CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County Chamber of Commerce Investor Engagement Director Kayla Ellis has graduated from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management, earning the Institute for Organization Management (IOM) designation.

The recognition is awarded to graduates who complete 96 credit hours of instruction in nonprofit management through the professional development program. Participants also can earn credit toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) and Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications.

Ellis told Now Georgia the four-year program provided opportunities to learn from nonprofit leaders across the country while helping her better serve White County.

“Over the past four years of IOM, I have had the tremendous honor of learning alongside and from incredible leaders in the nonprofit industry across the country, all with the goal of strengthening our businesses and making White County a better place to live, work, and play,” Ellis said. “I have always loved this community, and I’m blessed to have the opportunity to serve it in a small way. I’m thankful for chamber president Beth Truelove and White County Chamber’s board of directors for supporting this journey.”

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, nearly 1,000 individuals attend the Institute annually. Since its founding in 1921, the program has educated chamber, association and nonprofit leaders through four weeklong sessions held at universities across the country. The curriculum includes coursework in leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance and membership development.

“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Karyn MacRae, senior director of the Institute for Organization Management at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”

White County Chamber President Beth Truelove said Ellis’ achievement will benefit both the organization and the community.

“Kayla’s graduation from IOM is a milestone worth celebrating, not just for her, but for our entire organization,” Truelove said. “Investing in professional development isn’t a luxury for chamber leaders; it’s the foundation. When our team grows in knowledge and skill, our whole community benefits. I couldn’t be prouder of the expertise and passion Kayla brings back to White County, and I’m excited to see how it strengthens the work we do together.”

The White County Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization that supports businesses in Cleveland, Helen and Sautee while promoting long-term economic growth throughout White County.

There’s something special about the south this time of year, especially if you love fresh produce. Napier’s Midtown Market has that and much more. Silver queen corn, squash, okra, tomatoes, peas, watermelons, peaches, strawberries, and blueberries. You name it and Napier’s probably has it.

Five generations of the family bring experience to the growing and selling game and it all started from the back of a pickup truck.

“My husband Jessie’s great grandfather, his grandfather, and his father all sold produce, bouncing around from place to place,’ explained Jessie’s wife, Amber Napier.

In 2024, the Napier family found a permanent location at 2213 Wynnton Road in the heart of Midtown. Business has been booming since then. Thousands of cars pass by that location every day. Perhaps it’s the flowers that draw in customers in the beginning. They are front and center at Napier’s Midtown Market.

This is prime planting time for hibiscus, mandevillas, geraniums, Gerbera daisies, coleus, and other plants that create a floral oasis in containers, hanging baskets, or flower beds. If that doesn’t draw you in, the fresh aroma of hot boiled peanuts, a southern delicacy, might.

Lessons learned

“We strive to keep everything clean and organized. Good customer service is important to us and, of course, quality produce. We offer taste tests on some of the produce,” said Amber.

Inside Napier’s, aside from the produce coolers to keep all the fruits and veggies fresh and crisp, you can also find farm fresh eggs, displays of jams and jellies, ciders, and fresh honey.

It’s one stop shopping in Midtown.

What you will find at Napier’s and when

Napier’s Midtown Market is open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday from 10:30 am until 7:00 pm and on Sunday from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm.  You can follow them on Facebook here. They offer updates on what is coming in fresh for the day.

The market opens in March each year and closes the week before Christmas. As the seasons change, so does Napier’s produce and flower availability. Pumpkins in the fall and Christmas trees and other goodies as the season progresses are sure bets.

If you’ve ever needed a battery for your car, boat, or golf cart you’ve probably stopped into EBCO, located at 4017 Warm Springs Road in Columbus. Perhaps even your children or grandchildren have come in for laptop or cell phone batteries. EBCO Battery has been an institution in the area and will celebrate its milestone anniversary on Thursday, April 16, worthy of recognition for 80 years in business.

There are several small businesses in Columbus which have operated for generations, including Chancellors (1863), Blue J Barbershop (1928), Ruth Ann’s Restaurant (1959), and Sconiers Funeral Home (1964). In between the founding of those family-owned iconic businesses lies the beginning of EBCO.

The start of something

After WWII, a shortage of supplies led L.C. Hicks to start Hicks Battery Manufacturing Company in 1946 on Andrews Road between Buena Vista and North Lumpkin Roads.

At the time, batteries were used to power automobiles, flashlights, portable radios, walkie-talkies and signal lights for the military. From the very beginning, the Columbus location was a hit with customers and their Excello batteries, made in the US, flew off the shelves.

In 1947, Hicks opened a second location in Biloxi, Mississippi. Fate wasn’t kind. A hurricane hit in September of that year causing major damage. Two years later, a fire burned the building down.

The original Columbus company continued to flourish. Andy Waddell’s father worked for Hicks as a plant manager and in 1984, Andy bought the company. His staff and those who shop there are like family.

“The name EBCO stands for Excello Battery Company.  Little Ebby is our mascot, and our motto became ‘Always Starting Something’, because of the popularity and durability of our Excello batteries,” explained Waddell.

Building business longevity

Today, EBCO operates as a wholesale and retail specialist, selling more than a thousand types of batteries. Besides meeting the demand, he attributes their longevity to a couple of key principles.

“I have served with the Pastoral Institute and twice as President of the Better Business Bureau of Columbus. I’ve learned that it isn’t just about the quality of batteries, it’s about the quality of our standards. It’s not just about selling, it’s about people and hiring good people and training them to be nice and fair to others,” said Waddell.

Tomorrow’s 80th anniversary celebration, April 16 from 11:00 am until Noon will feature a crowd of dignitaries including Mayor Skip Henderson, Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce leadership and members, and likely generations of customers.

As a tribute to the history of EBCO Battery, founder L.C. Hick’s grandchildren, Carole and Len, will also be present to celebrate the company’s anniversary. Why not 80 more years for EBCO, the company that is “Always Starting Something?”

When she was in elementary school, her parents’ yard in Phenix City became a sanctuary for all the neighborhood’s stray cats and dogs. That love for animals would eventually forge a career path for Brandi Stansell.

After earning a B.S. degree in Microbiology and then a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University, Dr. Brandi Stansell Hilton worked in the field for 16 years, but in her heart, she knew she wanted to create her own place. She opened VETsmart Animal Hospital five years ago at 5714 Windsor Drive in Columbus.

Even now, she still cares for her family of three children, 2 dogs, a cat, 10 chickens, and a pig.

VETsmart services

“Caring for dogs and cats can be a little challenging because they can’t talk. I rely on their owners to communicate what’s going on to some extent, but bloodwork and x-rays provide vital information for treatment,” said Dr. Hilton.

Like most advancements in human or pet medicine, state-of-the-art equipment, including digital x-rays, ultrasound, and the latest testing procedures are helpful for thorough diagnosis and treatment.

VETsmart Animal Hospital also offers:

• Pet wellness vaccines
• Spay and neuter and other surgeries
• Onsite pharmacy
• Dental care
• Microchipping
• Pet behavior counseling
• Baths and pedicures

Some of these necessary procedures can be stressful for fur babies and their owners, Dr. Hilton and her staff address that up front.

“Our staff and I focus on creating a relaxing environment. I think owners and their pets appreciate our attention to detail from the reception area to the examination rooms. It makes for a better experience for all.”

Smart Paws Day Resort

One of the latest additions to VETsmart is its boarding service. The description sounds like a hotel for humans. The day boarding facility is right next door to the VETsmart Animal Hospital and features an exam room, four large suites and three suites for small to medium-sized pets. Those suites include cozy beds, stairs, chandeliers, and TVs which can be tuned into your pet’s favorite shows, including Bluey, PAW Patrol, Meow Manor, or Kitten Rescuers.

“Those suites allow for individualized attention for each pet. We are also looking into extending hours for overnight stays. We are not quite ready for that just yet because we would need to invest in a sprinkler system to keep pets safe in any situation.”

Lessons learned for success

Stephen Covey, a successful businessman and author, always said, “Treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers”. 

Aside from loving and protecting pets, Dr. Hilton believes in supporting her staff. “When you invest in your staff, it creates the ultimate working place for success.”

VETsmart has been voted a People’s Choice for three years and received 5 paws up, via gold stars on Google reviews and other social media.

You can follow VETsmart Animal Hospital on Facebook or call 706-507-3400.

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday are three of the biggest holiday shopping days of the year. A record number of shoppers are expected to exceed sales records from last year, according to the National Retail Federation. 

David Benefield at Highland Hall, began his floral and gift business at Ann’s Porch across from Lakebottom more than 30 years ago. Seven years ago, he moved to his present location at 1504 17th Street. He can attest to those predictions of a record number of shoppers. 

“People are geared up for the holidays, and they are coming in earlier. It’s our busiest time of the year. Just yesterday, we did 120 Christmas gift baskets,” said Benefield. 

Aside from floral gifts, his shop also offers cheese straws, seasonings, pottery, hand-blown glass treasures and gift cards. 

“Many Americans consider shopping to be an important part of their Thanksgiving holiday and one of the best ways to get deals on gifts,” Prosper Insights & Analytics Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. “Of those planning to take advantage of sales, over half say it’s because the deals are too good to pass up. Others point to the tradition or simply say they like to start their holiday shopping during the long weekend.” 

The top items consumers plan to gift are clothing and accessories (50%), gift cards (43%) and toys (32%). The leading sources of inspiration continue to be online search (41%), friends and family (35%), within a retail store (28%) and wish lists (23%). 

Total gift card spending is expected to reach $29.1 billion, up from $28.6 billion (about $88 per person in the US) in 2024. Consumers plan to buy between three to four gift cards and expect to spend an average of $171.32 per person. Restaurants remain the most popular gift card type (27%), followed by bank-issued cards (25%), department stores (25%) and coffee shops (20%). 

About two-thirds (67%) plan to embrace the spirit of giving and engage in at least one charitable activity, with the top ways to give including donating financially to a charity or cause (32%), donating items to a charity or cause (31%) or purchasing from retailers or brands that donate to social causes (20%). 

Earlier this month, NRF predicted that holiday spending is expected to surpass $1 trillion (about $3,100 per person in the US) for the first time during November and December, with sales forecast to grow between 3.7% and 4.2% over 2024.  

Thursday, December 4, is a big day for entrepreneurs starting a business. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the grand opening of retailLAB by StartUP Columbus will be held at Highside Market.  

The retailLAB will be the first retail incubator of its kind in Columbus. Unlike traditional consignment stores or temporary pop-up shops, retailLAB entrepreneurs will gain true brick-and-mortar experience by operating their own storefronts full time. This hands-on model gives business owners real-world exposure to customer engagement, inventory management, and daily operations, all essential skills for building a sustainable retail business. 

Columbus Councilor JoAnne Cogle represents District 7 where the new retailLAB is located. As an entrepreneur who started a CrossFit franchise in 2016, she understands growing a business. 

“We welcome new business in Columbus, and the retailLAB is an exciting addition to starting new business,” said Cogle.  

The retailLAB represents the next evolution of that mission, expanding StartUp’s support from business incubation and education into physical storefront opportunities. This new program allows local makers and entrepreneurs to gain hands-on retail experience in a real marketplace setting, test their concepts, and build a foundation for long-term success in Uptown Columbus. 

StartUP Columbus is a nonprofit entrepreneur support organization dedicated to growing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Chattahoochee Valley. Since opening their organization in 2018, they’ve helped hundreds of local founders start and grow their businesses through training, mentorship, and access to resources. 

The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held Thursday, December 4, at 10:00 am at 211 13th Street. 

Clarkesville’s new gourmet bakery opened to customer acclaim Thursday as baker Colin Rai wowed visitors with fresh bread, croissants, pastries and meat pies — just as if he’d been open for years instead of hours.

Habersham County’s only European-style bakery, Flour, Water, Salt — also called FWS — is now buzzing on Monroe Street (Hwy. 115) in the former home of Grille 52, behind Penny Lane Barber Shop, just east of Sutton Tire, and across the street from City Butcher & Fish.

“I’m thrilled to offer my goods to customers at my new location,” Rai said. He previously

operated in Cornelia but wanted to be closer to his Clarkesville customer base, as well as lake traffic headed toward Burton, Rabun and other popular spots north of town.

Rai handled the construction himself, removing old walls, preparing the space for his baker’s oven and installing new plumbing, electrical lines, display cases and tables for 20 to 30 customers.

He grew up in his father’s restaurant in Nottingham, England, and still carries the region’s distinctive accent. The restaurant served Indian fare, but Rai fell in love with French and Continental cooking and baking while working in a French restaurant, also in Nottingham.

His wife, Andrea, a nurse at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, stopped by FWS on Thursday morning, planning to stay only a few minutes. But as customers arrived, she ended up working the register for hours.

Play ball? Umm… roll dough?

CLEVELAND, Ga. — Wolf Creek BBQ will officially debut its new location inside BabyLand General Hospital this week, and both businesses are encouraging the public to come out, show support, and enjoy the beginning of a new partnership in White County.

The restaurant, Wolf Creek BBQ @ BabyLand, will hold its grand opening and ribbon cutting on Friday, Nov. 21 at 11 a.m. BabyLand officials say they want the community to know the restaurant will be open to everyone — whether they’re longtime Cabbage Patch collectors, local families looking for a new lunch spot, or residents simply craving Wolf Creek’s signature barbecue.

“We want everyone to know this is open to the public,” said Rick McEntyre, vice president of Original Appalachian Artworks, who will welcome guests on behalf of BabyLand founder Xavier Roberts and the staff. City and county officials, Cabbage Patch Kids collectors, and community supporters are expected to attend.

McEntyre and restaurant owner Mike Roberson will perform the ribbon cutting. During the ceremony, Roberson will receive a custom Wolf Creek BBQ @ BabyLand Furskin Bear — a special BabyLand creation marking the partnership. Roberson plans to respond with humor: “I promise he’ll be the best fed bear in White County.”

Guests will also be able to register for a chance to win their own Wolf Creek-themed Furskin Bear. The winner will be drawn at 3 p.m., and attendance is not required.

The celebration will include live music from local singers Eli Palmer and Haley Esquinance, both of whom earned Golden Tickets to Hollywood on the television show “American Idol.” Each will be presented with a one-of-a-kind Golden Ticket Cabbage Patch Kid created in their honor. Following tradition, Nurse Donna will lead them through the symbolic adoption oath.

The opening marks a new chapter for BabyLand General, with staff hoping the addition of Wolf Creek BBQ will bring more visitors, foot traffic, and community involvement. Officials say they want local residents to feel welcome to stop in for a meal even if they aren’t touring the hospital.

Wolf Creek BBQ @ BabyLand will open to the public following Friday’s ceremony and will operate during BabyLand’s regular hours.

.CLEVELAND, Ga. — Two beloved North Georgia names are teaming up for a flavorful new venture. Wolf Creek BBQ has officially opened its newest location at BabyLand General Hospital in Cleveland. Their partnership brings together the restaurant’s signature Southern smokehouse style with one of the region’s most iconic family destinations.

A Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting will be held on Friday, November 21, at 11 a.m. at BabyLand General, located at 300 N.O.K. Drive. Guests can enjoy freshly smoked barbecue, free cookies, and surprise lunch discounts, plus register to win a collectible Wolf Creek BBQ Furskin Bear — a tribute to BabyLand’s Cabbage Patch heritage.

Cleveland native Eli Palmer and Haley Esquinance, the young couple who auditioned for American Idol earlier this year, will perform live music.

Where the pack gathers

BabyLand General draws thousands of visitors each year. Wolf Creek has a reputation for hearty, homemade food. The combination makes Wolf Creek @ Babyland more than a restaurant; it’s a gathering place. It’s a place where families, locals, and visitors alike can relax, enjoy a great meal, and be part of something uniquely Georgian.

The restaurant sits on the back side of BabyLand General and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Owners say they hope to extend hours next year.

NEW YORK (AP) — Disney and YouTube TV reached a new deal to bring channels like ABC and ESPN back to the Google-owned livestreaming platform Friday, ending a blackout for customers that dragged on for over two weeks.

“As part of the new deal, Disney’s full suite of networks and stations — including ESPN and ABC — have already begun to be restored to YouTube TV subscribers,” The Walt Disney Co. said in a statement.

YouTube TV also confirmed the return of Disney content on its platform, noting that subscribers should see channels back “over the course of the day.” It apologized for the disruption and thanked customers for their “patience as we negotiated on their behalf.”

Disney content went dark on YouTube TV the night of Oct. 30 after the two sides failed to reach a new licensing deal. In the days that followed, YouTube TV subscribers were left without Disney channels on the platform — notably disrupting coverage of top college football matchups and professional sports games, as well as news and entertainment programming.

Beyond ESPN and ABC, other Disney-owned content removed from YouTube TV during the impasse included channels like NatGeo, FX, Freeform, SEC Network, ACC Network and more.

Disney Entertainment Co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden and ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said Friday that they were “pleased that our networks have been restored in time for fans to enjoy the many great programming options this weekend, including college football.”

When talks broke down last month, YouTube TV said Disney was proposing costly terms that would lead to higher prices for and fewer choices for its subscribers. It accused Disney of using the blackout as a negotiating tactic — claiming the maneuver also benefited Disney’s own streaming products like Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.

Disney, meanwhile, said that YouTube TV had refused to pay fair rates for its channels. The California entertainment giant also accused Google of “using its market dominance to eliminate competition.” And executives blasted the platform for pulling content “prior to the midnight expiration” of their deal in late October.

Both sides also publicly sparred over negotiations and content available leading up to Nov. 4 elections across the U.S.

By the time Disney’s channels returned to YouTube TV, Google’s streamer said it had “reached an agreement with Disney that preserves the value of our service for our subscribers and future flexibility in our offers.” Disney executives maintained that the deal reflected the company’s “continued commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment and evolving with how audiences choose to watch.”

The two-week blackout is among a growing list of licensing disputes seen in the streaming world today, particularly as competition grows overs hosting live content. And consumers often pay the price when company negotiations break down.

The showdown between Disney and YouTube was not their first. YouTube TV subscribers lost access to all Disney content after 2021 contract talks broke down, but that disruption lasted less than two days.

And YouTube TV has removed other content from its platform after expired agreements. Spanish-language broadcaster Univision has been unavailable on YouTube TV since Sept. 30, for example. Parent company TelevisaUnivision decried Google’s move, saying it would strip “millions of Hispanic viewers of the Spanish-language news, sports, and entertainment they rely on every day,” and called on the platform to reverse course.

YouTube TV’s base subscription plan costs $82.99 per month — which, beyond Disney content, currently includes live TV offerings from networks like NBC, CBS, Fox, PBS and more. The platform previously said it would give subscribers a $20 credit its dispute with Disney lasted “an extended period of time” — which it reportedly allowed customers to start claiming on Nov. 9.

Disney also doles out live TV through both traditional broadcasting and its own lineup of streaming platforms. ESPN launched its own streamer earlier this year, starting at $29.99 a month. And other Disney content can be found on platforms like Hulu, Disney+ and Fubo. Disney currently allows people to bundle ESPN along with Hulu and Disney+ for $35.99 a month — or $29.99 a month for the first year.

Evenings in downtown Clayton occasionally end earlier than families expect. Dinner wraps up just as the streetlights blink to life, yet most storefronts already stand dark, their signs flipped to “closed.” Parents linger on the sidewalk, reluctant to call it a night, while their children tug them toward something, anything, more interesting than the car. The breweries hum with their usual crowd, but many families seek a softer landing, a place that feels relaxed rather than rowdy. That need, tucked into the hour between dinner and bedtime, caught the attention of a man who knew chocolate and who knew how to spot an opportunity.

Jerry Moore worked in Highlands, North Carolina, inside the polished, old-world atmosphere of Kilwins. The franchise delivered chocolate through corporate rules: gleaming cases, mandated recipes, strict controls over what sat in the display case. He sold confections, yet he missed freedom. He missed invention, risk, and the pleasure of improvisation. After he sold his share in Highlands, he planned a step back from retail.

Yet, the pull of front-facing work, the urge to hand over something he shaped with his own hands, drew him back. From his home in Dillard, Moore often drove down to Clayton for lunch or dinner. The pattern became a habit, and the habit turned into a question: where do families go after dinner, when they want something more than a drink?

He searched for space and scanned every vacancy. One day, he struck up a conversation with the owners of a donut shop. Shortly afterward, the Moore family took over the space. By February, Main Street Chocolates opened its doors.

Some locals call him “The Candy Man,” but you can call him Jerry.

Life as a franchisee

Kilwins offered security. A franchise hands its owners a brand, a blueprint, a tested model. Corporate offices choose the chocolate. Corporate binders dictate store design. Uniformity rules the work. For the man who later became the “Candy Man” of Clayton, that structure smothered the spark.

“A franchise dictates every step,” Moore said. “Entrepreneurship disappears.”

He wanted creation. He wanted to chase risk and discover what worked. He wanted a customer to ask for something strange and then find a way to bring it to life. The shop in Clayton reflects his need for identity.

A copper kettle glows behind the counter as caramel reaches its finish, and he tempers chocolate by hand. “Sugar, butter, and cream form the base,” he explains. From those ingredients, he crafts brittle, fudge, caramel corn, syrups, and chocolates.

A supplier once offered a premade cream for Dubai Chocolate, a trendy dessert with Middle Eastern roots. Moore rejected the mix and researched his own recipe, one that carried authenticity and depth. “An independent business listens to its customers,” he explained.

That approach produced creations like the Bigfoot fondants. “People in this region love Bigfoot,” he said with an affectionate grin. So he rolled out a line that matched local taste, the kind of choice no franchise permits.

Plush toys sit near the counter, bait for doting grandparents. At $3.99 or $5.99, shoppers leave with candy in one hand and a soft toy in the other.

A gathering place

If Kilwins projected corporate polish, Main Street Chocolates aims for eclectic warmth. An employee’s mother, Carole Anne, painted a mural that stretches across the wall. Coffee bags soften the room with an earthy texture. The shop feels tidy without sterility.

Families step in after dinner. Teenagers crowd around the espresso menu. Children press their noses against the glass. Couples linger with caramel corn in hand or an ice cream.

“This place gives families an alternative to a brewery,” he said. “A space for kids and parents.”

He never planned for milestones, but the community created them. Graduates arrive with caps still on their heads. Couples stop in after anniversaries. Families walk in after funerals, grief still raw, and seek sweetness to soften the edge.

“We want a place where people share a moment, graduations, anniversaries, grief, and just feel free,” he states. “The community shaped that before we recognized it.”

The balance of risk and reward

Independence demands nerve. Without a franchise, he carries the full weight. Marketing follows his instincts. Recipes follow his curiosity. Design follows his sense of place. No corporate net catches him.

Independence, though, gives control. He avoids competition with his former shop in Highlands; Clayton and Dillard support their own market, small yet strong enough for one chocolate maker. Quarterly reviews no longer hang over his work. He tests, fails, adapts, and tests again.

However, the difference between franchise and independence runs deeper than recipes. Franchises deliver structure and remove vision. Independence exposes a business to risk, but also ignites imagination. But, he owns every part of it: the risk, the reward, the labor, the sweet satisfaction, and that ownership, that autonomy, might stand as the richest confection he ever created.

_____

In addition to her freelance duties with Now Habersham, Carly McCurry is the publisher of The Cute North Georgian magazine. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook. 

ATLANTA (AP) — A South Korean solar company says it will temporarily reduce pay and working hours for about 1,000 of its 3,000 employees in Georgia because U.S. customs officials have been detaining imported components needed to make solar panels.

Qcells, a unit of South Korea’s Hanwha Solutions, said Friday that it will also lay off 300 workers from staffing agencies at its plants in Dalton and Cartersville, both northwest of Atlanta.

The company says U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been detaining imported components at ports on suspicion that they contain materials that may have been made with forced labor in China, meaning it can’t run its solar panel assembly lines at full strength.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced in August that her department was stepping up enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, a 2021 law that restricts Chinese goods made with forced labor from entering the U.S. Published reports indicate that U.S. officials began detaining solar cells made by Qcells in June. A spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection couldn’t immediately answer questions about Qcells on Friday.

Qcells says none of its materials or components are made with forced labor or even come from China. Spokesperson Marta Stoepker said the company maintains “robust supply chain due diligence measures” and “very detailed documentation,” which has been successful in getting some shipments released.

“Our latest supply chain is sourced completely outside of China and our legacy supply chains contain no material from Xinjiang province based on third party audits and supplier guarantees,” Stoepker said.

She said Qcells is continuing to cooperate and expects to resume full production in the coming weeks and months.

“Although our supply chain operations are beginning to normalize, today we shared with our employees that HR actions must be taken to improve operational efficiency until production capacity returns to normal levels,” Stoepker said in a statement.

Qcells has said it pays workers an average of about $53,000 a year. Workers will retain full benefits during furloughs.

Qcells is completing a $2.3 billion plant in Cartersville to make ingots, wafers and solar cells — the building blocks of finished solar modules. The company has said it will finish the plant even though President Donald Trump and the Republican Congress dismantled most of the tax credits for buying solar panels earlier this year.

“Our commitment to building the entire solar supply chain in the United States remains,” Stoepker said. “We will soon be back on track with the full force of our Georgia team delivering American-made energy to communities around the country.”

Columbus-based insurance company Aflac announced its third quarter earnings of $1.6 billion. Total revenues were $4.7 billion in the third quarter of 2025, compared with $2.9 billion in the third quarter of 2024, primarily due to net investment gains of $275 million this quarter.

The insurance and financial services company is one of the top employers in the greater Columbus area. Since its founding in 1955, Aflac’s footprint in the local economy is important. Their success helps drive success for their employees and shareholders.

Total revenues were $4.7 billion in the third quarter of 2025, compared with $2.9 billion in the third quarter of 2024, primarily due to net investment gains of $275 million this quarter compared to net investment losses of $1.4 billion in the third quarter of 2024. Net earnings were $1.6 billion, or $3.08 per diluted share, compared with net losses of $93 million.

Shareholders’ equity was $28.7 billion, or $54.57 per share, on September 30, 2025, compared with $24.8 billion, or $44.60 per share, on September 30, 2024. The Aflac board of directors declared the fourth quarter dividend of $0.58 per share, payable on December 1, 2025.

Commenting on the company’s results, Aflac Incorporated Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Daniel P. Amos said, “Aflac delivered very solid earnings for the quarter and the first nine months. These results reflect our focused efforts to execute on our strategy of creating long-term value for shareholders.”

At a time when more than 23,000 American businesses filed for bankruptcy over the 12-month period ending March 31, 2025, Aflac’s success is a testament to its business model.

Corporations struggling the most in 2025 are in the retail and casual dining sectors. Other struggling sectors include technology, which faces significant layoffs and competition, and manufacturing, especially those hit hard by policy changes. Key challenges across these industries include high interest rates, supply chain issues, operational costs, and adapting to digital transformation. 

Aflac’s success comes despite a data breach in June after a cyberattack that potentially exposed sensitive customer information, including Social Security numbers and health records. The company quickly contained the intrusion, provided affected individuals with 24 months of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection, and filed an SEC report on the incident.

United Parcel Service posted third-quarter results that handily beat Wall Street’s expectations and gave details about its turnaround efforts, including approximately 48,000 job cuts.

Shares rose more than 7% in afternoon trading on Tuesday.

UPS earned $1.31 billion, or $1.55 per share, for the three months ended Sept. 30. The Atlanta-based company earned $1.99 billion, or $1.80 per share, a year earlier. Removing one-time costs, earnings were $1.74 per share.

That easily topped the $1.31 per share that analyst polled by Zacks Investment Research were calling for.

Revenue totaled $21.42 billion, surpassing Wall Street’s estimate of $20.84 billion.

UPS said in a regulatory filing that it has cut about 34,000 operational positions and closed daily operations at 93 leased and owned buildings during the first nine months of this year as part of its turnaround plan. The company also announced approximately 14,000 job cuts, mostly within management. It said that it is still looking to identify additional buildings to close.

In April UPS announced that it was looking to slash about 20,000 jobs and close more than 70 facilities as it drastically reduces the number of Amazon shipments it handles. At the time, the company said that it anticipated closing 73 leased and owned buildings by the end of June. The company noted that it was still reviewing its network and might identify more buildings to be shuttered.

In January UPS announced that it had reached a deal with Amazon, its biggest customer, to lower its volume by more than 50% by the second half of 2026.

During UPS’ fourth-quarter earnings conference call in January, CEO Carol Tomé said that the company had partnered with Amazon for almost 30 years and that when its contract came up this year, UPS decided to reassess the relationship.

UPS has realized cost savings of approximately $2.2 billion as of Sept. 30. It anticipates achieving $3.5 billion total year over year cost savings in 2025.

CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — In a major shakeup for one of the county’s leading business organizations, three members of the Habersham Chamber of Commerce staff resigned from their positions Thursday.

President Ellie Van Doornum, Marketing and Programs Director Alex Michelle, and Administrative Coordinator Anne Minium each stepped down from their roles effective immediately.

The resignations mark a significant transition for the Chamber, which actively promotes local businesses, tourism, and economic development across Habersham County. The three departing leaders have been instrumental in organizing business networking events, community outreach programs, and partnerships aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Chamber’s board of directors had not released a public statement regarding the resignations or plans for interim leadership. It remains unclear whether the departures were coordinated and if replacements have been identified.

Now Habersham has reached out to Chamber officials for comment and will update this story as more information becomes available.

ATLANTA — Georgia has once again been crowned the nation’s top state for business, marking an unprecedented 12-year winning streak in Area Development magazine’s annual rankings.

“Site selectors across the country have spoken, and for 12 straight years they’ve chosen Georgia,” Governor Brian Kemp said. “This is not guaranteed — it’s earned through teamwork and a long-standing commitment to excellence.”

The Top States for Doing Business survey, now in its 16th year, ranks states based on 15 categories such as workforce, infrastructure, and business climate. Georgia placed in the top five in 10 of those categories, claiming the overall No. 1 spot once again. South Carolina, Texas, North Carolina, and Ohio round out the top 5.

Georgia topped the categories for Cooperative Local and State Government, Favorable Regulatory Framework, and Logistics and Infrastructure.

VIEW Category rankings

Keeping the state competitive

Lt. Governor Burt Jones credited the win to statewide collaboration. “This reflects the efforts of local leaders, legislators, and everyday Georgians who show up and invest in our future,” he said.

House Speaker Jon Burns called the achievement the result of “decades of strong leadership, forward-thinking policies, and strategic investments” that have fueled job growth across the state.

Economic development officials say Georgia’s success is no accident. Programs like the Rural Site Development Initiative, which prepares communities for industrial investment, are helping keep the state competitive.

“Success in economic development takes years of planning and partnerships,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “With world-class workforce programs and global connectivity, Georgia continues to give companies what they need to thrive.”

Shares of Tylenol maker Kenvue bounced back sharply before the opening bell Tuesday, a day after President Donald Trump promoted unproven and in some cases discredited ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism.

“Don’t take Tylenol,” Trump instructed pregnant women around a dozen times during the White House news conference Monday, also urging mothers not to give their infants the drug, known by the generic name acetaminophen in the U.S. or paracetamol in most other countries.

Shares of the New Jersey consumer brands company tumbled 7.5% Monday. Shares have regained most of those losses early Tuesday in premarket trading.

The announcement, which appeared to rely on existing studies rather than significant new research, arrives as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, advances the Make America Healthy Again movement that has focused on what it sees as potential causes of autism.

Kenvue disputed any link between the drug and autism this week and warned that if pregnant mothers don’t use Tylenol when in need, they could face a dangerous choice between suffering fevers or using riskier alternatives.

Kenvue was spun off from Johnson & Johnson’s pharmaceutical and medical device divisions in 2023 because it was thought that the companies could function more efficiently if they were independent from each other. Aside from Tylenol, the consumer health company makes Band-Aids, Listerine and other household brand names.

Citi Investment Research analyst Filippo Falorni wrote that he sees a limited risk of new lawsuits after Trump’s announcement, but thinks “there could be risk to Tylenol consumption given the negative headlines.”

Falorni anticipates a positive reaction for Kenvue’s stock at the opening bell on Tuesday given the lack of new scientific evidence.

The company has fought hundreds of lawsuits related to the product and its alleged ties to autism, but most have been dismissed.

Tylenol made headlines in the 1980s when seven people in the Chicago area were killed after taking the over-the-counter painkiller laced with cyanide. The incidenttriggered a nationwide panic and led to an overhaul in the safety of over-the-counter medication packaging. No one was ever charged in the deaths.

Shares of Kenvue Inc., based in Summit, New Jersey, climbed 5% in premarket trading.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate Wednesday for the first time in nine months. Since the last cut, progress on inflation has slowed while the labor market has cooled. That means Americans are dealing with both high prices and a challenging job market.

The federal funds rate, set by the Federal Reserve, is the rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another. While the rates that consumers pay to borrow money aren’t directly linked to this rate, shifts in Fed policy affect what people pay for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and other financial products.

Wednesday’s quarter-point cut is the first since December and lowers the Fed’s short-term rate to about 4.1%, down from 4.3%. The Fed projected it will cut rates two more times before the end of the year.

The Fed has two goals when it sets the rate: one, to manage prices for goods and services, and two, to encourage full employment. This is known as the “dual mandate.” Typically, the Fed might increase the rate to try to bring down inflation and decrease it to encourage faster economic growth and more hiring. The challenge now is that inflation is higher than the Fed’s 2% target but the job market is weak, putting the Fed in a difficult position.

“The dual mandate is always a balancing act,” said Elizabeth Renter, senior economist at personal finance site NerdWallet.

Here’s what to know:

A cut will impact mortgages gradually

For prospective homebuyers, the market has already priced in the rate cut, which means it’s “unlikely to make a noticeable difference for most consumers at the time of the announcement,” according to Bankrate financial analyst Stephen Kates.

“Much of the impact on mortgage rates has already occurred through anticipation alone,” he said. “(Mortgage) rates have been falling since January and dropped further as weaker-than-expected economic data pointed to a cooling economy.”

Still, Kates said a declining interest rate environment will provide some relief for borrowers over time.

“Whether it’s a homeowner with a 7% mortgage or a recent graduate hoping to refinance student loans and credit card debt, lower rates can ease the burden on many indebted households by opening opportunities to refinance or consolidate,” he said.

Interest on savings accounts won’t be as appealing

For savers, falling interest rates will slowly erode attractive yields currently on offer with certificates of deposit (CDs) and high-yield savings accounts.

Right now, the best rates on offer for each have been hovering at or above 4% for CDs and at 4.6% for high-yield savings accounts, according to DepositAccounts.com.

Those are still better than the trends of recent years, and a good option for consumers who want to earn a return on money they may want to access in the near-term. A high-yield savings account generally has a much higher annual percentage yield than a traditional savings account. The national average for traditional savings accounts is currently 0.38%.

There may be a few accounts with returns of about 4% through the end of 2025, according to Ken Tumin, founder of DepositAccounts.com, but the Fed cuts will filter down to these offerings, lowering the average yields as they do.

Auto loans are not expected to decline soon

Americans have faced steeper auto loan rates over the last three years after the Fed raised its benchmark interest rate starting in early 2022. Those are not expected to decline any time soon. While a cut will contribute to eventual relief, it might be slow in arriving, analysts say.

“If the auto market starts to freeze up and people aren’t buying cars, then we may see lending margins start to shrink, but auto loan rates don’t move in lockstep with the Fed rate,” said Bankrate analyst Stephen Kates.

Prices for new cars have leveled off recently, but remain at historically high levels, not adjusting for inflation.

Generally speaking, an auto loan annual percentage rate can run from about 4% to 30%. Bankrate’s most recent weekly survey found that average auto loan interest rates are currently at 7.19% on a 60-month new car loan.

Credit card rate relief could be slow

Interest rates for credit cards are currently at an average of 20.13%, and the Fed’s rate cut may be slow to be felt by anyone carrying a large amount of credit card debt. That said, any reduction is positive news.

“While the broader impact of a rate reduction on consumers’ financial health remains to be fully seen, it could offer some relief from the persistent budgetary pressures driven by inflation,” said Michele Raneri, vice president and head of U.S. research at credit reporting agency TransUnion.

“These savings could contribute to a reduction in delinquency rates across credit card and unsecured personal loan segments,” she said.

Still, the best thing for anyone carrying a large credit card balance is to prioritize paying down high-interest-rate debt, and to seek to transfer any amounts possible to lower APR cards or negotiate directly with credit card companies for accommodation.

A bank with more than 30 locations across the southeast, including Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, has announced Mitch Watkins as Senior Commercial Banking Manager and Senior Vice President at their Columbus, GA branch located on 1581 Bradley Park Drive. He has more than three decades of banking and community leadership experience.

Watkins, born and raised in Columbus, GA, is a graduate of Columbus State University. He began his banking career in 1988 as a Management Associate with Columbus Bank and Trust, which later became Synovus. During his banking career, he held roles of increasing responsibility, including Branch Manager, Commercial Banking Manager, Credit Analyst, and Community Bank Executive. After retiring from Synovus in 2021, Watkins most recently served as Executive Director of Foundation Properties, Inc. at Columbus State University.

D Copeland, President of Colony Bank, said, “Mitch and I had the privilege of working together for many years, and I’ve seen firsthand the leadership, customer focus, and community commitment that he brings. He is widely respected in Columbus, and we are excited to have him on our team to continue building strong relationships and serving our commercial customers with excellence.”

In addition to his professional achievements, Watkins has been deeply involved in civic and community organizations. He has served in leadership positions with Green Island Country Club, Neighborworks, Young Life, Uptown Columbus, the Public Safety Advisory Commission of Columbus, United Way, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and Valley Rescue Mission.

Colony Bank began in 1975 in Fitzgerald, Georgia, when a local farmer found himself unable to secure the funding he needed to grow his business. Turned away by the banks in town, he decided to take action. Over the next few months, he rallied other local business owners and community leaders into founding the bank where the corporate headquarters remain 50 years later.

Sandwich maker Potbelly is being acquired by the gas station and convenience store chain RaceTrac for $566 million.

Potbelly, which was founded in Chicago in 1977, has 445 restaurants across the U.S. The company said the deal with RaceTrac will help it reach its goal of quadrupling in size to 2,000 locations. Potbelly stores are both company- and franchise-owned.

“With RaceTrac’s resources, we will unlock new opportunity for this incredible brand while staying true to the neighborhood sandwich shop experience that makes Potbelly special,” Potbelly CEO Bob Wright said in a statement Wednesday.

Potbelly shares jumped more than 31% to $17.

Sandwich chains and restaurants have struggled in recent years, starting with the pandemic that had millions eating at home when they would usually have dined out.

Yet Potbelly’s profits have been rising and growth in its franchised businesses has been strong.

Now it is inflation that is hitting restaurants hard as they pay more for ingredients and customers tighten their belts. At the same time, national chains are being pressured to lower prices with lower-income customers pulling back on spending and sticking to essentials.

McDonald’s said this month that it is cutting prices on some combo meals to woo back customers who’ve been turned off by the rising costs of grabbing a fast food meal.

Some chains have become takeover targets.

Dave’s Hot Chicken was acquired over the summer for $1 billion by a private equity firm. The same firm, Roark Capital, snapped up Subway in 2023 for nearly $10 billion.

Roark specializes in franchised businesses and backs two holding companies that own multiple restaurant chains: Inspire Brands, the parent of Arby’s, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s and Buffalo Wild Wings; and Focus Brands, which owns Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon and Jamba.

RaceTrac was founded in 1934 and is family owned. The Atlanta company operates more than 800 locations in 14 states. RaceTrac Chairman and CEO Natalie Morhous said the company is eager to expand its stable of brands.

RaceTrac said it will acquire all of Potbelly’s shares for $17.12 per share in an all-cash deal.

The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter.