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.
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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).
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“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.
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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).
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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.
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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).
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).

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Rieman Joins Flammer Relations

Mike Rieman of Kennesaw recently joined the staff of Flammer Relations, Inc., a public relations agency specializing in residential real estate and related business-to-business accounts.

As Senior Account Manager, Rieman provides leadership for other Flammer Relations account managers and staff and is involved in recruiting new business for the company.

Prior to joining Flammer Relations, he spent the past 10 years working in public relations, newspapers, radio and television. He has extensive experience working on large public relations accounts, including Atlanta Spirit, LLC, Belk, THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola and LongHorn Steakhouse.

At Flammer Relations, Rieman manages several real estate accounts, both residential and commercial, for which he establishes media relationships, writes news releases, newsletters and articles and organizes special events.

“Mike’s depth of traditional public relations and knowledge of social media is a huge asset to the Flammer team,” said Carol M. Flammer, President of Flammer Relations, Inc. “He is an accomplished communications executive with a consistent history of achievement in public relations, newspaper reporting and television/radio production,” added Flammer.

Rieman graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in speech communication. He is a member of the Atlanta Press Club, Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association’s Sales and Marketing Council and the Hemingway Society. He resides in Kennesaw, Ga. with his wife Loretta and two children.

Flammer Relations, Inc. is a public relations agency specializing in residential real estate, non-profit and business-to-business accounts. Flammer Relations has extensive real estate experience in the Southeast, including single family, townhomes, active adult, condo conversions and mixed- use projects. Services include strategic public relations, media relations, Social Media and blogging for SEO, special events coordination and copy writing for newsletters, Web sites and advertorials. For more information on Flammer Relations, Inc., visit www.flammerpr.com or call 770-383-3360.
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Scott Blackstock of Thomaston Joins Nation’s other Top Small Business Winners

Top entrepreneurs from each state, including Scott Blackstock, owner of Tidal Wave Auto Spa car washes in Georgia, will soon head to the nation’s capital to compete for the honor of National Small Business Person of the Year. The competition is a highlight of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week celebration, May 17-23, 2009.

This year, Small Business Week will be a three-day event in Washington, D.C., taking place at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Events can be viewed virtually through SBA’s free, live webcasting, which will be accessible at http://www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com/.

The National Small Business Person of the Year and runners-up will be selected from among the 53 state small business winners, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. More than 100 outstanding small business owners will be honored, reflecting a broad range of business products, services and innovations offered by our nation’s entrepreneurs. They include a bed and breakfast owner, Web site developer, printer, brewer, and mobility aid maker.

Blackstock was selected the SBA Small Business Person of the Year for Georgia by a three-judge panel earlier this year. He is president and owner of S.S. Blackstock Inc., which operates 11 Tidal Wave express car washes, with a 12th location set to open this summer in Stone Mountain, Georgia. A 1979 graduate of Georgia Tech, Blackstock operated a tire and auto repair business in Thomaston for 20 years before he opened his first car wash location in Riverdale in 2003. Since the first unit opened, Blackstock’s Tidal Wave business has grown to nearly 100 full and part-time employees and annual sales that have reached over $6 million.

Blackstock and other small business owners will be recognized during five major award events that will focus on the achievements of America’s top entrepreneurs. Besides the State Small Business Persons of the Year, men and women involved in disaster recovery, government contracting, small business champions as well as SBA partners in financial and entrepreneurial development will be honored.

The 2009 National Small Business Week award events will include the following individuals and groups:

· The National Small Business Person of the Year, selected from the 53 State Small Business Persons of the Year.
· The Champion Awards, recognizing both individuals and organizations for their achievements on behalf of small business, including minority, women and veteran-owned small businesses.
· The Phoenix Awards, recognizing a public official, two business owners and a volunteer whose efforts have helped their businesses or communities recover successfully from a disaster.
· The Lender of the Year, honoring financial institutions, including those that provide financing for small business exporters and inner city businesses.
· The Entrepreneurial Development Awards honoring Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers and the National SCORE Chapter of the Year for their innovation and excellence in assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
· The Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence, recognizing large prime contractors who have excelled in their utilization of small businesses as suppliers and subcontractors.
· The Gold Star Award, recognizing exemplary performance of federal staff who manage the aggressive goals and strategic initiatives that help ensure a role for small business in the federal marketplace.
· The Frances Perkins Vanguard Award, honoring government and industry for excellence in the use of women-owned small businesses as prime contractors and subcontractors.
· The Small Business Prime Contractor and Small Business Subcontractor of the Year, honoring small businesses that have provided government and industry with outstanding goods and services as prime or sub contractors.
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West Central Technical College President to Speak at Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce

Will Speak at Early Bird Forum on the Role of Post -Secondary Education

The Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce will feature Dr. Skip Sullivan of West Central Technical College at its Economic Engagement Series Early Bird Forum Tuesday, April 28, at 7:30 a.m. April’s Early Bird Forum sponsor is Pattillo and will be emceed by Caryn Broome. The Forum cost is $15 for Chamber members and $20 for nonmembers and includes breakfast.

Dr. Sullivan has over twenty years of prior business and industry experience and has been the President of West Central Technical College for six years. Dr. Sullivan’s passions include developing programs that emphasize the importance of access to education for all, improving the educational opportunities for students in the College district, and highlighting the value of assisting students to get their GED.

The Early Bird Forum is a monthly Chamber networking event that provides information about key economic drivers in our community and the roles they play in helping keep Coweta’s economy strong. Reservations are required; contact the Chamber at 770-253-2270 or info@newnancowetachamber.org.
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Governor Perdue Participates in Board Cutting for Lowndes County Home Depot Distribution Center

Governor Perdue, CEO Frank Blake Tour State-of-the-Art Facility Thursday

Governor Sonny Perdue joined The Home Depot CEO Frank Blake at the opening of the company’s 657,000 sq. ft. Rapid Deployment Center in Lowndes County. Governor Perdue and Mr. Blake toured the facility Thursday and joined local officials in a unique Home Depot board-cutting ceremony. The world’s largest home improvement retailer will create several hundred jobs in office and warehouse positions over the next few years at the site.

“I’m proud to have one of Georgia’s largest and most admired companies invest in our state. It shows that we’re not just a great place to get started, but also a great place to grow,” said Governor Perdue. “Our strong business climate and strength in logistics continues to attract top-tier retailers like The Home Depot.”

The distribution center is located on 89 acres in the Lake Park Industrial Park and will serve approximately 150 Home Depot retail stores throughout the southeast.

Commissioner Ken Stewart of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and other state and local officials joined the Lowndes County Industrial Authority and officials of The Home Depot at the facility for the grand opening.

“The Home Depot is pleased to create additional jobs in our home state of Georgia,” said Chris Falcon, General Manager of The Home Depot Rapid Deployment Center. “I’ve been impressed with the quality of talent that we have found in this region, which has helped us get this facility up and running on time.”

The Home Depot offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401k, a discounted stock purchase plan, and its Success Sharing bonus program for eligible full- and part-time associates.

This site is part of a larger program to transform the Home Depot supply chain, making it easier for Home Depot stores to keep the right products in stock when consumers need them.

The Valdosta/Lowndes County region has been awarded a top three designation as a location for new industry by Site Selection Magazine. The site is convenient to several major highways and is backed by tremendous government and development support.

Thriving Business Owner to Share Tips and Advice During SBA’s April 30th Web Chat

In recognition of National Small Business Week, SBA’s Web chat series will feature 2009 Kentucky Small Business Person of the Year Thomas E. Masterson, owner of T.E.M. Electric, Inc. of Lexington. Masterson started his business 10 years ago, branching out on his own after more than 30 years in the electrical industry. Since then, the company has experienced success and growth, with the help of the SBA and its resource partners.

Masterson at first ran the company from his living room, using business management skills he received through the SBA’s Small Business Development Center Program. T.E.M. later became 8(a) and HUBZone-certified as a minority-owned business, which opened the doors to government contracting opportunities. Masterson has built a solid reputation in the government contracting arena as a subcontractor, and today is a prime contractor on federal contracts.

National Small Business Week will take place in Washington, D.C, May 17-23. The National Small Business Person of the Year and runners-up will be selected from among the 53 state small business winners, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. More than 100 outstanding small business owners will be honored. For more information, including a schedule and registration information, visit www.NationalSmallBusinessWeek.com.

WHO: Small business owner Thomas E. Masterson will host the April 30 Web chat on “Entrepreneur's Spotlight: Maintaining Business Success,” to share his story of success, and provide helpful insights on the successes and challenges of entrepreneurship. Chat participants can receive helpful tips and advice on how to maintain business success.

WHAT: SBA’s Web chat series, provides small business owners an opportunity to chat about relevant business issues online with experts, industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs. Chat participants have direct, real-time access to the Web chats via questions they submit online, both in advance and during the live session.

WHEN: April 30, 2009, 1 – 2 p.m. ET

HOW: Participants can join the live Web chat by visiting www.sba.gov, and clicking the
“Online Business Chat” icon. Web chat participants may post questions for Masterson before the April 30th chat at http://app1.sba.gov/livemeeting/apr09/.
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Aflac Dedicates New Information Technology Center

Expansion Illustrates Company’s Commitment to Columbus and Georgia

Governor Sonny Perdue joined Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos and Columbus Mayor Jim Wetherington, yesterday to dedicate the company’s newest facility on the Paul S. Amos (PSA) campus at Corporate Ridge in Columbus. The 161,000 square foot building will host the Columbus-based insurance giant’s Information Technology (IT) Center.

“Aflac is fortunate to be in a state and a community with economic and educational programs that enable our company to accomplish so much here in Columbus," said Dan Amos. “I want to thank Governor Perdue, Commissioner Ken Stewart, Mayor Wetherington, and all of the local development leaders who worked so hard to make this new building a reality.”

The new building will accommodate 850 workers with 550 IT employees who will begin moving in on April 20. The IT unit is responsible for maintaining a reliable infrastructure and ensuring that technology systems are available to support internal and external electronic communications and the more than 870 servers and 6,000 desktops and laptops used by Aflac employees and sales personnel.

“Aflac has been an outstanding Georgia company for more than 50 years,” said Governor Perdue. “Here in Georgia, we work hard to nurture our homegrown companies and provide them a business-friendly environment that allows innovative companies to succeed and thrive.”

“We are excited about the opening of Aflac’s newest facility in Corporate Ridge Business Park. It is evident that Aflac has a strong commitment to Columbus and the region with the opening of a second building on the Paul S. Amos Campus in two years,” Columbus Mayor Jim Wetherington said. “We appreciate the support and confidence that Aflac shows by its continuing to increase its capacity to bring more jobs and capital investment in the future. Aflac and the City of Columbus have a strong public-private partnership and we look forward to working with Aflac as the company grows.”

Construction of the new IT Center began in 2007. The $41 million building brings the total work space at the PSA campus to 504,000 square feet, capable of accommodating 3,300 employees. It includes a fitness center for employee health and wellness, as well as a full-service cafeteria called the Mega-Bytes Cafe. The expansion includes preferential parking for carpoolers and preserves more than 2,000 feet of green space. More than 70 video monitors throughout the IT Center will help facilitate communication for employees and visitors. Local architectural firm Hecht Burdeshaw Architects Inc. was responsible for the design of the new building. As the general contractor, Batson-Cook was responsible for the IT Center’s construction.

About Aflac
For more than 50 years, Aflac products have given policyholders the opportunity to direct cash where it is needed most when a life-interrupting medical event causes financial challenges. Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States and the number one insurance company in terms of individual insurance policies in force in Japan. Our insurance products provide protection to more than 40 million people worldwide. Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere magazine as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for two consecutive years and was also named by the Reputation Institute as the Most Respected Company in the Global Insurance Industry in 2008. In 2009 Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the eleventh consecutive year. Aflac appears on Hispanic Enterprise magazine's list of the 50 Best Companies for Supplier Diversity and on Black Enterprise magazine's list of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity. Aflac was also named by Forbes magazine as America's Best-Managed Company in the insurance category. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com .
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