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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Legendary Allen’s Reaches 1 Year Anniversary of Grand Re-opening

BUSINESS WIRE --What do Zell Miller, Lewis Grizzard, Michael Stipe, Mike Bobo, the B-52s, and countless others who have visited Athens, GA all have in common? After Allens Hamburgers closed its doors in 2004, Athens lost a 50 year tradition of cold beer, greasy burgers, and live music. Some say that Athens robust music scene got its start in the Normaltown district at Allens on Prince Ave.

Last summer, two University of Georgia alumni, along with the help of the last Allens owner and the blessing of the old Allens proprietor/owners family, re-opened Allens in a new location at 810 Hawthorne Ave. Allens is featured in the July issue of Georgia Trend Magazine: http://www.georgiatrend.com/features-business-industry/07_08_allens. shtml (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.) and had a successful first year since the grand re-opening in terms of business and philanthropy helping support the following non-profit organizations with gifts totaling over $15,000:

  • Athens YMCA
  • Athens Habitat for Humanity
  • Athens Regional Hospital Foundation
  • Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta
  • Athens Clarke County Leisure Services (July 4 fireworks show at Bishop Park)

The re-opening of Allens is proving that a successful local business can compete effectively against national organizations and still give something back to the community, says co-owner Mark Hammond.

Co-owner Hilt Moree adds that: We have been humbled and overwhelmed by Athens support of the new Allens and have big plans for the coming year for local non-profit organizations.

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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Flowers Foods Completes Merger With Holsum Bakery of Phoenix

PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO) today announced the completion of its merger with Holsum Bakery, Inc. Holsum will operate as a subsidiary of Flowers under its current name and with its existing management team.

Established in 1881, Holsum Bakery operates profitably on annualized sales of approximately $146 million from its two bakeries in the Phoenix area. The company sells its Holsum, Aunt Hattie's, and Roman Meal fresh breads and rolls through independent distributors that serve retail and foodservice customers in Arizona, New Mexico, southern Nevada and Southern California.

Headquartered in Thomasville, Ga., Flowers Foods, with annual sales of over $2.02 billion, is one of the nation's leading producers and marketers of packaged bakery foods for retail and foodservice customers. With the Holsum acquisition completed, Flowers now operates 39 bakeries that produce a wide range of bakery products marketed throughout the Southeastern, Southwestern, and mid-Atlantic states via an extensive direct-store-delivery network and nationwide through other delivery systems. Among the company's top brands are Nature's Own, Whitewheat, Cobblestone Mill, Sunbeam, Holsum, Aunt Hattie's, Blue Bird, and Mrs. Freshley's. For more information, visit www.flowersfoods.com .

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those projected. Other factors that may cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements contained in this release and that may affect the company's prospects in general include, but are not limited to, (a) competitive conditions in the baked foods industry, including promotional and price competition, (b) changes in consumer demand for our products, (c) the success of productivity improvements and new product introductions, (d) a significant reduction in business with any of our major customers including a reduction from adverse developments in any of our customer's business, (e) fluctuations in commodity pricing and (f) our ability to achieve cash flow from capital expenditures and acquisitions and the availability of new acquisitions that build shareholder value. In addition, our results may also be affected by general factors such as economic and business conditions (including the baked foods markets), interest and inflation rates and such other factors as are described in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Monday, August 11, 2008

LVS Homes Expanding Business Into the Solar Photovoltaic Marketplace with Full Service for Residential and Commercial Capability

As a residential homebuilder for many years, LVS Homes Inc. has installed numerous solar systems in its spec homes, but now it is branching out to use that same expertise for customers who are interested in having a solar electric or hot water system specifically designed and installed for their needs. LVS Homes Inc. offers residential installs and commercial applications as well.

The environmental interests of LVS owner Larry Stouffer have led to his earth friendly construction techniques being employed in his homes for the last 10 years.

Coupled with Earthcraft�certification standards and solar experience, LVS Homes can deliver for its customers state of the art eco-friendly homes with solar features, which may include solar panels for hot water or electricity. Being a Georgia licensed General Contractor means that LVS Homes is fully insured and while working directly with E Systems Inc., Electrical Contractors, his customers are assured that only qualified personnel are involved in every installation. Specific product and engineering is provided by SolarMarkt USA.

LVS Homes, based in Dahlonega, feels that the company is positioning itself well for the ongoing changes related to energy usage and production. Current incentives (both state and federal) can offer some cost relief for residential homeowners, builders and commercial entities. With these new programs being recently implemented and LVS having been involved with solar installations for some time, there is a good match of history and experience.

For more information, contact Larry Stouffer of LVS Homes Inc.at 706-864-0790 (office) 404-391-6764 (cellphone) or visit http://www.lvshomes.com/.
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Chick-fil-A Suits Up With ESPN's College GameDay for 2008 Season

PRNewswire/ -- Chick-fil-A is further increasing its association with college football in 2008 by becoming the newest integrated sponsor of ESPN's top-rated College GameDay Built by the Home Depot.

The key component of its involvement with the show is entitled "Mascot Movers" and will focus on the climactic moment at the conclusion of each College GameDay telecast when analyst Lee Corso predicts the winning team by donning the mascot head of his favored university. ESPN event staff in special College GameDay and Chick-fil-A co-branded uniforms will escort the crate carrying the mascot head to the set prior to Corso's announcement.

The agreement includes Chick-fil-A television commercials in each show plus a live camera shot of a Chick-fil-A "fan interaction area" on each campus at the College GameDay set just before the predictions are made by host Chris Fowler and analysts Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard.

College football fans will also have the opportunity to log on to ESPN.com (search: Chick-fil-A) and access a custom "Mascot Movers" website where they can make their weekly predictions on what Mascot is in the box and enter their picks on key College GameDay match-ups to be played during the weekend. Each week, ESPN and Chick-fil-A will award one lucky winner a VIP trip to the 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl on December 31st in Atlanta and free Chick-fil-A food for a year.

College GameDay's inaugural show for 2008 will be televised from Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta on Saturday, August 30 for the Chick-fil-A College Kickoff Game between Alabama and Clemson.

As Chick-fil-A continues to strengthen its brand presence nationally, the restaurant chain anticipates the association with College GameDay will be a strong complement to the chain's college-level sponsorship portfolio.

"This new relationship with ESPN provides us with an on-going presence throughout the entire college football season," said Steve Robinson, senior vice president of marketing for Chick-fil-A. "We will begin the season with the Chick-fil-A College Kickoff featuring a tremendous match-up, and we will finish with the Chick-fil-A Bowl, on ESPN. We anticipate unique opportunities throughout the season to interact and share Chick-fil-A with college football fans throughout the country as College GameDay shows up at some of the biggest and most exciting games to be played this year."

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Thursday, August 7, 2008

UGA Turfgrass Field Day set for Aug. 20 in Griffin

If caring for turfgrass is your job, there is an event planned just for you Aug. 20 at the University of Georgia campus in Griffin, Ga.

Rain or shine, registration starts at 8 a.m. for the UGA Turfgrass Field Day, a day filled with everything you ever wanted to know about turfgrass and much more.

UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences scientists will share the latest research-based information on turfgrass varieties grown in Georgia and how to control diseases, insects and weeds.

Newly released UGA Bermuda grass, seashore paspalum and tall fescue varieties will also be discussed and seen. The latest industry equipment will be demonstrated, too.

For Hispanic workers, the morning session from 9 a.m. until noon will be offered in Spanish.
The field day is certified for Georgia Pesticide License Credit hours. Certified Crop Advisor credit will also be available as will credit in pesticide management and crop production.

The fee is $65 and covers the day’s program and lunch. To register, call (770) 229-3477 or go to the Web site www.georgiaturf.com.

The field day is sponsored by the UGA CAES, the Georgia Turfgrass Association, the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Metro Atlanta Landscape and Turf Association and the Georgia Sod Producers Association.

UGA report: Food, Fiber Big Players in Georgia’s Economy

When the numbers are totaled, food and fiber production are the dominate drivers of Georgia’s economic engine, according to a report by the University of Georgia.

Released by the UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development, the report showed that the food and fiber sector, which is everything from agriculture and forestry products to food services, accounts for 14 percent of the state’s employment and 13 percent of its economic output. In all, it employs 708,174 people and accounts for $92 billion in sales, said Archie Flanders, a CAED economist.

“Food and fiber compose the largest sector in the Georgia economy,” he said. “We have an abundance of food to eat and clothes to wear. These are such basic needs, and we don’t notice that in our economy.”

The food category considers jobs and money spent on everything from farm production to final consumption. For example, all the money spent on a Vidalia onion by the farmer who grew it to the consumer who crunches down on it an upscale restaurant, falls in this category.

The fiber category is slightly different. A harvested tree counts under this category. But a house, piece of furniture or paper office products don’t because they’re considered finished products.
“Fiber involves a product as it leaves the farm or forest and taking it to a certain point of the manufacturing process,” Flanders said.

Georgia food and drink manufacturers employ 72,582 and pull in $30.5 billion annually, more than any other manufacturing sector, according to the report.

Georgia food service providers employ 314,131 people. Those that make agriculture and forestry products employ 126,968 people. Food retailers and wholesalers employ 120,818 people.
Results of the report, which was last released 10 years ago, indicate the importance of UGA’s research and extension work in agriculture, forestry resources and consumer issues, Flanders said.

“Since food and fiber industries are such a large component of the Georgia economy, programs in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences have great impacts on the state economy,” Flanders said.

UGA programs related to food and fiber include production, processing, food safety and nutrition.

For a copy of the report, “Economic Importance of Food and Fiber in the Georgia Economy,” visit www.caed.uga.edu/publications/2008/pdf/CR-08-07.pdf.

(Author Stephanie Schupska is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

SBA Launches Electronic Disaster Loan Application

Disaster victims may now go online to file an application for recovery assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Acting Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today.

The electronic loan application can be accessed via the SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

Homeowners and renters who suffered damages to their homes and personal property following a declared disaster (by the President or the SBA Administrator) may apply for disaster loan assistance online. Businesses and non-profit organizations can go online to apply for assistance to cover losses to real estate and property, as well as economic injury.

“This online application provides a convenient alternative for disaster victims as they take their first steps toward rebuilding after a disaster,” said Acting Administrator Jovita Carranza.

The electronic loan application contains a feature that automatically checks errors, and prompts applicants when additional information is needed, guaranteeing a quicker loan-processing/decision time frame. On-screen help includes a glossary to explain terms that may be unfamiliar to the applicant.

Entering data to the electronic loan application is as secure as purchasing airline tickets online. When the user enters the Web site, a secure encrypted connection is established. Identity-proofing devices are also used in the application, which include the use of two pass codes by the applicant.

Paper disaster loan applications will still be mailed to disaster victims, and the package will include directions to the electronic loan application Web site. Questions about the electronic loan applications can be directed to SBA’s Disaster Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955, or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

For the latest news and information about SBA’s Disaster Assistance program, visit the Web site at http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/index.html.

Flowers Foods Completes Acquisition of ButterKrust Bakery in Florida

PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Flowers Foods (NYSE: FLO) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of ButterKrust Bakery in Lakeland, Fla. In the transaction, Flowers purchased all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the holding company of ButterKrust for cash.

ButterKrust Bakery operates profitably with annualized sales of approximately $70 million. ButterKrust has one bakery in Lakeland that employs 368 people and the company's fresh breads and rolls are available throughout Florida under the Country Hearth, Rich Harvest, and Sunbeam brands as well as store brands.

Headquartered in Thomasville, Ga., Flowers Foods, with annual sales of over $2.02 billion, is one of the nation's leading producers and marketers of packaged bakery foods for retail and foodservice customers. Flowers operates 36 bakeries that produce a wide range of bakery products marketed throughout the Southeastern, Southwestern, and mid-Atlantic states via an extensive direct-store-delivery network and nationwide through other delivery systems. Among the company's top brands are Nature's Own, Whitewheat, Cobblestone Mill, Sunbeam, Blue Bird, and Mrs. Freshley's. For more information, visit www.flowersfoods.com .

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those projected. Other factors that may cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements contained in this release and that may affect the company's prospects in general include, but are not limited to, (a) competitive conditions in the baked foods industry, including promotional and price competition, (b) changes in consumer demand for our products, (c) the success of productivity improvements and new product introductions, (d) a significant reduction in business with any of our major customers including a reduction from adverse developments in any of our customer's business, (e) fluctuations in commodity pricing and (f) our ability to achieve cash flow from capital expenditures and acquisitions and the availability of new acquisitions that build shareholder value. In addition, our results may also be affected by general factors such as economic and business conditions (including the baked foods markets), interest and inflation rates and such other factors as are described in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Award-Winning JVC Disc America Co. Changes Name to JVC America Inc., Announces 540,000-Square-Foot Expansion

BUSINESS WIRE --JVC Disc America Co., long known as a worldwide leader in optical media replication, has changed its name to JVC America Inc. to reflect its expansion into comprehensive services that include supply chain management; contract packaging; fulfillment; and reverse logistics. The company also is expanding its warehouse capacity by more than 540,000 square feet. JVC America Inc. is a privately held, wholly owned subsidiary of JVC Americas Corp.

The name change to JVC America Inc. is symbolic of Victor Company's commitment to the business and recognition that it has expanded well beyond optical media replication, which is an important piece of our business that continues to operate and consistently exceed customer expectations, says JVC America Inc. Chief Operations Officer Ron Vangrov. But our capabilities have evolved dramatically since we first started doing business in America 21 years ago. This name change reflects a turning point in our companys history as we deliver broader, more customizable services to a growing variety of customers.

Further diversifying its capabilities, JVC America Inc. recently acquired additional DVD molding lines, an offset printing system and new automated packaging lines for PlayStation® 3.

EXPANDING CAPACITY

JVC America Inc. will occupy the entire space at New Manchester Distribution Center, located two miles south of Interstate 20 on Camp Creek Parkway in Atlanta, for the creation and distribution of media products for a leading international publisher of interactive entertainment software products and creator of best-selling gaming products.

As a company, we are extremely committed to quality for our customers, and this is an example of our dedication to filling a customers specific need, Vangrov says. The name change and capacity expansion both mark a pivotal point for JVC America Inc. to continue building its legacy of expectation-exceeding customer service.

New Manchester Distribution Center is a freestanding distribution facility with easy access to both Interstate 20 and Interstate 285. Building features include an energy-efficient, T-8 lighting system, which helps to greatly reduce operating costs and energy expenditure. The lease agreement was made through ProLogis, the worlds largest owner, manager and developer of distribution facilities, with operations in 121 markets across North America, Europe and Asia.


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Monday, August 4, 2008

Verizon Wireless Continues to Expand and Enhance Georgia Voice and Data Network

PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, the company with the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, has completed a very aggressive quarter of network expansion and enhancement across Georgia. Year to date, Verizon Wireless added a total of 14 new cell towers, invested more than $105 million and executed the company's largest expansion in the companies history in Georgia with the launch of service in the Valdosta and Waycross areas.

The company continued to expand its Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) third generation (3G) wide-area network Revision A (Rev. A). With the enhanced network, Georgians have even more ubiquitous access to Verizon Wireless' two prime services: BroadbandAccess and V CAST. With BroadbandAccess, customers can download a one Megabyte e-mail attachment -- the equivalent of a small PowerPoint(R) presentation or a large PDF file -- in about eight seconds and upload the same-sized file in less than 13 seconds. The company's V CAST multimedia services offer customers the ability to download full song tracks, play cutting-edge 3D games and stream video clips straight to their phones.

In the second quarter of 2008, coverage was enhanced and expanded in the following Georgia cities:

  Americus, GA              Two new cell sites enhance calling capacity and
in building service for the city center of
Americus including the residential and
commercial areas along US 280, US 19 and the
Sumter County Hospital.

Atlanta Upgrades to the high speed wireless broadband
(EVDO Rev A) service increased network capacity
in East Atlanta, East Cobb, top end of I-285,
Marietta, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Roswell,
Chamblee and Toco Hills areas.

Brooks, GA High speed wireless broadband service (EV-DO Rev
A) is now available for the town of Brookes,
southern Fayette County and in the residential
and commercial areas along Hwy 16 between
Sharpsburg and Griffin.

Carrollton, GA Network capacity was enhanced for downtown
Carrollton.

Conyers, GA Data capacity was enhanced along I-20 from
Lithonia to Conyers, specifically the Turner
Hill Road exit in Lithonia (Stone Crest Mall) to
the Salem Road exit east of Conyers. In
addition, a new cell site enhanced calling
capacity and in-building service south of
Downtown Conyers along Highway 138.

Forsyth, GA Network enhancements provide greater calling
capacity for the residential and commercial
areas of the city of Forsyth and I-75.

Griffin, GA New cell site enhances calling capacity and in
building service-level in the city of Griffin
including the residential and commercial areas
along US 441, Griffin-Spaulding County airport
and the Spaulding Regional Hospital.

Macon, GA Network enhancements provide greater calling
capacity in the residential and commercial areas
of the city of Macon, the Macon Mall area, I-475
and I-75.

McDonough, GA New cell site provides high-speed wireless
broadband (EVDO Rev A) coverage on Hwy 23 and I
75 southwest of the city, as well as enhanced
coverage and capacity along I-75 between Locus
Grove and McDonough.

Metter, GA Network enhancements provide greater capacity in
the residential and commercial areas of the city
of Metter and I-16.

Milledgeville, GA New cell site enhances calling capacity and in
building service-level in the city of
Milledgeville including the residential and
commercial areas along US 19, Georgia College
and State University and the Baldwin County
Hospital as well as the North Milledgeville
area.

Newnan, GA New cell site and network enhancements provide
greater calling capacity east of Newnan in the
area of the Summer Grove subdivision near Hwy 34
and in the area of Frontage Road along I-85 and
Lower Fayetteville Road and I-85. In addition,
high-speed wireless broadband service (EVDO Rev
A) expansion was completed along Hwy 34 between
I-85 and Thomas Crossroads.

Norcross, GA New cell site provides enhanced coverage an in
building high-speed wireless broadband service
(EVDO Rev A) along Jimmy Carter Blvd and
Rockbridge Road area. An additional new cell
site provides coverage enhancements along the
Chattahoochee Recreational Area at Jones Bridge.

Northeast Georgia Expansion of high-speed wireless broadband
service (EVDO Rev A) now extends from Helen to
the west, Rabun Gap to the north, down through
Clayton, Tallulah Falls and Clarksville to the
south.

Sandersville, GA New cell site enhances calling capacity and in
building service-level in the eastern portions
of Sandersville and Tennile including the
residential and commercial areas along GA 15, 24
and 242.

Savannah, GA Two new cell sites enhance calling capacity and
in-building service-level in the city center of
Savannah and Pooler including the residential
and commercial areas along I-95, Pooler Parkway,
Godley Station, Daffin Park and the Savannah
International Airport.

Senoia, GA Network enhancements provide greater capacity
and in-building coverage of high-speed wireless
broadband service (EVDO Rev A) in the town of
Senoia, southeast Coweta County and in the
residential and commercial areas along Hwy 16
between Sharpsburg and Griffin.

Suwanee, GA Two new cell sites enhance coverage between I-85
and 316, along Hwy 317 (Lawrenceville Suwanee
Road), and at the intersection of McGinnis Ferry
and Old Atlanta Roads.

Wrightsville, GA New cell site enhances calling capacity and in
building service-level in the city of East
Dublin including the residential and commercial
areas along US 319, US 80, GA 29 and 86.


In addition, now residents, businesses and travelers along I-16 -- from Macon to Savannah, Savannah to Augusta, and Augusta to Macon, have seamless high speed Broadband Access data coverage all along their routes. In south Georgia, the company completed its largest single launch of the Verizon Wireless voice, National Access data, and Broadband Access data network in this state, from the eastern edge of Thomas County, northeast through Bacon County, southeast through Charlton and Camden Counties and everywhere in between.

"Wireless customers throughout Georgia continue to demand the best -- and Verizon Wireless is committed to continue doing everything we can to deliver it. We'll continue to focus on meeting our customers' growing wireless needs by delivering on our brand promise -- the best, most reliable wireless network," said Jeff Mango, President Verizon Wireless Georgia/Alabama Region. "The developments and investments we undertook in the second quarter of 2008 are in direct response to the remarkable growth in the demand for our wireless service."

The company's continued investment in Georgia is part of Verizon Wireless' ongoing effort to expand coverage, improve capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $40 billion -- $5 billion on average every year -- since the company was formed to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services. Other examples of company leadership include being first to offer nationwide plans with unlimited calling and the only provider to offer a 30-day network Test Drive pledge that pays for calls if a customer isn't satisfied and switches to another carrier.