On today’s edition of 200 Office Radio, Dr. Alan Urech sits down with Julie Brown. Julie is founder of Julie Bee’s, LLC – a social media consulting company. She is also currently volunteering with Next Steps Youth Entrepreneur Program (NSYEP) which provides entrepreneurial training for at-risk youth in the Atlanta area. The program uses the STEM method, harnessing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to train kids in strategic planning and business development. NSYEP is also using the Atwood Community Gardens to give the kids an appreciation for the farm to table movement and fight the influence of “food deserts” in Atlanta. You can find out much more about the program and all the great work they are doing by going to http://www.nextstepsyep.org/.

Kadeem and Kejuan visit the Business Radio X studio to talk about their upbringing, inspirations, and their hopes for the future. They are determined to provide value to young, aspiring entrepreneurs and help them not only bring their ideas to fruition but to make them profitable. Kadeem was a student at Florida A&M University when he had the idea for the business and called his old friend Kejuan to help him get it started. Young Entrepreneur Atlanta helps people aged 12-24 to grow and scale their businesses. A great line from the interview is,”Your network determines your net worth.” Never underestimate the importance of building and maintaining a strong network of professional contacts! The Facebook group for Kadeem and Kejuan’s “I Want To Be An Entrepreneur” can be found here.

Mr. Pennington is President of Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) and, in this edition of 200 Office Radio, he speaks to Alan Urech about his varied work experience and how it helps him serve the organizations 700 members. He also talks about why it’s important for Georgia to have the GEDA. One prime example he gives is the new Caterpillar plant which brought 1,400 new jobs to Georgia! Go to GEDA.org for more information or look them up on Facebook or Twitter!

Advocate Financial is a 200 Office Affiliate. Tune in to hear Dr. Alan Urech and Keith Nabb talk about general healthcare, life insurance, DOA, and other issues vitally important to small businesses! Keith talks at length about how companies can structure their employees benefit plans to maximize savings so that money can be put toward marketing, consulting, and other business expenses. Another main topic of discussion is the increasing focus by the federal government on the insurance industry. Advocate Financial’s website can be found here.

Maria is owner and founder of Opportunity and Success, LLC, a social media strategy company, and a 200 Office Affiliate. Matt Wilson is the co-founder of Under 30 CEO, the leading media company for news, advice, trends, and events for young entrepreneurs. Maria is also the founder of the Atlanta chapter of Under 30 CEO. The two discuss various trends in the virtual economy, the power of social media, and the origins of their entrepreneurial spirits. We encourage you to learn more about Opporunity and Success (Facebook page here) and Under 30 CEO here.

Wilma drops by the studio to talk about CAP, an organization that she says is critical not just for downtown but for the city and the region! CAP was founded in 1941 as a membership-based non-profit focused on the development of the city center. Wilma discusses CAP’s collaboration with Midtown and Buckhead leadership organizations and details CAP’s mission to build a 21st century downtown that is a vibrant community with strong leadership and sustainable infrastructure. She also touches on topics such as the Downtown Improvement District, The Ambassador Force of Downtown Atlanta, the return of streetcars to downtown, CAP’s regular newsletters, and much more! Their website is at http://www.atlantadowntown.com/.

Jonathan talks to Dana Barrett and Dr. Alan Urech about Excel Federal Credit Union. Excel is an employer-based federal credit union and 200 Office Affiliate based in Norcross, GA. It was started way back in 1952 by a group of federal employees wanting a place to put their money where it would work for them – not someone else. Excel serves over 400 companies and, unlike most banks, Excel is not for profit. This means that rather than looking to make money for investors, everything they do is about serving their customers. Jonathan also talks about some specific local businesses that Excel has helped including medical and office buildings in Canton, assisted living facilities, a hotel and retail center in Augusta, local churches, and even a charter school in Smyrna. Excel’s website can be found here.

Matt is CEO and Managing Director of The VVA (Virtual Venture Accelerator) Group and a 200 Office Affiliate. He started The VVA Group in 1997 after earning a business degree from Boston College and working in a few different corporate positions. Along with his partner, Greg Chevalier, Matt advises small and medium sized businesses in all industries for an affordable fee. On this edition of 200 Office Radio, Matt discusses the group’s mission of adding value to their clients’ companies at a crucial point in the business life cycle. Find out more about The VVA Group here!

Millicent St. Claire (left) is the founder of LIGMO and Donna Kelsick (right) is the organization’s Executive Director. To borrow a phrase from St. Claire, “So many things in life are simply RIDICULOUS!” LIGMO helps it’s clients be their best selves and bring out the best in others by encouraging them to, “Let it go, move on.” They run training seminars in corporate and school settings. LIGMO offers a series of workshops on topics as varied as customer service, team building, stress management, and others. The core of LIGMO’s message is all about becoming aware of behaviors and attitudes that are counterproductive in our personal and professional lives and then using that awareness to make positive changes. More information can be found at http://www.ligmo.com/.