Features

Angioplasty, once performed only at hospitals with onsite cardiac surgery capabilities, is now available at 10 smaller community institutions in Georgia, thanks to a ground-breaking study.

Hometown music festivals around the state draw legions of fans who come with lawn chairs to sit in and cash to spend. The celebrations combine culture, commerce and civic pride. There’s often a charitable cause and always a good time.

As businesses expand their community service roles, the lines between philanthropy and profit are likely to blur. But experts say everyone benefits when hands-on volunteerism joins traditional corporate giving.

This year’s farm bill, now being hammered out in Congress, will determine the profitability of Georgia agriculture. Tariffs, price supports, food assistance programs and funds for conservation and research are all being deliberated. And there’s $25 billion less in available funding than there was in 2002.

As big banks continue to buy out small ones, a new generation of community banks is finding a niche by providing more personalized service. And some of the banks are paying their investors handsome returns – quickly.