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SUMMER 2015 Building Business with Family An inside look at ASTRO Exterminating Services INSIDE Third Generation Businesses Chamber Applauds Local Leaders ADVOCATE • BUILD • CONNECT • PROMOTE ValdostaChamber.com

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Page 1: Kelly's Articles - Progress

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BuildingBusinesswithFamilyAn inside lookat ASTROExterminatingServices

INSIDEThird Generation

Businesses

Chamber ApplaudsLocal Leaders

ADVOCATE • BUILD • CONNECT • PROMOTEValdostaChamber.com

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8 Summer 2015 • ValdostaChamber.com

s a military spouse, tran-sitioning from one city to the next can be a taxing

process. Moving every two to four years means having to start over per-sonally and professionally, oftentimes coming into a job market that is hesi-tant to consider hiring a transitioning military spouse. While there is valid-ity to hiring managers’ concerns over short stints of employment, there are many upsides to looking to this appli-cant pool. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, wage and salary workers stay at their place of employment an average of 4.6 years. For Millennials (those born between 1977-1997), the expected tenure is about half of that.* This translates into the average Millennial holding between 15-20 jobs in their working lives. With a strong percentage of military spouses falling into the Millennial applicant pool, these statistics make their tenure no different than their civilian peers. They are well-traveled, valued members of their installations as well as the communities in which they live. Need more reasons to look at hiring a military spouse?

CONSIDER THESE:

1) Cost Savings: While military spouses can’t be paid less than civil-ian employees, they often come at a cost savings to employers. Things like medical and dental insurance are provided to military families at a very low cost, one that your company likely cannot match. Military spouses also have more flexible schedules, and may be available for part time positions since major life expenses – including insurance and housing – are likely already worked into the family’s budget.

2) Adaptable, Problem Solvers: A life in constant transition is not for everyone, but military spouses are able to function and thrive in this fast-paced, constantly changing environment. The workplace is also

constantly changing, and you need employees that are adaptable and willing to take on new challengesand problems. Whether it isdealing with angry customers to juggling multiple projects, military spouses are able to get the jobdone without getting too workedup.

3) Networking: There is a lot ofsupport offered to military members and their families and spouses are part of an extensive network ofsupporters. In addition to having connections at the installationthey are living at, they likely have connections from across thecountry and globe. Military families go out of their way for oneanother. Let their networks workfor your company.

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MARRIED TO THE MILITARY

The Chamber’s Kelly Naranja and her Air Force husband, Rogelio, who is a member ofthe 38th Rescue Squadron.

Don’t let a fear of transition deter your organization from hiring a military spouse.

The Chamber loves military spouses!

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9Summer 2015 ValdostaChamber.com

4) Strong, Educated Employees: You might just get lucky and be able to hire a well-qualified, highly edu-cated spouse looking for a position that will continue their career on an upward trajectory. Studies done by the Military Family Life Project show that approximately 10 percent of all military spouses have a professional degree, which is right on track with the Census Bureau’s report of all Americans. You just may end up with an applicant that could take your business to the next level. Want to support military members and their families in the Valdosta area? Show your support by hiring a mil-itary spouse, or by becoming a member of the Chamber’s Certified Military Friendly Program.

Certified Military Friendly

Is Moody Air Force Base importantto your business?

We can bet that it is. Show your support of mili-tary members in our community by joining the

Chamber’s Certified Military Friendly program.

Businesses affiliated with the program will be rec-ognized in our marketing efforts that target military personnel, including spe-cial acknowledgement on the Chamber website and in MoodyLink magazine. Participating businesses also receive a Certified Military Friendly decal to display on the door of their business.

Let military members and their families at Moody know that your business is a great place for them to do business by joining this wonderful program.

Learn more about this program and register yourbusiness to become a member by visiting:www.ValdostaChamber/CertifiedMilitaryFriendly.com

2015 Certified Military Friendly Chamber Members:

*According to the Future WorkplaceMultiple Generations @ Work survey

Adel Dental AssociatesADT Security Services, Inc.Ameris BankBarnes Healthcare ServicesBush Wealth ManagementCenter for Personal & Family Growth, LLCCitizens Community BankColeman|Talley, LLPColony Bank ValdostaCommercial Banking CompanyCoombs Heating and Air ConditioningELead1One/Fresh BeginningsFarmers Home Furniture CompanyFirst Federal Savings of ValdostaFirst State Bank and Trust Co.Furniture Express/Beds for LessGeorgia PowerHeritage Bank of the SouthHighland Christian AcademyHoliday Inn Express & SuitesKilby Family DentistryLiberty National Life Insurance-Cannington AgencyLiteracy Volunteer Program of South GeorgiaReal Living Realty AdvisorsRoto Rooter Plumbing & Drain ServiceSAFT America, Inc.SCANA EnergySouth Georgia Medical CenterSouth Georgia TravelSoutheastern Credit UnionSouthwest Georgia BankTanner Investment GroupTeamtemps Personnel Staffing, Inc.The Gardens ValdostaTurner’s Fine FurnitureValdosta Chiropractic & RehabValdosta Oral & Maxillofacial SurgeonsValdosta Properties-Property Management Co., LLCValdosta State UniversityW. P. Walker’s VACK, Inc.Watson’s Pools & Patios, Inc.Worthington Family Dentistry

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15Summer 2014 www.ValdostaChamber.com

hrough recessions and hardships, expansions and prosperity, the one thing

that remains consistent in a third gen-eration business is family. Statistics show that while more than 30 percent of family-owned businesses survive into the second generation, just 12 percent survive into the third.* For those who have figured out a way to make it work, we salute you.

In Metro Valdosta, third generation businesses span industries from ac-counting to funeral services. While transitioning a business from one generation to the next has the poten-tial to break a family business, we are fortunate that the businesses featured here have survived and thrived.

Entrepreneurial activity is essential to the growth and development of our communities. The businesses repre-sented on the pages that follow are just a few of the entrepreneurs who have continued the visions of their predecessors, while forging their own paths into the future.

In the following pages, you’ll learn about the journeys of Carson McLane Funeral & Cremation Services,Tillman & Tillman, LLP, WallerHeating & Air Conditioning Co., Music Funeral Services and Miller Hardware Company.

Three generations deep, these com-panies have proven that there is a way to run a business, and there is away to run a business well. These

companies represent more thannumbers and figures, they represent a history of this community.

Oscar Wilde once said, “After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one’s own relations.” While this has not been confirmed, we imagine that these families have enjoyed a good dinner or two along the way.

*Source: Conway Center forFamily Business

The Next Generation Steps InA tribute to Lowndes County businesses who are celebrating their third generation of family ownership

Summer 2015 • ValdostaChamber.com

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Miller Hardware’s Dutton Miller and sons, Richard Miller and Jonathan Miller.

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Summer 2015 • ValdostaChamber.com22

Music Funeral Services: CompassionateService For Three Generations

THIRD GENERATION

ounded by the late W.G. “Glyndon” Sr. and Max-ine Music in 1955, Music Funeral Services has

been serving South Georgia families for 60 years. Today, MusicFuneral Services remains a family business, now being run by the third generation of the Music family.

Glyndon and Maxine MusicThe company’s first location in Lake-land was the birth home of Mrs. Nell Roquemore. When Glyndon and Maxine purchased the home, they wanted to use it as a place that served their community with trust, compassion and love. They turned the home into a business in 1955, but treated their customers as family. The values instilled by Glyndon and Maxine are still being practiced by the family today.

W. G. “Dub” Music, Jr. Glyndon and Maxine ran the Lake-land location for nearly twenty years before turning it over to their son, Dub Music grew up in the family business, and began working for his father at age 13. Ever since he was a little boy, Dub planned to follow in his father’s footsteps by taking care of those in the community. He started working full time for the company in 1968, taking over the

business in 1974 after his father’s retire-ment. Dub and his wife, Wilma, have four children, Casey, Michael, Lee and Kyle. Casey, Michael and Lee MusicUnlike his father, Casey didn’t imme-diately know that he had a future in the family busi-ness. That all changed when Casey was attending college and received a call from his father. There had been a tragedy in the com-munity, and Dub needed Casey’s assistance. Casey put his trust in God and following that event, he put his heart into Music Funeral Services and never looked back. He helped open the Valdosta location in 2001 along with the Azalea Crematory. As owner and funeral director at both the Lakeland and Valdosta locations, Casey knows that this is where he was meant to be.

Caring for people in their time of need is something that Dub passed on to all of his children, and that Casey hopes to pass on to his young children, Kaytibeth and Aubrey, as well. The young Music children

have plenty of leaders to look up to in the family business, including their grandfather; father; mother, Brooke; and uncles, Michael and Lee, who work as Apprentices for Music Funeral Services.

Music FamilyAcross the generations, the Musics have taken the time to care for every family that they serve. Their cus-tomer base stretches as far as Fargo and Tifton because of their reputa-tion for excellence in service. Trust and love are two characteristics that Glyndon and Maxine ran their busi-ness on back in 1955.

While a lot has changed sincethen, trust and love remain at the forefront of Music Funeral Services.

F

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26 Summer 2014 www.ValdostaChamber.comSummer 2015 • ValdostaChamber.com

hile it may be South Georgia’s largest inde-

pendent pest control company, ASTRO Exterminating was established as a family business. The company has been serving South Georgia with full service pest control for more than four decades, offering today’s mod-ern technology in pest and termite control. Founded by Lamar Culbreth and his wife, Margaret, the company started small and has since expanded to eleven locations and over 300 employees.

The Valdosta location is now run by Culbreth’s daughter, Laura Perlman. “When my dad started this business in 1969, he said he wanted to have the kind of business he would like to work for,” Perlman said.

While pest control is traditionally a high turnover business, Perlman takes great pride in ASTRO’s ability to attract and retain long standing employees by honoring her father’s commitment to taking care of his staff and his community.

In my eyes, there are two big things that really set us apart here at ASTRO. One, it’s the individuals that we have work-ing with us and two, it’s our service. The answer to ourcustomers is always ‘YES.’

Laura Perlman

Perlman attests that she receives compliments nearly every day from satisfied customers, attributing that success to both the employees and her management team. “We focus

WStars still aligned for ASTRO Exterminating

View the back cover to see the services ASTRO offers our community.

“ “

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27Summer 2014 www.ValdostaChamber.com 27

ASTRO IS BUILT

ON CUSTOMER

SATISFACTION!

Summer 2015 • ValdostaChamber.com

on the work at hand but also the little things,” she said. “Simple gestures like making sure to wipe your feet before entering someone’s home make a big difference. We’re not per-fect and we are always looking for ways to improve, but keep-ing that service mentality in mind really goes a long way.”

The company has come a long way since its early beginnings. When Culbreth left his position as vice president of a national pest control company to branch out on his own, he was the sole technician. Today, the com-pany spans thirteen locations in South Georgia and South Carolina.

“Even though we’ve evolved into a larger company, we still run on the basic principles that my dad built,” Perlman said. From monthly employee cook-outs to support of local orga-nizations like the Boys & Girls Club, Culbreth’s vision is still being practiced today.

“My dad used to say, ‘Laura,you can’t run a business with your heart, but when you lose heart, it’s time to get out,’” said Perlman. “Because of the won-derful staff that I have, I’ve been able to both work and raise my daughter. It’s truly a great balance and I am very lucky.”

ASTRO was established in 1969, the same year that man first landed on the moon. Lamar and Margaret had nearly everything set to open their business apart from its name. They had thought long and hard when it dawned on Margaret, “Well honey, if man can land on the moon, we can shoot for the stars.” And so the name “ASTRO” and the shooting star logo were born.

Laura (L) and Addy (R) Perlman outside of Valwood School, where Addy attends.

In exchange for hard work and dedication, ASTROencourages its employees to find a balance between their work lives and their personal lives

Forty-six years later, the stars are still aligned.

ASTRO is a proud supporter of many local organizations including the Boys & Girls Club. The family sits with children in front of the Culbreth Aquatic Center in Valdosta.

Patio chair courtesy of Turner’s Fine Furniture.

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32 Summer 2014 www.ValdostaChamber.com

Chamber Choice Awards - Celebrating

Valdosta’s BEST!

Summer 2015 • ValdostaChamber.com

aldosta’s business com-munity gathered in May for the 6th Annual Chamber Choice Awards spon-

sored by the State Farm Agents of Valdosta. The event spotlights the city’s best and brightest, with awards given in five categories: Small Business of the Year, Members’ Choice, Young Professional of the Year, Ambassador of the Year and the BIG Thinker. Music for the evening was provided by the tal-ented Backstreet Blazers, and event services were provided by EventPoint, The Flower Gallery and Fusion Creative Marketing.

Small Business of the Year: Bush Wealth Management

This award recognizes a local business with 100 or fewer employees that exemplifies a high level of business integrity and ethics, and is selected by an independent panel of community leaders. Bush Wealth Management, established in August 2004, offers a wide range of insurance, estate,

and wealth planning strategies. They pride themselves on going beyond the “sale” as they form personal relationships with each client. They are also involved in the community, donating time

to projects like Habitat for Humanity, and money to deserving stu-

dents through scholarship

programs. This year, the com-pany broke ground on a new loca-tion which will open in the fall of 2015. “With so many exceptional small busi-nesses in the Valdosta community, we are humbled that Bush Wealth Management was recognized as the Small Business of the Year. Without our clients, this would not be possible. We are so appreciative of the trust that they have placed in us. We do not take it lightly.”

Stacy Bush

V

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33Summer 2014 www.ValdostaChamber.comSummer 2015 • ValdostaChamber.com

Members’ Choice Award: South Georgia Medical Center

This award recognizes a business that excels in custom-er service as voted upon by Chamber member businesses. This year, 75 local businesses were nominated for the award, nearly 800 votes were cast and South Georgia Medical Center rose to the top. The growing healthcare enterprise, SGMC, consists of four hospitals that serve a large, diverse population. The healthcare enterprise is recognized locally, state and national level for exceptional patient care.

“On behalf of the Hospital Authority of Valdosta and Lowndes County, its medi-cal staff, employees and volunteers, we are pleased to be named the recipient of this year’s Chamber Members’ Choice Award for 2015. This truly is an honor to be recognized in this manner by our fellow Chamber members which dem-onstrates support and trust they have in South Georgia Medical Center. For that we are all truly humble and thankful.” Randy Sauls

Young Professional of the Year: Cindy Romero, Wild Adventures Theme Park

This award recognizes a young leader who has shown a quantifiable improvement to the bottom line of his/her employer. Voted on by a panel of business

leaders, Cindy Romero, Operations Manager at Wild Adventures Theme Park, was recognized as the 2015 win-ner. Cindy oversees more than 175 employees across multiple operat-ing divisions at Wild Adventures. She developed a benchmark that retains and rewards Wild Adventures’ high potential employees that was so suc-cessful, it was implemented at other park departments and divisions. She created Wild Adventures’ successful “Stay & Play” program and consistent-ly evaluates operations, finding ways to do more with less.

“I am very honored and humbled to be named Young Professional of the Year. It is most certainly an achievement that will remain very special to me. It is an honor I would like to see more young professionals in our community work toward and achieve.”

Cindy Romero

Ambassador of the Year: Jerry Kozuch, South Georgia Vein Center

This award recognizes the Chamber Ambassador who has earned the highest num-ber of points attributed to ribbon cut-tings, ground breakings, Leading Business of the Week presen-tations and other Chamber volunteer functions. Jerry Kozuch sets stan-dards high for what it means to be a Chamber Ambassador. Jerry has vol-unteered and assisted with more than 50 events in 2014. Twice named the Ambassador of the Quarter in 2014, Jerry is always a team player, making her a wonderful asset to the team of Ambassadors and the Chamber.

“I am so appreciative of being recog-nized as the Ambassador of the Year, and thankful that Dr. Greg Martin

allows me to participate as a Chamber Ambassador. I enjoy any chance to celebrate in the company of my family and friends, and this recognition was a fun one for me. I accept it on behalf of all of my fellow Ambassadors who work hard in this community.”

Jerry Kozuch

BIG Thinker Award: Quillian Powell, Quillian Powell Construction Company Inc.

This award recognizes an outstand-ing community member who has established his/her own business from the start of the venture and has made significant contribu-tions to the community in the wayof time, monetary donations, in-kind services, job creation, sales tax production or economic development initiatives. A leader in the community and a past chairman of the Chamber board, Quillian Powell is committed to mak-ing this community better. Powell started his career in construction when he was 20 and worked for 22 years before he branched out on his own. Quillian Powell Construction Company, Inc., was established in 1987.

“I began my career in construction working as a laborer by day and stu-dent by night. I’ve just always had a desire to be good at what I do and keep honesty and integrity at the heart of my business and personal life. I don’t seek out recognition, but this award from the Chamber really holds a special place for me. I feel truly blessed to be recognized as the 2015 BIG Thinker.”

Quillian Powell

Congratulations!

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34 Summer 2014 www.ValdostaChamber.com

ogether with sponsors First State Bank & Trust Co, Fresh Beginnings and ELEAD1ONE, the Chamber

hosted another successful Winners in the Workplace breakfast in May. The event focuses on excellence in the workplace, recognizing four out-standing employees with a $1500 recognition check for their efforts.

Keynote speaker, Bob Ganzak, with the Dale Carnegie Institute of North

Florida delivered a strong keynote address about making a differ-ence.

“There’s no deny-ing that employee recognition is

worth the time and money spent on it,” said Bill Cowart, president of First State Bank and Trust Co. “Employee recognition is a tool that predictably makes employees not only feel good about the place that they work, but gives meaning to the job that they’re doing.”

Statistics from CareerBuilder.com show that organizations that offer at least one recognition program have a low turnover rate (0-5%), which leads to an increase in productivity, workplace knowledge, profits and employee attitudes. CareerBuilder.com also reported that the presence of a corporate incentive program motivated 66 percent of employees to stay at their job.“It’s so important – especially in today’s fast paced world – to take the

time to recognize our community’s most valuable assets, our employees,” said Judy Hathcock, owner of Fresh Beginnings/ELEAD1ONE and co-sponsor of the event. “We know that employee recognition is critical to the strength, reputation, and growth of any successful business.”

2015 WINNERS:Small Business Employee:Rene Carl, The Haven

Small Business Supervisor:Marilyn Orr, LODAC

Large Business Employee:Anthony Foster, South GeorgiaMedical Center

Large Business Supervisor:Susan Bowden, Hospice of South Georgia and the Langdale Hospice House

T

WINNERS IN THE WORKPLACERECOGNIZED

Summer 2015 • ValdostaChamber.com

Rene CarlThe Haven

Marilyn OrrLODAC

Anthony FosterSouth Georgia Medical Center

Susan BowdenHospice of South Georgia and the Langdale Hospice House

2015 Sponsors:

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35Summer 2014 www.ValdostaChamber.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

E.R. BARBER

HOUSE!

he Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber has made the E.R. Barber House its home since

1981, welcoming more than 2,800 visi-tors, Chamber members and citizens through its doors each year. This year, the house celebrates its 100th birth-day.

The house was built in 1915 by E.R. Barber, a respected entrepreneur and inventor who was very involved in the local community. After he died in 1965, he left the house to his daugh-ter, Ola Barber Pittman, who occu-pied the property until her death in 1977. In her will, Pittman bequeathed the Barber House to the “citizens of Valdosta” with detailed instructions for the house to be a safe haven and place of security, relaxation and reflec-tion.

The home was placed on the Na-tional Register of Historic Places in 1980 following a two-year building renovation sparked by the Southwest Georgia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The renovation effort was made possible through the

generous efforts of local craftsmen and architects – including Richard Hill, Mac Tillman and Troy Snipes – who offered their services at little or no charge. Following the restoration, the Chamber moved into the Barber House with a 75-year lease for $1 per year, where it has remained for the past 34 years.

“The Barber House is not only home to the Chamber,” said Ron Borders (Real Living Realty Advisors), chairman of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber Board of Directors. “Over the years, the Barber House has been home to a number of essential organizations in our community – organizations which were developed by this Chamber and have grown even stronger on their own.”

Such initiatives, including Leader-ship Lowndes, the Valdosta-Lowndes Development Authority,the Valdosta-Lowndes CountyConference Center & TourismAuthority, the Red Carpet Committee and the Lowndes County Bird Supper, continue to flourish and remain

positive and integral parts of thecommunity.

“We continue to incubate new initia-tives at the Chamber,” continued Borders. “We need to ensure thatprograms such as the SEEDS Center and our small business incubator have the resources needed to be success-ful. With strong community support,we can grow our local economy and invest for the next century.”

Investing for the next century is exactly what the Chamber is looking to do with an ambitious capital campaign.

The Barber House is much more than just a beautiful old building. It represents the past, present and future of this community, and serves as the front door and first impression many newcomers and visitors will have of Valdosta. And you only get one chance to make a legendary first impression.

Learn more about the history of the Barber House and how you can help restore this Valdosta treasure byvisiting www.ValdostaChamber.com.

E.R. Barber House Celebrates 100th Birthday

Summer 2015 • ValdostaChamber.com

INVESTING FOR THE NEXT CENTURY:

TDon Pettigrew painting of the E.R. Barber House done in 1980.

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38 Summer 2014 www.ValdostaChamber.com

The Chamber works hard to promote your business, and our community.

PROMOTE “We offer extensive opportunities to expand your brand recognition. It’s marketing made easy!”

Our dedicated Chamber Ambassadors support local businesses by attending ribbon cuttings, ground breakings and renovation celebrations as pictured here.

For more information aboutour Ambassadors program visit ValdostaChamber.com/ambassadors.

Each year volunteers deliver more than 1200 packets to Chamber member busineses as part of Operation Thank You. This year’s sponsor was Colson Printing.

38 Summer 2015 • ValdostaChamber.com

Each week, Chamber Ambassadors along with sponsor, South Georgia Vein Center, recognize a Leading Business of the Weekin our community.

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39Summer 2014 www.ValdostaChamber.com

The Chamber works hard to promote your business, and our community.

Our young professionals discussed the advantages of internships to students at Valdosta State University, explaining how experience provides a competitive edge for prospective job-seekers.

CHECK OUT

THE NEXT PAGES:

PROMOTING OUR MEMBERS!

State Farm Agents of Valdosta go on air with Scott James to promote the 2015 Chamber Choice Awards.

Whether it’s print, online or inperson, the Chamber works hardto promote your business in this community.

Media Cares sponsors like Fusion Creative Marketing help get our members in front of the camera.

For more information aboutour Media Cares program please contact Kelly Naranja at 229-247-8100 ext. 231 or visit online atValdostaChamber.com/mediacares.

39Summer 2015 • ValdostaChamber.com

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41

MetroOne’s 4 Under 40Honoring Our Young Leaders

Summer 2015 • ValdostaChamber.com

etroOne’s 4 Under 40 program originally began as Emerging Leaders

back in 2009 as a way to recognize young leaders in the community who excelled both in and out of the work-place. Now known as MetroOne’s 4 Under 40 program, the recognition highlights young professionals (aged 21-40) who represent the best and brightest in business, government, nonprofits, education, politics, media, healthcare and the arts.

The ideal candidate for the 4 Under 40 award is someone who is suc-cessful in his or her profession and involved in the community beyond his or her job duties. This year’s win-ners were selected by the Greenville-Pitt Chamber of Commerce in Greenville, North Carolina and recog-nized at the 4 Under 40 event held at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts in May.

THE WINNERS ARE:Gerrell Aldridge: Gerrell has been described by his colleagues as the “team captain” of New Hire Solutions. He motivates and develops the talent and skill of each member of his team to drive their personal and profes-sional growth. Gerrell has been with New Hire Solutions since 2007, and has become an integral member of the organization’s leadership team. He vol-unteers in the community and proudly represents his company through his work as a Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber Ambassador. He is a leader that exudes a passion for people and life that is difficult to replicate.

Victoria Copeland: As Valdosta/Lowndes County’s 2014 Woman of the Year, Victoria continues to inspire women to step out on faith to reach their goals. She has helped inspire countless individuals both person-ally and professionally, and is the proud owner of her own business, ValdostaSOLD Real Estate Services. She has gone back to school sev-eral times to pursue her dreams. She serves as a volunteer at local schools and recently participated in the City’s Government 101 program, where she learned advocacy skills.

Ashleigh Kenny: Ashleigh is known as a bridge builder, knowing how to network and build relationships with key people and organizations in our community that are mutually beneficial. Outside of her work as a teacher at Hahira Middle School, she actively volunteers with the Children’s Advocacy Center and LAMP and is a graduate of Leadership Lowndes. She co-founded an organization called Y-LEAD - one of her proudest achieve-

ments - geared at molding students into strong, positive leaders. She is passionate about students and her community, and has raised thousands of dollars in our community to benefit children and people in need.

Justin Purvis: Justin’s dedication to excellence expands beyond his day job as an attorney at Young, Thagard, Hoffman, Smith, Lawrence, Shenton LLP. He currently serves as the Valdosta Bar Treasurer, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and Relay for Life, and assists each year with the high school mock trial competition. He also is serving his second year as the State Attorney General’s City Representative for the Georgia Legal Food Frenzy, all while taking on a new role this year as a father. He attests that true leaders should be able to set examples both personally and profes-sionally, and in both circles, he is rec-ognized as a man of integrity.

For more information visitmetroonevaldosta.com

M

Pictured (L-R): Gerrell Aldridge (New Hire Solutions); Ashleigh Kenny (Hahira Middle School); Justin Purvis (Young, Thagard, Hoffman, Smith, Lawrence, Shenton, LLP); and Victoria Copeland (ValdostaSOLD Real Estate Services).