Shows
South Georgia InsiderAcademy for Success: Mastering Soft SkillsOn 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 pro...2022-10-2433 minSouth Georgia InsiderThe Future of Manufacturing: Industry 4.0In 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.·...2022-10-1025 minSouth Georgia InsiderSenator Russ Goodman: A Legislative LookIn 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 Amer...2022-10-0339 minSouth Georgia InsiderBrad Lawson: Georgia Christian SchoolFor 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. an...2022-09-2626 minSouth Georgia InsiderDave DiSalvo: Discover Valdosta’s ‘Ahhh’ MomentsOn 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 tha...2022-09-1922 minSouth Georgia InsiderSpecial Olympics Georgia: Providing Decades of EmpowermentWith 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 tra...2022-09-1125 minSouth Georgia InsiderNick Perry: Ella's Top CorralIf 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...2022-09-0230 minSouth Georgia InsiderSBDC: Your Small Business PartnerWhere 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 thei...2022-08-2631 minSouth Georgia InsiderSGMC: Transforming Healthcare for WomenDiscussing 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 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 pr...2022-08-1933 minSouth Georgia InsiderTurner Center for the Arts is Sparkling Like DiamondsIn 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 Bl...2022-08-1128 minSouth Georgia InsiderDarrell Moore: VSU Center for South Georgia Regional ImpactWhen 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 as...2022-08-0530 minSouth Georgia InsiderValdosta Downtown Is a Hub of ActivityIn 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 tak...2022-07-2828 minSouth Georgia InsiderPCOM South Georgia Continued GrowthDeclining 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...2022-04-2126 minSouth Georgia InsiderWiregrass Tech: Filling the Region’s Workforce PipelineIn 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...2022-04-1431 minSouth Georgia InsiderVeterans & Football: A Winning CombinationIn 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 Tallaha...2022-03-3126 minSouth Georgia InsiderWild Adventure: New Sights, Sounds, and TastesStraddling 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 s...2022-03-1427 minSouth Georgia InsiderValdosta Young Professionals Making the ConnectionIt 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 Co...2022-03-0327 minSouth Georgia InsiderIt's OK Not to Be OKIn 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...2022-02-1637 minSouth Georgia InsiderRoadside Chat with Stephanie StuckeyIn 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...2022-02-0932 minSouth Georgia InsiderTalking "Ag-Tech" with Chris ChammounWelcome 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 m...2022-02-0235 minSouth Georgia InsiderCarla Jordan: VSU Career OpportunitiesWe 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...2021-10-1335 minSouth Georgia InsiderDarrell Moore: Center for South Georgia Regional ImpactWith 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...2021-09-2244 minSouth Georgia InsiderMoultrie and Colquitt County: Barbara GroganOur 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 C...2021-09-0928 minSouth Georgia InsiderWiregrass Tech: Business & Industry PartnersThe 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 ne...2021-08-2430 minSouth Georgia InsiderSGMC: CEO Ronald DeanSouth 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...2021-08-1040 minSouth Georgia InsiderLowndes High School & Ace Electric: An Apprenticeship Model: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 appre...2021-07-2829 minSouth Georgia InsiderBrandie Dame: Adel Becomes a Classic Main StreetSmall 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. 2021-07-2329 minSouth Georgia InsiderSRTC President Jim GlassToday 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 s...2021-07-1433 minSouth Georgia InsiderGrowing SEEDS of Business Success: Betty MorganIn 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 f...2021-07-0131 minSouth Georgia InsiderKristin Hanna: Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta 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 Hea...2021-06-2328 minSouth Georgia InsiderPCOM South Georgia: Developing a Physician PipelineIn 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...2021-06-0936 minSouth Georgia InsiderValdosta Lowndes Parks & Recreation: An All-star ProgramIn 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...2021-06-0246 minSouth Georgia InsiderShelley Zorn: Imagine ThomasvilleIn 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 board...2021-05-2640 minSouth Georgia InsiderTurner Center for the Arts: A Cultural ExperienceIn 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 d...2021-05-1826 minSouth Georgia InsiderA City Without Limits: Valdosta Mayor Scott James MathesonIn 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 eco...2021-05-1232 minSouth Georgia InsiderGetting to Know Christie Moore, President & CEO of Valdosta-Lowndes ChamberIn this episode of the 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 husban...2021-05-0528 minSouth Georgia InsiderTina Anderson: Giving Work a Good NameIn 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...2021-04-2940 minSouth Georgia InsiderConversation with Chris Clark, Georgia Chamber 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...2021-04-1331 minSouth Georgia InsiderLowndes County: Moving ForwardIn 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 w...2021-04-0538 minSouth Georgia InsiderAre You Ready to Travel?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/palmtrave...2021-03-1619 minSouth Georgia InsiderFocus: Berrien CountyWelcome 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 Chambe...2021-03-0826 minSouth Georgia InsiderUnited Way Agencies Serving During COVID-19To 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 com...2021-02-2440 minSouth Georgia InsiderServant LeadershipToday 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, ef...2021-02-1127 minSouth Georgia InsiderWiregrass Tech Update with Crissy Staley 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. Wi...2021-02-0427 minSouth Georgia InsiderLegislative Talk with Rep. John LaHoodIn 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 lat...2021-01-2031 minSouth Georgia InsiderA Regional Approach to Economic GrowthIn 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...2020-11-2331 minSouth Georgia InsiderSaving America's Family FarmsEpisode 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 o...2020-10-2327 min
South Georgia InsiderIntroducing South Georgia InsiderWelcome 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 th...2020-10-1903 min