Amplify Valdosta is a curated one-day conference designed to amplify small businesses in South Georgia by equipping business professionals and leaders with the tools, connections, and insights they need to grow and thrive.
Through engaging sessions and intentional networking opportunities, attendees will connect with peers and industry experts while exploring timely topics that impact business success. The experience is designed to be welcoming, informative, and action-oriented, leaving participants empowered, inspired, and ready to take the next step with confidence.
Coming as a group? Tables Available for Purchase at checkout!
Full Table: $700 (Seats 8)
Thursday, October 22, 2026
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
We would like to thank our program partners for their generous support of this program.
Alyssa Foskey serves as the Area Director for the UGA Small Business Development Center at Valdosta State University. She joined the Valdosta team in 2019 with 20+ years of customer service experience, 15+ years teaching in higher education, and 11+ years of contract training that includes customization and instruction in business management.
Additionally, Alyssa has specialized knowledge of the childcare industry and is active with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning and other childcare organizations. She also has a knowledge base in logistics and transportation from her sales experience in the freight industry.
Joe Tessin is Vice President of Ace Technologies and founder of Better Days Group, a leadership and personal growth organization. With more than 25 years of experience leading teams and developing people, Joe helps individuals and organizations grow through intentional leadership, personal accountability, and meaningful work. Drawing from real-world leadership experience, he equips others to navigate change, raise their standards, and build stronger teams and cultures. Through his speaking, teaching, and coaching, Joe inspires people to maximize their potential and create better results in both life and business.
Dr. Amy Watson is an Associate Professor of Marketing at Valdosta State University, brand strategist, consultant, and consumer behavior researcher. She helps organizations make smarter marketing decisions using customer insights, competitive evidence, and proven marketing frameworks. Her research spans consumer choice, marketing communications, digital strategy, sponsorship, and brand management. Dr. Watson holds a PhD in Marketing from the University of Arkansas and digital marketing credentials from the American Marketing Association and Digital Marketing Institute. An award-winning educator, she is known for making marketing concepts practical, relevant, and actionable for businesses and organizations.
Tanisha Johnson is a Workforce Development Specialist with Georgia Power, serving Central and Southwest Georgia. A graduate of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and Georgia Southern University, she has built a distinguished career in higher education recruitment, workforce development, and community engagement. Tanisha is a 2025 Georgia Trend 40 Under 40 honoree and founder of Transforming Students Joyfully, a community outreach organization focused on mentorship and service. Active in numerous civic and professional organizations, she is passionate about developing talent, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for future generations.
The UGA Small Business Development Center is a Public Service and Outreach unit of the University of Georgia. This program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and is supported by federal taxpayer funds. Our federal funding disclosure can be found at www.georgiasbdc.org.
By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations. All programs are open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
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