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SWGA Regional Job Fair to connect employers, job seekers throughout region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 12, 2021

 

Southwest Georgia Regional Job Fair to connect employers and job seekers throughout region

Albany, Ga. – To connect Southwest Georgia residents with career opportunities throughout the region, the

Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Albany Area Chamber of Commerce are joining forces with the Flint River Entertainment Complex to lead a regional career placement initiative by hosting the Southwest Georgia Regional Job Fair on November 9 at the Albany Civic Center from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.

The job fair will feature regional employers seeking candidates for current job vacancies. Employer booths are $50 for a 10×10 booth which includes a table, two chairs, piping and draping, with an additional $25 for power connection. All employers interested in participating can register at https://bit.ly/SWGARegionalJobFair.

“Southwest Georgia is ripe with qualified, hardworking talent, looking for the next right step in their career,” said ADEDC President and CEO Jana Dyke. “Similarly, we have many employers with available positions across a wide variety of industry sectors. In order to bridge this gap between talent and opportunity, we are coming together with our local and reginal partners to produce the ultimate job-placement event in the Southwest Georgia Regional Job Fair.”

Job seekers attending the event will get an opportunity to speak with prospective employers in the financial services, health care, hospitality, non-profit, government and manufacturing sectors, to name only a few. Individuals attending the fair in hopes of securing employment should come professionally dressed with printed copies of a current resume, and be prepared for on-the-spot interviews.

“For almost a century, Georgia Power has been helping hometowns across the state grow and prosper. A huge part of that work is supporting initiatives like this job fair, connecting companies with local talent. Full employee parking lots make us proud, and I am proud to support those efforts and this region of the state,” said Scott Purvis, Georgia Power Community and Economic Development Manager for the southern region.

For job seekers interested in attending the job fair, but who have limited transportation, the Albany Transit System has partnered with organizers to offer FREE bus fares for those traveling to the event.

The event is free to attendants, and registration is not required.

In addition to local partners, the event is sponsored and hosted in partnership by Georgia Power, Georgia

EMC, Camilla Chamber of Commerce, Imagine Thomasville, Lee County Chamber of Commerce, Mitchell County Development Authority, Sumter County Development Authority, Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce, and Terrell County Board of Commissioners.

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About the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission    

The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission is a public-private partnership whose mission is to foster new investment and job creation through the recruitment, retention and expansion of industry for Albany-Dougherty County. To learn more, visit www.choosealbany.com.

About the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau works with first class accommodations, award winning attractions and the finest restaurants in Southwest Georgia to promote Albany as a destination travel spot. Visitors can experience the great outdoors, walk through history, and spoil themselves with true southern hospitality in Southwest Georgia. For more information, visit www.visitalbanyga.com.

About the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce

The Albany Area Chamber, founded in 1910, is leading a multi-year strategic effort to advance business success and economic opportunities in Albany and the Albany Area. Learn more at www.albanyga.com.

Albany Area Chamber-led delegation advocates in DC

 

 

Big issues were on the table with federal leaders during Albany Area Chamber’s Washington, DC, Fly In, an annual legislative event.

 

September 23, 2021

 

Albany-Dougherty Leaders Meet with Congressional Delegation

Albany Area Chamber-led program advocates in nation’s capital

 

Albany – Big issues were on the table this week as business and community leaders led by the Albany Area Chamber met with federal partners as part of the Chamber’s Washington, DC, Fly In, an annual legislative event that advocates for policies, regulations and initiatives that advance the community and economic opportunities and that support Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany.

 

During the two-day event leaders met with the Albany Area Congressional delegation — U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop; U.S. Rep. Austin Scott; U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff; and U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock — and the Pentagon-based leadership of Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany and Marine Corps Logistics Command, strengthening the community-corps relationship, showcasing the local partnerships, synergies and relationships that support mission readiness and future capabilities.

 

“Through vision and action Albany has positioned itself as a leader in collaborative partnerships, resiliency and innovation. This week’s meetings with our Congressional delegation and Marine Corps leadership reinforce the commitment of the Albany Area Chamber and of Albany and Dougherty County to working on tough issues and to working together at all levels,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes, president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber, the region’s leading business advocacy organization. “We’re communicating and advocating in real time on that which impacts Albany’s competitiveness — from business regulations, pandemic recovery and the nation’s health and labor crisis to broadband expansion, infrastructure improvements and modernization initiatives that support Marine Corps mission readiness.”

 

The local delegation, which included private and public sector leadership, also met with senior leadership of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, discussing immigration policy; work force; diversity, equity and inclusion; child care tax credits; and other federal policies and regulations that impact businesses.

 

“We’re stronger together, and we thank our local partners for engaging in this meaningful work and presenting a united force to our leaders in Washington,” said Matt Reed, 2021 chairman of the Albany Area Chamber.

 

A key priority of the Albany Area Chamber is supporting the mission and capabilities of Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany and its major tenant, Headquarters Marine Corps Logistics Command, both of which are vital to the Marine Corps’ readiness.  The Fly In’s meeting with U.S. Marine Corps leadership at the Pentagon — which included Lt. Gen. Edward D. Banta, deputy commandant of Marine Corps Installations and Logistics; Steven Morani, acting assistant secretary for of defense for sustainment; and Maj. Gen. David Maxwell, the Marine Corp’s vice director for logistics — allowed for discussion of key areas including utilization of 5G technology aboard the installation to support the modernization of the industrial base and enhance mission-readiness capabilities such as centralized communications systems, smart warehousing, talent acquisition, health care, additive manufacturing, and advanced weapons systems maintenance, storage and sustainment. Maj. Gen. Joseph Shrader, commanding general of LOGCOM, and Col. Michael Fitzgerald, commanding officer of MCLB Albany, participated in the discussions.

 

“The base and command are leading innovators within the Corps and the broader U.S. Department of Defense. Ongoing investments are critical to modernize our facilities, our capabilities and our Marines and ensure mission readiness,” said Don Gray, vice chair of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee and 2022 chairman of the Albany Area Chamber.

 

“I’m very pleased with the value of the Chamber’s DC Fly In and the work that we were able to accomplish.  We were able to interact with Marine leadership at the Pentagon, understand our base’s needs for the future,” said Christopher S. Cohilas, chairman of the Dougherty County Commission. “We were then able to directly advocate with our Congressmen and Senators not only regarding our base’s needs, but further in distinguishing why MCLB-Albany is the most efficient DOD installation and why its practices and partnerships within the community should be mirrored by other installations around the country.”

 

The Albany Area Chamber’s Government Affairs program, of which the DC Fly In is one component, is sponsored by AB&T; Albany Area Primary Health Care; the Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau; the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission; Albany Technical College; the city of Albany; Dougherty County; the Dougherty County School System; Georgia CEO; LRA Constructors; and Phoebe.

 

The Albany Area Chamber is represented in Washington, D.C., by Cornerstone Government Affairs.

 

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An Evening of Italian Music & Art Concert

  P R E S S   R E L E A S E

 

DATE: September 15, 2021

 

CONTACT: LeeAnna Anglin, Operations Manager   (229) 430-8933                                                                    langlin@albanysymphony.org

F O R   I M M E D I A T E   R E L E A S E:

THE ALBANY SYMPHONY IS BACK!

Season Opening Concert October 2

The Albany Symphony Orchestra opens its 2021 – 2022 “Passport to Adventure” season at the Albany Municipal Auditorium on Saturday, October 2, 2021 with “An Evening of Italian Music” featuring double bass virtuoso Patricia Weitzel.   The program is inspired by the Albany Museum of Art’s “European Splendors” exhibition.  The concert begins at 6:00 pm and will be performed without intermission.  Following the performance, audience members are cordially invited to a wine and cheese reception at the Museum to view this current exhibit.

In accordance with CDC guidelines, and for the safety of our Patrons and performers, masks will be required while in the Municipal Auditorium and must remain in place for the entire performance.

The performance conducted by Music Director, Claire Fox Hillard, will showcase the orchestra in Ottorino Respighi’s “Botticelli Triptych,” a work inspired by and consisting of musical renderings of 3 famous paintings by Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli.  This historical period will also be reflected in the concert’s opening selection by Renaissance composer Giovanni Gabrielli:  his antiphonal brass composition “Canzona in Double Echo” for 3 brass choirs.  Distinguished internationally-acclaimed guest artist, double bass soloist Patricia Weitzel, will be be showcased in Giovanni Bottesini’s virtuosic Concerto #2 for double bass and orchestra.  And, the orchestra will fill out the concert with 3 selections from the world of Italian opera:  Rossini’s Overture from La gazza ladra (The Theiving Magpie), Mascagni’s “Intermezzo” from Cavaleria rusticana, and Sinfonias from Francesca Caccini’s La liberazonie di Ruggiero (The Liberation of Ruggiero).  Francesca Caccini’s (1587 – 1640) opera is believed to be the first opera written by a female composer.

Guest soloist PATRICIA WEITZEL is the Lecturer of Double Bass at Columbus State University. She has appeared as soloist, chamber musician, orchestral performer, teacher and clinician in Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, England, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, the Netherlands and the United States.  Before coming to Columbus State she held faculty positions at Augustana College, Central College, Grinnell College, St. Ambrose University, and Drake University. She is also maintains an active remote private studio with students across the globe.

Weitzel has collaborated and worked with renowned artists such as the Daedalus Quartet, pianist Soyeon Kate Lee, and bassist Volkan Orhon.  Recent engagements include teaching at the Sphinx Performance Academy at the Juilliard School, participation in the Chineke! Orchestra European tour and performance at the 62nd Grammy Awards Ceremony with Lizzo.

In addition to being a performing artist and educator, Weitzel continually receives recognition for her leadership and advocacy of diversity, excellency, and inclusion in the Arts.  As a member of the 2019 Global Leaders Program Cohort and one of the recipients of the Sphinx Organization’s Mpower Artist Grant, she was involved in the development of initiatives that offer opportunities of music education to underserved youth.  Weitzel is the Membership Chair of the International Society of Bassists, an organization with approximately 3000 members in over 40 countries whose mission is to encourage excellence in bass performance, pedagogy, research, composition, and lutherie.

Presenting Sponsors for the orchestra’s 58th season are:  WALB-TV; Phoebe Putney Health System; Watson Spence Attorneys LLP; and Hall Booth Smith PC.

Tickets for the concert are $25 for adults, $22 for senior (65+) and $15 for students/military.  Season tickets and season packages are also available at a savings over single ticket prices.  For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Albany Symphony offices at (229) 430-8933 or visit    www.albanysymphony.org.

For any additional information and/or details please feel free to contact:

Claire Fox Hillard                                       (229) 669-3191

Music Director                                           chillard@albanysymphony.org

   Louis Sands, President                            (229) 894-8142

Albany Symphony Association               wls_org4@icloud.com

Additional concerts of the 2021 – 2022 season: 

2021 – 2022 “Passport to Adventure” Season

at the Albany Municipal Auditorium 

Tuesday, December 7, 2021    6:30 pm      “With an English/Irish Flavor”

30th Anniversary of the holiday tradition, Peppermint Pops

Saturday, March 12, 2022        6:30 pm      “A French Excursion”

A concert featuring area choruses headed to Carnegie Hall to perform Francis Poulenc’s Gloria

Saturday, May 7, 2022            11:00 am      “A Trip to Germany”

Presentation of “Beethoven Lives Upstairs,” a production for music enthusiasts of all ages

Secure Records Solutions achieves Inc. 5000 Rank of Fastest Growing Companies in the U.S.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:

August 17, 2021 Rainey Campbell, Chief of Staff

THOMASVILLE, GA, August 17, 2021 – Secure Records Solutions, a leading provider of innovative document

management solutions, has been named by Inc. Magazine as one of America’s fastest-growing privately held

companies in its annual Inc. 5000 list. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within

the American economy’s most dynamic segment – its independent small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under

Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as

honorees of the Inc. 5000.

“We’re thrilled and honored to receive this recognition and to be ranked among such incredible companies,”

says Christopher Powell Jones, partner and chief operating officer of Secure Records Solutions. “People

generally think of start-ups as the fastest-growing companies in the country. To be approaching our 20th year in

business and growing at this rate is a huge testament to our innovative approach and dynamic team. We are

fortunate to achieve a 91% growth rate from 2017 to 2020, when most of our industry is shrinking. Our team

has grown, too – 100% from 2017 to 2020. Of course, none of this would be possible without amazing clients

who inspire us to innovate, enhance, and expand our service offerings.”

Not only have the companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but this year’s

list also proved especially resilient and flexible given 2020’s unprecedented challenges. Among the 5,000, the

average median three-year growth rate soared to 543 percent, and median revenue reached $11.1 million.

Together, those companies added more than 610,000 jobs over the past three years.

“The 2021 Inc. 5000 list feels like one of the most important rosters of companies ever compiled,” says Scott

Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Building one of the fastest-growing companies in America in any year is a

remarkable achievement. Building one in the crisis we’ve lived through is just plain amazing. This kind of

accomplishment comes with hard work, smart pivots, great leadership, and the help of a whole lot of people.”

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by

industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000.

About Secure Records Solutions

Secure Records Solutions (SRS) is a family owned and operated document management company

headquartered in Thomasville, Georgia. Founded in 2003, SRS is Southwest Georgia and North Florida’s premier

information management company, known for our legendary client experience, highly accredited security

practices, and fair pricing. SRS offers a full array of document management services including shredding,

scanning, indexing, and storage. Offering innovative, tailored solutions specific to the needs of each client, SRS

creates value through added security, compliance, and efficiency. Excellence in these areas has allowed the

company to grow with its clients into 49 states. For more information about our services, call 229.226.0414 or

visit www.securerecordssolutions.com.

More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000

Methodology

Companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2017 to 2020. To

qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2017. They must be U.S.-

based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of

December 31, 2020. The minimum revenue required for 2017 is $100,000; the minimum for 2020 is $2 million.

Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to three decimal places. More information

can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000.

About Inc. Media

The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections,

and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50

million people each month across a variety of channels including web sites, newsletters, social media, podcasts,

and print. The Inc. 5000 is a list of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation. Started in 1982, this

prestigious list has become the hallmark of entrepreneurial success. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

Albany Area Chamber recognizes 2021 STAR students, teachers

May 7, 2021

 

Albany Area Chamber

Recognizes 2021 STAR students and teachers

 

Albany – The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce this week recognized Dougherty County students and educators as part of the PAGE STAR program that recognizes academic achievement and performance on the SAT.

“Education transforms lives and communities, providing opportunities for personal success, economic empowerment and economic development. We have incredible talent in Albany and Dougherty County, and we’re honored to shine a light on our STAR students and teachers,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes, president & CEO of Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, the local STAR program sponsor and a key player in strengthening the talent pipeline that creates opportunities for students, job seekers and employers. “I’m so proud of our STAR students and their STAR teachers.”

The PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program is sponsored, administered and promoted by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) and the PAGE Foundation. Since its inception in 1958, the STAR program has honored nearly 27,000 students and the teachers selected as the most influential to their academic achievement. High school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average to qualify for STAR nomination.

The recognitions include the school specific STAR students from throughout Dougherty County and the countywide STAR student, selected from among the school specific honorees.

The 2021 school specific STAR students and teachers are: Frank Faison Middleton of Deerfield-Windsor School, and teacher Alee Miller of Deerfield; Drew Anthony Reich of Deerfield-Windsor School, and teacher Janet Guiellebeau of Deerfield; Davon Davis of Dougherty Comprehensive High School, and teacher Jasamine Dixon of Dougherty; Li’Trell Dante’ Stamper of Monroe Comprehensive High School, and teacher Tracy Stolze of Monroe; Ashlynn Dapper of Sherwood Christian Academy, and teacher James Byrd of Sherwood;  Brystan Thomas Carthon of Westover Comprehensive High School, and teacher Cory Moore of Westover.

Middleton and Reich, who tied as Deerfield-Windsor School’s STAR students, are the overall countywide STAR students who will represent Dougherty County in the regional competition.

STAR begins each year in participating Georgia high schools when the STAR Student is named and chooses a STAR Teacher to share in this recognition. The students and their teachers are honored by their schools and receive special recognition in their communities from one of the more than 165 statewide civic organizations and businesses that serve as local sponsors of the STAR program. Students then compete for school system recognition as the top STAR Student, and those winners compete for region honors. Region winners contend for the honor of being named State PAGE STAR Student. STAR Teachers continue on with their STAR Students at every level of the program.

PAGE and the PAGE Foundation honor outstanding students and educators and encourage academic excellence through competitive academic programs such as PAGE STAR, the PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades and the PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon.

View STAR student and teacher photos here.

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Founded in 1910, the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce is leading a multi-year strategic effort to advance business success and economic opportunities in Albany and the Albany Area.

The Professional Association of Georgia Educators is a statewide professional association of more than 95,000 educators, administrators and support personnel. PAGE provides professional learning to enhance competence and confidence, build leadership and increase student achievement while providing the best in membership, legal services and legislative support.

Healthy Community Charity Golf Tournament

HEALTHY COMMUNITY

Charity Golf Tournament

JUNE 14, 2021

STONEBRIDGE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB/ALBANY, GEORGIA

-Presented By-

AMEC Sixth Episcopal District Sons of Allen, AMEC Women’s Missionary Society, SWGA Sickle Cell Awareness

-Fundraiser to Benefit-

Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia / 50thAnniversary

We appreciate your consideration and hope you will join us for the Healthy Community Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia’ 50thAnniversary.

–REGISTER ONLINE AT –

SixthEDSonsofallen@hotmail.com

www.healthycommunitygolf@eventbrite.com

–-CONTACTS & REGISTRATION –

Stan Smith /SED Sons of Allen / 478-365-5074

Monica Rockwell / SWGA Sickle Cell Awareness / 229-869-6671

Linda Frazier / Women’s Missionary Society / 706-718-1849

TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR

Richard H. Jordan

JCOMM Sports

jcommllc@gmail.com

770-310-7905

Boy Scouts of America “Building Leaders” Campaign Dinner

“Building Leaders” Campaign Dinner

Thursday, May 6, 2021 

Honoring the memory of Lem Griffin &

Honoring Phoebe for their work during Covid-19

Social at 6:00 p.m. Dinner at 7:00 p.m. Live Stream at 7:15pm

 Can’t attend this event in person? This years event will be Live Streamed. For more information contact your table host, visit the event link or scan QR code

Hasan Temple – Albany, GA Business Casual Attire

Mr. Griffin was born in Leary, GA on December 1, 1942 to the late William Marcellus Griffin and Mildred Maxine Long Griffin. His early years were spent in the Calhoun County community of Bullneck and his teenage years in Mitchell County, GA. He enjoyed fifty-two years in the refrigerated warehouse industry, the last twenty years of his career he was CEO and co-owner of Flint River Services.

A man with a BIG heart for his family and community, he served as Chairman of the Board of Phoebe Putney Health Systems, served on the Board of Directors of Security Bank (now Synovus) and he was a lifetime member of the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army. He served on the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America for 30 years and was a past President and was also on the Foundation Board of Albany Technical College. Mr. Griffin was also a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, a member of Albany Lodge # 24 F & AM and a member of the Hasan Shriners.

Lem was married to Linda Merritt Griffin for 58 years and they have two children, Kay and Van, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

 

In just the first 100 days of their coronavirus pandemic response, Phoebe treated more than 2,700 COVID-19 patients and admitted more than 900 of them to their hospitals. As they continue to fight a year later, the Phoebe team has shown unparalleled dedication, perseverance, and support for the community. Their healthcare team has gone above and beyond to protect patients and residents with quality care, compassion, and innovative initiatives like making more than 70,000 hand-sewn masks. Every Phoebe team member has made an enormous impact in keeping the communities they serve safe and making every life they touch better.