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Small Business Lifestyle

South Carolina: Private universities see growth [Video]

Some private universities in the Upstate say they are experiencing growth as students enroll for the fall semester. Anderson University has grown to be the largest private university by enrollment in South Carolina. Officials said more than 4,500 students are enrolled in classes for the fall semester. “We feel that comes with just an investment in our students. We talk about hospitality a lot here, and truly, how are we treating each other and people, and I think the students get a sense of that,” said William Monts, Anderson University’s associate vice president of enrollment management. Along with a new football team debuting this year, university officials said they have also celebrated two other milestones. Officials have opened a permanent home for the College of Engineering and STEM programs along North Main Street in Anderson. The school has launched an international graduate school. “We know that employers are going to expect students to know how to use and greatest latest technology and things like that,” Monts said. “Talking about AI, we’ve got different sessions for our students.”Ryan Ireland and Davidson Jones are both studying biology at Anderson University. Since their freshman year, they said they have noticed a difference with the number of people on campus. “It’s definitely grown a lot,” Ireland said. “There’s more people in the cafeteria all the time. There’s more people walking around. Even parking has, like, decreased in terms of how much parking spaces there are.”However, Anderson University is not the only private school that is seeing growth. North Greenville University officials said they have welcomed their largest enrollment of around 2,300 students since the pandemic this year. “The total student population allows us to foster those relationships at a more personal level that many students are looking for,” said Chad Peters, NGU’s vice president of enrollment management. It’s that size that Jones and Ireland have said is important to them. “It was like the close family aspect that I got from the school because it’s, you know, smaller campus than other ones, and so, we just got a whole like group and like family environment that I feel here,” Jones said.AU officials said opportunities for more growth can be found in technology and STEM-related programs. “We continue to be selected as an Apple Distinguished School,” Monts said. “Apple is looking at how our institutions, implementing technology, are they thinking innovatively in their approach?”At the same time, Monts said the school wants to maintain the programs that the school is known for.

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Small Business Lifestyle

RBGA Cuts Ribbon for USA Mortgage [Video]

The Riverbend Growth Association (RBGA) held a ribbon cutting ceremony to Recognize its newest member USA Mortgage. A group of over 20 well-wishers, made up of friends, family and RBGA Ambassadors, were on hand to celebrate and watch Growth Association Director of Member Services, Trish Holmes introduce USA Mortgage Senior Account Executive Lance Obermeyer, who introduced his family and staff. Obermeyer described USA Mortgage as being able to make loans that banks cant. Among USA Mortgages specialties are helping clients with Madison County Grants, USDA Rural loans, VA loans as well as working with those who have low credit scores. USA Mortgage is located at 2004 State Street in Alton, next to door to Johnsons Corner Restaurant. USA Mortgage 2004 State Street Alton, IL 62002 618-215-5573 LObermeyer@usa-mortgage.com www.FinanceWithLance.com

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Small Business Lifestyle

Investment Planners, Inc. chosen as Growth Associations October 2018 Small Business of the Month [Video]

Financial Advisor Kathy Weaver and Investment Planners Inc.s Alton office have been chosen October 2018 Small Business of the Month by the Riverbend Growth Association. Shes been in the investment and securities industry for 22 years, 16 of those as a Financial Advisor. In addition, Kathy holds life, health and accident insurance licenses. Small Business of the Month award winners are Growth Association members who have been nominated by the public. Once nominated, the nominees complete a questionnaire and application. The RBGAs Awards Committee chaired by Amy Schaake-Smith, uses a points system to rate the contents of each application, the applicant with the highest point total wins. Watch as Riverbend Growth Association Chair of the Small Business of the Month Committee, Amy Schaake-Smith and Director of Member Services, Trish Holmes congratulate Kathy and the team that makes her so successful.The Riverbend Growth Association is the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization for the 11 communities knows as the Riverbend. For more information about the Growth Association, please visitwww.growthassociation.comor call (618) 467-2280.Investment Planners, Inc. Kathy Weaver 233 E Center Drive Alton, IL 62002 618-466-0100 KWeaver@Investment-Planners.com www.IPIRiverbend.com

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Small Business Lifestyle

RBGA Cuts Ribbon for Jim Pipkin Edward Jones [Video]

The Riverbend Growth Association formally opened Edward Jones Financial Advisor Jim Pipkins new office with a ribbon cutting at 11:00am on Wednesday August 23, 2017. Jims new office, located at 656 Wesley Drive in Wood Rivers Walmart Shopping Complex, is nestled between Americas Best Eyeglasses and H&R Block.Pipkin said there’s an advantage to working with an Edward Jones advisorwho knows you and your financial goals and thats what sets Edward Jones apart from other investment firms. He sees his mission as helping his clients grow their wealth and prepare for retirement, assist with financial planning for collage and basically helping people be prepared for what comes their way. Watch RBGA Director of Member Services Trish Holmes conduct an interview and lead the ribbon cutting ceremony. Not a member of the regions most dynamic Chamber of Commerce? Contact Trish about membership at 618-467-2280 or send her an email at tholmes@growthassociation.com. Set up an appointment with Edward Jones Financial Advisor Jim Pipkin by phone or via email.Edward Jones Jim Pipkin 656 Wesley Drive Wood River, IL 62095 618-251-4932 jim.pipkin@edwardjones.com

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Small Business Lifestyle

RBGA Cuts Ribbon for Phoenix Physical Therapy [Video]

The River Bend Growth Association conducted a Ribbon Cutting for Phoenix Physical Therapys East Alton office to commemorate their Grand Re-opening. Phoenix Physical Therapy has been at their 935 East Airline Drive location in East Alton for three years and wished to re-introduce the area to its transformative approach to health and wellness. Phoenix offers multiple types of out-patient physical therapy, post-surgical rehab, treatment for sports and running injuries and personal training.Two areas where Phoenix stands out in the area of Physical Therapy are personal training and specialization in Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT). Physical Therapist Chris Amick specializes in VRT, he explains Vestibular as an inner ear disorder causing disequilibrium, dizziness and vertigo. VRT is an exercise-based regimen that can significantly reduce Vestibular symptoms by stimulating the bodys central nervous system to adapt and compensate for changes to balance due to inner ear issues and concussions. The office offers over 2000 square feet of space containing training and exercise equipment for both rehabilitation and training. Phoenix Physical Therapy is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 7:30am to 6:00pm and by appointment on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.Phoenix Physical Therapy935 East Airline DriveEast Alton, IL 62024618-258-9093www.Phoenix-PT.com

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Small Business Lifestyle

Shields Family Pharmacy Growth Association Ribbon Cutting [Video]

On Wednesday March 11, Shields Family Pharmacy, located at 2526 State Street (next door to Joe Ks), was the scene of the River Bend Growth Associations latest Ribbon Cutting. The pharmacy opened its doors in late December 2014 and has begun to hit its stride in attracting new customers as word gets out about their friendly, personal service.Shields Family Pharmacy is owned and operated by Chris and Kendra Shields, the couple, who had dreamed of opening their own business, felt that a void was left with the closing of LeClaire Family Pharmacy. We want to be there for those who realize the importance of having a one-on-one relationship with their pharmacist. said Kendra Shields, R.Ph.As usual, the RBGA event was organized and MCd by Joell Aguirre, Director of Member Services and was attended by many Growth Association Member/Ambassadors.Shields Family PharmacyMonday-Friday 9:00am 6:00pmSaturday 9am 1:00pmSunday CLOSED618-462-7003www. stores.healthmart.com/shieldsfamily

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Small Business Lifestyle

ABQ Mayor Tim Keller planning on running for another term [Video]

AT SECURITY THIS YEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME. ALBUQUERQUE MAYOR TIM KELLER SAYS HE IS RUNNING FOR A THIRD TERM. REPORTER JULIAN POTTERS ASKED KELLER ABOUT THE WORK. HE STILL WANTS TO GET DONE. YEAH, THATS RIGHT GUYS. OUR CONVERSATIONS RANGE FROM PROJECTS REGARDING CONSTRUCTION ACROSS THE CITY TO INVESTMENTS IN PUBLIC SAFETY. BUT ONE OF HIS BIGGEST TALKING POINTS RUNNING FOR A THIRD TERM AS MAYOR OF ALBUQUERQUE. ITS NO SECRET I AM PLANNING ON ANOTHER TERM, BUT ITS TO SEE THIS THROUGH. MAYOR TIM KELLER MAKING IT KNOWN HE WANTS TO LEAD ALBUQUERQUE AGAIN. HE SAYS THERE ARE IMPROVEMENTS BEING MADE TO ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY AND QUALITY OF LIFE, BUT THAT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE. LOOK, WERE AWASH IN FENTANYL. OUR TEENS HAVE ACCESS TO WEAPONS ON AN UNPRECEDENTED LEVEL, AND THATS DRIVING A LOT OF OUR VIOLENT CRIME AS TEENS WITH GUNS. KELLER MENTIONING HOMELESSNESS ALSO BEING A BIG ISSUE AND SAYS INITIATIVES LIKE THE GATEWAY CENTER, WHICH IS HOUSING 900 PEOPLE A DAY, ARE FACTORS MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR ALBUQUERQUE. THE MAYOR SAYING HES SEEN GROWTH IN POPULATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, LIKE SOLAR MANUFACTURING, TO KEEP PEOPLE HERE AND BUILD ON EVEN MORE. THERE IS A PATH FORWARD IN ALBUQUERQUE FOR AN ENTIRELY NEW GENERATION. KOAT POLITICAL EXPERT BRIAN SANDEROFF SAYS HES NOT SURPRISED BY KELLYS PLAN TO RUN FOR A THIRD TERM AS MAYOR. OFTENTIMES, WHEN A PERSON HAS DECIDES HES NOT GOING TO RUN AGAIN, THEY THEY START ACTING A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY OR BEING LESS ENGAGED IN THE LIKE OR START THINKING ABOUT OTHER OFFICES. THEY MIGHT BE CONSIDERING. I ALWAYS SAY LIKE 2027 IS GOING TO BE A GREAT YEAR BECAUSE ALL THESE PROJECTS IVE BEEN WORKING ON ARE GOING TO BE DONE. BUT I GOT TO MAKE SURE IM THERE TO SEE IT. SO THATS THATS WHAT IM THINKING RIGHT NOW. NOW, IF KELLER DOES WIN, THAT WOULD MAKE HIM ONE OF THE FEW MAYORS IN THE CITYS HISTORY TO GET A THIRD TERM. LIVE IN ALBUQUERQUE. JULIAN PEREZ, KOAT ACTION SEVEN