News and Events
February 11, 2009:
Director Cheokas chosen as one of MVP (Most Valuable Professor); along with 7 other colleagues, Cheokas was nominated by a senior athletic as a Most Valuable Professor. “It is truly an honor to be selected for this recognition. When my teaching has a in positive influence on my students, especially in a way that will serve them later with their careers - then my mission has accomplished” Cheokas stated.
Below: School of Business faculty who received recognition (l-r): Mrs. Carol Bishop, Cheokas, President Kendall Blanchard, Dr. Cecelia Maldonado, Dr. Liz Wilson, Dr. Dawn Valentine. Not Pictured: Dr. Randall Valentine, Dr. John Stovall
February 10, 2009:
Annual Economic Outlook Luncheon
Keynote Speaker: Mr. Terry Coleman
Deputy Commissioner
Georgia Department of Agriculture
To view program click here
Luncheon Photo Gallery – 2.10.09
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| Deputy Coleman speaks to large crowd about economic opportunities in the area of agriculture. |
Local business leaders use meet and greet time for networking.
(below-l)
Coleman discusses current economic concerns with Director Cheokas, Rick Whaley,
President of Citizens Bank, Wally Summers, VP South Georgia Technical School,
Wallace Mays, local doctor and incoming Chamber president, and Stick Miller, GSW
Foundation. (below-r) David Seagraves, CEO Sumter Regional Hospital and Fort
Hill, VP Magnolia Manor, talk with Andrew Buchanan, GSW SIFE student.
John Shealy and AJ Kooti pictured in background. |
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February 5, 2009:
Director Cheokas named 2008 Economic Developer of the Year by the Americus-Sumter Chamber of Commerce. Cheokas received recognition during Chamber of Commerce’s Annual meeting.
October 2008:
Class 2 - Maximum Marketing Training began in September concluding in mid-October. A graduation luncheon was held in recognition of the attendees’ accomplishments. These training classes were offered to small business owners on marketing strategies; topics included, how to improve marketing plan, identify target market, low budget grassroots marketing techniques. Sessions taught by instructors from the SBDC Network. Ms. Suzanne Barnett from Valdosta State did a tremendous job of engaging the 22 participants. Training was a 6 week program offered to area small business owners and 5 auditors. Plans are to follow up this training with financial and human resource management training. Director Cheokas will discuss expanding opportunities with the Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee on which she serves.
October 2008:
Youth Entrepreneurship Training – As part of EFIF grant funding, Mrs. Cheokas held a three part mini-seminar on Youth Entrepreneurship training for the high school students who attend Early College. First session was held on October 20th; this program introduced the students to entrepreneurship as career path. The second session was instructed by the GSW - SIFE team. The SIFE team used a small business ownership/business plan learning module for training. The last session was the highlight of the series – a panel of small business owners shared their story with the students, followed by Q&A time. Training will continue with other high school groups during March 2009. April 2008:
April 2008:
EF Class 1 - Maximum Marketing Training began in March concluding in mid-April. As part of the graduation program, each participant delivered a “Two Minute Commercial” about their business. This provided a great opportunity for the class members to share their story. These training classes were offered to small business owners on marketing strategies; topics included, how to improve marketing plan, identify target market, low budget grassroots marketing techniques. Sessions taught by instructors from the SBDC Network, a working partner with the GSW Center.
Pictured are
class participants listening to each business owner’s “Two Minute Commercial” as
they share their own business stories. |
November 2007:
Americus receives Entrepreneur Friendly Designation from Gov. Sonny Perdue. Below committee members are pictured with the Governor.
(l-r) Charlotte
Cotton (City of Americus, CFO), David Garriga (President, Americus Payroll
Development Authority), Gov. Perdue, Angie Hood (Main Street Director,
Americus), Cheokas (EF Committee Chairperson), and Sarah Walls (Asst. Executive
Director, Middle Flint Rural Development Center) |
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229-931-2726 phone 229-931-6917 fax Georgia Southwestern State University School of Business – Suite 212 800 Georgia Southwestern State University Drive Americus, GA 31709 |