Enjoy Downtown Valdosta with other young professionals on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.

Appetizers at 306 North
Dinner at Bleu Cafe
Drinks and Dessert at Stage 51

Cost is $25. Deadline to register is Monday, Nov. 28.



]]> http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/09/22/4-under-40-announced http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/09/22/4-under-40-announced Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:56:00 +0000 http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/09/22/4-under-40-announced
Jennifer Steedley (Valdosta City Schools), Drew DeMott (Moore, Clarke, DuVall & Rodgers, P.C.), Brittney Foster-Hull (Packaging [...]]]>
Four top young professionals received the honor of being named Metro Valdosta’s 4 Under 40 at a reception presented by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) on Tuesday night at the Turner Center for the Arts.

Jennifer Steedley (Valdosta City Schools), Drew DeMott (Moore, Clarke, DuVall & Rodgers, P.C.), Brittney Foster-Hull (Packaging Corporation of America) and Parrish Clark (Guardian Bank) were chosen based on professional accomplishments, experience, community involvement, leadership qualities and entrepreneurial spirit. In recognition of their contribution to our community and local economy, the Chamber will nominate these four local leaders for Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40.

Vice Chair of the Chamber’s Business Expansion Division, Sue Cox (Covington’s Dining & Catering) presented the awards to the four leaders at the reception. A special presentation was given by Valdosta Junior Woman’s Club’s 2011 Woman of the Year, Sementha Matthews (City of Valdosta).

4 Under 40 is a program of MetroOne Young Professionals Network with the goal of recognizing outstanding achievement among young professionals in our community. Metro Valdosta’s 4 Under 40 were chosen by an outside panel of judges from the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. There were 23 finalists in the competition. More information about the program and the finalists is available at www.MetroOneValdosta.com/4under40.

MetroOne is a Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce initiative with the goal of attracting and retaining young professionals to the Metro Valdosta area. Founded in September 2007, the group focuses on three key areas: networking and community engagement, professional development and young professional advocacy.

]]> http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/09/13/whats-business-like-in-turkey http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/09/13/whats-business-like-in-turkey Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:47:00 +0000 Corey Hull http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/09/13/whats-business-like-in-turkey
The Rotary Clubs of Valdosta are seeking young professionals interested in participating in an all expenses paid trip to the Western Anatolia region of Turkey in the Spring of 2012. As part of the Rotary [...]]]>
The Rotary Clubs of Valdosta are seeking young professionals interested in participating in an all expenses paid trip to the Western Anatolia region of Turkey in the Spring of 2012. As part of the Rotary International Groups Study Exchange this opportunity offers young professionals the opportunity to visit a foreign culture and learn about how others undertake their own professions. This 4-6 week program will include 4-6 non-Rotarians from Southeast Georgia who will visit the cultural and economic engines of this western region of Turkey. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will broaden your cultural perspective and your understanding of Turkey’s language and commerce. This offers a unique opportunity for team building, networking and lifelong friendships. Your job will benefit by learning about how others in your profession handle the same problems and challenges you face every day. The airfare, meals and lodging are all included in this trip, participants only have to pay for incidentals and any additional post-program travel they want to do.

If you would like more information on this program please see the link below or contact Corey Hull, President of the Valdosta Sunrise Rotary Club at hullcorey@yahoo.com.

http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/160en.pdf

]]> http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/09/06/attention-high-rollers http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/09/06/attention-high-rollers Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:59:00 +0000 Jill Pope http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/09/06/attention-high-rollers Guest blogger, Jill Pope, is the Executive Director for the Home Builders Association of South Georgia. [...]]]> Guest blogger, Jill Pope, is the Executive Director for the Home Builders Association of South Georgia.

If you want to be entertained in a Las Vegas style, make your plans to attend the 1st annual Casino Night event sponsored by the Home Builders Association of South Georgia. This event is open to anyone in the community who wants to attend, with a portion of the proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity, Second Harvest of South Georgia, Inc., and the HBA of South Georgia. It will be held on Saturday, September 17 from 7:00-11:00 p.m. at the Valdosta Elks Lodge. Professional operators from Jacksonville will make sure that your night will be filled with fun as you play blackjack, craps, roulette, Texas Hold’em, slots and horse racing. For those Texas Hold’em lovers, a special tournament will take place throughout the evening, advanced tickets are required!

Tickets are $30 which includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and $1000 in “funny money” which can be used in games or to purchase tickets for our donated prizes. Additional “funny money” and tickets can be purchased throughout the evening in $10 increments. Prizes include getaways at the beach, a restaurant package, Georgia Bulldog tickets, and rounds of golf from the areas courses, Callaway® Gift Cards, a sweetheart Holiday Inn package, Wild Adventure Passes, and much more.

For more information and tickets, call HBASG at 247-8422 or visit our website at www.hbasg.org.

Date: Saturday, September 17, 2011
Location: The Valdosta Elks Lodge
2309 Highway 84 West
Time: 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Cost: $30 Advanced Tickets/ $40 at the Door
$25 Texas Hold’em Tournament (Advanced Purchase Required)
Info: Call HBASG at (229) 247-8422



]]> http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/08/22/from-an-emerging-leader http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/08/22/from-an-emerging-leader Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:20:00 +0000 Anne Shenton http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/08/22/from-an-emerging-leader Anne Shenton (Nexxtep Technology Services), 2010 MetroValdosta Emerging Leader

Last year I was very humbled and honored to be one of four recipients of the Metro Valdosta Emerging Leader Award. I’m a native of Valdosta, but I moved away for college and graduate school before returning to my hometown. When I came back, I [...]]]> Anne Shenton (Nexxtep Technology Services), 2010 MetroValdosta Emerging Leader

Last year I was very humbled and honored to be one of four recipients of the Metro Valdosta Emerging Leader Award. I’m a native of Valdosta, but I moved away for college and graduate school before returning to my hometown. When I came back, I was pleasantly surprised to find a thriving community of young professionals in MetroOne. From my first encounter with them, MetroOne’s leadership really impressed me with their welcoming attitude and passion for addressing the concerns of young professionals in Metro Valdosta. This is a proactive, focused group, and I consider it a privilege to be part of it.

I am so excited to see that the Emerging Leaders program has evolved into “Metro Valdosta’s 4 Under 40.” Not only is it a catchy name, but this year’s winners will be the Chamber’s official nominees for Georgia Trend’s annual 40 Under 40 recognition. What a great way to recognize the best talent Valdosta has to offer!

I cannot wait to see this year’s nominees and meet them in person at the 4 Under 40 Reception on September 20th. I’m also looking forward to joining MetroOne on Young Professionals Day on October 7th. This annual event is always a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to network with young professionals in our community and learn more about MetroOne’s programs and activities.

Anne is the Marketing Director for Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc. Nexxtep is hosting its Annual Technology Symposium Sept. 8. Young Professionals receive a $20 discount when they enter the discount code "YOUNGPRO" at registration. Click here for more information...

]]> http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/07/28/4-under-40-accepting-nominations http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/07/28/4-under-40-accepting-nominations Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:16:00 +0000 http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/07/28/4-under-40-accepting-nominations
4 under 40 recognizes outstanding young professionals in the Valdosta-Lowndes County community. Winners will be announced during the 4 under 40 reception on Sept. 20 at the Annette [...]]]>
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber is now accepting nominations for Metro Valdosta’s 4 under 40, formerly known as “Emerging Leaders.”

4 under 40 recognizes outstanding young professionals in the Valdosta-Lowndes County community. Winners will be announced during the 4 under 40 reception on Sept. 20 at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts. The elite four will then be submitted to Georgia Trend’s 40 under 40 program.

Candidates are selected based on professional accomplishments, experience, community involvement, leadership qualities, entrepreneurial spirit, professional and community impact.

Last year’s winners included: Nikki Forman (City of Valdosta), Anne Shenton (Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc.), Scott Orenstein (Pinnacle Prime Contractors, Inc.) and Trey Taylor (Taylor Insurance Services).

The deadline to submit nominations is Aug. 15. Click here to nominate.

]]> http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/07/12/clinton-beeland-speaks-to-metroone http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/07/12/clinton-beeland-speaks-to-metroone Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:07:00 +0000 Keyara Hamilton http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/07/12/clinton-beeland-speaks-to-metroone
5 Major Lessons for the Young Professional from Clinton Beeland

1. Find mentors (Boards, Advisory Group, Bankers, Accountants, Lawyers, etc)
a. Source of guidance and support
b. May be the first time YOU have experienced an issue or challenge but it is very unlikely the first time the issue or challenge has been experienced

2. Establish a plan
a. Direction
b. Platform to navigate
c. At year end the plan may look nothing like the start, but it gives you a guide to measure from

3. Hire Talent
a. Train for skill
b. Step up hiring (allow your superior to select your applicant pool b/c their perception is long-term/development focused)
c. Create a system

4. Create Structure
a. Financial
b. HR
c. Processes
d. It establishes the boundaries and eliminates ‘gray’ areas

5. Be wary of Partnerships

5 Factors for Professional & Personal Development from Clinton Beeland

1. Always have business cards

2. Develop your network (goes hand in hand with #1)

3. Be HONEST (shows integrity and trustworthiness)

4. DO what is right just because it is the right thing to do (high ethics)

5. Always be prepared (before a meeting, calls, email, etc)
a. Research
b. Discover commonality
c. Never cold call

]]> http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/07/07/my-brain-made-me-do-it http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/07/07/my-brain-made-me-do-it Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:12:00 +0000 http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/07/07/my-brain-made-me-do-it

FEW SEATS REMAINING!

Wouldn't you like to know what 6 common investing mistakes are...before you make them? Join Glen Gregory, regional VP of John Hancock Mutual Funds, for an investing seminar [...]]]>

FEW SEATS REMAINING!

Wouldn't you like to know what 6 common investing mistakes are...before you make them? Join Glen Gregory, regional VP of John Hancock Mutual Funds, for an investing seminar exclusively for young professionals ages 21-40.

Not only do you get to attend this seminar at no cost, it also includes a FREE dinner provided by Mike Meeks (EdwardJones). You don't want to miss this opportunity!

Tuesday, July 12

5:45-7:30 p.m.

Hilton Garden Inn

1702 Gornto Rd.

Valdosta, GA

Click here to register.

**Registration Required.**

]]> http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/06/14/beat-the-clock-dont-let-it-beat-you http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/06/14/beat-the-clock-dont-let-it-beat-you Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:54:00 +0000 Zach Miller http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/06/14/beat-the-clock-dont-let-it-beat-you
Around 10 a.m. that morning I got a call. It was my boss asking if I had submitted the required information to qualify our company for a job. I had forgotten. I did the work long before, but never turned it in so we were not approved. Complete disaster, I did all that work for nothing. Instead of making a completion list and managing what I was doing by priority, I just went to work and ended up just spinning my wheels.

Time management techniques could have helped Zach Miller avoid this scheduling disaster. If you've found yourself in a similar situation or would like to avoid a potential one, sign up for the MetroOne Time Managment Lunch-n-Learn with Conference Center and Tourism Authority Interim Director Michael Jetter.

MetroOne Time Managment Lunch-n-Learn
"Beat the Clock...Don't Let It Beat You"
How often do you say to someone, "I was trying to get to it, but I just didn't have time"? Michael Jetter (Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center and Tourism Authority Interim Executive Director) will share time management techniques for busy young professionals and help you become a time management champion. Registration is $10 and includes a Chick-fil-A boxed lunch. Seating is limited, click here to register!

]]> http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/05/25/vote-for-valdosta http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/05/25/vote-for-valdosta Wed, 25 May 2011 09:57:00 +0000 ReKasa Deen http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/05/25/vote-for-valdosta
The top 20 towns will be featured on Randy McNally's Atlases, maps and GPS units. The top 20 towns will also recieve a feature article by USA Today!

The deadline has been extended to May 30.


The top 20 towns will be featured on Randy McNally's Atlases, maps and GPS units. The top 20 towns will also recieve a feature article by USA Today!

The deadline has been extended to May 30.

Click here to vote for Valdosta!

]]> http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/05/24/psst http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/05/24/psst Tue, 24 May 2011 17:30:00 +0000 Nikki Forman http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/05/24/psst Join MetroOne as

Peach State Summer Theater Presents

The Jungle Book

Saturday, June 25 @ 2 p.m.

$10per person (both adults and kids for our group rate).
We ask that all money be turned in no later than [...]]]> Join MetroOne as

Peach State Summer Theater Presents

The Jungle Book

Saturday, June 25 @ 2 p.m.

$10per person (both adults and kids for our group rate).
We ask that all money be turned in no later than June 10 to have enough time to reserve our seating. You also have the option to pay at the door, but we encourage everyone to pre-register to reserve seating.

This event is a way to encourage young professional to be active in the community. It is also a way to increase awareness of the fun, interesting and cultural activities that make Valdosta-Lowndes County more attractive to young professionals.

Click here to reserve your spot!
For more information on this event visit http://www.valdosta.edu/psst/2011Calendar.shtml

The jungle is jumpin' with jazz is this exciting Disney classic! Join Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie and the gang as they swing their way through madcap adventures and thwart the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan. Specially adapted from the beloved film, this musical includes all your favorite Disney tunes, like "The Bare Necessities," and "I Wan'na Be Like You." With colorful characters and that toe-tapping jungle rhythm, THE JUNGLE BOOK is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for audiences of all ages.




]]> http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/04/28/join-main-street-for-the-brown-bag-concert-series http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/04/28/join-main-street-for-the-brown-bag-concert-series Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:02:00 +0000 Amanda Peacock http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/04/28/join-main-street-for-the-brown-bag-concert-series A word from Valdosta Main Street Manager,
Amanda Peacock. To contact Amanda call 229-259-3577 or e-mail apeacock@valdostacity.com. [...]]]> A word from Valdosta Main Street Manager,
Amanda Peacock. To contact Amanda call 229-259-3577 or e-mail apeacock@valdostacity.com.

The Valdosta Main Street office is pleased to announce the return of the annual Brown Bag Lunch Concert Series. Sponsored by the City of Valdosta’s Main Street Office, Central Valdosta Development Authority, and Bank of America, this annual event brings fun and music to your lunch hour for a week in May! From May 9-13 on the Historic Lowndes County Courthouse Square you will be able to enjoy the sounds of local bands and enjoy lunch from downtown restaurants right on the lawn of the courthouse. The Lowndes High Jazz Band will kick the week off on Monday. Tuesday, entertainment will be from 41 South. Wednesday is The Notion, Thursday the Creeksiders, and Friday The River will close the week out. This event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day.

Join MetroOne on Thursday, May 12. Click here for more information.



]]> http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/04/22/councilman-alvin-payton-speaks-to-metroone http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/04/22/councilman-alvin-payton-speaks-to-metroone Fri, 22 Apr 2011 15:29:00 +0000 http://metroonevaldosta.com/blog/2011/04/22/councilman-alvin-payton-speaks-to-metroone MetroOne Young Professionals welcomed Councilman Alvin Payton (Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and City of Valdosta) as guest speaker of the CEOs Unplugged Speaker Series. CEOs Unplugged provides an opportunity for young professionals to learn from the mistakes and successes of seasoned professionals. [...]]]> MetroOne Young Professionals welcomed Councilman Alvin Payton (Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and City of Valdosta) as guest speaker of the CEOs Unplugged Speaker Series. CEOs Unplugged provides an opportunity for young professionals to learn from the mistakes and successes of seasoned professionals.

]]>