A very distinguished line up of city and county government officials came together to share insight into local government and strategies for creating an empowered community with the participants of Valdosta’s Community Xccelerator, which meets at the Willis L. Miller Library. The panel of guests included City Mayor John Gayle and County Commissioners Chairman Bill Slaughter.

Participants in Valdosta’s Community Xccelerator at the Willis L. Miller Library were introduced to a panel of networking professionals, who spoke to the group about the importance of networking, different strategy and organizations to consider when networking. After sharing fun facts about each other and hearing interesting facts about each of the panel members during the icebreaker, participants listened as members of the panel explored various ways to establish relationships and build a valuable network.  

Participants in the Community Xccelerator kicked off their first session on Tuesday, August 13 and were introduced to Valdosta Fire Department Chief Brian Boutwell and John Maxwell Executive Director, Lynne Brown. Before he and his team departed, Chief Boutwell was presented with a donated gift of appreciation from The Home Depot. The Xccelerator session continued with Lynn Brown, who is an executive trainer, speaker, and coach with The John Maxwell Team who provides leadership and personal development. 

With much anticipation, the Valdosta-Lowndes community and surrounding area will have access to its inaugural Community Xccelerator program in the Fall of 2019 open to all adults to enroll. By bridging knowledgeable resources within our community, participants are able to learn directly from local, subject matter experts. Each participant graduates from the program with new connections, financial empowerment, proven business advice, and a greater ability to impact his or her community.

Sixth-grade student Ja'Kori West from J.L. Newbern Middle School was recently presented with a new 'I Can Do Anything' Blended Designs 1954 backpack from the H. DeWayne and Amanda Johnson BridgeBuilder Education Foundation. 

Pinevale Elementary School kicked off “Code The Classroom” with 18 third-grade students. By using Code The Classroom, schools are able to introduce collaborative coding and computer science fundamentals at an early age to all students. Code the Classroom is a BridgeBuilder program that includes a curriculum with simple activities for elementary school students and challenging projects for high school students.  

Classes for the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce's Young Entrepreneurs Academy return Tuesday, Jan. 8.​  During the winter break, many students chose to prioritize their time and work on completing their business plans as true entrepreneurs, they said. “It was a big help for Mrs. Amanda to help me understand the business plan," Emma Micklon said. "She helped me with the questions that I wouldn't have understood by myself.”

Programming may bring to mind many things — high-tech computers, complex coding and a mysterious world of indistinct languages. Rarely does it make you think of elementary and middle school students. DeWayne and Amanda Johnson, co-founders of BridgeBuilder Education & Investments, are on a mission to change that. 

VALDOSTA — BridgeBuilder Education & Investments wants students to be more than just 'technology consumers' but rather the creators behind it. People looking for something educational and free for the kids to do during the holiday break can visit BridgeBuilder Education & Investments' three computer coding sessions.

VALDOSTA – The National Council of Negro Women Valdosta State University collegiate chapter announced H. DeWayne Johnson, the co-founder of BridgeBuilder Education & Investments, will serve as the facilitator and speaker for the first event, Financial Literacy, 5-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5.

The inaugural class of Team South Georgia recognizes 26 community champions for their innovative spirit and ability to obtain positive results. DeWayne and Amanda Johnson were nominated and recognized for their efforts to oversee the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) program that provides middle and high school students with the tools to start and manage their own business. 

Keynote speaker DeWayne Johnson discussed empowerment, economics, and education as it relates to King’s mission during the third installment of the 33rd annual King observance, hosted by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Association.

QUITMAN — Teachers from Quitman Elementary, North Brooks Elementary, Brooks County Middle and Brooks County High schools were introduced to DeWayne Johnson of BridgeBuilder Education & Investments, who spoke to the group of educators about improving student behavior by increasing cultural competency.

DeWayne Johnson announced the Young Entrepreneurs Academy Valdosta chapter winner of its free tuition contest at Mellow Mushroom. “It is truly inspirational to see our young, future leaders step into action and express their desires to own real businesses and seek an opportunity to pitch their ideas to executive leaders for real startup funding," said DeWayne Johnson. Jalen Denton will be among the national program’s first class of middle school and high school students in Valdosta

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce hosted a Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) Information Session for students in grades 6-12, their families, and local business leaders on the evening of Tuesday, June 20. The visitors took advantage of the opportunity to learn about how to join YEA!, a 30-week program that guides a selected group of middle and high school students through launching and running their own real businesses or social movements!

BridgeBuilder Education & Investments has announced a new partner, Aaptiv, in bringing Mindful Moments to the Valdosta-Lowndes County school community, according to a press release. Through the BridgeBuilder Education Program, schools can partner with the local company, and its consultants will develop "out of the box," tailored education sessions and curriculum based on the needs and challenges of each individual school.

Co-Founder Amanda Johnson was chosen and honored by Valdosta Early College Academy (VECA) for her work with bringing Computer Programming lessons to 8th Grade AVID students. Ms. Johnson was recognized as a Community Partner In Education (CPIE) and 2017 Volunteer Of The Year. Pictured with her is VECA AVID teach Ms. Christopher.

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce brings the Young Entrepreneurs Academy to the area to transform middle and high school students into business owners as part of a weekly entrepreneurship education class beginning this fall, according to a chamber press release. 

The 2017 Economic Summit was held on April 6. Business leaders from the area gathered to hear from entrepreneurs such as DeWayne Johnson and Dan Henry, innovative professionals such as Dr. Brian Gerber of VSU, and Steven Justice of the Georgia Center for Innovation, which is an arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, as they discussed not only the state of our local economy but also how we can improve it.  Their advice, in a word: innovation.

Co-Founder DeWayne Johnson had the honor of joining Valdosta Main Street (Ellen Hill) and the SEEDS Business Resource Center (Betty Morgan) as they hosted the city's kick off observance and proclamation with Valdosta Mayor John Gayle on Tuesday, March 14 at City Hall.

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Government Affairs Council (GAC) Chairman announced the leaders of the Chamber's six GAC Policy Committees. These individuals will guide the Chamber's advocacy efforts on the local, State and Federal levels. Our Co-Founder, Amanda Johnson, will service as the 2017 Chair for the Education & Workforce Policy Committee.

Our Co-Founder, DeWayne Johnson, received the 2017 MLK Humanitarian Award at St. Paul AME Valdosta Ga. Thank you to The Valdosta-Lowndes County Dr. King, Jr Commemoration Association for the recognition of his works and our passion for the community and our next generation. Let's take action to progress the generational torch even farther!

Co-Founder, DeWayne Johnson, was awarded Omega Superior Service Award by the Alpha Gamma Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. 

VALDOSTA, GA - Epic Advertising, LLC held an afternoon chat with BridgeBuilder Education & Investments on their show Small Business Talk with Angela Ward.  During the interview held on Tuesday September 2, 2016, Ms. Ward got a chance to share with her viewers additional insight from the co-founders of BridgeBuilder Education & Investments, LLC.  Co-Founders, DeWayne and Amanda Johnson, discussed the origins and target of their business, advice for start-up companies, and future goals of BridgeBuilder.

VALDOSTA, GA - Residents hoping to start a business were able to work with the City of Valdosta and the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce to make their dream a reality.  The city and chamber are partnering to provide a four-part learning series to help residents open businesses.  BBEI led the first series, "Choosing the Right Seed: From Idea to Business Plan," which focused on coming up with an idea, the possibility of starting the idea and starting a business plan. 

VALDOSTA, GA - Entrepreneurship is part of the American Dream.  BBEI was pleased to partner with the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce and Valdosta City leaders in order to incubate a pro-business environment and provide training for would-be business owners. 

VALDOSTA, GA- The Chamber Ambassadors recently hosted a ribbon cutting for BridgeBuilder Education & Investments on the front steps of the Barber House. After relocating to Valdosta a short time ago, this business is officially ready to serve property investors in the Valdosta-Lowndes County community.

HAHIRA, GA - After introducing themselves to the families during the annual Valdosta Christmas Parade on December 05, 2015, the BridgeBuilder team prepped the vehicle with prop gifts and trimmings again the following weekend for, not one, but two back-to-back parades.  The team started earlier in the day at the Lake Park, GA Christmas Parade and quickly made tracks to the Hahira, GA Christmas Parade.  It was there that a local news reporter covering the event spotted them.  We are very appreciative of the support for covering such a monumental and historical moment for our company!