FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2018
Albany Area Chamber Honors
2018 Small Business of the Year and 2018 Non-Profit of the Year
Albany – The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce today presented Southern Point Staffing with the 2018 Small Business of the Year Award and the Albany Area YMCA with the 2018 Non-Profit of the Year Award during an awards reception hosted by the chamber as part of its 2018 Small Business Week, which promotes and celebrates the big impact of small businesses.
“Successful small businesses are cornerstones of our community. Nationally, they create two out of every three net new jobs. They invest, they participate, they shape the commercial landscape and vibrancy of our community,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes, president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber. “Our community is likewise supported by outstanding nonprofits that provide employment for many while focusing resources and providing services to community needs without regard to profit.”
For every $100 spent at a small, locally-owned business, $68 stay within the local economy. Those dollars help create jobs, support families, support governmental services, provide investment for neighborhood improvements and promote development in our community.
The Albany Area Chamber’s awards reception recognized four small business of the year finalists – 229Yoga, Albany Surgical, L.E.G.A.C.Y. Case Management, and Southern Point Staffing – and six non-profit of the year finalists – Alzheimer’s Outreach Center, the Albany Area YMCA, Easterseals, Flint River Habitat for Humanity, Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful and the Salvation Army.
Since 1963, the president of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing the first week of May as National Small Business Week.
About Southern Point Staffing, Albany Area Chamber 2018 Small Business of the Year
In 2017, Southern Point Staffing provided employment opportunities to more than 540 people in the Albany Area. Southern Point Staffing believes that finding and creating sustainable employment opportunities is a major factor in strengthening our community and improving the lives of our neighbors. The agency’s community involvement is extensive and far-reaching; following the January 2017, Southern Point Staffing rallied the support of friends, neighbors and employees to distribute water, food and toiletries to hundreds of storm-impacted families, and assisted in chainsaw, tractor and debris-clearing teams. For its efforts, Southern Point Staffing received the Chamber’s 2017 Albany Strong Award.
About the Albany Area YMCA, Albany Area Chamber 2018 Non-Profit of the YearThe Albany Area YMCA, which puts Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Through its gym services and programs, the Albany Area YMCA has been bringing health and wellness to the Albany Area for 108 years. In 2017 the organization opened its doors to those displaced by the January tornadoes; raised more than $36,000 to provide athletic program scholarships to area children; partnered with Easterseals to develop an inclusive after school program; partnered with the Dougherty County School System and Second Harvest to serve more than 88,000 meals and more than 90,000 snacks to children in their afterschool and summer camp programs. The Albany Area YMCA’s 200 volunteers provide more than 2,400 hours of service to the community.
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