March April 2015 Business Magazine

2015 Albany MarathonMarch/April 2015

March/April 2015 | BUSINESS4 www.AlbanyGa.com

BUSINESSAlbany Area Chamber

of Commerce Magazine

President/CEOEditor

Chris Hardy, IOM, CCE

ChairTommy Clark

Chair-ElectEd Newsome

Director of CommunicationsRachelle Bitterman

PrintingColson Printing

PhotographyTodd Stone

Rachelle 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

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ABOUT THE COVERThe Ninth Albany Marathon was pictureperfect and once again drew crowds fromaround the country. Please read the articlestarting on page 8 and runners comments onpage 15.

Photography by Todd StoneDesign by Rachelle Bitterman

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 5 VO L U M E 1 4 N U M B E R 2

5March/April 2015

THE BRANDS YOU WANT AT THE PRICE YOU LIKE FORM THE PEOPLE YOU TRUST

146 North Slappey Blvd.229.432.9338

08 1412Ninth Albany

Marathon PicturePerfect

AlbanyConvention &

Visitors BureauUpdate

2015 AnnualMeeting

16

1817

Chamber HonorsSTAR Students

and STARTeachers

Star Business ofthe Week

MicroBusinessCenter Business

After Hours

20 2322Community

RepresentativesVisit Our Nation’s

Capitol

Ribbon CuttingsChamberRepresentativeVisit the State

Capitol

24

3026

More RibbonCuttings

Thank YouRenewingMembers

Welcome NewMembers

32Message From the

President/CEO

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

06Comments fromthe 2015 Chair of the Board

13And The

Winners Are

What a wonderful time of year, Albanians! It’s springtime, and the weather is just right for usto share in our community’s most splendid resource—the great outdoors. Once again, we kickedoff the spring season with a successful Albany Marathon and Mardi Gras weekend. This vibrant,outdoor event attracts visitors from across the globe, re-energizing our economy and community.If you’ve never experienced the excitement of these festivities, I encourage you to join us nextyear.

The warmer weather and longer days are perfect for visiting Albany’s outdoor treasures, suchas Radium Springs Gardens and Tift Park. At the Albany Conventions and Visitors Bureau on thedowntown riverfront, you can rent a bicycle for the day and ride along the waterfront all theway to Chehaw Park. Once you’re there, visit the wild animal park or continue your bike ridethrough miles of peaceful nature trails.

There is no doubt Albany is a remarkable place to live and play. It’s also an exceptionalcommunity in which to grow your business. Our Albany-Dougherty Economic DevelopmentCommission has several exciting successes, including the recent announcement of a $200million biomass plant to be built on P&G’s campus. It was a joint effort among several groups tomake this project a reality that will not only create jobs but also solidify the presence of P&G

and Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany. Other growth highlights include:

• WebstaurantStore®, an online supplier of restaurant equipment and supplies, will locate a new distribution facility inAlbany, creating 150 new jobs and investing $10 million

• Thrush Aircraft is expanding operations and will add approximately 100 jobs over the next three years, for totalemployment of nearly 300 people.

• This was another invigorating year for the Georgia Quail Hunt, an economic development marketing event whichattracts new industries to our region. Coats & Clark, Outdoor Network, and WebstaurantStore are success stories fromprevious hunts.

We recently celebrated the annual EDC Industry Awards Rise n Shine breakfast, during which we honor our existingindustries’ successes and recognize the impact they have on our community. In addition to the significant work they alreadydo for Albany-Dougherty County, our local EDC is participating in a group called Locate South Georgia, a regionalcooperative for area economic developers to promote Southwest Georgia. I can’t give enough recognition to the staff andvolunteers of the EDC for their efforts and successes.

We also recently made two valuable visits to our State’s and Nation’s Capitols to discuss subjects that affect our regionand impact our economy. A highlight of both trips was the interest taken in Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany (MCLB). Itis important to note that the impact that MCLB has on our economy is more substantial than any other industry in the area.

COMMENTS FROM THE2015 CHAIRMAN

Tommy ClarkHeritageBank of the South


www.AlbanyGa.com | BUSINESS 7March/April 2015

Fortunately, it is very apparent in Washington, D.C., just how valuable MCLB is to our service men and women. Theirreferences to the significance of MCLB were refreshing and reminded me of how important it is that we never take the basefor granted. If you see any of the men or women stationed at MCLB, please take the time to thank them for their service andmake them feel welcome in our community. We are also so thankful to the thousands of Civilian Marines who work at thebase.

Earlier this year, I challenged the Chamber membership to get involved. Since then, several community members havereached out to me expressing their interest in participating. This is great news that illustrates that Albany’s positive energy isbuilding. I encourage you to be part of this movement and help us drive Albany towards becoming one of the best cities inour state and country. The vested staff at the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce are ready to show you the way. Call themat 229-434-8700 to discover the numerous volunteer opportunities we have for you.

3303 Gillionville Road Albany, Georgia 31721

Phone: 229-432-9301Fax: 229-436-3189

1-800-226-9301

www.albanygacomm.com

Albany Communications, Inc.

SOLUTIONSRadio Solutions Channel Partner

With bad weather — everythingfrom tornado warnings todrenching rain to icy cold withsnow flurries — having marredpast Albany Marathon/MardiGras celebrations, eventorganizers held theircollective breathwhen March 7broke withtemperaturesright at thefreezingmark.But thoseworriesturned outto be in vain,as sunrisebrought brightblue skies andtemperaturesclimbed rapidly intothe mid-60s, all ofwhich made for perfectweather at the ninthmarathon and the 14thMardi Gras celebration.By the time the day wasover, a record 1,509runners had crossed therace finish line in the 26.2-mile marathon or 13-milehalf-marathon, most ofthem singing the praises ofthe event that continues todefy the odds by growingwhile similar races arestruggling.


"From reports we've gotten, mostmarathons — except the very big oneslike Boston and New York — have haddeclines (in participation) by 10 to 20percent," Convention & Visitors BureauDirector and race director RashelleBeasley said. "But we're still on theupswing. I think a lot of that has to dowith the way our community embracesthe event."The latest count I have is 1,509

runners, which is the most we've everhad. Yes, the course is flat, and runnerscan record good times. But our citizensmake our marathon special."The race was particularly special for

26-year-old medical student ChrisZablocki of St. Martin, NetherlandsAntilles by way of Essex, Connecticut.He finished the course in 2 hours, 18minutes and 57 seconds. Not bad for aguy who took up running seriouslyonly a few years ago when he was cutfrom his high school soccer team."I'd played soccer since I was a little

kid, but when I got cut from my highschool team, I took up runningseriously," Zablocki said. "I've runabout 10 marathons now, won four ofthem. I'd finished second here twoyears ago, so I wanted to come backand try for first."This is a flat course, and the cool

weather made it nice for running. Thiswas my third-fastest time ever."

Zablocki, who plansto focus on sportsmedicine, came intoAlbany at 11:30 thenight before the race,and he managed onlyfour hours of sleepbefore taking on thecourse."I'm so amped up the

day before a race, it'shard for me to sleep,"he said. "My plan was torun a fast, efficient racefor the first 16 to 20

miles. There was one guy still with meat 23 miles, so I made a move and hedidn't go with me. Some days you feelreally good in a race like this, andsome days it's painful. Today was oneof the good days."It was also a particularly memorable

day for half-marathon finisher AshliHostettler-Six, an airman stationed atMoody Air Force Base in Valdosta.When Hostettler-Six crossed the finishline, she found her No. 1 fan andboyfriend, Ryan Southern, waiting onbended knee. Southern, also stationedat Moody, proposed to a stunnedHostettler-Six."I felt like the time was right, and I

wanted to make the proposalsomething memorable," Southern said.

Hostettler-Six, incidentally, said Yes.Maurya Lacey, who was back for her

third run in Albany, had a little extraincentive as she led all female half-marathoners to the finish line. TheAtlanta runner, who works at JeffGalloway's Phidippides specialtyrunning outlet, had written "Isaac" indark black marker on her arm, a tributeto fellow Runningnerds teammate IsaacSamuelsy, who had recently suffered astroke."I was running for Isaac," Lacey said

after finishing the half in 1:29.47. "Thisis my third time running here, and Iwanted to do something special for

Ninth Albany MarathonPicture Perfect


him. I've run a full here and a half, andI ran the half this year as a tuneup forBoston."Seventy-two-year-old Pruett Burge of

Warner Robins admitted he has hisown special reason for taking uprunning."It gives me a great opportunity to

chase women," the retired Air Forceveteran/lawyer laughed.Burge has run in all nine Albany

races, three half-marathons and, withthe latest race, six full marathons. Hisdaughter Barbara Pettis has run in eachwith him."Yeah, she's out there on the course

somewhere," Burge said of hisdaughter after he crossed the finishline. "We love coming here every year,me especially because it gets me out ofall my honey-do chores. I took uprunning in 2003, and it's definitelyhelped keep me young. Only thing is... all those women I'm chasing, Ihaven't caught one yet."Defense contractor Kathy Givens of

Douglasville, who completed herfourth Albany run, said she ran the

half-marathon this year for the firsttime because of a bout with spinalstenosis."Oh, that's just my doctor's way of

telling me I'm old," Givens, who couldpass for 20 years younger than her 66,said. "My physical therapist didn't wantme to run this year, but you know howhard-headed runners are."I love coming to Albany; I actually

come down here for some of the 5-Kand 10-K runs. I didn't have a lot oftrouble today, but the last four miles orso started to get difficult. But I gotthrough it."Finishing the half-marathon was a

treat for Milwaukee best friends HaleyHolm and Haley Florsheim, collegefreshmen who took advantage of theirspring break to drive down to Albanyfor the Snickers race. Florsheim, who isstudying international politics atGeorgetown, drove from the nation'scapital to Greenville, S.C., where Holmis studying whole science and Spanishat Furman University."We have had so much fun," the pair

said as they took in the activities of the

post-race Mardi Gras celebration."We're really surprised at how coolthings are here. We had no idea all thiswas going on. We definitely want tocome back again."The college BFFs joined thousands

of revelers who came to the 100 blockof Pine Avenue to listen to six areabands and shop for mementos andtasty treats from the 25 or so vendorswho lined the street."We actually heard them talking

about all the stuff going on over herethis weekend on the radio, so wedecided to drive over," Chris Storey ofTifton, who took part in the day ofMardi Gras fun with wife Ginger, 10-year-old son Hogan and their mixed-breed puppy Buddy, said as theywatched Hogan navigate water in aninflatable ride. "We visited theRiverQuarium and saw the fire antmovie, which was really cool."This has been a really fun day for

us. We come to Albany pretty often toshop or eat out, and I'm sure we'll becoming back for more events like this."

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2015 Annual Meeting

The 105th Annual Meeting was sold out! More than 400members and guests came to applaud our 2014 Chairman ofthe Board, Jim Deal, on a great year. Deal passed the gavelto Tommy Clark who took the reign as Chairman of theBoard. Clark's platform for 2015 is "Get Involved." HeritageBank of the South was the presenting sponsor for

the evening. Len Dorminey, representing HeritageBank,welcomed everyone and previewed a video. Westover HighSchool Junior ROTC Color Guard presented the colors andRenata Douglas sang the national anthem followed by theinnovocation given by Pastor Gary Sanders.

Chris Hardy, president/CEO Albany Area Chamberintroduced the Chamber's new initiative, "Think Local." TheThink Local campaign, in a nutshell, was created toencourage business decision makers and consumers to keeptheir dollars local. The Think Local video was previewedshowing just how your dollars circulate when kept at home.

Check out the video, produced by Modern Motion, atwww.albanyga.com. Chris Hardy introduced John Brandt, our speaker for the

evening. Brandt was editor-in-chief of IndustryWeekmagazine; president, publisher, and editorial director ofChief Executive magazine; and now CEO and founder ofThe MPI Group, a global research firm. He has spent morethan two decades studying leadership in effective, purpose-driven organizations and is an expert on how companiesand communities can adapt themselves to the realities ofnew markets, new corporate structures, and new customerexpectations. Brandt’s presentation focused on howcompanies and communities can sustain recovery followingthe "Great Recession." The evening culminated with the Chamber announcing

our highest honors: Leslie Boling, Ambassador of the Year;Albany Advocacy Resoure Center, Non Profit of the Year anda new recoginition the Rising Star went to Mission Change.Jeff "Bodine" Sinyard received the Life Time Service awardfor 2015. Thanks you to our sponsors: Presenting -

HeritageBank of the South; Gold - Mars ChocolateNorth America & MillerCoors; Silver - Ameris Bank,Georgia Power and Watson Spence, LLP; Bronze -Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau, Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission,Albany State University, ComNet Technical Solutionsand Procter & Gamble.


Jeff “Bodine” Sinyard (left) received the 2015 Life TimeService award from Tommy Clark, 2015 chairman of theboard. Jeff was born and raised in Albany Georgia and has asincere passion for promoting and growing Albany,Dougherty County, and the Southwest Georgia Region. Jeffwas first elected in 1985, at age 30 to the Dougherty CountyCommission and was later elected as Chairman of theDougherty County Commission where he served from 2003- 2014. He also serves on numerous boards and supportsmany causes. As owner of Adams Exterminatiors, Jeff takespride in keeing his company’s dollars in the local economy.

Leslie Boling (above right) was honored with theAmbassador of the Year award. Leslie attended the mostChamber activies in 2014 as well as worked at numerousevents by greeting members and working registration. Leslieworks for Fox 31- WFXL. Thank you to Fox-31 for givingLeslie the opportunity to be a Chamber Ambassador.

And The Winners Are...

Albany Area Advocacy Resource Center was the recipientof the 2015 Not for Profit of the Year. Founded in 1963 toadvocate on behalf of persons with disabilities, Albany ARChas become one of the largest and most successful privateprovider agencies in Georgia serving individuals with a widerange of disabilities and supportive living needs. NancyReimer, representing Albany ARC, accepted the award fromTommy Clark during the 105th Annual Meeting. Othernominees were Cancer Coalition of South Georgia andSOWEGA Council on Aging.

Mission Change receivedthe Rising Star award, anew recoginition for 2015.Mission Change isgrowing and serving ourcommunity in numerouscapacities. They are ahands-on, volunteer-drivenorganization that aims tohighlight and serve thepeople and causes ineveryday communities thatoften go overlooked andunderfunded. La DonnaUrick with Mission Changeaccepted the award.

CVB UPDATE

15% Discount in the Gift shop

if you mention seeing this in the Business Magazine

Visit the Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) atwww.visitalbanyga.com for information on upcoming events, attractions,historic sites, dining, shopping and much more. Come by and see us at112 N. Front St. Monday-Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday 10am-4pm; Sundaynoon-4pm or call us at 229.317.4760 and we will personally help you planyour family gathering, meetings or special event. Download our

Mobile App

• The Albany Convention & VisitorsBureau’s GACVB Gold Benchmarkof Excellence Certification has beenrenewed until 2018. ACVB is one offour in the state holding the GoldCertification.

• Sponsored the American KennelClub Winter Classic on January 30-31, 2015.

• Sponsored the Georgia Quail Invitational inaugural QuailInvitational on January 15-17, 2015.

• Hosted Welcome Reception for the judges and specialdignitaries of the Kennedy Center Theater Conference February6 at the Bridge House. The conference had over 1,200 attendeesrepresenting colleges all over the Southeast US.

• Hosted our annualFamily ReunionWorkshop Saturday,February 7, atThronateeska. Guestspeaker Jeff Millspresented “How to plan afamily reunion from A toZ”. It was a success with65 attendees and 5vendors.

• Attended Tourism Day at the Capitol January 26-27, 2015. Wetook our legislatures to dinner and then met with them againTuesday morning.

• Attended American Bus Association Marketplace and met with26 potential operators

• Albany Marathon and HalfMarathon had anothersuccessful year with 1574registered runners and 1247finishers. Approximately 23%of the finishers qualified forthe Boston Marathon. Therewere 40 states representedwith international runnersfrom Barbados, Kazakhstan,

South Africa and Canada.

The Marathon couldn’t be possible without the support of ourwater stations sponsors, volunteers and corporate sponsors.

MARATHON SPONSORS• Mars Chocolate North America• Phoebe Community Visions• MillerCoors• Pfizer• Mauldin & Jenkins• Proctor & Gamble• Albany Vascular & Associates• Wildside Running

IN-KIND DONATIONS• Albany Civic Center• Albany Herald• Albany CVB• Albany Parks &Recreation• Albany Radio Club• Albany TechnicalCollege• Albany TherapeuticMassage Clinic• Breakaway Cycles• Burger King• City of Albany• Cumulus• Dougherty County Police• Hilton Garden Inn• Oxford Construction• OneSource Medical• PeachSports Photography• Publix• Nantze Springs• Reeves Construction• WALB

www.AlbanyGa.com | BUSINESS

WATER

STATION SPONSORS• Albany State University• Albany Technical College• Artesian Sertoma Club• Darton State College MESA Club• Dougherty County• First Baptist Church of Albany• Junior League of Albany• Kiwanis• LCHS NJROTC• Lily Pad• MCLB Albany• Naval Branch Health Clinic Albany• Pfizer• Phoebe Healthworks• Providence Church• WALB• Westwood Church

RUNNERS REVIEWS• This was my fourth year doing the full, and I canhonestly say this race just gets better each year. Nicecourse with just enough rise and fall to make itinteresting (not flat as some may say). The support isgreat - Gatorade, HammerGel, bananas every few miles.Course winds through some nice residential areas withfriendly fans. Albany is on my calendar every year!

• I ran this race in 2012 did not enjoy it because of thetornado warnings and stormy rain. I came back 2015 andI have done about 70 marathons but this one wasdefinitely in my best list. The course is clean andpristine, good organization.

• The marathon was very well run from the hotel, expo,speakers, dinner to the course and water/food/Gatoradeand bathrooms! The weather was perfect, crowd supportgreat and finish by the water was a beautiful spot to relaxand visit with family/friends. I was impressed withAlbany and will recommend this race to friends for sure!

• Wanted to say a big thank you to the staff, volunteersand runners yesterday. I led the 4:45 pace group (camein right on goal at 4:44:33) and had an absolute blast! Ireally appreciated all the locals coming out to supportand the volunteers and public safety officials who madethe course safe. I hope to be back in the future!

• Our first time participating in the Albany Marathon. Thisis THE best one we've ever been to. So well organized.Great t-shirts, goodie bags, happy volunteers, beautifulroute. Thank you all SO much for making this amemorable experience. We are already looking forwardto next year!!

15


Chamber Honors STAR Students/Teachers at 56th STAR Luncheon

STAR Students and their STAR Teachers were honored at a Luncheon at DoublegateCountry Club. Dr. David Mosley, Superentendent Dougherty County School Sysem,Dr. Lane Price, Dougherty County Board of Education and Chairman of theEducation Committee made remarks. Pictured from left: Tommy Clark, 2015Chairman of the Board; STAR Student/Teacher - Albany High School--AshleySirmans, teacher – Dr. Carolyn Taylor; Deerfield Windsor--Steven Feng, teacher – Mr.William Spangler; Sherwood Christian Academy--Laura Pappas, teacher – Mrs.Cassandra Golden; Westover High School--Thomas Langstaff, teacher – Mrs. DebraSmith; and Dr. David Mosley. Steven Feng of Deerfield-Windsor School and Mr.William Spangler are the system STAR Student/Teacher. To conlude the program JimErvin with the Albany Lions Club made a presentation to Steven Feng.


MicroBusiness Center Business After Hours

The first Business After Hours for 2015, hosted by the Microbusiness Center,was a huge success. The crowd throughly enjoyed visiting with old friends andmaking new connections while enjoying great food provided by Icon's Bar &Grill and several other food vendors. John Bush with OnMedia was the luckywinner of the $100 jackpot drawing.

718 March/April 2015 | BUSINESS www.AlbanyGa.com

JONES WELDING & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY, INC.1359 Schley Avenue

229.888.3917 | www.joneswelding.com

Contact: Brandon Jones

AIRGAS SOUTH1220 Gillionville Road

229.432.0536 | www.airgas.com

Contact: Barbara Dix

MOULTON & HARDIN INC.1408 West Third Avenue

229.883.2900

Contact: David Hardin

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

ADAMS EXTERMINATORS, INC.1702 West Town Road

229.435.6257 | www.adamsexterminators.com

Contacts: Jeff 'Bodine' Sinyard & Bridges Sinyard

HOUSE OF CHINA II2526 A Dawson Road

229.883.7156

Contact: Terry Ho

BEST WESTERN2729 Pointe North Blvd.

229.446.2001 | www.bestwestern.com

Contact: Jaye Lomax

CREEKWOOD APARTMENTS1578 US Highway 19 South

229.883.1862

Contact: Kimberly Tabb

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

the Week


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

229.439.7265

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

March/April 2015 | BUSINESS www.AlbanyGa.com

Your reputation and image is important...

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2807 Old Dawson Rd. • Albany, GA 31707 • 229.435.0000 • [email protected] • www.logosplus.com

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Community Representatives Visit Our Nation’s Capitol Rest easy. It’s Wingate.

2735 Dawson Road, Albany • 229.883.9800Reservations 800.228.1000 • Fax 229.883-9855

www.wingatehotels.com

Continental Breakfast Bar • Free Wireless andWired Internet Access • Pool • Fitness Center

• Whirlpool • Micro-Frig In Every Room • Meeting and Banquet Facilities

• Business Center

Afternoon receptions Mon-Wed.

Representatives from theChamber of Commerce,Economic DevelopmentCommission and businesscommunity gather for agroup photo during areception held atCornerstone GovernmentalAffairs in Washington, DC.The reception served as aget to know with militaryand federal officials. Theattendees held meetingsthe following day at thePentagon and with Georgia’s Federal Delegation. Pictured above is the groupmeeting with Congressman Austin Scott.

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Why Darton’s nursing program isgood news for the region’s economy.The national shortage of nurses continues to worsen. But Darton is working to insure that our region has an ample supply.

2400 Gillionville Rd. • Albany, GAFor more information, call 229-317-6595 or go to darton.edu

America’s healthcare system will need an additional one million nurses by2022. But because Darton graduates more registered nurses than any othercollege in Georgia, our region is assuredof a continuing source of these highlyskilled caregivers.

And because a healthy workforce is amore productive one, that’s good newsfor our economic future.

One more reason why supportingDarton is just good business.

What a great idea.A college for everybody.

Chamber RepresentativesVisit the State Capitol

Local leaders along withrepresentatives from the Chamber ofCommerce and the EconomicDevelopment Commission held a seriesof meetings in Atlanta to discussissues included in the Chamber’sLegislative Agenda. Those meetingsincluded Governor Nathan Deal, Lt.Governor Casey Cagle, Speaker of theHouse David Ralston, HouseTransportation Chairman Jay Roberts,GAANG Deputy Commander ColonelCarden, and AG Commissioner GaryBlack. Following the meetings aresolution was read on the House floorrecognizing February 25th as Albany /Dougherty Day.


PORTMAN'S MUSICSUPERSTORE

Contact: Mike Boone2403 Westgate Drive | (229) 432-1835

www.portmansmusic.com

WYNFIELD PARK HEALTH &REHABILITATION CENTER

Contact: Eric Parker223 W. 3rd Ave. | (229) 435-0741

www.wynfieldparkhealth.org

Ribbon CuttingsRibbon CuttingsRibbon Cuttings uttingsRibbon Cuttingsbbon Cu utting

MAGNOLIA MATTRESSContact: Nathan Borer

910 W. Broad Ave.(229) 889-8101

LIBERTY TAX SERVICEContact: Eric Elder

101 N. Jackson Street(229) 4961684

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 SOUTHERN THREADS Contact: Melissa Strother

2801 Old Dawson Road, Suite 150(229) 496-1775

WAL-MART NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET

Contact: Duane Staggers100 Westover Blvd.

(229) 438-9959

Albany Welcome Center112 N. Front St.229.317.4760

BIKE RENTALSAVAILABLE

Discover Albanyon a bicycle

www.visitalbanyga.com DANIEL TITUS.COMContact: Daniel Titus

312 W. Residence Ave. | (229) 234-0839www.danieltitus.com

LIBERTY TAX SERVICEContact: Eric Elder

110 Hwy. 300.(229) 496-1681

OUR DAILY BREADContact: Mendy Warren

230 W. Broad Ave. (229) 436-3725

AT&T GEORGIAContact: Courtney Brinson

2700 Dawson Rd. | (229) 888-4300www.att.com

Ribbon CuttingsRibbon CuttingsRibbon Cuttings uttingsRibbon Cuttingsbbon Cu utting

ALBANY FISH COMPANYContact: Glenn Singfield

1921 Dawson Rd.(229) 496-1721

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF ALBANY

Contact: Bob Hutchinson711 N. Monroe St. | (229) 439-0196

www.bgcalbany.org

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].


MICROBUSINESS ENTERPRISECENTER / ALBANY COMMUNITY

TOGETHER, INC. Contact: Thelma Adams-Johnson

230 S. Jackson St., Ste 154 | (229) 420-4600www.albanycommunitytogether.com

HARDEE'S OF ALBANYContact: Rebecca White

436 N. Slappey Blvd. | (229) 524-2083www.hardees.com

ADVANCE AUTO PARTSContact: Sherry Peavy

2800 Old Dawson Rd. | (229) 518-6491www.Advancedautoparts.com

ROBERT CROSS PARKContact: Chuck Mathis

3500 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive(229) 430-6120

FOUR STAR FREIGHTLINERContact: Amanda Granger

1803 W. Oakridge Drive | (229) 888-1923www.fourstarfreightliner.com

INNOVATIVE SENIOR SOLUTIONS Contact: Whitney Kimbrough

3200 Gillionville Rd. | (229) 928-3673www.innovativeseniorsolutions.com

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETYContact: Glenda Davis

507 West Third Ave | (229) 246-0030www.cancer.org

MCDONALD'S RESTAURANTSContact: Mike Harris

101 S. Westover Blvd. | (229) 431-2082www.mcdonalds.com


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Advance Auto Parts #7748AUTOMOTIVE/REPAIR/PARTS/PAINT & BODY/TOWING2800 Old Dawson Rd. Albany, GA 31707Contact: Sherry Peavy (229) [email protected]

Albany Community Hospice& Palliative CareHEALTH CARE SERVICES, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS320 Foundation Lane Albany, GA 31707Contact: Jennifer Stephens (229) 312-7050Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-417-0057Fax: (229) [email protected]

Carlstedts, LLCFLORISTS/FLORAL SUPPLIES1142 Gillionville RoadAlbany, GA 31707 Contact: Lynn Collins (229) 883-6125Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-554-1792Fax: (229) [email protected]

Common Cents HousingMOBILE HOMES - NEW/USED 1115 Liberty ExpresswayAlbany, GA 31705Contact: David Bohler(229) [email protected]

Coopercraft Communications Inc.COMMUNICATIONSERVICES/INSTALLATION &SERVICE4475 Union RdTifton, GAContact: Heather Gilman (229) 396-5800Toll-Free Phone: 1-877-331-9157www.coopercraftcommunications.comhgilman@coopercraftcommuntications.com

Heads and TailsBEAUTY SUPPLIES1101 Clark Avenue Suite AAlbany, GA 31705Contact: Angela Stanton (229) [email protected]

Hughes SupplyAIR CONDITIONING/HEATING1138 US Hwy 19 South Leesburg, GA 31763Contact: Chris Redd (229) 883-7450Fax: (229) [email protected]

Hutchins Clenney Rumsey Huckaby, PCACCOUNTANTS406 N. Westover Blvd Albany , GA 31707Contact: Adam Hutchins [email protected]

Logo Marketing GroupADVERTISING/AD SERVICES,PRINTING/PUBLISHING2231 Dawson Road Suite LAlbany, GA 31707Contact: Chad Rachals (229) 420-0496Toll-Free Phone: (866) 621-5646Fax: (229) [email protected]

McCall Service, Inc.PEST CONTROL/EXTERMINATING1216 Dawson Road Suite 201Contact: Carl Schnabel [email protected]

Microbusiness EnterpriseCenter / Albany CommunityTogether, Inc.NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS230 S. Jackson Street, Suite 154 Albany, GA 31701Contact: Thelma Adams-Johnson (229) 420-4600Fax: (229) [email protected]

P & T General ContractingCONTRACTORS/BUILDERS/INSPECTORS2917 Thrasher Avenue Albany, GA 31721Contact: Patrick Prince (229) 883-3998Fax: (229) [email protected]

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERSVISIT WWW.ALBANYGA.COM AND VIEW THE WEB PAGES FOR ALL CHAMBER MEMBERS.

February/March


NEW MEMBERS continued

PSDM Inc.INTERNETSERVICES/HOSTING/WEB DESIGN415 W. Residence Ave.Albany, GA 31701Contact: Harold Boling (229) 669-5655Fax: (229) [email protected]

Richard M. HardenINDIVIDUAL2521 E. Alberson Drive Albany, GA 31721(404) [email protected]

Sabal Trail Transmission, LLCUTILITIES400 Colonial Center ParkwayLake Mary, FL 32746Andrea [email protected]

Smoke and FireRESTAURANTS2610 Gillionville Rd. Albany, GA 31707Contact: Glenn Eames (229) [email protected]

Southern Oak ManorEVENT LOCATION2431 Tarva Rd.Albany, GA 31721Contact: Hayley Carson-Odom (229) [email protected]

Southwest Georgia JanitorialCLEANING/JANITORIAL1404 Whispering Pine Apt I 2Albany, GA 31721Contact: Zedrick Ellison (229) [email protected]

Strategic Wealth GroupFINANCIAL SERVICES2301 Dawson Road Albany, GA 31707Contact: Ryan Boyd(229) 405-3100Toll-Free Phone: [email protected]

Studio V-Fit Dance and Fitness CenterDANCE STUDIO2614 N. Jefferson St. Suite 2 Albany, GA 31701Contact: Victoria Leister (229) 886-1967http://www.facebook.com/[email protected]

The Leadership Institute atColumbus State UniversityCONSULTANTS3100 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, Ga. 31907Contact: Jessica Drake [email protected]

The Rising PhoenixGIFT SHOPS612 N. Slappey Blvd. Albany, GA 31701Carolyn Robertson (229) [email protected]

WorkLife Solutions, LLCCONSULTANTSAlbany, GA 31707Gena Kay Shealy (404) [email protected]

PRINCE OF ALBANYPRINCE OF ALBANY

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



Abacus Group, The ......................1989Adams Exterminators, Inc. ...........1975Adams, Bob..................................2005Airgas South.................................1975Albany Air Conditioning &

Heating Company .....................1975Albany Area Community

Service Board............................1986Albany Area Hand Therapy ..........2006Albany Auto Trim ..........................2009Albany Beverage Company..........1975Albany Bodyworks........................2013Albany Civil Rights Institute..........1998Albany Communications, Inc........1979Albany ENT/Hearing Center .........2013Albany Home Patient Care ...........1997Albany Internal Medicine..............1975Albany Land Co., Inc. ...................1979Albany Lock & Safe ......................1980Albany Motor Speedway, Inc.........2011Albany Nut & Bolt Company, Inc. .1986Albany Realty Company...............1975Albany Technical College .............1987Albany Urology Clinic ...................1975Albany Winnelson Company ........1983Alfa Insurance - Kyle Harrison......2013American Peanut Shellers

Association, Inc. .......................1986Amerigroup Community Care .......2011Ashley Furniture Homestore .........2014Atlas Fence Company ..................1975

Battery Source .............................2007Berg Eye Center, PC ....................1975Better Brands of South Georgia ...1975Bill Thompson Tire Service, Inc....1983Blacks in Government (BIG).........1995Booz Allen Hamilton.....................2007Brad Lanier Oil Company, Inc. .....1990Brown & McDaniel CPA's, LLC.....2006Buffalo Rock Company .................1976Burger King ..................................1993Bush Animal Clinic, PC ................1975

Carmike Cinemas Wynnsong 16...2011Coats & Clark ...............................1975Coldwell Banker Walden Kirkland -

Patsy C. Martin...........................2011Collection Bureau of

S.W. Georgia, Inc. .....................1975Cooper Company .........................2007Cosby, Ellis J. OD, PC ..................1975

Crawford & Sons Oil Co., Inc........2000Creekwood Apartments................1976Cumulus Broadcasting, Inc. .........1987CVS Pharmacy # 4560 ...............2004CVS Pharmacy #4569 .................2007

Darton State College ....................1975Dilmar Oil Company .....................2015Dockery, Odom & Deriso..............1975Doherty, Duggan Hart & Tiernan..1975DoLee Rentals, Inc.......................1995

Dominion of Georgia.....................2012Doublegate Country Club .............1975Doublegate E-Z Mart, LLC............2013Dougherty County Department

of Family & Children Services ...1990Dougherty County Schools ..........1995Draffin & Tucker LLP.....................1975

Ellis Management Group, LLC .....2002Engineering & Equipment ............1975First United Methodist Church......1993Five Star Nissan............................2011Fleming & Riles Insurance ...........1975Flint Equipment Company............1975FOX 31 WFXL-TV.........................1994

Gardens on Whispering Pines......1997Gardner, Willis, Sweat

& Handelman ............................1975Garland, Williams,

& Associates, PC.......................2005Georgia Pacific .............................1975

Gerdau AmeriSteel.......................1975Gillespie, MD,Charles...................1999Gill's Inc........................................1975Girl Scouts of Historic GA ...........2002Goodness Gracious The Bread

House & Granary.......................2013Gray Logistics, LLC......................1975Greenbriar Apartments.................1982H & R Block ..................................2011Habitat for Humanity,

Flint River, Inc. ..........................1995Harvey Drilling..............................2003Hayman's Garage ........................1980Hilton Garden Inn Albany .............2005Holloway Orthodontics .................2001Hughey & Neuman, Inc. ...............1975INTEGRA Business

Alternatives, LLC. ......................2007

Jacobs, Advanced Systems Group..........................2006

Jenkins Brick Company ................2010John Ross Jewelers .....................1997Judy H. Varnell P. C.......................2013

Kelly Services ...............................2010Kimbrell-Stern ..............................1975

Lake Park Storage .......................2004Lineage Logistics - FRS Albany ...1995Locos Grill & Pub .........................2006Longhorn Steakhouse ..................2001Lung Diagnostics, LLC..................2011

MADlab Marketing .......................2002Malone's Paint & Body

Shop, Inc. ..................................2001Marilyn Nobles,

Freelance Creative Service .......2005Mars Chocolate North America ....1975Mauldin & Jenkins, CPA ...............1975Medi-Save Pharmacy ...................1997Merrill Lynch Wealth

Management .............................1975Merts, Inc. ....................................1979MetroPower, Inc. ..........................1993Moss, Jr. DMD, Robert B. .............1990Moulton & Hardin Inc., CLU..........1975M-Square Associates, PC ............2005

National Distributing Company, Inc. ...........................2005

THANK YOU RENEWING MEMBERSJanuary/February


WE DOCOMPOUNDING

229-434-1414 • 610 N. Slappey Blvd.

Needmore Properties ...................2007Nottingham Apartments ................2011

OneSource Healthcare .................2014Ortho Sport PT.............................2004Orthopaedic Associates ...............1975Oxford Construction Company .....1975

Parrish, Robert A., DDS, PC ........1984PeoplesSouth Bank......................1997Perry & Walters ............................1975Pineknoll Pecan Properties, LLC..1998Plantation Publishing

Company, Inc. ...........................2005Poultry Health ...............................2011Premium Web

Development, LLC.....................1999Pruitt Health Palmyra....................2006Purchasing Alliance

Solutions, Inc.............................1995

R & L Engineering, Inc. ...............2003Radiation Oncology Associates....1998RE/MAX of Albany Inc..................1986Reese Construction Company .....1975Reeves Construction Company....1982ReMax of Albany, Inc.

Vickie Giles-Griffin.....................2006Rental Depot ................................2003ResCare HomeCare .....................1996Richter Contracting/

Johnny Richter Roofing.............2000Robert J. Pinnero, P. C. .................2013

Royal Collection, The ...................1988RTS, Inc. ......................................2003Rynders, Ed .................................2003

Safe Security, Inc. ........................2009Salvation Army, The......................2009Sam's Club ...................................1994Sasco Chemical Group, Inc..........1975SB&T............................................1975Schnitzer Southeast, LLC ............1995Security Finance...........................2012Seminole Sanitation Service ........2012Shoe Box, The..............................1975Short & Paulk Supply Company ...2010Singletary Rentals, LLC. ...............2011Smith-Gray Electric Company ......1975South Georgia Brick Company.....1975South Slappey Village

Shopping Center .......................1988Southeastern Paper Group...........2010SRJ Architects Inc. .......................1985State Farm Insurance-

Steve Perrine .............................2011Still Pond Vineyard & Winery........2008Stonebridge Golf &

Country Club .............................2013Stripling Auto Air Electric, Inc........2013Sunbelt Rentals ............................2013Sunbelt's Ford Town of Albany .....1975SunTrust Bank, South Georgia.....1975

The Youth Becoming Healthy Project (YBH) ............................2005

Todd Stone Photography..............1996Tony's Gym...................................2012

U Save It Pharmacy .....................1985U Save It Pharmacy

(Dawson Road) .........................2009U Save It Pharmacy

(Palmyra Location) ....................2009U Save It Pharmacy

(South Albany) ..........................2009United Distributors........................1975United Furniture............................2012United Way of Southwest

Georgia, Inc...............................1975

Veranda, The................................1975Village Apartments .......................1985Villager Cleaners..........................1997

Walker Heating-Cooling Company, Inc. ...........................2003

Ware Health Care Services, Inc. ..2003Watson Spence LLP.....................1987Webb Properties, Inc. ...................1975Westwood Church........................2003White III DDS, Frank H. ................2014Woodall and Pflepsen ..................1997WSWG-TV ...................................2007

Zion Christian Fellowship MinistriesInternational, Inc. .........................2002

29March/April 2015 www.AlbanyGa.com | BUSINESS 31March/April 2015

March/April 2015 Renuew Members Continued

DEERFIELD-WINDSOR SCHOOLA College Preparatory School

Now AcceptingApplications forSecond Semester

Admission

• HOPE Scholarship retention rate of twice the state average• 2014 graduates did more than 7200 of community service• Top honors in Visual and Performing Arts• Winner of the GISA Region 3AAA All-Sports Trophy for the15th consecutive year

229.435.1301 | www.deerfieldwindsor.com

EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMICS,ARTS, ATHLETICS AND SERVICE

The 2015 Georgia General Assembly concluded this year’s legislative business with manysuccesses directly benefiting our community including the funding for Albany State University andDarton State College in the budget. Among the issues being discussed were the transportation bill,the GAANG consolidation to MCLB, Education and much more.

Hundreds of bills were introduced along with the ever so important passing of the budget, whichin turn had much to do with why this was a successful year for Albany. We have many people tothank including Senator Freddie Powell-Sims, Representative Gerald Greene, RepresentativeWinfred Dukes, Representative Darrell Ealum and Representative Ed Rynders. Also special thanks tothe Chamber’s State Lobbyist, Jerry Usry for all his hard work.

The Chamber’s key issues involved the continued funding/support for the Albany State UniversityMulti-Purpose Academic Building and the completion of the Student Center at Darton State College.Albany Technical College’s Carlton Construction Academy did not make it through but there is stillhope as they may be eligible via other funding sources.

Transportation seemed to be the hot topic for the 2015 session. HB 170 also known as theTransportation Funding Act was the most significant legislation in this General Session. It provides for new funding in excessof one-billion dollars to address public safety on Georgia’s roads, bridges and airports while adding new opportunities foradditional infrastructure. Although the Chamber did not support or oppose the transportation bill due to constant changes,we understand that our transportation issues needed to be addressed and hope these dollars will help support the statescontinued growth and economic development needs to make us more competitive.

Currently, Georgia’s state funding mechanism for transportation is a combination of motor fuel sales tax and excise tax.With the passage of the Transportation Bill it will convert to an excise tax only funding model. The current 4% sales tax paidon the total purchase of gas at the pump is eliminated. Now it will be replaced with a single $0.26 per gallon excise tax($0.29 for diesel). Moving forward, all excise taxes collected at the pump will be used only for transportation. In addition, anew user fee has been added to Alternative Fuel Vehicles in the amount of $200 annually for personal and $300 for


MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO

Chris Hardy, IOM, CCEPresident/CEO

AUDIT | ACCOUNTING | TAX SERVICES

Managing the components of your business is not easy. For more than 95 years, we have helped clients put the gears of success in motion.

We understand the mechanics of your business.

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


commercial vehicles. The $5,000 tax credit for electric vehicle purchases will berepealed on July 1, 2015 along with the low-emission tax credit.

While following many important pieces of legislation that could affect ourbusiness community, the Chamber and our representatives also made severaltrips to our state and nation’s capitol during the first quarter of the year. InFebruary the Chamber and nearly 20 local business leaders traveled to Atlanta tohold a series of meetings with state officials including Governor Nathan Deal, Lt.Governor Casey Cagle, Speaker of the House David Roulston, Ag CommissionGary Black, House Transportation Chairman Rep. Jay Roberts and many more.The Chamber was also recognized on the floor of the House of Representativesdeclaring February 25, 2015 as Albany-Dougherty Day with a resolution read byRep. Gerald Greene.

Once our visit to the state capitol was concluded it was time to prepare for ourvisit to our nation’s capital. The last week of March, 10 representatives from ourcommunity made their way to Washington, D.C. to hold a series of meetings atthe Pentagon and with our Federal Delegation. Our focal point for this visit wasto advocate on behalf of the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany and discusstheir needs to help them be more sustainable. Along with the GAANGconsolidation we also thanked them for the continued support of the VA Clinicrelocation to the base and for their support of the Net Zero project betweenMCLB and P&G. The Biomass Energy project is full steam ahead though there isstill work to do to ensure the partnerships will benefit MCLB and their goal ofbecoming the first Net Zero military installation in the world.

Though these trips are vital to our public policy efforts, they do not end withthe General Sessions. We continuously advocate for our community January-December and will always be the voice of business in Albany-Dougherty County.To learn more or to get involved with our Legislative Affairs Committee andpublic policy efforts please contact me at [email protected] or 434-8700.

ELECTRIC

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Documents

March April 2015 Business Magazine