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

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.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

HBCU Alum and Branding Guru Selected to Appear on Tom Joyner Morning Show

LaVon Lewis to Speak on Benefit of Attending an HBCU for Building His Business

Branding guru and Chief Cre8ive Officer of Pencilworx Design Group, LaVon Lewis, will appear on the nationally-syndicated radio program, the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Twenty-nine year old Lewis was invited on the program as part of the show’s tribute to historically black colleges and universities (HBCU). Lewis will speak on how his decision to attend the HBCU, Alabama A&M, has played a role in his success as an entrepreneur today.

“I’m privileged to have been selected by Alabama A&M to represent the university as a distinguished alumnus on the Tom Joyner Morning Show,” said Lewis. “I started my business in my college dorm room at A&M and even landed my first client on that campus. It’s quite an honor that my accomplishments thus far as an entrepreneur can be a source of inspiration and an example of what an HBCU can offer young people.”

Lewis has won over 40 awards for his work in the marketing and graphic design industry. Recently he was named the Atlanta Regional Minority Technology Firm of the Year by the U.S Department of Commerce. He frequently hosts seminars based on tips from his how-to book on small business branding, “Today is a Great Day for a WOW Image.” Over the years Lewis has accumulated a prestigious roster of clients including Focus Brands (Cinnabon, Schlotzkys Deli, etc.) Atlanta mega church Newbirth, gospel musician Marvin Winans Jr., InterContinental Hotel Group, and many more.

The Tom Joyner Morning Show features hosts Tom Joyner, Sybil Wilkes, J. Anthony Brown, Ms. Dupre and Myra J. for four hours of news, comedy, music and more every weekday morning. The program weaves together an upbeat, energetic and laugh-filled show with the celebrity guest appearances (among them: Bill Clinton, Spike Lee, Wesley Snipes, Babyface, Seal and Oprah Winfrey), a radio soap opera (It's Your World) and the frequent call-ins from listeners.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Hunter Realty Associates, Inc. Names Gary C. Mills Vice President

Will Oversee Brokerage Operations of Newly Opened Dallas Office

Officials from Hunter Realty Associates, Inc., a leading national hotel investment services firm, today announced that Gary C. Mills has joined the company as vice president. A Dallas, Texas resident, he will oversee the brokerage operations of the firm’s new Dallas office.

“As our brokerage service continues to grow, we continue to seek out the best talent in key markets to help establish our expertise in new locations,” said Teague Hunter, president of Hunter Realty Associates, Inc. “Gary brings with him more than three decades of hospitality industry experience in numerous markets across multiple segments. Particularly with his longstanding local reputation and knowledge, he is an ideal choice to spearhead our planned growth in the Southwest.”

Mills spent more than 18 years with Hilton Hotels leading their development efforts in the Southwest U.S. With over thirty years experience in the hotel industry, he has orchestrated strategies to develop, own, acquire, improve and dispose of hotel assets. Additional industry experience includes founding a hotel development company, as well as holding senior management positions at Westmont Hospitality, John Q Hammons, Holiday Inn, Laventhol & Horwath and Compri Hotels. Mills received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pa.

About Hunter Realty Associates, Inc.
Hunter Realty Associates, Inc., founded in 1978, has offices in Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and Minneapolis, Minn. The firm’s exclusive focus is in hotel brokerage and financing. For more information or to view current listings, please visit www.hunterhotels.net or contact the company at 770-916-0300 in Atlanta, 301-215-7507 in Washington, D.C. or 952-837-6207 in Minneapolis.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Accounting Resources’ Alice Reeves Completes QuickBooks Certification to Help Local Small Businesses Better Manage Their Finances

Georgia Resident is Latest Accounting Professional to Join Nationally-recognized Group of Intuit QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisors

Fayette County-based businesses looking for help with Intuit QuickBooks® accounting software can now get assistance from a local accounting professional. Alice Reeves of Accounting Resources in Fayetteville has completed Intuit’s coursework and examination and is now accredited as an official QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor® for QuickBooks 2008 & 2009. Intuit is a leading provider of business and financial management solutions for small businesses, consumers and accounting professionals.

Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors are independent accounting professionals and consultants who work with small businesses that have completed a comprehensive training curriculum developed by Intuit. Alice Reeves is now available to help local small businesses better manage their finances and prepare for tax reporting with specialized training, software installation and customization, as well as recommendations on QuickBooks add-ons that can benefit their businesses.

“Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors represent those professionals who have demonstrated not only their expertise in QuickBooks, but also their commitment to excellence,” said Jody Weir, Intuit’s manager of the QuickBooks ProAdvisor program.

“Our aim is to provide a level of service that goes beyond financial reporting,” says Alice Reeves. “We offer a combination of accounting and software expertise, along with the personal understanding that comes from being a part of the business community ourselves.”

About Accounting Resources
Accounting Resources is unique in their approach to accounting, offering individualized services. In additional to support and training for QuickBooks® they provide monthly write-up, check writing, payroll processing, preparation of sales tax returns and individual and corporate tax returns. Accounting Resources provides quality services at a fair price and in a timely manner. Contact them at 770-632-5562.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Obama Administration Announces Efforts to Increase Access to Contracting Opportunities for Minority-Owned, Small Businesses

Secretary Locke, Administrator Mills will lead government-wide initiative; federal officials to participate in more than 200 procurement events across the country

Yesterday the Obama Administration reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that minority-owned and small businesses, including women- and veteran-owned businesses, have greater access to federal government contracting opportunities.

Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Small Business Administrator Karen Mills announced a government-wide plan that includes federal agency procurement officials holding or participating in more than 200 events over the next 90 days to share information on government contracting opportunities, including those available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“Small and minority-owned businesses must play a significant role in our efforts to restore economic growth. Small businesses employ half of the nation’s private sector workforce; create a large share of the Nation’s new jobs; and introduce many groundbreaking ideas into the marketplace,” President Barack Obama said. “It is essential that we provide our Nation’s small businesses with maximum practicable opportunity to participate in Federal Government contracting.

“In order for the Federal Government to better meet or exceed the goal of 23 percent of prime contracts for small businesses, Vice President Biden and I have tasked Small Business Administrator Karen Mills and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke with leading a federal government-wide initiative to increase outreach,” Obama continued. “Over the course of the next ninety days agency officials will take an important step forward by holding or participating in more than two-hundred events focused on sharing information on government contracting opportunities.”

“In these tough economic times, the Recovery Act is providing billions of dollars in opportunity and incentives to help businesses grow – and the President and I are committed to ensuring that small and minority-owned businesses are part of our economic recovery every step of the way,” said Vice President Joe Biden. “By taking advantage of the expertise of an array of companies, we are going to be able to build a stronger, more secure foundation for long-term economic growth.”

“It has been a priority from day one of this administration to ensure that small and minority-owned businesses are aware of and have access to federal contracts and funding opportunities,” Locke said. “Over the past 40 years, minority-owned businesses have grown from 300,000 to nearly 4 million today. Their success and the success of small American businesses are vital to our economic recovery.”

“Government contracts can play a key role in helping small businesses turn the corner in terms of expansion and job creation,” Mills said. “But make no mistake, the benefits the government receives are equally as impressive – working with small businesses allows the federal government to work with some of the most innovative companies in America – with direct line to CEO”

As part of the Commerce-SBA initiative, over the next 90 days:

· Federal agency procurement officials will hold or participate in more than 200 events to share information on government contracting opportunities, including those available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
· SBA and Commerce will expand their outreach to fellow contracting officials across the federal government, passing along best practices for outreach and education to every agency to ensure they have the tools they need to meet their annual contracting goals.
· Locke and Mills will promote small business contracting opportunities in remarks, events and discussions with small business groups across the country, including minority, women and veteran groups.

Beyond the next 90 days, Commerce and SBA will support, monitor and track the impact of these efforts going forward to help ensure the Administration is maximizing opportunities for small businesses.

Small business owners can find out about federal contracting opportunities by visiting www.fedbizopps.gov. Local Commerce and SBA officials are also available in local offices across the country to assist small businesses interested in contracting opportunities. Contact information for local offices can be found www.commerce.gov and www.sba.gov.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Fayette Chamber Presents Speed Networking Aug 25

The Fayette County Chamber is hosting a Speed Networking event on Tuesday, August 25, 7:30 am – 9:00 am at the Chamber.

Speed Networking is a fun, effective way to make a lot of business connections in a short, structured period of time Networking guru, Wendy Kinney of Ready Set Go Make Money will facilitate the event and provide tips and feedback. Chamber members and non-members are welcome to attend at no cost – registration is required. Online registration is available at www.FayetteChamber.org.

The Fayette Chamber is comprised of diverse member businesses and organizations working together to strengthen our local economy. Their mission is to provide businesses with tools, resources and visionary leadership which will positively impact community sustainability. Through Chamber networking events like Business After Hours, Business to Business Luncheons, and the new Speed Networking opportunity, valuable relationships can be built that will help businesses grow and prosper.

For information on other Chamber programs, contact the office at 770.461.9983. The Chamber is located on the 1st floor of the old courthouse building at 200 Courthouse Square, Fayetteville.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Stites & Harbison Welcomes David Janet

Stites & Harbison welcomed attorney David M. Janet to the Atlanta office recently. Mr. Janet joined the firm as counsel.

He is a member of both the Business & Finance and the Intellectual Property & Technology Service Groups. His practice focuses on licensing and transactional matters in the technology, telecommunications, software, life sciences, financial services and entertainment business sectors.

Prior to joining Stites & Harbison (www.stites.com), Mr. Janet’s practice included work for law firms in Virginia, D.C., California and Georgia. He also worked as general counsel for an established technology services and data mining company in Virginia.

Mr. Janet received his J.D., with High Honors, from Duke University Law School, Durham, N.C., in 1992, and his B.A. in Economics, summa cum laude, from the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Va., in 1989. He is admitted to practice in Georgia, Virginia, the District of Columbia and Pennsylvania.

About Stites & Harbison
Stites & Harbison, PLLC, is a regional business and litigation firm with attorneys in Atlanta; Alexandria, Va.; Jeffersonville, Ind.; Louisville, Frankfort and Lexington, Ky.; and Nashville and Franklin, Tenn. Tracing its origins to 1832, Stites & Harbison is one of the oldest law practices in the nation and among the largest law firms in the Southeast. Our attorneys are consistently recognized by their peers in the following leading legal directories: Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory®, The Best Lawyers in America®, Chambers USA and Super Lawyers magazine. Recent firm honors include being named: one of the 50 Best Overall Law Firms in America (Global Research), one of the Leading Law Firms in America (The American Lawyer), a Go-To Law Firm® (Corporate Counsel), one of the Top 100 Law Firms for Diversity (MultiCultural Law Magazine) and a Top 10 Growth Firm (National Law Journal).
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

“Myths and Realities of Small Minority Business Financing” from Clayton State SBDC

The Clayton State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host “Myths and Realities of Small Minority Business Financing,” a workshop that will explain the realities of entrepreneurship, on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Clayton County Headquarters Library, 865 Battle Creek Rd., Jonesboro, Ga. Admission is free.

Topics discussed will include reasons for starting a business, financing sources and business expectations.

The class will also offer information about SBA programs, the realities of entrepreneurship, reasons for starting a small business and business expectations. Also covered will be debt and equity financing, nontraditional sources of capital, and preparing a loan or financing proposal will be covered. Options for financing will be reviewed with specific recommendations for next steps in the financing process.

Register online at www.business.clayton.edu/sbdc.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Federal Minimum Wage will Increase to $7.25 on July 24

Millions of workers across 30 states will see more money in their paychecks

The U.S. Department of Labor reminds employers and employees that the federal minimum wage will increase to $7.25 on Friday, July 24. With this change, employees who are covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be entitled to pay no less than $7.25 per hour.

“This administration is committed to improving the lives of working families across the nation, and the increase in the minimum wage is another important step in the right direction,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “This well-deserved increase will help workers better provide for their families in the face of today’s economic challenges. I am especially pleased that the change will benefit working women, who make up two-thirds of minimum wage earners.”

This increase is the last of three provided by the enactment of the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, which amended the FLSA to increase the federal minimum wage in three steps: to $5.85 per hour effective July 24, 2007; to $6.55 per hour effective July 24, 2008; and now to $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. The latest change will directly benefit workers in 30 states (Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming) where the state minimum wage is currently at or below the federal minimum wage or there is no state minimum wage. It will also benefit workers in the District of Columbia, where the minimum wage is required to be $1 more than the federal minimum wage.

A family with a full-time minimum wage earner would see its monthly income increase by about $120. That is more than a week’s worth of groceries for an average family of four or more than one week’s utility bills. The $120 buys three tanks of gas for a small car. The $120 would easily cover the cost of replacing all the light bulbs in a typical home with compact fluorescent light bulbs — which would save the family money in the long term and be an important step toward a greener country. The benefits are not just for full-time workers. About half of minimum wage workers are part-timers, and they, too, are going to see a very welcome boost to their incomes.

Every employer of workers subject to the FLSA’s minimum wage provisions must post, and keep posted in each of its establishments, a notice explaining this act. The notice must be posted in conspicuous places to permit employees to readily read them. Posters and other compliance assistance materials concerning the minimum wage increase are available free of charge from the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division and may also be obtained from the agency’s Web site at http://www.wagehour.dol.gov.

Many states have minimum wage laws with provisions that differ from the federal law. When an employer is subject to both, the employer must pay the higher of the two rates.

Employers and employees seeking more compliance information on the increased minimum wage may call the Wage and Hour Division’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Facebook and Your Business? SBDC Workshop Shows How to Reach 200 Million

At the moment there are more than 200 million people on the best-known of the social networking websites – Facebook. However, Facebook’s phenomenal growth isn’t just a social phenomenon. It’s a business tool as well.

The fact is that Facebook is becoming an important tool for business owners looking to market to clients. On Monday, Aug. 3, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Clayton State University will be holding an interactive session for individuals who want to take advantage of Facebook for something more than social reasons. “Utilizing Facebook for Your Business” shows how to develop a company Face page as well as how to create events and groups, and how to conduct other business on Facebook.

“Utilizing Facebook for Your Business” will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in room T-152 of the Clayton State School of Business Building. The cost is $69 per person, and users are encouraged to bring their laptop computers so they can learn how to navigate the application as it is being shown in class.

For further information, or to register, please call the SBDC office at (678) 466-5100.
A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Rep. Ramsey to Speak to Young Professionals of Fayette County

Professionals ages 21-39 are invited to join join Young Professionals of Fayette County for their next Business to Business Breakfast to be held on Wednesday July 29th, 8:30am at the Four Season's Café in PTC on Huddleston Rd.

All attendees pay $10/pp, which includes the breakfast buffet and your seat to hear guest speaker Matt Ramsey, Georgia State Representative. He will update us on the Current Issues before the Georgia General Assembly. Please be sure to RSVP by Wednesday, July 22 to Diva Thomas at dthomas@bbandt.com to reserve your seat!

We also need your help collecting items for Gracie's Closet. Gracie's Closet provides clothing, free of charge, to foster children on both the south side as well as Metro Atlanta. The following items are much appreciated:

- New or gently used infant, child and teen clothing
- Pajamas
- Socks and underwear (new)
- Children's shoes
- Diaper wipes and diapers
- Baby powder, lotion, diaper rash ointment and infant shampoo
- Baby gear (diaper bags, infant carriers, baby swings, etc.)
- Baby blankets and linens
- Baby bottles, sippy cups, bibs and pacifiers (new)
- Children's books
- Children's toiletries such as toothpaste and shampoo
- School supplies and bookbags
- Suitcases
- Jackets and Coats

Please visit our website www.ypfayette.com today for more information about YP Fayette!
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Brightworth Partners Ranked Among Top Wealth Advisors for Client Satisfaction

Brightworth partners Dave Polstra, Chris Dardaman, Alan Gotthardt and Ray Padron have been selected as 2009 FIVE STAR: Best in Client Satisfaction Wealth Managers SM for metro Atlanta.

More than 147,000 metro Atlanta residents and 14,400 financial service professionals were surveyed to determine the wealth managers who ranked in the top 7 percent for “best in client satisfaction.”

“Exceptional client satisfaction is at the core of who we are,” said Dave Polstra, Founding Partner of Brightworth. “We are greatly honored to be recognized for providing Five Star service.”

Survey recipients were asked to select only wealth managers whom they knew through personal experience, and to evaluate them based upon nine criteria: customer service, integrity, knowledge/expertise, communication, value for fee charged, meeting of financial objectives, post-sale-service, quality of recommendations and overall satisfaction.

Only wealth managers with five years of experience in the financial services industry were considered and each wealth manager was reviewed for regulatory actions, civil judicial actions and customer complaints as reported by FINRA (the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) and other regulatory agencies.

Before finalizing the list, each wealth manager was reviewed by a blue-ribbon panel that was comprised of knowledgeable individuals from within the financial services industry. Although panelist comments were incorporated into the final score, safeguards were built into the review process to reduce the ability of panel members to influence the composition of the final list on the basis of company affiliation.

Brightworth (www.brightworth.com) is an independent, fee-only wealth management firm that serves entrepreneurs and high net worth families and individuals. The firm and its partners have been nationally ranked as one of Robb Report Worth Magazine’s 100 Most Exclusive Wealth Advisors, Mutual Funds magazine’s 100 Top Advisors, Wealth Manager magazine’s Top 150 Wealth Managers and Barron’s Indie 100 list of top independent financial advisors, and are members of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA).
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Georgia Seeks Exhibitors for Top World Air Show

Business opportunities abound for companies, communities at biennial Dubai Airshow

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is seeking Georgia export companies and communities interested in joining its delegation to the Dubai Airshow 2009 November 15 – 19 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). To help Georgia companies capitalize on the event, GDEcD has created affordable event packages targeting those who would not otherwise be able to travel to the Dubai Airshow.

“By teaming up with the state, Georgia companies have an outstanding and affordable opportunity to expand their presence and sales to critical world markets,” said Heidi Green, deputy commissioner for global commerce at GDEcD. “We are providing a unique targeted marketing strategy that will give added exposure and value to their efforts at the show.”

The biennial Dubai Airshow is the largest aviation event in the world’s fastest-growing region. In 2007, the show marked its 10th anniversary and attracted more than 850 exhibitors, 45,000 trade visitors, 140 aircraft and record-breaking orders of $155.5 billion. A major trader with the UAE, Georgia was ranked ninth in the U.S in exports to the UAE, totaling $426 million in 2008.

“Aventure has been active in the Middle East aviation arena for eight years now and has established working relationships with the region’s airlines and aviation organizations. Participating in the Dubai Air Show is an absolute must for us," said Zaheer Faruqi, president of Aventure International Aviation of Peachtree City. "Dubai is a perfect location for such an event, as it is not only recognized as the business hub for the Middle East, but also as the premier aerospace industry hub on a global level.”

Aerospace is one of the state’s leading strategic industries. Georgia is home to more than 200 aerospace and aviation businesses, including industry giants like Delta Air Lines, Gulfstream Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Cessna and Northrop Grumman.

GDEcD has developed an affordable participants’ exhibitor package for small- to medium-sized companies and communities that are working with limited marketing budgets. The final deadline for registration is August 15, 2009.

For complete details or to register for the trade mission, contact Kathy Oxford, senior trade manager, at 678-640-4351 or koxford@georgia.org. For more information, visit http://www.georgia.org/Business/International/Trade+News.htm
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Dillard's, Inc. Reports June Sales Results

Little Rock, Arkansas, July 9, 2009 -- Dillard's, Inc. (DDS: NYSE) ("Dillard's" or the "Company") announced today that merchandise sales ("sales") for the five weeks ended July 4, 2009 were $497,165,000 compared to sales for the five weeks ended July 5, 2008 of $593,285,000. Total sales decreased 16%. Sales in comparable stores decreased 14% for the five-week period.

Sales for the 22 weeks ended July 4, 2009 were $2,344,280,000 compared to sales for the 22 weeks ended July 5, 2008 of $2,773,160,000. Total sales decreased 15%. Sales in comparable stores decreased 13% for the 22-week period.

During the five weeks ended July 4, 2009, sales were above the average total Company trend in the Central region, slightly below trend in the Eastern region and below trend in the Western region. The sales performance in the home and furniture category was significantly below trend during the period.

Dillard's, Inc. is one of the nation's largest fashion apparel and home furnishing retailers. The Company's stores operate with one name, Dillard's, and span 29 states. Dillard's stores offer a broad selection of merchandise, including products sourced and marketed under Dillard's exclusive brand names.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Cambria and Atlanta Kitchen, Inc. form New Exclusive Partnership

Cambria, the only producer of natural quartz surfaces in the U.S., announced today that Decatur-based Atlanta Kitchen, Inc. is the latest Cambria fabricator business partner to be inducted into their Lexus Partner Program.

The Lexus Partner Program was designed by Cambria to further strengthen the relationships between Cambria and its fabricator partners as well as provide the highest possible service to the consumer. Atlanta Kitchen, Inc. is the ninth fabricator partner to be inducted into the program. Consolidated Kitchens & Fireplaces (Omaha, Neb.), Renaissance Marble & Tile (Urbandale, Iowa), TrendStone, LLC (Lenexa, Kan.), K & D Counter Tops, Inc. (Trenton, IL), StoneTrends, LLC (Chesterfield, MO) Smokey Mountain Tops (Knoxville, TN), Fine Line Pacific (Seattle, WA) and Floform Countertops (Winnipeg, Manitoba; Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta; and Regina and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) were inducted in 2008 and 2009.

“The Lexus Partner designation elevates and solidifies our deep partnership with Atlanta Kitchen, Inc.,” said Martin Davis, Cambria President and CEO. “This relationship demonstrates Cambria’s commitment to high-quality, very capable fabricators that set the standard for delivering exceptional products and outstanding customer service.”

Cambria Lexus Partners must meet specific criteria set by Cambria that includes sales success, exceptional quality and customer service and a commitment to marketing the Cambria brand. In return, Lexus Partners enjoy unique benefits from Cambria, including a guaranteed market position through exclusive fabrication and distribution in their marketplace; and dedicated Cambria sales, marketing and training support.

“We are excited about our new Lexus Partner status and look forward to further promoting the Cambria brand,” said Mitch Hires, co-owner of Atlanta Kitchen. “Atlanta Kitchen’s Lexus Partner status will strengthen our relationship with Cambria and create mutual growth and success for both companies.”

Cambria is sold to select fabricators across North America through a partnership model that celebrates a common vision and culture. The pinnacle of that model is the Lexus Partner Program, which formalizes Cambria’s commitment to highly evolved fabricator business partnerships that deliver mutual success. Cambria’s Lexus Partner fabricators are committed to innovation, hard work, are entrepreneurial-minded, and want to grow their businesses in partnership with Cambria.

As a leader in design innovation, Cambria offers more colors with unique design capabilities than any other surfacing material. Complementary colors from the Desert and Quarry collections offer unique opportunities to incorporate multiple colors on a variety of surfaces, creating more depth and character in a home. Cambria is available through builders, designers, architects and kitchen/bath retailers throughout all of North America.

Cambria is a stain resistant, nonporous surface that is harder, stronger and easier to care for than other stone surfaces because it does not require sealing with chemical-based conditioners, polishers or wax. Cambria is also certified by NSF International as safe for use as a food preparation surface—there is no safer surface available to consumers.

Cambria recycles and recovers 100 percent of the water used in its production processes through unique settling and filtering techniques. In addition, Cambria surfaces do not off-gas and contain zero formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Cambria surfaces have been tested for radon emissions by Air Quality Sciences, Inc. (AQS), an International Organization for Standard (ISO) 9001:2000 registered and ISO 17025 accredited Indoor Air Quality Company. Testing confirms Cambria natural quartz surfaces have no harmful emissions of any type.

Cambria surfaces are GREENGUARD for Children and Schools® certified and GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®. Cambria may help projects achieve LEED points towards certification under various LEED Green Building Rating Systems.

Primarily made from North American quartz, and as the only producer of natural quartz surfaces in the United States, Cambria has a lower carbon footprint when compared to other quartz products that are largely produced in the Middle East, Asia and Europe and require greater transportation and carbon resources en route to market.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Seminar on Changes in Labor Law Friday at Clayton State

To learn more about the impact the new Lilly Ledbetter Fair Play Act and other employment law changes will have on Georgia businesses, register for the Clayton State University School of Business’ Labor and Employment Law Seminar and Certification on Friday, June 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the classroom of the School of Business Building on the Clayton State main campus in Morrow.

The seminar will be taught by Dr. Judith Ogden, Clayton State University associate professor of Accounting, and S.L. Macey, a former judge from Indianapolis, In., and a graduate of Indiana University Law School who is currently an arbitrator in Colorado with Judicial Arbiter Group. The cost of the seminar is $99 and includes free parking, continental breakfast and lunch. For more information, call Dr. Michael Tidwell at (678) 466-4546 or go to: http://business.clayton.edu/registration.htm to register.

Other recent changes to employment law that will be discussed include:

New ADA and EEOC Regulations
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
New Family and Medical Leave Act Regulations
Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008
Several Recent Supreme Court Decisions

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

SMC³ Celebrates Tenth Annual “Varsity Day”

Community, government leaders and local businesses join SMC³ at its elegant new campus

SMC³, an industry association specializing in data services, technology tools and educational programs for the freight transportation industry, announces its celebration of two company milestones: the organization’s tenth anniversary as a Fayette community business and its recent completion of a campus environment developed for it and other local businesses to enjoy and grow within.

“We at SMC³ could not be more pleased with the choice made ten years ago to headquarter our business in Peachtree City,” commented Jack E. Middleton, SMC³ president and CEO. “The company’s annual “Varsity Day” event celebrates that success—our opportunity to show our long-term commitment to the community, and to be a good neighbor.”

Middleton also recalled the December 2008 completion of the company’s second local building, Commerce Pointe, which is adjacent to its corporate headquarters in the Commerce Center building. The addition of the new building has created a lush, wooded campus for SMC³ employees, as well as new and existing tenants, and “completes our vision set forth five years ago,” Middleton said.

Over 220 people attended yesterday’s tenth annual Varsity Day celebration, including members of the Peachtree City fire and police departments; SMC³ tenants, retirees and employees; and many friends of the company. Participants enjoyed a catered meal of Varsity restaurant mainstays, listened to entertainment from the band Timeless Highway, and used the opportunity to establish and reestablish personal and business relationships.

Peachtree City Mayor Harold Logsdon noted, “We’re just so proud of Jack. He’s got a successful business here, and we’re proud to have him in Peachtree City. We’re really proud of the company’s record first-quarter earnings in the economic downturn; that’s just a tribute to him, his leadership, and the entire SMC³ staff. And for him to make the investment in the new building says he’s confident in Peachtree City. And we’re confident in him.”

Since 1935, SMC³ has provided data, technology and education for the less-than-truckload (LTL) motor freight industry. SMC³’s customers include shippers, carriers, logistics service providers and freight payment companies. For more information about SMC³ and its products and services, visit www.smc3.com or call 770-486-5800. For information about space availability in the new Commerce Pointe building contact Quantum Commercial Real Estate at 770-486-8200 or visit www.quantumcre.com.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Georgia Collaboration Produces First Southeastern Center Focused on Developing Medical Devices

Global Center for Medical Innovation to support growth of medical device, technology industry

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that four of Georgia’s leading research and health care organizations have joined together to create an innovative new center that will accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation medical devices and medical technology. The first of its kind in the Southeast, the Global Center for Medical Innovation (GCMI) will include a comprehensive medical device prototyping center.

“By bringing together these public and private resources, we have provided a strong foundation for accelerating the growth of the medical device and medical technology industry in Georgia,” said Governor Perdue. “This partnership demonstrates the strengths Georgia provides industry through collaborations among its research universities, health care organizations and the Georgia Research Alliance.”

The Governor made the announcement during a press conference in the Georgia Pavilion at the 2009 BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the global biotechnology community. The convention is being held in Atlanta May 18 through May 21, its first-ever meeting in the southeastern United States.

Supported by the Georgia Institute of Technology, Saint Joseph’s Translational Research Institute (SJTRI), Piedmont Healthcare and the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA), the new center will bring together a complete medical device marketplace – which includes universities, research centers and clinicians; established drug and device companies; investors, and early-stage companies. The new center will be located adjacent to the Georgia Tech campus in Technology Enterprise Park.

“The convergence of the life sciences with engineering provides a unique opportunity to expand our technology in areas that will support the health care industry of the future,” said G. P. “Bud” Peterson, president of Georgia Tech. “The Global Center for Medical Innovation will bring together in one location the key infrastructure needed to rapidly move new medical devices and new medical technologies to market.”

The new center will include a complete medical device prototyping center and have the capability to produce evaluation devices using “good manufacturing practices” mandated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). It will also be able to manage, coordinate and aggregate intellectual property from the partner organizations and interested private companies.

The Saint Joseph’s Translational Research Institute (SJTRI), the research division of Saint Joseph’s Health System, will add the capability for preclinical studies of new devices and technologies. SJTRI has recently opened a new, state-of-the art, 32,000-square-foot preclinical research facility at Technology Enterprise Park. With the GCMI resources, it will provide a comprehensive set of services for developing, testing and prototyping medical innovations.

The leading-edge medical research conducted at the founding institutions will be the engine behind the new center. By bringing together physicians with direct experience at treating patients with scientists and engineers, GCMI will facilitate the development of technology that meets real-world medical needs.

“Physicians on the front lines of patient treatment have a very real appreciation of the need for new technology, but they often lack the resources to translate their ideas and solutions into new medical devices,” said Jay S. Yadav, M.D., chairman of the Piedmont Healthcare Center for Medical Innovation, a cardiologist with Piedmont Heart Institute Physicians and CEO of Atlanta medical device company CardioMEMS. “By collaborating with institutions like Georgia Tech, we can meet patient needs and create new business opportunities.”

The proximity to university resources will also make the center attractive to outside industry and startup companies.

“Investments in Georgia’s research universities are helping to create the knowledge and innovation necessary to expand the medical device industry in the state,” said Mike Cassidy, president and CEO of the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA), a public-private organization that supports the development of technology industry in Georgia. “Through activities like GCMI and Georgia Research Alliance commercialization activities at the state’s research universities, we are supporting the development and growth of this promising industry.”

Because of the research strengths of the partnering institutions, the center’s initial focus is expected to include devices and technologies in cardiology, orthopedics and pediatrics. The only one of its kind in the Southeast, the new center is expected to attract companies from outside Georgia.

“Medical device companies in the Southeast have long suffered a disadvantage compared to competitors that have access to long-established support networks,” said Nicolas Chronos, M.D., president of the Saint Joseph’s Translational Research Institute and an internationally-known cardiologist and researcher. “The new Georgia center will allow companies to contract with a single entity for comprehensive development activities, create a single location for investors seeking qualified medical device companies, and allow innovations developed by multiple institutions to be combined to create more useful devices.”

GCMI is a not-for-profit entity that will have its own governing board with representatives from its partners and stakeholders. A startup manager who will direct the center is expected to be named in the next few months.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

General Mills to Locate New Distribution Center in Social Circle

Multinational company will create 112 jobs and invest $42 million in Walton County facility

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that global food company General Mills plans to locate a new distribution center in Social Circle, investing $42 million and creating 112 jobs.

“I am thrilled to see one of the world’s largest food companies continue to grow right here in Georgia,” said Governor Perdue. “Georgia’s status as the ‘corner store’ of the Southeast makes it a perfect location for distribution centers, and our quality workforce ensures that businesses will get their products to market on time and under budget.”

General Mills will contract with a third-party logistics provider to staff and run the 1.5 million-square-foot distribution center, which will be located along Hightower Road in Walton County. The facility will distribute the General Mills family of products throughout the Southeast.

The distribution center will be built to meet LEED certification, an internationally recognized certification system that measures how well a building or community performs across the following metrics: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. This will make it one of the largest buildings in the country to meet LEED certification standards.

General Mills has been an employer in Georgia since 1989, when the company opened a manufacturing facility in Covington. Governor Perdue visited the General Mills facility in Covington in September 2008 to recognize the plant’s reduction in water usage after the company installed a $6 million treatment plant that trimmed the plant’s water usage by an average of 46 percent – or about 5.3 million gallons per month, enough to supply about 1,000 homes.

For the new distribution center, the company will use the services of the Georgia Department of Labor to solicit applications and Georgia Quick Start to train employees. Permanent job hiring will not occur until early 2010.

“General Mills is pleased to be growing our presence in Georgia with the new distribution center in Social Circle,” said Kevin Schoen, Vice President of Logistics for General Mills. “Our Covington team demonstrates day after day the dedication of Georgia employees, and we are excited by the strategic logistic location that Social Circle offers.”

“On behalf of the Board of Commissioners and citizens of Walton County we are extremely proud to welcome General Mills to our community,” said Kevin Little, Chairman-Walton County Board of Commissioners. “With our current economy, this is a great commitment from General Mills to invest in new jobs and investment.”

“Metro Atlanta and Georgia continue to be one of the global gateways of choice and a premier location for companies to manage their supply chains,” said Bob Pertierra, vice president of supply chain for the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “Our location in the Southeast, access to market and world-class airport continue to be a draw for companies.”

Mary Douglass, project manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, assisted General Mills in its location process.

About the company
One of the world's leading food companies, General Mills operates in over 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Progresso, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen, and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A., General Mills had fiscal 2008 global net sales of US$14.9 billion, including the company’s $1.2 billion proportionate share of joint venture net sales. For more information, please contact Heidi Geller at 763-764-6364.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Dominick M. Moore joins Stites & Harbisonin Atlanta

Dominick M. Moore has joined Stites & Harbison’s Atlanta office. Moore serves clients in the areas of business law, securities and finance, and general corporate law.

Over the past couple of years, Moore has participated in multiple deals that cover various aspects of corporate law. He was a member of the team that represented a multinational lender, as loan sellers counsel, in connection with its securitization of fixed rate commercial mortgage loans in the amount of almost $30 billion in eighteen months. Additionally, Moore has participated in the representation of multiple companies seeking to engage in equity financing and was a member of the team that represented an entity, as purchaser, in conjunction with a reverse triangular merger.

Prior to joining Stites & Harbison, Moore served as an intern in the South Carolina Governor's office as well as for the Honorable Ann O'Malley Shake, Jefferson Circuit Court, Division 13, in Kentucky.

Moore received his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctorate (cum laude) from the University of Louisville, where he served as President of the Black Law Students Association and a member of the Brandeis Law Journal (published). He was also a member of the Honor Council.

About Stites & Harbison
Stites & Harbison, PLLC, is a regional business and litigation firm with attorneys in Atlanta; Alexandria, Va.; Jeffersonville, Ind.; Louisville, Frankfort and Lexington, Ky.; and Nashville and Franklin, Tenn. Tracing its origins to 1832, Stites & Harbison is one of the oldest law practices in the nation and among the largest law firms in the Southeast. Our attorneys are consistently recognized by their peers in the following leading legal directories: Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory®, The Best Lawyers in America®, Chambers USA and Super Lawyers magazine. Recent firm honors include being named: one of the 50 Best Overall Law Firms in America (Global Research); one of the Leading Law Firms in America (The American Lawyer); a Go-To Law Firm® (Corporate Counsel) and a Top 10 Growth Firm (National Law Journal).

---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---