March 2015 Features

  • 4 Inspirational Movies Every Entrepreneur Should Watch

    March 30, 2015

    Being an entrepreneur is not easy. It is a long journey that is full of challenges and problems. In order to overcome these problems, you need to think outside of the box, improve yourself constantly and learn from your mistakes. However, you can also learn from other people’s mistakes and movies are a great way to do this. Therefore, as an entrepreneur, whenever you need a break or some motivation, watch the below movies and inspire yourself.

  • TSYS Chief Information Officer Ken Tye to Retire

    March 27, 2015

    TSYS has announced that Ken Tye has decided to retire as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, after 43 years of service, effective September 30, 2015.

  • Casino Gambling Legalization Introduced; Projections Suggest $250M For HOPE

    March 26, 2015

    Georgia legislators have toyed around with the idea of allowing horse racing at a new small scale race track. Yesterday, a bi-partisan group of lawmakers has dropped bills that would pave the way for Georgia to aim higher and assert itself into the major leagues of casino gambling. Charlie Harper of Peach Pundit writes that supporters of HR 807 and HB 677 tout a potential payoff of 10,000 construction jobs, 10,000 permanent jobs, and – perhaps most importantly – $250 Million dollars added to HOPE’s dwindling coffers every year.

  • 15 Ways You Can Rise Above the Competition

    March 25, 2015

    The old adage, “If you’re not first, you’re last,” couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to business success. Being first-to-market may have its advantages, but long-term success is not a race — it’s how you make a product or service better than that of your competitors. “Better” can mean anything from the product or service itself to customer service, pricing, or marketing strategy.

  • Aflac Recognized as a Top 25 Brand

    March 24, 2015

    Aflac, the leading provider of voluntary insurance at the work site in the United States and one of FORTUNE's 2014 Blue Ribbon companies, announced today that they have been listed as the 25th top brand by American City Business Journals and The Business Journals.

  • Tips On Effective Ways to Market to Millennials

    March 23, 2015

    The millennial generation has grown to be one of the largest populations in the United States, even outnumbering the baby boomer generation. And now, not only are they the largest group in America, but they are also the most financially influential group, representing more than $1.3 trillion in consumer spending power, according to the Hartman Group. Communicorp's Amanda Bass gives us some tips on marketing to this growing generation.

  • Ed Farley: What Do Your Customers Think?

    March 20, 2015

    How many times do you hear companies brag that they are…world-class ….have top-rated products! How often do we hear the claims of an incredible sales force! The best customer service! Are these claims true? How do they know? How do you know?

  • ITC Security Adding 90 Jobs in Harris County

    March 19, 2015

    The Georgia Department of Economic Development announced yesterday that ITC Security Partners LLC, a professional expert security services provider, will locate its headquarters to West Point, creating 90 jobs over the next three years.

  • CSU Announces ‘First Choice’ Comprehensive Campaign with $100M Goal

    March 18, 2015

    Columbus State University officially announced its “First Choice Campaign,” a comprehensive effort designed to raise at least $100 million to create an academic and collegiate environment that will cement CSU’s status as a favored destination for top students and faculty.

  • Cliff Oxford: How Entrepreneurs Lose Control of Their Companies - 'You've Exited But Don't Know It'

    March 17, 2015

    When entrepreneurs sell their companies, it’s often like watching the same three TV reruns over and over. You might call them the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, says Oxford Center Founder & CEO Cliff Oxford.

  • Four Major Concerts Added to Callaway Gardens Summer Sunset Concert Series

    March 16, 2015

    The Summer Sunset Concert Series is starting off strong with a concert by country music legend and Georgia native Travis Tritt. Callaway Gardens has partnered with Wallace Productions to add this and three other major acts to the Summer music series.

  • Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce Receives Chamber of Valor Award

    March 13, 2015

    The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced that the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce has been honored by Hiring Our Heroes with the Chamber of Valor award.

  • Jim Blanchard on Changing the Leadership Culture

    March 12, 2015

    When former Chairman & CEO of Synovus Jim Blanchard retired, his agenda didn’t fill with days dedicated to front-porch sitting. He desired to perpetuate and expand the influence of what he calls “servant leadership.” He proposed the concept of a leadership forum to his successor, who, understanding the value, eagerly agreed to sponsor the program. That was 10 years ago. The 10th annual Jim Blanchard Leadership Forum will roll out later this year in August.

  • TSYS & Aflac Named 2015 World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute

    March 10, 2015

    Columbus-based companies TSYS and Aflac announced today that it they have been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute, the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as 2015 World’s Most Ethical Company Honorees.

  • 10 Warning Signs of Customer Service Issues in Your Company

    March 09, 2015

    Maintaining good customer service is a constant process. While it may never be perfect, it’s important to try and keep as many customers satisfied as possible. To do so, you need to be aware of the warning signs of customer service issues. When you’re aware of the signs, you’ll be better prepared to take action.

  • More Good Fortune for Aflac and its Employees

    March 06, 2015

    Aflac, the leading provider of voluntary insurance at the work site in the United States and one of FORTUNE's 2014 Blue Ribbon companies, announced today it has been named to FORTUNE magazine's list of 100 Best Companies to Work For the 17th consecutive year.

  • From The Floor Up – Georgia's Shaw Industries Invests In People

    March 05, 2015

    Vance Bell, CEO of Shaw Industries, headquartered in Dalton, maintains that there are few businesses for which people aren’t the company’s greatest asset. That is why Shaw’s mission —“Great People. Great Products. Great Service. Always.”—begins with people.

  • Carmike Cinemas’ 4Q Revenue Rises 7.9% to a Record $185.4M

    March 04, 2015

    Carmike Cinemas’ President and Chief Executive Officer David Passman stated on Q4 metrics: “Carmike performed favorably on several key metrics in Q4 2014 despite a third consecutive quarter of year-over-year industry box office declines. Total admission revenues, which increased 5.9% year over year, continues to reach record highs as we complete acquisitions and replace older theatres with state-of-the-art entertainment complexes.

  • CSU to Host Two Forums With Five Remaining Presidential Candidates

    March 03, 2015

    Columbus State University will host two open forums with each of its five remaining presidential candidates during campus visits which began Monday.

  • 3 Important Reasons Great Entrepreneurs Must be Great Salespeople

    March 02, 2015

    If you were asked to close your eyes and think of the top five traits that a successful entrepreneur should have, what would be on that list? Think about it. Does salesmanship make it onto the list? It should.