SBA Seeks Nominations for 2009 Georgia Small Business Person of the Year & Champion Awards

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is seeking nominations for the 2009 Georgia Small Business Person of the Year as well as its Small Business Champion awards.

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. In 2009, National Small Business Week will honor the estimated 26.8 million small businesses in America. Small businesses represent 50 percent of the non-farm Gross Domestic Product (GDP). They also create 60-80 percent of new jobs in the country. National Small Business Week is scheduled for the week of May 17, 2009.

“We encourage organizations or individuals to take part in our statewide program by nominating an outstanding small business owner or small business Champion for one of the awards,” said SBA Georgia District Director Terri Denison.

In Georgia, the SBA district office selects the 2009 Georgia 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 the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Any person who owns and operates a small business may be nominated. Partners who jointly own and operate a small business may be nominated as a “team” so long as the number of partners does not exceed four.

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 Journalist of the Year
Small Business Exporter of the Year
Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Small Business of the Year
SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Nomination packages must be received at the Georgia District Office on or before November 17, 2008. To find nomination guidelines for all awards, go to the SBA Georgia website: www.sba.gov/ga. Look under “Spotlight.”
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Doubletree Hotels Launches New Incentive Program for Meeting Planners

Doubletree® Hotels today announced the launch of its Meetings by Doubletree package at more than 190 participating hotels throughout North America. Customers who book a block of more than 25 guestrooms on their peak event night will receive an all-inclusive package of meeting incentives and premiums designed to simplify and make meetings and events easy.

Ideal for either business or social functions, the Meetings by Doubletree package includes the following:
~ Complimentary meeting room with minimum 26-room block on peak nights
~ Complimentary high-speed Internet connection in designated meeting room with minimum 26-room block
~ A dedicated Event Services Manager at each hotel
~ Flexible food and beverage options
~ Access to exclusive online event planning tools such as Guest List Manager and

Personalized Group Web Pages

“Even with the challenges of today’s business climate, organizations and groups are looking for clever, efficient ways to conduct those important executive meetings, conferences and training sessions. The need to meet, plan and train face-to-face is still just as important as ever. The new Meetings by Doubletree program simply offers our customers added incentive to check into our brand’s three million square feet of superior event and meeting space and fine accommodations in some of the most sought-after business and leisure destinations around the world,” said Mike Williams, vice president, brand performance and sales for Doubletree Hotels.

More Meeting Choices and Locations than Ever Before

Doubletree hotels are ideal for small to medium-sized groups of between 10 and 150 people, with an average of between 5,000 and 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space at every hotel. More than 30 of the brand’s hotels are part of a Doubletree Convention Collection that feature IACC-approved conference centers as well as convention facilities that offer between 30,000 and 60,000 square feet of meeting space for large gatherings of up to 1,000 people. Many Doubletree hotels also offer the unique opportunity to create refreshing outdoor events in such year-round, sun-drenched destinations as the Florida coast and the California wine countries to suburban city locations and even outdoor courtyards 17 stories above the Manhattan skyline. Doubletree continues to be one of the fastest-growing brands in the full-service hotel segment today, with more than 25 new hotel and resort locations expected to open throughout 2008.

Doubletree Completes Massive Upgrade and Renovation Resolution

With the successful completion of more than $1.5 billion in system-wide renovations during the past few years by hotel owners, Doubletree continues to gain interest with the traveling public with substantial increases in market share and customer satisfaction. Residential-style amenities include the brand’s signature Sweet Dreams® by Doubletree sleep experience; MP3-compatible, stereo clock radios; Wolfgang Puck® gourmet in-room coffee service; Neutrogena® bath and body products; complimentary, wireless high-speed internet access in all public areas, restaurants and lounges and virtual, online printing services from every guest room. These features, along with a delicious Doubletree Breakfast buffet and fitness facilities created in conjunction with Precor®, round out a wide range of services that create a comfortable, productive and refreshing hotel experience for business or pleasure.

Online Event Tools Put Planners In The Power Seat

As a part of the Hilton Family of Hotels, Doubletree offers a suite of online tools that puts control at a meeting planner’s fingertips 24/7. Through a unique suite of online tools available through the Meetings by Doubletree package, event leads can manage their attendees’ reservations and room block through a Guest List Manager and even communicate event-specific information and agendas to their respective group through a Personalized Group Web Page. These online features provide the necessary communications utilities for a meeting that’s well-run, productive and a great reflection on the event planner.

A Wide Selection of Food and Beverage and Audio-Visual Options Are Available

Just as important, every Doubletree hotel offers a wide range of food and beverage options for half-day, full-day and evening receptions and banquets. The Event Services Manager at each Doubletree hotel is there to guide customers every step of the way through a comprehensive menu of healthy, as well as indulgent culinary choices to make the most of their meeting experience. Event Services Managers can also help event planners choose from the latest in audio-visual and lighting equipment and décor options to create anything from the most simple and classic to the most dramatic and elegant occasions.

Double Hilton HHonors Event Planner Bonus Points Promotion

Meeting planners who are members of the Hilton HHonors Guest Loyalty Program have even more incentive to take advantage of the new Meetings by Doubletree package. For every meeting booked and held between now and December 31, 2008, HHonors members who book a Meetings by Doubletree package may qualify to earn Double Hilton HHonors Event Planner Bonus Points.

Customers who book a minimum room block of twenty-six rooms on peak nights receive complimentary meeting-room rental. Size of complimentary meeting room relative to the total room block and determined by the hotel. This offer is available only at participating hotels. Hilton HHonors® Event Planner bonus is valid for new event bookings only and is awarded at the discretion of the hotel and may not be awarded on all group business events. For complete Event Planner Terms and Conditions, visit HiltonHHonors.com. Other restrictions may apply.

For more information on Meetings by Doubletree, including a list of participating hotels and their incredible array of meeting facilities, packages and options, please visit our Groups and Meetings website at www.doubletree.com/doubletreemeetings.
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HUGHES Telematics Expands Global Presence to Japan

PRNewswire/ -- HUGHES Telematics today announced the opening of their newest office in Tokyo, Japan. A presence in Japan allows HUGHES Telematics, as one of the industry-leading telematics suppliers, to be immediately accessible to Japanese automobile manufacturers in support of their telematics planning and execution activities.

"Japanese manufacturers represent a significant part of the global automotive industry," said Erik Goldman, President of HUGHES Telematics. "Our leadership role in the telematics industry requires us to be fully accessible as these OEMs consider their needs and discuss how best to deliver telematics services to their customers. Our Tokyo office demonstrates our commitment to the success of our potential OEM customers in Japan."

The Tokyo office is an important step in HUGHES Telematics' commitment to global expansion with automotive partners. The local presence ensures greater accessibility of Japanese OEMs to a telematics service provider, and strengthens HUGHES Telematics' role as a telematics service provider with a solution scalable to the global marketplace.

"As a part of next generation telematics architecture, our solution is purposefully engineered to function internationally and within a specific market area to integrate with local content service providers and call centers," added Goldman.

The Tokyo office is being led by senior advisor Takayoshi Maezawa. In this role, Maezawa will serve as the relationship manager with OEMs.

In addition to the new office in Tokyo, HUGHES Telematics operates offices in Atlanta, GA, Detroit, MI, Germantown, MD and San Diego, CA.

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Triarc and Wendy’s Shareholders Approve Merger

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Triarc Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRY; TRY.B), the parent company of Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. which is the franchisor of the Arby’s® restaurant system, and Wendy's International, Inc. (NYSE: WEN), announced today that their respective shareholders have approved all proposals related to the pending merger.

Upon consummation of the merger, the combined company will be called Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc. and will trade under the symbol “WEN” on the New York Stock Exchange. Triarc and Wendy’s^® expect that the merger will be consummated on or about September 29, 2008.

Under the merger agreement, Wendy’s shareholders will receive 4.25 shares of Triarc’s Class A common stock for each share of Wendy’s common stock that they own. In addition, each outstanding share of Triarc Class B common stock, Series 1, will be converted into one share of Triarc Class A common stock, resulting in a post-merger company with a single class of common stock.

Roland Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Triarc, said: “We are very pleased that the shareholders of both Triarc and Wendy’s have approved the merger, and we look forward to working together with employees of both companies in setting a new course for Wendy’s/Arby’s Group. We believe our combination represents a major strategic opportunity to create significant long-term value for all of our stakeholders, and we are working on a comprehensive integration plan and organizational structure to support enhanced operating performance at both brands. We intend to share more detailed plans regarding the new company as soon as practicable after the transaction closes.”

Kerrii Anderson, CEO and President of Wendy’s, said: “We are committed to a seamless transition as the merger closes, working closely with the Triarc team. Wendy’s has a strong foundation with outstanding employees and franchisees to help drive growth for the new company.”

Wendy’s/Arby’s Group will have a consolidated support center based in Atlanta, Georgia, which will oversee all public company responsibilities and shared service functions. The headquarters of the Wendy’s brand will remain in Dublin, Ohio and the headquarters of the Arby’s brand will remain in Atlanta, Georgia.

Triarc stockholders also approved the re-election of all 11 current members of Triarc’s Board of Directors. Following the stockholder meeting, the Triarc Board of Directors acted to: increase the size of the board to 12; accepted the resignation of one Triarc director, Russell V. Umphenour, Jr.; and appointed two current Wendy’s directors, Janet Hill and J. Randolph Lewis, to fill the resulting two open positions on the Board of Directors, all to be effective upon, and subject to, the closing of the merger. Ms. Hill is Vice President of Alexander & Associates, Inc., Washington, D.C., which provides corporate planning, advice and analysis to directors, executives and managers in the areas of human resource planning, corporate responsibility, communications and government consultation. Ms. Hill also serves as a director of Dean Foods Company and Sprint Nextel Corporation. Mr. Lewis is Senior Vice President of Distribution and Logistics for Walgreen Co.

Regarding the pending board changes, Mr. Smith said: “We are delighted to welcome Janet Hill and Randy Lewis to our organization and look forward to working with them as we execute our post-merger business strategies. I would also like to thank Russ Umphenour for his board service. Russ has been a great contributor to the Triarc board and we all wish him well in the future.”

The merger remains subject to other customary closing conditions. There can be no assurance that the merger will be consummated or that the anticipated benefits of the merger will be realized.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that are not historical facts, including, importantly, information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of Triarc Companies, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively “Triarc” or the “Company”), and those statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words “may,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” or the negation thereof, or similar expressions, that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Reform Act”). All statements that address Triarc’s operating performance, the pending merger transaction between Triarc and Wendy’s International, Inc. (“Wendy’s”) or the combined company; expectations with respect to the future financial or business performance; strategies or expectations; synergies, efficiencies, overhead savings, costs, charges and capitalization and anticipated financial impacts of the merger transaction and related transactions; the satisfaction of the closing conditions to the merger transaction and related transactions; the timing of the completion of the merger transaction and related transactions; and other events or developments that are expected or anticipated to occur in the future, including statements relating to revenue growth, earnings per share growth, new restaurant openings or statements expressing general optimism about future operating results, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act. The forward-looking statements are based on our expectations at the time such statements are made, speak only as of the dates they are made and are susceptible to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors. Our actual results, performance and achievements may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. For all of our forward-looking statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Reform Act. Many important factors could affect our future results and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Such factors, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately, and many of which are beyond our control, include, but are not limited to, (1) changes in the quick service restaurant industry; (2) prevailing economic, market and business conditions affecting Triarc and Wendy’s, including competition from other food service providers; (3) conditions beyond Triarc’s or Wendy’s control such as weather, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics impacting Triarc’s and/or Wendy’s customers or food supplies or acts of war or terrorism; (4) changes in the interest rate environment; (5) changes in debt, equity and securities markets; (6) changes in the costs of commodities and/or labor; (7) the availability of suitable locations and terms for the sites designated for development; (8) cost and availability of capital; (9) adoption of new, or changes in, accounting policies and practices; and (10) other factors discussed from time to time in Triarc’s and Wendy’s news releases, public statements and/or filings with the SEC, including those identified in the “Risk Factors” sections of Triarc’s and Wendy’s Annual and Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q. Other factors include the possibility that the merger does not close, including due to the failure to satisfy one or more of the remaining closing conditions.

All future written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this press release. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this press release as a result of new information, future events or developments, except as required by federal securities laws. In addition, it is our policy generally not to make any specific projections as to future earnings, and we do not endorse any projections regarding future performance that may be made by third parties.

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Myrtle Beach’s Broadway Station Condominiums to Sell at Real Estate Auction

(BUSINESS WIRE) --J.P. King Auction Company, the nation’s leading real estate auction marketing firm specializing in high-value properties, is managing the inventory close-out sale for 40 premier condominiums selling absolute at auction on Saturday, September 27, 11 a.m. at The Sheraton Myrtle Beach.

Broadway Station is just a half mile from the beautiful white sands of Myrtle Beach and near Broadway on the Beach, home of the shopping and entertainment district of Myrtle Beach. Broadway is near more than 100 golf courses and minutes from Coastal Carolina University and Webster University.

“The event is the perfect opportunity to purchase a coastal residence in one of the most desirable locations on Myrtle Beach,” said Craig King, president & CEO of J.P. King. “Whether you stroll the lush landscaped grounds, relax by the pool or enjoy a picnic by the lake, Broadway Station provides the ideal lifestyle.”

Broadway Station offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom floor plans with open and spacious layouts and 87 premier condominiums from which to choose. Most units come with balconies providing excellent views of the community’s lakes and pool. Residents at Broadway Station can enjoy a top caliber clubhouse perfect for entertaining, fitness facility, pool, Jacuzzi and poolside grills. The community offers an abundance of pet-friendly green space throughout the grounds. A limited number of garages and storage units also will be available at special day auction pricing.

“Broadway Station’s proximity to the beach and the main attractions of Myrtle Beach make it a draw for prospective buyers,” said Andrew Gardner, vice president of Condominium Operations of Lane Investment and Development Services, LLC. “The facility’s amenities truly set it apart from other developments in the area.”

Individuals seeking additional information about the auction may contact J.P. King at 800-558-5464 or visit the firm’s web site at www.jpking.com.

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Choate Construction Selects McRae As Public Relations Agency of Record

Choate Construction Company, an industry leader in general and interior contracting, has selected McRae as its public relations agency of record. McRae will handle all media relations and public relations for Choate’s offices in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

“We have great respect for Choate Construction and are thrilled at the opportunity to work with them,” said Joe Snowden, President of McRae. “We had the opportunity of being a Choate client when they built out our new offices at the top of the Equitable building in downtown Atlanta last year, and had an absolutely fantastic experience. Now, we look forward to providing great public relations to them.”

Choate Construction Company is one of the largest commercial building general contractors in the southeastern United States. Founded in 1989, Choate provides preconstruction, construction, program management and design/build services with the singular focus of delivering the highest quality finished product, on time and within budget. The company’s areas of specialty include: healthcare and biomedical; office buildings; technology; warehouse and distribution centers; industrial and manufacturing centers; governmental buildings and student housing; senior living; automotive dealerships and professional auto racing teams; and water treatment. For more information, please visit www.choateco.com www.choateco.com.

McRae (www.mcrae.com) is one of the southeast’s largest integrated marketing agencies and one of the only firms in the region to provide comprehensive advertising, public relations and interactive services on an in-house basis. McRae is a member of the Worldcom Public Relations Group, the world’s largest network of independent public relations firms, the American Association of Advertising Agencies, and the Technology Association of Georgia.
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William H. Mathieu Joins Stites & Harbison in Atlanta

William H. Mathieu has joined Stites & Harbison as a member of the Atlanta office. He will serve clients in the Real Estate & Banking Service Group.

Mathieu, 49, brings more than 22 years experience to the firm. His practice focus includes all aspects of real estate development and ownership, including purchase agreements, joint ventures, equity and debt financing, tax-deferred exchanges, various ownership structures and entities, leasing, rezoning, environmental issues, construction issues, covenants and long range planning. Mathieu’s clients include developers, property managers, and secured and unsecured lenders. He has closed numerous loan originations, as well as loan workouts and restructurings. Mathieu also represents entrepreneurs and business owners.

Prior to joining Stites & Harbison, Mathieu was a partner at Powell Goldstein in Atlanta for over two years. Before that, he was a member at Fine and Block, in Atlanta, for nine years.

Mathieu received his J.D. degree from Vanderbilt University Law School in 1984. He is a member of the International Conference of Shopping Centers as well as the International Association of Attorneys and Executives in Corporate Real Estate. He is admitted to practice in Georgia and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
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Larry Callahan, President & CEO of Pattillo Featured Speaker at Chamber’s Early Bird Forum

The Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce will feature Larry Callahan, President & CEO, Pattillo, at its upcoming Prosperity Happens Here Series Early Bird Forum on Tuesday, September 23 at 7:00 a.m. at the Central Educational Center. Pattillo is the largest private industrial developer in the Southeastern United States and developer of the 755-acre Coweta Industrial Park. Pattillo also received one of the Chamber’s Prosperity Awards earlier in the year. The Bank of Coweta is the Forum sponsor. Admittance to the Forum is $15 for Chamber members and $20 for nonmembers and includes breakfast. There is a networking time from 7 – 7:45am and the program is from 7:45-9am.

The Early Bird Forum is a monthly Chamber event that provides networking opportunities and eye-opening information from business leaders throughout Coweta County. To RSVP, contact the Chamber at 770-253-2270 or info@newnancowetachamber.org. The deadline to make a reservation is Friday, September 18 5pm.
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AmericFirst Direct Opens Office in Peachtree City

Amerifirst Direct, a financial services organization based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, announced today the opening of its newest office in Peachtree City, Georgia. This office is one of five located in the metro Atlanta area. Amerifirst Direct is a financial services organization that focuses on the growing needs of retired individuals and those planning for retirement.

“We are proud to be serving Atlanta’s southern metropolitan area from our Peachtree City office,” said Candice Beaty, senior financial advisor for Amerifirst Direct. “We are committed to providing the very best products and services for our clients and look forward to do so as an extension of Peachtree City’s distinguished business community.”

Amerifirst Direct has 54 offices located throughout the southeast and Midwest. It specializes in the placement of FDIC insured CD’s, fixed annuities and other guaranteed deposit accounts including IRA’s and rollovers.
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Former General Dynamics IT President Joins CommsFirst’s Board

BUSINESS WIRE --CommsFirst, Inc. announced today that Michael Chandler, former president of General Dynamics Information Technology has joined their board of directors.

“Mike’s extremely relevant experience will help address the next phase of CommsFirst’s growth and we look forward to his contributions as a member of our board of directors,” said Alan Silverman, CommsFirst President and CEO.

“Our business model is very focused on delivering critical communications, power, and applications to help clients deal with serious situations and we think Mike’s background, knowledge, and insights will be very valuable for guiding us in the years ahead.”

“CommsFirst’s managed services for deploying experts to provide tactical communications and early-hour situational assessments, as recently demonstrated by their response in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav, will enhance disaster recovery for agencies, communities, and enterprises across the country,” said Michael Chandler.

“I'm really looking forward to working with the executive team and CommsFirst’s board to help scale their unique business model and innovative service offerings.”

Prior to joining CommsFirst, Mike was president of General Dynamics Information Technology, a diverse organization of 16,000 professionals providing systems integration, information technology, systems engineering and professional services to customers in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, federal civil and commercial sectors.

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