Business Archive

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CORNHOLE, ANYONE? Albany couple builds, customizes lawn games

She's got game: Albany's Susan Geeslin not only holds her own in cornhole competition, she and her husband, Arnold, design and build the games for a growing customer base. The regulation-size game sets are portable and the Geeslins' specialty is creating platforms with collegiate themes.

By Kevin Hogencamp

 

It’s a career change that Albany retiree Susan Geeslin could never have fathomed: From educator to making and peddling cornhole games.

Cornhole?

You bet.

Cornhole is a lawn game in which players take turns throwing beanbags (actually duck cloth bags filled with feed corn) onto a raised wooden platform with a hole in it. Over the past several years, cornhole has evolved from a simple backyard pastime into one of America’s most popular and competitive social activities, especially at tailgate parties, bars and family get-togethers. Indeed, an Albany cornhole association is forming.

Like horseshoes, Cornhole is not difficult to learn to play and is not physically demanding as horseshoes. Unlike horseshoes, it’s perfectly safe and can be played indoors or outdoors.

“Not long ago I hadn’t heard of cornhole,” said Geeslin.“Someone said they were playing cornhole at Seaside and I said, ‘What?’ And then I saw how it was played at the beach and you can see why it’s so popular. Anyone can play it just about anywhere …

“It can be highly competitive or laughable, both very fun and addictive. Hopefully, Albany will catch the cornhole fever.”

Geeslin is a familiar face in Albany, especially around games. She taught physical education for 25 years – five at Deerfield-Windsor, five at Riverview Academy, and 15 at Lake Park Elementary. She served as the Dougherty County School System elementary school physical education coordinator for five years.

Geeslin’s husband, Arnold, is a contractor with an engineering degree. He started building the games in his shop a couple of months ago; Susan paints them in her garage and decorates them. Most of the Geeslins’ creations have collegiate themes – from the University of Georgia (the most popular) to Auburn University (Susan’s and Arnold’s alma mater) to Albany State University.

“We felt there was a market for the games, as we could not find a quality craftsmanship game being sold in the area …” she said. “He (Arnold) is very meticulous and precise when he is building the cornhole games. He developed the concept of using latches to attach the two sides of the game and also the collapsible legs to be stored in the back of the boards.”

Already filling orders for Christmas presents and for tailgate parties on college campuses, the Geeslins have discovered a niche because they construct their games based on custom orders, specialize in collegiate themes, and design their games so that they can be easily carried and stored.

Cornhole can be played as either singles or doubles, like tennis. A cornbag in the hole scores three points, while one on the platform scores one point. Play continues until a player reaches the score of 21. Scoring in the game can be swift and the lead may change hands several times in a match before the winner is decided. The game is generally played tournament style with an individual or team being named the champion at the end of the tournament.

The Geeslins have some local and internet competition, but they aren’t aware of anyone in the Albany area selling high-quality, custom-built games with corn bags as little as $100; basic, uncustomized sets with bags are $80.

“We hope we’re onto something,” Susan Geeslin said. “It’s certainly fun trying.”

 

Cornhole terms

          Following is a list of selected terms commonly used in a cornhole game:

Ace or cow pie: A bag lands on the board, which is worth one point.

Airmail: A bag that lands directly in the hole without making any contact with other areas of the board. Sometimes referred to as “swishing”.

Back door: A cornhole that goes over the top of a blocker and into the hole.

Backstop: A bag that lands past the cornhole but remains on the board creating a backboard for a slider to knock into without going off the board.

Blocker: An ace that lands in front of the hole, essentially blocking the hole from sliders.

Cornfusion: When players or teams cannot agree on the scoring.

Dirty bag: A bag that is on the ground or is hanging off the board touching the ground.

Frame: A frame consists of both players throwing their 4 bags. After each player has thrown 4 bags, the score is calculated and a new frame begins. Sometimes referred to as “corn row”.

Leprechaun: When a player attains all four bags onto the board without getting any into the hole.

Police: The cornhole referee.

 

To buy a game

Customer orders can be made by calling Susan Geeslin at (229) 347-2290 or e-mailing her at geeslins@mchsi.com. Click here for a brochure.

 

Cornhole in Albany

The newly formed Albany GA Cornhole Association will debut with a tournament at nights@Dtown at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23 on the Government Center parking deck at Jackson Street and Broad Avenue. The event is for ages 21 and up. To enter the tournament or for information about playing cornhole in Albany, e-mail news@thealbanyjournal.com.

 

 

 

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Phoebe Begins New $30M Center

Special to the Journal

Phoebe Putney Health System broke ground last week on the construction of a $30 million Digestive Diseases Center in Albany.

The facility, being built at Meredyth Place, will expand the hospital’s gastroenterology capabilities and is expected to be complete in 14 months.

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Tags: phoebe
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Albany’s signature Rock, Roll & Weekend gets big kudos from Southeast Tourism Society


Rock, Roll & Run in Downtown Albany has been selected as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events for March 2012!

We just received this great news regarding the application that was submitted in June. The event highlights all of the Downtown Albany activities the first weekend of March including the Mardi Gras Music Festival, Albany Marathon & ½, the SB&T Bike Race and the Flint RiverQuarium Turtle Race.

With this designation the event will receive extensive exposure in over 1,600 advertisements through newspapers, magazines, web, television and radio in the US and Canada. The listing is also sent to AAA agents to promote to their consumers. The Top 20 Events are listed on the Southeast Tourism Society’s website www.southeasttourism.org and on the consumer website www.escapetothesoutheast.com. The Top 20 Events pages are consistently among the most visited pages on the STS sites.

Lisa Riddle, Albany CVB Director states that “recognition in the STS Top 20 events is big for Albany and will grant advertising, worth thousands of dollars, that otherwise could not be purchased.  This designation will hopefully bring more people to town to enjoy the festivities scheduled for March 3, 2012.”

 

Lisa Riddle, TMP – Director

Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau

112 North Front Street

Albany, GA 31701

229-317-4760, 866-750-0840

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Phoebe Worth Medical Center To Host ‘Scenes of Worth’

Phoebe Worth Medical Center and the Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce are inviting media and the public to join them for a premier viewing and dedication on Monday, July 18.

“Scenes of Worth,” a pictorial view of Worth County as seen through the lens of Doug Wolfe, is part of Phoebe’s Centennial Celebration recognizing a century of commitment to the citizens of Southwest Georgia. Scenic images from throughout Worth County will take permanent residence at Phoebe Worth Medical Center to lift spirits and celebrate a true sense of community.

The Sylvester-Worth Chamber business-after-hours event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the dedication, followed by the premier viewing. The event will be held at Phoebe Worth Medical Center, at 807 South Isabella Street in Sylvester.

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The Levee breaks into downtown

The Levee President Vince Detorre (foreground) and CEO Blake Cook are moving their growing business Northwest Albany to downtown.

MUSIC  AND MEDIA COMPANY GROWING, RELOCATING

Staff reports

Blake Cook calls it a synergistic relocation.

Aaron Blair calls it “a huge deal for downtown.”

Whatever you call it, The Levee Creative Group – an emerging music and media company – is moving from Northwest Albany to downtown.

“We saw the momentum that was happening down there and kind of wanted to jump on that train,” said the company’s  CEO, Blake Cook.

The company will move its music component –which includes lessons and a recording studio – in August from Dawson Road to 100 Pine Ave., near Front Street and across from the Flint RiverQuarium . The company’s second and rapidly expanding niche – video production – also will be moved downtown to a nearby, yet-to-be-determined location, Cook said.

“In our original business plan, we wanted The Levee to be more of a musical hub,” Cook said. “Downtown’s a better, more central location. We feel like we’ll be able to give back more musically from that location.

“The RiverQuarium is such a buzzword in this town that I think people will know exactly where that space is.”

The new location, which once was the RiverQuarium’s administrative office, has about 1,500 square feet of space that is ideally divided and won’t take much renovation, Cook said.

“We’ll have to do some cosmetic stuff to get it rolling, that’s all,” Cook said.

The Levee, which has 10-12 employees and music instructors, has steadily grown since it opened in 2008 as music studio and marketing company into a fully operating production business that  has produced more than 50 television commercials and music videos. Moe’s Southwest Grille, Albany State University, Drawdy Roofing, Lincoln of Albany and Loco’s are among The Levee’s  clients.

Blair, the downtown manager, said The Levee is a perfect fit for downtown, and vice versa, and that it complements the broad variety of other businesses that have recently opened or relocated downtown.

Other businesses to open downtown over the past year are Global Essence, Aikido School of Martial Arts, Verge, Farm Market, General Store, Nana’s Ice Cream, Gabe’s, Diva’s Closet, Ethnic Shyne Hair Salon, Jackson Signing, DanielTitus.com, and Heritage Center-CAN Training.

On the horizon downtown are two restaurants – The Pizza Shoppe and Shuckers Oyster Bar – and a new Home Run Foods, which broke recently broke ground on West Oglethorpe Boulevard.

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Things to do in Downtown Albany this week!

Tuesday, July 12th – 6pm

Downtown Merchant Association Monthly Meeting

Location: Subway- 122 N. Jackson Street

Wednesday, July 13th- 5pm

Wine Down Wednesdays! Location: Chill Bar & Lounge every Wednesday. Mix. Mingle. Sip. Unwind. Hangout with friends, listening to music & mingle with other professionals. Sponsored by Downtown Merchants, Global Essence, and Living Legends Salon.

Thursday, July 14th “Earth, Moon, & Sun” Planetarium Show Premier

Wetherbee Planetarium at Thronateeska Heritage Center

Earth, Moon, & Sun will be playing in the Wetherbee Planetarium all day July 14. Show times are at 10:30, 11:30, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00. Beginning on July 15, Earth, Moon, & Sun will be shown at 2:00 every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Admission to the Wetherbee Planetarium is $3.50+tax per person, age 3 and up. Groups of 20 or more, please contact us for reservations and to inquire about group discounts. Annual memberships are available. For more information contact: Allison Young. Phone: 229.432.6955

E-mail: museum@heritagecenter.org

Thursday, July 14th – 6:30pm

Twilight Paddle — 6:30 pm (trip lasts approximately 45 minutes)

Enjoy a leisurely canoe trip on a pretty section of the river from the Georgia Power dam to downtown Albany followed by hors d’oeuvres at the Flint RiverQuarium. Space is limited and reservations are recommended. Participants meet at the Flint RiverQuarium. Minimum age is 21. Fee: $35 per canoe (paddles & flotation devices provided) For reservations: Call 229.639.2650 Ext. 221

Saturday, July 16th – 8am-1pm

The Downtown Albany Market. Open every Saturday through November 12 from 8AM-1PM at the parking deck on the corner of Jackson St. and Broad Ave.

Saturday, July 16th Youth League Championship Games

Location: Albany Civic Center

Time: Doors open at 9:00 am; First game at 10:00 am

Tickets: FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

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Upcoming Events for July

July 21 – RECESSIONISTA – VERGE Fashion Show 5:30-7:30. $10 per guest RSVP Chamber of Commerce at 434-8700

July 22 – LETS GET WIGGY WIT IT! – Flock of Gulls Event. State Theatr

e 7pm – $20 in advance and $25 at the door. 21 and up

July 29 – NIGHTS@DTOWN 8pm – Live Music, Live Art, Food, & Drinks. Top of the Parking Deck. 21 and up.

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ASU’s economic impact measured at $138 million

During the 2010 fiscal year, Albany State University’s overall economic impact on the regional economy was measured at $137,707,545, according to a report recently released by the University System of Georgia.

The report also measured ASU’s employment impact at 1,757 jobs in fiscal year 2010. Of that total, 580 jobs were on-campus and 1,177 jobs were off-campus and existed because of institution-related spending.

Also in fiscal year 2010, the economic impact of ASU’s capital outlays reached $73,900,181 with an employment impact of 654 jobs.

The region ASU covers for the report includes the counties of Dougherty, Lee, Worth, Mitchell, Terrell, Colquitt, Baker, Sumter, Calhoun and Tift.

Overall, the University System of Georgia’s economic impact on the state was measured at $12.6 billion with an employment impact of 130,738 jobs.

Conducted by the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, the report was based on a needs assessment study commissioned by Georgia’s Intellectual Capital Partnership Program (ICAPP).

To view the report, visit http://www.icapp.org/pubs/usg_impact_fy2010.pdf.

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History re-born Stewbo’s partners buy Merry Acres

By Kevin Hogencamp

 

Stewart Campbell was downright giddy Tuesday as he contemplated the realization of his company’s acquisition of the iconic Merry Acres Event Center complex at 1500 Dawson Road.

Campbell now owns a critical part of Albany’s past — and future.

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Bo Henry, Stewart Campbell purchase Merry Acres

(News Release)
Bo Henry and Stewart Campbell are proud to announce that they have purchased the Merry Acres Event Center/Restaurant and Office complex along with the Merry Acres Motel from the Dozier Family who has owned and operated the business since the 1950′s.

The Dozier and Stanfill families have had a very successful real estate and lodging business.  The motel was one of Albany’s first lodging establishments with a reputation of fine southern hospitality.

The Merry Acres complex has a proud history behind it and Campbell and Henry are excited to have the opportunity to carry on the legacy of the family tradition.

The Main house that currently houses Registration of guests, was once an old farm house that was remodeled back in the 1920′s and served later as the Dozier family home.  The motel and main house will undergo major renovations over the next several months.

Henry & Campbell realized that during this tough economy it was important to do what they could to keep as many existing employees as possible.  Cathy Odell has been the general manager for 15 years and Rhonda Tedder has been the Director of Operations for 17 years and they both will be a part of the Stewbo’s current management team.  They plan on keeping the 30 existing employees and adding more associates after the renovation takes place.

Grant Orndorff and Billy Mann have been a part of the Stewbo’s management team  and will be heading up the Merry Acres Event Center/Restaurant concentrating on Special Occasions, Weddings, Receptions, Corporate Meetings, Reunions, etc.

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SOUR GRAPES? Revenue agents halt mall car sale

Staff reports

 

Twice a year for six years, a handful of Albany automobile dealers have moved much of their fleets to the Albany Mall for a massive two-day tent sale sponsored by DoCo Regional Federal Credit Union.

But this year, someone called the law – and the gig was shut down toward the end of its first day.

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