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

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

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

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

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

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Rural Sourcing, Inc. Announces Augusta Operation

Leader in domestic sourcing to create 100 jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Rural Sourcing Incorporated will hire top-notch, skilled people with experience in computer operations and information technology, and will add greatly to the outstanding workforce here in Augusta,” said Walter Sprouse, the Executive Director of the Development Authority of Richmond County. Georgia Department of Economic Development statewide project manager Glen Whitley assisted the company with this location, in collaboration with the Development Authority of Richmond County.
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King’s Hawaiian Announces Oakwood Location

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The company expects to begin production at its new bakery and distribution center in fall 2011. Applicants interested in employment opportunities with King’s Hawaiian should register at the Georgia Department of Labor’s Gainesville Career Center. Georgia Department of Economic Development statewide project manager Annie Baxter assisted the company with this project.
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U.K.-based Metal Products Supplier to Open Facility in Liberty County

Company’s Georgia expansion to create more than 200 jobs

Governor Sonny Perdue today announced the expansion of Firth Rixson Limited, a United Kingdom-based provider of highly engineered forged metal products, to Midway in Liberty County. The 200,000-square-foot facility will serve as a closed die forging operation providing components for the aerospace industry. Once fully operational, the company’s Georgia facility will create at least 200 local jobs.

“The aerospace sector is a targeted industry for Georgia,” said Governor Perdue. “With the opening of its new operation in Liberty County, Firth Rixson Limited strengthens our leadership position in the sector and brings welcome news to the county and state as we begin the new year.”

Firth Rixson’s Midway operation will be known as Firth Rixson Forgings LLC, and will represent the company’s largest greenfield investment. The new facility will also become Firth Rixson’s fourth closed die forging facility. The majority of the more than 200 anticipated jobs will be hired from the local workforce, with hiring for human resources positions beginning immediately.

“Firth Rixson Forgings LLC represents the continuation of Firth Rixson’s strategic initiatives and growth plans. Our management and technical development approach consistently results in products that provide satisfaction to our customers, and operational results that satisfy our owners,” said David C. Mortimer, CEO of Firth Rixson. “We will leverage the synergy with our current closed die operations in the United Kingdom to offer our products and service to a broadened market. We are extremely pleased to expand our business in the United States.”

With its new Midway location in close proximity to Savannah, Firth Rixon Forgings will have convenient access to the pipeline of talent at Georgia Tech’s Savannah campus. As one of the nation’s leading engineering schools, Georgia Tech is an active partner to aerospace and other industries, and has a record of being a key factor to the success of companies in Georgia by providing industry expertise and helping them compete in the global marketplace.

“We are very pleased Firth Rixson has selected our environmentally sensitive and well designed Tradeport East Business Center as the location for its new facility,” stated Allen Brown, chairman of the Liberty County Development Authority. “Firth Rixson joins an already robust existing industry base in Liberty County where approximately 70 percent of our current employment is tied to companies headquartered abroad. Companies like Firth Rixson have found Liberty County to be a place where they can grow globally.”

The aerospace industry plays a significant role in Georgia’s economy, and provides more than 80,000 jobs for aircraft manufacturers and aerospace suppliers. Companies in this industry in Georgia can take advantage of the state’s well-trained workforce through the nationally recognized Georgia Quick Start workforce training program.

“As a global leader in manufacturing components for the aerospace industry, Firth Rixson will be in good company among other leaders in this industry that successfully do business in Georgia,” said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Georgia is pleased to be a part of Firth Rixson’s expanded operations in North America.”

About Firth Rixson Limited
Headquartered in Sheffield, UK, Firth Rixson serves customers worldwide in market sectors such as aerospace, defense, power generation, transportation, petrochemical, medical and general industrial. Firth Rixson owns 11 operating facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. Firth Rixson Limited (www.firthrixson.com) is owned by Oak Hill Capital Partners (www.oakhillcapital.com).

About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.
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Community One Associates Wins Management of Spire

Expands Intown Presence with Iconic High Rise Condo Tower

Community One Associates announced that it was awarded the management and front desk concierge services at Spire, one of Atlanta’s signature high rise condominiums located in the heart of Midtown at 860 Peachtree Street. Community One assumed management of the Residential and Master Condominium Associations from Novare Management, a subsidiary of Novare, which developed the 29-story mixed-use tower.

In addition to Spire, the full service management company has expanded dramatically into Atlanta’s intown submarkets by adding other condominium developments which include Ansley Above the Park, MidCity Lofts, Colony Park, Carrington Park, Heritage and others.

“Managing this enormous asset is a trust we take very seriously,” said Steve Weibel, Chief Executive Officer of Community One Associates. “Spire is an iconic property that deserves the highest level of service, care and attention that we can possibly give it. We bring to it a national platform, buying power and best practices of the nation’s leading management company.”

Community One is recognized by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of the top five full service management companies, responsible for both residential and commercial property owners associations, high rise condominiums, mixed use/retail developments, active adult and master planned neighborhoods.

It is the Georgia Partner of FirstService Residential (www.firstservice.com), the largest manager of residential communities in North America responsible for over 1 million units in 3,700 communities throughout the United States.

For more information, visit www.communityoneassociates.com or call (404) 308-3188.
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Nation’s First All-digital Production Facility Locates in Georgia

Meddin Studios opens doors, creates jobs in Savannah

Meddin Studios, LLC, is opening in Savannah with a $5.5 million investment in advanced digital media technology. The new studio, which will be the nation’s first fully digital production facility, will create up to 10 new jobs. Its completely digital workflow will stretch from pre-production to post-production, including distribution and asset management. Capitalizing on Georgia’s 2008 Entertainment Industry Investment Act, which offers up to a 30 percent tax credit for qualified productions, Meddin will foster innovation in digital film and video production and distribution.

“Meddin Studios’ decision to open in Savannah demonstrates that Georgia is leading the way in digital technology,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Ken Stewart. “What’s more, it reflects the strength of the growing film and entertainment industry, a result of Georgia’s strategic investments over 37 years.”

One of Meddin Studios’ unique offerings is asset management: the organization, conversion and preservation of content in a digital format. Aging film and tape formats, deteriorating photos and new digital media formats are the types of assets for which Meddin Studios can develop and implement a preservation plan. At its simplest, this means a visual, searchable catalog of media from years past. Film companies especially require more complex preservation plans, as old tape libraries are converted to a more accessible format.

"Meddin Studios is excited to fill an infrastructure void locally, regionally and nationally for the film, television and media industry. Four sound stages, production equipment rentals such as camera, lighting and grip, full post-production capabilities and digital asset management are just a few of the many offerings Meddin Studios is bringing to the area, said Nick Gant, company president, along with Jon Foster, CEO of Meddin.

The new studio is located in Savannah’s historic Meddin Brothers meat-packing facility, built in 1917. The 22,000-square-foot facility is located on 2.5 acres, three miles from downtown Savannah. At full operating capacity the studio will feature four 2,500-square-foot sound stages, two of which can be combined for a total 5,000 square feet of space; a full post-production facility; a fully-equipped 1,600-square-foot Pro Tools audio suite; and 4,000 square feet dedicated to camera and equipment rental.

“We are very impressed and proud that Nick Gant, Jon Foster and their management team made this happen – it’s no small feat! And we are thrilled they chose Savannah as the location. SEDA worked with The Creative Coast Alliance to support Meddin's start-up by introducing them to as many people and resources as we could – from potential clients to potential investors,” said Lynn Pitts, Sr. Vice President of the Savannah Economic Development Authority. “Savannah is eager to embrace and nurture these types of operations, and Meddin Studios will lead the way.”

Tonya Cooper, project manager for GDEcD, also assisted the company with this project.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. For more information, visit www.georgia.org
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Governor Perdue Lauds Coca-Cola Expansion

Governor Sonny Perdue today praised The Coca-Cola Company for its continued effort to grow its business presence and invest in Georgia, as the Company prepares to open a $100 million-plus expansion to its Atlanta production facilities.

“Coca-Cola is a very important part of Georgia's economy,” Governor Perdue said. “I am thrilled that after more than a century of doing business in Georgia, Coca-Cola continues to see this state as a great place for new investment in facilities and jobs.”

The plant expansion will contain production facilities for the concentrated ingredients used in the new Coca-Cola Freestyle™ fountain dispenser. Coca-Cola Freestyle™ is the brand name for the “fountain of the future” from The Coca-Cola Company that uses microdosing technology to dispense more than 100 sparkling and still beverage brands from a single freestanding unit.
“The future looks bright for Coca-Cola Freestyle,” said Sandy Douglas, President Coca-Cola North America. “And that creates the potential for even more growth in our facilities and capabilities in Atlanta.”

The new facility will preserve jobs in the Atlanta syrup plant and could lead to job growth in the future. The Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Development Authority of Fulton County worked together to aid Coca-Cola in the plant expansion.
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Al Calhoun Rejoins Hodges Ward Elliott as Senior Managing Director, Select Service Division

Hodges Ward Elliott, Inc. (HWE), the nation’s premier hotel brokerage and investment banking firm, today announced that Al Calhoun has rejoined the firm as senior managing director, select service division.

“Our relationship with Al goes back nearly two decades, and it is a delight to welcome him back to our firm after a nine-year sabbatical,” said Mark Elliott, principal of Hodges Ward Elliott. “His experience in the select service segment is unparalleled, and he adds tremendous depth to our 10-person select service team. Combined with our full-service and Europe divisions, we now have the deepest and most experienced hotel transaction team in the industry.”

In his new role, he will be responsible for leading and growing HWE’s select service division, including brokerage, investment and advisory services. He will work closely with Anthony Falor, who will remain managing director of the select service division. HWE has closed more than $2 billion in select service transactions in the past five years. Select service currently represents approximately 30 percent of HWE’s transaction volume.

Calhoun has nearly 30 years experience in the hotel industry. He began his career in hotel development and held corporate positions with both Marriott International, Inc. and Choice Hotels International. He joined HWE in 1991 as a select service hotel specialist and left to form Thompson Calhoun Fair in 2000, which was subsequently acquired by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels in 2005.

An expert in both single asset and portfolio transactions and advisement, Calhoun has personally been involved in more than 500 hotel transactions. In his career, he has represented the vast majority of major hotel ownership groups in their select service hotel transactions.

“Select service transactions, especially those under $10 million, are getting done and financing is available,” Calhoun said. “However, transactions have to be more solidly structured, and pre-existing relationships with lenders are critical. HWE has long-standing relationships with everyone from local and regional banks to institutional lenders, which greatly assists us in completing transactions.

“We expect to see a steady rise in select service transactions over the next 12 to 36 months with portfolios coming to market at a much faster pace than in the past two years,” he noted. “Based on previous cycle experience and the amount of valuation inquiries we are receiving, deal flow is beginning to gain momentum.”

Calhoun is a member of the CCIM Institute and the American Hotel and Lodging Association. He is a graduate of Georgia State University and has published post graduate research.

Hodges Ward Elliott is world renowned for representing hotel asset and real estate investment opportunities spanning all categories and markets. HWE is consistently ranked the leading hotel brokerage and investment firm with greater than 30 percent market share of hotel transactions, according to independent outside sources. Since 1990, HWE has structured the sale of more than 1,500 hotels, totaling over 300,000 rooms and $33 billion of lodging transactions.
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Nomination Guidelines for SBA 2010 Awards

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is seeking nominations for the 2010 Georgia Small Business Person of the Year and Small Business Champion awards.

Each year since 1963, the President of the United States has designated a National Small Business Week. The highlight of Small Business Week activities is the presentation of awards at the state and national levels. The 2010 Small Business Week celebration next year will honor the small business community's many contributions to the American economy and society. National Small Business Week will be observed May 23 – 29, 2010.

“You can be part of this celebration by nominating an outstanding small business owner or small business champion in your community for one of these awards,” said SBA Georgia District Director Terri Denison.

In Georgia, the SBA District Office selects the state’s 2010 Small Business Person of the Year. That individual will attend the national celebration in Washington, DC to compete for the National Small Business Person of the Year award. At this celebration, a national winner is selected from all the winners from across the country. Scott Blackstock, President of Tidal Wave Auto Spa of Thomaston, won the honor in 2009.

Small Business Champions of the Year award categories are for those who promote small business, including volunteering time and services to small business interests and groups. Champions may or may not be small business owners. Award categories include:

Minority Small Business Champion
Veteran Small Business Champion
Financial Services Champion
Home-Based Business Champion
Women in Business Champion
Small Business Exporter of the Year
Jeffrey Butland Award for Family-Owned Small Business of the Year
SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Nomination packages must be received at the Georgia District Office in Atlanta on or before Friday, November 13, 2009. To find nomination guidelines and information for these and other awards visit the SBA Georgia web site: www.sba.gov/ga. Look under “Spotlight.”

Nominations may be mailed to Jim Hightower, Public Affairs, SBA Georgia District Office, 233 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 1900, Atlanta, GA 30303.
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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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Shaw Expansion Brings Up to 200 New Jobs to Calhoun

Longtime Georgia manufacturer to re-commission idled facility

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Shaw Industries Group, Inc., will expand its manufacturing operations in Calhoun, creating up to 200 new jobs.
“It’s great news for Georgia that one of our longtime manufacturers is planning for future growth in the state,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “It is a testament to the strength of our workforce and infrastructure that, even during this economic downturn, Shaw still finds Georgia the best place to invest in its future.”

Shaw plans an overall expansion of operations within its carpet division and will occupy its formerly idled facility in Calhoun, investing in equipment and infrastructure to increase the company’s capacity to process filament yarn, which is used in residential carpet products. Shaw expects the facility’s expansion to be completed by mid-2010, in time to meet customer demand and to allow for future growth in this segment of its business.

“Our commitment to our customers and future growth drives our long-range planning,” said Vance Bell, Shaw Industries CEO. "This expansion of operations, which is located in a community and state we’ve had great experiences with, will give us the best competitive advantage and position for the long term.”

Georgia’s top-ranked Quick Start program will provide customized workforce training as a key part of the state’s support for Shaw’s expansion. Since 1967, Georgia Quick Start has delivered nearly 6,000 training projects helping qualified companies assess, select and train employees for successful startups and expansions.

Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Regional Project Manager Brooks Mathis assisted the company with its location, as did the Development Authority of Gordon County.

“We appreciate the investment and the large number of jobs that will be created in our community. The team effort put together by our local representatives, the State of Georgia and Shaw Industries has made this project possible. The future is bright because of the partnership we have with Shaw,” said Larry Roye, Chairman of the Development Authority of Gordon County.

Previous Shaw employees in the community who have been displaced over the past few months due to economic conditions will be given the first opportunity to fill the new positions.

About Shaw Industries Group

Shaw Industries Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., is the world’s largest carpet manufacturer and a leading floor covering provider with $5 billion in annual sales and approximately 26,000 associates. Headquartered in Dalton, Ga., the company manufactures and distributes carpeting, rugs, hardwood, laminate and ceramic tile for residential and commercial applications worldwide. A recognized leader in environmental stewardship, Shaw has implemented hundreds of sustainability initiatives and cradle to cradle design solutions, collectively termed the Shaw Green Edge. For more information, visit www.shawfloors.com.
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Issue to watch: China Moves to Retaliate Against U.S. Tire Tariff

Saw a little bit about this yesterday on Fox News. Interesting in a number of ways... China is backing a lot of our dollars right now, plus we buy a lot of their products and vice versa. Is Obama going to back down under pressure? Is this something Obama's White House plans to do more often? Is this something Obama plans to continue to do just for the unions or will it be universal? What are the long-term implications of the tariffs (on both sides of the world). I'd suggest, if you're interested, that you do a search and read an assortment of articles. - Editor

The following is from the New York Times:

China Moves to Retaliate Against U.S. Tire Tariff

HONG KONG — China unexpectedly increased pressure Sunday on the United States in a widening trade dispute, taking the first steps toward imposing tariffs on American exports of automotive products and chicken meat in retaliation for President Obama’s decision late Friday to levy tariffs on tires from China...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/14/business/global/14trade.html?_r=2&ref=todayspaper

72 Stites & Harbison Attorneys Honored in “Best Lawyers in America"

Two honored from Atlanta office

Stites & Harbison announced today that 72 of its attorneys were recently selected by their peers for their work in 33 areas of practice in The Best Lawyers in America® 2010. Two of the attorneys honored are based in the Atlanta office. Those two attorneys, with their practice areas, include:

R. Daniel Douglass
Construction Law

J. D. Humphries, III
Construction Law

“The recognition we have received from Best Lawyers validates our firm-wide commitment to providing the best level of service possible to our clients,” said Kennedy Helm III, managing partner of Stites & Harbison, PLLC.

The Best Lawyers in America® is a nationally recognized referral guide to the legal profession that has been published biennially since 1983. Attorneys selected for the publication are reviewed by professional peers through an extensive survey.

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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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.
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Seven Georgia Counties Reach Certified Work Ready Community Status

Creating skilled workforce, improving public high school graduation rates

Governor Sonny Perdue today announced seven new Certified Work Ready Communities, a designation showing the county has the skilled workforce businesses demand and the educational infrastructure to drive economic growth and prosperity.

“By becoming Work Ready these communities are positioning themselves for future growth,” said Governor Perdue. “The communities are building the skilled workforce that employers rely on to succeed and grow.”

Barrow, Bleckley, Catoosa, McDuffie, Pike and Ware counties were named Certified Work Ready Communities of Excellence. Brooks County has been named a Certified Work Ready Community. These counties represent the sixth group to complete their Work Ready Certificate goals and have successfully met at least the required minimum increase in their county’s public high school graduation rate.

The new Certified Work Ready Communities achieved the following:

- Barrow County: 866 Work Ready Certificates earned (33 percent above goal); increased high school graduation rate from 69 percent to 75.5 percent
- Bleckley County: 533 Work Ready Certificates earned (118 percent above goal); increased high school graduation rate from 72.1 percent to 82.6 percent
- Brooks County: 424 Work Ready Certificates earned (95 percent above goal); increased high school graduation rate from 50.5 percent to 63.3 percent
- Catoosa County: 860 Work Ready Certificates earned (25 percent above goal); increased high school graduation rate from 70.9 percent to 76.2 percent
- McDuffie County: 869 Work Ready Certificates earned (164 percent above goal); increased high school graduation rate from 72.7 percent to 77.6 percent
- Pike County: 507 Work Ready Certificates earned (121 percent above goal); increased high school graduation rate from 76.4 percent to 80.2 percent
- Ware County: 1,147 Work Ready Certificates earned (102 percent above goal); increased high school graduation rate from 62.6 percent to 76.6 percent

To earn the Certified Work Ready Community designation, counties must demonstrate a commitment to improving public high school graduation rates through a measurable increase, and show a specified percentage of the available and current workforce have obtained Work Ready Certificates.

Each community created a team of economic development, government and education partners to meet the certification criteria. Counties are given three years to reach the goals necessary to earn the designation. One additional county – Berrien County – has met its Work Ready Certificate goal and continues to work to improve it high school graduation rate.

To date, 19 counties have earned the Certified Work Ready Community designation and 120 others are working toward their individual goals.

Once counties attain their Certified Work Ready Community goals, they are able to maintain their status by ensuring a small percent of their available workforce continue to earn Work Ready Certificates, engage local businesses to recognize and use Work Ready, and continue to increase their public high school graduation rate until they reach a threshold of 75 percent. Once they reach 75 percent, they must maintain that graduation rate to maintain their certification status.

To continue their work, each county will receive a $10,000 grant. Their Work Ready Community teams will also receive a two-year membership to their local chamber of commerce and a budget for additional Work Ready outreach materials. Counties that are fully certified receive road signs and a seal denoting the year they achieved certification.

Georgia’s Work Ready initiative is based on a skills assessment and certification for job seekers and a job profiling system for businesses. By identifying both the needs of business and the available skills of Georgia’s workforce, the state can more effectively generate the right talent for the right jobs. The Certified Work Ready Community initiative builds on the assessments and job profiling system to create opportunities for greater economic development.

For more information on the Work Ready initiative please visit the Web site at www.gaworkready.org .
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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.
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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.
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Deluxe Corporation Foundation Donates Funding to SCORE to Boost Small Business and Job Creation

Grant Supports Development of New Counseling Methodology for SCORE Mentors

SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business,” The SCORE Foundation and the Deluxe Corporation Foundation announce the development of a new program, the Deluxe/SCORE Counseling Methodology. The Deluxe Corporation Foundation will underwrite funding for the creation and implementation of this initiative. A Deluxe site manager will present a check at the SCORE National Leadership Conference in Salt Lake City on August 19, 2009.

Each year, about 6 million people attempt to start a business in the United States. Of those, about 25 percent fail in the first year, while about 50 percent fail after five years. Studies show that a person with five or more hours of business mentoring is more likely to start a business with greater economic impact in areas such as revenue and job creation.

SCORE and The SCORE Foundation will work with the Deluxe Corporation Foundation to develop a standard mentoring methodology that can significantly increase business survival rates and create new jobs. The program will provide specific training, templates and processes that SCORE mentors can use to help aspiring entrepreneurs start new businesses.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy,” said Lee Schram, president of the Deluxe Corporation Foundation. “Deluxe is committed to helping small business owners prosper so we are honored to partner with SCORE to provide their volunteers the latest in effective counseling tools and industry insight.”

All SCORE volunteers will be trained in the new methodology, which will feature homework for clients, follow-up guidelines and mentoring techniques. The methodology can be used for face-to-face mentoring, plus chat and video-based mentoring through services like Skype. In addition, SCORE will research and track client data, including:

Demographics
Social groups
Geographic area
Industry
Experience

Entrepreneurial resources used to support business creation and development
"SCORE is dedicated to helping more small businesses get started and stay in business,” says SCORE CEO Ken Yancey. “Through the generous contribution by the Deluxe Corporation Foundation, SCORE will prepare its volunteer experts to give entrepreneurs an excellent mentoring experience that leads to a path for success."
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Governor Announces First Data to Relocate Headquarters to Atlanta

Global leader in electronic commerce and payment processing will create up to 1,000 jobs over the next three years

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Fortune 500 electronic commerce and payment processing firm First Data Corp. plans to relocate its global headquarters to Atlanta. First Data plans to hire new positions to support the business and product development that they anticipate will be needed in the coming years. They expect to hire up to 1,000 employees in Atlanta over the next three years.

“Georgia is continuing to attract headquarters relocations of innovative technology companies such as First Data,” said Governor Perdue. “Our state’s educated workforce, business-friendly environment and ease of access to key markets make it an ideal choice for growing technology companies.”

With this investment, First Data plans to consolidate its Atlanta activities, operations and technology support, sales and marketing, and product development. The company plans to expand its 180,000 square foot facility on the Glenridge Connector in Fulton County. Salaries at First Data are above the average wage for the metro Atlanta area.

“Atlanta is well-known for being a major hub for the payments industry and First Data already had a significant presence here,” said Michael Capellas, chairman and CEO of First Data. “Atlanta allowed us to consolidate operations, be closer to our customers, and continue to recruit from great talent pool.”

“On behalf of the mayor and city council members of Sandy Springs, I am delighted and excited the global headquarters for First Data consolidated to Glenridge Highlands Two. It is encouraging in these economic times that a major corporation in the payments processing industry would make such a move,” said Sandy Springs City Councilman Rusty Paul. “We appreciate the work that was expended on behalf of Sandy Springs, and we thank the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Development Authority of Fulton County for their efforts.”

“First Data Corporation’s decision to move to Atlanta demonstrates that our metropolitan region and Georgia continue to provide the business assets that corporate headquarters and financial service companies need to succeed in a global business environment -- including the best international airport in the world; a young, diverse and educated workforce; a competitive cost of doing business environment and an excellent quality of life,” said Hans Gant, senior vice president of economic development for the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “We welcome Fortune 500 company First Data to Atlanta”.

Blair Lewis, project manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, assisted the company in its location.
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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.
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