6 S G M A G A Z I N E | FA L L 2 0 1 7 B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 7 FROM THE EDITOR: Thressea H. Boyd It has been said that the only thing constant in life is change. One industry that is on a continual path of change is healthcare. As the debate continues at the federal level and within each state, one thing remains clear: There is no easy fix. While there is no “one size fits all” solution, in this issue we look at what is being done, if even in a small way, to address healthcare concerns in South Georgia—partnerships to start and expand charitable clinics, community support to save a local hospital, expansion of technology to provide specialized medical care to underserved populations, tax credits that financially benefit rural hospitals, and an educational program that ensures there are future leaders within healthcare organizations. Also in this issue, we are introducing two new sections: Milestones and Destination Downtown. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, when a company celebrates another year of operation and growth it is a worthy celebration. Reaching an anniversary milestone of 20, 25, 30, or more years is a tremendous accomplishment to the leadership and dedication of employees who have worked hard to foster this success. Congratulations to Hospice of South Georgia and TeamTemps for 30 years and Citizens Community Bank for 90 years of service. Destination Downtown looks at those often overlooked areas that not only provide shopping and restaurants for residents and visitors but are also often the cultural hub for arts and entertainment. This issue showcases Hahira, located in Lowndes County, which is often associated with the annual Hahira Honey Bee Festival. Hahira has a renewed sense of pride as local merchants work with community leaders to create new festivals and attract more businesses to Hahira’s downtown. As in each issue, we focus on the importance of building a strong workforce. South Georgia is fortunate to have Technical College System of Georgia institutions that serve as a pipeline in supplying highly trained workers in hundreds of career fields. The state’s HOPE Career Grant provides financial resources to students who choose to enroll in one of 12 industries where there are more jobs available than there are skilled workers to fill them. In each issue of South Georgia Business + Culture, we try to find individuals and businesses that are making a difference. Often moving forward comes with obstacles: there are the naysayers who want to keep things as they are. I applaud those who are “agents of change,” and though they may stumble, they never give up. George Bernard Shaw, an Irish playwright, said, “People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.” Through the pages of South Georgia Business + Culture Magazine it is our focus to highlight those who are willing to embrace change and move their community in positive directions. To our readers, we want to hear from you. Do you have a suggestion for a future article? Is there someone in your community that is making a positive impact? We want to tell the dynamic stories of growth and success in South Georgia. Go to our website at sgamag. com and share your ideas. Let’s continue to tell South Georgia’s story! “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” Proverbs 29:18 Finding Solutions WEBSITE: sgamag.com | FOLLOW: South Georgia Business + Culture Magazine 6 S G M A G A Z I N E | FA L L 2 0 1 7 B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 7 Finding Solutions FUELYOURBUSINESSWITHFIBER A Dynamic Way to Get Things Done Gigabit+ Fiber Solutions from Mediacom Business offers a high-capacity broadband network that will allow your business to operate with speed and efficiency like you’ve never experienced before. Our proprietary infrastructure delivers ultra-reliable data and voice solutions that are changing the business landscape. Fuel your business with the power of fiber and unleash its true potential. Call 866-955-2225 today for a free consultation All services may not be available in all areas. © 2017 Mediacom Communications Corporation. All Rights Reserved. POG_Gig_south_georgia_bizcult_mag_7.375x9.75_1.indd 1 6/2/17 4:08 PM