New Savannah Regional Weightlifting Center Sign Goes up

February 7, 2009 from WSAV TV -  It’s a special weekend at Performance Initiatives Fitness.  The non-profit facility in Savannah has become a sanctioned USA Weightlifting Regional Training Center.

The official sign going up signifies that P.I. is only one of less than a dozen such facilities in the United States.

Performance Initiatives is possibly the only fitness facility in the nation sanctioned as a USA Weightlifting Regional Training Center, yet run as a non-profit center and fully staffed by volunteers. The organization is dedicated to mentoring others by using weightlifting, fitness, and education. We were notified of this great news on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 when the USAW’s High Performance Director, Mike Gattone sent an e-mail with the attached Regional Training Center certification.

USA Weightlifting has awarded the status of Regional Training Center to Performance Initiatives facility, housed in the Aldersgate Family Center. The administration of the Olympic weightlifting sport has granted this status to less than a dozen facilities in the United States. It signifies that, in the eyes of the USAW, the program here at Aldersgate has displayed world level coaching, the physical make-up and the equipment available in the facility meets international standards. The national organization would be comfortable, therefore, sending athletes of all levels, both national and international, to the facility for training.

Coach McCauley noted,“We’ve held camps and clinics for athletes in the county and the surrounding region and have had athletes staying with us for long-term training from as far away as San Francisco. This is a top-notch facility with international level coaching. The top people in our sport know it. We’ve accomplished this with the help of AUMC, a lot of our members and local business folks putting in a lot of hours. And, it cost the taxpayers nothing.“

Performance Initiatives Fitness – Savannah’s newly sanctioned USA Weightlifting Regional Training Center

Performance Initiatives is possibly the only fitness facility in the nation sanctioned as a USA weightlifting training center, yet run as a non-profit center and fully staffed by volunteers. The organization is dedicated to mentoring others by using athletics, fitness, and education.

Anne Hart just wrote about Performance Initiatives in her column – Check it out here

The USAW Junior Nationals weightlifting qualifier sponsored by Host South was held on January 30, 2010.   It takes a lot of coordination, errand running, and volunteer teams to make an event like this happen.  Here is a look at some of our volunteers behind the scenes which include video, concessions, judges, callers and organizers, announcers, grant writers, day-to-day operations, and monetary donations for T-shirts and Pipe and Drape – thanks to Host South.  Our gymnasium building has a new sign thanks to  Randy Roberts of Roberts & Sons.

Keep Work in Savannah – Employ Locals First

An editorial appeared in the Savannah Morning News on January 24, 2010 titled “Keep Work in Savannah” pointed out that the City of Savannah and the County award many jobs to professionals not only outside of our region, but in other states!  We need to keep our architects, engineers, and construction workers employed here at home.  It’s time bids be awarded to locals first and put our capable workforce back to work.    Read the editorial from Marsha Key below:

“I have been in the construction business for 34 years.  Most large projects for the city and counties in our area are outsourced for architects, engineers, general contractors and subcontractors.  City and county officials tell us there are no companies in the local area that can handle such large projects.  But, how about the smaller jobs?  I am currently bidding a project for construction of a concession stand for Grayson Stadium.  This is not a large job, however, the architect and engineers are from North Charleston, S.C.  Why not utilize our local businesses?  How would the city like for us to go to the baseball games in North Charleston?  Do you think North Charleston’s folks are coming to Savannah to watch the Sand Gnats?  City officials should use in-town businesses.”

Give up your Snuggie for a Senior

Come on – do you really need that Snuggie you got for Christmas?   There seems to be a post Christmas dividing line between “I love it” or “what the heck am I going to do with this?”.   For those of you that have already folded up your Snuggie blanket and stuck in the closet – think of donating to the Savannah Senior Citizens who need extra layers in their home NOW to keep their heating bills down.  Your blanket donations can be dropped off at all the Savannah area Starbucks.   Call Savannah Senior Citizens at 912-236-0363 if you have any questions or want to drop off a truckload of blankets. http://www.seniorcitizens-inc.org/

A Call to Action for Savannah Traffic Planners

City Talk columnist Bill Dawers got it right in his recent column with a call to convert Price Street back to a two way street.  He has mentioned this before, but this time adds converting East Broad Street back to a two way street.  What a difference this would make for this historic area.  I don’t live downtown and don’t pretend to know all the current traffic issues – but restoration to normal traffic patterns and sidewalks is a win-win for all.  Because of all the speeders on Price Street, I never rode my scooter there – it was simply too dangerous.  Read more of Bill’s column here:  City Talk

Small but Strong New Small Business Feature

Small Business is the foundation of the U.S. economy and The Savannah Morning News just started a new feature called “Small but Strong” about small business operations.  The first series is on the Savannah Day Spa.  Read more here:

Small But Strong

Optimistic about 2010 and Resolution Generator

With so many job and business losses in the Savannah area, it’s hard not to look back , so while we can learn from our mistakes, we anxiously look forward to 2010 and all the new opportunities awaiting the business scene.

Proverbs tells us:  “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.”

Here’s a FUN online Resolution Generator for you: http://moninavelarde.com/newyears/

Evoca and the Power of Sound featured at Ad Fed

December 16 – Murem Sharpe, president of Evoca, made a presentation to the Savannah Advertising Federation about the power of customer testimonies and the power of voice when marketing your business.  You will find Evoca powering up the shout-outs for  Discovery Channel’s The Deadliest Catch: here

Evoca can be found working for newspapers, radio, TV, and Fan Sites:  Link

Seeking Peace? Try The Cradle of Prayer

Are you seeking Peace? Looking for hope in a hopeless world?  Pray with your Priest and Pastor at the Cradle of Prayer.

So what is it?  The Cradle of Prayer is a special place for you to connect with the ancient rule of life in prayer.  Each day, prayers and song are recorded for you to download and enjoy in the privacy of your home, in your car, or on your iPod.  Listen and participate in the reading of The Lord’s Prayer and the Psalms.  The Cradle of Prayer offers morning and evening prayer to you 365 days a year from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, BCP.

Johnny Mercer Statue Debuts in Savannah

The Johnny Mercer bronze statue made it’s debut in Savannah in Ellis Square this week.  Sculptor Susie Chisholm did a beautiful job!  Ellis Square is still under a bit of construction – located next to City Market and next to the new Avia Hotel.