Features

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.