New high for state unemployment

ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Labor reported that the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 10.4 percent in January, topping the previous record high of 10.3 percent reported in December.

Coldwell Banker associates honored

On Feb. 19, nine sales associates at Coldwell Banker Intercoastal Realty were recognized by the Savannah Board of Realtors as members of The Distinguished Sales Society. Those receiving the award are Sue Anderson, Kim Goode, Judy Quinney, Stephanie Casey, Emily Pigman, Ann Cade, Alicia Howe, James Presnell and Carrel Donnell.

Hospital officials call HUD meeting ‘positive’

Effingham Hospital Authority Chairman Rick Rafter told authority members a delegation's meeting Department of Housing and Urban Development officials was positive.

Upgrade to expand capacity at Garden City Terminal

Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Curtis J. Foltz announced that a new set of electrified refrigerated container racks were completed and came online in Container Berth Five (CB-5) last week. With the 10 new racks, Garden City Terminal now has a total of 44 racks, which accommodate 1,056 containers.

State FSA targets funds for socially disadvantaged farmers

The Georgia State Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced the availability of $9.5 million in direct loan funds for Socially Disadvantaged (SDA) individuals who want to purchase or operate a family-size farm in fiscal year 2010.

Hynes named Chamber director

The Effingham Chamber of Commerce has announced that Tess Hynes has been named its executive director.

Chamber counts on members for Census

Lauren Lewis with the U.S. Census will be the featured speaker at Wednesday's Effingham Chamber of Commerce membership breakfast.

Bank to put its power outage to use in disaster training

A disaster is going to hit the Citizens Bank of Effingham in Springfield on Wednesday - at least that's what it's going to look and feel like to the employees and customers as Senior Vice President Alan Lewis takes advantage of the planned outage by Georgia Power and conducts disaster training for his staff.

Governor, state hail Kia’s grand opening

WEST POINT - Gov. Sonny Perdue joined with Mong-Koo Chung, Chairman of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Friday to celebrate the grand opening of Kia's first North American manufacturing facility, located in West Point. The ceremony was attended by approximately 500 dignitaries from both Korea and the U.S. including company representatives, dealers, and local and state officials.

Kemp urges corporations to renew before deadline

ATLANTA-Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp reminded officers and registered agents of corporate entities registered in Georgia that the annual renewal period deadline is April 1.

Urgent Care Center opens

The Effingham Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting Monday morning for Dr. Slavko Kukucka and the Rincon Medical Urgent Care Center located at 119 Chimney Road in Rincon. The center will provide urgent care services for the community and surrounding area. Dr. Kukucka has been practicing in the area for 13 years.

Parker joins Coastal Bank team in Effingham

Effingham County builders and contractors have a new face to turn to for loans at The Coastal Bank's Rincon office.

Banks adapting, too

The economy has been hard on just about everyone and local bankers are no exception. In fact, in many ways, a local bank's fate follows that of the community it serves. Just ask Michael Lee, president of Citizens Bank.

Hospital picks contractor for expansion plans

The Effingham Hospital Authority contract manager selection committee awarded the construction management contract for its modernization project to R.J. Griffin and Company and Rives E. Worrell Company, based in Savannah.

Outlook brightens for second half of 2010

The economy for the first half of 2010 will feel a lot like 2009's, but things should improve toward the end of the year, said an economic expert.

Tourists spent $21B in Georgia in 2010

Gov. Nathan Deal announced that domestic and international visitors spent $21 billion in Georgia in 2010, up 8.3 percent from 2009, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

Leading the way

The 2011 Leadership Effingham Class finished their year by presenting class group projects June 30 in the County Commission meeting room in Springfield.

Plan for the expected — but prepare for unexpected

To enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle, you'll need to have adequate financial resources in place. And that means you must plan for the expected - but prepare for the unexpected.

A home-grown choice at Madrac Farms

IDA's Treutlen site earns GRAD status

The Governor Treutlen Site in the Effingham County Industrial Park has been named a market-ready site by the Georgia Allies

Poitevint re-elected as Georgia Ports chairman

The Board of Directors of the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has re-elected Alec L. Poitevint II of Bainbridge to serve a second term as chairman of the board.

Bank enters into agreement with regulators

The Coastal Bank announced Thursday that it has entered into a formal agreement with federal and state banking regulators to improve asset quality and to maintain capital above agreed upon levels.

Hospital enters into new partnership with Statesboro-based radiology group

Effingham Hospital announced this week that it has developed an association with a new radiology group to further ensure and enhance its radiology services.

Habitat’s ReStore remains ready for business

As its remodeling and reorganizing commenced, the Habitat for Humanity of Effingham's ReStore remained open for business.

Seminar to cover family leave issues

Georgia Southern University invites human resource personnel and other managers to learn better salary solutions for employees with medical conditions at the University's next Legal Awareness in the Workplace (LAW) seminar.

BEST seminar to cover communication skills

What are the three most important focus areas for every leader? Learn the answers to this and other key business-success questions at Georgia Southern University's next Business Enrichment through Strategic Training (BEST) seminar in Savannah on June 9.

J&S Automotive cuts the ribbon

The Effingham Chamber held a ribbon cutting for J&S Automotive in Rincon at the old Ford location. Joe Taylor along with his wife and staff put together a day full of activities, including great food and beautiful old vintage automobiles. City Limit Customs was also on hand with an early Harley servicar that is being raffled off for charity.

Unemployment in metro area falls to 8.5 percent

ATLANTA-State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said today that the preliminary unadjusted unemployment rate in the metro Savannah area decreased to 8.5 percent in April, down one-tenth of a percentage point from a revised 8.6 percent in March. The jobless rate in the metro Savannah area in April a year ago was 8.3 percent.

Effingham earns Work Ready status

Gov. Nathan Deal has announced five new Certified Work Ready Communities of Excellence, inclding Effingham County.

One-Stop Center marks first anniversary

The Coastal Workforce Investment Board announces the one-year anniversary of the Effingham One-Stop Career Center. The partnership between the Effingham County Commissioners, Coastal Workforce Investment Board and the Georgia Department of Labor has extended services to Effingham residents for one year now.