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 [email protected] or Hanna at [email protected].

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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 [email protected].

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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. 

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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/

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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 million
Retail: $66 million
Recreation: $63.4 million
Transportation: $59.6 million

Looking 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 day

in 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.

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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 [email protected] or call 229-834-8277.

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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

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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 terms
• Discuss current economic environments and the effects of inflation
• Review 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. Register

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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, share how SGMC is transforming healthcare for women. 

What you will learn in this podcast: 

• Latest technology for mothers
  • Angel Eye video technology 
  • State-of-the-art birthing beds
  • Wireless maternal/fetal monitoring
  • OB/GYN hospitalist 
  •  Cord blood banking program
  • Placenta donation program
•  Advancement in breast cancer screening and treatment
  • Breast 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
  •  SGMC will start offering some fun classes through its new Women’s Empowerment Series. The classes will be focused on helping women in the community connect with SGMC and promote mental and physical health.
  • Classes are also being planned for expecting mothers and family members, including 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. 

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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 Series
The 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 Entertainers
For 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.”

ARToberfest
The 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.

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