State jobless number hits new high

ATLANTA-State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Georgia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 10.4 percent in January, once again hitting the all-time high. The December rate, originally reported as a preliminary 10.2 percent, has been revised upward to 10.4 percent. The state's jobless rate was also 10.4 percent in January 2010.

Hospital’s Pizzino receives degree

Effingham Hospital and Care Center announces that Informatics Manager Mary Pizzino has been awarded a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Degree from the University of Cincinnati.

State exports, imports hit new marks in 2010

ATLANTA-Georgia's exports and imports grew in numbers and value during 2010, reaching new milestones of growth in international trade. The state's total value of goods exported from Georgia in 2010 exceeded $28.7 billion, the most Georgia has ever exported in a single year. Georgia's imports experienced a 27.11 percent increase compared to 2009, higher than the overall national increase of 22.6 percent, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics released this month. "These figures are more ...

State announces AIG settlement

ATLANTA-Insurance Commissioner Ralph T. Hudgens said Georgia stands to collect more than $1 million pending a multi-state settlement with American International Group, Inc. (AIG). The settlement comes after a nationwide examination of the company's compliance with premium reporting rules.

Lott to lead Chamber

The Effingham Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted Thursday to name Rick Lott as permanent executive director of the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce. Lott has served as interim director since Nov. 1 and has led the Chamber through the Holiday Classic and Effingham Day at the Capitol events, among others.

Bank says even with change, all deposits are safe

Business for Citizens Bank of Effingham customers will continue close to usual, after the state's Department of Banking and Finance closed the financial institution Friday.

Ports to cut energy by remote control

The Georgia Ports Authority, in partnership with Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) and Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC), has begun the process of installing an energy management system to monitor and control HVAC and lighting at seven buildings at the Port of Savannah thanks to an energy efficiency project grant.

GSU seminar teaches women conflict resolution

Georgia Southern University's "BEST Practices 106: Conflict Resolution by and for Women" will be held March 10 from 6-8 p.m in Savannah.

GSU introduces new programs in Savannah

The Continuing Education Department of Georgia Southern University is offering Beginning and Advanced Project Management courses at the Coastal Georgia Center in downtown Savannah in March and April. The courses are the first of several professional development and personal enrichment programs the University will offer at this location in 2011.

Albany bank to take over Citizens Bank

Citzens Bank of Effingham will re-open its four branches - but under a new name after the bank was closed by federal regulators.

Intermodal volume turned up high at Savannah ports

Georgia Ports Authority's Executive Director Curtis J. Foltz announced the GPA experienced exceptional intermodal growth in January , posting the second best month ever with 25,877 rail moves.

Metro initial unemployment insurance claims drop 15.5 percent

ATLANTA – State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said that 2,279 laid-off workers in metro Savannah filed initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits in January, a decrease of 418, or 15.5 percent, from 2,697 in December. Most of the decrease in claims came in accommodation and food services and manufacturing. And, there was a decline of 143, or 5.9 percent, from 2,422 claims filed in January 2010.

Metro Savannah unemployment rate up to 8.9 percent

ATLANTA-State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that the preliminary unadjusted unemployment rate in the metro Savannah area increased to 8.9 percent in December, up from a revised 8.8 percent in November. Meanwhile, the number of unemployed workers in the area increased to 15,856, up 330 from 15,526. The jobless rate in the metro Savannah area in December 2009 was 8.5 percent.

Hospital, Ford ready to open Springfield clinic

Effingham Hospital announces that Janice Ford, APRN, will be providing health care services with a focus on women's health in a new location at 1451 Highway 21 South, Suite H in Springfield.

Expert: Recovery is on the way for county

ATLANTA-The recovery from a devastating recession is under way, and the Coastal Empire should outpace the rest of the state in economic growth, a local economist told attendees at Effingham Day at the Capitol.

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.