportunities were also discussed. Thank you to DunkinDonuts for sponsoring the delicious breakfast.


MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEOThe Albany Area Chamber of Commerce takes great care in providing services, programming

and benefits that enhance its member businesses. This year has been a strong one for theorganization – from increased member engagement to sold out events to a successful “ThinkLocal” campaign -- in large part due to the support and commitment of its growingmembership. To all our members – thank you for making this an incredible year.

We often say that membership in the chamber is not limited to the “chamber type;” that youdon’t have to fit in a mold to benefit from the organization.

But the reality is that there is a chamber type.

The “chamber type” is a business owner or representative who thinks about community; whounderstands that networking is an opportunity to share a story, to grow a personal or corporatebrand and to expand business contacts.

Running a business is often more than full-time work; the “chamber type” may not have timeto attend policy meetings or hearings but knows that the chamber will advocate at the local,state and federal level for solutions that make it easier to do business.

The “chamber type” may have a limited marketing budget, but knows that the chamberprovides a valuable avenue for promoting products and services.

The “chamber type” is someone who is new to the community and wants to get plugged in.

The “chamber type” is a business owner, an employee, a nonprofit manager, an individual.

As we move into 2016, count on your Albany Area Chamber of Commerce to continue to refine its programs, services andbenefits so that more “chamber types” will benefit from membership. A strong membership means a strong chamber and astrong community.

Bàrbara Rivera HolmesInterim

President and CEO


AUDIT | ACCOUNTING | TAX SERVICES

229-446-3600 | mjcpa.com 2303 Dawson Road | Albany, Georgia 31707

Our focus will always be on you and your needs. We will dig

deeper, understand your goals and help you meet challenges.

We prepare you and your business to take advantage

of the opportunities.

Opportunities ...

Timing is everything!

SHOP AT PJSFABRICS.NET511 W. Broad Ave., Albany, GA

229.439.7265

547 N. Westover Blvd.229.888.5055 • www.locosgrill.com


Acree Beverage Co. IncAdvance Auto Parts #7748AfGE American federation of

Government Employees local 2317Albany Community Hospice &Palliative CareAlbany fish CompanyAmerica's Car-MartAmerican fast lubeAmerican fast lube 2American fast lube 3Anderson Contracting & RoofingAnt Hill Photography, llCAstro Travel & ToursAtlanta Hound Inc.

Barlow Amusement Beverly Pressley Mary Kay -

Independent ConsultantBeyond the Root Hair

Restoration CenterBlackbeards/B&B, Inc.BombayBrooks Real Estate Management Co.Burger, Joe

C. Todd Ross, P.C.Carlstedts, llCClearly Speaking by Debra, llCCommon Cents HousingConcierge Catering Coopercraft Communications Inc.

Dairy QueenDavpro Wireless and MoreDilmar oil CompanyDiva's ClosetDJ Chris KaplanDJ's RoofingDoo Dah's Bar & GrillDouglas H. DeanDr. David Wren Chiropractic andSports InjuryDunkin' Donuts - Dawson Road

E-ZEE Tax Solutions DBA Jackson Hewitt

Eastside Pet Salon at The Dog ParkEGA ProductionsEnergy Efficiency

and Sustainability Consulting (EES)Ephraim fellowshipEtch Creative, llCEvents with GIGI

family literacy Connectionfarmers Insurance -

Solomon Nixon Agency

folsom Construction Management, llC

Gieryic's Automotive RepairGolden's Table /Chair linen RentalsGrant TransportGreat Expectations,

A 4D ultrasound Experience

Hardee's of Albany - East Albany Hardee's of Albany - Slappey DriveHardtimes Car AudioHarold Boling DesignsHarper Painting Henry Brigmond,

New york life AgentHughes SupplyHutchins Clenney Rumsey

Huckaby, PC

IMSolutions, llC

Integrity Dynamic Investments

JCI General Contractors, Inc.JeWels of AlbanyJoanne JasperJohnson Controls, Inc.Journey Counseling

and Psychological Services

Kate DeloachKingston Commercial Real EstateKrush lounge

leadership Consultant, CertifiedJohn Maxwell Speaker, Trainer,

and Coachlogo Marketing Group, Inc.lori McCalvin, Mary Kay

Independent Sales Directorlove letters

Marine Corps Community ServicesMcCall Service, Inc.Microbusiness Enterprise Center/

Albany Community Together, Inc.Mingledorff's, Inc.Mint Condition ConsignmentMiyo's Restaurant & Global CuisineMt. Pilgrim Baptist Church

Newman'sNghe PhanNu Image Salon & Day Spa

oakie Hill Missionary Baptist Church

P & T General ContractingPanda WirelessPark Inn & Suites by RadissonPointe North Senior Village

Quail forever, Inc. SouthwestGeorgia ChapterQueen K DesignsQuickie Restaurant

Red Roof InnReverend Carol PylesRichard M. HardenRosenberg Men's Wear

& Custom Clothier

Sabal Trail Transmission, llCSherranda Ivey w/ legalshieldShiloh Missionary Baptist ChurchSky High BounceSmart Repair IncSmoke and fireSouthern oak ManorSouthwest Georgia JanitorialSouthwest Georgia Workforce 44Spectacular VisionStarter Home Builders, llCState farm Kent NanceStrategic Wealth GroupStudio V-fit Dance

and fitness CenterSunniland Corporation

Tabernacle Beauty SalonTemple B'Nai IsraelTerry lee's old World

Sandwich ShoppeThe International order

of the Rainbow for GirlsThe l.E.G.A.C.y. Management IncThe leadership Institute atColumbus State universityThe Rising PhoenixTop level Consulting, llCTuan Nguyen

uptown Boutiqueutopia Concierge Travel

Waffle House - DowntownWalker Trucking Company, llCWalmart Neighborhood

Market - Slappey BlvdWay's House of flowersWilder's World 4 KidsWith Perfection, Inc.Worklife Solutions, llC

2015 New MembersVisit www.albanyga.com for information on all of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce members.


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It’s a relatively well-known fact thatarts education in schools across thecountry are often the first casualty inthe war to keep government budgetsbalanced and taxpayers happy.

According to a recent report by theAthens Banner-Herald, 46 percent ofschool districts across the state have cutart or music programs due to a lack offunding.

In Dougherty County, the impact onthe arts has been less significantthanks, in part, to a trend among theelected leaders of the DoughertyCounty Board of Education to put ahigh value on art and music instructionat various levels throughout the system.A push by the system’s administration,led by Superintendent Dr. DavidMosely, to support community-run artinstitutions as well as to grow anddevelop art programs within theschools has also kept art educationsafeguarded against the major cuts seenin other districts across Georgia.

“We’re really fortunate to have thefull support of the superintendent andthe board when it comes to artprograms in the Dougherty CountySchool System,” said Torrence Williams,DCSS lead art teacher. “There aredistricts struggling to offer art programsand that’s something that we just don’thave to worry about here.”

The systems is using its arts

programs to build relationships withcommunity art institutions. One suchpartnership exists with the Albany AreaArts Council, which is featuring morethan 150 pieces of artwork drawn,painted, sculpted and molded by

elementary school students throughoutDougherty County.

“The Arts Council hosts the showeach year for a couple of reasons,”Executive Director Nicole Williams said.“One of them is to foster a relationshipwith the school system and thecommunity; another one is toencourage elementary school studentsto continue making artwork by gettingto see their work in a professional orpublic environment. When childrenstart making artwork while they’reyoung, while they still have their sortof innate imagination, it tends to stickwith them when they get older.”

The Albany Area Arts Council (AAAC)and the DCSS kicked off the showrecently with a reception at the AAAC’shistoric home on North Jackson Street.And like its former life as a CarnegieLibrary, AAAC leadership is working tomake sure that the organization is aseducational as it is entertaining.

For Mr. Williams, displays of studentartwork helps the system’s 25 other artteachers interact with parents and thecommunity and shows that DoughertySchools are working to build well-rounded students who are exposed tothe arts.

“This is a great opportunity for usget the students’ work out into thepublic,” Williams said. “It’s not alwayseasy to get the parents and communityinto the schools to see the great workthese teachers and students are doing,so we love partnering with communitygroups like the arts council to bring thestudents’ work to the parents and thecommunity.”

The DCSS Elementary Art Exhibitwill be up from January 4 - January 29,at the Albany Area Arts Council. Callthe AAAC for (229) 439-2787 for details.

J.D. Sumner works in the DoughertyCounty School System’s PublicInformation Office. He’s also a boardmember of the Albany Area ArtsCouncil.

DCSS Is Using Art To Build Community Relationships

The Albany Area Chamber is proud to display the Dougherty County School System’selementary art. Stop by 225 W. Broad Ave. and see these amazing pieces of art.

By J.D. Sunmer, Dougherty County School System Public Information Office

Documents

Business Magazine December 2015