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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Will Oversee Brokerage Operations of Newly Opened Dallas Office

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PKF Hospitality Research: More Guests in 2010 --- With a Catch...

PKF Hospitality Research (PKF-HR) today announced that, according to an advance release of the September 2009 edition of Hotel Horizons®, nine consecutive quarters of declining lodging demand will come to an end in the second quarter of 2010.

“With the budgeting process underway at hotels around the U.S., the recovery of lodging demand is an important milestone that will be reached in the year ahead,” said R. Mark Woodworth, president of PKF Hospitality Research. “The catch; however, is that the practice of price discounting has firmly taken hold, and, as a result, room rates are expected to decline once again in 2010.”

Hotels that operate in the luxury, upscale, and midscale without Food & Beverage segments are expected to more customers beginning to re-appear in the fourth quarter of 2009. “While the price paid for the room will remain the most important criteria for most travelers in 2010, the value received will once again factor into the buying decision” Woodworth noted. “Higher-priced hotels have suffered the greatest erosion in pricing power during this protracted contraction and, as a result, offer an abnormally strong value proposition as the industry begins to turn the corner mid-way through 2010. We also believe that those property types that were the best performers before the recession are going to be those leading us out.” The two chain scales lagging the U.S. demand recovery will be midscale with Food & Beverage and economy, which will not see improved performance until the third quarter of 2010.

“Of the 50 markets monitored by PKF-HR, 45 will experience stronger demand in 2010 than in 2009,” Woodworth added. “It is important to note, however that supply increases are still an issue for hoteliers across the U.S., as 25 of our 50 markets will report further declines in occupancy, even with 20 of those 25 experiencing demand increases.” The five lagging markets are Fort Lauderdale, Indianapolis, Miami, Tampa, and Washington, D.C.


Budgeting Accuracy – What We Learned In 2002 & 2003

“During the two budgeting seasons following the post-9/11 period, every forecast and prediction had the business environment improving in the ‘next’ quarter, regardless of whether that next quarter was the second quarter of 2002, third quarter of 2002, or the fourth quarter of 2003. This optimism led to budget shortfalls, which continued until 2005,” Woodworth recounted. “Like times in our recent past, successful hotel owners and operators must be prepared to anticipate additional declines in certain metrics for 2010, which can be extremely difficult without guidance. Hotel Horizons® can help by bringing some clarity to the future outlook.”

Hotel Horizons® is a series of econometrically derived forecast reports developed by PKF Hospitality Research. The reports cover 50 of the largest U.S. hotel markets as well as the nation as a whole, and six chain scales. Economic forecasts by Moody’s Economy.com and historic hotel performance data and future supply pipeline information from Smith Travel Research are used to construct the industry’s most comprehensive forecasts of U.S. lodging market behavior.

Introducing: myShareSM

Since it is budget season, owners and operators are thinking about how their hotel will perform in 2010. Historically, the movement in a hotel’s occupancy and average daily rate from year to year can be largely explained by the movement of the overall market in which the property sits. “Our research over the past 10 years reveals that seventy-five to eighty percent of a hotel’s performance is systematically a function of changes in the larger market in which the property is located,” notes John B. (Jack) Corgel Ph.D., Senior Advisor to PKF Hospitality Research and the Robert C. Baker Professor of Real Estate, Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. “And who is better at knowing that remaining twenty to twenty-five percent than the local property owner or operator? The person in charge of the hotel knows when rooms will come in and out of service, when renovations occur, and when competitors open across the street.”

PKF Hospitality Research is introducing a new tool called myShareSM which helps managers incorporate the current PKF-HR forecast for their market into an estimate of the future performance of any submarket, competitive set, or their hotel. Included as a complimentary addition to all single market Hotel Horizons® reports, the myShareSM tool is an Excel-based application that comes pre-loaded with the respective Hotel Horizons® forecasts for all hotels, upper priced, and lower priced properties within a defined geographic market, as well as historic
submarket data from which to assist the user in calibrating penetrations. For more information, as well as a video demonstration of myShareSM, go to www.pkfmyshare.com

To purchase Hotel Horizons® forecast reports for the United States, or one of 50 individual markets, please visit the firm’s online store at www.HotelHorizons.com, or call (866) 842-8754.

* * *

PKF Hospitality Research (PKF-HR), headquartered in Atlanta, is the research affiliate of PKF Consulting, a consulting and real estate firm specializing in the hospitality industry. PKF Consulting has offices in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Atlanta, Miami, Indianapolis, Houston, Dallas, Bozeman, Sacramento, Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Forecast Change in Key Metrics, U.S. Lodging Industry

Year Occupancy ADR RevPAR Supply Demand
2009 -9.0% -10.4% -18.5% 3.0% -6.3%
2010 0.4% -3.1% -2.7% 1.2% 1.6%

Source: PKF Hospitality Research, September-November 2009 Edition of Hotel Horizons®
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Governor Announces Dendreon Corporation Signs Lease for Biotech Manufacturing Facility in Union City

Cancer therapeutics company plans $70 million investment in South Fulton

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Dendreon Corporation, a Seattle-based biotechnology company, will locate a new $70 million manufacturing facility in Union City. The company expects to manufacture PROVENGE® (sipuleucel-T) for patients with advanced prostate cancer. PROVENGE is currently under review by the FDA, and should the product receive approval, the manufacturing plant could generate several hundred new biotechnology jobs in the Atlanta region.

“Hosting the 2009 BIO International Convention in May introduced biotechnology companies like Dendreon Corporation to Georgia’s business assets,” said Governor Perdue. “Our state’s world-class healthcare institutions and hospitals enable companies like Dendreon to conduct clinical research and engage in product development while benefiting from the vast scientific resources that Georgia has to offer.”

Dendreon plans to locate in a 160,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at the Majestic Airport Center in South Fulton County. Pending FDA approval, the company will produce PROVENGE, a new treatment for men with advanced prostate cancer, at the facility. Dendreon plans to launch PROVENGE from its existing facility in Morris Plains, N.J. and ramp up manufacturing capacity at its facilities in Union City and in California.

“We are pleased to announce that we are expanding our manufacturing capacity with the addition of two new facilities in Atlanta and Los Angeles,” said Mitchell H. Gold, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Dendreon. “We have particularly enjoyed partnering with the state of Georgia, Fulton County officials and the local community during this process and are grateful for their partnership and support as we prepare to commercialize PROVENGE to help the many patients with advanced prostate cancer who currently have few appealing treatment options.”

"It is exciting news for Atlanta that Dendreon is locating its manufacturing facility here as it will help to attract other cancer research and production facilities to Georgia," said Otis W. Brawley, M.D., chief medical officer, American Cancer Society.

“We are pleased to welcome Dendreon to Union City, and we have done a lot to prepare our community for economic development,” said Union City Mayor Ralph Moore. “Union City is poised, with its Opportunity Zone and strategic location on Interstate 85, to be a key player in the Southeast as well as the United States. “

“Dendreon is the type of innovative company that is increasingly finding a home in Fulton County,” said Fulton County Commission Chair John Eaves. “In today’s knowledge-based economy, it’s important to cultivate high-paying jobs for our citizens and we have the perfect environment for growth in South Fulton.”

Carol Henderson and Annie Marie Baxter, project managers with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, assisted the company in its location.

About the company

Dendreon Corporation is a biotechnology company whose mission is to target cancer and transform lives through the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics. The Company applies its expertise in antigen identification, engineering and cell processing to produce active cellular immunotherapy product candidates designed to stimulate an immune response. Dendreon is also developing an orally-available small molecule that targets TRPM8 that could be applicable to multiple types of cancer as well as benign prostatic hyperplasia. The Company has its headquarters in Seattle, Washington and is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol DNDN. For more information about the Company and its programs, visit www.dendreon.com.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Lodgian Provides Further Update on Remaining Maturing Mortgage Debt

Obtains 60-day extension on mortgage pool, continues negotiations for longer-term solution

Lodgian, Inc. (NYSE Alternext US:LGN), one of the nation’s largest independent hotel owners and operators, today announced that the company has obtained a further extension of the maturity date for the Merrill Lynch Fixed Rate Pool #3 (“Pool #3”). As of July 1, 2009, the principal amount of Pool #3 was $45.7 million. The company and the special servicer for Pool #3 have entered into an extension agreement to extend the maturity date of this indebtedness until October 1, 2009. Given the extension of the maturity date, the company is not in default of the original loan. The 60-day extension is intended to provide the parties an opportunity to reach an agreement on a longer-term maturity extension.

The company and the special servicer are currently negotiating a longer-term maturity extension for Pool #3; however, the company can provide no assurances that the parties will reach such an agreement. In the event that the company is unable to achieve a long-term extension of Pool #3, the company expects that anticipated cash flow from the hotels securing
Pool #3 may not be sufficient to meet the related debt service obligations and it may be necessary to transfer the properties securing this indebtedness to the lender in satisfaction of the company’s obligations.

A schedule indicating the principal balance of Pool #3, as of July 1, 2009, as well as a listing of the hotels that serve as collateral under Pool #3, is attached as an exhibit to this press release.

About Lodgian
Lodgian is one of the nation’s largest independent hotel owners and operators. The company currently owns and/or manages a portfolio of 38 hotels with 7,078 rooms located in 22 states. Of the company’s 38-hotel portfolio, 18 are InterContinental Hotels Group brands (Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Select and Holiday Inn Express), 12 are Marriott brands (Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Fairfield Inn by Marriott), two are Hilton brands, and five are affiliated with other nationally recognized franchisors including Starwood, Wyndham and Carlson. One hotel is an independent, unbranded property, which is currently closed and held for sale. For more information about Lodgian, visit the company's website: www.lodgian.com.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Fayette Chamber Collaborates with SCORE to Help Small Businesses

Fayette businesses have a new option for help with everything from writing a business plan to locating available resources to face-to-face counseling. The Fayette Chamber is opening its office to a new SCORE chapter to provide mentoring to new and existing small businesses. And the best news is that the SCORE services are FREE!

SCORE is a national organization of almost 11,000 volunteers in 375 chapters serving over 500,000 clients yearly. The Atlanta Chapter alone has over 75 counselors in 15 offices throughout the metro area. The new Fayette chapter is offering services to Fayette and Coweta businesses.

SCORE counselors will schedule appointments on Fridays from 11 am to 1 pm. Appointments can be made by registering online at www.scoreatlanta.org.

The Chamber’s collaboration with SCORE is part of an on-going effort to provide Fayette businesses with the tools and resources they need to succeed. If you would like more information, contact the Chamber at 770.461.9983 or visit www.FayetteChamber.org.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Stites & Harbison Welcomes David Janet

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

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

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

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

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

SBA Offers $10 Million Surety Bond Guarantee

Aids Recovery in Construction and Service Sectors

Building on Recovery Act provisions implemented earlier this year, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced today it can now provide surety bond guarantees on federal contracts valued at up to $10 million, if the contracting officer certifies that the guarantee is in the best interests of the government. An Interim Final Rule is available for public inspection at The Federal Register.

Currently, under a related provision of the Recovery Act that was implemented in March, SBA can provide bond guarantees up to $5 million through September 2010 on all public and private contracts and subcontracts. SBA partners with the surety industry to help small businesses that would otherwise be unable to obtain bonding in the traditional commercial marketplace. Under the partnership, SBA provides a guarantee to the participating surety company of between 70 and 90 percent of the bond amount.

“Raising the surety bond limit is a critical step in making sure small businesses in the construction and service sector have access to federal contracting opportunities that will help drive economic recovery,” SBA Administrator Karen Mills said. “These changes support small and emerging businesses nationwide, particularly construction contractors who have seen their markets hurt by a poor economy and lagging construction.”

Additional program enhancements published in the rule include:

· a new small business size standard for this program;
· authorization for SBA to exercise discretion in deciding bond liability issues; and,
· a definition of “Order” issued under an Indefinite Delivery Contract.

The new size standard (which will be in effect until Sept. 30, 2010) temporarily replaces the current size standard for the surety bond guarantee program. It states that a business is small if the business, combined with its affiliates, does not exceed the size standard designated for the primary industry of the business combined with its affiliates. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes contained in 13 CFR Part 121 establishes size standards for all industries http://www.sba.gov/contractingopportunities/owners/basics/GC_SMALL_BUSINESS.html.

Through its Bond Guarantee program, SBA will also help by guaranteeing bid, payment and performance bonds to protect the project owner against financial loss if a contractor defaults or fails to perform.

Finally, the rule adds a definition for an “Order” issued under an Indefinite Delivery Contract to clarify that SBA bond guarantees apply to individual orders, as well as contracts.

SBA assistance in locating a participating surety company or agent, and completing application forms, is available online. For more information on SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee Program, including Surety Office contacts, go online to http://www.sba.gov/osg/ , or call 1-800-U ASK SBA.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

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

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

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

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

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

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

Census Bureau Reports Increase of Nearly 1 Million Nonemployer Businesses

The United States added nearly 1 million nonemployer businesses between 2006 and 2007, bringing the total to 21.7 million, the U.S. Census Bureau announced today. This 4.5 percent growth rate is detailed in Nonemployer Statistics: 2007, an annual data series on businesses without paid employees.

"These statistics allow users to track annual trends in nonemployer businesses down to the local level," said C. Harvey Monk Jr., Associate Director for Economic Programs at the U.S. Census Bureau. "Businesses can use this data to help analyze market potential, to measure the effectiveness of sales and advertising programs and to develop their budgets."

Total receipts for nonemployer businesses were $992 billion in 2007, up from $970 billion in 2006, a 2.2 percent increase. Of the total nonemployer businesses, 19.1 million were sole proprietorships, 1.4 million were corporations and 1.2 million were partnerships.

Most nonemployers are self-employed individuals operating very small unincorporated businesses, which may or may not be the owner's principal source of income. Classified in nearly 300 industries, data is available for the nation, states, counties and metropolitan areas.

By Geography


California (2.8 million), Texas (1.8 million) and Florida (1.6 million) had the most nonemployer businesses in the country, making up nearly 29 percent of all nonemployer businesses. Receipts of nonemployer firms in these same states totaled nearly $308 billion -- 31 percent of all receipts from nonemployer businesses nationwide.

Among all states, Georgia led the nation in the growth rate of nonemployer businesses with a 6.9 percent increase between 2006 and 2007, followed by Alabama at 6.8 percent and North Carolina with a 6.7 percent increase.

Among larger counties, Bronx, N.Y., and Philadelphia led the growth rate of nonemployer business establishments, each showing a 10.2 percent increase in 2007. Mecklenburg, N.C., had the third largest growth rate in the number of such establishments at 9.3 percent, followed by Miami-Dade, Fla., at 8.7 percent and Kings, N.Y., at 8.6 percent.

By Sector and Industry


Three economic sectors made up more than 40 percent of the total receipts -- real estate services ($177 billion); professional, technical and scientific services ($130 billion); and specialty trade contractors ($97 billion). These three sectors were comprised of 7.2 million businesses and represented more than 33 percent of all nonemployer businesses.

The plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors industry reported a 9 percent increase in nonemployer businesses in 2007, representing 11,000 additional businesses nationwide. The 137,990 businesses that made up this industry reported more than $8.1 billion in receipts, an average of nearly $59,000 per location. Among counties, Los Angeles, Calif. (4,596), Harris, Texas (2,898) and Miami-Dade, Fla. (2,480), had the most nonemployer plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractor locations.

The florists industry reported an increase of nearly 1,400 nonemployer businesses in 2007, to 25,609, with national receipts totaling $992 million. California led all other states in revenue in the industry with nearly $175 million in receipts. Among larger counties, Palm Beach, Fla. ($65,993), Honolulu ($63,735) and Multnomah, Ore. ($63,100), generated the highest average receipts.

The child day care services industry reported 691,289 nonemployer businesses in 2007, with receipts totaling $8.9 billion. Los Angeles County, Calif. (33,716), Cook County, Ill. (23,760) and Bronx County, N.Y. (18,449), had the most nonemployer child day care businesses, accounting for 11 percent of the businesses and 10 percent of the receipts in this industry. Among larger counties, Washington, Minn. ($24,371), King, Wash. ($21,798) and Anne Arundel, Md. ($20,185), generated the highest receipts per establishment.

Nonemployer Statistics excludes businesses with paid employees; these data are covered in the County Business Patterns report. Published 6/25/09
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Allan Vigil Ford to Host Clayton State SBDC Entrepreneur Success Series

What better venue is there for the next installment of Clayton State University’s Small Business Development Center’s (SBDC) popular Entrepreneur Success Series (ESS) than one of the Southern Crescent’s most notable business establishments?

SBDC Director Kyle Hensel has announced that the next seven-week ESS, running from Aug. 11 through Sept. 22, will beheld in the Conference Room of Allan Vigil Ford, 6790 Mt. Zion Blvd., Morrow, Ga. Each of the seven Tuesday night sessions will run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Planning and knowledge provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace, and this popular series of programs has helped launch hundreds of businesses,” says Hensel. “The seven-part ESS series includes valuable recommendations, research ideas, and an overview of the important areas of business operation from a practical perspective. The ESS series focuses on the needs of aspiring entrepreneurs and owners of new businesses.

Classes may be taken separately for $69 each, or individuals may take the complete series for the discounted price of $349. A certificate of completion is awarded after attending all seven classes. Contact the SDBC office at (678) 466-5100 for more details, or to register.

The class schedule is as follows…

Aug. 11 -- Starting a Business

If you are considering starting a small business, this workshop is a crucial first step. Topics for discussion include: traits of successful entrepreneurs, market research, legal structures for your business, estimating start-up costs & cash flow projection, financing alternatives, failure factors, and business planning. A detailed business start-up workbook and other handouts are provided.

Aug. 18 -- Small Business Legal Issues

This class presents information regarding the different legal structures, advantages and disadvantages of each structure, formation and ongoing requirements, liability issues and tax implications, and other statutory requirements including licensing, trade name registration, service marks and trademarks.

Aug. 25 -- Setting Up Business Records

Launching a business requires the setup of records and systems in the areas of accounting, personnel and organizational documents. Participants receive templates and guidelines that list various accounting tasks and essential policies to safeguard business assets, as well as checklists to insure that personnel and company files include regulatory documents.

Sept. 1 -- Marketing Your Small Business

Successful, high-impact marketing relies less on money and more on knowing how to use time, energy and imagination. This seminar tells what’s hot, how to position yourself in the marketplace and write an effective marketing plan, what gets customers in the door, how to make the sale, and keep them coming back – without spending a small fortune!

Sept. 8 -- Writing an Effective Business Plan

A business plan helps you start, manage and build your business. The course covers the general business plan format and the information required for each section.

Sept. 15 -- Tax Tips for the Small Business

All aspects of federal/state taxes will be covered in this class, including registration requirements for each legal form of business, tax obligations for employees and independent contractors, computation of employee payroll taxes and filing periodic returns and issues relating to specific deductible business expenses such as entertainment, the use of a personal automobile and the home.

Sept. 22 -- Financing the Business

See step-by-step how to finance a start-up or growing business and how to prepare a winning package for any type of financial assistance. Topics include different financing options such as bank loans, SBA guaranteed loans, non-bank lenders, private investors, and myths and realities of grant funding.

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

Federal Minimum Wage will Increase to $7.25 on July 24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gingrey Successfully Defends Funding for University of West Georgia’s Small Business Assistance Program

As Georgia’s unemployment numbers climbed to double digits for the first time in recorded history, Rep. Gingrey went to the floor of the House of Representatives to successfully fight an attempt to eliminate funding for the University of West Georgia’s Small Business Assistance Program. Rep. Jeff Flake of Arizona offered an amendment to the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act to strike out funding for the University of West Georgia. The Amendment was defeated with 342 in opposition and only 89 in support.

This program is a collaboration between the University of West Georgia’s Small Business Development Center and the Carroll County Economic Development Foundation’s Burson Center. Through this program, new and emerging small businesses can access office space, equipment, on-site services, and one-on-one business counseling in Carroll and its neighboring counties – including Paulding, Bartow, Floyd, Polk, and Haralson. The funding secured by Rep. Gingrey would specifically be used to assist veterans returning from overseas who face added challenges during the current economic climate. Congressman Gingrey has a history of opposing wasteful spending while supporting well-vetted, community sponsored requests.

The text, audio, and video of Congressman Gingrey’s defense of this critical small business support program in included below. Click on the link below to view the video of Rep. Gingrey’s remarks.

http://tiny.cc/P4Gk5

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment offered by my friend and colleague from Arizona. I first want to express my thanks to Chairman Serrano and Ranking Member Emerson for their support of my request.

But, I also want to express my gratitude to the gentleman from Arizona for his vigilance and his conviction on reducing the size of government. I share that conviction even as I continue to believe in the importance of ensuring that some portion of the Federal dollars that my constituents send to Washington is returned back to them and our district, preferably through tax relief, but when necessary through direct support of responsible and well-vetted local initiatives.

Like the gentleman from Arizona, I am also frustrated by this process. There is no doubt that Washington spends too much money, and that we need to trim down the size of the Federal government and root out the practices that lead to quid pro quos and unethical expenditures of Federal taxpayer dollars.

As the gentleman from Arizona knows, I have always believed that sunlight is the best disinfectant. In fact, I have been a proponent of earmark reform and have introduced legislation that would not only reduce and equalize the amount of earmarks but also allow Members to return their district’s fair share back to the Treasury.

Now, I recognize that there may be some members who might shudder at the thought of having to come to the floor and defend a request that they have made. Mr. Chairman, I would not have made the request, and I would not be standing here right now if I did not believe in its merit, so I welcome the opportunity to defend it.

Very simply, this $100,000 would go to the University of West Georgia’s Small Business Development Center and their partnership with the Carroll County Economic Development Foundation’s Burson Center to fund the expansion of their small business support center or incubator. This center—which already exists—provides resources ranging from business counseling, to temporary office space, to technical support, and access to an on-line database of Angle Investors Networks looking to start a potentially successful small business.

Specifically, this expansion will target the more than 12,000 veterans that the VA estimates will be returning to Western Georgia over the coming year. Given the tight job market, 30% or more of these returning veterans will attempt to start their own business and will likely require some type of support in beginning that effort.
Further, allow me to provide a little more context for this request and the needs that this Center is seeking to meet. Here are the six counties that this Center services, as well as the unemployment rate in each county: Carroll—11.0% unemployment; Bartow—11.5% unemployment; Floyd—10.4% unemployment; Paulding—9.8% unemployment; Haralson—12.2%; and Polk—10.5% unemployment.

Now, Mr. Chairman, I would much prefer to spend $100,000 to aid the creation of a small business and foster productivity and job growth, rather than allow that $100,000 to fund another welfare or entitlement program. I reference the old adage of giving a man a fish and feeding him for a day—but give him a fishing pole and feed him for life. Well, I believe that this request is clearly an example of the latter.

I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment and reserve the balance of my time.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Rep. Ramsey to Speak to Young Professionals of Fayette County

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

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

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

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

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