South Georgia Insider

On this podcast, Deanna Smith, with the Investment Center at CBC Bank, and Kristin Hanna from the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta (BGV) discuss how a Leadership Lowndes (LL) class project created a successful workforce training program. In 2019, LL members met with representatives from the BGV to develop the Academy for Success (AFS), an eight-week program emphasizing the development of soft skills, a vital part of an employee's work performance. After modifying a purchased curriculum, LL members and the BGV staff created the AFS program focused on helping students get a job and retain a job.  During the job-seeking portion, students learn how to complete an application, improve communication skills, and understand the importance of an excellent social media presence."The third class is a lot of fun--it's dressing for success," said Smith, which includes a "what not to wear" fashion show with local business leaders demonstrating inappropriate interview and work clothing. "This day is fun, and it changes the relationships so much," Hanna said. "These very professional, polished adults are suddenly walking in some pretty wacky clothes. I think it breaks down a lot of barriers."The program also teaches some "lost art" skills, like the proper way to give a handshake. "We will stand in the corner of the room and have the kids come around and introduce themselves," Smith explained. "Then we give immediate feedback, and [the students] move to the next person. We try to solidify that feedback so they can improve each time." Smith said during the interview class, students practice answering common questions before participating in formal mock interviews, where local business leaders conduct five-minute mock interviews and provide feedback.During the "retaining a job" portion, students learn valuable employability skills, from respecting authority to how to deal with workplace challenges. Smith said the program also teaches networking and conversation, along with basic etiquette, including table manners. "We are prepping them for the last week when we put it all together," said Smith, noting that the final class is a paparazzi-style event. The highlight of the class is the graduation ceremony. Students are transported to a local restaurant via limousine and walk the red carpet as government officials and business leaders cheer them on. Once inside, the students dine with government and business leaders and engage in conversations that build relationships while practicing their newly learned communication skills.Each year, the AFS is offered in the spring or fall, and students apply to participate. Hanna said the program has been successful in helping BGV students find and keep employment.Volunteers and corporate sponsors are needed to sustain the program's growth. Business leaders interested in participating can email Smith at dsmith@investwithtic.com or Hanna at khanna@bgcvaldosta.org.Subscribe to South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter) and follow South Georgia Business on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. 

In this podcast, Joshua Whittington, assistant dean of Technical and Instructional Programs at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, explains Industry 4.0 and its impact on local manufacturing.From the introduction of mechanization through water and steam power, the industrial revolution advanced to mass production and assembly lines, and then the adoption of computers and automation. Now industry 4.0 takes technology to new levels with autonomous systems and the use of more data.  What you'll learn in this podcast: · Discover the basics of Industry 4.0 and how it impacts manufacturing innovation.· Wiregrass Tech introduces an Associate of Applied Science in Industry 4.0 Technology in spring 2023.  Find out how it will positively impact regional manufacturing production and create high-paying, high-demand jobs. · Learn how high school students can prepare for Industry 4.0 careers.· Wiregrass Tech continues to develop innovative solutions for local industries. Find out how mechatronics students helped a local business solve a manufacturing problem and increase productivity. Read the full story in South Georgia Business Magazine.  · What will the future manufacturing workforce look like? Discover the high-tech, high-demand jobs available for local students now and in the future.  Email Joshua Whittington at joshua.whittington@wiregrass.edu.Subscribe to South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter) and follow South Georgia Business on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.   

In this podcast, Georgia Senator Russ Goodman provides an overview of the 2022 legislative session and the agricultural industry. Representing Georgia's 8th district—Atkinson, Clinch, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, and part of Ware counties—Goodman is a seventh-generation farmer and co-owner of Cogdell Berry Farm and the Great American Cobbler Company. He is passionate about saving family farms and understands the regional and global economic importance of farming and the struggles of being a small business owner. What you'll learn in this podcast:In 2020, Goodman and family members started the Great American Cobbler Company in Homerville, Georgia. Producing blueberry, blackberry, apple, and peach cobblers—(made with locally and regionally sourced products—the company quickly expanded to more than 7,000 grocery stores across the U.S.  During a busy 2022 legislative session, Goodman said key wins include: The FY23 budget included $900,000 to renovate the South Georgia Regional McMullen Southside Library.Georgia's teachers received pay raises. Mental health funding received bipartisan support. The state's multi-month gas tax suspension and income tax cuts provide financial assistance to Georgians. House Bill 1064 passed unanimously in the Senate and exempts up to $17,500 in military pension from state income tax for veterans under 62 years old.      Parent's Bill of Rights (HB1178) gives parents fundamental rights to “direct the upbringing and education of their minor children.”House Bill 385 allows some (high need areas) retired Georgia teachers the ability to return to teaching full time and still collect their state pensions. The “Georgia Grown Farm to Food Bank Bill” (Senate Bill 396) assists food banks in buying directly from farmers. The “Freedom to Farm Act” protects farmers and property owners and expands agricultural education programs in elementary classrooms. Subscribe to South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter) and follow South Georgia Business on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.      

For more than a century, Georgia Christian School (GCS) has provided a Christian-based and rigorous academic curriculum in Dasher, Georgia, located just minutes from the Florida border.In this podcast, Dr. Brad Lawson, GCS president, talks about how the school's recognition has risen over the past decade, primarily due to the growing popularity of the annual Georgia Christian Benefit Dinner. What you'll learn in this podcast: Starting in 1914 as Dasher Bible College, for more than a century, GCS has recruited students from across the U.S. and internationally.  GCS closed during the 1993-1994 academic year after falling on hard financial times. The following year, thanks to the fundraising efforts of its board and alumni, the school's debt was paid, and it reopened.With a Christian-based mission, GCS offers a challenging curriculum and graduates are often accepted at top-ranked colleges and universities. GCS also provides career prep course options for students wanting to attend a technical college or go straight into the workforce.While COVID-19 halted classroom instruction at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year, GCS students were already using Chrome books, providing a manageable switch to a virtual format. Pre-COVID, the school's enrollment was approximately 300 and has jumped to 363 students in k3-12 grade. The 2022 GCS Benefit Dinner is Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Valdosta State University Student Union Ballroom. This year's dinner will feature Archie Manning, an All-American quarterback and legendary NFL player, in a Q&A format. Sponsorships are available and individual tickets will go on sale in early October at the GCS website at https://www.georgiachristian.org/Subscribe to South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter) and follow South Georgia Business on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.     

On this podcast, Dave DiSalvo, executive director of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Tourism Authority, shares why Valdosta is more than a convenient I-75 stop for gas, food, and an overnight stay. A native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, DiSalvo arrived in Valdosta in 2021 and was pleased to find a community that shares his passion for tourism.With Georgia on their minds, last year, more than 159 million domestic and international people visited and spent $34.4 billion in the Peach State. In addition, Georgia's tourism and travel industry generated a total economic impact of $64.5 billion and supported more than 422,600 jobs. Located on the Georgia-Florida border, Lowndes County received an economic boost from the state's tourism boom with a $389.4 million economic impact, up from $350.3 million in 2019. Where did visitors spend their money in Lowndes County? Food Beverage: $122.5 million Lodging: $77.9 millionRetail: $66 millionRecreation: $63.4 millionTransportation: $59.6 millionLooking at South Georgia's bigger tourism picture, DiSalvo shared economic data from the 2021 Georgia Day Travel USA Visitor Profile produced by Longwoods International. The in-depth report examines state and regional numbers for domestic visitors and profile data that includes expenditures, trip purpose, seasonality, origins, activities, and demographics.While the visitor profile numbers represent the entire South Georgia region, DiSalvo said part of Visit Valdosta's marketing strategy will include a deeper dive into specific Lowndes County numbers."We talk about tourism in Lowndes County and Valdosta and are very fortunate. Not only do we have downtown [Valdosta], but we have Hahira downtown, and quite frankly, we need to look at the regional opportunities," he said. "If someone goes shopping and spends the dayin Thomasville, as long as they come back and have dinner and spend the night in Valdosta, that's a win for all of us. It creates that regional reach we would love to have as part of tourism."  Focused on the thousands of visitors that come annually to Wild Adventures Theme Park, DiSalvo said the goal is to get people to spend a second night in Valdosta.Along with the hub activity in Downtown Valdosta, including the new Unity Park Amphitheater, DeSalvo said Valdosta has a lot of “tourism drivers” like family fun at Recoil Trampoline Park, historical sites, arts and entertainment, golfing, tennis, and wakeboarding.   The Valdosta Tourism Authority recently announced the launch of its "Valdosta ahhh" campaign, which DiSalvo said is about "the experience, excitement, relaxation, anything you want it to be that 'ahhh' moment."A city with plenty of hidden treasures, Valdosta has lots of 'ahhh' experiences, from roller coasters to dining and shopping, historical sites, outdoor recreational activities, and more. The campaign launched in August and will feature people sharing their "Valdosta ahhh" moments on social media. "What better way to help sell it than to have someone who has already experienced it," he said. "We have great opportunities to create those moments and unique experiences." Find out more at Visit Valdosta. Subscribe to South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter) and follow South Georgia Business on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.     

With more than 200 million people with intellectual disabilities worldwide, the Special Olympics has remained a vital movement to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people.Meredith Elizabeth Crum, senior program manager for Special Olympics in Georgia,  talks about the organization's growth and upcoming State Fall Games, Oct. 7-8, 2022, in Valdosta. Special Olympics is the first, and still the only, organization to offer training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities.In 1970, 500 athletes gathered in Atlanta for the first track and field event under the Special Olympics Georgia banner. Today, the organization has grown exponentially and has helped thousands of children and adults in the process. The number of active athletes has grown to 26,620 participating in 26 sports. While the number of athletes has decreased because of COVID-19, Crum said participation is returning. Crum encourages individuals and families to attend the opening ceremony from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, Oct. 7, at Freedom Park. The free event will feature f entertainment and activities, including Lee Snow, a popular Tiktok comedian and preacher from Columbus, Georgia.More than 1,200 athletes, including 200 plus from Valdosta, are expected to participate in team and individual sports like bocce, golf, softball, and cycling.Presenting sponsors for the State Fall Game include Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) and Berry Global. In addition, Lovell Engineering Associates and Knights of Columbus are sponsoring the opening ceremony. Crum said additional sponsorship levels are available. Volunteers are also needed to serve as unified partners or buddies, where they are paired with an athlete.Having worked for Special Olympics Georgia for four years, Crum said the most enjoyable part is seeing the lifelong friendships formed between the athletes and volunteers. Businesses and individuals interested in volunteering and sponsorship can contact Crum a mec@specialolympicsga.org or call 229-834-8277.Subscribe to South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter) and follow South Georgia Business on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.   

If you're craving a tasty burger—or maybe a foot-long hot dog with slaw or chili—head over to Ella's Top Corral in Valdosta, where locals have named it the "Best Burger of South Georgia" for the past several years.In this podcast, Nick Perry, co-owner and general manager of Ella's Top Corral, shares his entrepreneurial journey from the early days when he formed the hamburger patties by hand to managing the family-owned business alongside his grandmother, Ella Mae Brown. Here's what you'll discover in the podcast: Ella Mae Brown, known to family and friends as "Miss Ella," started working at Top Corral more than 45 years ago. In 2006, when the original owners wanted to sell, she purchased the popular restaurant and added Ella's to the name. Following in his grandmother's career path, Perry started working at the restaurant before he could drive. After graduating from Valdosta State University with a degree in psychology, Perry considered other career options before deciding to go into business with his grandmother. From remodeling the interior to modernizing the outdated drive-thru system, Perry has focused on upgrading the restaurant while keeping some of its nostalgic features.Boosting business during the pandemic, Ella's launched an app for easy ordering. In addition, they started catering "box lunches" that include a sandwich choice (hamburger, chicken, or hot dogs), fries or chips, and dessert. Perry attributes the restaurant's growth—and expanded customer base—to word-of-mouth advertising, marketing, and community involvement.With the single burger a customer favorite, other crowd pleasers include the double or triple burgers (all hand-formed patties), country-fried steak sandwiches, foot-long hot dogs with chili or slaw, fries, onion rings, corn nuggets, and hand-spun milkshakes. His advice to other small business owners, "We can only take it one day at a time, and you can plan so much and do so much, but in the 24 hours we have or let's say for me in the eight to 10 working hours if you can't get all done, it's okay.  "It's better to focus on one thing," he said. "That's something my grandmother has done over these last 47 years. She's been at the restaurant and brought it to this point, and I see it as the grace I have to continue doing that and taking it to the next level."Perry serves on the Valdosta-County Chamber of Commerce board and Lowndes Education Improvement Foundation and was named the chamber's 2022 Young Professional of the Year. Located at 1007 South Patterson Street, Valdosta, Ella's Top Corral is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, for drive-thru and online (website and app) order. Note: inside dining is currently closed.  Download the Ella's Top Corral app on Google Play Subscribe to South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter) and follow South Georgia Business on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. 

Where do entrepreneurs and small business owners go to find the right tool and resources to start a business or expand an existing one? A good starting place is the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center. In this week's podcast, Walt Moore, area director of the UGA SBDC at Valdosta State University, talks about how the SBDC provides a wide range of consulting services and educational training for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. What you will discover in this episode:Helping small business owners make better decisions and reach their goals, SBDC consultants provide confidential, no-cost, one-on-one business consulting with small business owners that want to grow or start their business.With 18 offices across the state, the SBDC is part of the University of Georgia Public Service and Outreach Extension and is partly funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).The SBDC provides training (free and at a nominal cost) through on-demand, web-based, and in-person formats. Topics include writing a dynamic business plan, Quickbooks, government, contracting, importing and exporting, marketing and social media, and more.SBDC also provides clients with extensive data and applied research, including demographics and industry trends.In response to economic disruptions from COVID-19, SBDC consultants fielded an increasing number of customer requests, including assistance with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPE) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Upcoming Webinar: Bend or Break: How to Endure Inflation: September 20, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A virtual class for small business owners about the effects of looming inflation. The course, taught by SBDC consultants Walt Moore and Andy Fried, is offered at no charge (registration is required).Course outline:Define inflation and other related termsDiscuss current economic environments and the effects of inflationReview profit and loss levers to improve profits and cash flow.The class will conclude with an introduction to the “One Percent Solution,” a user-friendly tool that provides an overview of a company's cash flow and show how even a small (1%) change can have a significant impact. Attendees will receive an Excel spreadsheet to monitor and manage their company's cash flow. RegisterSubscribe to South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter) and follow South Georgia Business on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.  

Discussing South Georgia Medical Center's continued focus on healthcare access, our guests in this podcast include Erika Bennett, director of marketing, and Lara Davis, women's healthcare coordinator, who shares how SGMC is transforming healthcare for women. What you will learn in this podcast: Latest technology for mothersAngel Eye video technology State-of-the-art birthing bedsWireless maternal/fetal monitoringOB/GYN hospitalist  Cord blood banking programPlacenta donation program Advancement in breast cancer screening and treatmentBreast Center, a new comprehensive center under the leadership of general surgeon Dr. Harvey Miller, chief clinical quality director. Lori Trouille is a nurse practitioner who serves as a breast navigator guiding each patient throughout their journey and a liaison with their provider. The Breast Center works with a multidisciplinary team to enhance processes that support a highly reliable workflow and decrease the time between imaging, diagnostics, and treatment for breast cancer. Women's Empowerment Series Offering some fun classes through Women's Empower Classes that help women in the community connect with SGMC and provide programs that engage women in their mental and physical health.Programs for expecting mothers like prenatal yoga, boot camp for dads, and informational classes for grandparents. Women are encouraged to join SGMC's Women's Health Market Facebook page. This group serves as a resource and partner for all things related to women's health. Subscribe to South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter) and follow South Georgia Business on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.      

In this week's podcast, Sementha Mathews, executive director for the Turner Center for the Arts, provides a broad-stroke description of the programs and events and a glimpse into the center's future growth. Presenter SeriesThe 2022-23 Presenter Series opens on November 15, 2022, at Mathis Auditorium with Neil Berg's “60 Years of Rock N Roll,” featuring a slight twist from the popular 50-year show. Mathews said the show honors Lowndes-Valdosta Arts Commission's diamond anniversary while giving the audience an extra decade of music to enjoy. “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” which features everyone's favorite lawyer, Elle Woods, is coming to the Valdosta stage on January 10, 2023, at Mathis Auditorium.  The season wraps up with “Purple xPeRIeNCE,” a tribute to Prince, on March 7, 2023, at the Performing Arts Center (PAC), 3101 Barack Obama Blvd., Valdosta.All shows start at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are available at a discounted price through early September. In addition, each performance has an optional pre-show dinner; advanced reservations are required. Music in the Art Park:If you're ready for a bit of rock-n-roll, country, or some blues, bring your lawn chair or blankets and sit under the canopy of trees at the Turner Center Art Park. Musical guests provide free entertainment from 7- 9 p.m., the second Friday of each month from March through November.  South Georgia EntertainersFor local musicians wanting to network and be a part of a supportive community of like-minded performers, the Turner Center is hosting the newly formed South Georgia Entertainers. Open for musicians of all genres on the second Tuesday of each month, from 6-8 p.m. Richard Hill Glass Studio One of the TCA's newest program offerings includes glass-blowing, stained glass, fused glass, and torch. Mathews said the glass art studio not only meets the needs and interests of people in the community, but visitors can experience this unique art form. The Meta Shaw Coleman Children's Art Museum Featuring 10,000 square feet of creative space, the children's museum will include interactive areas highlighting local history and venues.“When you walk in, you're not just learning about what you can become through all these different interactions, but you're also learning about where you live,” she said. “Everything in the building relates to something we have right here.”ARToberfestThe 5th annual ARToberfest is Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Turner Center Art Park. The free event celebrates the talent of local and regional artists and will include live performances, food trucks, and plenty of activities to celebrate artists.  For more information, call the TCA at 229. 247.2787, or online at turnercenter.org.Subscribe to South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter) and follow South Georgia Business on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

When it comes to rural communities, there is no cookie-cutter approach to developing economic strategies. In this podcast, Darrell Moore talks about how the Center for South Georgia Regional Impact (SGRI) connects Valdosta State University's resources to the needs of communities across the region. During the past four years, the SGRI has utilized the services of VSU's faculty, staff, and students to complete more than 150 projects. Ranging in size and scope of complexity, projects have included community logos and website development, translation of documents for foreign industry recruitment, and assisting with the Georgia 2020 Census count. In partnership with the Governor's Rural Strike Team, the SGRI recently hosted the inaugural Rural Development Institute to assist Georgia's rural communities (populations of less than 50,000) develop strategic plans for economic prosperity.The three-day event, which took place on the campus of Valdosta State University, included more than 40 economic development, city, county, and community leaders from Bacon, Crawford, Dawson, Lanier, Mitchell, Seminole, Twiggs, and Worth counties.Using a team concept, each community was required to have representation from the development authority, city, and county. Additional team members included business leaders and representatives from school systems, chambers, and other community entities.  Before attending the institute, teams completed a readiness index to evaluate their community on various pillars of economic development, including leadership, industry recruitment, infrastructure, education, demographics, and quality of life. Session highlights included content experts and consultants discussing various topics, including workforce, manufacturing, retail as a catalyst for economic growth, downtown redevelopment, rural tourism strategies, and collaboration with elected officials. Planting seeds for ideas and identifying available resources, after each session, community partners worked with mentors to reflect on lessons learned and brainstorm ways to implement similar programs within their community. During the final session, in collaboration with their mentors, community members identified 15 to 30 potential projects, with the SGRI committing to assist with one or two projects per county. Moore said, helping with some immediate wins, "Hopefully, they go to number three, four, and five, and have continuous community improvement."Future projects include strategic planning, housing, website development, marketing and video, industrial site evaluations, retail recruitment, and tourism efforts.For more information, contact the Center for SGRI at 229-333-5800.Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Subscribe to South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter) and follow South Georgia Business on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.  

In this podcast, Brandie Dame talks about events, events, and more events happening in Downtown Valdosta. Less than six months on the job as Valdosta's new Main Street Director, Dame is busy preparing for the official opening of the much-anticipated Unity Park Amphitheater.The amphitheater will be a focal point for downtown events and available for organizations to rent. "We really want concerts…to bring people downtown Valdosta to shop and dine and just explore our beautiful downtown," she said. Located on the corner of Lee Street and Central Avenue, the amphitheater's official opening will take place Saturday, August 20, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., with a host of family-friendly activities, a kid's zone, splash pad, food trucks, and live bands. One of them is The Motowners, a tribute band that will perform from 8 to 10 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The popular "First Friday" is now "Friday After Five," featuring themed events and a flexible schedule. "We know a lot of people go on vacation and out of town, and we didn't want to take that business away from our downtown businesses. So, we renamed it Friday After Five to move it around." A Packed Calendar: August 5: Friday After 5 Pup Crawl will give people a chance to bring their pets downtown. USA Rescue Team will have adoptions of dogs and cats. In addition, the Valdosta Main Street table will have "pup crawl" merchandise for shoppers that presents a receipt from a downtown merchant.  September 9: Friday After 5 will be part of Valdosta State University's annual Family Weekend. October 27:  Is the annual "Witches Night Out," a fun-filled time to dress in your scariest (or not so scary) costume and come downtown to shop and enjoy delicious treats in local restaurants.  2nd Saturday (April-December): The Maker's Market is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes vendors who grow and sell fresh produce, baked goods, jams and jellies, handmade items, art, and more. December 2: Friday After Five will highlight the annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Unity Park Amphitheater around 5:00-5:30 p.m.December 3:  The annual Valdosta Christmas parade will start at 6 p.m. at Woodrow Wilson Drive, proceed south on N. Patterson Street, and end in Downtown Valdosta. Downtown ExpansionsOpening in September is Downtown Social, a family entertainment venue with virtual games, darts, shuffleboard, and an assortment of food and beverage items. The Southern Cellars features "wine and charcuterie" and much more.GUD Coffee recently moved into a larger space and expanded its menu. Next year a boutique hotel will open on the top floors. Hammer and Stain South Georgia is a wood and paint DIY studio located on West Hill Ave. Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit. Subscribe to South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter) and follow South Georgia Business on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.  

Declining accessibility to healthcare professionals has been a topic of conversation in rural communities for decades. In 2016, the discussion moved to action when local visionaries approached the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) about establishing the first four-year medical college in South Georgia. Located on a sprawling 31-acre site in Moultrie, Colquitt County, in August 2019, PCOM South Georgia welcomed its inaugural class of doctor of osteopathic (DO) medical students to its new campus.  In this episode, Joanne Jones, campus officer, provides an overview of PCOM South Georgia's growth and expansion plans.What you will learn on this podcast: ·       PCOM started more than a century ago in Philadelphia and in 2005 opened PCOM Georgia, in Suwanee, near Atlanta. ·       A Doctor of Osteopathic (DO) medicine uses a “whole person” approach to medicine by treating the entire person rather than symptoms.·       Upon graduation from PCOM South Georgia, the DOs will start their residency. The goal is to place as many as possible at healthcare facilities within the region, including Archbold Medical Center, Colquitt Regional Medical Center, and South Georgia Medical Center.·       Statistics show that where doctors complete a residency program, a majority remain within a 100-mile radius. ·       PCOM South Georgia has started pathway programs to provide high school students exposure to career opportunities in healthcare.·       Expanding its outreach, PCOM South Georgia has partnered with Georgia Southern University, Valdosta State University, and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College to provide articulation agreements.·       Looking toward future growth, PCOM South Georgia values its community partnerships, including financial contribution for developing new programs that meet regional healthcare needs. Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting, produces South Georgia Insider. Subscribe to South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter) and follow South Georgia Business on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.  

In this episode, DeAnnia Clements, president of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, explains that providing a trained workforce within its 11-county service area is a top priority.With more than 20 years of experience within the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), Clements was recently appointed the third president of Wiregrass Tech after serving more than six months as the college's interim president. Wiregrass Tech is focused on a three-prong approach to workforce development that includes: adult education, technical and academic instruction (degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates), and economic development. What you will learn on this podcast: · During FY22, Wiregrass Tech's Adult Education Program has assisted more than 975 students in improving their reading, writing, and math skills, learning to speak the English language, or preparing to pass the General Educational Development (GED) and High School Equivalency (HiSet) tests. · Wiregrass Tech students are skilled and ready to enter the workforce. With a nearly 99% job placement rate, Clements says, “Every aspect of your life you're coming into contact with someone with technical training, whether from Wiregrass or another technical college or they learned through an apprenticeship program. They developed skill sets through a technical college.” · Within its economic development efforts, Wiregrass Tech offers customized training. For example, when a business or industry needs to retrain existing or new employees, Wiregrass Tech finds a qualified instructor to teach the specific skills, allowing the company to experience growth and success.Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting, produces South Georgia Insider. Subscribe to South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter) and follow South Georgia Business on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.   

In this episode, we are talking about Thomas University's new football program, the first in the nation designed specifically to assist veterans and military personnel in their transition from military to civilian life. Giving us insights into this unique combination of academic and athletic programs is Stephen Ferguson, vice president for military and corporate relations at Thomas University.Located in Thomasville, Georgia, Thomas University is a regionally accredited, non-profit university that offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and education specialist degrees at its main campus, online, and satellite locations in Tallahassee and across Georgia.What you will learn on this podcast: In 2017, Thomas University opened the Center for Military Life to provide resources during the entire life cycle of military service, from pre-enlistment, career advancement to transition support back to service life.Thomas University accepts up to 64 college credits from military training toward a college degree. The valuable on-the-job training is evaluated for credit and is part of the student's Joint Services Transcript ((JST) or Community College of the Air Force transcript. Offering multiple online programs for global access, Thomas University's on-campus classes—with an average class size of 10 to 15 students—provide veterans with an easy transition to college life. The university is an academic partner with the National Defense Industrial Association to help connect veterans and military personnel in job placement. Ferguson says it creates a “crosswalk from higher education to industry.” Earlier this year, Thomas University established the nation's first football program explicitly designed to assist veterans in transitioning from military to civilian life. To lead the Night Hawks football team, the university hired seasoned football coach Orlando Mitjans, Jr., who brings more than 20 years of coaching experience, including positions at The Citadel and West Point.The football team will include military veterans, active reservists, and members of the National Guard.The inaugural football team is on track to start during the fall 2023 season. Thomas University is exploring options to build a permanent stadium on its campus; however, they will use a local high school stadium in the interim.Thomas University is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Sun Conference.Ferguson says the Thomasville community has provided an “outpouring of support” and positive feedback from local businesses and residents.“It's not just football; it's a transition program that allows veterans to be together and play together and continue the camaraderie that they are used to in the United States armed services.”Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921   

Straddling the Georgia-Florida line, just a few miles from Valdosta, people of all ages are finding Wild Adventures Theme Park to be their ticket for an affordable day of fun. Part of Herschend Enterprise, Wild Adventures started as Liberty Farms Animal Park in 1996 and has morphed into a 177-acre theme park with thrilling rides for all ages, a waterpark, a zoo with hundreds of exotic animals, and an all-star concert venue.But there is more, and in this episode, Jon Vigue, vice president and general manager, and Patrick Pearson, director of sales and marketing, provide an update on the new sights, sounds, and tastes coming to Wild Adventures when the 2022 season opens on March 19.What you'll learn in this episode:The new Water's Edge Brews & Bites will include great food, live entertainment, and a place for a bit of relaxation. Teaming up with Georgia Beer Company, the restaurant and entertainment venue will feature locally brewed beers, wine, and food, all in a shady spot to listen to live music around the “water's edge.” Take a walk on the wild side, and visit the Wanyama Overlook, the park's largest new animal habitat featuring exotic animals native to Africa and Asia, including giraffes, zebras, water buffalo, wildebeests, and more. The 2022 Concert Series kicks off April 30 with Gabby Barrett, ACM New Female Artist of the Year and Billboard's Top New Country Artist of 2020. This year's shows will not disappoint, with John Fogerty, Danny Gokey, Brothers Osborn, Three Dog Night, Jeff Foxworthy, Skillet, Grand Funk Railroad, and much more are part of this year's concert lineup. Making a significant investment in employee education, Wild Adventures employees can participate in Herschend's GROW U program to pursue a college degree. The best deal to explore Wild Adventures is with a 2022 Season Pass that gives you access to rides, slides, exotic animals, and general admission to the entire All-Star Concert Series. Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting, produces South Georgia Insider.  Subscribe to South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter) and follow South Georgia Business on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. 

It started with a casual conversation, and now the Valdosta Young Professionals (VYP) group has about 300 registered members.In this episode, we're talking to VYP co-founders Chloe Wade, membership and events director at the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, and Lauren Pope, director of public relations at Lowndes County Schools. Are you between 21 and 40 years old? Do you live, work, or conduct business in the metro-Valdosta area? Then, VYP may be the right fit for you to get "plugged" into the community. Part of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Georgia Power, VPA provides accessible programming and partnerships that help boost careers, conversations, and engagement within the community. To find out more about VYP membership and how to sponsor an event, call the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce at 229.247.8100. For more information, visit the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber website to register. Also, get updates on upcoming events by following VYP on Facebook. Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting, produces South Georgia Insider.     

In this episode, we're talking to Michael Smith, executive director of the Greater Valdosta United Way (GVUW), and Emily Anne Vall, PhD., executive director of Resilient Georgia, about Georgia's escalating mental health challenges.Before COVID-19, mental health issues like anger, stress, worry, and depression were rising globally. According to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, more than 1.4 million adults in Georgia have a mental health condition. Consider by many health professionals as the "new pandemic," in 2021, 44% of adults in Georgia reported having symptoms of anxiety or depression, with 29% unable to receive counseling or therapy. Part of a regional coalition, the GVUW received a grant from Resilient Georgia to increase mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and promote behavioral health services for children and adults within 10 South Georgia counties. What you'll learn in this episode · How Resilient Georgia is building a statewide coalition of public-private partnerships to prevent and heal childhood adversity, highlight trauma-informed awareness and care, and promote resilience among children and adults. · Domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking were a concern before the pandemic; however, high levels of isolation and financial stress have put a "magnifying glass" to these issues and more. · GVUW is sponsoring awareness training programs for first-responders and healthcare workers to build awareness and training that will better support children and adults coping with adversity and trauma. · How to guide the conversation that "It's OK not to be OK."· The lack of mental health professionals in Georgia is a statewide crisis, especially in rural communities. According to a report by the Georgia Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation, within Georgia's 159 counties:150 are considered to have a mental health professional shortageApproximately 77 counties have no full-time psychiatrists52 counties have no licensed social worker60 counties have no pediatricians Visit the Resilient Georgia website to register for its newsletter and receive more information focused on:Interactive training opportunities: https://www.resilientga.org/trainingroadmapResilient Georgia's 16 region coalition: https://www.resilientga.org/regional-coalitionsAdverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) prevention:  https://www.resilientga.org/_files/ugd/08ae45_dac5c65d288a4e22a0aca536fc17604e.pdf Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit. Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting, produces South Georgia Insider.    

In this episode, we're having a roadside chat with Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Stuckey's Corporation, who shares the journey of revitalizing the company her grandfather, W.S. “Sylvester” Stuckey, Sr., founded in 1937. Part of Americana, Stuckey's and its iconic teal roof stores became popular stops for travelers to find a clean and convenient place to fill up their cars, grab a quick bite to eat, and even purchase souvenirs. After decades of robust growth, the company had some ownership changes, then in 2019, Stephanie says she had a “crazy and unexpected” opportunity to buy the family's business. What you'll learn in this episode The value of “shoe leather learning,” which Stephanie says is “getting out and walking the streets and understanding your customer.”  Ways to blend a “legacy brand” while remaining fresh and relevant.When it's time to pivot the business model.Adversity can make a company stronger.How to use authentic storytelling to expand a company's brand and boost social media engagement. Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting. Mentioned Links:South Georgia PRSASociety for Commercial Archeology 

Welcome to the South Georgia Insider Podcast. In this episode, we're getting an insider's look at the tech side of agriculture from Chris Chammoun, director of AgTech at the Center of Innovation, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) What you'll discover in this episode:· When Max Manufacturing had an idea to improve poultry composting, the Ag-Tech center connected the Mitchell County business to University of Georgia scientists doing similar research. The collaboration helped Max Manufacturing expand its product distribution and provided new technology for poultry farmers. · Through a multi-year process, the Center of Innovation and GDEcD helped bring indoor agriculture production to Georgia. In 2021, Pete's, a California-based company, announced an $18 million investment to open the company's first eastern U.S. indoor, controlled environment agriculture facility in Peach County. · Family-owned Sweet Grass Dairy, located in Thomas County, came to the Ag-Tech center to help extend its U.S. distribution, but first, they needed to determine the shelf-life of their award-winning cheese. Through the Ag-Tech center, Sweet Grass Dairy was connected to the UGA Food Product Innovation & Commercialization Center, which provided the research needed to expand the company's distribution footprint. The Ag-Tech center works within four primary areas: Integrated Precision AgricultureControlled Environment Agriculture Food Production Innovation Food System Technology IntegrationOn March 2, 2022, the Center of Innovation and the Georgia Research Alliance will host the inaugural Georgia AgTech Summit at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center. This event aims to gather industry, academia, and government to present current research, discuss the current state of the ag-tech sector, and plan for the industry's future within the Peach State. There is no cost to attend. Click here to register.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/. South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting.       

We are talking to Carla Jordan, director of Career Opportunities at Valdosta State University, about how businesses can establish internships and cooperative education opportunities. After going through some name changes and mission realignments, Career Opportunities assists VSU's current students and alumni in all aspects of career services, from career development and counseling, employment opportunities, and experiential learning and cooperative education, which includes internships.Jordan explained the difference between an internship and cooperative education. “Internships is a shorter relationship with the employer and student. It is designed for employers to have one semester, no more than two, with a student working in their office and supervised by someone in their degree field. And they can be paid or unpaid.” More than essential “office work,” Jordan said an internship requires job duties related to the student's academic major and specific learning objectives. “They are taking their classroom experience and applying it in the workplace, and vice versa.” Coming under the term “experiential learning,” where students “learn by doing,” activities include internships, cooperative education, study abroad, student research, and other hands-on assignments. An academic-based program, cooperative education has been in existence for many decades. Jordan explained that co-ops span several semesters, and students are paid a competitive wage. Career Opportunities helps employers design an internship or co-op plan and recruit students to fill the positions.  Jordan said establishing an internship is a lengthy process, and the fall semester is when employers should start the process for an intern the following year.VSU is moving toward having all students complete experiential learning, including an internship, volunteer opportunities, or a classroom project. “Our goal is to prepare the students to be more employable,” Jordan said. Jordan said VSU is now a “Hand Shake” campus, a national platform that connects employers across the nation with college students. Administered under the name “Blazin' Careers,” the program promotes careers fairs, events, workshops, and other career-related sessions. VSU's Blazer Ready program teaches various career readiness skills that are often described as “soft skills.” Now re-branded as “Code Red,” the program promotes volunteer opportunities and leadership qualities. Click here for more information on VSU's Career Opportunities. Contact Carla Jordan at VSU's Career Opportunities via email at ccjordan@valdosta.edu or phone at 229.333.5942Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting. 

With more than 30 years of economic development experience, Darrell Moore is the right fit to lead the Valdosta State University Center for South Georgia Regional Impact (SGRI). A grassroots effort that started in 2018, the SGRI connects the university's resources to needs with communities across the region.In addition to VSU's academic mission, the comprehensive university is focused on developing partnerships and providing resources to support the growth of communities within a 41-county service region.  “The goal of the center is to identify opportunities or challenges in all 41 counties and then come back to VSU and find resources to help them out,” Moore says. A campus-wide resource team works with industrial development representatives, chambers, school systems, governmental agencies, nonprofits, and businesses to meet regional economic needs that support the growth of South Georgia.With an abundance of resources, the SGRI uses student internships, graduate capstones, and expertise from faculty and staff to complete projects ranging from feasibility studies, financial impact analysis, wage surveys, land-use studies, marketing and branding, and more. Past projects include collecting demographics on visitors at the Okefenokee Swamp Park, Okefenokee Adventures, and Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge. The second phase involves using the data to develop marketing plans.   Recently the SGRI completed a financial impact analysis for the Moultrie-Colquitt Parks and Recreation Authority. “This is something they can use to try and build support for public and private entities to continue funding improvements at the rec department.” The 2020 Census was one of the center's most prominent and included interaction with 55 counties and the development of community-specific marketing materials. Using the same format and process, the SGRI recently launched a COVID vaccine campaign.This year the SGRI is completing a downtown development study for the City of Adel as a tool to establish short- and long-term growth plans. Moore explains that VSU's vast connections make it possible to complete projects of any size. “We have relationships with other colleges and universities, technical colleges, [and] a lot of resources we can pull in, and have pulled in, including the utilities have a lot of resources they provide on a community level. If we have gaps, we can partner with others to work them out.”For more information, click here to contact the VSU Center for SGRI. Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting. Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/.Subscribe to the South Georgia Business Magazine and South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter), both available at no charge -- at sgamag.com.  

Our guest today has deep roots in South Georgia.  Barbara Grogan returned home to Colquitt County in 2019, when she was named president of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority.  With a diverse mix of industries, Colquitt County is often recognized for its robust agricultural production, which includes numerous vegetable and row crop farms. “Along that same line we have two large food processing companies—National Beef and Sanderson Farms—together they are right at 2,000 employees, so they are good strong industries.”Manufacturing is strong, specifically in the timber industry with IFCO Seedling and Universal Forest Products. Colquitt County is also home to Destiny Industries, which produces modular homes. Grogan says healthcare has become another significant industry niche, especially with the recent addition of the South Georgia campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM).With a strong mix of manufacturing and food processing, the COVID pandemic escalated production demands. “We never seen a decline impacted through COVID,” Grogan says. “Actually, we saw continuous growth in tax revenue, SPLOT, consumer demand has been through the roof, which we are glad to have. People are always going to eat and buy essential goods, COVID made us look at the different markets they buy them in.”   Grogan discussed the strong partnership with Southern Regional Technical College. “Technical college education is significant no matter where you are, you always need that piece,” she says. “There are various styles of education. You need the critical and analytical thinker, you need the person who can do and understand equipment. You need all aspects, especially when you look at an industry of any type." Building the next generation of workforce is a significant part of Grogan's responsibilities. “Workforce starts at an early age,” she says. “At three and four years old you start exposing them to what they want to do when they grow up.”Working closely with Colquitt County School System, Project Purpose starts primarily in the high school students get a positive entry into the local workforce.  Selected by the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, a unit of the University of Georgia Public Service Outreach, the Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority, in partnership with Colquitt County Schools, is working to create programs and initiatives focused on enhancing leadership skills.Grogan gave up an update on the recent needs assessment survey conducted by the Brooks, Colquitt, Grady, Mitchell, and Thomas Counties Joint Development Authority (JDA). With more than 200 responses, the online survey gathered critical information to identify the workforce skills needed for businesses within the region to remain competitive. COVID gave Colquitt County an opportunity to assess its broadband needs. “In terms of a rural community we are relatively blessed in terms of broadband,” Grogan says. “For a rural area, we have fairly good coverage, what lack is users. People don't always know to go get it, or afford it.”In 2019, Colquitt County started a strategic planning initiative that looks at how to grow all aspects of the community. Working with the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, the planning process included all “entities that help grow a community” from education to healthcare, city municipalities, the county, chamber, and parks and recreation.  Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsors Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ. http://talk921.com.  

The Fall 2021 semester has started, and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College continues its focus on best-serving businesses and industries within an 11-county region. Today's guests are DeAnnia Clements, Wiregrass Tech interim president, and April McDuffie,  interim vice president of Academic Affairs. Enrollment ramped up during the summer, and part of the success is the abundance of programs that fast-track a student's ability to get an education and enter their chosen career field. Building expansion continues on the Valdosta campus, with the Edward and Rhonda Mark Health Sciences Building opening in January 2022.  At the Coffee County campus, a new facility to expand diesel and CDL programs is under construction. Wiregrass Tech has been a regional leader in dual enrollment efforts for several years. Clements explains that with House Bill 444, which went into effect last year, dual enrollment credits are capped at 30 hours, along with other restrictions."We want to make sure the dual enrollment students have the opportunity to take advantage of of the funding allowed through legislation," says Clements, who emphasizes the importance of students taking classes to explore career options.McDuffie explains Wiregrass Tech's adult education classes provide students flexibility to continue working their "day job" while earning college credits at night and online."We are making sure classes are available when they [students] need them," McDuffie says. "We've always had a robust online program, which helped during the pandemic when we had to shut down." With the large number of evening classes offered, Wiregrass Tech continues to recruit part-time instructors. McDuffie encourages professionals to visit Wiregrass Tech's job board to see the complete list. https://www.wiregrass.edu/about/employment"Our instructors work very closely with industries and businesses in their field," McDuffie says. "They have that communication and rapport with them so that we can make sure we are training students for what those employers need."Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting.  

South Georgia Medical Center recently released its FY2020 Annual Report that celebrates the hospital's past while looking ahead to a bright future. In this podcast, we talk to SGMC CEO Ronald "Ronnie" Dean, as explains the hospital's strategic priorities outlined in the annual report: Unsurpassed Patient Experience, Unequaled Access to Care, Unimpeachable Credentials, Unmatched Efficiencies.Unsurpassed Patient Experience: "We exist for one reason and one reason only, to take care of patients," Dean says. "When you think about what we do, a lot of people zero in our capabilities to heal, and we provide medical care. But truthfully, we are doing more than that; we are enriching and improving the lives of those we serve."Compassion is essential to SGMC's mission, and Dean says, "Our intent is to make sure everyone feels respected. Treat everyone with dignity and respect regardless of who you are, where you come from, and what your situation is. We believe anyone who walks in our doors, that we need to wrap our arms around them and show them we care." For a majority of patients, the Emergency Room is a primary entry point to the hospital. "Nothing is constant in the ER; it's always changing," Dean says. "The types of patients being treated, the mix of the patients, some really sick, some not as sick as other. But all are there because they feel like they need to be there. That team [ER] is trained to handle all conditions, but sometimes it's not overwhelmed but stressed." SGMC's involvement with the Partnership for Health is an example of improving healthcare access to residents. "They provide that primary care the patient needs to prevent them from having to come to the ER," Dean says. "Then it's to help them finish the healing process when they leave the ER. We are very proud of the Partnership for Health and what they do." Unequaled Access to Care: The term "access" is a buzzword in healthcare today—now more than ever, patients have options."We simply want everyone to be able to access what they need locally," Dean says. "We would rather not have anyone have to travel for something that can be delivered here responsibly. There are some specialties that we will never provide in our community because there are not enough resources to make it happen or demand."  SGMC has recently doubled the number of physicians within their network and tripled the number of access points. Another access to care will come with the residency program.  Mercer University School of Medicine is a partner with SGMC's residency program, which will start next year with selecting the first class of medical residents.Unimpeachable Credentials:  Each year, hospital and healthcare facilities undergo numerous—very rigorous—national accreditations. SGMC continues to receive approval at the highest standards from the top accrediting agencies.Unmatched Efficiencies: During COVID-- hospitals had to "rethink" delivery of care, not just in response to the pandemic but moving forward. "We had to go through problem-solving on a lot of equations, just like a lot of organizations did," Dean says. "We learned a lot about ourselves, and I am very proud of the team, and we didn't miss a beat."Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921 

We've seen the mass number of "help wanted" signs displayed across businesses of all sizes. And, even before the COVID-19 workforce disruption, the need for specifically skilled workers reached critical levels, with 40 percent of U.S. employers unable to meet production demands. Apprenticeships use a  "grow their own" approach.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there have been more than 1.9 million new apprentices since FY 2011, up by 38 % from the previous decade.Today's guests are Nichole Shanks, workforce development manager with Ace Electric, and Jason VanNus, systems coordinator for work-based learning and youth apprenticeship at Lowndes High School.The fall 2019 issue of South Georgia Business Magazine,  "Apprenticeship Programs Are Filling the Workforce Gap," highlights an innovative apprenticeship program between Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, Ace Electric, and Lowndes High School.In this podcast, we're going to get an update and dive a little deeper into how apprenticeships can put high school students on the right track toward well-paying careers. "For every one person that enters the skills trade, we are losing three to four every year due to retirement or aging out," says Shanks. "We aren't getting enough young people out of high school interested in the skills trade. We wanted to get involved before they graduated high school.It's time to re-think the hiring process. "The labor shortage exists with the current avenues. We have to go outside the current avenue to get a new crop of students," VanNus says.He explains that an apprenticeship aligns with the student's curriculum and career goals. "[With an] apprenticeship they are learning how to be productive in the workforce and also specifically identified skills and traits that are going to be in the field they want."The first Lowndes High School and Ace Electric summer apprenticeship program started with nine students, and three are now full-time employees with Ace Electric. As part of a dual enrollment program, the students split time between classes at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and Lowndes High School while also working at Ace Electric.  Georgia is a leader in work-based learning, including HB 402 that encourages companies to provide worked-based learning opportunities for 16-year-olds and older. According to VanNus, the employer can receive up to a 5% discount on worker compensation premiums, depending up the number of students hired.Shanks says the old model wasn't working, "It wasn't working for your local economic development. The students would go away to whatever school and then never come back. Here we are forming relationships and providing employment from a young age. A lot of times, they are going to stay in their local communities and be a productive member of the workforce."Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting.   

Small downtowns across America are searching for ways to thrive and survive, and in Adel, Georgia, the main street revitalization movement is definitely in the “thriving mode.”Today's guest is Brandie Dame, Downtown Adel Main Street Director, who started as the city's first full-time downtown development director in June 2018. Her primary goal was to guide Adel's efforts to receive Classic Main Street status. The intense three-year process included more than 30 hours of training, establishing a downtown board of directors, hosting a community visual session and work plan, and submitting monthly activity reports.  In April 2021, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Office of Downtown Development announced that the City of Adel was awarded the designation as an Accredited Main Street America community. While the process has been educational, it has also created a wave of revitalization. In 2018, approximately 28 percent of Adel's downtown buildings were vacant, many needing extensive renovations. The number has dropped to 6 percent. Dame says the surge in real estate activity is due primarily to Downtown Adel's designation as a Georgia Rural Zone, which provides tax credits for economic growth. Administered under the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the rural tax zones enable businesses and investors to obtain tax credits for up to five years. The tax credits are available for job creation and investments (renovations) to downtown properties.Downtown Adel also created events like Food Truck Friday, which takes place monthly from March through December. With about 10-12 food trucks each month, Dame says the event draws upward to a thousand people. Dame says future goals include recruiting a family-style restaurant, improving building facades, and attracting more visitors to the community. Dame says Adel and Cook County are centrally located to several popular tourist attractions, including Reed Bingham State Park, Horse Creek Winery, and South Georgia Motorsports Park.Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit. Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting.  

Today we are talking to Jim Glass, President of Southern Regional Technical College. (SRTC). President Glass officially began his tenure as president at SRTC on July 1, 2019. Offering 130 degree, diploma, and certificate programs, SRTC was formed in 2015 from a merger of the former Moultrie Technical College and Southwest Georgia Technical College. Serving the technical education and training needs within an 11-county service region, SRTC has locations in Colquitt, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Thomas (main campus), Tift, Turner, and Worth counties."One of the things we will never stray from is our workforce mission," Glass says. "Whether it's a credit course in the form of a degree, diploma or certificate or even through non-credit courses that people can take through our economic development division. We have a free high school equivalency test or English as a second language from our adult education department."SRTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the same accrediting body that certifies degrees from most colleges in the Southeast, and has 28 general education core classes transferable to colleges and universities within the University System of Georgia. Moving forward with creating apprenticeship programs, Glass says, "Every single day, I have people tell me they need welders, electricians, remote tech, nurses, on and on."A win-win opportunity, SRTC's apprenticeship program gives students valuable work experience and helps businesses meet their workforce demands. Listening to business and community leaders is the focus of SRTC's new Business and Industry Round Table discussions. "One of the things I wanted to do when I became president was to make sure that our development authorities, cities, counties, and chambers knew we wanted to be their partners," Glass says. "It's so important that we maintain great relationships."Glass says the goal is to have round table discussions throughout SRTC's service area.Growth is coming to the Moultrie campus thanks to $2.3 million to plan and design a new technical and industrial building. The funds are part of the state's FY2022 budget and expand space for SRTC's high-demand program.Also, SRTC recently received a $200,000 grant from Coca-Cola Bottling United and Rural Development Partners. The grant funds the Rural Development Partners Community Investment and Coca-Cola Bottling United Scholarship and benefits SRTC's technical and industrial programs, including the popular commercial truck driving program. COVID impacted higher education throughout the past year, especially technical schools where "hand-on" teaching is critical. Like many other schools, SRTC received CARES Act Funds used to support students and improve campus facilities, including repairs and upgrades at its campuses. SRTC's fall semester starts on August 17, visit the SRTC website or call 888.205.3449 for more information. Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting.  

In this episode, we're talking to Betty Morgan, vice president for business development at the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce and director of the SEEDS Business Resource Center.Each year the SEEDS Business Resource Center, located in the Chamber's office in Valdosta, provides free assistance to startup businesses, existing and expanding companies in Lowndes County.Morgan explains that the SEEDS Center's mission is to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem and help foster and sustain entrepreneurial development. During COVID, the Chamber became an information conduit as they passed along vital information from local, state, and federal agencies to its members. As the pandemic lockdown continued, Morgan says businesses had various questions, from human resource issues to safety precautions. "I am so amazed at how our businesses pivoted and turned around and started looking at things in a different way," she says. "Out of this, they started curbside pickup, limiting hours when customers could come in by themselves and shop. Everyone was in survival mode.”While starting a business can be challenging, Morgan provides clients with the resources they need to navigate the entrepreneurial journey. Morgan outlined seven steps to business ownership:1. Validate the business idea to see if it's feasible;     2. Write a business plan;3. Decide how you are going to finance your business;4. Determine the legal structure of your business; 5. Register the business with appropriate local, state, and federal agencies and purchase appropriate insurance coverage; 6. Market your business (establish a brand, create a logo, build a website, establish social media, etc.); and  7. Launch your businessIn addition to the SEEDS Business Resource Center, Morgan says there are other valuable resources available in the region, including the UGA Small Development Center (SBDC) at Valdosta State University and the South Georgia SCORE office located in Moultrie. Through the SEEDS Center, new and existing businesses can receive a variety of reports, including demographics, competitor information, sales lists, and traffic counts. The center also sponsors professional classes from human resources to marketing. Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting.  

 In this episode, we're talking to Kristin Hanna, vice president for marketing and development of the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta.For 76 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Valdosta has been fulfilling its mission to enable young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.The club's mission spans five locations, including a new $4.5 million facility that opened in Brooks County.More than an afterschool program, the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta operates under three pillars of success: Academics, Character and Leadership, and a Healthy Lifestyle.Academic Success:While serving approximately 1,000 school-aged children at its five locations, the club is focused on making sure the students are up-to-date on their academic curriculum. This is achieved through various programs to help students complete their homework and gain curriculum enrichment. Character and LeadershipMore than academic success, the Boys and Girls is focused on developing confident future leaders for the community. Part of this includes emphasis on strengthening soft skills and workforce skills. Healthy LifestylePartnering with Second Harvest of South Georgia Kid's Café, children at the Boys and Girls club are provided a hot meal before heading home. Each year, through the Kid's Café, approximately 140,000 meals are provided to children at the Boys and Girls club.Hanna says all the programs and activities seek to provide children a safe place to learn and grow. Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting.         

In this episode,  we discuss the importance of developing a pipeline of physicians for Georgia with Dr. H. William Craver, dean and chief academic officer at the Osteopathic Medical Program at PCOM of South Georgia. Rural communities in Georgia, much like other states, are dealing with the issue of not having enough physicians and access to medical care at an alarming rate. In a recent study, within Georgia's 159 counties, 14 are without a physician. In terms of the disparity of medical care, Craver says, there was a great deal of discussion regarding PCOM making a commitment to establish a medical college in the South Georgia region. Representatives from Colquitt Regional Medical Center, Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority, City of Moultrie, and Colquitt County approached leadership from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) regarding the feasibility of establishing a medical college in South Georgia.Craver says establishing a four-year medical college in South Georgia demonstrates PCOM's commitment to primary care and the value of providing healthcare professionals in rural communities. He explains that a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) is a fully qualified physician licensed to practice medicine in the United States. Practicing from a state of wellness, DOs practice what Craver says is a "whole person" approach that looks at all aspects of healthcare. Located in Moultrie and Colquitt County, PCOM of South Georgia sits on a 31-acre site that includes a 75,000-square-foot facility completed in August 2019. The inaugural class of 59 DO students is scheduled to graduate in spring 2023. During the first two years, DO students are engaged in classroom instruction, followed by clinical clerkships in the third and fourth years. After graduating with a DO, the physicians begin their residency, ideally within rural communities. Craver says PCOM South Georgia is very interested in recruiting students from the region. "Our next area of interest is students who are truly dedicated to underserved medicine. Our hope, of course, is primarily underserved in a rural environment."He further explains that the "underserved" could represent parts of a metropolitan area. Studies have shown that 50 to 70 percent of physicians will practice medicine within a hundred miles of where they did their residency. Within Georgia's 159 counties, 120 are considered rural. The state has 25,677 physicians; however, less than 8 percent practice in rural communities. Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting.         

In this episode of the South Georgia Insider Podcast, we have an all-star lineup with Valdosta Lowndes Parks and Recreation Authority Executive Director George Page and Marketing and Public Relations Director Jessica Catlett.The VLPRA has a mission to provide superior, affordable recreation services and facilities for residents of all ages in Valdosta and Lowndes County.Page, who has served as executive director for ten years, discussed VLPRA expansion in the past decade."One of the things we looked at was our youth sports," Page says. "How can we get more kids involved? We looked at the idea of school-based sports."Opening this year is the North Lowndes Soccer Complex in Hahira, which includes eight soccer fields allowing for soccer and other programs. The Miracle League Complex at Freedom Park features a two-dimensional rubberized field with fully accessible dugouts, a concession stand, and restrooms.  Close to a $7 million project, Page says the majority of funds were raised through donations to the Miracle League of Valdosta. "It's actually the largest Miracle League [field] in the nation, Page says. "It's over two hundred feet long, and also an all rubberized surface, but it's also a multi-use field." Catlett explains, "The Miracle Field is a two-dimensional rubberized field. On a standard baseball field, you have grass, clay, bases, you have things that raise up that make it difficult for a person with a disability to potentially play."The VLPRA also added six new tennis courts at the Harry B. Anderson Tennis Center at McKey, bringing the total to 18 courts.The facility growth has been part of a "build them, and they will come" philosophy to recruit more state, regional, and national tournaments.  "In the past several years, we have been successful in luring tournaments to our community," Page says. "One of the things I was tasked to do was go get as many as you can, whenever you can."VLPRA averages 40 tournaments a year. "We have nice facilities, and they were just sitting on the weekend. Number one, our facilities are for our residents; they take priority over any tournament. We play our regular-season games during the week, and on weekends we bring tournaments to town."Page says the tournament represents millions of dollars in economic impact as upward of 2,000 to 3,000 people stay overnight and eat and shop in local businesses. With more than 40 parks located throughout Lowndes County, VLPRA provides added quality of life benefits for individuals and families. Catlett says part of the VLPRA mission is to provide community events, including Movies in the Park and the annual 4th of July Fireworks celebration. This year, VLPRA added the Flag or Freedom on display from Memorial Day to July 4th. There are 50 flags, one of every state, that line a section of the road through Freedom Park as a temporary memorial. Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting.       

In this episode of the South Georgia Insider Podcast, we’re talking to Shelley Zorn, executive director of the Thomasville-Thomas Payroll Development Authority. It is a year to celebrate, as annual the Thomasville Rose Show and Festival, Thomasville-Thomas Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary Club of Thomasville reach the 100-year milestone. Zorn says the three centennial events provided a perfect time to launch Imagine Thomasville, a joint marketing effort of the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority (PDA) and Thomasville-Thomas Chamber of Commerce. While using the Imagine Thomasville theme, the PDA and Chamber will retain separate boards of directors and budgets. Marketing efforts include the Let’s Talk Thomasville podcast, which was launched in March, and the Imagine Thomasville newsletter to reach a larger audience.On the economic development side, Zorn says the past two years have been busy for Thomasville and Thomas County, including a new distribution center for Ashley’s Home Furniture (based in Thomasville), Yellow Freight, an Alabama-based trucking company, and Concrete Enterprises.Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting.         

In this episode of the South Georgia Insider Podcast, we're talking to Sementha Mathews, executive director of the Turner Center for the Arts in Valdosta.In painting a broad stroke description of what the arts represent, Mathews says, "Art is an expression of humanity, creative skills, and imagination and so much more."A regional hub for the arts, the Turner Center's formal mission is to provide art programs and events focused on art education, cultural enrichment, and entertainment. The center's popular summer classes, taught by professional artists and trained educators, are designed to enrich a child's creative talents. Throughout the year, the TCA offers various classes for children, including a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta."We want our kids to be imaginative and dream," Mathews says. "It helps them in their learning process. To ask questions and be inquisitive. Art also makes them more observant."Art education enhances problem-solving skills, boosts self-esteem, and reduces stress. "Whether it's beautiful to anyone else or not," she says. "It's the experience that helps you reduce stress. There is something about creating…using all the elements of your body that thrown into the process."Featuring seven galleries, the Turner Center rotates exhibits every six to eight weeks. Currently on display is the annual Spring Into Art exhibit featuring more than 320 original pieces created by regional artists. Admission into the galleries is free and open 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. "Nothing is more satisfying than going into the Turner Center and walking through the seven galleries filled with local and regional art, sometimes it's national and even international art," Mathews says.From Broadway-style shows to local musicians performing in the new Art Park, the TCA provides various live entertainment options.The annual Presenter Series, which was canceled during 2020, is coming back for the 2021-2022 season, with the full schedule expected to be announced in June. "It brings a different type of art that we don't get to see very much here," Mathews says. "Professional performing arts, a little bit of music and dancing. It's captivating, beautiful, and something you can't see unless you fly to New York or a bigger city to get that type of experience."The public is invited to relax and listen to local and regional bands perform during the monthly Music in the Art Park concerts, which take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the second Friday of the month from March to November. The event also includes a variety of food trucks. Expanding its facilities footprint, the TCA is going from three to five buildings, with the addition of a children's art museum and glassblowing studio.Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting.   

In this episode of the South Georgia Insider Podcast, we're talking to Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson. The term "baptism by fire" is probably the best way to describe Matheson's first year in office. Before his official swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 9, 2020, Matheson met with residents concerned with a massive wastewater spill, which happened in early December. A topic of concern for decades, the City of Valdosta has invested millions of dollars toward sewer rehabilitation projects and new construction. Matheson says the wastewater infrastructure represents an "all-in commitment" from the city and represents an economic advantage in recruiting new industries. On March 13, as the emergence of COVID-19 began to sweep across the U.S., Matheson recalls being notified that the school systems were shutting down in response to Gov. Brian Kemp's declaring a public health emergency.  As the statewide shutdown coincided with the annual Azalea Festival, Matheson says he had concerns and met with festival organizers. One of Valdosta's signature events, the Azalea Festival, located in Drexel Park, draws between 20,000 to 30,000 people.  The decision to cancel was not easy. "We made the right decision that night," he says. "A year removed, and with eyes wide open and people starting to get vaccinated, I am glad we held it this year."Matheson is working with city council members and local leaders on various projects. On March 19 and 20, the City of Valdosta completed its 2021 Annual Strategic Initiatives Summit, and Matheson says it was a chance to get together and remind everyone that "we are all on the same page.""We are moving the city forward in a very fiscally responsible manner," he says. At the top of the list are infrastructure and transportation projects, including a possible second water treatment plant in the city's south end.Since taking office, Matheson has been advocating for a reliable, cost-efficient transit system. "It was my platform when I ran [for mayor], and I wanted to do it responsibly." The City of Valdosta launched its In-Demand public transit system on April 27 to provide Valdosta residents with convenient and affordable public transportation options.Downtown revitalization continues with the construction of an amphitheater across from City Hall. A two-phase project, with an open area for people to bring their chairs and blankets. Construction has started and is expected to be completed by mid-October. The second phase will include a water feature and space and utilities for food trucks. All aboard! Matheson is working toward bringing a passenger train to downtown Valdosta. While still in the planning stage, Matheson says there are public/private partnership opportunities, and he believes the project will create significant revitalization and become a regional tourism draw. Join us next time as we continue to promote South Georgia as a great place to live, work, play, and visit.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting.Subscribe to the South Georgia Business Magazine and South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter), both available at no charge.   

In this episode of South Georgia Insider Podcast, we’re talking to Christie Moore, president and CEO of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber. Moore shares her newcomer’s view of Valdosta and Lowndes County, how the Chamber is helping businesses post-pandemic, and the importance of the Chamber’s mission to advocate, build, and connect.Less than six months on the job, Moore is still learning about the Valdosta and Lowndes County community. “Valdosta is a big, small town and everyone knows each other, which attracted us here,” says Moore, who moved to Lowndes County with her husband, Michael Moore. As the community begins to emerge from the pandemic's disruptions, she says the Chamber is committed to helping businesses re-think their operating models. “I don’t think there is a business in Valdosta or Lowndes who will tell you they are doing things exactly the same before the pandemic. I honestly don’t think any of us will go back [to normal]. As terrible as COVID was, we can take lessons from it.”  Realizing that not all members fit in the “same box,” Moore says the Chamber must implement programs that meet businesses where they are and provide for their current needs. “As we move forward, we have to think about how to engage all the different sectors,” she says. “In Valdosta and Lowndes County, we have a huge variety and diversity of our economy…not just retail and manufacturing,”A significant shift across all businesses is the workforce. “One thing we have learned is that ‘work’ looks different during the pandemic.”Either working from home or being an “essential worker,” the Chamber is focused on helping all businesses meet diverse employment challenges. “We hear our businesses loud and clear that the biggest issue is having the workers fulfill their needs,” she says. “The Chamber can encourage and support businesses and be the leader for helping institute best practices. We can be that research partner and information partner. I find that businesses know their industry really, really well, sometimes they need that extra help to know how to pivot and change.”As part of its workforce mission, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber is partnering with the Valdosta-Lowndes Development Authority, Wiregrass Technical College, and Georgia Power to host a Workforce Solutions Summit from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Tuesday, June 8, at Rainwater Conference Center. According to Moore, the summit provides an opportunity to gain feedback from business leaders and provide information about existing programs and options that all businesses can utilize to foster their workforce pipeline. Still learning about the community, Moore says, “It’s like I am drinking out of a fire hose. What I love about the Chamber world is I’ve never had two days just alike.”Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting.Subscribe to the South Georgia Business Magazine and South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter), both available at no charge.    

In this episode, we are talking to Dr. Tina Anderson as she trades in her hectic schedule as president of Wiregrass Tech for a more relaxed unscheduled life of retirement.Anderson shares some highlights from her past eight years as Wiregrass Tech’s president and her plans for retirement—which will include motorcycle rides with her husband, Tony, and spending time with the couple’s beloved dachshunds, Buddy Wilson and Harley Davidson.“We are in the business of changing lives,” Anderson shares, a mantra that has carried through her tenure and the work that Wiregrass has completed. At the top of the list is workforce development. As part of her “Talks with Tina,” Anderson meets directly with industry and business leaders to discover their workforce needs. She considers these conversations the “starting point” in making sure Wiregrass Tech students are skilled and ready to enter the workforce. Wiregrass Tech has been a leader in expanding the workforce pipeline through dual enrollment and apprenticeship programs. Anderson says dual enrollment provides a “taste of college life” while students continue to have a high school support system.In 2019, Wiregrass Tech had Georgia’s highest dual enrollment rate. More than earning a paycheck, Wiregrass Tech’s apprenticeship program is helping high school students build successful careers. Under Anderson’s leadership, Wiregrass Tech reached many achievements, including having its Associate of Science in Nursing (RN) program named the No. 1 program in Georgia.  Another source of pride is Wiregrass Tech’s SkillsUSA team, which has received multiple state and national awards, including being one of the top chapters in the nation two years in a row.You can read more about Anderson’s contributions to South Georgia in the spring issue of South Georgia Business + Magazine. Sign-up to receive a complimentary subscription (print or digital) at https://sgamag.com/index.php/subscribe/Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting.Subscribe to the South Georgia Business Magazine and South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter), both available at no charge.Follow us on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthGeorgiaMagazineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/southgeorgiamagazine/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SouthGAMag LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15187535/admin/  

 In this episode, Chris Clark, CEO of the Georgia Chamber, shared the good, bad, and encouraging. Reflecting on a pre-COVID business climate to how Georgia is moving to a "reimagined economy."Managing through 2020 to the "bigger picture" of economic recovery, Clarks shares what businesses—small and large—need to do to rebound.The year 2020, wasn’t all doom and gloom, a bit of good news, Georgia had a 40 percent increase in new businesses relocating to the state during the pandemic. COVID was a "wake-up" call on several issues, including broadband access. Clark says Georgia has several projects in the pipeline to increase internet access throughout the state, especially rural communities.  Clark encourages small businesses to embrace the "digital presence," which includes digital currency. For small businesses to survive, he suggests small companies develop a hybrid model of bricks-and-mortar and e-commerce.  By 2025: 27% of all retail sales in the U.S. will be e-commerceBy 2030: 33% of all retail will be e-commerceBy 2040: 95% of all retail sale will happen onlineThe pandemic brought a year of disruptions, and moving forward, businesses need to plan in place for the next disruption and multiple revenue streams. Clark states that by 2030, 42% of all business revenue that exists today will be lost to disruptions.What will Georgia’s economy look like in ten to twenty years? To answer that question, the Georgia Chamber is launching its Reimagined New Georgia Economy Tour. The series of virtual and safe in-person planning sessions will gather input and data from all communities across the state to prepare future planning strategies. April 15: Virtual (Region 9)April 22: Virtual (Region 10)April 29: Virtual (Region 9)May 5: South Georgia Tech, Cordele (Region 8)May 5: Chehaw Creekside Education Center, Albany (Region 10)May 6: Downtown Courtyard, Thomasville (Region 10)May 24: Dublin-Lauren Chamber (Region 9)May 27: Virtual (Region 11)Register for the events: https://www.gachamber.com/reimaginedtour/ Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921 South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting.Subscribe to the South Georgia Business Magazine and South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter), both available at no charge.Follow us on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthGeorgiaMagazine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southgeorgiamagazine/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SouthGAMag LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15187535/admin/    

In this episode, we welcome Lowndes County Commission Chairman Bill Slaughter and Lowndes County Manager Paige Dukes.With a population of approximately 117,000, Lowndes County includes Dasher, Hahira, Valdosta (county seat), Lake Park, and Remerton. Taking a look in the rearview mirror, Slaughter and Dukes provide insight on how Lowndes County successfully navigated through the COVID-19 pandemic.A strong emergency operation plan was crucial throughout the pandemic.Recognizing the pandemic was more than a health crisis, county officials managed the impact (short- and long-term) of education, mental health, and the economy.All Lowndes County employees were deemed "essential" and work, while sometimes adjusted, continued. Moving forward, Slaughter and Dukes shared updates on current and future projects, including:Work is underway on renovations of the Lowndes County Courthouse. The historic building will house a regional tourism and welcome center and become an integral part of Downtown Valdosta's growth. Various infrastructure projects, including widening of Val Del Road to meet future transportation needs.The county is moving toward establishing more infrastructure to attract industry growth within the unincorporated areas.The new Griner Park on Ashley Street is almost completed and will provide much-needed green space and meet parking demands within the Downtown Valdosta perimeter.Subscribe to the South Georgia Business Magazine and South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter), both available at no charge.South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown BroadcastingThanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting. Subscribe to the South Georgia Business Magazine and South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter), both available at no charge -- at sgamag.com Follow us on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthGeorgiaMagazine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southgeorgiamagazine/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SouthGAMag LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15187535/admin/   

Welcome to South Georgia Insider. Did your 2020 vacation plans get sidelined due to COVID-19 restrictions?  If you are still unsure about making travel plans--either internationally or domestically--using a travel consultant can provide some peace of mind. In this episode, we're talking to Claire Walton, a travel advisor for Palm Travel Group. As a travel advisor, Claire gives her clients “one-on-one” guidance in making travel arrangements. Check-out Claire’s Q&A “Vacation 2021: Start Planning Now” on the South Georgia Business Magazine website. Contact Claire Walton229-469-6302claire@palmtravelgroup.comfacebook.com/palmtravelgroupgaSubscribe to the South Georgia Business Magazine and South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter), both available at no charge.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting. Follow us on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthGeorgiaMagazine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southgeorgiamagazine/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SouthGAMag LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15187535/admin/   

Welcome to South Georgia Insider. To say the year 2020 was “unusual” would be an understatement. As COVID-19 swept through our state, our country, and the world, we often found rural communities were hit the hardest. For our listeners, let’s first paint the picture of Georgia’s rural communities:26 percent of Georgian residents live outside urban cities including Atlanta, Savannah, Columbus, and Macon.120 of Georgia’s 159 counties are considered rural Agriculture is predominately the primary industry ($74 billion impacts in the state) Today, we are talking to Lisa Smart, executive director of the Berrien Chamber of Commerce and Berrien County Economic Development Authority. Lisa wears multiple hats as she works to keep businesses of all sizes growing while at the same time working to recruit new industries and jobs.With a population of about 19,000, Berrien County includes four municipalities Nashville (county seat), Alapaha, Enigma, and Ray City. Agriculture is the most significant economic driver, and Chaparral Boats is the largest employer. When COVID-19 hit, the Berrien-Nashville Chamber of Commerce became the communication facilitators. One area of industry growth was with Chaparral Boats that has actually thrived during the pandemic. People that would normally spend money on vacations purchased boats and other recreational vehicles. Within the agriculture sector, locally owned Danforth Family Farms, a multi-generational farming family, was impacted by the supply chain shut-down. With limited retail outlets for their fresh pork products, the company started selling direct to the consumers at the weekly farmers market. The success of direct retail sales led to the opening of a brick-and-mortar business in downtown Nashville. To assist small businesses as they navigated through the initial impact of COVID-19, the Berrien Chamber started using its business improvements grants to purchase items to safely remain open. Shoppes on Davis, which includes various pop-up vendors, started offering Hero Baskets. People could call the shop and give a price they wanted to spend, and Shoppes on Davis personnel would create the baskets and deliver. Smart says while 2020 was difficult, lessons learned include gaining more reliance on each other and getting back “to their roots.” Subscribe to the South Georgia Business Magazine and South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter), both available at no charge.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting. Follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthGeorgiaMagazine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southgeorgiamagazine/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SouthGAMag LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15187535/admin/

To say COVID was a disruption in 2020 is an understatement. Nonprofits were at the forefront of relief efforts as they continued to serve the most vulnerable and underserved people in their communities. In this episode, we are talking to Michael Smith, executive director of the Greater Valdosta United Way, and Caroline Horne, executive director of the Colquitt County United Way. COVID-19 brought challenges· Food distribution, especially school children· Helping families that are having difficulty paying rent and utilities· Nonprofit agencies stepped up· Brought attention to lack of broadband in rural communities · Fundraising efforts were derailed, nonprofits had to find new ways to raise money· Volunteer opportunities were hinderedJoin us next time as we continue to highlight why South Georgia is a great place to live, work, and play.Subscribe to the South Georgia Business Magazine and South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter), both available at no charge.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting. Follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthGeorgiaMagazine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southgeorgiamagazine/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SouthGAMag LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15187535/admin/

Today we welcome Elton Dixon, owner of Enay Coaching, and Abreauna Hadley, a graduate of the Valdosta Early College Academy and student at Valdosta State University.If you ask most business owners what skills they need in future employees—at the top is "soft skills" or what Elton refers to as "employability skills" in the newly released book Ascend Together.It's a top priority for employers to hire workers with not only technical skills and knowledge but also employability skills like critical thinking, leadership, effective communication, work ethics, and a positive attitude.Written by VECA students, Ascend Together is focused on how to inspire legacy-minded servant-leadership in the emerging generation.The book's formation came about as a group project for VECA students to share their stories on how they've gained valuable skills, including teamwork, leadership, and service.Having the "heart of a servant" is a message weaved throughout the book and curriculum that Enay Coaching uses in its training at schools and through corporate programs. Sharing lessons from the VECA students, Ascend Together is based around the theme of a mountain climbing expedition, where students ascend through each chapter, completing quizzes and challenges as they persevere to the summit.Enay Coaching uses the book's principles in its business coaching and training to solve employees' problems and frontline management issues. Find out more about Enay Coaching's corporate training at enaycoaching.com/our-workProceeds from the sale of Ascend Together supports Enay Coaching's work with schools like VECA and its work with youth in foster care. Find out how to sponsor book sets for clubs or foster group homes at enaycoaching.com/the-book[Episode clarification: In this episode, it was mention that the first VECA alumni would graduate this year from a four-year college/university; however, the first VECA college graduates were in 2019. ]Join us next time as we continue to highlight why South Georgia is a great place to live, work, and play. Subscribe to the South Georgia Business Magazine and South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter), both available at no charge.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting. Follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthGeorgiaMagazine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southgeorgiamagazine/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SouthGAMag LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15187535/admin/

We can't talk about workforce development in South Georgia without discussing Wiregrass Georgia Technical College— one of 22 colleges within the Technical College System of Georgia, with 88 campuses and more than 600 program options.Today we welcome Crissy Staley, executive director of fundraising for Wiregrass Tech. Crissy is the former executive director at the Berrien County Development Authority and Nashville-Berrien Chamber of Commerce. In this episode, we discussed:· A couple of foundation wins, including the Sidney and Sharon Morris Hall's naming, formerly Lowndes Hall. Wiregrass Tech is naming its new Health Science building (under construction) in honor of Dr. Ed and Rhonda Mark. · Wiregrass Tech's Associate of Science in Nursing (RN) program was named the No. 1 in Georgia among other technical colleges and four-year colleges and universities. The ranking is based on the students' National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) pass rates.Wiregrass Tech's workforce development is a significant economic engine, representing a $159.6 million annual economic impact within an 11-county service area. WGTC activities and its students support 1 out of every 39 jobs in the service region. Wiregrass Tech alumni represent a $128.5 million annual economic impact in the region. Join us next time as we continue to highlight why South Georgia is a great place to live, work, and play.Subscribe to the South Georgia Business Magazine and South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter), both available at no charge.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting. Follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthGeorgiaMagazine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southgeorgiamagazine/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SouthGAMag LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15187535/admin/

In this episode, we talk with Rep. John LaHood, District 175, who was first elected to the Georgia House in a special election in February 2018. He has served on numerous committees, including Health & Human Services, Human Relations & Aging, Game, Fish & Parks, and Information and Audits. When he's not busy attending to Georgia's legislative matters, LaHood is serving as owner and president of Fellowship Home. In this episode, we discuss the 2020 vision, what happened when Georgia's legislative session was temporarily suspended in March due to COVID-19, and what happened when they returned several months later. Then a look forward at this year's session: What has COVID-19 shed light on, and how have state priorities shifted.2020 SessionAs a member of the Human Relations & Aging Committee, LaHood worked on several issues dealing with senior care reform. Based on the findings from an AJC seven-part investigative report on senior living facilities in Georgia. After returning to the State Capitol, LaHood said COVID-19's response was a top priority. LaHood said, "A crisis like this pandemic accelerates the inevitable." Some of those issues include broadband and healthcare." LaHood said balancing the budget was another big concern. At the start of the 2020 session, Gov. Kemp was asking state agencies for 4 percent cuts. Due to COVID, the state legislators discussed possible 14 percent cuts and ended with about 9 percent state cuts. 2021 Legislative SessionReturning to the 2021 Legislative Session, LaHood said the "hot topics" will include: budget, election reform, and broadband.LaHood talked about population shifts (in response to the 2020 Census) and anticipated Georgia would lose some legislative voice as redistricting occurs. Join us next time as we continue to highlight why South Georgia is a great place to live, work, and play.Subscribe to the South Georgia Business Magazine and South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter), both available at no charge.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting. Follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthGeorgiaMagazine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southgeorgiamagazine/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SouthGAMag LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15187535/admin/

In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Schruijer, executive director of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority and chair for Locate South Georgia.Even with COVID-19, some tremendous economic development projects are happening across Georgia, including multiple industry announcements in South Georgia. For the seventh consecutive year, Georgia has been recognized as the “Top State for Doing Business” by Area Development, an executive publication that weighed 13 different factors to make this determination. Schruijer explains Locate South Georgia’s regional approach to economic development. Representing 20 counties, Locate South Georgia markets the region to site selectors and works to keep local, state, and federal legislators informed about the region's economic needs.“What are some of the opportunities we have here in South Georgia, and also what are some of our obstacles for growth. Having a unified message from Locate South Georgia to those leaders in the legislators has been very helpful,” says Schruijer.What You’ll Discover in this EpisodeHow educational partners play an essential role in industry recruitment Workforce numbers pull from multiple counties2019 was a banner year for industry announcements in South Georgia2020 has proven to be another booming year for South Georgia’s industry growthCOVID-19 has placed a spotlight on the importance of the manufacturing industry, including some needed adjustments More automation implemented in the futureStarting to see a strong economy coming back to South GeorgiaImportance of speculative (spec) buildings in recruiting industry prospectsEconomic growth comes from expansion projects, including 80 percent of Georgia’s job growth from existing industries Locate South GeorgiaLast year 79 percent of the Georgia Department Economic of Development projects were outside the metro-Atlanta areaCOVID-19 created a more cohesive approach for regional marketing Importance of tourism in the overall economic development effortsWorking together to tell a bigger and better storyCreating an inventory of tourism/leisure activitiesEconomic development is more than jobs and capital investment, it’s also about tourism “getting people to stay and spend their dollar”Telling South Georgia’s story: “When we all work together, we have a bigger and better story that we can tell.” In closing, Schruijer says, “Economic development has changed to what communities can do to encourage people and businesses to want to risk spending their capital in your community. It’s not just from a business perspective but also from an individual perspective. Creating an environment for people to want to spend their money in your area.” Join us next time as we continue to highlight why South Georgia is a great place to live, work, and play.Subscribe to the South Georgia Business Magazine and South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter), both available at no charge.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6

Episode NotesFrom the cotton sheets on your bed to the food you eat and the clothes you wear, the agriculture industry impacts everyone. In Georgia, agriculture is the state’s No. 1 industry representing $73.3 billion a year. But not everything is “peaches and cream” in Georgia, where last year 41 family farms filed Chapter 12 bankruptcies, a number that is up from 26 the previous year.As we talk with Russ Goodman, a fourth-generation farmer from Clinch County, we discover some of the issues facing American farmers, especially in South Georgia, which include: Cost of federal mandated Tier 4 emission standards The declining share of the retail dollarCreating a “level playing field” with foreign competition (U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement) Bringing awareness to the issues, Goodman has joined forces with farmers and ranchers across the country to promote the Demand American Grown movement. A grassroots effort that started in 2019, Demand American Grown, has a mission to educate and empower people to protect America’s food supply chain. Goodman says, “If nothing is done in the next 20 years, and I don’t think I am overstating this, we could be dependent on other countries for our food supplies, at least in terms of fresh fruits and vegetables.” Read more about issues facing South Georgia produce farmers in the article “A National Movement: Demand American Grown” featured in the Summer 2020 issue of South Georgia Business Magazine. Join us next time as we continue to highlight why South Georgia is a great place to live, work, and play.Subscribe to the South Georgia Business Magazine and South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter), both available at no charge.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921 South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting Follow us on:Facebook: Instagram Twitter LinkedIn:

Welcome to the South Georgia Insider Podcast. This is our first episode of many more to come and I am thrilled that you are part of the conversation. In each episode we will chat with business and civic leaders and community influencers about the exciting—and sometimes challenging things happening throughout South Georgia.Topics will range from business and manufacturing to entrepreneurship and rural prosperity, economic development, agriculture, education, healthcare, tourism, and the arts.As we work to continue to move South Georgia forward, I invite you to join the conversation. Start by subscribing to this podcast and leave a review.Join us next time as we continue to highlight why South Georgia is a great place to live, work, and play.Subscribe to the South Georgia Business Magazine and South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter), both available at no charge.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ home of the Scott James Matheson Show. listen to live from 6 a.m to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921Show producer: Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting