Myrna Ballard, President of Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, retires on Dec. 31, 2020 |
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For Myrna H. Ballard, growing up in the small town of Hyden, Kentucky made a lasting impression, one that shaped her passion for economic and community growth.
Sheltered by the Appalachian Mountains, Hyden—population less than 400— was once a booming coal-mining town. The vanishing of coal mines began many years ago, and as the demand diminished, so did the jobs.
"It was always up and down with jobs in the coal mines, mostly depending on the price at the time," says Ballard. "With little other industries, the biggest employer in Hyden was, and still is, the school system."
Having parents who were both educators, Ballard and her siblings were raised with a deep appreciation of the importance of education. "We always knew that we would go to college; it was important to my parents, especially my father."
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Congratulations to Team South Georgia 2020-2021. This is the third year, South Georgia Business + Culture Magazine has recognized community champions for their innovative spirit and ability to obtain positive results. READ MORE
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Wiregrass Georgia Technical College recognized longtime donors Sidney and Sharon Morris by renaming Lowndes Hall in their honor. The Sidney and Sharon Morris Hall, located on the Valdosta Campus of Wiregrass, will continue to house the president’s suite and administrative offices, classrooms and lab space, and the library.
Sidney Morris was a founding member of the Valdosta Technical Institute Foundation in 1988 and continues to serve as a Wiregrass Foundation South Trustee. He has served Wiregrass students for more than 30 years. In 2018, Sidney Morris was recognized as the Technical College System of Georgia Volunteer of the Year.
During a topping off ceremony—which symbolically marks the last steel beam placed in the construction of a building—Anderson also announced that the new health sciences building would be named in honor of Dr. Ed and Rhonda Mark. READ MORE
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A Southwest Georgia native, Dyke most recently served as executive director of the Waycross-Ware County Development Authority. Previously she was director of Mainstreet and Downtown Development in Sylvester, a realtor for Real Living Realty Advisors in Valdosta, and various roles with the Walton County Chamber of Commerce and Destin Chamber of Commerce, both in Florida.
Dyke started her economic development career more than twenty years ago as vice president of the Lee County Chamber of Commerce and Development Authority in Leesburg. READ MORE
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Moore comes to the Valdosta-Lowndes County community from Dawsonville, Georgia, where she served as president and chief executive of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, which she has held since 2012. Moore was responsible for business advocacy, tourism marketing, and economic development.
One of Moore’s most notable successes has been implementing research-driven workforce best practices to champion local work-based learning initiatives through collaboration with the local school system, higher education institutions, and local industry leaders. READ MORE
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Darcy Craven officially began his tenure as president and CEO at Archbold Medical Center on August 24, 2020, replacing Perry Mustian, who retired after 20 years with Archbold, the last 12 years as president and CEO.
Craven previously served as president of the Northern region for Kaleida Health in Buffalo, New York. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Canada, Craven graduated from the University of Manitoba with a bachelor’s degree in medical rehabilitation. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Spring, North Carolina.
He began his career as an occupational therapist and was director of rehabilitation at Mary Black Health System in Spartanburg, South Carolina, before shifting to administrative positions of increasing responsibility at health systems throughout Southeastern U.S. and upstate New York. READ MORE
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Vacation 2021: Start Planning Now |
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Throughout this year, many people have put their travel plans on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the new year approaches, the idea of traveling is becoming more of a reality—especially by mid to late 2021, when a COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be widely available.
If you are unsure about making travel plans—either internationally or domestically—using a travel consultant can provide some peace of mind. Claire Walton, travel consultant with Palm Travel Group, provides some guidance.
SG Insider: Should people be concerned about travel next year?
Walton: During the COVID era, travelers need to be aware of the various travel restrictions by country, state, and sometimes even each local county. Working with a travel advisor will alleviate the stress of keeping us with travel rules and regulations. Your travel advisor will make sure you have the up-to-date protocols, so you can travel to your destination safely and prepared.
SG Insider: When should people start planning for travel next year?
Walton: If you are excited to take a vacation in 2021, now is the time to plan. Many people who had vacations planned for 2020 have already transferred their itineraries to dates in 2021. With social distancing and limited capacity, availability may also be limited. Many of our vendors are also offering lower deposits with flexibility in changes and cancellations. Destinations, travel companies, airlines, and cruise lines all want the world to start moving and traveling again. So let’s get planning!
SG Insider: How can a travel consultant make planning easier?
Walton: Travel advisors can take the stress out of planning so that you can go on vacation without worries. We help clients determine the best vacation to fit their travel ideas and budget and then take care of the rest. We handle booking and managing the ins and outs of your vacation. Then when it is time to go, we make sure you have all of the necessary paperwork and information to make your trip stress-free. We are also available while you travel. We have access directly to the travel vendors. If anything goes astray, we handle it. We are your personal concierge from the minute you contact us and say, “I think I want to go on vacation,” until you return home safe and sound. All at no extra cost to you! So, the question isn’t why should you use a travel advisor, but why wouldn’t you? We plan, you pack!
Claire Walton
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