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www.AlbanyGa.com 5

CONTENTS

About the Cover:

Dr. John Culbreath and Cynthia Georgeare the driving force behind Strive2Thrive,a new Albany Area Chamber ofCommerce initiative to eradicate povertyin the Albany area. To learn more aboutStrive2Thrive and how it works pleaseturn to page 8.

Photography by Todd StoneDesign by Rachelle Bitterman

Email your comments [email protected]

NETWORKINGOPPORTUNITIES

JULY 9Emerge Albany

2nd Friday LuncheonNoon, Chamber Board Room

AUGUST 3Member Orientation

Noon, Chamber Board RoomLunch Sponsored by: Cafe 230

AUGUST 10Business After Hours

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.The Levee Creative Group

2516-H Dawson Rd.Sponsored by:

The Levee Creative GroupMoe’s Southwest GrillNeoVoxx Computers

AUGUST 13Emerge Albany


AUGUST 25Strive2Thrive

Rise N Shine Breakfast7:30 a.m. coffee & networking8:00 a.m. breakfast & program

Doublegate Country Club

SEPTEMBER 10Emerge Albany


Comments from the 2010 Chairman of the Board

page 6

Empowering Albany’s Future One Family at a Time

page 8

Annual Legislative Appreciation Luncheon

page 10

Chamber Welcomes New Residents

page 11

Putting With Panthers page 12

Member Orientationpage 14

Chamber Hosts ACCE Presidentand US Chamber Southeast

Regional Directorpage 15

Small Business Appreciation Week

page 16

Legislative Affairs CommitteeUnveils New Action Center

page 17

Star Business of the Weekpage 18

Shining Starspage 20

Business After HoursOnce Upon A Grill & Chehaw

page 21

Chamber Gift Cardspage 23

Ribbon Cuttingspage 24

Shop With These New Starspage 26

Thank You Renewing Memberspage 28

Healthcare Op-Edpage 29

Discover the Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau

page 30

Emerge Albanypage 32

2011 Teacher of the Year and Finalistspage 34

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 0 – V O L U M E 1 0 N U M B E R 3

MARK YOUR CALENDARSEPTEMBER 23BUSINESS EXPO

6 July/August 2010 BUSINESS

The Chamber’s mission is succinct and focused, and is one that bearsrepetition: to promote and stimulate the economic well being of ourmembership through proactive and progressive programs, services andstrategic alliances, while representing our member’s commercial, industrial, andprofessional interests in major issues of economic and public policy.

Working under the guidance of this statement, we have successfully launched“Strive2Thrive” (S2T). S2T is an initiative that not only meets the mission of thechamber, but purposefully works to enhance and enliven our community and ourcitizens. You will learn much more about Strive2Thrive in this month’spublication, and more importantly, will learn how to become actively engagedand involved. Simply put, Strive2Thrive is an initiative designed to eradicatepoverty in Albany. It is Albany’s vision to empower families, and offer a hand-up,not a hand-out.

As part of the Chamber’s 2009/2010 program of work and strategic plan, aninitiative to address the overwhelming issue of poverty in our community wasdeemed critical to the economic well being of our region. To this, I’d like to

applaud our city leaders and the many charitable organizations for their tireless and ongoing efforts to addressthe poverty issue. By any stretch, this endemic and powerfully impactful issue is not one that is easilyaddressed. If it were, poverty would have been destroyed many years ago.

The Chamber’s anti-poverty initiative began in 2009, with a poverty summit being held in December. Wethen achieved unanimous and formal board approval in January of 2010, to implement and support theprogram we call, “S2T”. The Chamber and its many volunteers can only do so much, however. It will take ourentire community working in tandem to help realize the dream of a self-sustaining and prosperous society.

As with any Chamber initiative, it takes leadership and direction from the Chamber’s board, staff andmembership to make things happen. As our cover reflects in this issue of “Business”, Cynthia George andDr. John Culbreath are true volunteer servant leaders!! The passion, drive and commitment that these twoindividuals have shown with this Strive 2 Thrive initiative are unyielding and matched by none. I want topersonally say THANK YOU to Cynthia and Dr. John for their leadership! You are making a difference in ourcommunity; a difference that will certainly be emulated.

Strive2Thrive will make a difference in our community!

Jimmy Wilson2010 Chairman

COMMENTS FROM THE2010 Chairman


There’s a poker expression – “All in”– that is the ultimate gamble forpractitioners of the sport. It meanswhat it implies: The player is puttingeverything he or she has into the pot inhopes of a big payoff.

The Albany area communityvolunteers who are the heart and soulof the Strive2Thrive empowermentinitiative are going all in in an attemptto eradicate poverty in an area that hasmore than a quarter of its population ator below the poverty level. It’s agamble, though, that volunteers areready and willing to take because thepayoff would be huge.

“Think about it: Our goal is toeliminate poverty,” Strive2Thrivefounding coalition member JohnCulbreath said. “I believe in my heartwe can do this. After all, we’ve gotgreat potential. We have folkscommitted enough, who care enough,and I believe it is the right combinationto accomplish our goal.”

The cynics in Southwest Georgiahave already mounted theircounterattack: Sure, anotherorganization that makes its grandentrance proclaiming all these loftygoals … Wonder how long this onewill last.

But Strive2Thrive CoordinatorHarriett Hollis is having none of that.

“This is not a program, it’s aprocess,” Hollis says emphatically. “It’snot about pointing fingers, and it’s notabout handouts. It’s about teachingfamilies in poverty how to navigate theformal and the casual registry of themiddle class. It’s about bringing groupsfrom different spheres of influencetogether and teaching them to learnfrom each other.

“I am energized when I think aboutthe possibilities. I love seeing familiesempowered. I love seeing familieschange their lives for the better. I lovethinking about what we can do.”

Strive2Thrive is Albany’s

personalized offshoot of the buddingnational Move the Mountain CirclesCampaign, launched in 2007. Theinitiative’s central concept is to useresources in a given community tomove impoverished families into self-sufficiency by providing incentive,coaching, training and technicalassistance through “circles of care.”Participating families sign a contractvowing to not only utilize the helpoffered to find their way out of thegrasp of poverty, but to help others inthe community who are in similarcircumstances.

Oddly enough, it is the Albany AreaChamber of Commerce that isspearheading the initiative.

“At our 2009 strategic retreat, ourBoard of Directors went through aS.W.O.T. analysis of issues that areimportant to our 1,200 members, andto indeed, our community as a whole.Poverty was number one on the list ofthreats to success,” Chamber CEO

EMPOWERING ALBANY’SFUTURE ONE FAMILY AT A TIME

www.AlbanyGa.com 9

Catherine Glover said. “The consensuswas that poverty affects every part ofthe community, every one of ourmembers and subsequently, theirbusinesses. At follow-up meetings,everyone kept coming back to theissue of poverty and how its pervasivenature in the region impacts jobcreation, the work force, buying power… everything that had to do with asuccessful business and a successfulcommunity.

“Initially, I struggled with exactlyhow the issue of poverty would fitunder the umbrella of the Chamber, asour focus as a trade-based,membership-driven organization isspecifically on the business community.But I was soon convinced.”

Phoebe Putney Memorial HospitalVice President of Governmental Affairs– and Chamber Board member –Cynthia George kept insisting that theChamber was indeed the strongestorganization to take on this initiative.

“Catherine and many Chamber boardmembers were unsure about whetheror not the Chamber is the organizationto take on this challenge,’ and I askedthem to allow me to connect somedots,” George said. “I told them that ifwe were able to help bring asignificant number of people out ofpoverty, it would put people to work,improve businesses and improve ourquality of life. Every business that ispart of the Chamber would benefit, aswould our community as a whole.”

Sold by George’s enthusiasm, Gloverthis time took the idea to the ChamberBoard, which agreed unanimously toget involved with the growing nationalMove the Mountain initiative whoseinitial stated goal is to get 1,000families out of poverty. The idea,George said, is for that effort tocontinue to grow exponentially.

“Cynthia invited me to a trainingevent in Florence, Ky., and evenoffered to pick up the tab,” Gloversaid.” She was so passionate about it, Isaid, ‘you’re on!’” So she, John(Culbreath) and I went to a three-daytraining session, and we all came backwith fires in our bellies. We all agreedthat if we as a Chamber were going tobe involved in such a dramaticinitiative, that this was the one.”

Glover selected Hollis to head up theinitiative, and the former DFACS case

worker hit the ground running,working with the Dougherty CountyFamily Literacy program to findfamilies to serve as the pilot subjectsfor Strive2Thrive.

“Harriett was the obvious choice,”Glover said. “She was the mostconnected, and the savviest person onour staff in areas that were foreign tomost of us. She was qualified to helpbuild an initiative that is tailored to ourpopulation.”

Hollis was part of the nominationand the interview process that brought10 families to Strive2Thrive, which willoversee a 17-week training process thatallows impoverished families to workwith volunteer “allies” and otherorganizations to give them the toolsthey need to become self-sufficient.

“We made it clear that we are notanother agency that will provide short-term help,” Hollis said. “There arealready plenty of those in Albany. Ifsomeone’s had their lights turned off,we’re not going to give them enoughmoney to get them turned back on foranother month. We talk with them andhelp them figure out ways to keepthose lights on.”

That, Culbreath said, is what makesStrive2Thrive different from most anti-poverty initiatives that have started --and often failed -- in the region.

“The families take charge of theirown destiny,” the former DoughertyCounty School Superintendent said.“It’s that thing about teaching a man tofish rather than just giving him a fish.As someone who grew up in poverty, Iunderstand this concept all too well.

“There are things that we takefor granted that everyone knows arepart of a foreign language to many ofthe people living in poverty. There is apoverty of information. For instance,not everyone understands the term‘exemptions’ when filling out anincome tax form. I remember when Iwas applying for college, part of theinstructions on the paperwork was thatthey had to be stamped by a notarypublic. I had no idea what that was.That’s what these families are dealingwith.”

Early figures provided by the Movethe Mountain Leadership Centerindicate the organization’s initiative isworking. Of subject families who arepart of 56 pilot programs in 23 states,

33 of them showed an 88 percentincrease in earned income, a 30percent decrease in use of welfarebenefits, a 56 percent increase in assetsand a 125 percent increase in “peoplein my life I can count on.”

Albany’s Strive2Thrive initiative is inits infant stage, only six weeks into thepilot 17-week training period, butHollis says impressive results havealready been realized.

“A couple of people havegotten new jobs; one of our familiesjust got a house and a car; two havegotten their GEDs; two moved from ahomeless shelter into their own placefor the first time,” she said. “With thehelp of allies, many of whom came inwith that stereotypical concept ofpeople in poverty as ‘lazy folks whodon’t want to improve themselves,’they’re already making changes in theirlives.

“The process is changing people’sminds. Everyone’s seeing what a hugedifference it makes to have a viablesupport system in place.”

While there has been measurableearly success, George warns againstthinking the battle is on its way tobeing won.

“Everyone’s extremely excited rightnow, especially since we’ve been ableto get our program up and running soquickly and get immediate results,” shesaid. “But the big question we face issustainability. This is an unusualprogram because it doesn’t take a lot ofmoney to operate. What makes Strive 2Thrive work is human capital. Whatwe’re counting on is the reward for ourinvolvement being so great that peoplewill maintain the level of enthusiasmthey have now.

“We’re a unique organization; havingthe Chamber involved is a dream-come-true. There is no otherStrive2Thrive in the world, andeveryone’s going to be looking at us.What we have to do is continue to fillour tool kit with the tools that will helpus make this initiative happen. Can weeliminate poverty? That’s a pretty tallorder. But there’s this notion – maybeit’s old-fashioned and maybe it’sSouthern – that we take care of ourown. I definitely believe we can pulltogether and make this work.”


SMALL BUSINESSAppreciation Week

County Commission Chairman Jeff Sinyard reads DoughertyCounty’s proclamation.

Mayor Willie Adams (center) signs the proclamation for theCity of Albany

To show appreciation for small businesses, the Albany AreaChamber hosted a full week of activities to help our smallbusinesses thrive. After receiving proclamations from boththe county and city declaring the week of May 24 SmallBusiness Appreciation Week, the chamber kicked offactivities including a Small Business Extravaganza reception,a four-day Business Resource Fair; workshops entitled

“Social Media 101” facilitated by Meghan Duke, events andoutreach coordinator Albany Area Chamber of Commerceand “Master Your Online Presence” facilitated by GlennetteGoodbread, owner Premier Web Design; Speed Networkingand a Latte (SNL); and a one day only Small BusinessMembership Bonus for those businesses wishing to join theChamber.

Clockwise: Small BusinessExtravaganza; SocialMedia 101; Master YourOwnline Presence;Glennette Boodbread,owner Premium WebDesign

www.AlbanyGa.com 17

ALBANYLINCOLN - MERCURY

632 W. Broad AvenueAlbany, GA 31701

229.432.7464Fax 229.435.3133800.999.6730

stop by today and drive the all new 2011 lincoln mkx, at albany lincoln mercury...proudly serving albany for

over 51 years.

2400 Gillionville Road • Albany, Georgia 31707 University System of Georgia • AA/EOI

INTRODUCING….A GREAT NEW & EASY way to join thechamber’s grass roots advocacy efforts! From the home page ofthe chamber website, www.albanyga.com, choose ADVOCACY,then Legislative Action Center (LAC).

The Action Center is divided into 6 parts.1. In the Spotlight - Currently, a copy of our 2010 Legislative

Agenda is pictured. When you click to learn more, you find alisting of results on each item.

2. Latest News - Here you will find daily news articles frommedia outlets around the country.

3. ACTION section - Click on “Take Action Now” to see issues ofimportance to you. Also, in the ACTION section, there is aquick survey tool we will use to better understand memberneeds.

4. Key Issues provides policy statements which drive the work ofchamber members.

5.Voter Resources - provides information you need to becomeinvolved in the advocacy process.

6. Legislation Lists state and federal legislation. Click on each todetermine the status of key issues important to business.

We hope you will spend some time at the Legislative ActionCenter and take advantage of this valuable asset. Advocacy staffwill utilize the site to inform you, but more importantly, toinvolve you in the process of keeping our lawmakersaccountable and bringing home the resources we need.

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE UNVEILS NEW

Action Center

SOWEGA COUNCIL ON AGING1105 Palmyra Road • Albany

229-432-1124 • www.sowegacoa.org

Director: Kay Hind

HOLLEY HOUSE FURNITURE1002 S. Slappey Blvd. • Albany

229-420-7310 • www.holleyhousefurniture.com

Owners: Charles & Donna Burch

RODD ELECTRONICS, INC.1211 N. Slappey Blvd.

229-435-1044 • www.rodelectronics.com

Owner: Ken Rodd, Jr.

Thank you to our additional sponsors ...

Sponsored by

The Star Business of the Week initiative is an exciting "random draw" program for our 1200+ regional member businesses in good standing.

SHORTER WAIT TIMES IT'S NOT

YOUR AVERAGE E.R. ITS SOMETHING MUCH,MUCH BETTER

FLYNN, PEELER & PHILLIPS415 Pine Avenue • Albany

229-446-4886 • www.flynnpeeler.com

Contacts: Charles Peeler, Patrick Flynn, Paul Phillips

Thank you to our additional sponsors ...

STATE FARM INSURANCE/TIM THOMAS1800 Slappey Blvd. • Albany

229-436-0847www.statefarm.com/a/a?tim.thomas.h3ky

Owner: Tim Thomas

PURVIS AUTO REPAIR1605 Camp Lane • Albany

229-420-5707

Owner: Buddy Purvis

SADLER CAPITAL MANAGEMENT2531-C Lafayette Plaza Dr. • Albany

229-420-9777 • www.sadlercapitalmanagement.com

Owners: Bill Sadler and Wes Sadler

The Star Business of the Week initiative is an exciting "random draw" program for our 1200+ regional member businesses in good standing.


ALBANY TECHNICAL COLLEGENEW ENTRANCEeducatioN Facility

1704 Slappey Blvd.430-3500 • www.albanytech.edu

KEN HODGES FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL

political1125 dawson Rd.

436-4660 • www.kenhodges.com

DOUGHERTY COUNTYSCHOOL BUTTERFLY

PROJECT DEDICATION TOTHRONATEESKA

educatioNcontact: tommy Gregors

LIMBCARE PROSTHETICS &ORTHOTICS OF GA

oRthotic/pRoStheticScontact: John Rodman, Sr.

albany Mall317-0730 • www.limbcareonline.com

ALBANY TECHNICAL COLLEGEHEALTH INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY LABeducatioN

1704 Slappey Blvd.430-3500 • www.albanytech.edu

U SAVE IT PHARMACYcontact: Fred Sharpe2212 palmyra Rd.439-4939

MIKE KEOWN FOR CONGRESSpolitical

contact: Mike Keown2100 N. Slappey Blvd.

344-4702

Albany Area Chamber of Commerce

If your business has moved orexpanded and you would like tohave a Ribbon Cutting please callMelissa at 434-8700 or email herat [email protected]

GROUNDBREAKING

$2 - acce.org 2011/mc110, cl… · unveils new action center page 17 star business of the week page...

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