The Business Briefcase

Governor proposes tax reforms to give Georgia competitive edge in jobs

2012-01-10T09:56:00.000-05:00

Deal aims for No. 1 business climate

At the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs and Issues breakfast this morning, Gov. Nathan Deal put forth a list of agenda items to distinguish our state as the best place in the nation to do business.

“In these challenging economic times in which jobs are portable, we must do more to compete,” Deal said. “It is my goal to make Georgia the No. 1 state in which to do business. The Georgia Competitiveness Initiative Task Force developed a set of tax structure proposals that we believe will give Georgia an edge over other states. We believe this will result in more Georgia companies expanding their footprint here.”

Deal proposed the following:

· The removal of the sales tax on energy used in manufacturing. “In an age of much higher energy costs, this will impact a large component of manufacturers’ overall cost structure and vastly improve the competitive position of our producers,” Deal said. “Today, in executive offices right here in Georgia, business leaders are making the business decision to expand manufacturing activity and facilities in neighboring states. Every time they make that decision, we miss out on new investment in our communities and new job opportunities for Georgians.”

· Sales and use tax exemptions for construction materials used in projects of regional significance. “The result is simple but powerful: local governments have more options to incentivize investment and job growth. When it comes down to Georgia versus Virginia or Florida, the competition is tight. It often goes down to the wire -- even into overtime -- and this is one field goal Georgia can’t afford to miss.”

· Modernize Job Tax Credits and Quality Jobs Tax Credit program. “We are proposing to decrease the quality job creation threshold from 50 jobs to 15,” Deal said. “This will reshape the landscape in Georgia for small business owners. This will help start-ups get off the ground in those critical early stages.”

“The competitiveness initiative was tasked with improving our business climate,” Deal said. “We have to couple these reforms with infrastructure improvements and solid steps toward training our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.”

The governor touted elements of his 2013 budget that make additional investments in the Savannah Port and in building capacity for water supply.

The Deal budget for next year includes $46.7 million in bonds to continue deepening the harbor. This builds on the more than $136 million already invested for harbor deepening over the last three years – another big step toward the state’s 40 percent share.

“A deeper Savannah Harbor means greater efficiency for 21,000 U.S. companies, 75 percent of which are headquartered outside of Georgia. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study has shown that the deepening will reduce shipping costs for private companies by at least $100 million a year. Neither Georgia nor this nation can afford to delay a project that provides customers with a tool that reduces their costs. Savannah is now the second busiest port for containerized exports in the United States. In a challenging 2011, exports from Savannah grew a full 12 percent.”

The budget also includes $45.7 million for reservoirs, the second installment in a four-year plan.

“Local governments can now apply for the low-interest loans and state direct investment and we are one step closer to enhanced water security in this state,” Deal said. “With our state’s population projected to grow by an additional 4.6 million people over the next two decades, it is imperative that we expand water supply.”

Lastly, the governor emphasized the need for ratifying the TSPLOST across the state this summer. “We are falling behind, and local communities have put together project lists that are worthy of support. We have to get our people and goods moving again. Georgia can either go forward with this wise investment or our transportation system will be stuck in the past while we’re stuck in traffic.”

Deal: Augusta company creates 100 jobs

2011-08-23T19:31:00.000-04:00

FPL Food expands Richmond County food processing operation, opens new facility

Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that Augusta-based FPL Food, LLC, will expand its beef processing operation in Richmond County by opening a new processing facility, creating up to 100 new jobs. The company will also invest $3 million in this expansion.

“Georgia has historically been a strategic home for food processors, and this industry continues to provide a great foundation for our state’s economy by employing more workers in our state than any other sector of manufacturing,” Deal said. “We work diligently to be sure food processors such as FPL Food can expand in Georgia and remain competitive in markets around the world.”

FPL Food is the largest privately held beef processor in the Southeast. The company serves a range of customers including food service, retail, military and export operations, with capabilities ranging from traditional beef cuts to value-added retail products such as ground beef, cube steak, and marinated and sliced beef products. With the opening of its third facility, FPL Food can meet the growing needs of its current customer base and create opportunities to reach new customers.

“Augusta and the State of Georgia have been great supporters of our growth, and too, offer a dedicated workforce allowing us to meet the needs of our customers and continually provide the highest standards in food safety and product quality,” said Steve Hixon, FPL Food director of marketing. “We also consider Augusta a strategic location allowing us to efficiently reach our core customer base in the Southeast and coastal ports for exporting product worldwide.”

FPL Food has called Augusta and Richmond County home since 2004 and operates its corporate headquarters out of the former Shapiro Packing facility. The company now operates out of three facilities, including its Augusta corporate headquarters, a value-added facility in Columbia, and its new value-added facility in Augusta.

“FPL Food has been a major part of the Augusta economy for years. It is a testament to the company and to Augusta that both are growing and prospering together,” said Henry Ingram, chairman of the Augusta Economic Development Authority. “This new facility will allow FPL Food to add more employees and strengthen the local economy even more.”

In addition to the Development Authority of Richmond County, the Georgia Department of Economic Development also collaborated with the Georgia Department of Agriculture to manage this expansion opportunity for FPL Food. The company’s third facility is located in the Augusta Farmers Market, which is managed by the Department of Agriculture.

“We are happy that FPL Food is expanding its presence at the Augusta Farmers Market. This private-public collaboration benefits FPL and the taxpayers of Georgia,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black. “The expansion of FPL also strengthens the Augusta Farmers Market’s position as an agricultural hub for large businesses, in addition to small businesses, vendors, farmers and consumers.”

FPL Food is a contributing member of Georgia’s vast community of food manufacturers and processors that employ nearly 70,000 Georgians. In addition to the state’s welcoming business environment, manufacturers in the food processing sector can also leverage Georgia’s highly skilled workforce backed by the Technical College System of Georgia and Quick Start, which ranks as the nation’s best workforce training program.

“FPL Food’s expansion is a great example of how Georgia’s progressive business environment and other competitive resources create significant growth opportunities for existing industry in our state,” said Chris Cummiskey, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “I am encouraged by the growth FPL is experiencing, and look forward to the additional opportunities we can work together to create in Georgia.”

Adela Kelley, GDEcD senior project manager, led this project for the state.

About FPL Food, LLC
As one of Augusta’s major employers, FPL Food is home to nearly 800 employees residing in Augusta, and the surrounding areas. Along with benefiting the local economy of Augusta, FPL’s presence in the Southeast supports local and regional cattle farmers as well as additional agricultural resources by providing them and their staff with consistent economic growth. On average, FPL Food procures $175 million worth of cattle per year from local farmers. Additionally, FPL Food contributes to the surrounding community and industry organizations through charitable contributions while continually maintaining high standards associated with food quality and safety systems and environmental welfare. FPL Food sponsors $5,000 to agricultural majors in scholarships. Combining both economic impact and sustainable practices, FPL Food continues to be an instrumental organization in the state of Georgia and the Southeast region.

Fayette: Want to Meet Lots of People in a Short Time? Try Speed Networking

2011-08-16T06:54:00.000-04:00

If you have a business, finding potential customers may be your most difficult chore – especially if you are shy in front of crowds, or have very little opportunity to meet others.

The Fayette Chamber of Commerce has a solution. At 7:30 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month, the chamber hosts a speed networking group.

Experienced facilitators keep the sessions flowing smoothly and help even inexperienced networkers feel at ease. You’ll sit across the table from someone, tell them a little about your business and then listen as they reciprocate. After a minute of back and forth, you move on to the next person and repeat the process.

Networking exercises are often part of the morning event. One exercise involves each attendee using the chamber member directory to find businesses they would like to contact. Often, introductions can be made through someone in the room who has a connection to the business.

So take a couple hours before you start your day and join the chamber’s monthly speed networking session. It’s the fastest, most efficient way to make business connections. Who knows? You may meet the one person who can help you boost your bottom line.

Not sure you can make it every month? Come once and try it. If you like the experience, come when you can. Have a cup of coffee. Meet lots of people. You may even find the person whose product or service you’ve been seeking for a long time. It’s a great way to expand your network.

Speed networking begins at 7:30 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Fayette Chamber, 200 Courthouse Square in Fayetteville. Call 770-461-9983 for more information. Or, visit www.fayettechamber.org and click on Chamber Calendar for speed networking and other chamber events. Remember, networking is meeting and greeting with a purpose. Speed networking maximizes your efforts in the quickest, most efficient way, and it’s open to non-chamber members. Join us at the Chamber next month.

About the Chamber: The Fayette Chamber is a strong, vibrant network of businesses and organizations working together to promote economic prosperity and strengthen our community. Through the chamber, important connections are made that provide the framework for our community to grow and prosper. With the goal of maintaining and enhancing our excellent quality of life, the chamber provides strong leadership, networking, education and programs that encourage partnerships between businesses and the community.

Westmoreland to Host Small Business Workshop August 8, 2011

2011-07-27T20:05:00.000-04:00

Columbus Public Library 10:00am – 12:30pm

Congressman Lynn Westmoreland will be hosting a small business workshop entitled “Back to Business.” This will be an opportunity for business owners in Georgia’s Third Congressional District to get information on programs that various federal agencies offer. The “Back to Business” workshop will be held at the Columbus Public Library, located at 3000 Macon Road in Columbus. The event will be held on Monday, August 8, 2011 and will run from 10:00am until 12:30pm.

“Small businesses are the bread and butter of our economy and make up 70% of all jobs in this country,” stated Westmoreland. “While unemployment continues to hover at almost 10 percent in Georgia, we need to focus on helping small businesses expand and create more jobs. I am dedicated to pulling our economy out of this slump and getting Georgians back to work. I would like to invite anyone who owns a business or who is considering starting a business to join me at my Back to Business workshop.”

Representatives from the Small Business Administration, The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture Loan and Grant Programs, the Georgia Tech Procurement Technical Assistance Center, the Service Core of Retired Executives, and the Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute will all be in attendance at the workshop. Following opening remarks, there will be a question and answer session with them and with other business leaders, including representatives from local banks, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Department of Community Affairs, River Valley Regional Commission, and Columbus Technical College’s Economic Development Division, plus more. For questions about the event, please contact Robb Nichols in the Newnan office at (770)-683-2033.

Windstream Expands Business Service Into Columbus, Ga.

2011-07-27T14:15:00.000-04:00

Full Suite of Advanced Voice and Data Communication Solutions Now Available

(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Windstream Corp.(Nasdaq:WIN) announces the expansion of its next-generation voice and data services into Columbus, Ga., giving local businesses a new choice for advanced communication services.

Columbus business customers may now benefit from a robust portfolio of voice and data solutions, including dedicated high-speed Ethernet Internet, VoIP converged communications systems, MPLS networking, managed services, and data centers, all designed to help businesses increase productivity and run more efficiently.

Windstream's cost-effective solutions also include business bundles that can help improve a customer's bottom line, saving business customers on Internet and phone service.

"Windstream understands the growing demand for our voice and data solutions and has expanded our product availability into Columbus," said Don Perkins, vice president of business marketing. "Our customized solutions can help businesses improve productivity and connect with their customers."

Windstream already serves business customers in markets across Georgia including Atlanta, Buena Vista, Manchester, Perry, Milledgeville, Dawson, Moultrie and Thomasville.

Windstream is the exclusive sponsor of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce Eye Opener Breakfast on Thursday, July 28 at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center. Businesses who attend the event will receive giveaways and can register to win an iPad, courtesy of Windstream.

For more information about Windstream's converged communication solutions, or any of Windstream's next-generation data services, visit www.windstreambusiness.com.

For the latest news, events and information on advanced communication services, follow @WindstreamBiz on Twitter or Windstream Business on Facebook and WindstreamBiz on YouTube. Visit the Windstream Business Blog for telecom industry trends and tips on improving your business communications.

Facebook and LinkedIn Expert and Author Helps Businesses Leverage Web 2.0 in New Webinar Q&A Series

2011-07-19T21:19:00.000-04:00

PRNewswire/ -- Social Media Marketing University (SMMU) invites business owners and business professionals to participate in a free webinar with Facebook and LinkedIn expert Jason Alba. Taking place on July 21 at 11 a.m. E.D.T., the webinar will give attendees a platform to learn insider secrets to success and ask questions on how to use Facebook and LinkedIn to achieve their marketing goals. To register, visit http://www.smmu.com/series.

Jason Alba is the author of "I'm on LinkedIn - Now What???" and "I'm on Facebook - Now What???" As the CEO of JibberJabber.com, a sought-after speaker, and a Social Media Marketing University instructor, he helps business owners and business professionals leverage Web 2.0 to enhance their personal brands, launch and re-launch careers and increase their online visibility and overall marketing reach.

During the webinar on July 21, Jason Alba will provide leading-edge advice on how to get the most out of LinkedIn and Facebook profiles. He will also share insights on how to fix broken brands, how to create high-profile online visibility campaigns and the components of a compelling online presence.

"Jason Alba is one of the country's foremost experts on LinkedIn and Facebook," said John Souza, chief strategist and founder of Social Media Marketing University (http://www.smmu.com). "This is a must-attend session for businesses who are new to social media, and for those who have LinkedIn and Facebook profiles, but need guidance and expertise to help them take their social media presence to the next level."

Social Media Marketing University is the training arm of Social Media Magic, recognized as one of the top five social media services for businesses by the Mashable Awards. The Q&A webinar with Jason Alba is the fourth session in the training firm's newly launched "No Holds Barred: Ask the Expert" series.

The series was launched in conjunction with the unveiling of the firm's newly expanded curriculum, which now includes 11 courses on social media and online marketing. Course topics include blogging (http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/blogging/), Facebook marketing (http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/facebook/), mobile marketing (http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/mobile-marketing/) and video marketing with YouTube (http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/video-marketing/).

In addition to offering social media courses, free weekly webinars and opportunities for certification, Social Media Magic also provides "done for you" services for companies and organizations of all sizes, including small businesses, colleges and universities and global enterprises.

To sign up for the webinar Q&A with Facebook and LinkedIn expert Jason Alba on July 21 at 11 a.m. E.D.T., visit http://www.smmu.com/series. Registration for the webinar is free. Space is limited.

Lancope and Cisco to Host Webinar on Leveraging NetFlow to Combat Advanced Persistent Threats

2011-07-19T19:12:00.000-04:00

Flow-based behavioral analysis significantly improves network visibility, security and resiliency for government agencies and enterprises

PRNewswire/ -- Lancope, Inc., a leader in flow-based security, network and application performance monitoring, will host a complimentary webinar with Cisco Systems on Tuesday, July 26 at 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT. Also hosted by the Digital Government Institute, the webinar will discuss how government agencies and enterprises can leverage NetFlow to gain increased network visibility for combating advanced persistent threats (APT).

By collecting and analyzing flow data from existing network devices, organizations can cost-effectively obtain the end-to-end insight needed to vastly improve network security, resiliency and compliance efforts. To register for the free webinar, please go to: http://www.lancope.com/news-events/webinars/combat-cyber-threats/.

"Today's threat environment is constantly evolving and maturing in levels of sophistication and capabilities," said Adam Powers, CTO at Lancope. "Perimeter security is no longer enough to protect prominent government and corporate entities from damaging cyber attacks. Instead, organizations must begin to leverage the flow data inherent in their network infrastructure to create an always-on sensor grid for proactively detecting and thwarting attacks that bypass external defenses."

Lancope's StealthWatch®System collects and analyzes flow data to provide the in-depth, actionable intelligence required to troubleshoot a wide range of network and security issues across both physical and virtual networks. The system fills in the gaps left by other network and security solutions to dramatically reduce the time from problem onset to resolution.

Not relying on signature updates, StealthWatch detects both zero-day attacks that bypass perimeter defenses, as well as insider threats including device misconfigurations, network misuse, unauthorized access and data leakage. Through new security functionality, StealthWatch will now also combine internal network insight with intelligence from the perimeter for even greater contextual awareness.

"Due to the extremely sensitive information they harbor, government networks are highly prone to cyber security attacks," said Chris Coleman, technical leader of Cyber Security Solutions for Cisco Systems. "The recent rash of high-profile attacks on government entities and corporations makes it clear that organizations require new levels of protection to survive in today's threat landscape. Together, Cisco and Lancope provide the in-depth situational awareness needed to significantly bolster the network defenses of frequently targeted environments."

Join Lancope, Cisco and the Digital Government Institute for this free webinar and learn how to increase your network resiliency using flow data from existing infrastructure:

WHO:
Adam Powers, CTO, Lancope
Chris Coleman, Technical Leader, Cyber Security Solutions, Cisco Systems

WHAT:
"Stealth Tactics for Continuous Visibility: Establishing Trust, Visibility and Resilience to Combat Cyber Threats"

WHEN:
Tuesday, July 26– 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT

REGISTER:
http://www.lancope.com/news-events/webinars/combat-cyber-threats/

Attendees will learn how to:
Create a distributed sensor grid for continuous network visibility
Unify visibility inside and across the distributed network
Use flow-based network behavioral analysis to detect Advanced Persistent Threats (APT)
Demonstrate compliance (NIST 800, CNCI, TIC)

Vega Biofuels Secures Engineering Firm Hunt, Guillot & Associates, LLC for Georgia Bio-Coal Plant

2011-05-24T11:02:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- VEGA BIOFUELS, INC. (Pink Sheets: VGPR) announced today that the Company has entered into an Agreement with Louisiana based engineering services firm, Hunt, Guillot &Associates, LLC (HGA).

HGA will provide various services and personnel to the Company, including plant design, project management, and engineering services.

Vega recently announced plans to build a manufacturing plant in Cordele, GA that when completed will produce green energy bio-coal for use in existing coal fired power plants around the world.

HGA's engineers have extensive industrial experience in a variety of fields including chemical process engineering, mechanical engineering, piping design electrical engineering, instrumentation, control system integration, civil engineering, and structural design. In addition to engineering services, HGA will also provide on-site professional staffing services to the Company.

"We look forward to working with HGA and their staff of engineering professionals. This is a very important step in the implementation of our Business Plan in South Georgia," stated Michael K. Molen, Chairman/CEO of Vega Biofuels, Inc. "The expertise they bring to the project will be invaluable. In addition, HGA will provide us with various candidates for a permanent manager for the Cordele bio-coal plant."

Bio-coal is made from a process called "torrefaction". Torrefaction is a partial carbonization process that takes place at temperatures between 475 - 575 degrees in a low temperature environment which makes the physical and energetic properties of the biomass much more comparable to traditional coal. The biomass is then compressed into briquettes to be sold to the end user. Torrefaction has the added benefit of reducing or eliminating undesirable volatiles, such as nitrous oxides and sulfur dioxides and is considered carbon neutral to the environment.

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American Textile Company Opens Manufacturing Facility in Tifton, Ga.

2011-04-27T10:01:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Today, American Textile Company (ATC) officially marks the opening of its new Tifton, Ga. manufacturing facility with a grand opening celebration. As a major manufacturer of basic bedding, ATC chose Tifton as a manufacturing location to strategically service the Company's customers in the Southeast. The 218,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility will manufacture bed pillows, one of the key product categories for future product expansion by the Company. The opening of the Tifton facility finalizes ATC's nationwide pillow manufacturing strategy.

The facility will employ 65 people initially. "In a remarkably short time, the Company has completed facility renovations and brought manufacturing capabilities online. The efforts of these dedicated employees have enabled us to begin manufacturing pillows immediately," commented Mark Bachner, Senior Vice President of Operations for ATC.

"Today's grand opening symbolizes American Textile Company's commitment to providing quality service to our customers throughout the U.S. and Canada," said Lance Ruttenberg, President and Chief Operating Officer. "By manufacturing and shipping pillows from strategically planned locations throughout the country, we have reduced transportation costs for many of our customers and reduced delivery times."

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Wingstop to Add 20 Restaurants in Atlanta Area

2011-04-08T09:33:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Just months after being acquired by Atlanta-based Roark Capital Group, Wingstop has announced plans to aggressively expand its presence in the Atlanta area. The fast-growing national chicken wing chain plans to add 20 additional locations in Atlanta over the next several years.

The growth will be accomplished through franchising, and to help local entrepreneurs get into business, the company is offering introductory incentives for new franchisees that join the Wingstop system.

The expansion effort begins with an Atlanta open house April 20-21 where franchise candidates will have an opportunity to learn about Wingstop's plans and meet one-on-one with company executives.

Wingstop has 480 locations throughout the U.S. and Mexico. Based on the success of those stores, the award-winning chain believes Atlanta is an ideal market for growth.

"Our restaurants have a very loyal fan following with a lot of potential for expansion," said David Vernon, vice president of franchise sales for Wingstop. "That, coupled with the simple operating platform of cooked-to-order wings and fresh-cut fries makes Wingstop an ideal concept for entrepreneurs and multi-unit operators in Atlanta."

The Texas-based company was founded in 1994 with a sole focus on cooked-to-order chicken wings sauced in nine proprietary flavors and began franchising in 1997. Today 95 percent of Wingstop's restaurants are franchise owned and operated, and the company has experienced more than seven consecutive years of same store sales increases.

Event registration:

To schedule a one-on-one meeting in Atlanta to learn more about development opportunities, please contact Steve Sweetman at ssweetman@wingstop.com , 919-870-7860 or visit www.wingstopfranchise.com .

Qualifications:

A minimum net worth of $400,000 and liquid capital of $200,000 is required.

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SBA Disaster Loans Available in Georgia Following Secretary of Agriculture Disaster Declaration

2011-04-08T09:29:00.000-04:00

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration announces today that federal economic injury disaster loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes located in Camden, Charlton, Clinch, Echols and Ware counties in southeastern Georgia as a result of drought that began on January 1, 2011.

“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to assist eligible entities affected by the same disaster”

“These counties are eligible because they are contiguous to one or more primary counties in Florida. The Small Business Administration recognizes that disasters do not usually stop at county or state lines. For that reason, counties adjacent to primary counties named in the declaration are included,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta.

“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to assist eligible entities affected by the same disaster,” said Skaggs.

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of the disaster. With the exception of aquacultural enterprises, agricultural producers, farmers and ranchers are not eligible to apply to SBA, but nurseries are eligible to apply for EIDLs for losses caused by drought conditions.

Loan amounts can be up to $2 million, with interest rates of 3 percent for non-profit organizations and 4 percent for small businesses. Terms can be up to 30 years. The SBA determines eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources. The agency sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

To obtain information on the SBA’s Disaster Loan Program, application forms or to apply online visit www.sba.gov, call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech and hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or send an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Completed loan applications must be returned to SBA no later than December 5, 2011.

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Postmaster General Continues Efficiency Improvements

2011-03-25T09:11:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire -- Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe today announced a newly redesigned Postal Service, one that is better positioned for growth, reflects further alignment within the organization to achieve core business strategies and, when fully implemented, will help realize approximately $750 million of annual cost savings.

"I am confident that we have developed a strong plan that takes a key step toward a leaner and less bureaucratic structure. One that is fair to our employees and one that will meet the future needs of our customers and the mailing industry," Donahoe said.

About 7,500 positions will be eliminated across the organization through the redesign that also includes the closing of seven district offices and offers limited financial incentives to those who meet specific qualifications.

The seven district offices that are closing are Columbus, Southeast Michigan, Northern Illinois, South East New England, South Georgia, Big Sky and Albuquerque. District offices house only administrative functions and do not affect customer service, mail delivery, Post Office operations or ZIP codes. The functions of these seven districts will be assumed by district offices within close proximity.

A Voluntary Early Retirement and financial incentive programs will be offered to eligible employees. Employees must be 50 years old, with at least 20 years of service; or any age with at least 25 years of service to qualify for the incentive. Employees who accept the VER offer or already meet existing retirement qualifications will receive $20,000 paid over two fiscal years to separate from the Postal Service.

"It's critical that we adjust our workforce to match America's changing communications trends as mail volumes continue to decline," Donahoe said. "At every step and with every change, our focus remains on our customers and continuing to provide outstanding customer service."

Today's announcement focused on the administrative and executive corps. Additional staff reductions will occur as the Postal Service makes necessary changes to its network and retail operations. The full scope and financial impact of these personnel actions should be realized in one calendar year – March 2012.

While cost savings will be realized, the main objective of the restructuring is to enhance and strengthen customer service and relationships. The realignment flattens the organization, enabling flexibility to more quickly adapt to changing market forces and continuing mail volume decline.

The Postal Service is streamlining operations and improving efficiencies across the organization in order to protect its ability to provide affordable, universal mail service. By modifying networks, consolidating functions and restructuring administrative and processing operations, the Postal Service is adapting to meet the evolving needs, demands and activities of its customers.

"Mail remains valuable. It is at the heart of a $900 billion industry that continues to drive commerce and the American economy," Donahoe said. "We will continue to work with Congress and our employees to achieve the long-term, structural and legislative changes we know we need to remain a viable organization."

A self-supporting government enterprise, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 150 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. With 32,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited website in the federal government, usps.com, the Postal Service has annual revenue of more than $67 billion and delivers nearly 40 percent of the world's mail. If it were a private sector company, the U.S. Postal Service would rank 29th in the 2010 Fortune 500. Black Enterprise and Hispanic Business magazines ranked the Postal Service as a leader in workforce diversity. The Postal Service has been named the Most Trusted Government Agency six consecutive years and the sixth Most Trusted Business in the nation by the Ponemon Institute.

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Walmart Realignment Puts Atlanta in the Spotlight

2011-03-24T12:13:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Walmart announced today that the new eastern business unit will be headquartered in Atlanta, Ga. Walmart's eastern business unit is comprised of nearly 1,600 stores in 20 states spanning from Florida to Maine with approximately 560,000 associates. The eastern business unit will be led by Atlanta veteran Rosalind Brewer, president of Walmart East and executive vice president of Walmart U.S.

"With the busiest airport in the world and a central location, Georgia is the ideal destination for our eastern business unit," said Rosalind Brewer, president of Walmart East and executive vice president of Walmart U.S. "Atlanta has a strong history of corporate and divisional headquarters and we're delighted to join this group and spotlight the city within our global organization."

In her new role, Brewer is responsible for establishing the strategic direction for the eastern business unit, including growth opportunities in store innovation, people development, supply chain and real estate. Rosalind joined Walmart in 2006 as regional vice president, responsible for operations in Georgia, and was quickly promoted to president of the southeast operating division. She later led the south business unit of Walmart U.S. as executive vice president and president before being appointed to her current role. Prior to joining Walmart, she worked for Kimberly-Clark Corp. and Molson Coors Brewing Company. She serves on the board of trustees for Spelman College and the Westminster Schools in Atlanta. And, in 2010, she was named one of FORTUNE magazine's "50 Most Powerful Women."

Walmart's eastern business unit headquartered in Atlanta will manage stores in the following states:

* Florida
* Georgia
* Alabama
* South Carolina
* North Carolina
* Virginia
* West Virginia
* Ohio
* Michigan
* Maryland
* Delaware
* New Jersey
* Pennsylvania
* New York
* Vermont
* New Hampshire
* Massachusetts
* Connecticut
* Rhode Island
* Maine

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TOTO Launches Wholly Owned Subsidiary in Brazil

2011-03-15T11:03:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- TOTO, the largest plumbing manufacturer in the world with $5.1 billion dollars in annual sales, today announced the launch of its newest subsidiary, TOTO do Brasil Distribucao e Comercio Ltda, which will be overseen by its operations in the Americas, TOTO USA, Inc. TOTO's expansion into the Brazilian market is a part of the company's "Vision Plan 2017." TOTO, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in six years, has set the growth of its international operations as a primary focus for its goal to reach $7.3 billion in annual sales by its centenary. With the launch of TOTO Brazil, the company plants its flag in the South America and will increase its market share aggressively as it has done successfully in North America by creating a fast-growing demand for its products.

"Brazil is one of the world's most exciting markets today, with a population approaching 200 million people," said David Krakoff, Senior Vice-President, Sales Division, TOTO USA. Krakoff, who has been tapped to serve as President of TOTO Brazil, continued, "We recognize the tremendous growth potential and opportunity that Brazil presents, and we are pleased to bring its consumers the very best luxury plumbing products available. As TOTO has done in every market that we have entered, we will quickly establish ourselves as the leader in the premium plumbing products sector with a prestigious line that combines high design, technological innovation, unparalleled performance, and sustainability to transform the bathroom from a simple, utilitarian room to a vibrant, comfortable, luxurious area of the home or commercial installation."

The TOTO Global Group, which began in 1917 with the founding of TOTO, Ltd., in Kitakyushu, Japan, has produced more than 60 million plumbing fixtures to date. Today, this international company maintains 23,500 employees in 69 offices around the world and owns manufacturing facilities in Japan, Mexico, the United States, China, and Europe, with an affiliated network of more than 80 production facilities worldwide. With over 1,500 engineers on staff and three centers devoted solely to research and development, TOTO is the acknowledged global leader in product innovation, high design, and precision engineering.

Headquartered in Sao Paulo, TOTO's newest business venture is just the first step in a significant investment in the Brazilian economy, a strategy that TOTO employs throughout the world. "Investing in the local economy sets TOTO apart from other manufacturers that simply import their products," said Krakoff. "In North America, for example, TOTO is owner/operator of three major manufacturing plants and two large assembly and logistics/warehousing facilities, providing employment for more than 1,100 people." To gain market share rapidly throughout Brazil, TOTO will introduce its products to consumers by presenting them in the leading bath boutiques and showrooms, such as Sao Paulo's Armazem Design Banho e Cozinha, QuartzoBras, Vallve, and Metalbagno. TOTO will also work closely with architects, designers, contractors, developers and others who wish to distinguish their projects by offering the very best in technology, luxury, performance, and sustainability. The company's premiere in the local market will be its major presence at Brazil's leading kitchen and bath industry trade show, the Kitchen & Bath Expo, held in Sao Paulo from March 22-25, 2011.

Brazilians will be delighted to find that TOTO is introducing a line of products that will meet the aesthetic preferences specified by its design leaders and consumers. These products will utilize TOTO's cutting-edge technology and world-class precision engineering. Connecting people with water in ways that enrich the flow of their daily lives through elegant products that save water and energy with every use without sacrificing an ounce of performance is the company's stated mission. As a result, Brazilian consumers will experience the highest levels of luxury and performance in a full line of products, which includes toilets, sinks, residential faucets, showers, accessories, as well as TOTO's signature lines—Washlet and NEOREST.

Owners of Brazil's commercial establishments may look to their global peers who have selected TOTO products for their prestigious installations. On every continent in which the company does business, TOTO's technology-rich products are found in high-end hotels, luxury condominiums and apartment buildings; international and domestic airports; famous arenas, stadiums, and convention centers; hospitals, nursing homes, and trauma and rehabilitation centers; premier office buildings and world-famous museums; prestigious schools and universities; and chic restaurants and retail centers.

"We trust that TOTO will add a new dimension to the luxury plumbing sector and significantly influence bath design in the local market," concluded Krakoff. "We are confident that we have the global market experience and expertise to make this new subsidiary very profitable for TOTO and its Brazilian partners."

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Aflac Japan Corporate Offices Fully Operational, Employees Sustained No Injuries, Expected Impact on Japan Sales Minimal; Aflac Incorporated Affirms 2011 Operating EPS Target

2011-03-14T12:34:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Aflac Incorporated today announced that its operations in Japan are up and running and ready to assist policyholders following the recent earthquake in the Tohoku area, which includes the cities of Sendai and Minami Sanriku. Aflac Japan's main offices, including the corporate offices in Tokyo and operational centers in both Tokyo and Osaka, are undamaged and fully functional.

Aflac Japan's employees are safe, and the company continues to reach out to their independent sales force to assess their needs. The Aflac leadership teams from both the U.S. and Japan remain in close contact.

While the hardest-hit areas were Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, less than 5% of Aflac Japan's new sales and in-force premiums are derived from these prefectures. Only two of Aflac Japan's 82 sales offices have been negatively impacted; these two offices, located in a single building in Sendai, have minimal damage, but will be closed temporarily due to power outages.

About this natural disaster, Aflac Japan President and Chief Operating Officer Tohru Tonoike commented: "First and foremost, our thoughts go out to all those affected here in Japan. We are very grateful none of our employees were injured. We are working with our sales force to ensure that we provide them with assistance and help them take care of our customers. We remain ready to respond to the needs of our policyholders by paying claims swiftly, and will prioritize our response to those in the affected areas. We successfully executed our disaster preparedness plan and as a result, our operations stand ready to serve our policyholders and claimants."

Aflac Incorporated Chairman and CEO Daniel P. Amos added: "In addition to sending our thoughts and prayers to each and every Japanese citizen, we want all of our Aflac Japan employees, sales agents and policyholders to know that your Aflac family here in the U.S. sends our support in every way possible. On Friday, we made an initial donation of 100 million yen to the International Red Cross to help with the start of the relief effort. Additionally, funds have been established by both our U.S. and Japanese employees and sales forces for our friends in Japan, including fellow employees and sales associates that have been most impacted by the disaster. Most importantly, we want our policyholders to know that we are here to deliver on our promise – we will be there when they need us most. Having operated in Japan for almost four decades, we know Japanese citizens are incredibly resilient and we want to help in any way possible as they work through this difficult time.

"As we look to the remainder of 2011, we expect Aflac Japan sales will only be minimally impacted by these events. Our earnings guidance for the year remains unchanged: we will likely be at the low end of the 8% to 12% range for operating earnings per diluted share growth in 2011, excluding the impact of currency."

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" to encourage companies to provide prospective information, so long as those informational statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. We desire to take advantage of these provisions. This document contains cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected herein, and in any other statements made by Company officials in communications with the financial community and contained in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Forward-looking statements are not based on historical information and relate to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments. Furthermore, forward-looking information is subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. In particular, statements containing words such as "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "goal," "objective," "may," "should," "estimate," "intends," "projects," "will," "assumes," "potential," "target" or similar words as well as specific projections of future results, generally qualify as forward-looking. Aflac undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements. We caution readers that the following factors, in addition to other factors mentioned from time to time, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements: difficult conditions in global capital markets and the economy; governmental actions for the purpose of stabilizing the financial markets; defaults and downgrades in certain securities in our investment portfolio; impairment of financial institutions; credit and other risks associated with Aflac's investment in perpetual securities; differing judgments applied to investment valuations; subjective determinations of amount of impairments taken on our investments; limited availability of acceptable yen-denominated investments; concentration of our investments in any particular sector; concentration of business in Japan; ongoing changes in our industry; exposure to significant financial and capital markets risk; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; significant changes in investment yield rates; deviations in actual experience from pricing and reserving assumptions; subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends to Aflac Incorporated (the Parent Company); changes in law or regulation by governmental authorities; ability to attract and retain qualified sales associates and employees; decreases in our financial strength or debt ratings; ability to continue to develop and implement improvements in information technology systems; changes in U.S. and/or Japanese accounting standards; failure to comply with restrictions on patient privacy and information security; level and outcome of litigation; ability to effectively manage key executive succession; catastrophic events; and failure of internal controls or corporate governance policies and procedures.

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The Franchise Event Southeast Expo in Atlanta is this weekend March 12th & 13th 2011

2011-03-08T10:10:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The Franchise Event Southeast Expo is designed to connect you with top franchise, licensing and business opportunities from all over the United States in one location in Atlanta.

Host: http://www.thefranchiseevent.com

When: Saturday March 12th 2011 Noon – 6:00 PM & Sunday March 13th 2011 Noon – 5:00 PM

Where: North Atlanta Trade Center - 1700 Jeurgens Court Norcross, GA 30093

Cost: $10 at the door – If you order online now at: http://www.thefranchiseevent.com/Southeast-Expo.html and use Promo Code: "CHA" you will get half price tickets plus we will donate half to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta .

Meet face to face and speak directly to industry professionals to learn about their exciting offerings and see if it is a fit for you and your goals as an entrepreneur such as:

All at Home, Avion Energy, Barton's Laundry, Beef Jerky Outlet, Beef O' Brady's Brewster's Chicken, Buff & Coat Hardwood Floor Renewal, Carla's Sandwiches & Burgers, CMT Mentors, Cresco Montessori Schools, DePalma's Italian Cafe, Dickey's BBQ, EMT USA (Non Emergency Medical Transport), Fantastic Sam's, Franchise Gator, Frannet of Atlanta, Gentle Rain Marketing, Great American Cookie Co, Griffin Waste Management, Home Video Studio, Ikor (Senior & Disabled Patient Advocacy), Italian Joe's, Jantize America, Lenny's Subs, Maggie Moo's, Marble Slab, Novus Glass, Papa-N-Son's, Pretzel Maker, Quickie Coupons, Scoop Wizards, Shoebox NY, Send Out Cards, Southern Automatic, Sportclips, The Athletes Foot, Tranquility Coffee &Tea House, WIN Home Inspection, World Market Express Convenience Stores, Wow Cafe & Wingery and more…

You can also attend one or all of our four great seminars included this Saturday & Sunday:

* How to Avoid Franchise Failure
* The 7 Stages of Small Business Success "From Startup to Seven Figures in Three years or Less"
* How to Market your Franchise
* Creative Funding - With and Without Loan Payments

So if you ever wanted to be your own boss, you are already a seasoned franchise owner or anywhere in-between... plan now to spend March 12th and 13th 2011 with us at The Franchise Event Southeast Expo.

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Lockheed Martin Urges IAM Employees to Vote in Favor of New Contract

2011-03-07T10:01:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has urged employees represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) to vote in favor of a new three-year contract Sunday.

Company and union negotiators failed to reach tentative agreements in three separate sets of contract negotiations that concluded March 3 in Point Clear, Ala. The proposed agreements would cover the nearly 6,000 IAM represented employees at Marietta, Ga.; Palmdale and Sunnyvale, Calif.; and several field locations.

"We are disappointed that the union bargaining committees rejected what we feel is an industry leading offer that would provide substantial wage and benefit improvements over the life of the contract and maintain Lockheed Martin's ability to deliver affordable solutions to our customers in an increasingly challenging budget environment," said Greg Karol, corporate vice president of labor relations. "This is a fair and equitable offer and we strongly encourage the union membership to review the proposed agreement and vote in favor of ratifying the new contract."

The Company's Best and Final Offer includes a competitive wage package that provides guaranteed pay increases over the next three years through a combination of three general wage increases totaling 8.5 percent over three years, a $2,500 ratification bonus and continuation of the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) formula and supplements.

Current employees to retain industry-leading pension with substantial increase:

Current represented employees, hired before March 6, 2011, will maintain their defined benefit pension plan with an increase of $11 to $88 per-month, per-year of service, representing a 14% increase in their pension. Current employees will also continue to accrue service under this plan as they have under prior agreements.

Employees hired on or after March 7, 2011, receive new retirement plan:

New hires and rehires as of March 7, 2011 will be able to save for retirement with a new plan: the Hourly Capital Accumulation Plan (HCAP) with a guaranteed quarterly company contribution of $350 for their retirement. Employees eligible for HCAP are immediately vested in the plan, which has multiple investment options and is portable if employees leave the Company.

Lockheed Martin must remain competitive in increasingly challenging marketplace:

The transition to an Hourly Capital Accumulation Plan for new hires is an important step Lockheed Martin is taking to remain competitive in our industry. The vast majority of companies, including many of Lockheed Martin's competitors, do not offer defined benefit pension plans. The Corporation is taking action to position itself for the future with similar changes for newly hired and rehired employees while maintaining and improving the defined benefit pension for current employees.

Represented employees urged to exercise right to vote on new contract:

The proposals now go to the union memberships for consideration and are scheduled for votes on Sunday, March 6, 2011. Employees are urged to carefully review this information to have a full understanding of the facts of this offer before voting on Sunday.

"Lockheed Martin has had a long-standing partnership with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers," Karol said. "We value all the success we've had together and will continue working to strengthen that relationship while ensuring Lockheed Martin remains competitive. That means more jobs well into the future. We urge all IAM employees covered under these agreements to exercise their rights to vote on Sunday."

Find information about the proposed agreement at www.lockheedmartin.com/negotiations.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 132,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

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Shipping Industry Leaders Announce Clean Air Partnerships With Top U.S. Ports

2011-02-25T09:41:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ --The Coalition for Responsible Transportation (CRT) announced today that three of the nation's largest ports—the Georgia Ports Authority, the South Carolina State Ports Authority, and the Virginia Port Authority—have joined CRT as Charter Port Members.

This announcement marks the first time that CRT's membership has expanded to include public sector representatives, and will allow CRT to serve as a forum for ports around the country to collaborate with leading cargo owners, trucking companies, ocean carriers and CRT's partner organizations, including Environmental Defense Fund and the Retail Industry Leaders Association, to identify and implement best practices to reduce port-related diesel emissions.

CRT is a national coalition of importers, exporters, trucking companies and ocean carriers who share the belief that by partnering together, ports and their customers can improve the environmental quality of port communities while ensuring that the ports remain an engine for job creation and a thriving economy.

"CRT's mission is to develop public-private partnerships to solve air quality problems, and today's announcement is the next step in CRT's efforts to create a national venue to share best practices, build clean air partnerships between America's ports and their customers and service providers," said CRT President Rick Gabrielson, who is the Director of International Transportation for Target Corporation.

CRT's Charter Port Members share a commitment to environmental sustainability that has been demonstrated by their significant capital investments in air quality improvements across port operations and their development of innovative programs to reduce diesel emissions.

For example, through the Georgia Ports Authority's crane electrification, use of refrigerated container racks, rubber-tired gantry crane repower project and use of fuel additives, the Port of Savannah avoids use of more than 4.5 million gallons of fuel annually, resulting in tremendous emissions savings.

Curtis Foltz, Executive Director of the Georgia Ports Authority, commented, "Our commitment to being a leader in environmental stewardship is a key tenet of our fundamental mission at the GPA. We look forward in working with the CRT to identify collaborative industry solutions to improve overall air quality."

The South Carolina Ports Authority's award-winning environmental program, its "Pledge for Growth," includes voluntary efforts to address land, air, water and community impacts of the port. For example, air projects range from crane electrifications and energy efficiency projects to more than $5 million in public-private, voluntary initiatives that include using cleaner fuels, installing cleaner engines and reducing emissions from four tug boats, 57 port stacking cranes, a dredge and more than 170 trucks.

"The Port of Charleston shares CRT's commitment to practical solutions for improving air quality, while also enhancing the flow of commerce," said Jim Newsome, President & CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority. "We look forward to continuing our productive relationship with CRT and its member companies, delivering programs that make environmental and economic sense."

Jerry Bridges, Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority commented, "For more than a decade the Virginia Port Authority has voluntarily engaged in—and developed—diesel emission-reduction programs. The CRT is an industry leader in the development of clear-air programs that engage the critical players within the transportation logistics supply chain. It is that industry-wide influence and leadership that led the VPA to seek a charter membership in the organization."

Among its many environmental initiatives, in 2007 the Virginia Port Authority launched its Green Operator (GO) program, which is one of the first voluntary clean truck programs at a U.S. port. The VPA's dedication to this program, the cooperative efforts of the Federal, State and non-profit GO partners, and the support of Virginia's trucking industry have led to the replacement and/or retrofit of over 200 trucks within the last 18 months. The program continues to gain momentum, as currently 120 additional trucks are awaiting funding for replacement and "GO" is serving as a model for a larger regional program currently under development in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Today's announcement was made at the Retail Industry Leaders Association Logistics Conference in Orlando, Florida, where over 1,000 shipping industry leaders are gathered to discuss topics including ways to promote environmental sustainability in the supply chain.

CRT looks forward to additional ports around the country joining this partnership in coming months.

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FedEx Ground plans Norcross facility

2011-02-18T13:46:00.000-05:00

New site will be FedEx Ground’s fourth distribution center in metro Atlanta

Gov. Nathan Deal joined with officials from the Gwinnett Chamber and the city of Norcross today in a groundbreaking ceremony for FedEx Ground, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., at the future site of its new distribution facility. The company will invest $55 million in the construction of this facility. The company’s initial workforce for the new facility is projected to include 240 full-time and part-time employees and 75 independent contractor opportunities, drawn from the existing Norcross workforce.

“As a global logistics hub, Georgia provides FedEx Ground with a high-performing, interconnected logistics infrastructure that helps the company provide the superior level of service to which its customers have become accustomed,” said Deal. “FedEx Ground will find Gwinnett County is a strategic home for its distribution operation as the company seeks to expand and thrive in Georgia.”

FedEx Ground’s Norcross distribution center will be a 215,000-square-foot facility on Atlantic Avenue near Jimmy Carter Boulevard. The facility is slated to open in the fall of 2012 and will feature the latest automated material-handling technology, designed to process 15,000 packages per hour, with the capacity to dispatch as many as 75 pickup and delivery vans each day.

“Enhancing FedEx Ground’s distribution capability in the Southeast is critical to increasing the size, speed and efficiency of our network,” said Robert E. Holcombe, vice president of the southern region for FedEx Ground. “This new facility is evidence of the Southeast region’s increased presence in the distribution and logistics business and the growing confidence of local shippers that we are their best choice for their ground shipping needs.”

As a key business hub in Georgia, Norcross was selected as the site of the distribution center due in large part to the community’s access to major highways and other logistics benefits, such as its proximity to the FedEx Ground’s customers’ distribution operations and an extensive pipeline of talent for this industry.

“FedEx Ground is a strong representation of companies in Gwinnett that are choosing to remain and expand in the metro Atlanta region,” said Jim Maran, President and CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber. “Bringing jobs and capital to the community is a collective goal for Gwinnett and Atlanta, and we appreciate FedEx Ground and its contribution to our community’s vision and goals for the future.”

Norcross Mayor Bucky Johnson added, “The fact that FedEx Ground chose Norcross for its consolidation and expansion is a reflection of strong partnerships from the city and Chamber to the Gwinnett Village CID and the state of Georgia. Norcross welcomes FedEx and we look forward to a future with them as part of our community.”

Georgia’s logistics and transportation network is one of its most formidable assets, supporting all industry in the state. Georgia’s advanced system of logistics enables companies to quickly and seamlessly reach domestic and international markets through interconnected airports, seaports, rail and roads. Companies in the state can reach 80 percent of the U.S. market within a two-day truck haul or a two-hour flight, and the port of Savannah is the fastest-growing container port in the country. This industry is a strategic focus for the state, and is uniquely backed by the Georgia Center of Innovation (COI) for Logistics, which provides the statewide framework, connections and university resources to address the constant challenges of a complex industry. As an industry-focused component of the Department of Economic Development, the COI for Logistics provides Georgia companies with industry expertise, information tools and assistance in creating new products and services to help fuel logistics competitiveness.

About FedEx Ground
FedEx Ground specializes in cost-effective, small-package ground shipping, offering dependable business-to-business delivery or convenient residential service. With a network of more than 500 distribution hubs and local pickup-and-delivery terminals, FedEx Ground has a workforce of more than 70,000 employees and independent contractors and 20,000 motorized vehicles delivering over 3.6 million packages daily throughout the United States and Canada. The company reported annual revenue of $7.4 billion in fiscal year 2010.

UGA Report: Georgia forests provide $37 billion in ecological benefits to state

2011-02-09T12:06:00.000-05:00

A University of Georgia researcher has found that Georgia’s forestlands provide essential ecosystem services to the state worth an estimated $37 billion annually. This is in addition to the value of timber, forest products and recreation. This is the first time these indirect benefits of Georgia’s private forests have been estimated.

Rebecca Moore, an assistant professor in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, studied the 22 million acres of privately-owned forestland in Georgia to estimate the benefits of water filtration, carbon storage, wildlife habitat and aesthetics.

“People value these things,” Moore said, “but because they aren’t like other goods in that people don’t go out and buy them, it’s difficult to estimate just how much we value them. The purpose of our research was to do just that—estimate the value of the ecosystem services provided by private forests in Georgia.”

Moore’s study was conducted with funding from the Georgia Forestry Foundation. The findings of her study were announced at the state capitol on Feb. 9.

“We have had studies for some time that tell us what the economic benefit of wood and fiber manufacturing in the state is,” said Steve McWilliams, executive director of the Georgia Forestry Foundation. “This new study allows us to place a dollar value on those services we receive from the standing forests, and they are many.”

Moore’s final report, which can be found at http://www.warnell.uga.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Final-Report-1-24-11.pdf, focused on six types of ecosystem services forests provide: gas and climate regulation; water quantity and quality; soil formation and stability; pollination; wildlife habitats; and aesthetic, cultural and passive use.

Moore and her collaborators—graduate students Tiffany Williams andEduardo Rodriguez and Warnell Assistant Professor Jeffrey Hepinstall-Cymmerman—analyzed Georgia forestlands by identifying key forest characteristics that affect ecosystem services and estimating per-acre values for each different type of forest.These values were estimated from survey data the team collected and from the results of previous published studies. What Moore found upon concluding her three-year study is that Georgia’s private forests provide an estimated $37 billion annual benefit to Georgia residents. The values can vary widely—between $200 to $13,000 per acre—depending on the location and ecology of the land, Moore said.

“Understanding the value of these benefits of forestland is important,” Moore said, “because it allows us to make better land use decisions. The ecological services forestlands provide are incredibly beneficial to Georgia, and you receive these benefits whether or not you own forestland. Many people think of them as free. But if we lose forestland, we risk losing these benefits.”

McWilliams said he hopes the results of Moore’s study focusing specifically on Georgia will result in public policy decisions that help us conserve Georgia’s working forests. “It carries a lot of weight when we can talk about Georgia forests to Georgia legislators and Georgia opinion leaders,” McWilliams concluded.

The Georgia Forestry Association is a conservation organization based in Forsyth. It works with landowners to adopt sound land management practices so that their forests will help provide clean air and water, soil conservation, wildlife habitats, recreation and timber products.

For more information on the Georgia Forestry Association, see www.gfagrow.org.

For more information on the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, see http://www.forestry.uga.edu/.

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Vision Airlines Sells 12,000 Tickets in 120 Hours

2011-01-24T12:25:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Vision Airlines, the nation's newest big jet, low-cost carrier reports it sold more than 12,000 tickets during its first 120 hours of e-commerce operations at www.visionairlines.com.

On Tuesday, January 18, Vision Airlines unveiled its 23 city mega-expansion plan and its $49* introductory fare sale for its first flights to Florida, which are scheduled to take-off on March 25.

Vision Airlines says within 48 hours it sold-out of all $49 seats. Now, in response to immense customer demand, the airline is adding more $49 seats on every flight to Florida. The airline is also extending its introductory $49 fare sale, which was slated to end on Sunday but is now continuing through January 31, 2011.

Vision Airlines' chief operating officer David Meers says, "We received hundreds of calls from disappointed customers who did not understand that only a limited number of specially-priced $49 seats were available on each flight."

Meers adds, "At this juncture, Vision Airlines believes it is more important to satisfy first-time customers rather than turn them away because they missed-out on a fare sale. So, we put more $49 seats in our system."

Meers emphasizes, "Our first goal is to get passengers on Vision Airlines' jets so they can experience our fast, friendly and efficient service. After their first flight we are confident that we will earn passenger's repeat business."

"Running out of $49 seats was not the only glitch during our first week of operations," says Vision Airlines' spokesman Bryan Glazer.

"Once the morning TV and radio newscasts reported our story; once people read their local morning newspapers; once the headlines hit the internet we were overwhelmed by interested customers," says Glazer. "Vision Airlines website has recorded upward of 50,000 hits to date. And, on the first day of operations the website crashed several times and our reservations center was unable to handle the flood of customer phone calls."

Vision Airlines' Sales and Marketing Director Clay Meek says, "To remedy these technical problems, Vision Airlines has increased its web server capacity and added more customer call center representatives."

Mega-Expansion

After 16 years of building its reputation as one of the world's most-successful charter carriers, Vision Airlines is now expanding into regularly-scheduled commercial passenger service.

Most of Vision Airlines' flights depart from southern U.S. cities that lack low-cost, direct jet service to destinations in Florida.

Vision Airlines Cities

* Asheville, NC - Atlanta, GA - Baton Rouge, LA - Birmingham, AL - Chattanooga, TN
* Columbia, SC - Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, FL - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
* Greenville/Spartanburg, SC - Gulfport/Biloxi, MS - Houston, TX - Huntsville, AL
* Knoxville, TN - Little Rock, AR - Louisville, KY - Macon, GA - Miami, FL
* Niagara Falls/Buffalo, NY/Toronto, Canada - Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers, FL
* Sanford/Orlando, FL - Savannah, GA - Shreveport, LA
* St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Tampa, FL

Vision Airlines' Hub

Most Florida-bound flights are to and through the airline's hub at Northwest Florida Regional Airport near Destin/Fort Walton Beach.

Florida's Governor Expects Vision Airlines will Revitalize Post Oil Spill Economy

Working with Florida Governor Richard Scott and local officials in Northwest Florida, Vision Airlines is expected to play a pivotal role in the revitalization of the state's gulf coast tourism economy, which was destroyed by last year's BP oil spill.

Destin/Fort Walton Beach, also known as Florida's Emerald Coast, is the most-effected area.

"It wasn't pollution that destroyed our tourism economy, it was the wave of negative publicity," says Northwest Florida Regional Airport Director Gregg Donovan. "Unlike neighboring gulf coast states to the west of us, there were no tar balls on our beaches, no oil slicks in the water and no petroleum-scented sea breezes. Yet, the tourists stayed away."

Mark Bellinger, Director of Okaloosa County's Tourism Development Council, says, "We forecast that Vision Airlines will deliver thousands of passengers to the Emerald Coast each week. That means tourists will be able to see first hand that our beaches are still sugary-white and the Gulf waters are still emerald green."

Bellinger adds, "Because airfares to our area have been so expensive, most tourists drive here for long vacations. Now they can afford to fly here -- even for weekend getaways."

Meek says, "Making air travel affordable means more tourist dollars, which will create jobs at resorts, restaurants and even miniature golf courses."

According to Governor Scott, Vision Airlines' passenger traffic will create upward of 4,000 jobs in related industries.

Florida Cities

Vision Airlines also offers direct flights from several cities to Ft. Lauderdale; Miami; Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers; Sanford/Orlando and St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Tampa.

Intrastate Florida Flights

The airline is now linking Northwestern Florida with other areas of the state with flights to and from Southeastern, Southwestern and Central Florida.

Atlanta-Louisville

Vision Airlines also provides twice daily non-stop service between Atlanta, GA and Louisville, KY.

Mississippi's Casino Coast

Another Vision Airlines destination is Mississippi's Casino Coast. The carrier offers flights from Atlanta, GA; Houston, TX and St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Tampa, FL to Gulfport/Biloxi, MS.

Business Model

Vision Airlines' business model is based on offering non-stop and direct flights to Florida from secondary U.S. cities that have been ignored by the major airlines.

People in these cities are currently forced to fly in cramped regional jets, endure long layovers while connecting through other cities and they must pay extremely high airfares.

Vision Airlines now offers Boeing 737 jet flights on direct routes that other airlines do not fly.

"Essentially, Vision Airlines has no competition," says well-known aviation industry analyst Michael Boyd. "Therefore, Vision Airlines is likely to be very successful."

FINE PRINT ABOUT FARES

*Fares shown exclude Passenger Facility Charges of up to $9.00, September 11th Security Fees of up to $2.50 per enplanement and US segment fee of $3.70 per segment. A segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing. All fares are one-way. Round trip purchase not required. All fares are non-refundable and a $100 fee per person applies to change made after purchase, plus any applicable increase in airfare. Baggage Fees of up to $30 each way per checked bag. Seats are limited and subject to availability and may not be available on all flights. Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice.

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Delta Kicks Off 70th Anniversary Year as Atlanta's Hometown Airline

2011-01-21T16:21:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- When Lynda Lloyd boarded her first Delta Air Lines flight in Atlanta as a flight attendant in 1964, the airline had recently become the first commercial carrier to fly across the country in less than three hours and had just launched the industry's most sophisticated electronic reservations system, all under the watchful eye of company founder and then-chief executive C.E. Woolman.

Today, Lloyd, Delta's most senior employee who lives and works in Atlanta, will join hundreds of her fellow Atlanta-based employees as well as elected, community and business leaders from across Georgia to mark the airline's 70th anniversary as Atlanta's hometown airline.

A Delta Boeing 777-200LR aircraft used to connect Atlanta nonstop to cities such as Tokyo, Dubai, Johannesburg and Tel Aviv, will be christened as the "Spirit of Atlanta" during a celebration at Delta's massive Technical Operations Center, adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and in the shadow of the $1.4 billion Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal currently under construction.

Delta (NYSE: DAL), today among the largest airlines in the world, was a small carrier focused on the Southeast when it moved its headquarters from Monroe, La., to Atlanta in 1941. In the decades that followed, Delta built the world's largest connecting hub in Atlanta, and for more than two decades has remained Georgia's largest private employer and a major economic force in the region.

With 25,000 employees based in Atlanta, Delta is estimated to pump more than $25 billion into the local economy, and is a major contributor to key community organizations, including the Grady Health Foundation, the Woodruff Arts Center, AID Atlanta, Hands On Atlanta, Habitat for Humanity, CARE, the Carter Center and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

"Delta Air Lines and Atlanta have a unique partnership that has been inextricably linked to the success and prosperity of our city and our airport for nearly three quarters of a century," said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. "The strong relationships among companies such as Delta, state and local elected officials and civic organizations are what make Atlanta not only a global, dynamic city, but a great place to live and do business. Congratulations to Delta Air Lines, Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson and all employees on the company's 70th anniversary as Atlanta's hometown airline."

"Delta is truly an economic force for Georgia," said Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal. "It is our biggest employer and its presence here plays a key role in helping us attract new investment and jobs. I look forward to partnering with Delta as it sets out on the next 70 years."

"The success of Delta and the city of Atlanta have been intertwined for seven decades, and it's hard to argue with the results," said Richard Anderson, Delta's chief executive. "Atlanta has grown into a major international city while Delta built the world's largest hub at the city's airport. Central to this success has been the historic partnership between Delta, the city of Atlanta, the state of Georgia and our thousands of Atlanta-based employees and customers."

Recognizing one of Atlanta's longest and most successful business partnerships, the "Spirit of Atlanta" will be christened at the celebration with a bottle of Coke. Muhtar Kent, chairman and chief executive of the Coca-Cola Company, will be honored and make remarks at the celebration.

In addition, Lloyd will be honored as the Delta employee who has lived and worked in Atlanta the longest. The airline also will recognize its most frequent Atlanta flyer, Ed Robinette, who has flown nearly 7 million miles on Delta over the past 30 years, and Cheryll Davis, Delta's most active Atlanta-based community volunteer, who has dedicated thousands of hours during her 20-year Delta career to the airline's preferred local charities.

"As a longtime Atlanta resident it's been so exciting to be part of this airline, which is such a positive force for the community," Lloyd said. "It was the very best decision of my life, to come to Atlanta, remain here, and be a Delta Flight Attendant. I am still enjoying the very best job in the world. It always makes me proud when I tell people I work for Delta."

"Two years ago, I moved my business to Atlanta because of the great flights and service offered by Delta, and I'm not the only one, we have so many businesses based in Atlanta solely because of Delta," said Robinette, who has been a member of the Delta SkyMiles frequent flier program since its inception in 1981. "I've flown 7 million miles on Delta, and I can honestly say I don't remember a single bad experience."

"Delta has always encouraged its employees to become involved in our communities, and service is a big part of being a member of the Delta family," said Davis. "As an Atlanta resident, it's great that Delta is so supportive of our community, and it's one of the benefits of being Delta's hometown."

"It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Delta on its 70th anniversary as Atlanta's hometown airline," said U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga. "Delta Air Lines has come a long way since its beginnings in Monroe, La., to the international commercial airline it is today. For seven decades, Delta has thrived, employing thousands of Georgians and becoming an integral part of our communities. Delta has established itself as an economic engine not only for Georgia, but for the entire Southeast. I am grateful that such a company calls Atlanta its home."

"As Georgians, we are all proud to be recognizing Delta's 70th anniversary as our hometown airline," said U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga. "Over the past seven decades, Delta has become an integral part of the community, bringing jobs, businesses and great opportunities to the state of Georgia by connecting us to cities across the country and the world."

Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 357 destinations in 67 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs more than 75,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry's leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline's service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, the world's largest airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Delta is investing more than $2 billion through 2013 in airport facilities and global products, services and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.

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Dollar Tree expands Savannah distribution operation

2011-01-20T15:49:00.000-05:00

Company to invest $18 million and create 68 new jobs

Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that Dollar Tree will expand its existing Savannah distribution operation, representing an $18 million investment and the creation of 68 jobs. Based in Chesapeake, Va., Dollar Tree is a Fortune 500 company and is the nation’s leading operator of discount variety stores selling everything for $1 or less.

“Georgia’s highly networked logistics infrastructure is the centerpiece of our state’s vast range of competitive resources that make it possible for companies such as Dollar Tree to locate and expand here,” said Deal. “Georgia has enjoyed a fruitful relationship with Dollar Tree since its initial location in Georgia in 2000, and I am excited to see the company expand and have continued success in our state.”

Dollar Tree has an existing 600,000-square-foot distribution center in Savannah. This expansion will add up to 400,000 square feet to accommodate the company’s rapid growth.

“Dollar Tree has grown steadily for nearly 25 years,” said Bob Sasser, president and CEO of Dollar Tree, Inc. “The expansion of our Savannah Distribution Center will support the continued growth of our business in the Southeastern United States and will provide additional long-term employment opportunities at the Savannah Facility. We are proud to be a part of this community.”

Dollar Tree’s existing distribution center is a significant user of the Georgia Ports Authority’s Garden City Terminal at the Port of Savannah. The company brings approximately 8,000 containers through the terminal annually. This expansion is expected to increase the company’s annual volume to almost 15,000 containers by 2014 through the Port of Savannah, the fourth-largest and fastest-growing port in the nation.

“Dollar Tree's decision to expand its operations near the Port of Savannah is a great testament to service and efficiencies that the Georgia Ports Authority provides,” said GPA’s Executive Director Curtis J. Foltz. “This is a confirmation that Dollar Tree’s decision to locate its distribution center here was not only the right decision then, but continues to be the right choice for today and tomorrow.”

The Savannah region plays an integral role in attracting new locations and the expansion of existing companies in Georgia. This region serves as a focal point of Georgia’s highly networked system of logistics, with the Port of Savannah providing companies with global access to their customers in markets around the world.

“We have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Dollar Tree for the past 10 years, first through their initial location and then through our established business program,” stated Thomas H. Hester, chairman of the SEDA Board of Directors. “Dollar Tree, like so many others, has discovered first-hand that Savannah is not only a place where a business can make it, but a place where one can truly thrive and grow, even in these difficult economic times.”

Tom Croteau assisted the company with this expansion on behalf of the Georgia Department of Economic Development in collaboration with the Savannah Economic Development Authority.

About Dollar TreeDollar Tree, a Fortune 500 Company, is the nation's leading operator of discount variety stores selling everything for $1 or less. To learn more about the Company, visit www.DollarTree.com.
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Shortage of Skilled Workers Primary Reason for Offshoring Jobs

2011-01-20T11:34:00.000-05:00

Most American companies engaged in offshoring say a shortage of skilled domestic employees -- not cost cutting -- is the primary reason why they move some job functions overseas.

Also, manufacturers and high-tech/telecommunication companies are less likely to establish offshore operations and are moving increasingly toward the use of third-party providers of offshore labor.

These are among the findings of the sixth annual study on corporations' offshoring trends by the Center for International Business Education and Research's Offshoring Research Network (ORN) at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business and The Conference Board, an independent research association. The study is part of ongoing research into the effects of offshoring trends on American competitiveness and reflects the sentiments of business managers.

"Over half of the participants in our survey say offshoring has resulted in no change in the number of domestic jobs in most functions," said Arie Lewin, Fuqua professor of strategy and international business. "The finding that the U.S. software sector has the highest ratio of offshore to domestic employees -- almost 13 offshored jobs per 100 domestic jobs -- may be a reflection of a scarcity of domestic science and engineering graduates in the U.S."

Survey respondents are broadening the range of factors that influence their selection of an offshore site to include the location of the best service provider and the quality of infrastructure. In spite of placing a high priority on cost savings and labor arbitrage, the survey finds average achieved cost savings offshore have declined at many companies.

For example, IT services and software development have experienced consistent declines over the past five years, while average achieved savings have increased for administrative and innovative functions such as research and development and sales/marketing.

According to the researchers, survey participants have lower expectations than previous respondents for average cost savings in several offshoring functions. Contact center, IT and software development have seen the largest declines among all offshoring functions as companies new to offshoring discover a number of hidden costs involved, including expenses for training, staff recruitment and retention, and government and vendor relations.

"The potential for cost reduction alone is no longer enough to justify moving operations," said Ton Heijmen, senior advisor to The Conference Board. "One survey respondent noted it has taken his company several years to discover the impact of labor arbitrage disappears in fewer than three years. Companies are now shifting from cost-driven offshoring to a multidimensional value proposition in creating a global footprint."

As companies expand offshoring activities by increasing scale or by offshoring more diverse and complex functions, most firms see a decline in the overall efficiency. This may be partially attributed to a loss of managerial control as offshoring operations are expanded, requiring companies to improve coordination and management of their global sourcing.

A published report on the research results is available for purchase. Contact jrussell@duke.edu for details.

The ORN database includes cumulative responses collected through an annual survey conducted since 2004. As of November 2010, the database encompassed 2,000 companies (22 percent large, 35 percent mid-size and 43 percent small) and more than 4,300 different offshoring projects.

Source: Duke University

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Chairman Camp Announces Hearing on the Health Care Law’s Impact on Jobs, Employers, and the Economy

2011-01-19T20:46:00.000-05:00

Ways and Means Hearing to Examine the Impact of Taxes, Regulations, and Mandates Contained in the Health Care Law on Economic Growth and Job Creation House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) today announced that the Committee on Ways and Means will hold a hearing on the impact the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” and “Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010” will have on the U.S. economy and employers’ ability to hire new workers and retain existing employees. The hearing will take place on Wednesday, January 26, 2011, in 1100 Longworth House Office Building, beginning at 10:00 A.M.

In view of the limited time available to hear witnesses, oral testimony at this hearing will be from invited witnesses only. However, any individual or organization not scheduled for an oral appearance may submit a written statement for consideration by the Committee and for inclusion in the printed record of the hearing. A list of invited witnesses will follow.

BACKGROUND:

The Democrats’ health care overhaul imposes more than one-half trillion dollars of tax increases and numerous pages of mandates and onerous regulations on employers. Employers of all sizes are expressing concern that the new mandates and regulations will deter them from hiring new employees, threaten their ability to retain existing workers, and harm their ability to increase wages for existing employees. The new health care law compounds the uncertainty employers and entrepreneurs are facing amid the most challenging economic climate since the Great Depression. Making matters worse, some insurance companies and employers have already increased their health care premiums, in part, to comply with the new health care law, exacerbating the drag on the U.S. economy from rising health care costs.

In announcing this hearing, Chairman Camp said, “Employers have repeatedly expressed their concerns about the effects of the Democrats’ health care law. This hearing provides us the opportunity to directly hear from employers about the higher taxes and new mandates that are in this law. This will also serve as a basis for how this Committee, and Congress, can best respond to the concerns of employers and workers and refocus its energy to develop common sense solutions that prioritize affordability, job creation, and economic growth.”

FOCUS OF THE HEARING:

The hearing will examine the economic and regulatory burdens imposed by the enactment and implementation of the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” (P.L. 111-148) and the “Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010” (P.L. 111-152). It will explore the impact on jobs stemming from the new taxes and new federal regulatory requirements. It will also analyze the impact of the employer mandate on job creation.

DETAILS FOR SUBMISSION OF WRITTEN COMMENTS:

Please Note: Any person(s) and/or organization(s) wishing to submit for the hearing record must follow the appropriate link on the hearing page of the Committee website and complete the informational forms. From the Committee homepage, http://waysandmeans.house.gov, select “Hearings.” Select the hearing for which you would like to submit, and click on the link entitled, “Click here to provide a submission for the record.” Once you have followed the online instructions, submit all requested information. ATTACH your submission as a Word or WordPerfect document, in compliance with the formatting requirements listed below, by the close of business on Wednesday, February 9, 2011. Finally, please note that due to the change in House mail policy, the U.S. Capitol Police will refuse sealed-package deliveries to all House Office Buildings. For questions, or if you encounter technical problems, please call (202) 225-1721 or (202) 225-3625.

FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS:

The Committee relies on electronic submissions for printing the official hearing record. As always, submissions will be included in the record according to the discretion of the Committee. The Committee will not alter the content of your submission, but we reserve the right to format it according to our guidelines. Any submission provided to the Committee by a witness, any supplementary materials submitted for the printed record, and any written comments in response to a request for written comments must conform to the guidelines listed below. Any submission or supplementary item not in compliance with these guidelines will not be printed, but will be maintained in the Committee files for review and use by the Committee.

1. All submissions and supplementary materials must be provided in Word or WordPerfect format and MUST NOT exceed a total of 10 pages, including attachments. Witnesses and submitters are advised that the Committee relies on electronic submissions for printing the official hearing record.

2. Copies of whole documents submitted as exhibit material will not be accepted for printing. Instead, exhibit material should be referenced and quoted or paraphrased. All exhibit material not meeting these specifications will be maintained in the Committee files for review and use by the Committee.

3. All submissions must include a list of all clients, persons and/or organizations on whose behalf the witness appears. A supplemental sheet must accompany each submission listing the name, company, address, telephone, and fax numbers of each witness.

The Committee seeks to make its facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. If you are in need of special accommodations, please call 202-225-1721 or 202-226-3411 TTD/TTY in advance of the event (four business days notice is requested). Questions with regard to special accommodation needs in general (including availability of Committee materials in alternative formats) may be directed to the Committee as noted above.
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Firth Rixson Announces the Grand Opening of its Georgia Based Aerospace Forging Facility

2011-01-19T09:58:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Firth Rixson, a major provider of forged and specialty metal products to the Aerospace industry, announced today the Grand Opening of Firth Rixson Forgings LLC, the Company's fourth closed die forging operation, located in Liberty County, GA. The announcement was made during a two day Customer Appreciation event held at the facility, attended by representatives from every major aero engine manufacturer worldwide, many of their partners, and significant industrial gas turbine producers.

The most significant expansion in the Company's history, the Firth Rixson Forgings LLC facility was custom designed and built to provide rotating components for aircraft engines, with applications ranging from regional jet to wide body aircraft, as well as land based turbines. The manufacturing process will take place in three separate buildings, dedicated respectively to pre forge, forge, and post forge activities, totaling 200,000 square feet of floor space. Modular construction within each of the building structures provides Firth Rixson Forgings LLC extraordinary flexibility in response to customer and market demand.

In announcing the opening of the facility, David C. Mortimer, CEO of Firth Rixson, said, "Firth Rixson has completed a decisive move in the Aerospace industry. Within one year of announcing its construction, Firth Rixson Forgings LLC is fully operational. The technical organization assembled for this facility is industry leading. Our facilities, equipment and installations are of world class caliber. Today, Firth Rixson advances its prominent position in the Aerospace industry by delivering a broadened service to our valued customers."

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Postal Service to Adjust Prices

2011-01-13T16:48:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The first U.S. Postal Service price change in two years will have minimal impact on retail customers who will continue to pay only 44 cents for a stamp.

The prices filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission today will become effective April 17.

Highlights of the pricing proposal include:

* First-Class letters (1 oz.) remain unchanged at 44 cents,
* First-Class letter additional ounces increase to 20 cents,
* Postcards will cost 29 cents,
* Letters to Canada or Mexico (1 oz.) increase to 80 cents, and
* Letters to other international destinations will remain unchanged at 98 cents.

"While changing prices is always a difficult decision, we have made every effort to keep the impact minimal for consumers and customers doing business with us at retail lobbies," said Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe. "We will continue to balance our business needs against the needs of our customers."

The overall average increase across all mailing services is capped by law at 1.7 percent – at or below the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index – although actual percentage price increases for various products and services will vary.

Prices will change for other mailing services, including Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Extra Services. Larger volume business mailers will see price increases in a variety of categories. Detailed pricing information will be available later today online at www.usps.com/prices . Today's announcement does not affect Express Mail and Priority Mail prices.

In July 2010, the Postal Service filed an exigent price proposal that was rejected by the Postal Regulatory Commission in September. The Postal Service filed an appeal of that decision with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in November and awaits a decision.

Faced with decreased mail volume traced to the recession and increased use of the Internet, the Postal Service continues to face a daunting financial crisis. Increasing prices is one of a series of solutions the Postal Service proposed in March 2010 to address the crisis. Other actions outlined in the March plan included changes to delivery frequency, restructuring prepayments of future retiree health benefits, creating a more flexible workforce and expanding access to products and services to places more convenient to customers. In December, Donahoe began a reorganization of all administrative and managerial functions as part of his vision to operate "leaner, faster and smarter."

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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Three in Ten Organizations Will Close for Business on Martin Luther King Day

2011-01-12T10:18:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- In observance of Martin Luther King Day, three in ten employers (30 percent) will give all or most workers a paid holiday on Monday, January 17, according to BNA's most recent survey of holiday practices.

This is only a marginal change from figures reported by employers for 2010 (28 percent), and is in line with figures reported for 2009 (31 percent), 2008 (33 percent) and 2007 (31 percent). While there has been no significant change over the past five years in the proportion of organizations giving Martin Luther King Day as a paid holiday, recent levels of paid leave on Martin Luther King Day are a significant increase over what was observed in the first 11 years of this holiday. Only 14 percent of surveyed employers made Martin Luther King Day a paid holiday in its inaugural year of 1986 and figures stayed in the teens for six years until a spike in 1993 (24 percent). Figures remained in the low to mid-20 percent range before climbing to 30 percent for the first time in 2003.

Consistent with past years, nonbusiness employers are much more likely to make Martin Luther King Day a paid holiday than are nonmanufacturing or manufacturing establishments. More than one-half of nonbusiness organizations (56 percent) will make January 17 a paid holiday, compared with 21 percent of nonmanufacturing firms and 10 percent of manufacturers.

Organizations with a union presence are somewhat more likely than those without one to designate Martin Luther King Day as a paid holiday (36 percent of unionized establishments compared with 28 percent of nonunion organizations). There is no significant difference in paid time off for Martin Luther King Day between larger organizations with 1,000 or more employees and their smaller counterparts (32 percent versus 29 percent).

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Micro-loans available for small businesses in 50 North Georgia counties

2011-01-09T21:47:00.002-05:00

A ceremonial big check for $605,000 was presented last week by Donnie Thomas, acting state director of USDA Rural Development, to Grace Fricks, chief executive officer of Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE), to provide micro-loans to small rural businesses in North Georgia. Funding for micro-loans, those less than $50,000, is available through the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP). ACE became eligible to draw down funds right before Christmas.

“This should be another avenue of support for rural entrepreneurs in need of loans,” said Thomas. “We realize that many small businesses are running into problems accessing capital. We hope this program will help.”

ACE will serve most of Northeast Georgia: Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dade, Dawson, Douglas, Elbert, Fannin, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Gilmer, Gordon, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Hart, Heard, Henry, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Morgan, Murray, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Putnam, Rabun, Rockdale, Stephens, Towns, Union, Walker, Walton, White and Whitfield.

As businesses pay back loans, the funds are then available to re-lend to another business, creating a renewable loan resource.

Funding levels for RMAP for FY2011 is not currently known. The initial announcement said $4 million would be available nationwide. However, the U.S. government is currently under a continuing resolution. Specific funding amounts for FY2011 will not be known until a budget is signed by Congress.

Loans through this program can be used for working capital; purchase of furniture, fixtures, supplies, inventory or equipment; debt refinancing; business acquisitions; and purchase or lease of real estate, with qualifying conditions.

Loan funds cannot be used for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to, construction costs or assistance that will cause conflict of interest issues.

Businesses interested in applying for loans can contact ACE for assistance – http://www.aceloans.org. Interest rates on the ACE loans will be between 6-12 percent and the point of contact is Sandy Headley (headley@aceloans.org).

For more information on Rural Development programs, visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ga.

ThyssenKrupp Announces New Alpharetta Operation

2011-01-06T22:45:00.002-05:00

Company will invest $30 million and create up to 110 jobs

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that ThyssenKrupp, a global integrated materials and technology company, will locate its North American IT Shared Services operations in Alpharetta in Fulton County. The company will invest $30 million and create 110 new jobs at this location, which will serve as the company’s wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary providing IT services to all of its North American operations.

“ThyssenKrupp’s expanded presence in Georgia is proof of the company’s deep commitment to our state, and a great testament to our progressive business climate and other assets that make these opportunities possible,” said Governor Perdue. “This is certainly an exciting announcement to start the new year for ThyssenKrupp and the people of Georgia.”

ThyssenKrupp’s new Alpharetta location will be known as ThyssenKrupp IT Services North America. The company already has operations in Georgia, including ThyssenKrupp Elevator USA, which is also headquartered in Alpharetta.

“ThyssenKrupp’s decision to expand their presence in Alpharetta is exciting news for our community and for Georgia,” said Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas. “This is clear testimony to the positive business environment that Alpharetta offers and to Georgia’s strength as a location for technology industries.”

Metro Atlanta ranks tenth among cities with the highest concentration of Global 500 companies like ThyssenKrupp, and is one of only three U.S. cities in the top ten world ranking. Global companies are attracted to the Atlanta region due in part to the area’s connectivity to Georgia’s advanced network of logistics and its talented workforce. This region ranks first in the U.S. for growth in highly-educated people ages 25-34, which is a highly coveted demographic of talent for high tech companies like ThyssenKrupp.

“Global companies move headquarters to Atlanta to be near the best international airport in the world that gives them access to key domestic and international markets and customers,” said Sam A. Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “An abundant educated workforce provided by our many world class colleges and universities, our competitive cost of doing business, and excellent quality of life, made Atlanta the choice location for ThyssenKrupp.”

Candidates interested in learning more about career opportunities at ThyssenKrupp’s Alpharetta location can get more information by calling the Georgia Department of Labor, 404-679-5200. Georgia Department of Economic Development project manager Blair Lewis assisted the company with this location, in collaboration with the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Development Authority of Fulton County, the City of Alpharetta, the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Power.

Georgia Distilling to Begin Operations in Jones County

2011-01-06T17:13:00.000-05:00

The Development Authority of Jones County is pleased to announce that Georgia Distilling Company will begin operations in Haddock in early spring 2011. Georgia Distilling plans to locate at the former Cherokee Products plant in Haddock, which closed 15 years ago and has been vacant ever since. Georgia Distilling plans to produce moonshine, vodka and gin immediately with plans for expansion into other product lines in the future. They also plan to offer tours of the facility to the public. Georgia Distilling will begin operation in early spring 2011 with approximately 10 employees with the anticipation of hiring additional employees as the company expands. Co-owners and entrepreneurs, Shawn Hall and Bill Mauldin, stated that the distillery could realistically be employing 50+ employees within five years.

The former Cherokee Products facility in Haddock served as a cannery, canning fruits and vegetables under the O’Sage brand of products. When the facility was bought by a competitor, it was closed and hundreds lost their jobs. The town of Haddock has been in economic decline and the prospect of new industry is promising to this small town located off Hwy 22 between Gray and Milledgeville.

“Haddock is perfect for our business, with its location near several key metropolitan areas, but also offers the quaintness of a small town as well as plenty of room for expansion,” stated Shawn Hall and Bill Mauldin, co-owners of Georgia Distilling Company. “The leadership in Jones County has also embraced the vision for our business and sees the bigger picture, including the impact our type of business will have on taxes and the tourism benefit to the County.”

“I’m very pleased about this announcement by the Georgia Distilling Company and the Development Authority. It’s a unique and creative project that seems to fit so well with an existing facility in our community. And it will have an impact in so many areas of our local economy… new jobs, an investment in facility and equipment, tourism, and a local excise tax on their products. I’m very excited for Georgia Distilling Company. I’m been very impressed by their business model and the plans they have. I’m excited about having their creative energy here in our community,” stated Greg Mullis, Chairman of the Development Authority of Jones County.

“This is a unique business venture in a unique community and we look forward to partnering with Jones County to make something we are all proud of,” stated Bill Mauldin of Georgia Distilling.

The distillery is the second company in as many months to announce they are locating in Jones County.

CallMe! Announces Call Center Hiring Campaign In Atlanta

2011-01-04T12:54:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- CallMe!, the leader in Human Capital Management for the Call Center industry, announced that it is holding open house career fairs beginning Jan. 18th in its Atlanta offices.

CallMe! Chief Executive Officer Chris Bracken noted, "CallMe! is working with several clients in the area to fill great call center jobs. In the last year, our company has grown to be the leader in the call center staffing space, and this hiring campaign reflects our success."

Specific jobs to be filled include:

* Customer Service Agents & Managers
* Collection Agents & Managers
* Inside Sales Agents
* Tech Support Agents

CallMe! will be hosting open house job fairs every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at 1 Glenlake Parkway, Suite 1225, Atlanta, GA 30328.

For more information, please visit us on the web at www.callme.io, view call center jobs at callmejobs.com, or call us at 877-402-2563.

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Clayton State SBDC to Hold Free Class on Opening a Business, Dec. 13

2010-12-13T11:34:00.000-05:00

The Clayton State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will be holding a special free class to help educate people interested in owning their own business.

Designed to help the public decide if entrepreneurship is right, “Opening a Business in the New Year” will be held on Monday, Dec. 13, in the Allan Vigil Ford Conference Room, 6790 Mount Zion Blvd., Morrow. The class will run from 10 a.m. to noon.

“If you are considering starting a small business, attending this workshop is the first step for potential entrepreneurs” says Allison Segal, SBDC program coordinator. “Learn what it really takes to be successful by identifying needed skills and resources. This workshop is Part I in the start-up process. You can then follow this workshop with Part II, `Starting a Business.’”

To register on-line for this free, public workshop, visit the SBDC website at; www.business.clayton.edu/sbdc. For more information, please contact Segal at (678) 466-5100 or asegal@georgiasbdc.org.

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UPS Adds Photo ID Requirement for Retail Shipping

2010-12-08T10:52:00.000-05:00

(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its ongoing review to enhance security, UPS (NYSE: UPS) today announced it is expanding its policy to require customers who ship packages from retail shipping locations to present a government-issued photo ID for verification of identification. The directive will apply at The UPS Store ® and Mail Boxes Etc. ® locations as well as authorized shipping outlets worldwide.

Consumers who tender a shipment through any retail access location and do not already have a pre-printed shipping label attached will have to present a government-issued photo ID or they will not be allowed to use UPS services. The ID policy has been in place at UPS Customer Centers since 2005.

Valid forms of identification in the U.S. include a current state-issued driver’s license or Department of Motor Vehicles ID card, U.S. or foreign government-issued passport, U.S. Permanent Resident card, U.S. military identification or a Native American Tribal photo identification card. Qualifying documentation may vary by country at international retail locations.

“Since retail centers experience a significant increase in business from occasional shippers during the busy holidays, this enhancement adds a prudent step in our multi-layered approach to security,” said Dale Hayes, UPS vice president of small business and retail marketing. “The safety and security of our customers, business partners and employees is our highest priority and UPS will continue to implement additional security precautions as necessary.”

UPS (NYSE:UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including the transportation of packages and freight; the facilitation of international trade, and the deployment of advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the Web at UPS.com and its corporate blog can be found at blog.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.

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Revitalization Plans Become Concrete at the Jekyll Island Convention Center Groundbreaking

2010-12-08T10:23:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Governor Sonny Perdue, the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) Board of Directors, staff, legislative and business representatives and members of the community gathered just north of the former convention center December 7 to commemorate the beginning of construction on the new Jekyll Island convention center and beach village.

The new Jekyll Island convention center replaces the former center and will be the only oceanfront convention facility in the southeast. The new center is expected to achieve Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification at a Silver level. The 128,000 sq. ft. facility will feature many "green" aspects including structural facets that serve to capture and reuse rainwater, alternative/renewable energy generation and use and the latest in energy-saving technology.

Construction on the ocean front convention center is expected to take approximately 18 months and is scheduled to be complete along with the two new hotels, loft condominiums and 40,000 sq. ft. of retail space that make up the commercial components of the new Jekyll Island Beach Village in 2012. Great Dunes Park and a public village green are integrated to create a new, vibrant beachside destination on Jekyll Island.

"The revitalization of Jekyll Island is a story of renewal – of restoring the island to its rightful place as a premier public beach resort available to all Georgians and visitors," stated Governor Perdue. "This project is already benefiting a reinvigorated coastal Georgia economy, and I look forward to seeing the finished product thanks to the hard work and dedication the Jekyll Island Authority Board of Directors and the Jekyll Island Authority staff have invested in this effort."

The facility will be integrated into its natural beachfront location in a manner that minimizes impact on the environment while creating a wonderful and unique guest experience. The interior design will celebrate the natural transect of the island from the dunescapes to the marsh vistas.

"We can not be more excited to embark on this monumental project for Jekyll Island," stated Chairman Bob Krueger. "My hope is for the new convention center to create a wealth of special memories just as the former has done for so many visitors and residents alike."

The day concluded with JIA Executive Director Jones Hooks inviting ceremony guests to make a permanent mark on slabs of wet cement to signify the permanence of revitalization. The cement tiles will be used in the new Beach Village area as a lasting tribute to those who have worked together to make the revitalization of Jekyll Island a reality.

"In this economy, it is truly remarkable that we are at this critical point of getting construction underway," stated Jones Hooks. "Timing has always been a critical element, and what we have been able to accomplish over the last twelve months is almost a miracle and would not be possible if not for the steadfast support of the Governor, the state legislature and our JIA Board."

Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC, the Georgia based general contractor for the convention center and related infrastructure will begin construction in January of 2011. Currently crews are sorting out material from the demolition debris to be recycled. Concrete is being ground to be used as the base for the new convention center and beach village streets. The beginning of construction on the convention center and accompanying retail area signifies the cornerstone of revitalization efforts for the Jekyll Island Authority.

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Consumer Product Services Announces the Opening of its Fifth Returns and Remanufacturing Center in Atlanta Georgia

2010-12-06T10:34:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Product Services (symbol CPSV) today (December 3) announced the opening of its fifth (5th) consumer returns and remanufacturing center in Acworth Georgia. The Acworth facility was planned due to the continuing growth of the CPS client base requiring North American scalability, flexibility, reliability, consistency, transparency and rapid deployment of competitive reverse logistics solutions available through the CPS "Single Source Solution" approach to reverse supply chain management.

Mr. Darren Krantz, the Company's CEO stated, "With the opening of the Atlanta facility, we have greatly expanded our capacity and more importantly have created the ability to capture product in the strategic Southeastern corridor. Our existing clients as well as potential new clients require that we have strategically located logistic and remanufacturing facilities within certain geographic zones. This new facility is of key importance."

Acworth is located in the northwest quadrant of the Atlanta metro area. The newly constructed facility is located in the Cherokee Commons Industrial Park adjacent to I-75. The facility maintains over 50,000 sq feet of space dedicated to returns management and remanufacturing of CPS client products in the categories of major appliances, small appliance, outdoor power, air comfort and floor care.

Like other CPS facilities, Acworth is a multi client facility that provides state of the art engineering quality labs for on site defect data collection and reporting, debit reconciliation, remanufacturing, parts recovery, recycling as well as fulfillment services on behalf CPS clients. According to Michael Edwards CPS VP, Logistics and Supply Chain, Acworth is strategically located to service in excess of 25% of the US population and major retailer stores in the region within one day of shipment. This is a decided advantage in reducing transportation costs, improve inventory velocity and minimize exposure to cosmetic and mechanical damage incurred from longer transit times and multiple handlings through the carrier supply chain.

Consumer Product Services was founded in 2002 and is corporately based in Deer Park, Long Island, New York. In addition to operating five (5) North American returns and remanufacturing centers, CPS consists of five interrelated companies including Consumer Product Services for remanufacturing, CPS Supply Chain Services for transportation and warehousing, CPS Warranty Group for first and second warranty placement as well as B to C web stores and B to B auction sites.

CPS is dedicated to the principles of:

* Operational and Financial Benefits for our Clients
* Market Control
* Support of Brand Loyalty
* Continuous Quality Improvement
* Environmental Stewardship
* Creation of North American Jobs

This document may include statements that constitute "forward-looking" statements, usually containing the words "believe", "estimate", "project", "expect", "anticipate", or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to secure capital to fund current operations; future trends in the returns business; financial, environmental or remanufacturing difficulties affecting the Reverse Logistics and Remanufacturing programs; uncertainties surrounding estimates of product returns; and other risks associated with the Company's business. By making these forward-looking statements, CPS undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes in the future

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American Textile Company Opening Manufacturing Facility in Tifton, Ga

2010-12-04T08:40:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- American Textile Company (ATC) continues its growth in manufacturing bed pillows and utility bedding by announcing the opening of a new manufacturing and distribution facility in Tifton, Ga.

The 218,000 square foot facility, leased from the Tifton County Development Authority, is strategically located to service ATC's customers in the Southeast. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will begin by manufacturing bed pillows, one of the key items offered by ATC. "The opening of the Tifton facility completes our strategic nationwide pillow distribution strategy," said John Riccio, Chief Financial Officer for ATC. "With pillow manufacturing facilities in Duquesne, Pa.; Salt Lake City, Ut.; Dallas, Tx.; and now Tifton, Ga., we can efficiently ship bed pillows across the United States and Canada. We are thrilled with our interaction at the state and local level that executed this plan in a short period of time."

In addition to Georgia's pro-business climate, the company selected the Tifton, Ga. location from among competitive sites due to its strategic location to customers with distribution centers in the Southeast, access to a skilled textile workforce, low cost of doing business, and incentives provided by the State of Georgia. Customers with distribution points in the Southeast will benefit from a significant reduction in their freight costs. "Providing cost effective and efficient service to our customers is the cornerstone to our continued success," said Mark Bachner, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing for ATC.

The facility will open at the end of Q1 2011 and will employee 50 people immediately. A total of 120 people will be employed at the facility by the end of 2016.

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Rural Sourcing, Inc. Announces Augusta Operation

2010-11-30T15:10:00.000-05:00

Leader in domestic sourcing to create 100 jobs

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today Rural Sourcing, Inc. (RSI), an Atlanta-based provider of internet technology domestic sourcing, is opening a development center in Augusta in Richmond County. The company plans to create 100 direct jobs in the fields of computer and software engineering and programming.

“Georgia’s highly-skilled pipeline of talent for high tech companies will certainly be an asset to the Rural Sourcing Augusta development center,” said Governor Perdue. “The company’s expansion will boost the local economy and provide job opportunities for Augusta-area residents.”

RSI’s client list includes Fortune 500 companies, as well as small to mid-size businesses seeking cost effective alternatives to offshore staffing. The company leverages its pool of well-trained IT professionals in smaller markets to meet its clients’ critical IT resource needs.

“Our 300 percent annual growth rate is indicative of the market’s appetite for a low-cost, high-quality on-shore alternative to the traditional offshore India operations. We are extremely excited about our Augusta location because of the outstanding workforce in Augusta,” said Monty Hamilton, CEO of Rural Sourcing Incorporated. “RSI has an excellent working relationship with the Development Authority of Richmond County and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. As we look forward, our sights are set on continuing to put Americans back to work right here in Augusta and the surrounding area for many years to come.”

The company’s Augusta development center will locate at Augusta’s Enterprise Mill. During its location search, RSI considered communities with relative proximity to four-year universities in non-metropolitan areas that offer a high quality of life and low cost of living. This approach allows the company to pass along cost savings to its clients.

“I am very pleased that Rural Sourcing Incorporated has chosen Augusta for this project. Augusta shares RSI’s commitment to high quality information technology services,” said Terry Elam, chairman of the Development Authority of Richmond County. “We’re proud that Augustans will be at the forefront of this important information technology sourcing savings for companies around the world.”

RSI will hire from the local workforce in Augusta, and will be accepting employment inquiries from interested applicants via the company’s website, www.ruralsourcing.com.

“Rural Sourcing Incorporated will hire top-notch, skilled people with experience in computer operations and information technology, and will add greatly to the outstanding workforce here in Augusta,” said Walter Sprouse, the Executive Director of the Development Authority of Richmond County. Georgia Department of Economic Development statewide project manager Glen Whitley assisted the company with this location, in collaboration with the Development Authority of Richmond County.
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Boeing NewGen Tanker Win Would Bring 370 Jobs, $17 Million to Georgia

2010-11-18T13:48:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) today announced that Georgia will benefit from an estimated 370 total jobs and generate an estimated $17 million in annual economic impact if the Boeing NewGen Tanker is selected as the U.S. Air Force's next aerial refueling aircraft.

Boeing submitted its proposal July 9 to replace 179 of the Air Force's 400 Eisenhower-era KC-135 aircraft. The Air Force is expected to award a contract in the next few months.

"The Boeing NewGen Tanker program will contribute to economic recovery in Georgia by supporting jobs in the aerospace industry – jobs for Georgia workers who will help America's warfighters complete their missions and return home safely," said Mark DeVoss, Supplier Management director, Boeing Tanker Programs.

Georgia manufacturers ready to produce critical components on the NewGen Tanker include TIGHITCO in Atlanta.

Currently, Boeing has 654 employees in Georgia and works with nearly 413 suppliers/vendors, delivering a total $204 million in annual economic impact.

The NewGen Tanker is a widebody, multi-mission aircraft based on the proven Boeing 767 commercial airplane and updated with the latest and most advanced technology. Capable of fulfilling the Air Force's needs for transport of fuel, cargo, passengers and patients, the combat-ready NewGen Tanker will meet or exceed the 372 mandatory requirements described in the service's final KC-X Request for Proposal released Feb. 24.

The NewGen Tanker will be made with a low-risk approach to manufacturing that relies on existing Boeing facilities in Washington state and Kansas as well as U.S. suppliers throughout the nation, with decades of experience delivering dependable military tanker and derivative aircraft. Nationwide, the NewGen Tanker program will support approximately 50,000 total U.S. jobs with Boeing and more than 800 suppliers in more than 40 states.

The Boeing NewGen Tanker also will be more cost-effective to own and operate than a larger, heavier tanker. It will save American taxpayers more than $10 billion in fuel costs over its 40-year service life because it burns 24 percent less fuel than the competitor's airplane.

Boeing has been designing, building, modifying and supporting tankers for decades. These include the KC-135 that will be replaced in the KC-X competition, and the KC-10 fleet. The company also has delivered four KC-767Js to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and is on contract to deliver four KC-767As to the Italian Air Force.

More information on Boeing's NewGen Tanker, including video clips and an interactive tour of the aircraft, is available at www.UnitedStatesTanker.com. For more information on joining the company's efforts, visit www.RealAmericanTankers.com.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space &Security (www.boeing.com/bds) is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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Inland Atlantic Georgia Old National Venture LLC to Break Ground on Old National Marketplace Shopping Center in College Park, Georgia

2010-11-17T07:03:00.000-05:00

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Inland Atlantic Georgia Old National Venture LLC, a joint venture between Inland Atlantic Development Corporation, Pointe Development Company and Heritage Creek Development I, LLC, announced November 16 that it has broken ground on Phase I of Old National Marketplace, a premiere shopping center development located in College Park, Georgia. Part of a planned 297,000 project, Phase I will encompass approximately 99,000 square feet and has tenant commitments that currently place occupancy at nearly 90 percent. Major tenants include LA Fitness, Family Dollar and fashion retailers Citi-Trends and It’s Fashion.

“As the climate for commercial real estate in Atlanta continues to improve, retailers have started looking for the next step to develop their pipelines for future growth, and we’ve found they really like what Old National Marketplace has to offer,” said John DiGiovanni, president of Inland Atlantic Development Corporation. “This is a great location in a market with a lot of untapped potential, and we’ve seen a very strong response from retailers that are excited to be a part of this project.”

Site clearing began on November 8 and construction will be complete by October 2011, DiGiovanni said. Additional tenants include Shoe Land and VIP Nails salon, and potential leases with T-Mobile and Anna’s Linens. Leasing is already underway for Phase II, with interest from several major national and local tenants.

“We’ve already seen good response to Phase I of the project,” DiGiovanni said. “Once construction begins, we expect the excitement among retailers to grow and leasing activity to snowball. In terms of new development in the Atlanta area, this is one of the few that’s coming out of the ground.”

Florida-based Pointe Development Company principles, Alan Sakowitz and Maurice Egozi and Atlanta-based Heritage Creek Development I, LLC principle Wayne Kendall are Inland Atlantic Development Corporation’s partners in the joint venture. Construction management of the project will be overseen by Randy Josepher, executive vice president of Inland Atlantic Development.

The principle partners in Inland Atlantic Development Corporation previously created a development pipeline of more than a million square feet for Inland Retail Real Estate Trust, Inc., a real estate investment trust that was sold in 2007 for $6.2 billion.

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Gulfstream Expanding Its Savannah Site

2010-11-16T06:52:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced that it will expand its Savannah facilities through a $500-million, seven-year plan to ensure that the company is well-positioned to meet future demand for business-jet aircraft and support services. The growth is expected to result in 1,000 additional Gulfstream jobs, an increase of more than 15 percent from Gulfstream's current Savannah employment level of approximately 5,500 employees.

"With our own sales trends and market forecasts suggesting an upturn over the next decade, we want to ensure Gulfstream is well-positioned to meet the demand in terms of products and services," said Joe Lombardo, president, Gulfstream. "We are already beginning to see signs of a modest recovery. In the third quarter of 2010, we booked more orders than we had in any quarter since the downturn began in mid-2008. Furthermore, as flying hours have increased, Gulfstream service centers have enjoyed a significant increase in service volume."

"This expansion is necessary to meet the projected increase for new business-jet aircraft and the maintenance that will follow," Lombardo said.

In the presence of state and local dignitaries, including Gov. Sonny Perdue, Gulfstream's Savannah employees learned that the expansion would include building new facilities at the northwest quadrant of the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, renovating several existing facilities on the main campus off Gulfstream Road and expanding office and lab facilities at the Gulfstream Research Development Center in Crossroads Business Park.

During the event, Gov. Perdue said, "Gulfstream is the world standard in business aviation, and we're proud that the company the world looks to for the best business jets is based right here in Georgia." He continued, "The expansion of Gulfstream's facilities will have a major impact on both the state and local economies by creating 1,000 new full-time jobs, not to mention the ripple effects in terms of construction and service workers, as well."

The new positions are expected to include production specialists, engineers, and support technicians.

"The effect this initiative will have is very simple," Lombardo said. "It's jobs for 'G-A.' That means good, high-tech jobs for Georgia. Jobs for Gulfstream Aerospace. And jobs for general aviation, a vital aspect of this nation's industrial base."

First opened in 1967, Gulfstream's Savannah headquarters includes initial-phase manufacturing of five aircraft models: the Gulfstream G650, G550, G500, G450 and G350. The site also includes the largest of the company's five final-phase manufacturing facilities and the largest of Gulfstream's 10 service centers.

Gulfstream announced a $300 million expansion of its Savannah facility in March 2006 and later increased it to $400 million. That expansion was completed in 2009 and included the development of the largest general aviation aircraft maintenance facility in the world; the Nicholas D. Chabraja Manufacturing Facility for the assembly of the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G650; a state-of-the-art, three-bay final phase paint facility; and a 300,000-square-foot Research and Development Center. In addition, Gulfstream met its commitment to hire 1,100 new employees as part of that expansion.

"While Gulfstream's international presence has grown, we are committed to Georgia and Savannah," Lombardo said. "And we certainly appreciate the efforts of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Savannah Economic Development Authority, Chatham County, the city of Savannah and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in supporting this expansion."

Gulfstream will utilize the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Engineering and Environmental Design (LEED) program to implement sustainable design and construction elements into its projects. In choosing contractors and subcontractors for the expansion, Gulfstream will continue its existing policy of providing opportunities to regional small, minority-owned, disadvantaged, veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran businesses.

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MAC Honors Top Supply Chain Performers at Fourth Annual Awards

2010-11-15T12:54:00.000-05:00

Supply Chain Professional of the Year, Warren Jones of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Supply Chain Company of the Year, Servigistics

The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) awarded the Supply Chain Professional of the Year to Warren Jones, aviation development manager for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and the Supply Chain Company of the Year award to Servigistics during a breakfast at the 2010 Supply Chain Forum on Nov. 15.

"The supply chain industry drives metro Atlanta's economy," said Chris Gaffney, president of Coca-Cola Supply, LLC and chair of MAC's Supply Chain Leadership Council. "We are excited to recognize these great leaders and innovative companies that are located in our region. Metro Atlanta has the nation's fifth-largest concentration of supply chain companies with more than 132,000 jobs."

Atlanta is the business and distribution center of the Southeast, and its global access, innovation and talent create an unparalleled logistics network for companies that demand efficient, predictable and consistent global supply chain operations to accelerate growth.

This is the fourth year for the awards, which were created to recognize outstanding individuals and companies in metro Atlanta whose actions have advanced the state of the supply chain industry and promoted its continued growth. This year's theme was "Supply Chain Outlook - Trends and Issues 2011 and Beyond."

Supply Chain Company of the Year, Servigistics

Servigistics is a privately held company headquartered in Atlanta, with regional headquarters in the UK, Japan, and India, and sales and service professionals around the world.

Over the past two years, Servigistics has experienced unprecedented growth as a company. In 2009, Marlin Equity Partners, known for creating market-leading software solution companies, merged industry leaders Servigistics and Click Commerce's Service Network Solutions (SNS) division. In 2010, Servigistics acquired Kaidara Software.

Today, Servigistics is the only enterprise software solution provider for Service Lifecycle Management (SLM). The company's awarded-winning SLM solutions suite enables market-leading companies across diverse industries to successfully execute and service- led growth strategy that delivers value across the entire global service supply chain.

Recent awards include:

· Named one of the Top 20 Supply Chain Management Software Suppliers (Modern Material Handling's 9th Annual Survey of leading SCM Suppliers)

· Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Company

· Inbound Logistics Top 100 Logistics IT Company

· Deloitte Technology Fast 500

· Atlanta Business Chronicle Pace Setters Award

· Atlanta Metro Chamber Global Impact Award Finalist

Finalists for Supply Chain Company of the Year included Fortna Inc. and Insight Sourcing Group.

Supply Chain Professional of the Year, Warren Jones
Warren Jones is the aviation development manager for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and began his aviation career in 1996 with Martinair Cargo in the sales division. In 1999, he joined Chapman-Freeborn Air Chartering as the sales manager for the Southeast region, and in 2004, Jones joined Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

In addition to his duties at the world's busiest airport, Jones is a part-time professor at Georgia State University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he teaches aviation-focused courses.

Jones is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a concentration in Aerospace Administration, and holds a master's in aviation management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

Jones was instrumental in Atlanta winning the bid to host The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) International Air Cargo Forum & Exhibition in 2012. And during his tenure Atlanta has been selected by Air Cargo Week as Air Cargo Airport of the Year, for the last two years.

Finalists for Supply Chain Professional of the Year included Rob Doyle, president of Amware Logistics Services; and John A. White III, president of Fortna Inc.

In 2003, the Metro Atlanta Chamber established a logistics cluster economic development initiative, and the Atlanta Logistics Innovation Council to leverage and grow this industry. Since 2003, the Chamber recruited companies that created more than 6,900 supply chain and logistics jobs and established direct air cargo service with China. The initiative won an international best-practice award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2006 for its strategy to grow this sector. In 2009, as part of our continued evolution, we adopted a new vision, mission and new council name -- The Supply Chain Leadership Council.

The Fifth Annual Supply Chain Forum is hosted by the Supply Chain Leadership Council in partnership with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Atlanta Roundtable. For more information visit http://supplychain.metroatlantachamber.com.
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US Airways to Add 500 Crew Members in 2011

2010-11-09T10:54:00.000-05:00

(BUSINESS WIRE)--US Airways (NYSE:LCC) today announced that it will need 500 crew members next year primarily in anticipation of planned retirements and attrition, which will be filled by recalling employees currently on furlough, as well as through hiring new crew members. The majority of these returning and new pilots and flight attendants will be flying by July.

“This is great news for our workforce and the communities we serve,” said US Airways President, Scott Kirby. “We look forward to welcoming our colleagues back to US Airways, and bringing new crew members onto the team.”

“Our crew member hiring needs are being driven primarily by planned retirements and attrition, as well as international growth. Today’s announcement is consistent with our previously announced plan to keep our domestic capacity flat in 2011 while growing international capacity by 8 percent.”

The 2011 crew member plan includes filling 420 flight attendant positions and 80 pilot positions. The Company will first offer these positions to employees currently on furlough status, and once this process is complete will begin hiring new employees. After the recall, US Airways will have no flight attendants on furlough, and may have up to 100 pilots remaining on furlough. When the recall and new hire process is complete, the airline will have approximately 4,970 active pilots and 7,300 active flight attendants.

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23rd Hunter Hotel Investment Conference Scheduled for March 6-8, 2011, in Atlanta

2010-11-08T23:06:00.000-05:00

Keynote Speakers Are Jim Abrahamson and Jack DeBoer

Officials of the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference, one of the four major national annual hotel investment conferences, today announced that the 23rd annual event will be held March 6-8, 2011, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Two industry luminaries, Jim Abrahamson, president of Americas, Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), and Jack DeBoer, founder and chairman, Value Place, will headline the event as keynote speakers.

“We have a strong tradition of bringing in the top industry leaders to share successful hospitality business practices as keynote speakers,” said Bob Hunter, CEO of Hunter Realty and conference co-chair. “Jim has played a leadership role in the development of a number of the world’s leading brands, while Jack is the acknowledged ‘father’ of the extended-stay concept. We look forward to hearing their unique insights into the industry and its future outlook.

“The conference has gained a strong reputation as an important networking and education event over the last 22 years,” Hunter added. “This conference focuses on the needs of hotel owners, who make up a large number of our total attendees. Proceeds from the event support special scholarships at Georgia State University’s Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality.”

Speaker Profiles:

· Jim Abrahamson—As president of the Americas, Abrahamson oversees management, growth and profitability of IHG’s portfolio of more than 3,400 hotels and resorts in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central and South America. Also, he has worked with The Marcus Corporation as president, limited-service lodging; Hilton Hotels Corporation as senior vice president, franchising; and Global Hyatt Corporation as head of development, the Americas.

· Jack DeBoer—Creating the extended-stay concept with the first Residence Inn, he expanded the business to 100 hotels, which were sold to Marriott International, Inc. He then co-founded the Summerfield Hotel Corporation, now owned by Global Hyatt Corporation. He later launched Candlewood Hotel Corporation and sold it to IHG after establishing 130 properties. Most recently, DeBoer established the extended-stay hotel chain Value Place which currently has a portfolio of 160 locations.

For more information on the program and to register, please visit the conference website at www.HunterConference.com, or contact Bob Hunter or Nancy Petenbrink, Conference Director, at 770-916-0300 or by email at nancy.petenbrink@hunterhotels.net. The conference headquarters are located at 300 Galleria Parkway, S-620, Atlanta, Ga. 30339.

Siemens Awarded $466 Million Locomotive Contract by Amtrak

2010-10-29T10:23:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Siemens today announced that it has been awarded a $466 million contract to build 70 electric locomotives for Amtrak's Northeast and Keystone Corridor lines as part of Amtrak's landmark fleet rejuvenation initiative. The contract will require an additional 250 people to build the locomotives, with 200 in Sacramento, Calif. and 50 collectively in Norwood, Ohio and Alpharetta, Ga.

The locomotives will be built at Siemens' existing light rail manufacturing facility in Sacramento, Calif. The plant, which has been in operation for 26 years, is powered up to 80 percent by two megawatts of solar energy and employs 750 people. All main components of the new locomotive will be produced in Siemens plants in the United States – including the motors in Alpharetta and propulsion containers in Norcross, Ga. The first locomotives will be delivered in 2013.

"As the global leader in rail innovation, we are thrilled that Amtrak has selected our proven locomotive technology and that this project will create 250 new green manufacturing jobs in the United States," said Daryl Dulaney, president and CEO, Siemens Industry, Inc. "These locomotives will be built in America using renewable energy and provide cleaner, more efficient movement of people on the most heavily traveled rail route in the country."

"Amtrak is a critical transportation provider in the Northeast and modern locomotives are essential to meet the service reliability expectations of our passengers and for us to handle the growing ridership demand in the coming years," said President and CEO Joseph Boardman.

Siemens is already a successful producer of American light rail trains with every third light rail vehicle in the United States being a Siemens train. The new Amtrak Cities Sprinter (ACS64) is based on Siemens latest iteration of the proven EuroSprinter electric locomotive. Over 1,600 units are in operation worldwide, and this latest version will be customized to meet the strenuous environment of the Northeast Corridor at a sustained speed of 125 mph.

"This isn't your grandfather's locomotive. Not only will we use renewable energy to build them, the locomotives will also include energy efficient features, such as regenerative braking that can feed up to 100 percent of the energy generated during braking back to the power grid," said Oliver Hauck, president of the Mobility Division of Siemens Industry, Inc.

The current locomotive platform has been designed for improved safety, reliability and maintainability. The Amtrak-specific design also meets the latest Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements for front end strength, incorporating a crumple zone for collision with large objects in addition to an enhanced safety cage and anti-climber functionality.

This equipment purchase is part of Amtrak's multi-year Fleet Strategy Plan to replace its entire fleet of passenger rail cars and locomotives over the next 30 years. Amtrak is the largest passenger rail operator on the North American continent and the only operator of a high-speed line.

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Ryla Hiring for 1,400 New Customer Service Jobs in Atlanta

2010-10-25T10:28:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Ryla, an Alorica company, today announced it is hiring to fill at least 1,400 new jobs at its Kennesaw, GA call center facility. The jobs expansion is due to expanded needs of one of its year-round clients as well as for a recurring annual seasonal project. Both full-time long-term and seasonal positions are available. Positions begin as early as November 1, 2010. Ryla is a leading domestic-focused provider of customer contact services for Fortune 500 and government agencies, and does no telemarketing or cold calls.

In addition to the customer service positions, Ryla is also seeking to fill several supervisory positions. The hiring wave is part of a six state expansion underway in Georgia, California, Alabama, Virginia, Colorado and Indiana.

"With unemployment in Georgia at 10% and higher in some markets in which we're expanding, we're excited to be in a position to bring more jobs to help get people back to work," said Mark Wilson, Ryla CEO and Founder.

Interested applicants should apply online at www.ryla.com. Qualified applicants will be contacted for scheduled interviews beginning as early as Monday, October 25.

Positions Available:

Customer Service Representatives

Supervisors and various support staff positions

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NBAA Honors Governor Perdue with American Spirit Award

2010-10-19T10:34:00.000-04:00

Characterizes those who created, advanced the American aviation community

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today announced that Governor Sonny Perdue has been named the recipient of the 2010 American Spirit Award at NBAA’s 63rd Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2010) in Atlanta.

The NBAA American Spirit Award is presented in recognition of an individual who exemplifies the service, courage and pursuit of excellence in support of business aviation that characterizes the men and women who created and advanced the American aviation community. The Governor was presented the award during this morning’s opening general session of the convention, which draws 25,000 aviation professionals and enthusiasts from across the world to the Georgia World Congress Center.

“Governor Perdue has two great passions – aviation and the state of Georgia – and has spent many years tirelessly supporting and nurturing the development of both,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “NBAA is proud to include him among the speakers at our convention’s opening general session, and also to honor him with the American Spirit Award for his dedication to all aviation, including business aviation.”

In 2007, Governor Perdue addressed attendees at the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, also in Atlanta, welcoming the crowd to “the real state of aviation,” and proudly detailed Georgia’s long list of aviation superlatives, including the state’s role as home to the eighth-largest general aviation industry in the nation, with many thousands of people employed at more than 500 aerospace and aviation companies.

“NBAA applauds Governor Perdue for recognizing the value of business aviation, to citizens, companies and communities across Georgia,” Bolen added. “The Governor has long understood that the use of a business airplane helps promote the creation of jobs, provides service to small communities and helps companies of all sizes in the state compete and succeed. We thank Governor Perdue for his steadfast support for business aviation, and the many benefits it brings to the State of Georgia.”

Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the NBAA is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The Association represents more than 8,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, the world's largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at www.nbaa.org.

Past honorees of the NBAA American Spirit Award have included such aviation notables and pioneers as John and Martha King, founders of the King Schools, Inc., and Rep. John Mica (R-7-FL). For more information about the Convention's 2010 programming, visit NBAA's dedicated AM&C web page at http://www.nbaa.org/2010.

Recession Makes Innovatin More Critical to Georgia Manufacturers

2010-10-18T14:40:00.000-04:00

The recession has expanded the business advantages of Georgia manufacturers that compete on the basis of innovation in new or technologically improved products, processes, organizational structures or marketing practices. These innovative companies are more than twice as profitable as firms competing on the basis of low price.

That's one conclusion of the 2010 Georgia Manufacturing Survey, which also found that companies are preparing for post-recession growth, expanding export capabilities, addressing sustainability issues -- and still dealing with out-sourcing and in-sourcing. The survey, which included nearly 500 manufacturers, was conducted by Georgia Tech's Enterprise Innovation Institute, the Georgia Tech School of Public Policy, and Kennesaw State University, with support from the Georgia Department of Labor and accounting firm Habif, Arogeti & Wynne, LLP.

Georgia has approximately 10,000 manufacturers that provide nearly 350,000 jobs and account for 11 percent of the gross state product. Workers in manufacturing companies earn wages averaging nearly twice those of workers in retail companies.

The survey found a widening profitability gap between manufacturers that compete on the basis of innovation compared to those that use other competitive strategies. That gap has grown in each survey conducted since 2002.

"Companies that compete on the basis of innovation are much more profitable, pay higher wages and more likely to benefit from in-sourcing opportunities than firms that compete on low price," said Jan Youtie, the survey's director and a principal research associate in Georgia Tech's Enterprise Innovation Institute. "Adoption of an innovation strategy can be useful to manufacturers regardless of industrial segment, and is especially important during difficult economic times."

As part of the survey, companies were asked to rank six competitive strategies for their importance to winning sales. More than half of the respondents mentioned "high quality," while approximately 20 percent chose "low price" or "adapting to customer needs." Fewer than 10 percent reported "innovation/new technology" as a primary competitive strategy.

Across all six strategies, innovation was associated with the highest mean return on sales: 14 percent, compared to just six percent for the low-price strategy. And those financial benefits extended to workers, whose annual salaries averaged $10,000 per year more at innovative manufacturers than at other companies.

The top five innovative tactics reported by respondents were (1) working with customers to create or design a product, process or other innovation, (2) signing a confidentiality agreement to access a new product or process, (3) working with suppliers to create or design a product, process or other innovation, (4) purchasing new equipment, and (5) conducting research and development activities in-house.

While manufacturers of technology products are most often associated with the strategy, innovative companies can be found in all industrial segments, said Philip Shapira, co-director of the survey and professor in the Georgia Tech School of Public Policy.

"Many people think that innovation is something that has to be done in a lab, but our results show that innovation occurs more broadly, particularly as companies partner with customers and suppliers to take into account their needs for a new product or process," he explained. "While high technology companies tend to be innovative by their nature, innovation occurs across all segments, and every firm has opportunities to be innovative."

Companies often cite cost as a reason for not innovating, but Shapira noted that only 10 percent of companies take advantage of R&D tax credits; fewer still use investment tax credits. "While financial incentives can assist innovation, there is a greater need to build awareness and capabilities among more of the state's firms to undertake innovation," he said.

Though more than two-thirds of Georgia's manufacturers have cut jobs or lost sales in the recession, many of these companies are now looking toward the future with plans for locating new customers, boosting capital investment, expanding research and development and continuing to reduce costs.

"When we look at their plans, Georgia manufacturers are in an expansive mood, looking for new customers and getting ready for the next phase of economic growth," Youtie said.

The survey found that 70 percent of respondents were looking for new customers, 20 percent planned to expand capital investment, and 15 percent planned to increase expenditures on research and development. At the same time, 60 percent of respondents said they still planned to cut costs.

Another trend studied was growth in the number companies selling to international markets. More than half of the responding manufacturers said they were exporters -- and those manufacturers reported 50 percent higher profitability than non-exporters. Some 22 percent of respondents had increased their export sales since the last survey in 2008.

"We don't find much difference between exporting companies when comparing them by the amount they export," Youtie noted. "What seems to be important is the capability to export. We think there is some learning that takes place, and some capability that a company develops to become an exporter. That capability translates into improved performance across the board, in addition to creating new markets and different margins."

The survey also found that out-sourcing of work has leveled off, with approximately 16 percent of manufacturers affected by the loss of business in 2010. At the same time, the percentage of firms benefitting from in-sourcing -- movement of work to Georgia -- has grown to nearly 15 percent.

"Out-sourcing isn't going away, but it has stabilized," Youtie said. "In-sourcing appears to be growing, which creates opportunities for good manufacturers to benefit from consolidation of production from other U.S. facilities or even from overseas."

The study also looked at sustainability issues, and found that 60 percent of companies recycle and attempt to reduce waste -- one form of sustainability. However, just 11 percent of respondents had inventoried their carbon footprints or emissions, and fewer than five percent were using renewable energy.

The bottom line for manufacturers?

"The results of our survey can point manufacturers to a way forward for getting ready for the next phase," said Youtie. "Companies can develop innovation capabilities; they can look into exporting and they can collaborate more with suppliers and customers."

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32 Percent of U.S. Businesses Plan to Hire Additional Staff in 2011

2010-10-12T09:42:00.002-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Businesses across the globe are now looking to hire new staff, in one of the first signs that global economic recovery and growth is on a sustainable upward trajectory. This is the key finding of the bi-annual Regus Business Tracker survey that interviews more than 10,000 businesses around the world. The fact that companies are looking to hire additional staff will be regarded as a significant indicator that the mindset of organizations has shifted toward investment in growth through human capital. Regus, a global provider of flexible workplace solutions, found that more than a third of companies [36 percent net(1)] surveyed said they intend to increase headcount. U.S. business was close to the global average with almost a third (32 percent net) of companies preparing to add new staff in 2011.

These findings are particularly significant, coming in the wake of recent observations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and International Labour Organization (ILO) that global unemployment has reached record proportions in the last three years (up to 210 million since 2007). These organizations have warned about potential problems for national economies if this trend continues. Unemployment reduces national taxation income and increases public spending. The findings of the Regus Business Tracker provide important evidence that the world unemployment situation may be set to ease in 2011.

The survey canvassed the opinions of more than 10,000 senior business people in 78 countries asking them about their current revenue performance, their profitability, their projected future revenues and their wider expectations of national economic growth. These indicators form the basis for the report's Business Optimism Index, which unusually reflects actual performance as well as near-term outlook. Globally, this edition of the index revealed a far more positive outlook, with a greater proportion of optimist countries than six months ago. For the U.S. in particular, the global index revealed a bullish rating of 87, up seven points on six months ago.

Sande Golgart, regional vice president for Regus, comments: "The intention to increase headcount is a clear indicator that businesses want to be prepared to grasp the opportunities that recovering markets may throw their way. The U.S. in particular is still suffering from high unemployment levels, at 9.6 percent, although private sector payroll continues to increase slightly and this finding should be taken as a positive indication for employment.(2)"

"In spite of this optimism, our research also highlights that 41 percent of companies are still looking to reduce their overhead, through means other than reducing staff. This reveals an attitude of cautious optimism. As companies look to find economies in their own operations, we are likely to see more and more organizations offering flexible working practices to their existing or prospective employees in a bid to achieve a better work-life balance and run a leaner organization."

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Nominate Your Workplace as One of Atlanta's 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For

2010-10-11T11:22:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The search is on for Atlanta's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For the first time ever, Atlanta, GA will host the 101 awards event that identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in their human resource practices and employee enrichment.

The event will honor 101 companies and present 11 elite awards at the first annual "Atlanta's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" symposium and awards celebration on June 20, 2011 at the Atlanta Marriott Century Center. The event will feature best practice workshop sessions that precede an awards brunch hosted by Monica Pearson of WSB TV 2.

An independent research firm will evaluate each company's entry based on its communication, community initiatives, compensation and benefits, diversity and multiculturalism, employee education and development, employee engagement and commitment, recognition and retention, recruitment and selection, small business and work-life balance. A basic assessment of each nominated company's overall ranking in each category will be provided.

Nominations are being accepted online at www.101bestandbrightest.com. Anyone can complete the online entry form. Nomination forms are also available by calling 866-321-1822. The nomination deadline is Dec. 1, 2010.

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16 Georgia Counties Named Camera Ready Communities

2010-10-07T10:33:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), launched the state's Camera Ready Community Program today as a part of the state's ongoing efforts to bolster Georgia's growing film and television industry. The first 16 Georgia counties were designated Camera Ready at a special ceremony at one of Georgia's newest production facilities, EUE/Screen Gems Studio in Atlanta. Camera Ready is a designation put in place by the state to offer film and television production companies easier, faster and better access to local resources and information. A Camera Ready Community must designate a liaison who can assist film and television production companies on a local level.

"More than 50 Georgia counties hosted a film and/or TV production this year, making this a banner year for the industry in our state," said GDEcD commissioner Heidi Green. "Hollywood A-listers including Robert Duvall, Katherine Heigl, Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Aniston have all experienced our unique locations, talented crew base and world-class southern hospitality, helping make Georgia the top filming location in the south."

Bibb, Carroll, Chatham, Coweta, DeKalb, Dougherty, Emanuel, Floyd, Fulton, Hall, Houston, Lowndes, Morgan, Newton, Walker and Wilkes counties were recognized by the Georgia Department of Economic Development as the first 16 Camera Ready communities at the kickoff event.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Kris Bagwell, executive vice president, EUE/Screen Gems Studio; Heidi Green, GDEcD commissioner; Clara Deemer, Director of Tourism Covington/Newton County Chamber of Commerce; Craig Dominey, locations specialist, Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office; Lee Thomas, director (film), Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office; and Joe Genier, Film Producer.

Georgia's film and television industry is thriving with more than 348 productions shot in Georgia in FY10, with combined production budgets increasing from $647.6 million in FY09 to $744.3 million in FY10. Altogether, the industry's economic impact in the state in FY10 came in at $1.33 billion, up from $1.1 billion the previous year. Georgia is now ranked number one in the Southeast, and among the top five states in the nation for film and TV productions.

Georgia's communities offer TV and film productions a variety of unique and authentic landscapes including beautiful mountains, rural farmlands, coastal beaches and islands, swamps and marshes, scenic rivers and lakes, small towns, major metropolitan cities and more. In 2009, productions were shot in 50 counties in Georgia impacting local communities throughout the state.

To learn more about Georgia's Camera Ready Community Program please visit www.georgia.org/cameraready.

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Recession's Effects Intensify in Cities

2010-10-06T10:42:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Cities' finances continue to weaken under the strain of the recession, resulting in cities being less able to meet their fiscal needs in 2011 and beyond. According to the National League of Cities' annual report on cities' fiscal conditions, financial officers report the largest spending cuts and loss of revenue in the 25-year history of the survey.

In the research brief, "City Fiscal Conditions in 2010" (http://nlc.staging.10floor.com/ASSETS/AE26793318A645C795C9CD11DAB3B39B/RB_CityFiscalConditions2010.pdf), 87% of city finance officers report their cities are worse off financially than in 2009. City revenues - as generated in property, sales, and income taxes - will decline -3.2% in inflation-adjusted dollars according to finance officers. To compensate, city officials are cutting back spending, with expenditures declining by -2.3%. These are the largest cutbacks in spending in the history of the survey and the fourth year in a row that revenue declined.

Financial pressures are forcing cities to layoff workers (79%), delay or cancel capital infrastructure projects (69%), and modify health benefits (34%). There were also significant increases in the number of officers reporting across-the-board services cuts (25%) and public safety cuts (25%). Public safety is usually reduced only as a last resort option.

"This historic recession has forced city officials to make difficult decisions that impact the social and economic fabric of their communities," said Ronald O. Loveridge, mayor of Riverside, CA and president of NLC. He continued, "This recession is making city officials fundamentally rethink and repurpose the provision of services in their communities. Some are innovating and finding creative solutions but, regrettably, without the necessary resources, cities will continue to have a difficult time assisting their residents through these trying economic times."

The ongoing weakness in the housing market, along with poor retail sales, has reduced the available revenue by significant margins. The responses from the finance officers clearly illustrate that the effects of the economic crash are intensifying in cities. Because most tax revenue is collected at specific points during the year, and since it takes time for housing assessments to catch up to current values, cities will still be feeling the full effect of the downturn in 2011. The national economy's slow recovery to date also means the recession's effects will potentially linger in cities for several more years.

"These stark numbers continue the trend we've been seeing for the past several years: lower revenue and reduced services at a time when there is an increased demand for services," said co-author Christopher Hoene, director of the Center for Research and Innovation for the National League of Cities. He continued, "Unfortunately, because of the loss in revenue, cities will face even more difficult circumstances in the months, if not years, to come."

Cities have been forced to confront low consumer spending, unemployment, and cuts in state aid that have severely affected the types of services and the manner in which they are offered by cities. In response, many cities are revisiting the range of services provided and looking for new service-delivery models in order to balance budgets and minimize the impacts of cuts on residents.

"While certain segments of the economy may be under recovery, cities as a whole are not yet experiencing growth," said co-author Michael A. Pagano, dean of the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He continued, "As a consequence, cities are facing very serious financial hurdles right now in providing basic public services."

NLC conducts the survey each year in partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago's College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, a nationally recognized innovator in education, research, and engagement in support of the nation's cities and metropolitan areas. Michael A. Pagano, Dean of the College, has helped conduct the survey and author the report since 1991.

The National League of Cities is the nation's oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.

Through its Center for Research and Innovation, NLC develops, conducts and reports research on issues affecting cities and towns. The Center assists cities and their leaders to implement innovative practices by providing qualified information and technical assistance.

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World’s Ambassadors to Visit Atlanta on U.S. State Department’s Experience America Tour

2010-10-05T13:52:00.000-04:00

Atlanta chosen because of its prominence as one of the nation’s most vital places to do business

Atlanta will host nearly 50 foreign ambassadors from all over the world from Oct. 12-15 to showcase the city as a great place to do business. The U.S. State Department’s Experience America program takes foreign ambassadors to key American cities for three days to create new, mutually beneficial partnerships and provide visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation of America’s people, culture and values.
“Choosing Atlanta to be visited by ambassadors from countries all over the world sends a strong signal -- that Atlanta is where the world comes to do business, make business connections and create jobs,” said Sam A. Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC). “Today Atlanta has the nation’s fourth-highest concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters in the country, the world’s busiest airport, and a network of world-class universities and colleges.”

As a part of the trip, the ambassadors, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and top leaders in metro Atlanta’s business community will attend a breakfast hosted by the Metro Atlanta Chamber on Oct. 13. They will discuss Atlanta’s robust business community and the benefits of doing business in Atlanta.

WHO: United States Chief of Protocol Ambassador Capricia Penavic Marshall, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Metro Atlanta Chamber President Sam A. Williams

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 13, 8 – 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: Metro Atlanta Chamber Board Room, 235 Andrew Young International Blvd., NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

“Atlanta already has a strong international presence, with more than 2,400 international companies here and 65 countries represented by consulates, trade offices and investment agencies,” Williams added. “This tour is yet another opportunity to build connections around the globe.”

Many Atlanta companies -- such as UPS, Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, AGCO, GE and others -- do business around the world. While in Atlanta, the ambassadors plan to visit the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Tech, CNN, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Carter Library, view the Martin Luther King Jr. papers at Morehouse College and visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Visitor’s Center. This is the sixth Experience America tour and other destinations have been California, Texas, Florida, New York and Chicago.

The Experience America is organized by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of the Chief of Protocol.

New Berlin Airport a Boon to American Businesses in Eastern Germany

2010-10-04T11:18:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The twenty year anniversary of the reunification of Germany yesterday put the spotlight back on the formerly divided country and its capital, Berlin. Located at the center of Eastern Germany, Berlin now boasts one of the world's most impressive infrastructure projects, Berlin Brandenburg International airport. The airport adds to the region's portfolio as an international, high-tech business location, which is underscored by the presence of more investment projects in Eastern Germany from the USA than from any other country. Germany Trade & Invest will be presenting business opportunities in Eastern Germany to American companies at an event in Atlanta on October 5, 2010.

Berlin Brandenburg International Airport, slated to open in July of 2012, will serve the growing number of passengers to the region, with the ability to expand to serve 45 million travelers annually. At the same time, the airport provides an international hub in the center of Eastern Germany, a region currently characterized by growth in a number of cutting-edge fields like renewable energies, auto manufacturing and semiconductors. This project is expected to further attract businesses to the dynamic region.

The investor event on October 5, billed "Check in to Eastern Germany for European Business Success", will present new opportunities in the region arising from the opening of Berlin Brandenburg International airport in 2012, including business success stories in the region.

The USA is the number one source of foreign direct investment in Eastern Germany due to the region's growth potential, stable investment environment and concentration of high-tech industries. Several of the largest American companies are present here, including Atlanta-based Delta Airlines, First Solar, Amazon, General Electric, and Dell Computers.

On the whole, Germany is the top business location for American companies in Europe, according to a survey of American decision makers conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany. This is expected to continue, considering Germany's strong economic growth in the previous quarter. GDP grew by 2.2 percent, the highest quarterly result since reunification.

Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.

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Troup County, Georgia Leverages Economic Development Tool

2010-10-04T11:16:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Troup County voters along with those in LaGrange, West Point and Hogansville, Georgia approved the use of Redevelopment Powers making the entire county "TAD friendly." TAD's, or Tax Allocation Districts, are a form of tax increment financing in the state of Georgia.

"Today's economy is extremely competitive for developers and businesses. Our region is extremely competitive," says Troup County Commission Chair Richard Wolfe. "This economic development tool gives us the ability to create value in our community and to create jobs for our citizens. It's just one more economic development tool our neighbors don't have right now."

Most residents expressed a special interest in attracting new retail to the growing community. "We have to re-imagine retail development as economic development," Wolfe said. The County plans to capitalize on recent economic development success having added over 5,000 jobs. With Kia Motors and several suppliers ramping up production, this West Georgia community is now poised for a new era of growth.

The community is targeting retail and mixed-use developers to attract quality projects. Scott Turk, Governmental Services Manager noted, "Troup County is at a tipping point in its growth and evolution as a regional community. This tool can make all the difference in tipping it to the side of positive growth." Tax increment financing may be used for office, warehouse/distribution, corporate headquarters, retail/commercial, residential, and mixed-use development projects. Georgia has other tax and financing incentives for employers and especially for relocating corporate headquarters.

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Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia Launches Second Shift Production

2010-10-01T10:06:00.002-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) celebrated the launch of a second shift of production at its new West Point facility. KMMG hired more than 600 new team members to prepare for the addition of the second shift – which begins production today – bringing the total number of jobs created at the plant to more than 2,000.

Kia Motors added the second shift in response to the successful sales of the 2011 Kia Sorento, which has been Kia's best-selling model in the U.S. every month since it debuted in January. The second shift will help meet the continuing demand for the Kia Sorento while adding capacity to build the Hyundai Santa Fe. KMMG began production of the Santa Fe on September 28.

"KMMG has produced 100,000 Sorentos to date and the quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into building the Sorento from the entire KMMG team has helped make it the best-selling Kia vehicle in the United States," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of Kia Motors America and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. "With the addition of our second shift we are building on that foundation to increase KMMG's volume and increase our commitment to the U.S. and local economy."

In addition to the more than 2,000 jobs created at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, suppliers have hired more than 5,200 people for jobs created to support production at the plant. More than 1,000 KMMG team members traveled to Korea for hands-on experience working with the parent company.

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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Helps Businesses Navigate Health Care Changes with New Online Tools

2010-09-30T09:10:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to help minimize confusion regarding implementation of health care reform provisions among business owners, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) has created two new tools to help business navigate the changes in health care, a grandfathering tool and a tax calculator tool.

Both tools are available at www.anthem.com/healthcarereform. The small business tax calculator tool and tax content were developed by The Tax Institute at H&R Block and also may be viewed by visiting www.thetaxinstitute.com.

The interactive grandfathering tool is designed to help businesses better understand what grandfathering means, if they qualify for it, and what options are available to them with regard to their health plan. BCBSGa has also joined forces with H&R Block to provide a convenient, comprehensive tool to help small business owners understand the financial impact, as well as the opportunities that accompany the changes in the health care system.

"The grandfathering tool is another part of our commitment to help make health care reform work," said Morgan Kendrick, President, BCBSGa. "This tool will allow business owners to understand what grandfathering means to them, what the qualification parameters are, and if it is potentially in their best interests to grandfather their current health plan. This tool can help businesses quickly and easily determine a course of action based on their current plan in an easy-to-use and easy-to-understand tool."

Kendrick added, "We are also extremely pleased to be partnering with H&R Block to make the small business tax calculator available, which can help small business owners understand the tax credits they are qualified for and allow them to better control and anticipate their health care costs. It's BCBSGa's hope that this resource will enable owners to focus on running a successful business and add some clarity as they navigate the health care system."

The small business tax calculator can help users understand the following reform provisions:

* The small business health care premium credit for qualified employers with 25 or fewer employees and average annual wages under $50,000 (2010)
* Requirements to provide employee coverage for full-time employees who work for businesses with 50 or more employees (2014)
* Employer penalties for not providing coverage when at least one full-time employee is enrolled in a subsidized health care plan (2014)
* The excise tax on high-cost health plans, which applies to plans that cost more than $10,200 for an individual and $27,500 for a family (2018).

"These tools will provide us with an easy way to navigate and communicate the financial impact that health care reform may have on our small business customers," said Jeff Fishback, President and CEO, Purchasing Alliance Solutions. "They will also help us to better communicate about grandfathering and if it might be in their best interest. For example, whether they should take advantage of the available credits and other provisions designed to improve the affordability of health care. I anticipate that interactive tools such as these will help small businesses save time and money. This is just one more example of why BCBSGa is the leader in the industry."

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Two Great Airlines Join Forces: AirTran Airways Agrees to Acquisition by Southwest Airlines

2010-09-27T08:38:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), the parent company of AirTran Airways, announced today that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) in a transaction currently valued at more than $1.37 billion. Including existing AirTran Holdings, Inc., indebtedness and capitalized aircraft operating leases, the aggregate transaction value is approximately $3.42 billion.

Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of AirTran Holdings, Inc., will receive a combination of Southwest common stock and cash valued between $7.25 and $7.75, depending upon the average trading price of Southwest stock for a 20 trading day period to and including three trading days prior to the closing of the merger. At least $3.75 of the merger consideration will be in cash. The stock portion of the consideration will be 0.321 shares of Southwest common stock for each share of AirTran common stock, unless the trading price of Southwest common stock would cause the overall merger consideration to exceed $7.75 per share (in which case the number of Southwest shares will be decreased so that the consideration equals $7.75 per AirTran share) or would cause the overall merger consideration to be less than $7.25 per share (in which case additional cash, Southwest shares or a combination of the two will be added so that the consideration equals $7.25 per share).

Based on Southwest Airlines' closing share price as of September 24, 2010, the value of the merger consideration would be $7.69 per AirTran share. This represents a 69 percent premium over the September 24, 2010, closing price of AirTran stock.

The acquisition of AirTran Airways by Southwest Airlines will bring together two great companies and create one even stronger low-cost carrier. The two airlines currently serve 106 communities from coast-to-coast, Mexico and the Caribbean, with 685 all-Boeing aircraft and nearly 43,000 dedicated, fun-loving Employees.

"This agreement is great news for our Crew Members, our shareholders, our customers and the communities we serve. Joining Southwest Airlines will give us opportunities to grow, both professionally as individuals and as a group, in ways that simply would not be possible without this agreement," said Bob Fornaro, AirTran Airways' chairman, president and chief executive officer. "This agreement with Southwest is a testament to the success and hard work of the more than 8,000 AirTran Crew Members who have built this airline. I am tremendously proud of the things we have accomplished together and look forward to continuing that great work during this next exciting chapter of our history."

The combined airline will benefit from greater economies of scale and the integration of operations will be aided by significant fleet commonality. The result is an airline that is better prepared to meet the challenges of an increasingly competitive airline environment and take advantage of strategic opportunities better than ever before.

"Both companies have dedicated people with kindred Warrior Spirits, who care about each other, and who care about serving Customers. We will continue to enhance our award-winning Customer experiences and high-quality operations," said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines' chairman, president, and chief executive officer. "We believe this deal can benefit all Stakeholders through an expansion of low fares for Customers, opportunities for Employees of both companies and for suppliers and vendors, and favorable returns for Shareholders. Ultimately, we want to spread low fares farther and look forward to working together with AirTran's Crew Members to realize the new opportunities we expect to achieve from this deal."

The AirTran Board of Directors, on the unanimous recommendation of a Special Committee of independent directors, approved the merger agreement and recommends that AirTran Holdings, Inc., shareholders approve the transaction.

Completion of the transaction, which will require both regulatory and shareholder approvals, is expected to close by the first half of 2011. Commercial and operating integration is slated to culminate in 2012, with both carriers operating under Southwest Airlines' Federal Aviation Administration operating certificate in Dallas.

Morgan Stanley acted as lead financial advisor to AirTran Holdings, Inc., with both Sullivan & Cromwell, LLP, and Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP, acting jointly as legal advisors.

Until the acquisition is approved and finalized, both carriers will continue to operate independently. For more information, please visit: www.lowfaresfarther.com.

AirTran Airways is a Fortune 1000 company and has been ranked the number one low cost carrier in the Airline Quality Rating study for the past three years. AirTran Airways is the only major airline with Gogo Inflight Internet on every flight and offers coast-to-coast service on North America's newest all-Boeing fleet. Our low-cost, high-quality product also includes assigned seating, Business Class and complimentary XM Satellite Radio on every flight. To book a flight, visit www.airtran.com.

After nearly 40 years of service, Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other low fare carriers--offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 69 cities in 35 states. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report(TM). Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide.

Important Information for Investors and Shareholders

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval and relates to a proposed merger of AirTran Holdings, Inc. ("AirTran") with Southwest Airlines, Inc. ("Southwest"). The merger agreement will be submitted to the Shareholders of AirTran for their consideration and to solicit their approval of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. Southwest will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a registration statement on Form S-4 that will include a proxy statement of AirTran that also constitutes a prospectus of Southwest. AirTran and Southwest also plan to file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF AIRTRAN ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.

Investors and Shareholders will be able to obtain free copies of the joint proxy statement/prospectus and other documents containing important information about AirTran and Southwest, once such documents are filed with the SEC, through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by AirTran will be available free of charge on AirTran's website at www.airtran.com under the tab "About AirTran" then under the tab "Investor Relations" or by contacting AirTran's Investor Relations Department at (407) 318-5188. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Southwest will be available free of charge on Southwest's website at www.southwest.com under the tab "Investor Relations" or by contacting Southwest's Investor Relations Department at (214) 792-4415.

AirTran, Southwest and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Shareholders of AirTran in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of AirTran is set forth in its proxy statement for its 2010 annual meeting of Shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 2, 2010. Information about the directors and executive officers of Southwest is set forth in its proxy statement for its 2010 annual meeting of Shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 16, 2010. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the joint proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are not limited to historical facts, but reflect AirTran's and Southwest's current beliefs, expectations or intentions regarding future events. Words such as "may," "will," "could," "should," "expect," "plan," "project," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "pursue," "target," "continue," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, AirTran's and Southwest's expectations with respect to the synergies, costs and other anticipated financial impacts of the proposed transaction; future financial and operating results of the combined company; the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations and services; approval of the proposed transaction by Shareholders and by governmental regulatory authorities; the satisfaction of the closing conditions to the proposed transaction; and the timing of the completion of the proposed transaction.

All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of AirTran and Southwest and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, (1) the possibility that the proposed transaction is delayed or does not close, including due to the failure to receive AirTran's required stockholder approval or required regulatory approvals, the taking of governmental action (including the passage of legislation) to block the transaction, or the failure of other closing conditions, and (2) the possibility that the expected synergies will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period, because of, among other things, significant volatility in the cost of aircraft fuel, the significant capital commitments of AirTran and Southwest, the impact of labor relations, global economic conditions, fluctuations in exchange rates, competitive actions taken by other airlines, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, difficulties in integrating the two airlines, the willingness of customers to travel by air, actions taken or conditions imposed by the U.S. and foreign governments or other regulatory matters, excessive taxation, further industry consolidation and changes in airlines alliances, the availability and cost of insurance and public health threats.

AirTran and Southwest caution that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors is contained in AirTran's and Southwest's most recently filed Annual Reports on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other SEC filings. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning AirTran, Southwest, the proposed transaction or other matters and attributable to AirTran or Southwest or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above.

Neither AirTran nor Southwest undertakes any obligation to publicly update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date hereof.

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Small Business Financing Bill May Shortchange Veterans

2010-09-24T09:58:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- While applauding its intent, leaders of The American Legion say that new federal legislation designed to bolster small business may not do enough to support veteran-owned enterprises.

The legislation being questioned by The American Legion is H.R. 5297, the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010. Introduced by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) this past May, H.R. 5297 would create a $30 billion small business lending fund to be administered by the Secretary of the Treasury, as well as provide $12 billion in tax breaks to help small businesses.

"The Small Business Jobs and Credit Act is a terrific piece of legislation in its purpose," says Joe Sharpe, director of The American Legion's economic commission, "but it does very little, if anything, to correct the sorry circumstances facing service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses today."

Government regulations require that three percent of all appropriate government contract money be awarded to eligible small businesses owned by service-disabled military veterans. Yet, to date, awards have totaled only about half that mandate.

"We are not asking for preferential treatment, but simply some legislative language that levels the playing field," says Sharpe. "Without going into minute detail, let's just say the current wording does not do the job."

Jimmie Foster, national commander of The American Legion, says, "Historically, the federal government has done very poorly with regards to implementing veteran preference rules on contracts. This time, from our point of view, things must be different. When implementation of this law is accomplished, veteran-owned businesses must finally be able to gain the recognition – and contracts – they deserve. The American Legion will campaign hard to make sure that happens."

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Many More Small Businesses Now Eligible for Long-Term Financing With SBA 504 Loans

2010-09-23T15:56:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- A number of very substantial benefits for America's small businesses were incorporated into the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010, recently passed in Congress. Included in the legislation were major enhancements to the SBA 504 loan program, an important U.S. Small Business Administration financing program. SBA 504 loans are long-term, government-guaranteed loans designed for small businesses to finance the purchase, construction or renovation of commercial real estate and the purchase of long-term capital assets.

As a result of the legislation, many more small business owners across the country now qualify to receive SBA 504 loans. The net worth for companies to be eligible for an SBA 504 loan was increased, maximum loan size was raised and refinancing of existing debt was also approved.

Among the most important benefits included in the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010 is an extension of the fee relief for SBA 504 loans. This fee waiver was first enacted in February 2009 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Recovery Act. An additional $505 million has been allocated to fund SBA loan fees through December 31, 2010 saving borrowers many thousands of dollars.

Maximum loan amounts were also permanently increased to a range of $5 to $5.5 million from a previous maximum range of $1.5 to $4 million. Larger projects are now eligible for 504 loans and borrowers who already have loans with the SBA can now return for additional funding.

There was also an increase in the business size standard to be eligible for an SBA 504 loan. Businesses with a tangible net worth of $15 million and 2-year average net income after Federal income tax of $5 million, are now be eligible to apply for SBA 504 financing opening the door to many more small business owners across the country.

Perhaps one of the most beneficial enhancements to the SBA 504 loan program is a temporary two-year program for refinancing existing small business commercial debt. Small business owners holding commercial real-estate loans with undesirable rates will have the opportunity to refinance these loans using the SBA 504 loan program. This will be a boon for small businesses that are having difficulty keeping current on existing high-interest loans since SBA 504 loans are currently available at extremely attractive interest rates. Businesses will be able to remain in their facilities while lenders are not left holding vacant real estate.

SBA 504 loans are typically used by small businesses needing more operating space or by businesses that have lost their leases and decide to invest in their own facilities. Still others want to construct or retrofit facilities to incorporate energy efficient technologies to decrease operating expenses. Businesses needing to invest in capital-intensive equipment and machinery also look to the SBA 504 loan for funding. Small business owners definitely see the advantage of the low down payment which is typically only 10%. The hidden value to our economy is that all SBA 504 loan recipients are also adding jobs in their communities.

Certified Development Companies, or CDCs, are the SBA's conduit for providing 504 loans on Main Street. They are ready and waiting for the anticipated increase in demand this new legislation will generate. CDCs know that many small business borrowers will want to take advantage of these long-term, fixed, low interest rate loans now. Chris Crawford, President of NADCO, the trade association for the nation's CDCs pointed out, "The bottom line is that more small businesses now have an opportunity to invest in their own facilities or expand existing facilities using SBA 504 financing. At a time when the commercial real estate market is depressed and property is more affordable, this is great news for many small business owners."

Since 1986 the Certified Development Company industry has provided nearly $60 billion worth of financing to over 123,700 American small businesses resulting in the creation or retention of over 2.2 million jobs. Contact a Certified Development Company to discuss the program or visit the NADCO website at www.nadco.org for additional information.

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Passage of Small Business Jobs Act a Huge Win

2010-09-23T15:51:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- NSBA applauds the House's prompt approval of the Small Business Jobs Act today. Offering various tax incentives, a much-needed small business lending fund and numerous other pro-small-business provisions, the legislation stands to be of great assistance to America's struggling small businesses. Among the various provisions is the incredibly-important but less-talked-about language that will make health insurance more affordable for the nation's self-employed.

"Seemingly absent in discussions over this bill is the fact that it will end a major tax inequity which forces the self-employed to pay an additional 15.3 percent tax on the cost of their health insurance," stated NSBA President and CEO Todd McCracken. "For years, this unfair penalty has been a thorn in the sides of millions of self-employed individuals, and we applaud its inclusion in this bill."

The Small Business Jobs Act will allow self-employed individuals to fully deduct the cost of their health insurance from their self-employment taxes for 2010. Currently, self-employed individuals are prohibited from fully deducting the cost of their health insurance from their self-employment taxes, resulting in an additional tax that no other worker or business owner is forced to pay.

Additionally, the Small Business Jobs Act includes myriad avenues that will benefit small businesses, including: improved access to capital via small- and mid-sized community banks and through the extension of the highly-successful SBA stimulus lending programs; meaningful tax breaks such as an extension of the bonus depreciation and expanded Section 179 expensing; strengthening of the SBA Office of Advocacy - the regulatory watch-dog for small business within the federal government; an improved federal marketplace for small-business contractors; and enhanced exporting opportunities for small businesses.

"This bill offers a broad array of initiatives that will help America's small businesses," stated Larry Nannis, chair of NSBA and shareholder at Levine, Katz, Nannis + Solomon, PC. "And it comes not a moment too soon."

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Obama Jobs Bill and Task Force Ignore Major Challenge for Small Businesses, According to the American Small Business League

2010-09-17T13:09:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by the American Small Business League:

Neither the Obama Administration's Jobs Bill nor the recommendations released on Wednesday by President Obama's Small Business Task force contain any language that will stop the federal government from giving billions of dollars a month in small business contracts to Fortune 1000 firms.

During his campaign, President Obama promised to end the diversion of federal small business contracts to Fortune 1000 firms and stated, "It is time to end the diversion of federal small business contracts to corporate giants." (http://www.barackobama.com/2008/02/26/the_american_small_business_le.php)

Since 2003, over a dozen federal investigations have found corporate giants from around the world as the actual recipients of billions of dollars in federal small business contracts.

Some of the firms that have received government small business contracts include: Rolls-Royce, British Aerospace (BAE), Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, L-3 Communications, SAIC, Titan Industries, Raytheon, Dell Computer, Xerox, French firm Thales Communications, Italian firm Finmeccanica SpA, and Ssangyong Corporation headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. Textron, a Fortune 500 firm, received over $775 million in federal small business contracts in a single year.

In 2005, the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA IG) referred to the diversion of federal small business contracts to corporate giants as, "One of the most important challenges facing the Small Business Administration and the entire Federal government today." (http://www.asbl.com/documents/05-15.pdf)

In Report 5-16, the SBA IG found large businesses had received federal small business contracts illegally by making "false certifications" and "improper certifications." The SBA Office of Advocacy found large businesses had received small business contracts illegally through "vendor deception." (http://www.asbl.com/documents/05-16.pdf)

Section 16(d) of the Small Business Act prescribes a penalty of up to ten years in prison for firms that misrepresent themselves as small businesses to illegally receive federal small business contracts.

As opposed to offering legislation and policy that will end the diversion of federal small business contracts to corporate giants, language in the "jobs bill" could actually protect large businesses that misrepresent themselves to illegally receive federal small business contracts.

Section 1341, paragraph 4 of H.R. 5297, Small Business Jobs Act, creates a legal loophole that could allow fraudulent firms to avoid prosecution and penalties by claiming they received federal small business contracts through, "unintentional errors, technical malfunctions, and other similar situations."

If the bill becomes law the American Small Business League (ASBL) plans to challenge the language in section 1341 in federal court.

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Sluggish Housing Construction Reduces 2011 Sawtimber Forecast by 6% in US South; Pulpwood Markets Become Increasingly Localized and Diversified

2010-09-15T21:06:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Anemic housing construction - and the resulting impacts on lumber demand - delayed the expected recovery of pine sawtimber prices this year. Despite the apparent delay in recovery, several states, and end markets for pulpwood, show signs of resiliency. Forisk Consulting's mid-year update of its 10-year, state-by-state forecast for pine sawtimber and pulpwood stumpage in the US South reflect the variability across local timber markets as sawmills retool and bioenergy projects come on-line.

South-wide, Forisk's update indicates pine sawtimber prices will be 6.4% lower in 2011 than expected six months ago. Results vary across states, with Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and South Carolina best positioned to rebound quickly as lumber demand strengthens. According to Forest Economist Dr. Tim Sydor, "Expectations for key macroeconomic factors - such as GDP and housing starts - have, frankly, proven to be way off-base. GDP grew faster than expected, but housing starts are expected to remain 30% below 2009 projections. As a result we've adjusted our forecast of US softwood lumber consumption downward by 6.3 billion board feet for 2010. Lower lumber demand means lower stumpage prices, and pine sawtimber prices in the South have been revised downward by nearly $1 per ton for the year."

Forisk's President, Dr. Brooks Mendell, agrees that 2010 is a "bridge" year and emphasizes to investors the benefits of patiently following local markets. "Robust local markets, with capitalized mills and resilient loggers and wood suppliers, pay dividends to their investors through faster recoveries."

Pulpwood demand, relative to sawtimber, is distinct for the complexity of its end-use markets. "We follow several factors that have push-and-pull effects on pulpwood demand and stumpage prices," says Dr. Sydor. "For instance, while a housing recovery lifts demand for pulpwood from OSB producers, it decreases demand for roundwood through increased residual chip flows from lumber mills." Forisk projects that 9.6% of pulpwood demand across the South will come from new bioenergy facilities. "Bioenergy and OSB end-use markets drive any growth in pulpwood demand over the next 10 years," says Dr. Sydor.

Pine Pulpwood and Sawtimber forecasting products from Forisk Consulting help industry leaders follow and understand the impacts on stumpage prices from the economic recovery and changing demand for lumber, pulp and bioenergy products. For more information, visit www.foriskstore.com and click "Stumpage Price Forecasts."

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Three Georgia Companies on Counselor's 2010 Best Places to Work List

2010-09-14T21:12:00.000-04:00

Alpharetta-based eCompanyStore is No. 24 of ad specialty companies with greatest corporate cultures

Loyal staffs, trustworthy management, solid benefits and team effectiveness helped land 75 companies on Counselor magazine’s 2010 list of best places to work in the ad specialty industry.

Every company on the list provides typical health-care and financial benefits. But some also infuse their corporate culture with unique benefits such as an incentive program offering $1,000 to employees who buy eco-friendly cars. Other companies use food to win over workers, including wine tastings and family barbeques.

The number one "Best Place to Work" is Dacasso, a Gainesville, FL-based supplier that emphasizes the fun and the progressive, whether it's a holiday party, wellness program or late-afternoon sales challenge. The company also provides a fitness room, favorable scheduling policies and a tax-advantaged profit-sharing plan that allows employees to become fully vested at three months.

Three Georgia companies are included on the list: eCompanyStore (Alpharetta), Pinnacle Promotions (Norcross), and The Icebox (Atlanta).

The list of 75 is a mix of large and small, geographically diverse companies identified by an in-depth survey process. To create the list, Counselor - published by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) - partnered with third-party research firm Quantum Workplace, which conducts Best Places to Work contests in more than 40 major cities, including Boston, Dallas, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Seattle.

“At a time of unprecedented economic challenge, the companies on our list are rising to the task and providing a great workplace for their employees,” said Timothy M. Andrews, president and chief executive officer of ASI. “In return, they’re rewarded with loyalty and creativity by hard-working employees who simply love their jobs and enjoy going to work every day.”

The list appears in the September issue of Counselor, the “voice” of the promotional products industry. The accompanying cover story was written by Counselor Editor Andy Cohen and Staff Writer Dave Vagnoni and includes an interactive map. To view, click here.

The “Best Places to Work” list includes distributors and suppliers, companies with hundreds of employees and small firms with only 12 staffers (to qualify, a company had to have at least 10 employees).

The Counselor 75 Best Places To Work List:

1 Dacasso (Gainesville, FL)
2 Royal Crest Promotions (Golden, CO)
3 Hirsch Gift (Houston, TX)
4 Albrecht & Co. (Milford, OH)
5 The Book Company (Delray Beach, FL)
6 Metromedia Marketing (Edmonton, Canada)
7 Catalyst Marketing (Seattle, WA)
8 SnugZ/USA (Salt Lake City, UT)
9 Talbot Marketing (London, Canada)
10 MadeToOrder (Pleasanton, CA)
11 LogoBranders (Montgomery, AL)
12 Custom Logos (San Diego, CA)
13 Overture Premiums & Promotions (Vernon Hills, IL)
14 Pingline (Chicago, IL)
15 Sunrise Identity (Woodinville, WA)
16 The Sunshine Group (Maitland, FL)
17 Akran Marketing (Ottawa, Canada)
18 NewClients (Richmond, VA)
19 Posh Xessories (Chino, CA)
20 BrandVia Alliance (San Jose, CA)
21 The Vernon Company (Newton, IA)
22 Identity Marketing Inc. (Tempe, AZ)
23 Zebra Marketing (Memphis, TN)
24 eCompanyStore (Alpharetta, GA)
25 JH Specialty (Fort Wayne, IN)
26 Bluegrass Promotional Marketing (Charlotte, NC)
27 Pinnacle Promotions (Norcross, GA)
28 Go USA (Wenatchee, WA)
29 Identification Services/Halls and Company (Brooklyn Park, MN)
30 The Icebox (Atlanta, GA)
31 iClick (Seattle, WA)
32 Stitch Designers (Louisville, KY)
33 Mac Mannes (Bethesda, MD)
34 Insight Resource Group (Orinda, CA)
35 Image Group (Vancouver, Canada)
36 Stowebridge Promotion Group (Chandler, AZ)
37 Immediate Sales Agency (Waterloo, Canada)
38 Boundless Network (Austin, TX)

39 Cotton Candy (Mississauga, Canada)
40 Greater China (Bellevue, WA)
41 Metropak (Richardson, TX)
42 Moore Exposure (Fayetteville, NC)
43 Indoff (St. Louis, MO)
44 Mid-Nite Snax (Mineola, NY)
45 Cavanaugh Marketing Network (Pittsburgh, PA)
46 American Ad Bag (Woodstock, IL)
47 Sonoma Promotional Solutions (Sonoma, CA)
48 Image Source & Branded Solutions by Edgar Martinez (Kirkland, WA)
49 Bob Lilly Professional Promotions (Dallas, TX)
50 Crystal D (St. Paul, MN)
51 Show Your Logo (Oswego, IL)
52 Genumark Promotional Merchandise (Toronto, Canada)
53 Atlas Embroidery & Screen Printing (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
54 SanMar (Preston, WA)
55 Walker-Clay (Hanson, MA)
56 Proforma (Independence, OH)
57 Pinnacle Designs (San Fernando, CA)
58 Adco Litho (Broadview, IL)
59 Sweda Company (City of Industry, CA)
60 AddVenture Products (San Diego, CA)
61 CSE (New Berlin, WI)
62 Rightsleeve (Toronto, Canada)
63 Brand Fuel Promotions (Morrisville, NC)
64 BamBams (Lorton, VA)
65 ePromos Promotional Products (New York, NY)
66 14 West LLC (Pewaukee, WI)
67 Match-Up Promotions (Longwood, FL)
68 California Tattoos (Tucson, AZ)
69 MediaTree (Parsippany, NJ)
70 Bag Makers (Union, IL)
71 The Promotional Specialists (Markham, Canada)
72 Digispec/Visstun/CounterPoint (Las Vegas, NV)
73 Bag Designs (Concord, Canada)
74 Sonic Promos (Gaithersburg, MD)
75 HDS Marketing (Pittsburgh, PA)

Promotional products, or advertising specialties, are often imprinted with slogans or logos to market a company, organization, product, service, achievement or event. The items are used in marketing campaigns to dramatically increase response rates.
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Bad CEO leadership causes companies to fail, according to new GSU study

2010-09-13T10:42:00.000-04:00

When big companies hit the skids, their leaders often point the finger at something – or someone – other than themselves.

But the reality is bad leadership can push distressed companies over the edge, causing them to fail, while excellent leaders can help lift troubled companies faster from problems such as regulatory scrutiny, according to a new study co-authored by a Georgia State business professor.

“CEOs often play the blame game and say that things are beyond their control,” said Martin Grace, professor and associate director of the Center for Risk Management and Research in the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University.

He added, “But great CEOs are more efficient and when under scrutiny, they can influence a company, lowering the probability of a company failing.”

In the report, “Dupes or Incompetents: An examination of management’s impact on firm distress,” Grace and co-author Tyler Leverty of the University of Iowa, tracked 12,000 insurance companies because that industry is in the business of taking on risk, and distress is relatively frequent and severe, even in good economic times. It’s also a great laboratory because industry CEOs frequently move around.

The study looked at such factors as company performance during financial distress and how well the CEO was able to marshal a firm’s resources efficiently and move it away from regulatory scrutiny or potential failure.

Researchers found excellent CEOs were able to remove their firms from regulatory scrutiny eight to 16 times faster than poor leaders. In insurance companies going out of business, a more talented CEO showed a better return on the firm’s assets by up to 10 cents on the dollar.

The study looked at performance of companies between 1989 and 2000. The majority of the data for the study came from the 1989 to 2000 National Association of Insurance Commissioners Property-Casualty (NAIC) annual statement database. Other data is from the A.M. Best Company’s “Key Rating Guide,” and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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King’s Hawaiian Announces Oakwood Location

2010-09-07T20:22:00.000-04:00

State-of-the-art bakery and distribution operation to create 126 jobs

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Torrance, California-based King’s Hawaiian will locate a bakery and distribution operation in Oakwood in Hall County. The company produces its brand of Hawaiian sweet bread dinner rolls, sandwich and snack rolls and round bread. This project will create 126 new jobs over two years. King’s Hawaiian expects to add an additional 100 jobs around 2015.

“Georgia’s economy receives a considerable boost from the success of food processors in our state, which employ more Georgians than any other sector of manufacturing,” said Governor Perdue. “By selecting Georgia and Hall County, King’s Hawaiian serves as another example of how our state’s pro-business climate continues to create opportunities for new and existing companies, and for communities throughout the state.”

King’s Hawaiian is a leading producer of dinner rolls, and accounts for more than half of U.S. dinner roll sales. The company will complete construction on an existing 111,000-square-foot shell building in the Oakwood South Industrial Park for its Hall County operation. The bakery and distribution facility will be developed by Pattillo Industrial Real Estate.

“It’s always a pleasure to welcome new companies and jobs to Georgia, but it’s even better to welcome them to my hometown,” said Lt. Governor Cagle. “King’s Hawaiian will quickly come to find that Georgia’s talented workforce, quality of life, and business friendly climate are second to none. I applaud Hall County for their commitment to this project and welcome King’s Hawaiian to our neighborhood.”

“In spite of the short time since our first meeting with the folks from the state of Georgia and Hall County, our relationship already feels as if it’s based on years of trust and collaboration to make this a great place to work and live,” said Mark Taira, King’s Hawaiian CEO. “We are looking forward to being a member of this fabulous community. I’ve learned that the spirit of Aloha lives in Hawaii and in Georgia; only the accent is a little different!”

“If there is a model for harmonious collaboration between a state, county and the business community, Georgia and Hall County wrote the patent on it,” said John Linehan, King’s Hawaiian executive vice president. “We’re grateful to the state and county officials who so graciously introduced us to this amazing environment.”

King’s Hawaiian will join Georgia’s vast community of food manufacturers and processors who employ nearly 70,000 Georgians. In addition to the state’s welcoming business environment, advanced manufacturers in the food processing sector can also leverage Georgia’s highly-skilled workforce backed by the Technical College System of Georgia and Quick Start. King’s Hawaiian will receive long-term support from the resources at nearby Lanier Technical College.

“The ‘Aloha Spirit’ is spreading in Hall County and Northeast Georgia,” said Kit Dunlap, president and CEO of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce. “King's Hawaiian has an inviting corporate culture that produces irresistible products. We are very pleased with the quality jobs and long term partnership with this community and Georgia.”

Quick Start, Georgia’s acclaimed workforce training program, will provide King’s Hawaiian with training that is customized to the company’s own processes and technology. Quick Start is able to draw upon a rich background of experience training on the use of sophisticated automated control systems and quality-assurance procedures required to produce the distinctive products that have made King’s Hawaiian such a successful brand.

The company expects to begin production at its new bakery and distribution center in fall 2011. Applicants interested in employment opportunities with King’s Hawaiian should register at the Georgia Department of Labor’s Gainesville Career Center. Georgia Department of Economic Development statewide project manager Annie Baxter assisted the company with this project.
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UWG Forms RISE Program to Aid Small Businesses

2010-09-03T10:06:00.000-04:00

The University of West Georgia, along with the Carroll County Economic Development Foundation and the UWG Small Business Development Center, is creating the Resource for Innovation, Small business and Entrepreneurship (RISE) Program.

The RISE program will create an online “incubator village” to assist entrepreneurs in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, Heard and Polk counties. The goal of the program is to offer counseling, resource information exchange, distance learning opportunities and other information for local business owners on the program’s website.

RISE will host three small business forums throughout the year, as well as provide online training. An estimated 2,500 small businesses in the West Georgia region will benefit from the RISE program’s virtual village.

A celebration of the official announcement of the RISE program will take place at an Entrepreneur Excellence Banquet on Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. in the Z-6 Food Services Building on the UWG campus. It will feature a panel discussion with Allen Nance, founder and president of the Mansell Group; W. Cliff Oxford, founder and CEO of Entrepreneur Advisors; Christa Pitts, COO of Creatively Classic Activities and Books and Bob Stone, founder and chairman of Systems & Methods Inc. The banquet is for invited members of the business community and is also open to the media.

For more information call 678-839-5031.
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TIMCO Aviation Services to Expand in Macon

2010-09-02T12:01:00.000-04:00

New Contract Means 130 New Jobs
Governor Sonny Perdue today joined TIMCO Aviation Services in Macon to announce the company has made a commitment to add B767 aircraft maintenance capability to its facility in middle Georgia. The expansion will add 130 new jobs and TIMCO will invest approximately $1.49 million in new tooling, facility upgrades and renovations, recruiting and training. Governor Perdue and state economic development officials met with TIMCO executives to share more about Georgia’s competitive resources for aerospace and aviation companies during the 2010 Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.

“Georgia has a rich, century-long history in aerospace and aviation, and a vast amount of strategic assets that enable companies in this industry to be successful here and abroad,” said Governor Perdue. “TIMCO’s decision to expand in Macon is indeed a testament to our state’s position as a global leader in aerospace, and I am excited to see the company flourish here in Georgia.”

Headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, TIMCO is one of the largest independent providers of airframe MRO services in the country. TIMCO has serviced narrowbody aircraft at Macon such as the B737, B757 and A320 since it first purchased the operation in 1998. Through this expansion, the company’s Macon facility will now be able to provide specialized B767 airframe services, thereby accommodating the maintenance needs of airlines that operate one of the largest commercial widebody fleets in the world. Located on the campus of the Middle Georgia Regional Airport, the Macon facility complex includes more than 115,000 square feet of space in two hangars, with capacity for three simultaneous lines of work. The complex is AS 9100B certified and also includes back shop support and customer liaison engineering.

“We are proud of the quality of services our team has delivered at our Macon, Georgia location for the past twelve years, and our decision to invest in widebody capability will position Macon as a viable source for commercial aircraft maintenance for many years to come,” said Kevin Carter, who along with Ron Utecht shares the CEO Office for TIMCO.

“TIMCO has been a great asset for our community and the Middle Georgia Regional Airport,” said Mayor Robert Reichert. “The city, partnering with the Federal Aviation Administration, has made improvements to our airport to take full advantage of this tremendous resource we have and we are excited to welcome TIMCO’s expansion.”

Aerospace is a strategic industry for Georgia, and was identified as a sector with significant growth potential in 2003 by the Commission for a New Georgia. The state ranks among the world’s aerospace leaders, and is the most productive aerospace state in the U.S. Georgia ranks eighth among U.S. states for aviation industry employment, with more than 80,000 employees in more than 500 operations. In addition to the Farnborough International Airshow, Georgia has also attended globally-recognized airshows including the Paris Airshow, the Dubai Air Show and the NBAA Air Show to explore opportunities for growth in this sector.

Georgia’s total aviation exports worldwide topped $3.4 billion in 2009.

Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Regional Project Manager Jennifer Nelson assisted the company with its location.

About the company
This year, TIMCO Aviation Services is celebrating 20 years of providing aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services and aerospace manufactured products to a broad array of commercial, government and military customers. Over the years, the company has grown beyond its core airframe, base maintenance business by adding engine MRO services, aircraft seat manufacturing and PMA parts, comprehensive engineering design and interiors manufacturing through its TIMCO Aerosystems division and line maintenance services at a large number of airports through its TIMCO LineCare network.
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AirTran Airways and City of Atlanta Agree to Seven-Year Lease

2010-09-01T10:42:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) , and the city of Atlanta yesterday announced the completion of a seven-year master lease agreement for facilities at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.

AirTran Airways, based in Orlando, Fla., operates the world's largest low-cost carrier hub at Hartsfield-Jackson and has a considerable economic impact on the city, state and region. The low-cost carrier is the 25th largest employer in Atlanta and employs more than 6,000 Crew Members in the state.

"Finalizing our long-term lease with the city of Atlanta brings economic certainty to the airline and sets the platform for future growth," said Bob Fornaro, AirTran Airways' chairman, president and chief executive officer. "This agreement is good for the city, AirTran Airways and fans of low fares around the nation."

The carrier is the second largest airline at the world's busiest airport serving dozens of destinations around the country and throughout the Caribbean.

"AirTran Airways plays an important role at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for the residents, business leaders and visitors to our City," said Mayor Kasim Reed. "In addition, AirTran is deeply involved in the community. This agreement between the City of Atlanta and AirTran Airways is a strong example of how a robust public/private partnership can spur economic growth and prosperity for the Atlanta region."

AirTran Airways has a major presence in the metro Atlanta area. In addition to flight operations at the airport, the airline also operates pilot and flight attendant bases, a maintenance hangar and base, two reservations centers, marketing and sales, security offices and corporate and flight training centers in the area. AirTran Airways is also a proud sponsor of the Atlanta Falcons, flying a specially-designed Boeing 717, Falcons 1, in honor of this unique partnership with the city and the team.

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GSU unveils small business tax credit calculator for health reform

2010-09-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Georgia State University researchers have unveiled a small business tax credit calculator to help employers crunch the numbers to see if they’re eligible for health reform credits under the new law.

The tool, called the 50-State Health Reform Calculator for Small Businesses, will help small employers, including non-profits, determine if they’re eligible for tax subsidies to cover part of the cost of health insurance starting this year. It is the first comprehensive nationwide calculator for all states. It can be accessed at www.gsu.edu/ghpc.

“We’re trying to provide information for employers about the impact and effects of health reform on their business decisions,” said Bill Custer, associate professor and director of the Institute of Health Administration in the J. Mack Robinson College of Business.

Small businesses, or employers with fewer than 25 full time employees making less than $50,000, may be eligible for tax credits to help cover the cost of insurance starting this year.

Incentives are being offered because as premiums have increased, the number of workers with employer-sponsored health coverage has declined.

Custer, with associate professor Patricia Ketsche, also of the Institute of Health Administration, developed the tool in collaboration with the Georgia Health Policy Center in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, the Florida Public Health Institute and the Center for Mississippi Health Policy.

The Georgia Health Policy Center has spearheaded a collaborative effort to break down the complexities of the nation’s health reform law through a series of policy briefs. The latest is “Health Reform Implications for Employers,” which was released last week (http://bit.ly/9u3z4q).

Other topics have included state and community implications and the impact to health care providers. Many states have come to the center to request a breakdown of health reform and its impact in their localities.

The calculator is the latest tool being offered in a series intended to help consumers, employers, providers and policy makers understand health reform.

“This has been a great opportunity to not only partner across Georgia State University, but with other states, to bring relevant information about health reform to those who will be impacted by the law,” said Karen Minyard, executive director of the Georgia Health Policy Center. “Our group’s goal from the beginning has been to interpret, share, and apply what is learned to real world situations.”

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German-based Plastics Manufacturer Locates Plant in Elberton

2010-08-26T15:51:00.000-04:00

Moeller Tech to create 75 jobs, invest $9.75 million
Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Bielefeld, Germany-based plastics manufacturer Moeller Tech will locate a manufacturing plant in Elberton. The project is expected to create 75 direct jobs, and represents a $9.75 million investment.

“Georgia has a vibrant advanced manufacturing industry that is aided by our strategic assets like QuickStart,” said Governor Perdue. “Our talented workforce, transportation network and location make our state an ideal home to growing advanced manufacturing companies.”

A division of the Möller Group, Moeller Tech produces injection molded plastic parts for the automotive industry. The company’s Elberton plant will manufacture plastic injection molding for BMW. In addition to BMW, Moeller Tech’s primary customers include Volkswagen, Mercedes, Toyota and Honda.

“It has been an exciting time for MollerTech to find a home and set up a new plant in a Southern state to supply our automotive customers. We looked across different states and were very pleased to settle in Elberton,” said Moeller Tech CEO Wolfgang Bruns. “We found that the plant, together with the attitude and commitment from the local community and Development Authority was second to none, and we look forward to a long, healthy and prosperous future together.”

Elbert County was certified as one of Georgia’s Certified Work Ready Communities of Excellence in December 2009. This community is home to a highly-skilled pool of talent for operations such as the Moeller Tech manufacturing operation, which will facilitate the company’s efforts to staff its local workforce. The Georgia Work Ready program works with counties throughout Georgia to ensure that the state’s workforce remains a primary competitive advantage. Moeller Tech will locate in an existing 130,000-square-foot Elberton facility already outfitted for plastics manufacturing.

“We are excited Moeller Tech chose Elbert County for its manufacturing plant, and look forward to welcoming the company to our corporate community,” said Jackson McConnell, chairman of the Development Authority of Elbert County. “This project represents the successful collaboration between the state, county, city and company representatives to secure this location. I look forward to the positive economic impact Moeller Tech will bring to our county and this region.”

Georgia’s nationally recognized Quick Start workforce training program will assist Moeller Tech’s manufacturing operation in preparing new hires for work at the Elberton facility. Quick Start provides customized workforce training free-of-charge as an incentive for companies to create new jobs in Georgia.

Georgia Department of Economic Development senior project manager Chip Mitchell assisted the company with this location.

About The Möller Group
The Möller Group is a privately owned company now in its eighth generation of family management. Its success is based on the Group’s global orientation and innovative technological know-how. The Möller Group’s core expertise lies in the areas of plastics technology and the manufacture of flexible products.

US Labor Department's OSHA cites SeaWorld of Florida following animal trainer's death

2010-08-23T12:31:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited SeaWorld of Florida LLC for three safety violations, including one classified as willful, following the death of an animal trainer in February. The total penalty is $75,000.

"SeaWorld recognized the inherent risk of allowing trainers to interact with potentially dangerous animals," said Cindy Coe, OSHA's regional administrator in Atlanta, Ga. "Nonetheless, it required its employees to work within the pool walls, on ledges and on shelves where they were subject to dangerous behavior by the animals."

On Feb. 24, a six-ton killer whale grabbed a trainer and pulled her under the water during what SeaWorld describes as a "relationship session," which was also observed by park guests. Video footage shows the killer whale repeatedly striking and thrashing the trainer, and pulling her under water even as she attempted to escape. The autopsy report describes the cause of death as drowning and traumatic injuries.

OSHA's investigation revealed that this animal was one of three killer whales involved in the death of an animal trainer in 1991 at Sea Land of the Pacific in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. SeaWorld had forbidden trainers from swimming with this whale because of his dangerous past behavior, but allowed trainers to interact with the whale, including touching him, while the trainers were lying on the pool edge in shallow water.

In addition to the history with this whale, the OSHA investigation revealed that SeaWorld trainers had an extensive history of unexpected and potentially dangerous incidents involving killer whales at its various facilities, including its location in Orlando. Despite this record, management failed to make meaningful changes to improve the safety of the work environment for its employees.

"All employers are obligated to assess potential risks to the safety and health of their employees and take actions to mitigate those risks," said Les Grove, OSHA's area director in Tampa, Fla. "In facilities that house wild animals, employers need to assess the animals under their care and to minimize human-animal interaction if there is no safe way to reliably predict animal behavior under all conditions."

OSHA has issued one willful citation to SeaWorld for exposing its employees to struck-by and drowning hazards when interacting with killer whales. The agency defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.

A serious citation is being issued for exposing employees to a fall hazard by failing to install a stairway railing system on the front side, left bridge of the "Believe" stage in Shamu Stadium. OSHA issues a serious citation when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

One other-than-serious violation has been issued for failing to equip outdoor electrical receptacles in Shamu Stadium with weatherproof enclosures. An other-than-serious violation is described as a situation that relates to job safety and health that would not likely cause death or serious physical harm.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Tampa or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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Marietta Business Association Announces "Thriving in the New Economy"

2010-08-21T21:53:00.000-04:00

September 1, 2010 · 12pm until 8pm
Cobb County Civic Center
548 South Marietta Parkway
Marietta, GA 30060

F E A T U R I N G
Job Seeker Workshops · Small Business Workshops
Business Showcases

Sign up at www.mariettabusiness.biz or contact Lynda Hale,2010 EXPO Chairman, at 404.435.6852 or lynda_hale@comcast.net

Entrance Cost: $5.00 at Door includes workshops and expo admission

First Quality Baby Products Announces Macon Modernization Project

2010-08-21T21:22:00.000-04:00

Absorbent hygiene products manufacturer increasing Macon presence

Governor Sonny Perdue announced Friday that First Quality Baby Products, LLC, a Great Neck, New York-based manufacturer of absorbent hygiene products, will modernize and expand its manufacturing presence in Bibb County. The company plans to invest up to $200 million and bring its employee count to 375 over the coming years at the company’s Macon facilities.

“Since acquiring its manufacturing operation in Georgia in 2008, First Quality has played a significant role in the Macon business community, and in Georgia's ever-growing advanced manufacturing sector,” said Governor Perdue. “We are always excited to see our existing industries grow and thrive in Georgia.”

First Quality will construct a diaper manufacturing facility, with construction scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter of 2010. First Quality’s current manufacturing operation in Macon produces multiple configurations of private label baby diapers and training pants for major retailers. The company’s expanded Macon operation will serve markets throughout the Southeast.

“First Quality is very pleased to expand our relationship with Macon-Bibb County, Georgia, and we look forward to working together to create real opportunities here with all our partners, both in government and the private sector, that will benefit the entire community,” said Bob Schiek, director of manufacturing for First Quality. “The strength of our existing workforce as well as our confidence in the pool of skilled labor contributed to the decision for First Quality to commit to Macon-Bibb County. As important, however, is the pro-business environment that you have created here in Georgia, especially in Macon-Bibb County.”

The new First Quality diaper manufacturing plant in Macon will make use of high-tech manufacturing advancements utilized at the company’s other recently completed plant in Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

“First Quality’s culture is focused on producing high quality products in their market segments and on exceeding customer expectations,” said Sam Hart, Chairman of the Bibb County Commission. “Based on my visit to their facilities in Pennsylvania last fall I would say they excel in both areas. We are proud to partner with First Quality to both retain good jobs and generate new employment opportunities for the citizens of our community! We look forward to a long and productive relationship.”

“First Quality is a great fit for our community, and is a high performing, high quality organization with a proven track record since its founding more than 20 years ago,” said Robert Reichert, Mayor of the City of Macon. “I am proud that the company has chosen to expand its presence in our community!”

“First Quality’s new facility in Macon validates our efforts to recruit high-tech manufacturing operations to Bibb County,” said Clifford Whitby, Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority chairman. “We are both pleased and honored that the owners of First Quality have chosen to make their latest investment in our community, and see this as the beginning of a long and productive relationship between First Quality and our community!”

Jennifer Nelson, Georgia Department of Economic Development deputy director of Existing Industry & Regional Recruitment, assisted the company and community with this project.

About First Quality Enterprises, Inc.
Founded in 1990, First Quality Enterprises, Inc. and its affiliates are a closely-held diversified group of companies manufacturing, selling and distributing branded and private label absorbent hygiene, paper and non-woven products into the healthcare, retail and commercial channels. First Quality is dedicated to meeting the demands of the market by providing innovative and high-quality products manufactured utilizing state of the art technology. For more information please visit www.firstquality.com.
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Jekyll Island Authority Board Boasts Bright Outlook at Annual Meeting

2010-08-18T16:17:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) Board along with executive staff members of the JIA met for its regular monthly meeting. As the designated Annual Meeting, election of new board officers was held. Chairman Bob Krueger has been reappointed to an additional term as Board Chairman by Governor Perdue, Steve Croy was re-elected as Vice Chairman and Mike Hodges was reelected Secretary. Revitalization updates were briefly presented along with reports from the finance, personnel and marketing committees.

"I'm pleased to continue the important work of Jekyll revitalization," said Krueger. "We are in a critical stage, but with the support of this dedicated board, excellent staff and a superb plan I have no doubt that we will accomplish our goals and restore Jekyll Island to its proper place as a premier and unique public beach destination."

Revitalization construction plans on the Flash Foods gas and convenience store and Dairy Queen Grill & Chill restaurant are moving forward. Robert Williams, the Director of Maintenance and Construction for Flash Foods out of Waycross, GA, presented a revised construction plan at the board meeting. Construction has not progressed as quickly as planned due to construction priorities within Flash Foods. The construction is now slated for a completion by January 2011.

Good news was reported on the current state of the JIA's finances, giving this fiscal year a positive start. Revenues for July 2010 exceeded July 2009 revenues by 9% and hotel revenue was up 23%. The largest increases for JIA operations were achieved at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Summer Waves Water Park and the parking fees collected at the Greeting Station.

"July is a crucial month for Jekyll financially," said Mike Hodges, Chair of the Finance Committee. "I'm pleased to see such a significant increase in Jekyll Island's earnings in spite of tough economic times."

In addition to the solid financial report, two of Jekyll Island's resorts were acknowledged for their recent awards. The Jekyll Island Days Inn &Suites was the recipient of the Smith Travel Research (STR) Best Performing Award for the Economy Chain Segment as the number one hotel out of 10,000 in its class. Pinkerton & Laws of Georgia, Inc. received the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) Excellence Award in the commercial $5-$15M category for the construction of the Jekyll Island Hampton Inn & Suites.

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Georgia Manufacturer of Food Service Equipment Hardware Pays $3.3 Million Fine for Role in Customer Allocation Conspiracy

2010-08-18T11:58:00.000-04:00

A New York corporation, whose principal place of business is Newnan, Ga., was sentenced to pay a $3.3 million criminal fine for conspiring to allocate customers in the food service equipment hardware market, including walk-in refrigeration equipment, the Department of Justice announced August 17.

Kason Industries Inc., a food service equipment manufacturer, pleaded guilty on May 19, 2010, in U.S. District Court in Atlanta. Kason Industries and its former president, Peter A. Katz, were charged on May 6, 2010, with one count of participating in a conspiracy from December 2004 until at least December 2008, to allocate customers for food service equipment hardware sold in the United States and elsewhere. The department said that the purpose of the conspiracy was to reduce and eliminate competition in the sale of the food service equipment hardware manufactured or sold by Kason Industries, Katz and their co-conspirators. Katz, who also pleaded guilty, is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 5, 2011.

Food service equipment hardware includes fabricated parts, such as cafeteria hardware, equipment legs and casters, and fabrication supplies, and walk-in refrigeration components, such as metal racks, door hinges, handles, latches, closers and panel fasteners.

According to court documents, Katz and co-conspirators agreed during meetings and telephone and e-mail discussions to allocate customers of food service equipment hardware; not to compete for one another’s protected customers or to submit intentionally high prices or bids to certain customers; to exchange prices to customers so as not to undercut one another’s prices; and to sell food service equipment hardware at collusive and noncompetitive prices.

Yesterday’s sentencing is the result of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation of customer allocation in the food service equipment hardware industry. The investigation is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s Atlanta Field Office and the FBI’s Atlanta Office.

Anyone with information concerning customer allocation or other anticompetitive conduct in the food service equipment hardware industry should contact the Antitrust Division’s Atlanta Field Office at 404-331-7100 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.htm.

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Great Dane Trailers to Open Plant in Statesboro

2010-08-17T22:00:00.000-04:00

World’s top trailer manufacturer to create 400-plus jobs

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Great Dane Trailers will construct a new manufacturing facility in Statesboro, investing $33.5 million and creating more than 400 jobs over the next four years.

“We are very pleased that Great Dane’s experience with our business-friendly environment in the state has motivated the company to expand their presence here,” said Governor Perdue. “Great Dane is an important part of the nation’s supply-chain logistics infrastructure, and Georgia’s deep background and workforce expertise in both logistics and manufacturing is an ideal match for the company’s needs.”

The facility will manufacture refrigerated trailers for Great Dane, the world’s leading trailer manufacturer, and the advanced technology featured in the Statesboro plant will rank the facility the most efficient Great Dane plant in the world. Construction for the new 450,000-square-foot facility will begin in 2011 and the plant will open in 2012. The company will utilize the services of Georgia Quick Start, the state’s top-ranked workforce training program, in equipping its workforce with the skills they need to operate the plant the day it opens.

“Choosing to build our new plant in the state of Georgia offered Great Dane the prime Southeast location necessary to more efficiently serve our customers in this region,” said company President and Chief Operating Officer Phill Pines. “Even more importantly, the site allows us to continue building Great Dane’s rich legacy in this state.”

Great Dane, which produces dry vans, refrigerated and platform trailers, is known for its innovation, technology and quality. The company was founded in Savannah in 1900 as the Savannah Blowpipe Company, and the first Great Dane trailer ever built was assembled at its Savannah plant, which closed in 2009. Great Dane still maintains one of its two division offices in Savannah, home of its sales, marketing, engineering, and research and development center.

The company has seven other strategically located manufacturing plants in the U.S. In addition, Great Dane utilizes a network of company-owned branches, full-line independent dealers, and parts-only independent dealers and has distribution points across North and South America.

“We are proud to welcome Great Dane Trailers to Bulloch County. Our entire region will benefit from these much desired manufacturing jobs. We are confident that our community and Great Dane will enjoy a long, mutually rewarding partnership,” said David Holland, chairman of the Development Authority of Bulloch County. Bulloch County is a Certified Work Ready Community.

“Great Dane coming to Bulloch County is going to be an outstanding partnership,” said State Sen. Jack Hill. “This very fine company is a good fit for the community and I know will be welcomed with good old- fashioned Southern hospitality. I salute the leadership of Bulloch County for a job well done and we all appreciate the hard work by the Department of Economic Development to bring this industry to Bulloch County.” Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Regional Project Manager Chris Pumphrey assisted the company with its location.
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Rate of Wage Growth Likely to Turn Around, BNA Index Predicts

2010-08-17T09:32:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The pace of wage growth in the private sector likely will pick up in the coming months from recent historic lows, according to the preliminary third quarter Wage Trend Indicator(TM) (WTI) released today by BNA, a leading publisher of specialized news and information.

The WTI rose to 96.97 (second quarter 1976 = 100) from 96.85 in the second quarter. If confirmed by the revised and final readings, it would be the index's first gain in more than two years, ending nine straight quarterly declines, dating back to early 2008.

"The increase in the latest WTI is pointing to an improvement in labor market conditions -- albeit a small one," economist Kathryn Kobe, a consultant who maintains and helped develop BNA's WTI database, said. "The rate of wage increases should show a turnaround in the coming months, but I think it's going to be a slow change in that direction," Kobe said.

Year-over-year wage and salary increases for private sector employees in the coming months are expected to equal or exceed the 1.6 percent recorded over the 12 months ended in June, as measured by the Department of Labor's employment cost index (ECI). During the past year, the rate of annual wage growth has ranged from a record low of 1.4 percent to 1.6 percent.

Reflecting recent labor market conditions, three of the WTI's seven components made positive contributions to the preliminary third quarter reading, while two components were negative and two others were neutral.

Over its history, the WTI has predicted a turning point in wage trends six to nine months before the trends are apparent in the ECI. A sustained decline in the WTI is predictive of a deceleration in the rate of private sector wage increases, while a sustained increase forecasts greater pressure to raise wages.

Contributions of Components

Of the WTI's seven components, the three positive components in the preliminary third quarter reading were job losers as a share of the labor force, from DOL; industrial production, measured by the Federal Reserve Board; and the share of employers planning to hire production and service workers in the coming months, also shown in BNA's quarterly Employment Outlook Survey. The negative contributors were the unemployment rate, reported by DOL, and economic forecasters' expectations for the rate of inflation, compiled by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Two components were neutral: the proportion of employers reporting difficulty in filling professional and technical jobs, tracked by BNA's employment survey, and average hourly earnings of production and nonsupervisory workers, from DOL.

BNA's Wage Trend Indicator(TM) is designed to serve as a yardstick for employers, analysts, and policymakers to identify turning points in private sector wage patterns. It also provides timely information for business and human resource analysts and executives as they plan for year-to-year changes in compensation costs.

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