6 13 16 buzz on biz june july 64 pages

JUNE 16—JULY 20, 2016 • THE CSRA’S MONTHLY BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Work place of future will look different

Businesses will need to adapt to next generations to stay viable

By Gary Kauffman The Millennials are coming – with Generation Z not far behind – and they will create changes in the work force.

It’s the businesses that adapt to those changes that will continue to be successful, Lynn Billing, senior vice president of Spherion Staffing Services, told the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce at their quarterly Executive Lunch on June 1.

Since 1997, Spherion has interviewed 220,000 workers, ranging from entry level positions to CEOs in order to compile an

ongoing Emergent Workforce Study that helps businesses better adapt to changing needs and desires of their employees.

“It offers unique insight to better maximize your work force to drive profitability,” Billing said.

In the past two years, human resources personnel have become increasingly concerned about retaining top employees and in recruiting STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) professionals. And they recognize the importance of the Millennial generation (those born between

1980 and 2000).

“Eighty-two percent say that recruiting Millennials will be critical to their company’s success,” Billing said. “If you haven’t figured that out already, you’re going to have to.”

One reason that it will be critical is that by 2020, Millennials will make up 50 percent of the work force. That will increase to 75 percent by 2025, when they will be joined by the next generation, Generation Z. To be an emergent employer – one that is culturally attractive to the upcoming generations – a company will have to adapt to the

thought patterns of Millennials and Generation Z, which are different than those of previous generations.

At a minimum, that means having a solid online presence.

“Candidates are going online and reading all about your company,” Billing said. “Fifty percent say that a company’s online presence is as important as the offer (in deciding where to work).”

And that includes a mobile-friendly webSee WORK PLACE, page 4

New cart has golfers ‘surfing’ the fairways

Innovative design speeds up play, easier on course

By Chris Kane Bill Jeffrey is used to catching waves in the ocean. Now he’s catching waves on golf courses – and possibly the wave of the future.

Jeffrey is on a mission to assist Augusta area golf pros and course managers in discovering that the GolfBoard will significantly increase more tee times and generate increased profit while honoring the great traditions of the game.

The GolfBoard is basically a surfboard on wheels that easily navigates the contours of a golf course. Players ride standing up, with their golf clubs perched in front of them. It can reach speeds up to 11 miles per hour, about the same speed as a conventional golf cart.

“You are (driving) directly to your ball and grounds keepers love the fact that it has less impact on the course than walking; it’s very stable,” Jeffrey said. “All of the major carriers that look at risk have absolutely put their stamp of approval that the golf board is less of a liability issue than a golf cart.”

The 50-volt lithium-ion battery-charged four-wheeled vehicle is driven by two brushed motors with hardened steel gear boxes front and back. Built to military-grade specs, it has no chains and belts and it can ride up to 18 miles on a full battery charge. The GolfBoard allows golfers to navigate the course with their clubs in a way that feels similar to surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding.

A natural fit for an avid surfer Promoting the GolfBoard is a natural fit for Jeffrey, an avid surfer of some of the ocean’s biggest waves.

“I’ve surfed many places in the world, one spot is just south of Peahi, also known as Jaws, on the Island of Maui where some of the largest waves break,” Jeffrey said. “It’s not too far from where world renowned surfer Laird Hamilton

Bill Jeffrey drives an innovative GolfBoard across an area fairway. Is it the wave of golf’s future? Photo by Chris Kane

lived.”

Growing up in Virginia Beach, Jeffrey enjoyed the more progressive surf culture that sought to innovate the sport.

“Plus, I was a younger guy and we all knew that women love surfers,” he said.

In 2003, Jeffrey moved to Augusta to continue his career in the financial services industry. With increasingly distant memories of sea oats on the beach, salty air, the sound of seagulls and waves breaking along the shore, he quickly learned that he was in the golf mecca of the world. But attending The Masters Tournament wasn’t big on his to-do list.

“I was one of those people who left Augusta during The Masters and took my family to the beach,” Jeffrey said. “I would go down to Melbourne, Fla., and surf for a week.”

In fact, Jeffrey has only been inside the gates of Augusta National Golf Club once and the experience didn’t last very long.

“I got a Masters practice round ticket and I was there for 90 minutes,” Jeffrey said. “I realized there is a lot of walking involved and I didn’t have a lot of time. I also had my suit and tie on, so I left hoping to return one day.”

The surfer meets the fairway Fast forward to 2015. With his Callaway X-18s collecting dust in the garage, Jeffrey was surfing the web and found a golf video that featured one of his surfing icons, Laird Hamilton.

“It was my ‘aha’ moment,” Jeffrey said.

It was a moment that left Jeffrey captivated. He was watching Hamilton ride a GolfBoard in a YouTube video.

The legendary surfer partnered with Bally’s Total Fitness founder Don Wildman to help create the GolfBoard.

It didn’t take Jeffrey long to research the product and realize the company didn’t have any sales reps in the Augusta area.

See GOLFBOARD, page 4

Various businesses could benefit from proximity to Augusta’s airport. Photo contributed

New director says airport has potential for business growth

By Gary Kauffman Passenger traffic at Augusta Regional Airport has increased by more than 100 percent in the past decade and new executive director Herbert Judon believes there is potential for a lot more.

But the airport will need help.

“It’s going to take a collaborative effort with the local community, with the public and private sector, to support the airport,” he said.

Judon, who took over the executive director position in May after serving as assistant aviation director at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, said one of his focal points will be to bring additional air Herbert Judon service to Augusta.

He would like to see the return of direct flights to Washington, D.C., and to hub cities like Dallas and Chicago, as well as a few leisure destinations.

But most of those decisions are out of his hands. The airlines make decisions to add flights based on demand and profitability.

That’s where the collaboration comes in.

“The more people use the airport, the increased likelihood of more diverse opportunities for air service,” he said. “I’ll try my hardest to make our case.”

He said the assumption is that with the Cyber Center of Excellence coming to Fort Gordon in a few years, along with the related private businesses, that there will be an increased demand for direct flights to Washington, D.C. “Part of our job is to make sure that the airlines understand that with the Cyber Center of Excellence they could be going there quite often,” he said.

Judon sees the potential for business growth at the airport. He said light industrial manufacturing, warehousing, aviationrelated businesses and businesses that re-

2 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

quire access to the airfield are the types of companies he anticipates locating near the airport.

“This region is a huge incubator for business and it will eventually spill over to the airport,” he said.

Judon added that not only will those businesses have access to the airport but also highways, railways and even shipping.

“It’s a great place to have those kind of businesses because of the connectivity,” he said.

For the frequent business traveler, Augusta Airport has created an Elite Rewards parking program that is a savings off the daily parking rate and allows parking right next to the terminal.

The airport has a master plan for growth and is doing a land study as well that could open opportunities for expansion of the terminal building, more runways and hangars and additional parking.

One of the annual challenges is to find enough parking for private planes during Masters Week. The airport was successful in accommodating the parking requirements this past April but there is always a demand for more.

“However much (aircraft parking) space we put in, we know they’d use it,” Judon said.

Judon also wants to help dispel the myth that it costs more to fly out of Augusta.

While airfare may be higher, when calculating the additional travel time, mileage costs and parking fees at Atlanta, Augusta usually comes in at less overall cost. The flyags.com website has a calculator to help flyers figure those additional costs.

As part of the collaborative effort to help the airport grow, the airport invites non-flyers to visit the public areas. The airport works with the Augusta Museum of History on displays and also has some artwork on display.

“We want the community to embrace the airport,” Judon said. “We want the airport to be a community partner.”

Judon and his staff are available to speak to groups about the airport.

Publisher’s Notes Neil Gordon

Good News

Former mayor touts Buzz’s positive spin on business Anytime you can have mutual respect with former Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver, you’ve done something right. Deke is one of the most respectable leaders the Garden City has ever known. He shared with us that Buzz on Biz is the first publication he shows newcomers or businesses thinking about locating here. He likes that we are positive and showcase the growth of the CSRA.

You might be scratching your head at this point of my column, asking “Deke Copenhaver – is he still in Augusta?

Isn’t he doing non-profit work?” The answers are yes, and he is now a business consultant. He is the subject of our Businessperson Of The Month.

One thing we’ve learned from digital analytics of our weekly enewsletter is that our readers crave stories about food. We’ve also learned through anecdotal evidence that our readers like the new business section of Buzz on Biz on pages 22 and 23. So it’s great news when we can write about some restaurants that are either new to the area, expanding or celebrating anniversaries.

In that section you’ll find a story about Farmhaus Burgers opening its second burger bistro near the entrance to Gander Mountain. Our editor Gary Kauffman reported on two big differences from their Broad Street location.

You’ll also find stories about a new Mexican restaurant, another donut shop, the one-year anniversary of a downtown restaurant, the move of a cookie store and the opening of the

World of Beer, which offers beers from around the world. (There are also nonfood business stories, such as the opening of a new appliance store and a new office location for a real estate company – it’s not just all about food.)

Further back, you’ll discover Susan O’Keefe’s restaurant review of Big Daddy’s Southern Grill. In it she adds a tidbit that Big Daddy’s is adding a second location. We’ve learned that Big Daddy himself, owner Bo Handy, is putting the final touches on an express version of his restaurant in a shopping center on Evans To Locks Road near Lakeside High School. Expect to find out more on that in the next issue, or by subscribing to our enewsletter (it’s easy, just go to buzzon. biz, click Newsletter Signup and enter your name and email address.)

In this issue we also have features on a couple of sports-related businesses.

Chris Kane’s cover story on GolfBoards continues on the next page and Kelsey Morrow’s feature on the area’s only rock climbing facility is the cover of our Social Buzz section.

Our newest columnist/advertiser is

family law attorney Sarah Blake. If you get a chance, view her new billboard on Washington Road just past Augusta National heading downtown. It’s one of the more creative messages I’ve seen.

Her initial column on adoption appears on page 40. I met her when she was our guest on Law Call talking about child custody. My sense was if you’re in court, it’s best to have her on your side!

Perhaps our most timely column is from HR professional Jame Geathers, who gives her take on the new overtime law taking effect later this year. Her column is on page 8. You might want to clip that one out, because chances are it will affect you in some way.

Enjoy your summer, but don’t forget there is work to do!

Neil Gordon is president of Buzz on Biz, LLC and produces a daily TV segment on News 12 This Morning, a daily radio show on WRDW 1630 AM, a daily website and a weekly email business newsletter in addition to Buzz on Biz, the CSRA’s only monthly business publication. You can reach him at Neil@buzzon.biz.

Features Heart of the City............. 14

Social Buzz............... 59-62

Even out of office, former mayor’s heart still belongs to the Augusta community.

Double Time................... 20

Retailers are expected to double their digital marketing by 2020.

Speaking Up.................... 32 Chamber of Commerce represents local business interests at the local, state and national levels.

Show Time........................ 6 Bryton Entertainment scores big with rerelease of their documentary about the Tuskegee Airmen.

Business Events............ 38

Overtime Views................ 8

Parks and green spaces add to a community’s health and well-being.

Survey finds that majority of Americans favor new overtime law.

Park Power..................... 48

International Flavor....... 22 Recenly opened World of Beer offers more than 500 choices.

Buzz Bits....................12,13 Business Briefs..........22,23

Climbing the Walls......... 59

Active Climbing offers variety of chances to scale rock walls.

Togetherness................. 52 Barking Space................ 59 To be successful with a B2B business takes collaboration on both sides.

North Augusta looks to create a park for dogs to enjoy.

Columnists Jame Geathers: What does new overtime rule mean for your business?.............................8 Eddie Kennedy: Employee theft is often bigger problem than shoplifting...................... 10 Shannon Jones: Drafting a mission statement provides a firm foundation..................... 16 Barry Paschal: Cyber Center is a boon for area but shouldn’t be exploited...................... 16 Gary Kauffman: Putting all your client eggs in one basket causes problems.................. 18 Christine Hall: Amended returns allow you to correct filing mistakes................................ 18 Mark Alison: Advertising often has a lot in common with carnivals.................................... 20 Charles Kelly: Software companies pushing products into the cloud................................ 24 Kim Romaner: Some buyers are looking for any business opportunity............................. 26 Kevin Wade: Tips can mitigate chances of emails containing ransomware...................... 26 Doug Parker: Private investigators take on many types of cases.......................................... 28 Dagan Sharpe: Lack of financial education keeps people chained to bad habits.......... 30 Kelsey Morrow: Businesses should choose page option for Facebook posts.................. 30

Justin Anderson: No matter how much you learn, remember the basics......................... 34 Steve Swanson: The key to being the best is to keep practicing your craft...................... 34 Joseph Passarelli: Many things in life revolve around your credit score............................ 36 Mike Herrington: Advance Directive lets you choose care ahead of time......................... 36 Sarah Blake: Many reasons to adopt a child but all require legal advice........................... 40 Russell Head: New rules give guidance for employee wellness programs........................ 42 Carolyn Ramp: Learning love languages can boost employee relationships.................. 44 Missie Usry: Diversity can create more productive work environment.............................. 46 Susan O’Keefe: Customer care adds to dining experience at Big Daddy’s........................ 56 Ben Casella: Breweries have a long history with Trappist monks......................................... 60 Samantha Taylor: Reviewer finds two movies suprisingly good views............................... 60 Nora Blithe: Customer shows lack of love for barista’s plight................................................. 62

June 16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

3

WORK PLACE

The GolfBoard incorporates a skateboard surface to stand on. Photo by Chris Kane

GOLFBOARD

continued from page 1 “They thought I would be a good fit for this region,” Jeffrey said.

Jeffrey ordered a GolfBoard and he was off and running – or in this case, “Surfing the Earth.”

Speeding up time of play “I believe family is always first and many guys have shared with me that playing golf for 4-plus hours after work or during the ‘honey-do’ weekend hours can create tension at times, especially with a young and growing family,” said Jeffrey. “The GolfBoard makes it possible to play a regular 4-5 hour round of golf in 2-3 hours. It’s something that’s actually relevant to managing our time and it’s attracting the next generation of golfers.”

The GolfBoard is a known commodity in the business. In 2014, it was the best new product at the PGA Merchandise Show.

Just a few months ago, golf stars Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Rory McIlroy and Henrik Stenson had fun riding the GolfBoards in a special one-match challenge at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.

“If every golf course offered GolfBoards, golf would be the most popular sport in the world,” said Golf Digest Global Golf Director Stina Sternberg.

Getting others to believe what Sternberg and Bill Jeffrey already believe is the tricky part, especially here in Augusta.

“The younger generation is drawn to it naturally, like a duck to water,” said Jeffrey.

“I think a number of the older ones have a different view of it. The respect for maintaining the tradition of golf is so strong that the older generation here has a hard time taking those two and connecting them together because of the tradition here in Augusta. But we have seen tremendous interest in particular from the ‘older generation’ around the country.”

Jeffrey is excited about bringing the GolfBoard to Augusta.

“I look forward to building a bridge here

4 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

with the GolfBoard that connects Augusta with this innovative progression of the sport that already resonates through the golf industry worldwide,” he said. “Not only are they going to see revenue go up, but they are also going to experience a new level of excitement and enthusiasm at their clubs.

If they had something like this awhile back, some of the courses that have gone by the wayside would probably still be here.”

Waiting for a revolution Patience. It’s a word Jeffrey has come to understand more as he demonstrates the GolfBoard from course to course.

“I’ve been challenged to be patient with some people in the golf community,” he said. “The truth is, I am all too familiar with this resistance as it happened in the late ‘80s when snowboards were introduced into the world of snow skiing. That same resistance gradually gave way, producing an incredibly profitable snowboarding culture that is a common household word now.”

He believes this same transformation will revolutionize golf in much the same way. He is learning something new every day and it’s a challenge he loves to take head on.

“I do have the dynamic in interest of the younger generation and their attitudes versus the older and I do see they are two different approaches depending on the courses I’m going to talk with,” said Jeffrey.

Jeffrey is a financial planner. It’s how he makes his living and he says the numbers add up when it comes to the GolfBoard revolutionizing golf for the current culture.

“I think for all of those people out there who are always looking to be on the cutting edge of golf, they are enthusiastic about the product and can’t hold it in,” said Jeffrey.

“When the first course to use the GolfBoard begins to experience the value of all we’ve discussed, they will already be well on their way to increasing revenue and I think all of Augusta will have the GolfBoard.”

And don’t be surprised when it happens.

After all, Bill Jeffrey is used to catching waves.

continued from page 1 site, since the world now has more smart phones than functioning toilets. The No. 1 reason a Millennial would choose to not apply to a company is that their website isn’t mobile friendly.

Billing said LinkedIn and Facebook are still the best places for recruiting talent but YouTube and mobile texting are increasingly becoming popular recruiting tools. Some job candidates are starting to use video resumes.

Millennials want to work for companies whose mission, vision and values are aligned with theirs.

“When using social media (to recruit candidates) make sure to promote your mission, vision and values,” Billing said. “It truly does matter.”

But they also want to feel valued for their contributions and they want to be able to advance in their careers. That can lead to a nomadic job track for Millennials.

Billing said that while many companies are working hard at recruiting, retention efforts are not as strong. Many Millennials plan on looking for a new job within the next 12 months.

To retain the Millennials they’ve worked hard to recruit, companies will have to start adjusting their business environment.

While advancing in their career is still their highest priority, Millennials also are seeking jobs that have a good work/life balance, with the flexibility to work from home, paid vacations and even sabbaticals.

“They saw their parents working 80-hour weeks and said, ‘No, not for me,’” Billing said.

Employers and employees do agree on what the top skills will be for the next five years. Both agree that problem solving, strategic thinking, keeping up with evolving technology and interpreting data will be most important.

“But employers and employees also agree that the current training is missing the mark,” Billing said. “Almost half of Millennials feel they need to have more training.”

Once again, training will be different than in the past, which often meant slogging through a thick employee handbook and listening to lectures. Billing said for the coming generations, training needs to be fast paced and fun, visually appealing and with an immediate chance to apply it and receive feedback and recognition.

“They also want one-on-one training with feedback, and they’ll want it at least twice a year,” she said.

The next generations also want their work to have some meaning.

Three keys for companies will be providing flexibility in the work environment, especially those that maintain a 24/7 connectivity to work; building a leadership pipeline; and adjusting training to make it more appealing.

“We have to adapt to change, as hard as that may be,” Billing said. “If we don’t, we won’t be competitive.”

THE CSRA’S ONLY MONTHLY BUSINESS MAGAZINE The Buzz on Biz mission is to act as an inspirational tool for those in the workplace and those who are entrepreneurs, and to provide useful, practical information to increase their companies’ bottom lines.

To order a 12-month subscription mailed to your home or office, please mail a check for $49 (includes sales tax) to cover postage to the address below.

Publisher Neil R. Gordon

Photography Gary Kauffman, Melissa Gordon

Editor in Chief Gary Kauffman/803-341-5830

Writers Amanda King, Kelsey Morrow, Chris Kane

Sales Manager Neil R. Gordon/706-589-6727 neil.gordon@buzzon.biz Sales Janine Garropy/803-480-2800 janine.garropy@buzzon.biz Tiffany Stone/803-640-0627 tiffany.stone@buzzon.biz Design Gary Kauffman

Calendar Coordinator Kelsey Morrow kelsey.morrow@buzzon.biz Distribution Janine Garropy, Kenneth Brown, Tiffany Stone Submit Information gkauffman@buzzon.biz thegordongrouppr@comcast.net

Opinions expressed by the writers herein are their own and their respective institutions.

Neither Buzz on Biz LLC or its agents or employees take any responsibility for the accuracy of submitted information, which is presented for informational purposes only.

For more information, visit us at buzzon.biz or like us on Facebook

3740 Executive Center Drive, #300, Martinez, GA 30907

June16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

5

Local company has success making videos Filmmakers score big with re-release of their popular documenary

By Amanda King Bryan Williams’ and Denton Adkinson’s cover is blown: they’re superheroes.

“If we can make someone’s dream come true or help someone’s company grow, that’s what we’re supposed to be doing,” Williams said.

The dynamic duo has been churning out local advertisements and video since their Christian-based company, Bryton Entertainment LLC, began in 2006. The company has shot more than 40 commercials for local and national projects, as well as 35 music videos.

Documentaries are a major part of the business. Bryton Entertainment has produced four documentaries and is currently working on four more.

The duo’s most popular documentary has been the release of “In Their Own Words: The Tuskegee Airmen.” The film, originally released in 2012, was re-released in 175 theaters in March. It received endorsements from several celebrities, including actor Kirk Cameron.

Earlier this year, Cameron visited North Augusta where he met with Williams. He expressed a love for the film’s subject and encouraged his 2 million Facebook followers to see the documentary.

The movie did well in theaters considering it was a limited release documentary.

The premiere in Augusta sold out one theater and filled two-thirds of another. The film will be back in theaters for the Boys and Girls Club in the near future.

In 2012, Williams began working with Deanna Brown, daughter of James Brown,

Denton Adkinson, left, and Bryan Williams with Col. Charles McGee, one of the Tuskegee Airmen featured in their film. Photo contributed

on a documentary about her program, J.A.M.P., which teaches children music and builds future generations of musicians.

The teaser for “J.A.M.P.: The Legacy of James Brown” premiered at the “Get On Up” premiere in 2014. Williams said the documentary focuses on the “purer” side of Brown.

“We try to do things that are positive and inspirational, and he had a really strong love for kids,” Williams said.

Although most of the music videos have been for gospel artists – including Williams’ grandmother, Flo Carter – Bryton Entertainment shot a video for Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood prior to their Lady Antebellum fame. They also produced a mini documentary about country super stars Sugarland for AOL’s “A Day in the Life” series.

Bryton Entertainment has been nominated for five BET Awards and Stellar Gospel Mu-

sic Awards.

All that fame hasn’t gone to their heads, though.

“We just want to do work that honors God; work that cheers people up and shows them there’s hope,” Williams said.

Even with their national success, Williams and Adkinson still want to do video projects for local businesses. They have made commercials for several local businesses including Augusta University, the Ronald McDonald House and the Imperial Theater. They have a strong desire to see other small businesses succeed.

“We hate seeing other people close down.

It kills us,” Williams said.

Bryton Entertainment strives to make companies better and take out some of the work for business owners. They recognize that most owners are too busy to worry about producing commercials or training videos.

“We just want to do good work,” Williams said.

Williams and Adkinson don’t just do good while on the clock; since 2004 the last Friday of each month, they suit up and head to Children’s Hospital of Georgia. Their attire?

Superhero costumes, of course! Williams, known to Children’s Hospital patients as Superman, started the monthly outreach after being visited by a Spiderman double in 1977 at the hospital while having heart surgery as a child. The gesture made an impact on him, and he wanted to return the favor to parents and children in the CSRA. Now more than 35 other volunteers also visit children to give them a “super” day.

“If you do things like that, God just blesses you, you realize you can make a huge difference, and that’s the same way we look at our company; we want to make a difference,” Williams said.

Energy is key to how businesses get results

By Amanda King Justin Patton has grown his business on one quote: “Take responsibility for the energy you show up with every day.”

That was the message the certified professional coach gave to members of the North Augusta Chamber at a Power Lunch on June 7 at the Palmetto Terrace ballroom at the municipal building.

When he lost his father to a bacterial infection after a routine surgery, Patton said he completely shut off emotionally to everyone around him and learned the impact of his energy on other people. After graduating from college, he taught high school for five years before Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield called him to help with their national sales training department. Since then, Patton has conducted leadership training for Yum! Brands, General Electric, the National Collegiate Athletic Association and other companies.

6 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

Patton was quick to tell the audience that the difference between his role as a coach and a psychologist or counselor was that he focuses on the future of individuals and businesses, not the past. He wanted the audience to turn the mirror to look at themselves differently and understand their energy’s impact. He compared people’s energy and attitudes to floors of a hotel – a basement, lobby or penthouse.

When he asked chamber members an example for a basement personality – someone who is critical, judgmental and controlling – the crowd unanimously shouted, “Donald Trump!”

Patton asked for a different person, perhaps a pop culture icon, the audience again unanimously shouted, “Kanye West!”

The energy at the event was high, and according to Patton, a person’s energy trumps everything and can make a lasting impression on businesses now more than ever. He

said that in a time when people can post about a bad experience with a company to hundreds of followers on social media, business owners should be mindful of their energy and the energy of their employees.

“It’s not just about getting results in our organizations, but it’s also about how we get those results,” Patton said.

Patton drew laughs, head nods and interaction from the chamber crowd. The response to his presentation was overwhelmingly positive. “@bodylitics I think you inspired a lot of people today.

Everyone kept talking about how much they loved your presentation,” membership development manager Rushunda Lett tweeted to Patton after the event.

Patton closed the event letting chamber members know one thing – that he believes in them.

For more information on Patton, visitjustinpatton.com.

June16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

7

Business Resources Jame Geathers

Overtime Game

What does new overtime rule mean for your business?

As you may know, on May 18 the newly revised overtime rules were released. While many applauded this as a victory for many workers, it also presents several challenges for employers.

With all the information and misinformation out there, you may be confused on what your business has to do to comply with the new rules. For starters, let’s clarify the revised rules. The updates to the overtime rule take effect December 1. That gives your organization a little more than five months to update salaries and position classifications.

Prior to this rule taking effect, the minimum salary for an exempt employee was $455 per week. With the revised rules, that amount will more than double to $913 per

week. For many small business owners that amount is unfathomable.

Additionally, the minimum salary for highly compensated employees will increase from $100,000 per year to $134,004 per year. Also, that minimum amount is scheduled to increase every three years.

As a business owner you’re probably wondering what this means for your business. That depends.

If you currently have employees classified as exempt, you’ll first want to determine if they are classified correctly. The best way to do this is by using the DOL Wage and Hour Comparison of Duties Test. By comparing your employee’s position descriptions and pay against the test, you can determine if you need to make any changes.

If you are required to make changes to your pay structure, you do have options. If you have salaried exempt employees, you could raise their annual salary to meet the annual threshold of $47,476. When considering raising salaries, keep in mind that the salary threshold will be raised every three years so your salaries would also need to be raised to keep up with the requirement.

If that’s not in your budget, you may have the option to reclassify those exempt employees and have your em-

ployees sign an overtime policy that requires all overtime to be approved prior to being worked. This will at least allow you to somewhat control the overtime expense.

In addition to implementing the overtime policy, your organization could also hire temporary and/or parttime employees to cover some of the workload to prevent the need for overtime.

One note about creating an overtime policy: If an employee works overtime you must pay them time-and-a-half, even if you have a policy in place.

If you need assistance reviewing your employee classifications, salaries or creating policies, please contact us!

Jame Geathers is a Human Resources and Operations Professional with more than 12 years of experience in both the corporate and non-profit sectors. Jame has spent her career building and supporting HR infrastructures that have provided her employers and clients with the structure and policies that all start-ups need but owners may not have time to create and implement. For more information please visit the Jame Geathers Consulting website, www.jamegeathers.com or call (706) 496-9691.

Survey: Most Americans like new overtime rule Americans agree with the idea of expanding the number of workers eligible for overtime pay, a change recently announced by the U.S. Department of Labor.

The change in overtime rules to be put in place by the Department of Labor raises the maximum annual salary at which employers are required to pay workers for overtime from $23,660 to $47,476. At this point, the American public’s initial reaction to the idea is quite positive.

A Gallup poll taken, May 24-27 shows the following: Expand Number of Workers Eligible for Overtime Agree Disagree Don’t Know 67% 14% 18% Americans also agree with the idea of

raising the minimum wage, as they generally have in the more than 70 years Gallup has tested it using different formats and different dollar amounts. The specific proposal tested in the current research is to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by the year 2020, agreed to by 56 percent of Americans.

A Gallup poll taken April 21-24 showed the following: Increase Federal minimum wage to $15/ hour by 2020 Agree Disagree Don’t Know 56% 36% 7% These measures of the American public’s reaction to proposed changes affecting workers are part of Gallup’s ongoing assessment of the ways in which Americans

react to proposals made by presidential candidates. The research measures initial reactions to shorthand versions of proposals made by presidential candidates in speeches or in debates. Most policy changes are, in reality, complex, and the public’s reactions could change if proposals became a matter of continuing public debate.

A majority of Americans also favor workplace proposals that would require employers to provide seven days of paid sick leave, two weeks of paid vacation and at least 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave.

A Gallup poll taken April 21-24 showed the following: Require at least seven days paid sick leave Agree Disagree Don’t Know 75% 16% 9%

Require at least two weeks paid vacation Agree Disagree Don’t Know 75% 19% 5% Require at least 12 weeks paid family and medical leave Agree Disagree Don’t Know 62% 27% 10% Bottom Line Americans’ reactions to presidential candidates’ proposals concerning new laws or regulations aimed at improving the situation of the country’s workers are generally positive. A majority of the public agrees with the idea of increasing eligibility for overtime, raising the minimum wage and requiring companies to offer specified amounts of paid sick leave, vacation, and family and medical leave.

For the first time ever, the SRS Community Reuse Organization and Savannah River Site management team have jointly received a 2016 Energy Sustainability Award, a prestigious Department of Energy recognition.

Each year, DOE acknowledges outstanding performances by sites and individuals who contribute significantly to government-wide programs. SRSCRO often uses excess and operating resources at SRS to benefit local communities.

Through the joint partnership, surplus government-owned items and no-longer needed equipment can be sold to augment DOE missions and promote local economic development. Prior to public advertising, those items also may be used to stimulate the business climate in a five-county area and initiate quality-of-life programs, if specific needs are identified.

Electronics, furniture, air conditioners, copper wire, generators and heavy equip-

ment are commonly sold. Bolin Marketing Group, a local leader in the industrial surplus market, partners with SRSCRO on a subcontract basis to remove and sell assets from SRS. Last year, DOE-SR and the Site’s management and operations contractor, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, worked with SRSCRO to disassemble 12 large transformers and four circuit breakers from a now-closed power plant at the Site’s D Area. Recovered were 678,000

pounds of copper and other metals, and 56,921 gallons of transformer oil. SRSCRO also is removing fire retardant, office trailers, and refrigerant units, including icemakers, heating and ventilating components, refrigerators and water coolers.

In 2014, SRSCRO also disbursed nearly $1 million for infrastructure improvement projects in Aiken, Allendale and Barnwell in South Carolina and Richmond and Columbia counties in Georgia.

SRS Reuse Organization receives prestigious DOE award

8 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

June16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

9

Deeper Thinking Eddie Kennedy

Thieves Among Us

Employee theft is often bigger problem than shoplifting “Trust, but verify.”—Ronald Reagan Many businesses have to deal with shoplifting, and have some type of security system in place to prevent those losses. But national statistics show that employee theft and dishonesty is a much bigger problem for most businesses than shoplifting.

My first experience with employee dishonesty and theft was an eye-opening experience. Twenty years ago, a customer arrived at our warehouse to pick up a recliner they had recently purchased, but our warehouse employees couldn’t find it. I knew it was there, as I had seen it just a few days before.

But when I went to locate it, I found they were right, it was gone. I was able to get the customer another one, but I realized that I had a problem in my warehouse. I did a quick inventory and discovered I was missing 12 recliners.

I reviewed the receiving documents, customer receipts and questioned all the warehouse employees and managers. No one knew anything about where the recliners were or what had happened to them. I ended up working with a detective from the Richmond County Sheriff ’s Department, and we were able to catch and prosecute the employees who were involved in the theft.

Many of the employees involved were trusted, loyal employees – or at least I thought they were.

Through the years, I’ve heard similar stories from other entrepreneurs and small business owners. Some involve

companies losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. In some cases, companies have closed as a result of the losses.

Employee dishonesty affects all businesses, but a small business is more vulnerable to dishonest employees, because they have fewer employees and often fewer controls in place to prevent it.

How big of a problem is employee dishonesty? According to the 2016 Report on Occupational Fraud and Abuse by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), it is estimated that the typical organization loses 5 percent of its revenues as a result of fraud. The median loss in the cases studied for the 2016 survey was $150,000.

The ACFE found that smaller organizations (those with fewer than 100 employees) experience the same median loss as the largest organizations (those with more than 10,000 employees); however, losses of that size often have a greater impact on the smaller businesses.

Small organizations are more likely to

Leadership North Augusta graduates 2016 class, taking applications for 2017 Leadership North Augusta recently graduated its class of 2016 and is now taking applications for the 2017 class.

Graduates of the class of 2016 included Mary Anne Bigger, North Augusta Forward; Thomas Bryson, Georgialina Physical Therapy; Mandy Nelson, North Augusta Parks and Recreation; Russell Fernandes, SRP Federal Credit Union; Junior Johnson, North Augusta Department of Public Safety; Tyler Mapel, Family Y; Melissa Brandt, University Hospital; Nathan Cockfield, JLA Group; Marc Nungester, Kimberly Clark; Meagan Reynolds Nungester, Shannon Rollings Real Estate; and Erin Slade, Georgia Bank & Trust.

10 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

Leadership North Augusta is now taking applications for the next class, which starts in September. About a dozen people from North Augusta who are interested in future leadership will be selected for the 10-month program.

The program includes a leadership lecture series and guest speakers each month. There will be specific steps of engagement to enrich the students’ awareness, and networking, leadership development and active participation in the community.

Applications can be found at: https://lna.wufoo.com/forms/leadership-application and are due by August 15.

experience check tampering, skimming, payroll and cash larceny fraud than larger organizations, because they do not have sufficient fraud prevention and detection plans in place. More than 75 percent of the incidents reported were committed by employees who held finance, accounting, sales, operation, customer service or management positions.

Employee dishonesty and theft can happen several ways: Larceny – Taking cash or property from the business.

Embezzlement – Theft of cash or property by someone in a position of trust, like a bookkeeper or manager.

Payroll schemes – Falsifying timecards or records to get paid more than the hours worked or for vacation time not earned.

Billing Schemes – Setting up fake vendors to pay for nonexistent goods and services.

Experts say that the best way to prevent employee theft is to eliminate the opportunity to commit fraud by estab-

lishing a system of strong internal controls. Here are a few ideas: Establish a Code of Ethics – While this doesn’t stop thieves, it sets a clear benchmark for every employee to follow and communicates the company’s standard for ethical conduct.

Review hiring procedures – Most small business losses are to first-time offenders, but it is still a good idea to check out those who will be handling money.

Set up an anonymous fraud hotline – Statistics show that employee tips are the most common way fraud is discovered.

Start a training program – Managers should be taught to recognize the warning signs for fraud, basic fraud prevention techniques, and the proper procedures for reporting fraudulent activity.

Set up internal controls – Separate cash-handling and bookkeeping duties. Review payroll checks before they are distributed. Set up a system for tracking vacation time and personal time off.

Do your own risk assessment – Install security cameras if needed. Put GPS tracking systems on the company vehicles.

If you take credit and debit card payments, make sure you have set up alerts on your account for any unauthorized returns or credits.

While you cannot prevent all the fraudulent transactions that may occur at your business, with a few controls in place, you can make them harder to commit and easier to detect.

Eddie Kennedy is the owner of Great Deals on Furniture in Augusta. Eddie will be sharing ideas and principles he learned in over 37 years of involvement and management in small business. Contact him at eddie@greatdealsaugusta. com

Atlanta company creates program to reduce human error in cyber security The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is joining with Atlanta-based startup Aware Force to help organizations improve cyber security by targeting their most common cause of breaches – employee behavior.

Aware Force is a new interactive platform that offers video, audio, quizzes, infographics and articles to alert employees to ways they can behave safer online at work and at home. The service is customized for each organization’s brand and offers new issues twice a month available to employees via an email link or the organization’s intranet.

Aware Force also produces content on demand when a major cybersecurity news story breaks.

“The key is offering bite-size information to employees that’s interesting, easy to un-

derstand, and always current,” says Aware Force founder Richard Warner. “We learned what’s most effective while developing a pilot program for one of the world’s largest health care organizations.”

Aware Force will offer clients metrics on how their employees use the service plus add-on services including audio and video profiles of executives, custom posters, handouts, content in multiple languages, phishing simulations and management of contests.

A free version of Aware Force will be available to members of TAG and NTSC each month. Organizations that subscribe to Aware Force will receive two editions each month with interactive content that is branded for the subscriber’s organization.

June 16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

11

Allen named Hero of Main Street

Rep. Rick Allen (R-Ga.-12) of Augusta has received the “Hero of Main Street” award from the National Retail Federation for his support of legislation critical to the retail industry. Allen is part of a bi-partisan group honored for their support of a wide range of issues including infrastructure investment, tax reform and labor.

“As a small business owner for over 40 years, I am proud to receive this award,” Allen said.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our local communities and economies. In Washington, I will continue to fight for policies that are pro-growth and probusiness because that is how we will grow the economy and get people back to work. I thank the National Retail Federation for this recognition.”

NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said Allen has shown through his support that he cares about retailers of all sizes, and values the role these businesses play in communities across the country.

“Rep. Allen is an advocate for his thriving Main Street and to the long-term growth of the retail industry -- our nation’s largest job creators and the catalyst for continued growth and opportunity for our nation’s economy,” Shay said.

The Hero of Main Street award was created by NRF in 2013 to recognize members of Congress for support of the retail industry’s public policy priorities.

Goodwill listed as Station of Hope Goodwill’s Job Connection on Peach Orchard Road has been designated a Station of Hope.

The designation is a partnership by the City of Augusta, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, the Governor’s Office of Transition, Support and Reentry and Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA. Stations of Hope are part of the Department of Community

buzz bits Augusta Metro Chamber Names Top 10 in 10 The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Augusta Magazine, has announced its Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch.

These are 10 of Augusta’s most outstanding young professionals who were entered into a competitive nomination process and have emerged as this year’s most promising and rising stars.

Each recipient is featured in the June/July issue of Augusta Magazine, receives a nomination to Georgia Trend’s “40 Under 40 Competition” and Mayor Hardie Davis presented them with a plaque at the Chamber’s Member Economic Luncheon on June 9. Six of the past winners have gone on to win the Georgia Trend “40 under 40” award.

The keynote speaker for the June 9 event is Camila Knowles, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The luncheon will be held at the Supervision’s effort to provide a whole-person approach to those transitioning from prison into the community. The Station of Hope at Goodwill’s South Augusta Job Connection became part of these outreach services, allowing transitioning citizens access to a broad range of employment services designed to reintegrate them into the community, improving their personal stability and thereby reducing the likelihood of re-offending.

“With no job, no money, and often no place to live, returning citizens find themselves facing the same challenges that landed them in prison,” said Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis Jr. “Stations of Hope provide a lighthouse to those traveling from the dark moments of their past to a fresh start and a brighter future.”

Goodwill’s Job Connection in Augusta will be the first Station of Hope in Georgia not affiliated with a faith community. The Peach Orchard Job Connection has been connecting unemployed and underemployed citizens to new careers since 1996.

12 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

Augusta Marriott Hotel at the Convention Center and begins at 11:30 a.m. Advanced registration is required at AugustaMetroChamber.com.

The Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch was developed in 2009 by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce to annually highlight 10 young professionals (ages 25-35) in the Augusta Region. In submitting nominations to Georgia Trend magazine, the Chamber aims to expand recognition for Augusta’s young professional talent throughout Georgia.

The 2016 “Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch” • Jonathan Maurice Davis,

GreenJackets won’t start 2017 in new stadium It appears the GreenJackets will still be calling Augusta home when the 2017 season opens next April.

The North Augusta City Council has not yet done the second and third readings on Project Jackson – required before work can begin on the site – which is delaying the start of construction and pushing back the timetable on the new baseball stadium.

The delay is caused by the city working to have all of the private development elements in place, which will help keep down the costs to the city. The delay, though, means that it is improbable that the new stadium is ready for baseball by April.

There is some construction activity in the vicinity of the Project Jackson site, but that is part of a sewer pipe relocation project that is not directly con-

Existing Industry Coordinator, Augusta Economic Development Authority • Carlton Deese, Associate Director, Georgia War Veteran Nursing Home • Cleveland Fann, Distribution Manager, East Region Georgia Power Co. • Everett Harbeson III, Landscape Architect Project Manager, Johnson Laschober and Associates • Austin Jackson Owner/Attorney, Jackson Law Offices, P.C. • Whitney Lessem, Product Engineering & VA/VE Group Lead, Textron Specialized Vehicles • Nicholas Madden, MD, Radiation Oncology Resident, Augusta University • Elizabeth McGee, Architect, Cheatham Fletcher Scott • David Pope, PharmD, CoFounder/Chief of Innovation, Creative Pharmacist • Nathan Vick, Architect, Christopher Booker & Associates, P.C. nected to Project Jackson.

Project Jackson is a planned $200 million project that will include the new home of the GreenJackets, a hotel and retail shops.

Local LEI edges up, national data mixed

Recent economic data at the national level has been mixed.

According to Simon Medcalfe, assistant professor of finance in the James Hull College of Business at Augusta University, while the unemployment rate fell to 4.7 percent in May, nonfarm payroll employment only increased by 38,000. He believes that indicates that the reduction in the unemployment rate was people leaving the work force.

However, retail and food service sales in April increase by 3.0 percent from April 2015.

Locally, the Hull Leading Economic Index (LEI) edged up 0.3 percent from March. The LEI has increased 1.9 percent from April 2015.

Components that positively affected the index were initial claims for unemployment insurance, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and job openings. The Augusta Labor Market Index remained largely unchanged for the third month in a row.

The unemployment rate locally remained at 6.1 percent while employment increased by 200 jobs.

Morris offers free admission for military Active duty military personnel and their families can visit the Morris Museum of Art for free now until Labor Day, thanks to the museum’s collaboration with Blue Star Museums.

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel, including National Guard and Reserve and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2016.

“We are proud to say that the Morris is a Blue Star Museum for the seventh consecutive year,” said Kevin Grogan, director of the Morris Museum of Art, one of the original participants in the program. “It’s particularly appropriate in Augusta – home to Fort Gordon, the Army Signal Corps, and Eisenhower Medical Center – that we show our gratitude to our friends and neighbors.”

The program also provides families an opportunity to enjoy the nation’s cultural heritage and learn more about their new communities after a military move.

This year, more than 2,000 (and counting) museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa are taking part in the initiative. Museums are welcome to join Blue Star Museums throughout the summer.

The complete list of participating museums is available at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

EDTS ranked among world’s best

EDTS ranks among the world’s most progressive 501 Managed Service Providers (MSPs), according to Penton Technology’s 9thannual MSP 501 list and study.

The top MSP 501 companies ranked this year include organizations from around the world and from diverse technology and business backgrounds. In 2015, EDTS amassed $15 million in sales and increased their oversight of technology devices to more than 10,000.

“We are honored to be recognized amongst other industry leaders by such a renowned technology influencer,” said Charles Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, EDTS. “Our team continues to work tirelessly to both adapt with and influence the future of managed services for our clients and for the industry as a whole.”

“On behalf of Penton and MSPmentor, I would like to congratulate EDTS for its recognition as an MSP 501 honoree,” said Aldrin Brown, Editor in Chief, MSPmentor. “The Managed Service Provider market is evolving at a rapid pace and the companies showcased on the 2016 MSP 501 list represent the most agile, flexible and innovative organizations in the industry.”

TAG plans food drive

Tonia Gibbons, Community Outreach Manager in the Mayor’s Office for the City of Augusta is serving on the steering committee for Bytes for Bites, a statewide food drive.

Bytes for Bites is sponsored by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), and Hub Magazine’s Food Technology feature, Bytes.

“With the poverty rate at 21.7 percent in the city of Augusta, I could not pass up the opportunity to do something tangible to meet the needs of individuals that may not have any other resource available,” Gibbons said.

The food and fund drive event benefits the Georgia Food Bank

buzz bits

Association and will be held at food bank locations across the state on July 11 and July 22.

“We are thrilled to have leaders from the technology industry across the state give their energy and creativity to leading the inaugural Bytes for Bites competition,” said Danah Craft, Executive Director of the Georgia Food Bank Association.

“When an entire industry comes together to address hunger, it can have a powerful impact on our communities.”

The food and funds raised by each company participating in Bytes for Bites will stay local and benefit the regional food bank that serves their community. Hosting the drive during the summer allows an opportunity to feed the nearly 1 in 4 children in Georgia households that are food insecure.

Companies interested in learning more or to sign up for Bytes for Bites can visit to bit.ly/ bytesforbites.

The Georgia Food Bank Association is comprised of eight regional food banks that share food, resources and best practices to help close the meal gap and ensure a hunger-free Georgia.

Helms College expands course offerings Helms College is again expanding its educational programming with the addition of new career pathways in its School of Health Services.

The U.S. Department of Education has approved the addition of programs for Multi-Skilled Medical Assistant and Medical Administrative Assistant, which join current programs for Patient Care Technician. The Department of Education approval follows approvals from the state regulatory agency and the national accrediting agency for Helms College, the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training.

Helms College School of Health Sciences is enrolling students for a quarterly class that will start on July 18, along with culinary students attending

Ivey Homes finishes ‘House That Facebook Built’ “The House That Facebook Built” is complete.

Ivey Homes’ brand new 2,826 sq. ft home – designed and decorated with the help of legions of Facebook fans – is under contract. Its proceeds, pending final closing in late June, will be donated to three local charities.

“Thanks to the sale proceeds and the generous support of our vendors and trade partners, Ivey Homes has raised over $70,000,” said Ivey

Homes’ co-owner Matt Ivey. “The three charities we selected as the primary beneficiaries of the proceeds, The Augusta Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Children’s Hospital of Georgia at Augusta University, and Augusta Warrior Project, will each receive a portion of the money we raised.”

The wrap party is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21 from 4 – 6pm at “The House That Facebook Built” in Crawford Creek, 7223 Hoffman Drive, Evans. In-

the School of Hospitality on the Augusta Campus at Washington and Fury’s Ferry roads.

“We’re very pleased to bring these additional educational program options to Helms College,” said James Stiff, President of Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA, the parent organization of Helms College. “The CSRA has embraced the hands-on educational options offered

by Associate Degree program in the School of Hospitality and in the PCT program in the School of Health Services, and we expect similar receptiveness for additional professional healthcare education. This is especially true in a community with such a strong reputation for healthcare services, with significant growth in employment prospects for students with healthcare skills.”

All 14 metropolitan areas in the state added jobs, as Georgia gained 10,600 jobs to reach a total of 4,371,300 in April. Georgia’s over-the month growth rate was 0.2 percent, compared to the nation’s 0.1 percent growth rate. Over the previous three years, Georgia has gained an average of 5,700 jobs from March to April. Most of the increase came in professional and business services.

There was an over-the-year increase of 140,800 jobs, up by 3.3 percent from April 2015. The national job growth rate for the same period was 1.9 percent.

eye. In addition, the EasyScan’s technology increases the probability of preventing blindness and vision impairment by early diagnosis of eye diseases.

Some of the diseases to be detected are diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. In addition to the impact of blue light on the eyes, the EasyScan detects age related eye diseases in earlier stages than the dilation method, and early detection of any ailment offers the best chance at overcoming or improving the circumstance.

Unemployment stays the same

Blue light from phone screens, computer screens, and television screens has negative impact on eyes, and 1 Hour Optical hopes its newest machine will catch the deterioration caused by blue light early.

The new machine, EasyScan, is designed to catch eye diseases in their earliest stages and is available at both the Martinez and Augusta 1 Hour Optical locations.

The EasyScan will become a standard part of every routine eye exam and will cost nothing extra to the customers of 1 Hour Optical.

The EasyScan was developed by i-Optics to allow for diagnosis of several retina tissue layers without having to dilate the

Thursday, June 23. It will be held in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Labor.

The event will be held at Augusta University’s Christenberry Fieldhouse, 3109 Wrightsboro Road.

More than 50 employers and other resources will be on hand, allowing applicants to speak directly to hiring staff. Among the jobs that will be available are customer service, managerial, administrative, sales, production and technical. In addition, there will be a job search workshop and resume critique. Admission is free for applicants.

Booth spaces are still available for employers. They can register for a booth at gaec2016careerexpo.eventbrite.com.

The Georgia Department of Labor has announced that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in April was 5.5 percent, unchanged from March. The rate was 6.1 percent in April 2015.

“We continue to see evidence that our job market is moving in the right direction, even though the unemployment rate remained steady,” said State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler.

“Our job growth is outpacing the nation as a whole, our labor force is showing strong growth and our employers are laying off fewer workers.”

vitees include representatives of the charities, trade partners and vendors, the new home’s buyer, as well as members of the media. The charity presentation will be at 4:30 p.m.

The event will be catered by Goolsby’s.

10th annual New machine Career Expo helps with early planned detection of eye The Greater Augusta Employer Committee is holding its 10th disease annual Career Expo 1-4 p.m.

June 16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

13

Businessperson of the Month Deke Copenhaver, Copenhaver Consulting

Heart of the City

Even out of office, former mayor’s heart still belongs to the Augusta community

By Gary Kauffman It’s been a year-and-a-half since Deke Copenhaver was mayor of Augusta, but one thing is obvious – his heart still beats strongly for the city and the surrounding area.

“The purpose of my business is community building,” Copenhaver said of Copenhaver Consulting. “A lot of people thought I’d leave Augusta after I left office, but I’ve come to realize this is my life’s work.”

Copenhaver’s office is situated squarely in downtown, on Broad Street between 10th and 11th streets. The office itself reveals his vision for Augusta to merge past traditions with new opportunities: An older building that has been modernized but with bare brick walls as a reminder of the city’s past.

He also proudly helped sponsor the James Brown Birthday Bash in May, which he saw as a community building opportunity.

“We were able to bring the community together on one page,” he said. “There were 2,600 people there – white, black, old, young, rich, poor. It was a magical evening and something to build on for next year. Afterward, my wife said, ‘Now I understand what you do.’

Copenhaver started life across the border in Montreal, but came to Augusta at age 4 when his father became CEO of what is now Potash Corp. He had a dream of one day writing for Rolling Stone, but received a degree in political science from Augusta College – a degree he had no intention of ever using – then headed into the business world.

He worked in banking and then later in real estate in Beaufort, S.C., before returning to Augusta to work for Blanchard & Calhoun and the Central Savannah River Land Trust. It was while he was taking part in Leadership Georgia in 2004 that he decided to enter a special election to become mayor of Augusta.

“During that year we had our third government official being indicted and I felt there was a need for new leadership in the city,” he said. “That’s really what’s driven me. I survey the landscape and see what’s the best way I can help the situations, where the greatest need is to use my talents and abilities.”

He had to work his way into a system that told him he hadn’t “paid his dues” yet and the criticism that he had no political experience, even though he had plenty of leadership experience.

He won the special election in 2005 to fill out the remaining term, then won re-election in 2006 and again in 2010.

In Augusta, candidates for office don’t run on a particular party line, which played well into Copenhaver’s mindset.

“I’m happily independent,” he said. “My father was a conservative Republican and my mother was a liberal Democrat. I learned to see all sides from a very young age.”

He believes that helped him relate to the people of Augusta.

“When someone calls and needs a sewer line, they don’t care what your political party is,” he said. “The needs of all the citizens should be treated equally whether they voted for me or not.”

Even with his degree in political science, Copenhaver said he never viewed his role as mayor from a political

14 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

perspective.

“I viewed it from the perspective of business,” he said. “I felt I was the lead salesman for the city. People would call me a cheerleader, but I knew the strengths of my product. It was not difficult for me to sell Augusta.”

Augusta was able to land some major businesses during his tenure, starting with ADP and finishing with Unisys.

As mayor, Copenhaver used his philosophy that carried him through his days in real estate and working for a nonprofit – and that he maintains today.

“I would never sell something to somebody that I wouldn’t buy myself, and I would never ask somebody to give money to something that I wouldn’t give money to myself,” he said.

After leaving office in January 2015, Copenhaver decided to start his own consulting business – in some ways functioning like he did as mayor.

“I’ve heard that,” he said of his mayoral qualities. “But what I’m doing now exceeds political boundaries. I use the lessons I learned in Augusta, but in other areas as well.”

He has been asked to be a speaker to other groups, including one in Los Angeles, and on a webinar. His theme is “Lessons learned on Main Street to help the C Suite.”

“I want to put my institutional knowledge to use,” Copenhaver said.

“With everything that is going on in the economy here I thought there was a need for a good consulting firm. But sometimes it’s hard to charge for what I gave away for free for nine years.”

While he has worked with some big businesses, Copenhaver wants to help small businesses as well.

“Small business is the backbone of any community,” he said. “Building a successful small business is a great way to develop the community as a whole.”

What are you passionate about in your business?

My business is very mission driven instead of being focused solely on the bottom line. I’m very careful about who I work with. My reputation is too important. I wouldn’t work with a client who I couldn’t believe in what he is doing. Community building is so important these days. I try to become the common ground. The James Brown Birthday Bash was an investment in the future and is the type of thing you can do from the private sector. As the city grows, the private sector has to find new ways to invest in the city.

Who was your role model or influence?

My father always valued hard work and that’s something I took with me wherever I went. I’m so pleased to have been raised by a member of the Greatest Generation and what he taught me.

But I’ve been blessed to have the influence of a lot of great men in my life.

(Former Congressman) Doug Barnard and (former Governor) Carl Sanders helped me when I was first running for election, and my father in law. I’ve had a lot of strong male role models but I’ve also had a lot of female role models – my mother, sisters, nieces. I’ve been extremely blessed to have a lot of strong influence in my life.

What did you learn in your time in office that helps you in business?

As with everything else, it’s all about relationships. I’ve always focused on influence over power. Power doesn’t last but influence and relationships do. I

want my business to be one that people want to do business with and want to work for. I’ve seen the “churn and burn” of focusing on the bottom line.

My dad showed me you could be successful and ethical while doing good business. That always stuck with me.

What have you learned about yourself during you time as mayor and in business?

That I’m resilient, because being mayor is not always easy. You have to be diligent and patient. In government it takes patient persistence to get things done. In business it’s the same thing. It takes time and diligence to build a business, especially with clients whose core values are aligned with your own.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?

What a Wonderful World. The Louis Armstrong version. That song always puts a smile on my face.

How do you give back?

I’m still working on different committees with the city. The James Brown Birthday Bash, and I help with Westobou. One of the most important things I can do is recruit outside investment.

There’s a small group that does a lot for the city and we need to expand that pool of people.

What does the future hold for you?

I’m writing a book about my experiences that I think will be an eyeopener for people. But I couldn’t tell exactly where my life is going to lead.

I’ll look for where there’s the greatest need and where I can help. I trust the Lord to lead me in the right direction.

I like the saying, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.”

June16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

15

Diary of an Entrepreneur Shannon Jones

On a Mission

Drafting a mission statement provides a firm foundation As eloquently stated by Gertrude Stein, “It is awfully important to know what is and what is not your business.”

In today’s economic environment, many businesses are losing sight of the foundation upon which they were built in an effort to simply stay afloat. Compromises are made, and the mission is sometimes lost to circumstances.

For this reason, it is more imperative than ever that you spend the appropriate time, research, and dedication in developing an effective mission statement upon which to build your business.

The mission statement defines what an organization is, how its team members execute business activities and why it exists. Without a mission statement, there is no blueprint for strategic planning and goal-setting. My previous articles have touched on this subject and established a foundation for this article.

While the mission statement consists of merely a couple of sentences, don’t make the mistake of not recognizing its importance. Your company must avoid drafting a mission statement that is vague, trite or does not reflect the intentions

of the business. This task may be accomplished by honestly and thoroughly answering the following questions: What does your company really do? What are your company’s skills and abilities? What customer need is the company fulfilling? Consider the reasons customers make purchase decisions such as economical, logistical and emotional factors.

How does your company execute things? The answer to this question should focus on the more technical elements of the business such as the physical product or service and how it is sold and delivered to customers.

Whom does your company serve?

The demographic and geographic characteristics of the company’s target market should be considered in order to accurately and efficiently focus marketing efforts.

Why is your company in business?

The answer to this question should reflect the values, dreams and passions of your business. Drawing from the vision of the founder and elaborating on this vision will provide focus in answering this question.

Helen Keller said, “The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but no vision.” People with no vision simply have jobs; they exist without going anywhere because they aren’t aware there is anywhere to go.

In my most recent article, I shared with you the consequences I had experienced from having a group of employees who did not have direction… the result was devastating to my business. The mission statement must not

Business Insights Barry Paschal

Golden Eggs Cyber Center is a boon for area but shouldn’t be exploited I am a huge fan of The Simpsons. After more than 25 years in prime-time television, the show remains remarkably relevant – and often prescient.

After all, 14 years ago it predicted the rise of a President Trump.

16 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

In one of my favorite episodes, movie producers arrive to use the town of Springfield as the setting for a feature film. Suddenly, everyone sees dollar signs: Mayor Quimby adds new taxes, businesses jack up their prices and townspeople nickel and dime the film crews.

The production collapses when the money runs out. Mayor Quimby even tries to assess a “Leaving Town Tax” as they depart.

The concept isn’t a new one. Various versions of the tale of the goose that laid the golden egg go back to eighth-century Greece (thanks, Wikipedia), demonstrating that we often fail to grasp the danger of exploiting a good thing.

Fort Gordon’s Cyber Center of Excellence has the potential to be that golden goose.

Developers and real estate companies were first to reap the benefits, and will continue to do so as the bulk of the new arrivals stream into the area over the next three years. Already it is altering the landscape, literally and figura-

only be communicated on every level of the organization, it must become part of the culture of your company.

As proof that I have practiced what I’m preaching, here is the mission statement for Southern Pawz Petz LLC: “Southern Pawz produces all natural pet treats using locally sourced ingredients through an internal team of individuals who share our vision and are encouraged to excel in their God-given talents. We will strive to utilize and support local producers, artisans and small business entrepreneurs in our production and marketing efforts for the purpose of strengthening the local economy while providing the highest quality products to the beloved pets of our customers.”

If you have been in business for a while and have not addressed your mis-

sion statement, do yourself (and your business) a favor and make the time to do it now! There are many resources available that can help you, and I can promise you that you will find this process well worth your effort as you will most likely begin to see positive changes in your business as a result… stability, peace of mind, direction, and ultimately, financial rewards.

tively, with new housing shifting our community’s center of mass westward and swelling the rolls at nearby public schools.

Businesses, in turn, are answering the demands of those new residents.

That’s why Goodwill’s newest retail training store and donation center is in Grovetown’s Gateway Center; there’s basically a whole new community growing in that area, and businesses are scrambling to serve it.

In addition to demand for housing, education and retail services, the Cyber Center also brings golden employment opportunities.

While many of the employees for the new facility will be brought here, there still is plenty of room for local educational efforts to ensure the facility has an ample supply of trained future workers.

Area high schools are responding with cyber tracks, and Augusta University has signed a significant agreement with the Cyber Center to create cyberfocused programs. Our own Helms

College is studying niche opportunities that, like its recently launched School of Health Services, would produce skilled individuals for specific labor market demands.

In all these efforts, though, we must remain aware that the Cyber Center isn’t just some fly-by-night production company; it’s a massive effort aimed at fighting the global war on terror. It is very serious stuff.

This new facility already is a tremendous blessing to the CSRA. As such, there are those who will seek to reap personal benefit from it, like those cartoon characters. We can’t let that happen.

The Cyber Center’s employees will be vigilant on our behalf around the world. Our role in this movie is to be on guard here at home against exploita-

Shannon Jones of Davisboro has held positions in real estate and insurance, banking, restaurant management, non-profit development, public relations and marketing, as well as entrepreneurial endeavors in retail, insurance, concierge services and event planning. In early 2015, she founded Southern Pawz Petz LLC, a Southern pet treat and gift company that promotes locally sourced ingredients and artisans. For more info, email info@southernpawz.com or visit southernpawz.com.

Barry L. Paschal is Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA, parent organization of Helms College at www.helms.edu.

June16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

17

Business Lessons Gary Kauffman

Basket Case

Putting all your client eggs in one basket causes problems I knew things had gone from bad to worse the night I went through a McDonald’s drive-thru at 9 p.m. and had my food delivered by a well-groomed 50-year-old.

That was eight years ago, when catastrophe struck the area where I lived. A flood, you ask? A tornado or earthquake?

No, the catastrophe was that people quit buying recreational vehicles.

This was at the very beginning of the Great Recession, and the first thing people did was cut out luxury items, like RVs. While this may not seem like a catastrophic event to most people, it was the equivalent of Hurricane Katrina in Elkhart County, Indiana – the vast majority of RVs in this country are manufactured there.

RV manufacturing is such a huge industry there that its fingers reach into all areas of the county. Many small businesses sprung up for the sole purpose of supplying various parts for the industry. Other businesses started to supply the RV parts suppliers. Many other businesses relied on the income of the RV factory workers to buy their products.

By late 2008 the entire economy of the county collapsed, sporting a 30 percent unemployment rate at one time, although many more essentially became part-time workers. The underemployment rate probably exceeded 50 percent.

Many of my clients – and the county as a whole – learned the dangers of putting all your eggs in one basket. For several business owners I knew, RV factories made up 75 to 100 percent of their client list. In the preceding years, when the economy was soaring, they were riding the gravy train.

But by 2009 their shops were collecting cobwebs – and with such a high unemployment rate, they weren’t finding work anywhere else. Even the fastfood joints, usually begging for help, weren’t taking applications because they had hundreds of applications on file – many from unemployed 50-year-olds willing to do almost anything.

I fortunately avoided having to submit an application to the Golden Arches. Even though I only had a few occasional RV clients, my business flatlined because so many of my clients relied either directly or indirectly on money coming out of the RV industry. I picked up occasional jobs here and there from the few businesses that weren’t affected by the RV collapse, I tightened my belt and, thanks to having a diversified clientele, managed to make it through.

About a year later, when things had begun to ease a bit and the RV factories slowly began production again, one businessowner – who previously had produced 75 percent of his product for just one RV manufacturer – vowed that

Business Accounting Christine Hall

Second Chance

Amended returns allow you to correct filing mistakes

What should you do if you already filed your federal tax return and then discover a mistake?

First of all, don’t worry. In most cases, all you have to do is file an amended tax return. But before you do that, here

18 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

is what you should be aware of when filing an amended tax return.

Taxpayers should use Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to file an amended (corrected) tax return. You must file the corrected tax return on paper. An amended return cannot be e-filed. If you need to file another schedule or form, don’t forget to attach it to the amended return.

An amended tax return should only be filed to correct errors or make changes to your original tax return. For example, you should amend your return if you need to change your filing status, or correct your income, deductions or credits.

You normally do not need to file an amended return to correct math errors because the IRS automatically makes those changes for you. Also, do not file an amended return because you forgot to attach tax forms, such as W-2s or schedules. The IRS normally will mail you a request asking for those.

Eligible taxpayers who filed a 2015

he would never again tie up more than 25 percent of his production for any one client.

When you’re in a service industry or a supply business, and you do good work, you may find yourself in a similar position where one big business or institution requires more and more from your business. The money is good and easy – almost like receiving a paycheck from that company.

But if that business collapses, or changes how it does business, or simply decides to go with a cheaper version of what you produce, you could suddenly find 50, 60 or even 75 percent of your income vanish overnight.

Some business experts advise having no source supplying more than 10 percent of your income. Others advise that if you do have one source providing 25 percent, then diversify the other 75 percent among 10 or more sources.

The reason is simple – if one com-

pany is providing 50 percent of your income and they leave, you’re left with half your income. If one company supplies 10 percent of your income and they leave, you still have 90 percent of your income left, and making up that missing 10 percent can be fairly simple with a little extra effort.

This means sometimes being in the uncomfortable position of turning down work from a good income source, but it’s still better than someday losing a lot more, including your dignity. Just ask the 50-year-old in the drive-thru window.

tax return and claimed a premium tax credit using incorrect information from either the federally facilitated or a statebased Health Insurance Marketplace, generally do not have to file an amended return regardless of the nature of the error, even if additional taxes would be owed. The IRS may contact you to ask for a copy of your corrected Form 1095A to verify the information.

Nonetheless, you may choose to file an amended return because some taxpayers may find that it could reduce their tax owed or give them a larger refund.

If you are amending more than one tax return, prepare a separate 1040X for each return and mail them to the IRS in separate envelopes. Note the tax year of the return you are amending at the top of Form 1040X. You will find the appropriate IRS address to mail your return to in the Form 1040X instructions.

If you are filing an amended tax return to claim an additional refund, wait until you have received your original

tax refund before filing Form 1040X. Amended returns take up to 16 weeks to process. You may cash your original refund check while waiting for the additional refund.

If you owe additional taxes with Form 1040X, file it and pay the tax as soon as possible to minimize interest and penalties. You can use IRS Direct Pay to pay your tax directly from your checking or savings account.

Generally, you must file Form 1040X within three years from the date you filed your original tax return or within two years of the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. For example, the last day for most people to file a 2013 claim for a refund is April 17, 2017. Special rules may apply to certain claims.

Gary Kauffman is Editor in Chief of Buzz on Biz and manages the content for print and web publications. A native of Indiana, he has made made the CSRA home for more than two years.

Prior to moving here, he ran his own graphic design/advertising business for 17 years where he worked with many small businesses. You can reach him at gkauffman@buzzon.biz.

Hall, Murphy & Schuyler, PC is a full-service public accounting firm. They have a staff of experienced professionals that stand ready to meet all of your accounting, tax and general business needs.

For a complimentary consultation, call 706-8557733 or email at cmh@HMandScpas.com.

June16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

19

Business Marketing Mark Alison

Step Right Up

Advertising often has a lot in common with carnivals Every day, first thing in the morning, the nurse would wheel the pram, a glorified baby carriage, across the commons; and then back again in the evening. Her destination was the big double-poled tent that sat at the top end of the midway. People would stop, point and watch as she carefully made her way past the machine guns and water cannons.

I was in Kankakee, Ill., on one of the largest fairgrounds in the country. I was 15. And I was a carney.

My dad owned an ice cream concession and I was his free help…when he could keep me in the truck. Having the run of the fairgrounds was awesome. Being adopted by the carneys was even more awesome.

Our ice cream truck was on the midway, about 50 feet from the big tent. Across the front of the big tent hung a giant banner you could read from 100 yards away, with a roughly painted sketch of a stork carrying a baby wrapped in a towel. The stork wore a pair of glasses like Doc Adams had on “Gunsmoke” and a bow tie. The little baby’s name, painted in giant red and black letters, was Little Mary-Ann. Every day, from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. a recorded message played over the loudspeakers. It shouted “Little MaryAnn. Born to live. Two heads on the one little body.” And on and on it droned for 20 seconds and then it started over. “Little Mary-Ann. Born to live…” And then there was the convincing nurse and the big carriage. I knew I had to see this two-headed baby.

I made friends with the machine gun concession guy.

He showed me why no one could win the game. “If it was a circle,” he said, “they might be able to shoot it out but this star is almost impossible. When they shoot at it the BBs push it back so they can’t see the red corner of the star but I push it forward with my finger and show them what they missed. They lose every time.”

“What if I shot out a ring around the star,” I asked.

“There ain’t enough BBs in the clip,” he said, with a toothless grin. And even though there was no one around, he leaned over and whispered, “It’s all rigged to take your money.”

And so it was with every game. The Pin Knock Down, the Ball in the Basket Toss, even the Diggers – mechanical cranes that would pick up a prize and drop it down a slot to a waiting hand.

Every game was “rigged to take your money.”

The digger man gave me my quarter back and handed me the little binoculars I was trying to pick up. “You’re with the show now,” he said, “just tell me what you want and don’t be a mark.”

Mark was the name they used for a gullible person. My name was Mark.

How ironic I thought.

I had lunch one day with the midget people. That’s what was painted across the banner in front of their tent. Their tent was next to Little Mary-Ann. It was like being in Lilliput. They had a midget cow, midget sheep, midget horse and their trailer was so tiny I couldn’t stand up inside.

They shared the stories of their lives.

The old man and woman were in their 50s and had been working the circuit most of their lives. The little sandwich they served didn’t come close to filling me up. Luckily, I also worked for the cotton candy and popcorn guy whose concession was near the Water Cannon game. It was easy to fill up on caramel corn and Coke.

But it was Little Mary-Ann I wanted to see, “Two heads on the one little body” and on Sunday, the last day of the fair, I talked my new friend, Susan, into getting us in there. Susan’s family had the pony concession. She, too, was a carney kid but she always smelled like hay.

Everybody else paid a dollar at the tent but Susan waved at the pitchman and we got in for free. Tall stanchions and ropes kept the curious from getting too close to the baby. The nurse sat nearby in a folding chair.

“This has got to be real,” I thought.

The crowd was five and six people deep but we pushed through until we were right up against the rope.

“There,” Susan gestured, one hand on her hip, “There it is. Just like I told you.

It’s not real. It’s just a gimmick to take your money.”

And so it was. Little Mary-Ann was a rubber looking fetus in a five-gallon jar of formaldehyde. Susan was right and I was just a Mark.

Advertising is a lot like my carney experience. Some things, like those wonderful “little people” I spent time with,

have real substance. You get what’s promised. Your money is well spent.

Other “advertising opportunities” are like the nurse and the loud speaker.

They put on quite a show and make a lot of promises, but in the end all they do is take your money.

The difference between style and substance can often be deceiving.

I’ve heard pitches from magazines that never published, online sites that never promoted, events that never pulled, phone books that were never distributed, texting deals that were too complicated to work and promotions with so many logos on a billboard that no one was noticed.

If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably an advertising gimmick.

Don’t be a Mark. Keep your money in your pocket and call a professional marketer.

Mark Alison is President of The Alison Group (started in 1982) with offices in Augusta and Charlotte. TAG is a B2B Marketing and Communication Company with a rich history of creating new business growth. Contact Mark at mark@thealisongroup.com.

Retailers will double digital marketing by 2020 Digital marketing will more than double in the next few years, according to research released recently.

A new study from Juniper Research has found that spending on digital retail marketing is set to increase from $174 billion in 2015, to $362.1 billion by 2020.

The study, Digital Retail Marketing: Coupons, Advertising & Consumer Engagement 2015-2020, found that while the digital retail marketing industry will continue to be dominated by advertising revenues, coupon contributions will see strong growth, driven in part by the rise of Bluetooth beacons.

Beacons, which find the location of a smart device using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy, or Bluetooth Smart) signals, use transmit-

20 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

ters to push pertinent content and information to devices which have their Bluetooth enabled. Several leading U.S. retailers have now deployed beacon networks, with Macy’s having installed more than 4,000 in its stores.

Juniper forecasts that almost 1.6 billion coupons will be delivered annually to consumers via beacon technology by 2020. This is up from just 11 million this year, as retailers seek to develop proximity marketing campaigns in and around their stores.

“Beacons are set to provide a boost to retailers, as we see major players promote in-store offers and deals though mobile devices, targeting consumers while they are shopping,” research author Lauren Foye

said. “Coupled with loyalty schemes and rewards, retailers have clear potential to monetize those setting foot in their stores, aiding in promoting more traditional bricks and mortar retail.”

Juniper also believes that there is significant potential for “out of home” proximity advertising, with beacons starting to be rolled-out on buses, subways and taxis, targeting locations which see high foot traffic.

Hyper-personalization Successful brands will be those who capitalize on the wealth of data available on consumer habits and interests, leading to the implementation of targeted advertising.

However, taking this one step further, Juniper observes a shift to hyper-personaliza-

tion, where companies effectively create advance individualized engagement across all brand offers, thereby reinforcing the scale of customer loyalty. A number of retailers already utilize this method; Netflix, for example, stated that recommendations made via hyper-personalization data accounted for 60 percent of its rentals in 2014.

Other key findings include: • More than 80 percent of all coupons issued will be on mobile devices by 2020, as opposed to less than 20 percent on PCs and laptops.

• The impact of ad blocking technologies will see the equivalent of almost 10 percent of global digital advertising revenues lost by 2020.

June 16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

21

Beers of the world served at new business

By Gary Kauffman “Take one down, pass it around, 500 bottles of beer on the wall…”

500?

The World of Beer actually has a lot more than 500 bottles on hand because it purports to have 500 kinds of bottled beer in its new store next to Tin Lizzie’s on Washington Road. Plus 53 craft beers on tap. And, if you don’t like beer, wine and spirits.

The World of Beer opened on Monday, May 23 serving beer and food in its spacious dining room/bar. It has 26 tables inside and four on the patio, plus 23 seats at the long bar. It employs 60 people.

Beer is definitely the focal point of the new business.

“We have 500 bottled beers from all over the world,” assistant manager Mat Schultz said. “But we try to stay as local as possible, which is within 500 miles.”

That means stocking the offerings of Augusta’s own Riverwatch Brewery.

“It’s really important for us to support the local community,” Schultz said. “They’re the ones we’ll rely on to keep us supplied.”

Schultz added that they rotate the craft beer selection regularly because of the vast amount of craft beers on the market.

The World of Beer began in Tampa, Fla., in 2007 as a place for the owners and their buddies to hang out. Since then, it has grown to 78 locations, with a couple dozen more new openings planned for this year.

“In Augusta, there seemed to be a void of

really great craft beer places,” Schultz said.

“We wanted to come help fill that void.”

Giving back to the local community is an important part of The World of Beer’s business philosophy. Each quarter it picks a local charitable organization to support, then has monthly events to raise funds for that

organization. There are also weekly events where patrons can sample a new craft beer and take home glassware from that brewery.

The World of Beer opens at 11 a.m. daily and stays open until midnight during the week, and until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

El Rey “Real” Mexican food is coming to Martinez within a few weeks.

El Rey, a combination restaurant, grocery store and butchery, is set to open in the West Town Shopping Center at the corner of Davis and Washington roads as soon as it passes its final inspections. Owner Ramiro Galvan hopes that will be sometime in June.

Galvan, who worked at Mi Rancho for eight years, has been in Augusta for 14 years and considers it home, but found that it is hard to find authentic Mexican food in Augusta.

“I figured we’d do something we love,” he said of his reason behind opening El Rey. “Our food will be more like Mama’s cooking, more homemade.”

The inspiration also came in part from soldiers coming from the west.

“We’d get soldiers from Fort Gordon asking for ‘real’ Mexican food,” Galvan said.

He plans to use his mother’s recipes from the Jalisco region of western Mexico. The menu includes soups, burritos, fajitas, tortas and tacos, seafood and chicken dishes and a variety of meat options. One feature is a build-your-own burrito that Galvan said will be large and filling.

Most of the kitchen staff will be family, but he will also be hiring other staff. The restaurant can seat 72, plus has a private room to seat 30.

Galvan will also do the butchering, a trade he learned from his father in Mexico. The meat – beef, pork, goat, lamb and chicken – will be available for sale and for use in the restaurant.

The grocery part of the business will sell items that originate in Mexico, such as cereals, drinks and candies, as well as produce.

The restaurant, store and butchery will all be open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. every day except Sunday, when the restaurant will be open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Take-out orders are available.

Because El Rey incorporates three different types of business, Galvan had to have three different inspections. He expects the final inspection soon and once cleared to open, will set a specific opening date.

Prestige Appliance A popular local appliance store has expanded to the Augusta area.

Prestige Appliance, which already has locations in Aiken and Columbia, opened a location on Riverwatch Parkway on June 13. There will be an official grand opening later in the summer, but the store is fully operational and ready for business.

“We’ve had customers from the Augusta area traveling all the way to our Aiken location to visit us, so this will allow us to be closer to our customer base,” Doug Huffer, Prestige Appliance’s owner, said. “We chose the Riverwatch location because we felt it was centrally located. It’s convenient for customers coming from downtown Augusta, Columbia County and North Augusta.

In addition, it is right off of Interstate 20, which will make it easy to find.”

The new location has already created five new employee positions, and more part time positions are expected to be added in the future.

“There is nothing like it in the Augusta area,” Huffer said. “We service what we sell,

and we think people will be very pleased.”

Prestige Appliance will be open MondayThursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and closed on Sundays. For more information, visit prestigeappliance.net.

Business openings, closings and moves Openings

Dunkin’ Donuts A new Dunkin’ Donuts opened on North Belair Road in May, the sixth franchise owned by brothers A.J. and Peter Patel. Two of those are combo stores that also include a Baskin-Robbins franchise.

The new Dunkin’ Donuts is the first store to open in a new shopping center that is also under the ownership of the Patels. A Sports Clips and a Dominos will open soon in the shopping center that is located about a halfmile north of I-20.

“This seemed like a good location,” A.J. Patel said. “A lot of our guests were asking for it.”

The Patels are waiting for an inspection that will certify the store as the first Dunkin’ Donuts DD Green Store in Georgia. That is based on materials used, water sources and energy efficiency.

“It adds more to the cost on our end, but it’s something to be proud of,” Patel said.

The new store has 20-25 part-time employees.

Patel said they are continuing to look to create more stores, with Grovetown and North Augusta as possibilities for future growth.

22 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

Expansions Sherman & Hemstreet Sherman & Hemstreet has opened its second office, located at 3504-B Professional Circle in Martinez.

This new office continues the expansion of their residential real estate sales division. Reagan Williams, vice president and residential sales manager, is responsible for developing strategies that drive growth and profitability across the organization and overseeing Sherman & Hemstreet’s residential sales team.

Williams’ current initiative is to recruit new agents to Sherman & Hemstreet’s residential real estate division.

“Our new residential-focused office in Columbia County will provide Sherman and Hemstreet agents additional access to needed business tools, support and training as they continue to serve real estate customers across the Greater Augusta area,” Williams said. “Designed to serve as a business hub to meet the needs of our active real estate agents, I believe the environment of this office is fresh, friendly, and fosters the sharing of ideas to ensure success as a real estate agent.

“As we continue to grow, we will always provide modern and innovative ways to help Continued on page 23

Downtown favorite opens in Columbia County

By Gary Kauffman After several years of requests from fans, Farmhaus Burgers has opened a second location in Columbia County, at the corner of Flowing Wells and and Mason McKnight Parkway.

“Ever since we opened Farmhaus No. 1 downtown, people have been asking when we’re coming to Columbia County,” general manager Darby Carpenter said. “Owner Sean Wight thought this was the time and the ideal spot. We’ve had real phenomenal success so far.”

The upscale build-your-own burger restaurant opened last week.

Fans of the downtown location, which opened in February 2013, will find everything the same except for one important addition.

“It’s exactly like the one downtown, which was very important to us,” Carpenter said.

“The only difference is that we have a patio and that amazing view.”

From the patio, patrons have a sweeping view of Augusta in the valley below.

Like the downtown location, patrons can expect to wait in line to order at the counter.

While the restaurant features a few standard burger options, the appeal of Farmhaus is the ability to choose between beef, chicken, turkey or veggie burgers with a host of topping options.

“We wish people would come downtown more,” Carpenter said. “But we’ve had so many requests from people in West Augusta who can’t come downtown.”

He said with growth in Grovetown and the growth at Fort Gordon as well as an apartment complex at the bottom of the hill and a new hotel being built across the road, it is a good location.

One other difference between the new store and one downtown is that the new store will be open Monday through Saturday. The downtown store is closed on Mondays.

continued from page 22 agents become more productive and successful. From connecting agents to cutting edge technology, to placing a strong emphasis on education and professional growth, Sherman and Hemstreet is the place for a rewarding and successful career in real estate.”

Herbal Solutions Herbal Solutions and Spa in Aiken is expanding its services to include hypnotherapy to help people manage chronic pain, stress and unhealthy habits. Hypnotherapy will be provided by Valerie Rose, a certified medical support clinical hypnotherapist.

“We are excited to be bringing in a hypnotherapist to help people who are in pain, have suffered through a traumatic event or have specific phobias that they are working through,” said Jeri Barrett, owner of Herbal Solutions & Spa. “Valerie is a kind soul who has 25 years of experience helping people enrich their lives in their final years. But more importantly, she was brave enough to make a career change at midlife, and we applaud her bravery in doing so. She is passionate about her practice, and her clients have told us how much she has helped them. We are very lucky to have her.”

Rose also assists clients in being free of the chronic emotional pain of traumatic experiences such as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, as well as releasing anxiety, unhealthy stress, habits and cravings.

Herbal Solutions and Spa provides natural remedies for people and their pets as well as massage therapy, facials and now hypnotherapy.

its fifth anniversary, was previously located at 106 Davis Road and is now located in the West Town Shopping Center on the corner of Washington Road and Davis Road.

Although they only moved across the street, the Salon’s co-owners, Rebecca Stearns and Cara Dozier, have big plans.

“We wanted to be in a more central location,” Stearns said. “This new location allows us to expand and provide better opportunities for our stylists.”

This new salon is larger than the previous location, which will enable the stylists to accommodate more patrons and expand their current offerings.

“We have hopes of adding new stylists to our team, and offering new services as well” Stearns said.

Two Moms Cookies Augusta’s cookie spot has moved.

Two Moms Cookies is now located behind Daniel Village across from the Dairy Queen at 2830 Central Avenue. They moved from their previous location at Central and Monte Sano avenues.

“The building is perfect for what we’re doing,” owner Maggie Douglas told Buzz on Biz in a recent radio interview. “I just felt like it was a smart decision to buy something instead of rent.”

This new store is larger than their previous location, giving the business the opportunity to expand upon its already diverse offerings.

Two Moms Cookies currently offers 10 flavors of regular cookies from chocolate chip to monster to oatmeal raisin, as well as specialty iced cookies that they can cut out in many different shapes for all kinds of occasions.

“Whatever kind of occasion there is and whatever imaginative things that people send us, we try to make,” Douglas said.

“People send us all kinds of pictures of what they want, and we do our best to make that

Business openings, closings and moves

Moves Salon Indigo A local business has made a small move with big potential.

Salon Indigo, which recently celebrated

cookie for them.”

In addition to their namesake cookies, Two Moms also offers cinnamon rolls, brownies and lemon squares, and have been experimenting with new additions to the menu.

“We do sell a pound cake now and we’re going to experiment on some chocolate cake and red velvet and different flavors,” Douglas said. “Those aren’t here yet, but we’re working on it. I’ve also been experimenting with baking bread – sour dough, Amish friendship bread and cinnamon breakfast bread.”

Besides the typical walk-in orders that they receive, Two Moms Cookies also offers options for larger events and corporate gifts.

“We’re grateful for our walk-in traffic.

They keep us afloat, and we’re so appreciative of that, but we do love the big orders and a lot of corporate orders,” Douglas said.

“A lot of doctors, lawyers and accountants will send their customers gift boxes at the holidays. We gift box our cookies, and we can deliver as well. There is a fee because it’s hard to deliver with small staff, but we do big orders for Christmas and Masters. We do a lot of trays and things for people renting homes. There’s a lot of good opportunities out there for us.”

Mergers and Acquisitions

Hole-N-One A long-time Aiken fun zone is under new ownership and will become part of another entertainment complex.

John Hyder recently sold his Hole-N-One Family Fun Center, 3197 Whiskey Road, Aiken, after 18 years of operation.

“When we began operations in 1998, we had the goal of starting a family business and providing an affordable alternative for family entertainment in the community,” Hyder said. “What has happened over the last 18 years has far exceeded our expec-

tations. We have watched and been a part of so many children growing up in Aiken.

The support from the community and the camaraderie of so many has truly been a blessing.”

The new owners, Nonica and Jim Livingston, are no strangers to the kid fun business.

They own the Bricks4Kidz franchise, and plan to incorporate the two businesses at the Whiskey Road location.

“We are excited for the opportunity to expand an established and successful business,” the Livingstons said in a press release.

Hyder will still be in business full-time.

He is also the owner of JC’s Seafood.

“This will allow us more time to be involved with the community, continue to expand JC’s Seafood and grow our other business. It was time to pass the baton on Hole-N-One.” Anniversaries Putt-Putt Putt-Putt Golf is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Augusta with some special deals.

In addition to their 36 holes of miniature golf, Putt-Putt also offers laser tag, batting cages, bumper boats and an arcade.

Owner Mark Ross said that later this month they’ll be adding bumper cars to their fun lineup. They’re located just off Baston and Washington roads.

Füse Restaurant A popular downtown Augusta restaurant will celebrate its one-year anniversary on July 7 with a weekend full of specials.

Füse Restaurant opened a year ago and is known for mixing a little fun with their food.

Füse is closed on Tuesday and opens every other day at 11 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. weekdays, midnight on Friday and Saturday and 9 p.m. Sunday.

June 16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

23

Business Tech Charles Kelly

Cloudy Outlook

Software companies pushing products into the cloud The cloud, whether you know nothing about it or use it every day, is affecting the way we buy and install programs, how we use and store data and will eventually determine what computers of the future will be.

First, the cloud is a place where you can store data and thereby protect it from fire, flood, tornado and theft or virus attack. Generally, in this simplest form you will have a user name and a password and can access your data from virtually anywhere in the world as long as you have internet access.

A second, more involved way the cloud affects you would be if you rented a suite of programs for a specific type of business that was cloud based. In other words, everything that you would do would travel through an internet portal and the program itself would reside on a remote server, protected, in theory from the dangers our own physical networks face.

The push to the cloud is not because it is necessarily so much better or because it is so much cheaper. It can be both cheaper and better, but it can also be more expensive and it can fail to live up to expectations.

The real push into the cloud is a push for control and recurring revenue.

Have you noticed that most new laptops have a space for a CD or DVD drive, but in most cases that space is empty? Why is this? My customers want their laptops to have an optical drive, but just like the floppy drive, optical drives are headed the way of the Dodo bird and will probably soon be extinct. It is part of the push into the cloud.

Microsoft and pretty much every other vendor wants you to rent your software from them, not buy it. Having you have to purchase your software online or at least make you download it from the web is one more step in that direction.

Today, you can purchase Norton Anti-Virus over the counter in our stores for $34.99 and for that, you get the disk, an alpha numeric “key” and a one year subscription. At the end of the year, you have a choice – you can renew your license for $60 online or come in and purchase another license for $34.99.

So, why is it more expensive to purchase a renewal than the license? You are paying for the convenience of not having to make the trip into a store, even though the cost of delivery from the vendor online is cheaper than making and distributing a retail product.

So, the software rental model is headed your way and the “you buy it and you own it” model will be harder and harder to find, just like finding a laptop with an optical drive.

In a few years, I would be willing to bet that your operating system will be a rental as well. Think of the enormous effort Microsoft has put into the promotion of Windows 10. It has been a free upgrade for a year and it is now installed on hundreds of millions of devices across the world. I predict that in a few years, the necessary upgrades and service packs to this operating system will come at a cost, perhaps an annual fee.

Why should the software companies sell you the cow when they can make you buy the milk, year after year? That’s the way it’s going. For example, Microsoft will sell you a five-user version of Office that can be installed on five devices, at a low initial price, but then the annual fees kick in. You have just become a renter, not an owner.

Of course when you do purchase the program at a retail store, you get a box and an alpha numeric “key,” but no

disc. You also have to create an email address, even if you don’t need one.

Many times customers forget the email address and password, and it becomes a hassle. In other cases the “key” is not activated at Microsoft and requires a lengthy phone call.

The software vendors will tell you that downloading software and installing it from the web is easier, but in fact for many of our customers it is not and becomes very frustrating.

Make no mistake, all of these changes – the disappearance of retail disk media, the disappearance of optical drives in computers and the rental model of software – have a great advantage…to the software companies. They will continue to push the rental model or the “you have to buy it every three years” model until everything that you used to own, software wise, becomes a rental.

That’s the way all of the fine print used to read, but now with better technology and the advent of the cloud,

they actually have the ability to make it happen.

Computer Exchange has extensive cloud platforms available for the customers that need it or have decided that they want it. In our opinion, though, the cloud and all of the control that it often tries to extort from some customers often is simply another tool of someone in the IT industry who would like to have that control and the recurring revenue model that comes with it.

If you have questions about the cloud, contact us and we will give you all the options and let you decide, because you are customers to us, not cows to be milked.

Charles Kelly is President of Computer Exchange, with four locations in the CSRA: South Augusta, North Augusta, Martinez and Grovetown. Computer Exchange specializes in computer solutions for home and business. For answers to your computer questions, email him at charles@computerexchange.com.

New bill would help reduce taxes on small businesses A new bill in Congress would help reduce the tax burden of pass-through businesses.

A pass-through business is one that passes through the profits and losses to the owners, who pay at a personal income level rather than at a corporate level.

Pass-through businesses, including S Corporations, sole proprietorships, partnerships, and LLCs, account for more than 60 percent of American companies. Because these businesses “pass through” income and losses to the owners, many are subject to personal tax at combined state and federal rates of more than 40 percent.

The Bring Small Businesses Back Tax Reform Act (H.R. 5374), announced by U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL), would reduce the

24 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

U.S. small businesses account for half the nation’s jobs and two-thirds of new jobs. tax burden on the nation’s small business job creators. U.S. small businesses account for half the nation’s jobs and two-thirds of its new jobs.

The Act would: • Lower the tax rate for pass-through businesses’ first $150,000 of income to 10 percent and to 20 percent for their first $1 million of income.

• Allow pass-through businesses to immediately expense all investment in equip-

ment.

• Simplify cash accounting for tax purposes for all businesses with gross receipts of less than $25 million.

The state of American small businesses shows these reforms are desperately needed.

A national poll conducted this year by Job Creators Network shows that only one in five small businesses plan to hire additional employees over the next year, and only around one-quarter believe that doing busi-

ness over the next year would be easier than the previous one. This poor small business climate disproportionately hurts minorities, who are more likely to be new small business owners.

Two thirds of small business owners polled said that over-taxation is keeping them from thriving. “The Bring Small Businesses Back Tax Reform Act is a major step to lifting the tax burden that is preventing small businesses from thriving and creating jobs,” said Alfredo Ortiz, president and CEO of the Job Creators Network.

“To truly get the economy working again, we must allow the engine of the country’s economy to operate without being weighed down by over taxation.”

June 16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

25

Business Leverage Kim Romaner

Buyers’ Market

Some buyers are looking for any business opportunity Distressed? Turnaround? Rescue Financing? Bankruptcy? You can still sell!

As a business brokerage, our office is working with both business buyers and sellers every day. We know that sellers often feel that their businesses are not saleable because of current circumstances. But we also know that there are buyers out there looking for just about any opportunity, right now. And they’re in our database.

In my inbox today are emails from multiple buyers seeking businesses in the categories above – distressed, needing turnaround, cash strapped, going through bankruptcy – in selling prices ranging from $1 million to $50 million.

Possibly your business fits within these parameters.

These buyers bring specific skill sets – and money! – to the table. They specialize in creating efficiencies, providing next level management and rolling up industry segments. Often they are looking to inject equity in businesses owned by individuals or families that still would like to have an equity stake and have that stake grow beyond the scale they’ve managed to achieve or envision so far.

One investor we’re working with is seeking opportunities with EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) of $5 million or more, with focus areas in engineered products, industrial equipment, commercial services or logistics and transportation equipment. They’re specifically targeting businesses in commercial and industrial markets including energy, infrastructure, environmental and basic chemicals.

The investor will take a majority or minority position, as well as provide recapitalizations and growth capital with a long-term perspective. We also are representing search funds that are seeking investments in single businesses rather than creating a portfolio of businesses, meaning your business could be the one!

A sample profile would be a company that has $5 million to $50 million in sales and a 15 percent EBITDA.

We have buyers focused on athletic and sporting goods, department stores and jewelry. Also buyers seeking investments in diet products and nutraceuticals, drug manufacturing and pharma marketing services.

No matter your focus or clientele, no matter the state of your business, there may be buyers looking for your business.

As a disclaimer, let me say that notwithstanding the possibilities above, and despite an intermediary’s best efforts, there are some businesses out there that are not saleable. If you’re particularly worried about the declining value of your business, then you need to consult with an advisor regarding your exit options, an estimate of value for your business, and a strategy to improve your position. Taking steps today could help you reap better results in the future.

If you’re worried about the capital gains implications for the sale of your

Business Systems Kevin Wade

Ransom Demands Tips can mitigate chances of emails containing ransomware Recently at IntelliSystems, we have noticed an increase in email ransomware attempts. There is no way to guarantee that you or an employee will not open one of these unsuspecting emails, but we would like to equip you with some tips that could potentially save your data, money and time.

Many of the emails that we are getting reports of look like the one in the next column: The sender’s name may be different, but note the Word document’s .rtf extension. This stands for Rich Text Format, and in this case contains ransomware. If you open

26 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

this file your computer will prompt you to “download” or “enable macros” on your computer so it can open the file.

Do not enable macros, and close and delete the email as soon as possible.

This is not limited to just one file extension; ransomware targets files which have extensions such as odt, doc, docx, xls, ppt, xlsx, pptx, mdf , psd, jpg, and so on. Basically all of the files that are usually valuable for businesses, suggesting that the threat is designed to target organizations.

If you do enable macros, embedded code will execute the malware on the machine. After the encryption process has been complete, you’ll see a notice describing the requirement for you to pay a $300 (or more) “ransom” fee within 72 hours of the original encryption to obtain the unlocking key and decrypt your files.

Be prepared with the following recommendations: • Keep your computer’s operating system and software up to date since they are the targets of most attacks.

Ensuring these have the latest updates greatly reduces the number of entry points available to an attacker.

• Maintain up-to-date antivirus software, and scan all software downloaded from the internet prior to executing.

• Make sure that you have a firewall and that your subscription is up to date.

• Restrict users’ ability (permissions) to install and run unwanted software applications, and apply the principle of “Least Privilege” to all systems and services. Restricting these privileges may prevent malware from running or limit its capability to spread through your network.

• For IntelliSystems customers: Ask

business, be assured that there are options to protect your income and reduce the tax implications from the sale of your business. If you’re in good shape but know that you have no successors or no significant plan for growth, there may be partners out there ready to invest in your future.

As we like to say at Transworld Business Advisors, owning a small business doesn’t have to be a life sentence. There are often very profitable ways for you to exit, and we’re eager to help you choose the most lucrative path to do so.

Kim Romaner is president of Transworld Business Advisors of Augusta, a business brokerage and franchise consulting firm, and a MultiMillion Dollar Member of the Georgia Association of Business Brokers (GABB). To learn more about improving the value of your business, selling it, or finding the right business to buy, call Kim at 706-383-2994, x802, or email her at kromaner@tworld.com.

us about an IntellAlert! service that locks down new programs from being installed on employee workstations.

• It may be best to block email messages with attachments from suspicious sources.

• If you care about it, back it up!

I hope these tips will help in keeping yours and your clients’ information safe from the hands of others, and save you money from having to pay to get your information back. Moral of the story is this: Do not click on a link or attachment in an email unless you’re positive that it’s from a trusted source.

If the email looks slightly suspicious to you, that’s because it probably is suspicious.

Kevin Wade is President and CEO of IntelliSystems, a local IT management and telecommunication company with offices in Augusta, Aiken, and Columbia. In addition to meeting the technology needs of small and mediumsized companies, including sourcing computer and networking hardware and software, providing day-to-day IT support, installing cabling and wireless network systems, and design and installation of telephone systems, IntelliSystems works to help medical practices reach and maintain HIPAA compliance. He can be reached at 706-722-2024 or by emailing him at kevinw@ intellisystems.com.

June16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

27

Business Security Doug Parker

Case Study

Private investigators take on many types of cases People of all ages have a fascination with crime and suspense. Television picked up on this fact years ago by having weekly episodes of Columbo, Sherlock Holmes and even Magnum, P.I. Today’s television is full of shows like Criminal Minds, CSI and Discovery ID. Children have been reading books about Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and watching Scooby-Doo for years. The common denominator in all these is investigators.

Even though most people think that a private investigator works only on infidelity and murder cases, the role of a private investigator can be diverse and complex. A private investigator can work cases such as child custody, suspicious/wrongful deaths, suicide, traffic accidents and even missing persons. An experienced private investigator can also do background checks, statement analysis, and give security assessments.

Infidelity – Infidelity is one of the most common reasons a private detective is hired. Your investigation firm should understand the sensitive nature of the case and keep in mind that all information is kept secure and confidential. You need to find a firm who has detectives with a law enforcement background, which will ensure that all evidence collected is handled in a proper and legal manner. Finding one that is qualified to obtain and submit DNA evidence for testing is also an important factor.

Along with collecting evidence, a private investigator should be able to use the latest in technology such as GPS, video, still photography, audio and computer/cell phone forensics.

Issues of child custody, alimony and child support can all be affected by evidence obtained in infidelity cases and can result in huge financial shifts. Hiring an experienced private investigator can help give you the results you are looking for.

Child Custody – Approximately 75 percent of all divorces will involve a child custody legal battle. These disputes can take a long time to resolve.

Child custody cases are the most complex of all domestic investigations.

Due to the fact that there are children at stake, judges need to be certain that they are making the right decision in regards to the custody of a child.

Judges often award custody to one parent who may not be the best custodian. Often after a divorce, individuals may begin to engage in inappropriate behavior or participate in activities that are reckless, dangerous and sometimes illegal. A trained private investigator can assist you in documenting concrete proof from a third party to present to the court. Without physical evidence the court system will not look at your case.

Deaths – Have you ever had a loved one or dear friend that passed away and the circumstances surrounding their death just didn’t sit right with you? A private investigator can obtain the documentation and review the evidence from the law enforcement agencies that were involved in the investigation.

Some techniques used to analyze evidence may include blood splatter, bullet trajectory and other forensic technologies seen on television. Upon reviewing the case, a private investigator will be able to give you an “opinion” as to the manner of death based on the information provided.

These results may give you the needed information to have a case reopened; it may also have an impact from an insurance standpoint, but most importantly, a second opinion can be com-

forting to a grieving family regardless if the results are what they wanted to hear.

Background Investigations – Background investigations can be used for various reasons. In today’s world of technology, online dating is common.

This is also a great reason to have a background check done to ensure the person you are about to meet or become involved with is who they say they are.

Knowing up front that if a person has a checkered past with the law or creditors can help you decide if this is the person you want to be involved with.

Employers often will run a background investigation on potential employees. A complete background check can provide vital information such as criminal history, social media searches, finances and other information that an employer may be seeking. Again, it is better to know up front who you are bringing on your team.

Statement Analysis – Statement analysis can be very important during a criminal case. This area of investigation involves the scientific analysis of both written and verbal statements made by witnesses, victims and suspects. This technique is used to determine if someone making a statement is truthful or

deceptive based on the words that are used. Your private investigator should be trained and certified in Scientific Content Analysis to conduct this service for you.

Security – Whether you are a small local business or a Fortune 500 company, a comprehensive security plan is of the upmost importance in today’s world. A well qualified and trained security professional with prior law enforcement security assessments can identify the threats and concerns, analyze and prioritize these threats, devise plans to reduce the likelihood of those threats and have contingency plans ready in case those threats occur.

Don’t settle for a large security company that is just interested in selling you a security system along with charging a monthly fee. A true security assessment incorporates physical, procedural and liability concerns into a comprehensive plan.

Doug Parker has 30 years of law enforcement training and has worked undercover, on dignitary protection and high profile background investigations. He is licenses in Georgia and South Carolina. Contact him at 706-955-8069 or through his website, www.parkerpci.com.

Fake caller ID numbers latest scam technique Your phone rings and when you glance at the call ID you wonder, “Why is my number calling me?”

Unfortunately, scammers are using caller ID spoofing technology to impersonate the phone numbers of local businesses, neighbors and even yourself! Watch out for this wacky twist on the classic phishing phone scam.

Here is how this scam works.

Your phone rings, and you look at the caller ID. You recognize the number. It may be from a local business or a neighbor down the street. But in a strange twist, you might even see your own name and phone number on the caller ID screen.

When you answer the call, you discover

28 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

it’s a robocall. Victims have reported several different phishing scams. In one common version, a recording prompts you to verify your credit card number under the guise of lowering your interest rates.

With many people rejecting calls from unfamiliar numbers, scammers are increasingly posing as familiar businesses, government organizations or people. Scammers purchase lists of phone numbers and use spoofing technology to trick potential victims into picking up the phone.

Posing as your own phone number is great for shock value, general curiosity and for ensuring the number isn’t blocked. Who is going to block their own number?

What to do if a scammer calls:

Hang up, don’t press any buttons and, if you received a voice mail message, don’t call the scammer back. We all like to have the last word, but returning the phone call may just give the con artist information he can use. Additionally, don’t press a button to be removed from their calling list. This is typically just a ploy to see if there is a live person answering the phone and usually results in more unwanted calls.

Don’t trust Caller ID. Scammers have technology that lets them display any number or organization name on your screen. If you are unfamiliar with the number calling, let it go to voicemail so you can decide if the call is important enough to return.

Never give out any financial informa-

tion. If you did not initiate the call, do not provide bank account, credit card or Social Security numbers over the phone unless you have thoroughly done your research and verified the caller.

Don’t assume that your identity has been stolen. Scammers have the ability to spoof numbers very easily so unless you see unusual activity on your financial accounts, don’t panic.

Remember who owns the phone. Stopping scammers from calling you is almost impossible but ultimately, remember that you own the phone so don’t allow anyone to use it as a tool to steal your hard-earned money or identity. It isn’t rude to hang up on a thief.

June16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

29

Business Finances Dagan Sharpe

Chain Gang Lack of financial education keeps people chained to bad habits We’ve all seen enormous elephants at the circus kept in place with a small chain tied to their leg. Doesn’t the elephant realize it can easily break the chain with barely a tug? Yet, it doesn’t even try.

The elephant learned at a young age, when it was too small and weak to break the chain, that it was pointless to even try. As a result, even though it grew in strength and stature over time, the lessons from its past, continue to keep it bound.

Likewise, what lessons from our past keep us bound to bad habits and restrictive mindsets? In my experience, I have found a prime example of this type of restrictive mindset, regardless of income levels, resides in the area of financial stewardship.

Unfortunately, this remains a prominent stronghold many struggle with, but there is hope. For as we examine the habits that keep us chained financially, we soon discover the attributes essential to breaking them are already

Social Media Kelsey Morrow

Turn the Page

Businesses should choose page option for Facebook posts To fan or to friend, that is the question. But if you are a business owner, the choice should be an easy one.

If you have spent any time on Facebook, you probably noticed that there are two different types of pages available on the social networking site: profiles and pages.

Profiles are meant for individuals. For example, if John Doe wanted to be on Facebook, he would create a profile.

30 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

in our possession.

Three P’s that keep us chained Past: Many of us never learned sound financial stewardship principals from friends, or family. Growing up we received little to no education on how to handle money responsibly. So, we end up with habits that cause us to struggle against positive progress.

For some, the struggle is taking on too much debt; for others, they unknowingly leave their families and businesses unprotected and vulnerable; for others, they fail to plan for future emergencies and needs, such as retirement…the list goes on and on.

Therefore, building our financial confidence and IQ is essential. Thankfully, this can be done, but only when we proactively seek unbiased counsel from reliable sources. Many of these can be found in respected books and seminars, as well as select churches and financial institutions.

Pride: Unfortunately, it’s not until we admit we have a potential problem, place our pride aside and apply new habits that we begin making progress.

Pride keeps many chained, because it prevents us from acknowledging our flaws, seeking advice and making changes. This is often because sacrifice and discipline is required, and for many, this can be difficult. We don’t want to control expenses, budget, save and postpone immediate desires.

However, the payoff to putting pride aside often proves to be one of the most powerful things we can do in establish-

Profiles belong to one individual. Those who wish to connect with him do so by sending friend requests, and these requests can be either accepted or denied

by John Doe. Pages are meant for public entities such as businesses, organizations and celebrities. With the exception of celebrities, a page typically belongs to a group of people rather than one individual. For example, if John Doe wants to create a Facebook presence for his ABC Company, he would make a company page. Those who wish to connect with ABC Company do so by becoming a fan of the page. Unlike friend requests, anyone can become a fan of a page – there is no accept or deny option for the public entity.

Now that you understand the differences between the two, it’s important to know that recently Facebook has been cracking down on businesses that use the profile instead of a page. Or even worse, use both.

There is nothing wrong with posting about your business on your personal profile, but your business should exist on

ing strong financial IQs. Prejudice: One source defines prejudice as a prejudgment, or the forming of an opinion before becoming aware of the relevant facts about a case. Therefore, we can have financial prejudice when we falsely assume there is no hope for our situation, or that we have plenty of time to address issues.

The truth is, it’s never too late, or too early for anyone to get started breaking the barriers to a more secure financial future.

Thankfully avoid the pitfalls to pride and prejudice, and break the chains to restrictive mindsets and behaviors. It takes work, sacrifice, discipline and planning, but it can be done.

Don’t let past mistakes keep you

chained. Don’t let the hurdles you now face keep you tied down and don’t let your pride assume you can do it without help from reliable sources – or that you don’t need to learn anything new at all.

We may have never seen healthy financial habits, but we don’t have to repeat the cycle. Instead, we can break the barriers and build a new legacy for ourselves and for others.

Dagan Sharpe is Senior Vice President of Queensborough National Bank & Trust. He previously served as National Director for Wells Fargo’s Wealth Management division. He is the author of a stewardship book, Bank On It. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in Augusta. He is a deacon at Warren Baptist Church. Contact him at dsharpe@qnbtrust.com.

Facebook has been cracking down on businesses that use the profile instead of a page. a page, not a profile. For example, John Doe can post anything he wants about ABC Company on his profile, but the profile is still his and has his name, his picture and other personal information.

Here are some benefits to using an appropriate page for your business: • Friends vs. Fans: Profiles have a friend limit of 5,000, but pages can have an unlimited number of fans. I don’t know about you, but I certainly wouldn’t want to put a limit on the number of people that can follow my business’s latest news.

• Boosted posts: Does your business have a special event coming up that you would like to emphasize? On business pages, you have the option of creating boosted posts and other types of advertising to increase the likelihood that Facebook users will see your message.

Meanwhile, no advertising of any sort is available on a personal profile.

• Scheduling posts: As a business owner, your time is precious. Facebook understands this and has given business pages the option of scheduling posts in advance. On a business page, you can create posts up to six months in advance and choose when you want them to post. This allows you to plan all of your posts at one time, and save the rest of your time for focusing on your business.

Personal profiles do not allow scheduling, and posts must be published at the time that they are written.

Kelsey Morrow is the Media Assistant at Buzz on Biz and handles its social media accounts. She has a Masters in Public Relations from the University of Georgia. You can contact her at kelsey.morrow@buzzon.biz.

June 16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

31

Chamber has a voice in legislative matters Columbia County Chamber reps businesses at local, state, federal levels

By Tammy Shepherd, President, Columbia County Chamber of Commerce In the world of politics, do you think you have a voice on legislative matters? If you are a Columbia County Chamber member, you do!

The primary purpose of the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee is to advocate on behalf of our local business community. The committee promotes a healthy business environment by supporting legislation and taking other governmental action which encourages a strong business climate along with growing economic opportunities.

The Government Affairs Committee legislative priorities include: Economic Development, Transportation and Infrastructure, Education, Technology and Workforce Development, Taxes and Tax Reform, Healthcare and Water Management. These priorities are examined on the local, state, and federal levels of government.

For example, the Chamber supported Georgia Senate Bill 18, which would allow the Technical College System of Georgia to establish policies for granting academic credit for college level learning acquired from military service and work experience.

Basically, if a solider was a mechanic or a plumber in the military, they do not have

to start over at a technical college to get a diploma in these industries once they leave military service. This is a win-win for the soldier and our companies who need the strong work ethics and skills that these service men and women possess.

Many programs and events, directed by the Government Affairs Committee, communicate and advocate our legislative priorities. Here are just a few: Greater Augusta Day On March 1, 40 local leaders participated in Greater Augusta Day at the Capitol.

Greater Augusta Day is a collaborative effort of the Columbia County, Augusta, and Burke County Chambers of Commerce that provides an opportunity to meet with our delegation and other state officials to discuss legislation. The day included meetings with Richard Woods, State Superintendent of Schools; Deputy Commissioner for Department of Economic Development; and afternoon meetings with Rep. David Ralston, Georgia Speaker of the House; Russell McMurry, Commissioner for Georgia Department of Transportation; and David Raynor, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. We also met with our local state delegation for insights into the legislative session.

Candidates Forum Events like the May 2 Candidates Forum allow the Columbia County Chamber to provide a means of educating its members and the public about the election process.

Before the forum began, all candidates on the May 24 election ballot were given an opportunity to meet and greet with the public.

The Forum opened with statements from

Columbia County Chamber Board Members and Government Affairs Committee Members took part in Greater Augusta Day at the State Capitol. In front are Ed Burr and Angi Brock.

In back are Eric McIntyre, Reagan Williams and Brandon Haddock. Photo contributed.

the candidates for Board of Education, District 1 and County Commission, District 2.

Candidates for State Senator, District 24 and State Representative, District 123 participated in a panel discussion with questions from a representative from The Columbia County News-Times and the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. It is the goal of the Chamber, through forums, to allow a non-partisan platform to hear from local candidates.

The 2016 CSRA Leadership Trip participants on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. The trip included members of the Columbia County, Augusta Metro, North Augusta and Aiken Chambers of Commerce. Photo contributed

32 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

Post-Legislative Breakfast More than 200 guests attended the Columbia County Chamber’s Post-Legislative Breakfast in early May. Commissioner Gretchen Corbin, Technical College System of Georgia, was the keynote speaker. She highlighted Augusta Technical College, and commended our community for supporting the technical college system.

She also referenced the High Demand Career Initiative, created by Deal after an analysis of the state’s workforce revealed a lack of skilled workers, and now tuition assistance is offered to people seeking those careers.

After hearing from Corbin, the Chamber’s Board of Directors presented Senator Bill Jackson with a gift of appreciation for his many years in office. Senator Jackson is not seeking re-election, and many accolades were given, by all the delegates present, on the senator’s incredible service history to our community.

Senator Jesse Stone, Representative Tom McCall, Representative Barry Fleming and the new kid on the block, Representative Jodi Lott, each addressed the audience offering updates from the recent legislative session.

CSRA Leadership Trip to Washington, D.C. A big component of the Chamber’s advocacy mission includes the annual CSRA Leadership Trip to Washington D.C. Through a collaborative effort of the Aiken, North Augusta, Augusta and Columbia County Chambers of Commerce, this trip brings together community leaders to the nation’s capital to discuss issues that impact our region. This year’s trip on May 17-19, with more than 30 attendees, focused on Fort Gordon, Plant Vogtle, New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam and Savannah River Site.

June 16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

33

Real Estate Investing Justin Anderson

Barre None

No matter how much you learn, remember the basics Growing up, my wife was a dancer. She began her career at 3 or 4 years old when she first began attending ballet class. By the time she was 6 or 7 she became truly serious about dancing and left the “Dolly Dinkle” dance studio for the more “professional” studio.

At 13, she and her three best friends had worked hard and been accepted to spend the summer dancing with the Pennsylvania Ballet. For those of you not familiar with the dance world, this is the equivalent of being accepted to Harvard or Yale for college.

As the girls approached college, my wife opted to pursue a career in singing and acting, not just dancing. However, two of those early childhood friends went on to become professional ballerinas – one dancing as the Prima Ballerina with the San Francisco Ballet, the other as a prin-

Faith at Work Steve Swanson

Peak Performance

The key to being the best is to keep practicing your craft What does it take for you to become more than you are right now? How can you become better and better at your craft? What will it take to “be all you can be?”

These questions were triggered by an online article by Jeff Goins, author of “The Art of Work” (which I am currently reading). Here is a summary of his observations: In his recent book, Peak, Anders Ericsson points out the obvious fact that many people seem to have been given special genetic gifts and abilities. Where do these gifts actually come from? Can any of us become experts? Or is that space

34 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

ciple dancer with the Pacific Northwest Ballet.

The most amazing thing I discovered about this journey was that at 3 years old, the first thing the girls were taught was barre work – the most basic of movements. They stood around the sides of the room where there were bars mounted on the walls and they learned all the basic positions and movements.

When my wife moved to the “professional” studio at 7 years old, once again, the first thing they worked on was barre work. In fact, as she progressed in her career, every single rehearsal began with barre work.

At 13, when she attended the Pennsylvania Ballet, once again – barre work.

As her friends continued their careers and became professional ballerinas with the top ballet companies in the country, they also continued to begin every rehearsal with barre work.

The question I have for you is, who do you think gained more benefit from the barre work? The 3-year-old version of these girls, or the 26-year-old professional version?

The professionals of course! By that point in their career, they understood all the intricacies of each of these basic positions and movements. They had the ability to focus on each movement at a deeper level than the 3-year-old, 6-year-old, or even teenage versions

of themselves were capable of understanding.

Remarkably, every time I ask this question to investors, they all agree on the same answer, and yet I continually watch them neglect to focus on the basics. It seems as if once they learn the basics they want to move past them and forget about them, as if there are more important things for them to work on.

I am here to tell you, there is nothing more important than your “barre” work! Without it, you have no foundation, no technique and, really, no business.

If you are a Real Estate Investor, your barre work happens once a month at

only reserved for a select few?

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the famous composer, is cited as an example.

It seemed he had “perfect pitch” by age 7. Clearly, he understood music at a much deeper level than most adults.

Was this a gift? Starting at age 4, Mozart practiced full-time with his father, also a musician, spending time on the violin, keyboard and other instruments. By the time he was 7, he’d put in more hours than most students graduating from the Juilliard School of music in New York City.

Did Mozart have some kind of special ability to discern musical notes in a way that most people can’t? Science would say no. Nonetheless, Mozart was gifted.

He possessed a gift we all have. His brain was capable of achieving a level of performance beyond what most of us personally attain. We, too, have the ability to learn, and grow, and adapt.

Goins goes on to say, “I learned this in writing my last book, The Art of Work, in which I studied Ericsson’s research on deliberate practice and compared it to my own study of individuals who had discovered their life’s work.

And what I learned surprised me. The hundreds of people I interviewed, people who appeared to be “gifted,” were,

in fact, no more gifted than you or I. They had just learned how to practice.”

Goins offers us these three tips: Master your mindset. What you think about, you become. If you still believe some people are “just born with it,” you’ll severely limit yourself. Ericsson encourages a “deliberate-practice mindset.” He argues that anyone can get better with the right approach.

Practice with purpose. Not all practice is necessarily equal.

Sometimes, trying harder doesn’t get you better results.

“If you are not improving,” Ericsson says, “it’s not because you lack innate talent; it’s because you’re not practicing the right way.”

To reach peak performance, you must push yourself past what you think is possible. If you’re not doing that, then you aren’t really practicing. You’re just spinning your wheels. It’s not only time, it’s also effort.

Get around greatness. Our environment has a great impact – be in the company of others who will challenge you and help you grow. That is essential to mastering any skill.

In Peak, Ericsson shares a fascinating study about London cab drivers, in which the cabbies’ brains were mea-

the local AORE meeting where a local successful investor will share their story of how they have built their real estate investment business right here in Augusta. Our next Smart Session will be on July 9 at the Columbia County Library. The doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and networking.

Justin Anderson is a licensed Real Estate Broker in Georgia and Oklahoma, and has been a full time real estate investor for the past 18 years. He is the co-founder of AORE, a Real Estate Investment Training and Education Company with offices in Augusta, Oklahoma City and Philadelphia. For more information, visit AORE.com or email info@aore.com.

sured before they became licensed cab drivers and then years after. What they found was the part of the brain responsible for navigation had grown significantly larger after years of intense daily training in the same environment.

So if you’re not achieving greatness, then it may be time to surround yourself with others who will challenge you to grow.

I believe we are capable of much more than we often think we can achieve. Expertise is never an accident.

Intentionality and the right training help us reach peak performance.

Please remember that God gave us abilities. With his help we can grow the gifts we’ve been blessed with!

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him – Philippians 2:13 (NLT) For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) Steve Swanson serves as the station manager for Family Friendly 88.3 WAFJ. He’s invested 30-plus years in the world of radio and was named the Christian Music Broadcasters Program Director of the Year in 2009 and 2011. He and his wife , Susie, live in North Augusta.

June 16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

35

Credit Education Joseph Passarelli

Credit Check

Many things in life revolve around your credit score As a former New Yorker, I am amazed at how gracious the people of Georgia are. Their love of God and our country and their fellow man makes me glad that

Business Advice Mike Herrington

Future Health

Advance Directive lets you choose care ahead of time Advance Directives are a way to “have your say” about the type of care you receive (or don’t receive) in the event you suffer a catastrophic medical event, such as a stroke or

we moved to Georgia. It is my honor to live and love my neighbors in Georgia.

No matter where you live, credit is the life blood of our lives. Potential employers check your credit worthiness.

Insurance companies use your credit to assist them in creating your premium.

Your credit gets you an apartment, house or car.

In the event of ID theft, a credit services company provides a service to restore your name and credit to whatever your pre-theft condition was.

Poor credit results in higher interest rates if credit is granted at all. We need to be responsible with our credit. It is the parameter of how banks, insurance companies, and merchants decide whether or not to work with you.

Part of our service is an educational video which explains in layman’s terms how credit works, how credit scores are

(Credit) is the parameter of how banks, insurance companies, and merchants decide whether or not to work with you. reached, and most importantly how to grow and protect your most important noncash asset – credit.

Credit scores range from 350 to 850.

The higher the score the better your interest rate will be. Holding too many credit cards hurts rather than helps your credit. Eight credit cards at an average of $5,000 equates to potential debt of $40,000.

It is recommended that no more than 33 percent of available credit be used.

Of course, in the event of an emergency you can max out your credit so long as you bring it back to a preferred 33 to 40 percent of outstanding debt.

There are three credit bureaus used

by banks: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion. An 800 score on two bureaus with a $38 medical collection account appearing on the third can result in 823, 818 and a 720 on the bureau with the collection account.

As a client of our service, we invite you to call or stop by for a free credit review.

an accident, that leaves you unable to communicate your wishes.

Every adult should plan ahead by completing an Advance Directive that specifies his or her personal preferences in regard to acceptable and unacceptable medical treatments.

There are two types of Advance Directives: Living Will A Living Will states your preferences regarding the type of medical care you want to receive (or don’t want to receive) if you are incapacitated and cannot communicate.

You specify the treatment you want to receive or not receive in different scenarios.

Medical Power of Attorney Also known as a Durable Power of Attorney for health care or a health care proxy, a Medical Power of Attorney names another person, such as your spouse, daughter or son, to make medical decisions for you if you are no longer able

Advance Directives are a way to “have your say” about the type of care you receive

may wish to involve an attorney in the preparation of your Advance Directive.

• You can modify, update or cancel an Advance Directive at any time, in accordance with state law.

• If you spend a good deal of time in several states, you may want to have an Advance Directive for each state.

• Make sure that the person you name to act for you – your health care proxy – has current copies of your Advance Directive.

• Give a copy of your Advance Directive to your physician and, if appropriate, your long-term care facility.

to make medical decisions for yourself, or you are unable to communicate your preferences.

Note that a Medical Power of Attorney is not the same as a Power of Attorney, which gives another person the authority to act on your behalf on matters you specify, such as handling your financial affairs.

Important Points to Remember • Each state regulates Advance Directives differently. As a result, you

Joseph Passarelli is the Senior Operating Member of Credit Educational Services. A Brooklyn College graduate, he also served in the Marine Corps. With more than 250,000 policies established, Joseph has over 9 years of experience in credit restoration and identity theft protection Joseph can be reached at 706-723-5190.

Mike Herrington is President of Herrington Financial Services, Inc, a Registered Investment Advisor. He is a Certified Financial Planner licensee(CFP), a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and a Certified Estate Planner(CEP). He has been serving clients in the CSRA since 1984. Contact him at 706-8688673 or mike@herringtonfinancialservices.com

Study: Drivers like technology, but leery of self-driving cars When it comes to self-driving cars, a lot of people are still a little hesitant to take their hands completely off the wheel.

A joint study by the New England Motor Press Association and MIT AgeLab found that even among young drivers (25-34 years old), only 40 percent favored fully-autonomous vehicles. Among those in the oldest age group, those 65 and older, only one in seven was interested in a self-driving car.

“Penetration of fully automated vehicles into the mobility space is going to take time and will vary greatly across different regions of the world,” said Bryan Reimer, Research Scientist MIT AgeLab and Associate Director of the New England University Transportation Center. “These disruptive innova-

36 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

tions have enormous potential to enhance mobility; however, the trust to adopt these technologies is not yet here and will need to be built slowly over time.”

He added, “The survey results suggest there may be some hesitation about one’s comfort with full automation among the older adult population who could benefit the most.”

But there is good news – even among the oldest drivers, more than 50 percent are comfortable with technological innovations that help the driver.

Nearly 3,000 respondents took the survey, which asked 12 questions about autonomous technology, how satisfied they were with the technology already in their cars,

and how interested they were in transportation alternatives.

Other significant data revealed by the survey includes: • While some age groups that responded considered car sharing services such as ZipCar to be an alternative to owning a car, across all age groups, fewer than 10 percent of respondents had actually used those services.

• Eighty-seven percent of respondents surveyed suggested that they were at least neutral in their satisfaction with how technology was integrated in their current vehicle. 52 percent responded at the three highest positions of the satisfaction scale.

• Despite a push from dealers and OEMs to

provide training on how technologies work, 63 percent of respondents said they learned how their technologies worked by reading the owner’s manual, and 58 percent learned by trial and error. Just 15 percent said they learned from a website or an online video.

“There’s hardly a limit to the advanced safety technologies we can build into our cars,” said Craig Fitzgerald, NEMPA President and editor-in-chief at the car shopping site BestRide.com. “The survey results indicate that we’re leaving out a critical component if we’re not training drivers on how these technologies actually work. We learned this when we first introduced antilock brakes and stability control, and the learning curve is no different now.”

June 16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

37

Upcoming Business Events

Friday, June 17

Good Morning North Augusta: Building a College Ready Culture presented by the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Palmetto Terrace, 4th Floor: Municipal Complex, 100 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, SC. Networking: 7:30 a.m.; Program: 8-9:30 a.m. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Sean Alford, Superintendent of the Aiken County Public School System. He will be discussing the partnership with the National Math and Science Initiative, the Accelerated Learning Initiative, the Penny Sales Tax update, and early college collaboration at Midland Valley High School. For more information, visit Northaugustachamber.org

Tuesday, June 21 Chamber Before Hours presented by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, Columbia County Chamber Office, 1000 Business Blvd, Evans.

Breakfast and Networking: 7:45-8:15 a.m.; Program: 8:15-9 a.m. Free for members; $20 for first time visitors. The Chamber Before Hours Breakfast brings

38 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

together members from all of Columbia County’s councils and programs to network and hear short updates from the city, county and the Chamber. In addition to hearing from the local community, there is also a keynote speaker to present on a specific issue that is relevant to Chamber businesses. For more information and to register, visit Columbiacountychamber.com Women in Business Luncheon presented by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, The Legends Club, 2701 Washington Rd, Augusta, GA 30909, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Members: $30; Non-Members: $40. “Engaging Communication: The Millennial Connection” – presenting on communicating and mentoring young professionals.

Keynote speaker: Beth Huggins of Augusta University. Reservations required.

For more information, visit AugustaMetroChamber.com

Wednesday, June 22 Ribbon Cut- Homewood Suites, 1049 Stevens Creek Rd Augusta, GA 30907, 2 p.m. AugustaMetroChamber.com

Thursday, June 23

Monday, June 27

Business After Hours presented by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, 117 Stable Drive, Aiken, SC. 5-7 p.m.

Business After Hours provides an excellent opportunity for a company to introduce itself to the business community. It also offers members the chance to meet one another and network in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. For more information, visit Aikenchamber.net

Ribbon Cut - Gourmet Comforts, Columbia County Chamber Office, 1000 Business Boulevard, Evans. 4-5 p.m.

Columbiacountychamber.com

Friday, June 24

Friday, July 15

SCORE: Sales vs. Marketing presented by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, 121 Richland Avenue, East Aiken, SC. 9:30-11 a.m. This workshop will explain how branding, marketing and sales are part of a continuum. It will be an interactive workshop working on each of these three business disciplines. For more information, visit Aikenchamber.net

Tuesday, June 28 Ribbon Cut- WC Fiber LLC, The Columbia County Chamber Office, 1000 Business Boulevard, Evans. 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Columbiacountychamber.com Good Morning North Augusta: Overtime Rule Changes are coming – Is your business ready? Presented by the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Palmetto Terrace, 4th Floor: Municipal Complex, 100 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, SC. Networking: 7:30 a.m.; Program: 8-9:30 a.m. For more information, visit Northaugustachamber.org

Thursday, July 21 Ribbon Cut- Alphagraphics, 3822 Commercial Court, Martinez. 4-5 p.m.

Columbiacountychamber.com

June 16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

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Law Matters Sarah Blake

Bundle of Joy

Many reasons to adopt a child but all require legal advice One of my favorite things to do as an attorney is to help parents navigate the process of adoption. Every adoption story is different and there are several paths to take on this journey to a whole family. The love a parent has for a child is the same in all cases of adoption, but the legal and practical steps vary greatly.

Some parents come to adoption first as foster parents with the involvement of state agencies. In those cases, state agencies handle pre-placement screenings, place children with parents, coordinate available benefits and and often provide them with the resources necessary to complete the adoption process.

The couples and individuals that come to see me may

40 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

be caring for a child of a close friend or relative without any state intervention, but a situation has arisen that requires a formal, legal parental status be given to the caregivers. Other times I will meet prospective parents who are suffering infertility or other health problems that may make surrogacy the right choice for them.

However, the most common situation I deal with is when a stepparent adopts a child. Even if the stepparent raised the child and has a strong, healthy relationship with him or her, the stepparent does not have the rights of a parent.

The only way to confer the legal status of parent is to complete an adoption.

Even in cases where the biological parent has disappeared or been arrested, they still hold the rights of a parent.

Your attorney must first terminate the rights of the biological parent before they can proceed with an adoption.

If a couple walked into my office wanting to adopt, the first thing I would tell them is that there are a lot of legal issues they need to be ready to handle.

Often, if the adoption is not a stepparent adoption, then a home study must be done to ensure the environment their new child lives in is safe.

The couple will need to be approved by the court, which means that they will need to demonstrate they can pro-

vide financially for a child, submit to a criminal background check and are completely free of drugs and other illegal substances.

Occasionally, someone may know a pregnant mother who is contemplating giving up her child for adoption. In these situations, the adoptive parents must have their lawyer on standby.

In the case of an unborn child, the lawyer will help coordinate the necessary parties so that the biological parents begin the process of terminating their rights as soon as possible. This may allow the baby to go home and live with the adop-

tive parents immediately after birth.

The most important thing any adoptive parent needs to know is to get organized and talk to your attorney as early as possible.

Sarah Floyd Blake, a CSRA native, received her undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia in 2004, double majoring in Political Science and Russian. Sarah attended law school at Washington and Lee University School of Law where her legal studies focused on constitutional criminal procedure and litigation.

Sarah is licensed to practice law in Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia, and her practice focuses on family law. Contact her at sblake@ augustafamilylawyer.com.

June 16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

41

Business Benefits Russell Head

Get Well Soon

New rules give guidance for employee wellness programs

Many employers offer workplace wellness programs as a way to help control health care costs, encourage healthier lifestyles and prevent disease. Wellness program incentives can be framed as rewards or penalties and often take the form of prizes, cash, or a reduction or increase in health care premiums or cost-sharing.

Many of these programs ask employees to answer questions on a health risk assessment (HRA) or to undergo biometric screenings for risk factors (such as high blood pressure or cholesterol). Other wellness programs provide educational health-related information or programs that may include nutrition classes, weight loss and smoking cessation programs, on-site exercise facilities or coaching to help employees meet health goals.

On May 16, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued final rules that describe how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) apply to employer-sponsored wellness programs.

The ADA and GINA rules seek to ensure that wellness programs actually promote good health and are not just used to collect or sell sensitive medical information about employees and family members or to

impermissibly shift health insurance costs to them. Both rules require wellness programs to be reasonably designed to promote health and prevent disease.

The final ADA rule provides guidance on the extent to which employers may offer incentives to employees to participate in wellness programs that ask them to answer disability-related questions or to undergo medical examinations.

The final GINA rule clarifies that an employer may offer a limited incentive to an employee whose spouse provides information about his or her current or past health status as part of the employer’s wellness program.

Incentives The final ADA rule provides that incentives offered to an employee who answers disability-related questions or undergoes medical examinations as part of a wellness program generally may not exceed 30 percent of the total cost of the lowest cost self-only coverage under a major medical group health plan offered by the employer.

In addition, the final GINA rule provides that the value of the maximum incentive attributable to a spouse’s participation may not exceed 30 percent of the total cost of self-only coverage, which is the same incentive allowed for the employee.

Employers may offer children the opportunity to participate in wellness programs, but may not offer inducements in exchange for current or past health status information about children. Inducements in exchange for genetic information about spouses and children (such as a spouse’s or child’s family medical history) are also prohibited.

Enmarket stores help fight obesity with healthier foods Enmarket (formerly Enmark Stations), has partnered with Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) through its commitment to provide healthier choices to customers in the effort to help end childhood obesity.

Enmarket is only the sixth convenience store chain in the country to support the nationwide nonpartisan, nonprofit organization led by some of the nation’s most respected health and childhood obesity prevention advocates.

Based in Savannah, Enmarket offers competitively priced healthier snacks and fresh food in addition to fuel, beverages, lottery services and more.

“We’re honored to work with the Partnership for a Healthier America, and we’re

42 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

thrilled to have Enmarket’s efforts in providing healthier food choices for kids and their parents recognized,” said Matt Clements, Enmarket’s director of marketing.

“There are many organizations involved in the PHA, but only five other convenience store chains. This underscores the fact that convenience stores can do something to improve healthier food access, and we’re happy to be at the forefront of that movement within our industry. It is a long term commitment for Enmarket.”

PHA is devoted to working with the private sector to ensure the health of the nation’s youth by solving the childhood obesity crisis.

There is one Enmarket store in Martinez and two in Aiken.

Confidentiality Both rules state that information from wellness programs may be disclosed to employers only in aggregate terms. The ADA rule requires that employers give participating employees a notice that tells them what information will be collected as part of the wellness program, with whom it will be shared and for what purpose, the limits on disclosure and the way information will be kept confidential.

GINA includes statutory notice and consent provisions for health and genetic services provided to employees and their family members.

Both rules prohibit employers from requiring employees or their family members to agree to the sale, exchange, transfer, or other disclosure of their health information in order to participate in a wellness program or to receive

an incentive.

Applicability Date The provisions of the final rules related to the incentive limits and the ADA notice requirement will apply to employer-sponsored wellness programs as of the first day of the first plan year that begins on or after Jan. 1, 2017, for the health plan used to determine the level of inducement. According to the EEOC, other wellness program provisions (such as the reasonable design and confidentiality requirements) are clarifications of existing obligations.

Russell T. Head is President with ACHS Insurance, Inc., Augusta’s largest risk management and employee benefits brokerage. He can be reached at 706-733-3459 or rthead@achsinsurance.com. Visit ACHS Insurance at achsinsurance.com.

Georgia a leader in solar energy Energy is important. And in a rapidly changing world where the amount of available natural resources is fixed and population is expanding exponentially, sustainable energy generation practices are becoming more and more important.

One of Georgia’s “unfair” advantages in the energy economy is its great amount of sunlight. This, specifically, has been one of the largest drivers of Georgia’s burgeoning clean-energy economy.

According to a report commissioned by Environment Georgia, Georgia is the second-fastest growing solar energy sector in the country. This is due in large part to efforts of the Center of Innovation for Energy Technology to drive progress and provide support across all aspects of the energy ecosystem.

In the solar market alone, there are several strong examples of Georgia’s Centers of Innovation at work. Norcross-based Suniva Technology is an energy start up borne out of the Georgia Institute of Technology

that received project management support from the Center of Innovation and is now a major player in solar energy technology that continues to manufacture in Georgia, while German firm Sonnenbatterie chose to locate its U.S. operations in Georgia due in large part to efforts of the Center of Innovation for Energy Technology and its ability to connect firms with cutting-edge researchers at the university level.

Clean energy in Georgia in 2016 accounts for more than $3 billion in revenue and more than 19,000 full time jobs, with 3,000 of those jobs alone coming from the solar sector.

The Georgia Center of Innovation for Energy Technology is dedicated to touching every base and connecting every dot in order to build up every aspect of a bustling clean energy industry in Georgia.

“Everything we need is on the surface of the Earth,” said Costas Simoglou, director for the Center of Innovation.

June 16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

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Business Counseling Carolyn Ramp

Language of Love

Learning love languages can boost employee relationships In 1992, Gary Chapman first published his book, The Five Love Languages. Since that time, more than 10 million copies have been sold and it has stayed on the New York Times bestseller list since 2009.

The book was originally inspired by Chapman’s many years of counseling couples and hearing the same comment over and over: “I just don’t feel loved.” What Chapman discovered by researching his notes was that partners often speak different love languages.

For example, for years I would make my husband an Easter basket or a Christmas stocking – even a big Valentines heart. I would fill a basket (stocking) with things I knew he liked. I took a lot of time picking out items for those baskets and spent a lot of money. My husband’s response was usually, “Thanks. That’s nice.”

Wow! doesn’t even begin to cover my disappointment at his response. Then I read Gary Chapman’s book…and things changed.

I realized I had been speaking my love language, not my husband’s. One of my love languages is gift giving. My husband’s love language is acts of service. If I had just washed his car, I would have gotten a more jubilant response!

Chapman’s book has been translated into 50 languages around the world. And it seems to be a universal concept that we all want to be loved and cared about by the significant people in our lives.

Chapman sees the love languages as a clue to better connect with the people in our lives. While he agrees that there may be more than five love languages, Chapman has stated that no one has come back and told him a number six.

His five love languages are • Words of affirmation • Quality time • Personal gifts • Acts of service and • Physical touch Now, just reading the book and getting the information will not necessarily make things any different. After all, love is a choice. Having the will to follow through with speaking another person’s language is what will make the difference.

Choosing to speak another person’s love language is an Act of Love. You don’t have to do it. You choose to do it.

It may not come naturally to you, and it may be a challenge. But it is, oh, so worth it!

So why bring this up in a business magazine?

Well, we don’t leave our emotions at the door when we head into work. We want to know we are valued and cared about in our offices as much as we do in our homes. We spend most of our waking hours Monday through Friday in our offices or classrooms or with coworkers of some fashion. And if you want to make an emotional connection with that person – to make your work day more enjoyable – you might want to think about those five love languages and how they might apply to those around you.

It’s not that difficult. Just listen to the people around you and you’ll get a clue as to their love language. Listen to what they complain about…

“While my boss was gone on a business trip, I kept him up to date on all

emails and snail mail, and what did it get me? Not even a thank-you!” Ahhh, this individual needs words of affirmation.

“My co-worker was gone for a week’s vacation and I did all her work, but she didn’t bring anything back to thank me.” This individual is telling you gifts are her love language.

“I used to get to eat lunch with my co-worker but now we never even have time for a chat.” It seems quality time matters to this individual.

Listen to what they request most often….

“Hey, if you get a minute, would you fill out that form and get it back to me today?” Acts of service…

“Could you let me know if you think that letter is written correctly?” Words of affirmation…

“I’d really enjoy eating lunch with you today if you get the time.” Quality time…

Applying Chapman’s concepts at work can help create a positive environment where friendships can flourish and the sometimes stressful day can lead to humor and laughter instead of

conflict.

If your co-worker is the one who always makes the coffee (and no one else has offered) maybe you could suggest you take turns…

If no one ever tells the other how much they appreciate getting the paperwork on time, maybe you could start the habit…

If everyone fills the shredder but only one person ever seems to empty it, maybe you could do it this time…

You get the idea, I’m sure. Listen.

Then find a way to speak that love language. It can make all the difference!

Oh, and by the way, my husband is learning to speak my language!

Carolyn A. Ramp has a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Augusta State University and a Specialist’s Degree in Counseling from Georgia Southern. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor and an Approved Clinical Supervisor. She served as an Adjunct Professor at Augusta State University in the graduate counseling program. She is the owner of Resolution Counseling Professionals located in the Atrium on Wheeler Road. Contact her at 706-432-6866.

Guide shows travelers where to enjoy Georgia foods The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourism division announced the release of the 2016 state culinary guide, Georgia Eats. Georgia Tourism’s second annual culinary guide features the wildly popular “100 Plates Locals Love,” 10 flavor tours, inspiring feature stories, exclusive recipes from local chefs, popular food festivals and much more.

Now more than ever, travelers are looking for fresh, authentic culinary experiences and the Georgia Eats culinary guide will give visitors access to all that Georgia has to offer. Because of our flavorful crops that are as diverse as the state itself, Georgia has unique culinary experiences that make the “Peach State” a leading culinary destination for visitors.

From farm-to-table dining, food festivals, cooking schools, award-winning wineries,

44 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

agritourism trails, talented local chefs, upick farms, shrimping boat excursions and much more, Georgia is home to many noteworthy and distinctive flavors that make it a popular culinary destination.

“Culinary tourism has been on the rise over the last few years as consumers are looking for unique food and beverage experiences while traveling,” said Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner for tourism at the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Georgia offers visitors unique culinary experiences in every corner of the state, making it easy for visitors and locals to taste the many flavors of Georgia with locally grown products, award-winning local chefs, notable food festivals and much more.”

In 2012, it was estimated that tourism expenditures on food services in the United

States topped $201 billion, nearly a quarter of all travel income. That made food services the highest category of tourism spending, according to the University of Florida report: “A Flash of Culinary Tourism.”

The report also estimates that 39 million U.S. leisure travelers chose a destination based on the availability of culinary activities, while another 35 million sought out culinary activities after deciding on a destination.

Georgia Tourism created “100 Plates Locals Love” as a way to provide visitors with locally sourced suggestions, the same way people would recommend restaurants to their family and friends. Chefs and restaurants across the state have access to Georgia’s rich and flavorful bounty, enticing them to create unique dishes that showcase local produce and products.

Nearly 600 “plates” were nominated via ExploreGeorgia.org. The nominations were collected in November 2015 and evaluated by a panel of judges, who selected the 2nd annual list of “100 Plates Locals Love” featuring local favorite dishes from across the state.

The Georgia Eats culinary guide is available at the state’s 12 Visitor Information Centers across the state and on the state’s consumer tourism website ExploreGeorgia. org.

Georgia’s culinary initiative focuses on showcasing the state’s authentic experiences around the state. Georgia Tourism created a new culinary landing page on ExploreGeorgia.org/dining. Georgia’s official Culinary Explorer Jennifer Booker also shares regular blog posts via ExploreGeorgia.org. Here you will find videos, tours and more.

June 16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

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Career and Education Missie Usry

Diverse Opinions

Diversity can create more productive work environment With contributions from Dr. Aman Kay If managed well, diversity in a work environment provides benefits that will increase an organization’s success.

Bringing different cultural backgrounds into a place of

business offers a wider variety of perspectives.

This can increase productivity because the various perspectives can make for stronger problem solving within a company. Becoming diverse and understanding cultural differences is not always an easy task. While diversity can be learned through travelling or living in various parts of the world, it can also happen through education.

Often students ask why it is important to study literature. While it’s easy to understand why a teacher or English major needs to take literature, they somehow think that literature is unrelated to becoming an accountant, a nurse or a parole officer, for example.

However, Dr. Aman Kay, English department faculty member at Georgia Military College, makes the correlation in his explanation. He indicates some social philosophers have defined culture as “the spirit of a nation” while

While diversity can be learned through living in various parts of the world, it can also happen through education. some scholars have emphasized that culture is the soul and language of the body of literature.

He further points out that often, literary writers incorporate their own culture into writings, offering students a familiarity they might never otherwise get to experience in a lifetime.

Finally, he says that as our world continues to shrink and nations become closer through faster communication, the power of culture in literature becomes more apparent and significant.

We gain an understanding of culture and language through fine arts and literature, which filters into practical applications in our daily lives and at work.

Studying literature helps us to relate to those who are different.

Georgia Military College aims to prepare students for the workplace by teaching diversity, culture, and literature, creating better-rounded employees for organizations looking for the cream of the crop when they hire.

Missie Usry is Enrollment Manager, holding an MBA in Marketing, and heads up Georgia Military College’s Augusta campus Admissions department. The Admissions department is responsible for enrollment, marketing, public relations, and recruiting activities. Dr. Aman Kay is a professor in the English department at Georgia Military College. He is a published author in several languages. He is also the advisor for the student group that publishes the campus student newspaper. For questions about how to enroll in Georgia Military College’s degree programs, please call (706) 993-1123, email musry@gmc. cc.ga.us, or visit gmcaugusta.com.

Georgia Power programs promote education Georgia Power announced a significant increase in the number of students engaged in its energy learning programs throughout the 2015-2016 school year.

Nearly 100,000 students in schools across Georgia participated in the company’s inschool initiatives including Learning Power, PowerTOWN and Georgia Pre-K Week.

As part of Georgia Power’s commitment to education, the company works in classrooms and communities across the state to deliver lessons and seminars through these programs focused on energy and engineering, as well as science, technology, education and math topics.

“There is no greater investment we can make in Georgia’s future than ensuring that our students and our teachers are prepared with the basic skills and knowledge they need to be successful in key STEM areas,” said Paul Bowers, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. “Enhancing education is the responsibility of all of Georgia’s companies and we’re honored to have the

Georgia teachers through its New Teacher Assistance Grant program. Last year, the company awarded 41 new Georgia teachers with $1,000 grants to purchase classroom supplies and start their careers as pre-K, elsafety presentations have reached thousands ementary, middle and high school teachers.

Since 2004, the company has awardof students and adults. PowerTOWN uses a model town table kit to demonstrate real-life ed more than $350,000 in individual scenarios involving electricity and explain grants to more than 350 new teachhow to safely live and work around electric- ers in communities across the state.

In addition to STEM-related education proity every day.

• Dozens of Georgia Power employees grams, improving education at all levels is spotlighted literacy by reading in more than also a primary philanthropic initiative for 160 Georgia classrooms to 3,800 students Georgia Power.

In 2015, the company contributed $5.8 as part of Georgia Pre-K Week in October. The company partners with the non- million to support education initiatives profit Voices for Georgia’s Children and such as the Ron Clark Academy, Univerother leading Georgia companies to raise sity System of Georgia Foundation, Inc. and awareness of the importance of early child- Berry College, Inc. This includes company hood education through this annual event. matched employee donations to 86 instituSupporting classroom education also means tions of higher education and a $500,000 donation for Georgia Public Broadcasting’s supporting teachers.

For more than a decade, Georgia Power updated interactive in-classroom video sehas provided much-needed funds for new ries for teachers.

“Enhancing education is the responsibility of all of Georgia’s companies.” opportunity to continue to have such an impact across the state, year after year.”

Education program highlights from the recent school year include: • More than 3,200 local events in schools reaching more than 80,000 students as part of the signature Learning Power program.

Learning Power provides customized curriculum and materials at no cost to schools with education coordinators presenting STEM-related lessons highlighting energy basics such as simple circuits and energy efficiency, in addition to activities that help students understand how energy is made and distributed.

In just five years since the program began, Georgia Power has hosted more than 14,000 events reaching 380,000 Georgia students.

• Nearly 1,000 PowerTOWN electrical

New president at Aiken Tech Augusta Tech gets grant from Dollar Aiken Technical College will have a new leader starting in July.

Dr. Susan Winsor has served as president of Aiken Tech since 1999, but she announced in December that she would be retiring at the end of June.

Dr. Forest Mahan was recently named as her replacement. He will take over as president on July 1.

Mahan is currently serving as vice president for academic affairs and student ser-

46 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

vices at Northeastern Technical College in Cheraw, S.C. “I am honored to have been selected as the president,” Mahan said in a news release from Aiken Tech. “I’m excited to work with the students, faculty, staff and administrators at Aiken Technical College. I look forward to becoming an active member of the business community, and advocate for the educational and workforce needs for Aiken County.”

General to promote adult literacy The Dollar General Literacy Foundation awarded the Augusta Technical College Foundation a $4,000 grant to support adult literacy last week.

This local grant award is part of more than $7.1 million in grants awarded to more than 900 schools, nonprofits and organizations across the 43 states that Dollar General serves.

“We are so pleased to partner with the Dollar General Literacy Foundation,” said

Beverly Peltier, Director of the Augusta Technical College Foundation. “The Foundation is one of leading national industry partners in literacy in the United States.

Over the past several years, they have been a loyal supporter of our GED Scholarship Program which provides opportunities for students to take portions of the GED test based on recommendations from their instructors at no charge. Their support has changed lives.”

June16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

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Parks, green spaces create healthy cities Study finds link between parks, people’s well-being

The CSRA has a wealth of green spaces within its urban areas, and that’s a good thing, according to a new study on well being within urban areas.

Rapid expansion of cities around the world has raised concerns about deteriorating quality of life in urban areas. People often struggle to find ways to preserve health and happiness amid sometimes harsh, stress-inducing urban environments.

A new study using the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, however, suggests the path to long-term happiness may lead straight through the closest park.

Within the CSRA is the Greeneway winding through North Augusta, the Augusta Canal trail, the Lake Olmstead area, the Evans Towne Center Park and a host of smaller parks around Augusta. Even some medians, like those along Wheeler Road, have been “greened up.”

The numbers gathered by Gallup, combined with the growing body of research, suggest that parks have a unique capacity to enhance many components of well-being, such as physical health and a sense of community. The number of parks in cities is one of the best predictors of residents’ health and happiness.

In their study, researchers Lincoln Larson, Viniece Jennings and Scott Cloutier explored factors associated with residents’ well-being in 44 major cities across the United States. Key outcome variables in the study featured data from the GallupHealthways Well-Being Index, one of the most comprehensive measures of well-being in the world. The index is based on data collection in more than 150 countries, and includes five core elements: Purpose Well-Being: Liking what you do each day and being motivated to achieve

your goals.

Social Well-Being: Having strong and supportive relationships and love in your life.

Financial Well-Being: Effectively managing your economic life to reduce stress and increase security.

Community Well-Being: The sense of engagement you have with the areas where you live, liking where you live, and feeling safe and having pride in your community.

Physical Well-Being: Having good health and enough energy to get things done on a daily basis.

Each of these elements can be assessed independently or as an aggregate measure of overall well-being at multiple scales. The research team combined this city-level wellbeing data with information from the U.S. Census Bureau and a variety of other sources to analyze associations between wellbeing and other factors such as weather, topography, income and employment status.

They then integrated municipal data on park quantity, quality and accessibility provided by the Trust for Public Land. In almost every model, results pointed to the same positive relationship between urban parks and well-being.

According to 2014 data, Washington, D.C., has one of the highest percentages of parkland (22 percent) and the fifth-highest score for well-being. By contrast, Indianapolis-Carmel, Indiana, has only 5 percent parkland, and its citizens reported the lowest well-being scores among the cities included in the study. Other cities that scored high in both well-being and park coverage included Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina; San Francisco-Oakland, California; Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota; and El Paso, Texas.

It’s not just parks but every type of urban green space that matters when it comes to public health.

In another paper published earlier this year in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, several members of the research team worked with Jessica Yun of Georgetown University to synthesize a growing body of research examining links between the benefits provided by urban green space – often referred to as ecosystem services – and social determinants of health. The review focused spe-

cifically on the cultivation of health equity across diverse populations.

The study found that although parks and green space provide a number of direct and indirect health benefits, few researchers have attempted to bridge disciplinary gaps between ecosystem services and public health frameworks. By neglecting those connections, the researchers believe people are missing the opportunity to advance innovative conversations about urban health, environmental justice and sustainability.

To underscore this point, Larson, Jennings and Cloutier recently collaborated with physician Claire Larson of the University of California, San Francisco, to publish an essay in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. In the article, they urge an intentional integration of urban ecosystem services into preventive medicine, suggesting that modern public health challenges require interdisciplinary solutions that combine knowledge of human behavior and

their complex relationship with the physical environment.

They believe that physicians, urban planners and park managers could better respond to contemporary health challenges by utilizing the unique assets that urban parks and green spaces provide.

The process, they say, will require heightened investment in public parks, enhanced communication about the benefits of urban green space, and increased funding for research and training focused on relationships between ecosystem services and public health. Organizations should work together to encourage people to use parks, urban forests, trails and open spaces to improve health.

New initiatives such as Park Rx, a collaboration among public land management agencies, healthcare providers and community partners, represent prime examples of the creative thinking needed to solve persistent urban health problems.

Georgia economy good, but needs business investment Job creation in Georgia in 2015 was better in the education, health, hospitality, government and financial sectors than in the globally linked corporate, transportation, wholesale trade and manufacturing sectors, according to Rajeev Dhawan of the Economic Forecasting Center at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business.

But Dhawan expressed concern that momentum is slowing in domestic sectors in his quarterly “Forecast of Georgia and Atlanta,” released May 26.

“Consumer spending can keep the econ-

48 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

omy humming, but we need one more element to maintain a 10,000 monthly job growth at the state level,” Dhawan wrote.

“The missing ingredient is business investment, which has been very weak for the last nine months.”

National investment dropped 1.6 percent in the first quarter of 2016, driven mostly by last year’s massive decline in oil prices.

As a result, the state added 22,800 positions in the first quarter of 2016, almost half the number of jobs added in the fourth quarter in 2015.

“We also must take into account the types

of jobs being created,” Dhawan said. “In the mid-1990s the economy created one highquality tech or corporate job for every three jobs. Now, the economy creates one highquality job for approximately every four jobs.”

Thus, individual income tax growth has not been strong, he added.

This is particularly true in the Peach State, where most high-quality jobs are found in the Atlanta metro area. Due to global headwinds, the corporate sector was considerably weaker in the first quarter of 2016 than in the fourth quarter of 2015.

This slowdown in growth was seen in metro areas across the country.

However, Georgia bucked U.S. trends in manufacturing employment. Nationally, manufacturing employment grew by only 1.1 percent in 2015, compared to 3.2 percent in Georgia. The reason: Georgia produces more goods for domestic consumption, including textiles and processed foods, than states manufacturing goods for global consumption.

“Given that we didn’t share in the fracking boom, we aren’t feeling the fracking bust,” Dhawan said.

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50 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

June 16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

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Untying the knot: B2B takes collaboration

Research shows that natural growth requires partnerships An ongoing challenge for business-tobusiness companies is to achieve organic growth – that is, to get more business from existing customers. This problem is made immensely more difficult by the fact that so few B2B customers – only 29 percent – are fully engaged. The remaining are either indifferent (60 percent) or actively disengaged (11 percent).

Customers who aren’t engaged don’t look to deepen their relationships with B2Bs. There are many solutions to this problem, and Gallup has discovered that a major one is greater collaboration between B2Bs and customers.

Here’s an example: The CEO of a large consumer goods company relayed a story to Gallup executives about a sales team of which he was once a part. As a member of that team, he met with the founder and leader of a major retailer. The retail leader commented that their respective companies had a great relationship, but that it was shaped too much like a bow tie.

What did he mean? From the retail leader’s perspective, the retailer’s procurement team and the consumer goods company’s sales team were at the center of the relationship, leading the majority of the interactions between the two companies. Both teams represented two great companies that didn’t fully understand each other, so their relationship didn’t take full advantage of each other’s value chain and core competencies.

In the leader’s mind, this structure was not maximizing value for either company.

The retail executive thought that both his company’s procurement team and the consumer goods company’s sales team were too

focused on their individual objectives and compensation programs. As a result, the teams were working diligently to achieve their own metrics and personal goals, and they were missing big opportunities for shared benefits, cost savings and growth.

The retail leader’s directive was to unknot the bow tie to create a true partnership – one in which both companies were transparent about costs but allowed each other to make a profit. He also believed this partner-

executives have a true partnership with the client company’s senior leaders.

Far too often, the company and customers are economical in small matters but wasteful in large ones because individual incentives and compensation plans create barriers to openness and creativity. Before companies and customers can explore options that might increase cost in the beginning but offer joint value and savings in the long term, senior leaders of both companies

There is a fundamental understanding that each company is in business to make money. ship needed top-level leadership support, a formal business plan and a solid structure to maximize time and investment.

Traits of the Best B2B Relationships That idea of unknotting the B2B bow tie stayed with the consumer goods CEO long after he left the sales department, and it continued to inform his thinking all the way to the C-suite. His story also underpins some of the best B2B relationships Gallup has studied. These relationships show some specific traits, including: A partnership that starts at the top. In the best B2B relationships Gallup has studied, the client company knows the customer’s business and both sides take chances on new ideas, offer transparency and take a long-term view of the relationship.

But the partnerships that unknot the bow tie also have an element of “top-to-top” in them: The customer organization’s senior

must be invested in a beneficial partnership.

A willingness to take chances – on both sides. Like everything else in business, if there’s no risk, there’s no return. On the company side, risk means going first, showing value early and making an investment in the relationship before a return is apparent.

On the customer side, risk includes entering a long-term relationship that might have higher initial costs but offers much lower long-term costs and increased value over time.

Both parties involved know that unforeseeable issues can change the playing field or that key stakeholders on either side could leave. Companies that unknot the bow tie accept those risks if there is a strong probability of a high return on their investment.

A commitment to ongoing transparency. Committing to transparency means that both sides are honest about what they want to achieve, how experienced they are

in certain activities and ventures, and what costs and margin requirements they have.

When done correctly, clearly revealing intentions creates trust and allows both customers and suppliers to look for win-win opportunities.

In every partnership where this level of transparency exists, there is a fundamental understanding that each company is in business to make money and that both businesses should be allowed to earn a living.

A long-term view. Building meaningful relationships – including customer relationships – takes time. Customers often make long-term investments, linking their company to a specific supplier for a long time.

For companies, winning long-term business can be complicated and risky and can take years. Organizations that unknot the bow tie typically understand the time frame involved and recognize that the payoff on either side might not come this quarter – or even this year.

A joint, written plan that defines goals and expectations. For partnerships to succeed, they need a formal, joint business plan that details each company’s role and responsibilities. These plans specifically describe what each company hopes to gain from the relationship, how long this will take and what expectations exist on each side. Both businesses meet regularly and often as a cross-functional team, allowing team members to share their diverse opinions. This cross-functional team includes executive sponsors, functional managers and day-to-day relationship participants.

From Gallup.com

State economist doubts interest rate hike in 2016

Despite media reports hinting at a June rate hike after the Federal Reserve’s May meeting, expect Janet Yellen and company to wait until March 2017 for an interest rate increase, according to Rajeev Dhawan of the Economic Forecasting Center at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business.

“The Federal Open Market Committee dot charts are of interest to the press for their noise potential,” Dhawan wrote in his quarterly “Forecast of the Nation,” released May 26. “These are submitted weeks in advance of the meeting and as such are purely opinions and not policy projections, resulting in confusion.”

Dhawan points to comments in the April FOMC that contradict the idea of a June rate hike.

“The FOMC said consumer sentiment was high, which is true, but it has been moderating since last fall,” Dhawan said.

Combined with extreme volatility in the stock market and the political uncertainty surrounding the presidential primaries

52 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

and upcoming elections, “the momentum indicator for confidence is not up, but down.”

The FOMC also pointed to household income gains as a positive, but Dhawan argues that although gains are solid compared to the Great Recession, they are still half the size of those before the downturn. Deep discounts from automakers have encouraged a dramatic increase in vehicle sales since 2014.

“This is bad news for shopping malls and retail centers,” the forecaster said, “because consumers are scrimping on discretionary spending to service their auto loans in the face of less than stellar income gains.”

As apartment building mania cools, housing demand has, also. Already a historically subpar recovery, lack of demand for and availability of affordable housing suggests waning momentum for the potential of a June rate hike.

But the key, Dhawan said, is weak business investment for the past nine months.

“Presidential election rhetoric creates un-

Household income gains ... are solid, (but) they are still half the size of those before the downturn. certainty that holds back investors,” he said, “plus the damage from last year’s falling oil prices on equipment investment is showing up in growth.”

Thus, 2016 job growth will be weaker than that of 2015, he said.

Resources released by falling oil prices were funneled into sectors more dependent on consumer demand.

“As online retail sales have grown at a blistering pace, so has the need for warehouses, truck drivers and cardboard,” Dhawan wrote. “The issue here will be the strength of future consumer demand, which is a function not only of prices but also of ability to buy, also known as today’s job growth, which hinges on prior investment.”

Highlights from the Economic Forecasting Center’s National Report • Real gross domestic product will expand 1.5 percent in 2016, 2.5 percent in 2017 and 2.4 percent in 2018 • Business investment will drop 0.9 percent in 2016, rebound to 4.9 percent growth in 2017 and 5.7 percent in 2018. Jobs will grow at a monthly rate of 180,000 in 2016, 193,000 in 2017 and soften to 169,000 in 2018.

• Housing starts will rise from 1.154 million units in 2016 to 1.297 in 2018. Auto sales will slowly drop from 16.8 million units in 2016 to 16.3 in 2018.

• The 10-year bond rate will rise to 2.3 percent by the end of 2016, 2.8 percent in 2017 and 3.4 percent in 2018.

June 16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

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AT&T enhances internet capabilities in Richmond County AT&T has enhanced high-speed connectivity for businesses and residents in Richmond County through its 4G network.

Richmond is one of 240 counties AT&T has worked in already in 2016.

“With the increased interest in connected cars, connected homes and the Internet of Things, we know demand for high-speed Internet is only going to grow,” said Bill Leahy, president of AT&T Georgia. “To continue to meet those demands, we are making robust investments in our advanced fiber-based networks across the state to help more residents take full advantage of the latest services and tools that are available.”

54 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

“Georgia’s fiber-optic infrastructure is important to our economic development efforts as we maintain our status as a hub for technology and innovation,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Chris Carr. “AT&T’s commitment to Georgia is evident in their continued investment to expand their network to provide our businesses and residents with enhanced connectivity.”

AT&T invested more than $100 million in the Augusta area wireless and wired networks during 2013-2015. These investments drive upgrades to enhance reliability, coverage, speed and overall performance for

AT&T invested more than $100 million during 2013-2015. residents and businesses.They also enhance critical services that support public safety and first responders.

“As a result of our pro-growth, pro-jobs climate and our highly-skilled workforce, Georgia has cemented its reputation as a top place in which to do business,” Georgia Governor Nathan Deal said. “Companies

like AT&T, a leader in thoughtful innovation, are crucial to this effort. By making ongoing investments in an already reliable network, AT&T is helping provide Georgians and businesses the tools they need to compete and thrive.”

Leahy said the company is committed to providing its customers fast, reliable, highly secure connectivity.

“We want them to be able to access the Internet at any moment, from almost any device and anywhere,” Leahy said. “Our continued investment in the Augusta area and the state of Georgia brings a host of new, innovative opportunities for residents and businesses.”

June 16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

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Business Lunch Review Big Daddy’s Southern Grill Susan O’Keefe

Big Food, Big Service Customer care adds to dining experience at Big Daddy’s

It was a sunny, nearly summer day in Augusta and Big Daddy’s was calling our name. On my first visit, I almost expected the greeter to call me by name because he was extremely friendly with an affable smile that made guests feel right at home.

Just off Jimmy Dyess Parkway near the I-20 interchange sits a majestic sign amidst a few retail stores. It’s clear that Big Daddy is the big man on the strip. He’s the anchor.

He’s the go-to-guy.

After following Big Daddy to our seats in a well-kept, spacious booth, my colleague and I were quickly welcomed by our server. She returned with our drink orders even before we had time to decide on our entrees. She didn’t rush us, but instead let us know she was ready to serve us at our convenience. As far as grading customer service, Big Dad-

Big Daddy’s Southern Grill is located at 4045 Jimmy Dyess Parkway in Augusta. Check out their hours and menu at bigdaddysaugusta.com. dy’s gets a big red A-plus!

Priding itself on hickory smoked barbecue, Big Daddy’s has the hardware to back its claims. Decorating shelves and adorning walls are plaques, trophies and blue ribbons from barbecue contests all over the region. The menu sports everything from BLTs to chicken salad plus marinated pork loin and blackened catfish. Juicy steaks, baby-back ribs and patty melts also have a place on the ample selection list.

Several service men and women dined at Big Daddy’s that day. Business folks also occupied several tables. A few men were seated in the roomy banquet area which would easily accommodate a couple of dozen folks for a large lunch meeting. From my experience, it seems the staff would adjust tables and chairs as needed.

Once our order was delivered, we dove into the slider sampler platter.

That included one barbecue pulled pork slider, a barbecue chicken slider, and one cheeseburger. All were served on a toasty buttery bun. Our group decided that the barbecue sauce was spot on with just enough tang to make us want more, but not so much that we had to grab the fire hose.

The warm multi-colored nachos were smothered with melted cheese. Again, there was more than enough to satisfy our lunch appetites and even a few chips for the take home box.

With a solid patron base at the Jimmy Dyess location, Big Daddy’s is branching out and opening a similar restau-

rant in Martinez. It will be carry-out only but offer much of the same Southern cuisine. The new location will be on Evans to Locks Road.

Our $20 bill plus tip seemed like a fair price for a filling lunch that delivered enough to justify leftovers. While a few TVs played news shows in the bar area, there was a quieter atmosphere in the dining area. A couple of avid tennis fans walked in requesting to change the channel to a tennis tournament being aired. The server was happy to meet that request and the couple sat down to dine in the bar.

With that kind of customer service, Big Daddy’s is sure to be tops in more than just barbecue!

New app helps patrons avoid long lines at Chick-fil-A If you’ve ever spent most of your lunch hour stuck in one of the long drive thru lanes at Chick-fil-A in the Augusta Exchange or Mullins Crossing, there’s now an app for that.

Chick-fil-A launched Chick-fil-A One, a mobile app designed to give customers more choices to better meet their needs, including the ability to customize their meal, order and pay in advance and skip the line at the register, speeding up the process of waiting at the counter or drive-thru.

According to a recent survey commis-

sioned by Chick-fil-A, 82 percent of millennial parents say they would do almost anything to avoid long lines at fast food restaurants when they are with their children. In fact, nearly half (48 percent) said they would rather not eat at all than stand in a line.

Until July 31, every mobile order placed on the new app for pick up at participating Chick-fil-A restaurants yields a $1 donation to Golden Harvest Food Bank.

“Chick-fil-A has a long-standing history of investing in the local community and giv-

ing back,” said Jon Dawkins, Owner/Operator of the North Augusta Chick-fil- A. “We appreciate that Golden Harvest shares that same commitment to the CSRA and we are proud to partner with them. I believe our customers will exceed expectations in support of this campaign.”

Chick-fil-A One, which replaces the restaurant chain’s previous app, features a unique membership program that will surprise customers with their favorite food for free, based on their preferences and previous orders. As users order or purchase

through Chick-fil-A One, they get closer to their next free offering and can track their progress in the app.

Any customer who downloads (or updates) the free app and creates a Chick-filA One account between now and June 11 will receive an offer for a free Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich or Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Once the offer is claimed, guests will have until June 30 to redeem their free sandwich.

Chick-fil-A One is available via the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Georgia Restaurant Week highlights state’s great food and diners The Georgia Restaurant Association and the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourism Division have partnered together once again to create the second annual Georgia Restaurant Week.

This seven day culinary event is aimed at increasing awareness about Georgia’s culinary scene and highlighting the state’s unique and varied dining options.

Georgia Restaurant Week will take place July 18-24, 2016 at participating restaurants throughout Georgia. During this week-long event, consumers, both local and from out of state, can explore the numerous dining

56 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

options throughout the state for lunch and dinner for a set price and experience the local Georgia products that are available in Georgia’s restaurants. This event is sponsored by Flavors Magazine and Split and is done in partnership with OpenTable. Georgia Restaurant Week will display Georgia’s restaurants to patrons and attract new visitors through culinary tourism.

“We are very excited to bring back Georgia Restaurant Week for a second year and continue our partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development,” said Karen Bremer, CEO of the Georgia

Restaurant Association. “Georgia has over 17,000 foodservice establishments, and we want to continue showcasing our restaurants to locals and visitors. Our goal is to create awareness about our industry and the Georgia Restaurant Association, but we also just want visitors to have fun and experience the different styles and menu choices we have available in our state.”

“Georgia’s cities, towns and back roads are filled with authentic restaurants that feature our locally-grown products from every region of the state, and Georgia Restaurant Week is the chance for hundreds of partici-

pating restaurants to showcase their culinary achievements,” said Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner of tourism at the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “From fine dining to casual eats, restaurants across the state are serving up their best menu items, special promotions and discounts.”

Leading up to the event, patrons will be able to view menu options, price details and make reservations online. Additionally, guests and participating restaurants can stay engaged and share their experiences via social media using the hashtag #GARestaurantWeek.

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58 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

Active Climbing helps Augustans scale heights

By Kelsey Morrow Have you ever felt like climbing the walls?

Well, now you can!

Active Climbing, the CSRA’s first rock climbing facility, officially opened May 13 in Grovetown.

Active Climbing is the second climbing facility owned by Adrian Prelipceanu, winner of several mountaineering competitions in his native Romania. Prelipceanu’s original climbing location opened in Athens in 2009, and ever since then he has had his eye on Augusta.

“He has wanted to open a gym in Augusta for five years,” Nicole Millsaps, co-manager of the Augusta Active Climbing, said.

“There’s nothing like it anywhere nearby. He wanted to bring the sport to this area.”

Located at 643 S. Old Belair Road, the 18,000-square-foot facility is three times the size of the Athens location and has been fully renovated and personally customized

by Prelipceanu and his crew.

Active Climbing provides a variety of memberships for local rock climbers, including day passes, punch cards for up to 10 visits and full memberships. There is also a gear rental option, and a variety of classes in which climbers can participate.

One of the most popular classes is the lead climbing class. Lead climbing is a climbing technique which does not call for the top rope typically associated with a climbing wall and more closely mimics outdoor rock climbing. In the $60 lead climbing course, climbers attend a two-hour class once a week for two weeks, and afterwards

have the option to take a proficiency test.

“After class is over,” Millsaps explained, “course participants can take a test, and if you pass, you can lead climb inside of our facility.”

A particularly unique feature of the Augusta Active Climbing location is an obstacle course based on the popular television program American Ninja Warrior. After a quick introduction course, participants can then try their hand at obstacles similar to what the contestants face on the show, including the warped wall, cliff hanger, jumping spider and the 25-foot-tall salmon ladder.

For their younger climbers, this August Active Climbing will be starting a climbing team for children in the middle school and high school age range. Team members will receive instruction in the climbing center, similar to other sports team’s afterschool practices, and will have the opportunity to participate in competitions.

“Last year two of the children from the Athens team made it to Nationals,” Millsaps said. “If children are interested in climbing and willing to work at it, they can go far.”

Although Active Climbing Augusta has only been open for a short time, they have already seen a positive response from the local community.

“We have received a lot of support from the local community,” Millsaps said. “Many volunteers offered assistance with painting to building to helping get the facility ready to open. We are very appreciative of all their help.”

North Augusta pooches get their own barking space

By Kelsey Morrow North Augusta pooches – and their owners – will soon have a new place to socialize.

Leadership North Augusta’s 2016 class of graduates is currently raising funds to establish Bark Park, the city’s first dog park.

“We recognized a need and decided that it would make a great amenity for the city,” Mary Anne Bigger, executive director of North Augusta Forward and Leadership North Augusta 2016 graduate, said. “North Augusta doesn’t have anywhere to take dogs off leash, and we get requests and questions about that all the time.”

The benefits of the dog park reach beyond actual dog owners.

“Off-leash play benefits all members of the community,” Bigger said. “Dogs who are exercised regularly are better neighbors. They are quieter, better behaved and are friendlier with both people and other dogs.”

The location of this new park will also be beneficial for local businesses.

The park will be located behind the police station off of Buena Vista Avenue. This location was chosen because it

will provide pet parents easy access to both the North Augusta Greeneway and to businesses downtown.

“Working with the city has been great,” Bigger said. “And we have received a lot of support from local businesses.”

The project is currently being driven by the 11 graduates of 2016 Leadership North Augusta, who make up the project’s first Board of Directors. They have also formed a Friends of Bark Park organization, similar to the Friends of the Greeneway, that will be holding public meetings and discussing ideas for future fundraisers and events Bark Park is hoping to be open this fall, but this will depend on both the city’s timeline and the group’s ability to raise funds and materials for the park.

All donations are tax deductible, and various levels of sponsorship are available.

For more information on how to donate or volunteer, visit www.gofundme.com/NAbarkpark or contact Mary Anne Bigger at the North Augusta Forward office at 803-510-0011.

June 16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

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Good Spirits Ben Casella

Monk Business

Breweries have a long history with Trappist monks Beer: the new wine, the nectar of the barley, the honey of the hops, the oat soda, the hops scotch, the liquid inspiration.

Whatever you choose to call it, beer has been woven into the fabric of modern humanity like few other aspects of our paradigm. From the 4,000-year-old Sumerian poem honoring Ninkasi, the goddess of brewing, to the iconic red solo cup that goes hand-in-hand with tailgating, beer is one of a few ties that bind the flow of humankind.

With that said, many people think of Trappist monks brewing ales when they think of the earliest brewers.

However, monasteries have been brewing their own beer since around the Middle Ages. Today, 11 Trappist breweries are actively brewing beer.

Chimay and Rochefort from Belgium are arguably the

Screening Room Samantha Taylor

Cops and Robbers Reviewer finds two movies suprisingly good views If you’ve been reading my reviews for a while, you know I like to watch movies that make me laugh. As far as I’m concerned, there’s enough drama in the world and I don’t need to bum myself out by watching sad stories.

I do, however, realize that some people love a good drama, action or thriller. It was with those people in mind that I stepped out of my comfort zone. This month, I decided to step into the world of cops and robbers. Tread carefully, appearances can be deceiving.

60 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

most well-known in America. Mention of either of these breweries likely induces thoughts of high gravity malty ales served in chalices, and, frankly, they should. However, Trappist beers just about span the spectrum of gravity and taste.

Here are two examples of such brews which I find to be interesting (and tasty) examples of the craft.

Dorée – At an ABV of 4.8% this Belgian pale ale from Chimay may not sound like the most complex and sophisticated ale in the world, but it has so much more to offer than other relatively low-alcohol brews.

Malts and yeast are apparent on the nose. As you sip, floral and sweet notes combine with the malty aroma to yield a flavor that gives hints of bread and citrus at the same time.

The middle of the tongue, however, stays significant throughout, culminating in a rich and complete flavor that will have you swearing you’re drinking a beer that’s at least 6% ABV. Well done, Chimay!

Trappistes Rochefort 6 – Ok. So, it’s 7.5% ABV, but it’s a Dubbel. So, that’s actually not that high (OK, maybe it is).

The Rochefort 10 is 11.3% (and, it’s excellent), but the 6 is a bit more, shall we say, user-friendly if you’ve never experienced a Trappist ale.

It pours a hazy dark gold (almost

orange) with a good amount of ivory head that thins nicely. Dark fruit and malts dominate the nose, and the fruits translate nicely onto the tongue with a spicy savor followed by a malty and yeasty finish that reminds you of the craft of beer you’re imbibing but doesn’t weigh you down too much (well, not the first one, at least).

Note: Be careful when calling your beer “Trappist,” as there have been lawsuits filed on the part of monasteries over what can and cannot be called a

Trappist beer. Who knew monks could be so cut-throat (maybe it’s the beer talking).

Badge of Honor It was pretty late when I started this movie, around midnight. I figured I would fall asleep quickly and just have to start it over the next day. I was wrong.

Badge of Honor begins with two officers responding to a domestic violence call. I can’t go into too much detail (you need to experience this scene the way I did – utterly surprised) but things go south in a hurry. The first five minutes of this film had me sitting straight up, wide awake, and peeking through my fingers as I covered my eyes. Needless to say, I did not fall asleep.

The story picks up a few years later, with two new officers busting up a big drug deal. Once again, things go south and the officers find themselves chasing the criminals through an apartment building. As fate would have it, a teenager is leaving a party at the same time. Shots are fired, and the kid gets caught in the crossfire.

Most times I can predict what’s going to happen next in films like this.

Badge of Honor had me fooled. There are storylines within storylines, and a twist that I truly did not see coming.

Although it isn’t my first choice as far as genre is concerned, I highly recom-

mend this movie. Trust me, it’s worth your time.

Brick Mansions I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned this, but I love Kung-Fu films. Bad dubbing and ridiculous plots are just part of the charm. Knowing this, imagine the smile that spread across my face when I realized that Brick Mansions was a hyped-up, modern day Kung-Fu film.

Yes, I was a happy camper.

First off, you should know that there is absolutely nothing realistic about this film. Everything is completely over the top. Also, there are countless plot holes.

All that said, I loved every second of this movie.

Picture this, Detroit, Mich., is under martial law. Authorities are able to get most of the city under control, with the exception of Brick Mansions, a housing project in the middle of town. Rather than continue the battle, barricades are set up around the project, and the people inside live in an urban version of the Wild West.

Every story needs a hero, and Lino is it for Brick Mansions. His goal is to put an end to the drug trade, and he plans to accomplish this by stealing massive quantities of drugs from the dealers.

Never mind how Lino gets 20 kilos of

cocaine (why would that need to be included in the story?), just know that our film starts with the dealers coming to get it while he is putting it down the bathtub.

It wasn’t until Lino knocked his own door down and fought off seven dealers that I realized I was watching modern day Kung-Fu. The next thing I knew, he was jumping off rooftops, busting through windows and dodging bullets, all of which put a huge smile on my face.

Let me be the first to admit that Brick Mansions is one of the most ridiculous movies I’ve ever seen. You know what, though? I’m okay with that. They didn’t just go a little over the top, they went all the way.

As far as I’m concerned, movies can only be bad if they’re trying to be something they’re not. The makers of Brick Mansions knew what they were making, and they owned it. What resulted was pure entertainment. Check it out; you will not be disappointed.

Ben Casella is especially excited about River Watch Brewery and hopes the government gets its act together in not hindering the attraction of craft beer tourism. Georgia is poised as the next big thing in craft beer, and brewers are succeeding in spite of antiquated laws regarding onpremise consumption. Let’s take it to the next level and be better than Colorado and Vermont combined!

Samantha Taylor “Sam the Movie Chick” is on a mission to find the best movies and TV shows for you to stream from Netflix. She loves good flicks, good food and good friends. Her eclectic tastes are sure to give readers a wide range of viewing choices.

June16—July 20, 2016 Buzz on Biz

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Humor Nora Blithe

Retail Rude

Customer shows lack of love for barista’s plight “How’s the new job going?” I asked my friend Jennifer.

She was recently forced to take a dramatic step back in her career. Though she had years of experience and education, a bad economy meant the only job she could find was part time work at a coffee shop.

She groaned. “I forgot how rude people can be.”

“What do you mean? You deal with rude people every day,” I replied.

“Yeah but there’s rude and then there’s retail rude,” she explained.

I didn’t follow. “Retail rude?”

“Retail rude,” she repeated. “It’s when little, powerless people feel justified dumping on someone they view as

62 Buzz on Biz June 16—July 20, 2016

beneath them, someone who works in retail.”

“Okay,” I said slowly. “I’m not sure I follow.”

“I’ll explain,” she said. “Imagine a guy, we’ll call him Jack. Jack gets up in the morning and his wife yells at him.

Jack goes to work and his boss yells at him. Jack hates his home life. Jack hates his job. Jack doesn’t even like his dog very much, so Jack looks for an escape.

Jack finds it in an 850-calorie drink called white chocolate mocha. Jack comes to my store to buy the happiness his life lacks. But there’s a problem.”

“Uh oh,” I said.

“Uh oh is right. Our delivery truck didn’t come, and we have no white chocolate syrup. I politely explain this to Jack and suggest another drink instead. Jack, who has no control over his life, decides to claim authority over white chocolate.”

“You mean he yells at you.”

“Boy does he. He screamed at me over a coffee drink. It would have been funny if it wasn’t so rude. It was as if I woke up that morning and thought to myself, ‘A stranger named Jack is going to come into the shop today. How can I ruin his life?

I know! I’ll hijack the delivery truck and steal all the white chocolate.’”

She laughed diabolically.

“You sound like a cartoon villain,” I laughed.

“Jack should have thanked me for saving him all those empty calories.”

I glanced guiltily at the donut on the plate next to the phone. I slid it away.

“The sad part is that when I was the head of a company there were real things that went wrong. No one, absolutely no one, spoke to me that way even though they might have been justified. It just goes to show, we live in a society where we think it’s ok to dump on people at the bottom.”

“Well, the perceived bottom,” I interjected. “Jack looked at you and he saw a barista. He doesn’t know that you were

the head of a company, or that you will be again as soon as you find another job.”

Now she gave a real diabolical laugh, “Jack better hope that when I’m the head of a company again it isn’t the one he works at.”

Yikes, I thought. If anyone who worked for Jennifer was “retail rude,” absent white chocolate would be the least of their problems!

Nora Blithe is an Augusta native, an entrepreneur and a syndicated humor columnist.

She lives in Greenville, S.C., with her husband, Brian, and their pets. To read more of her work, get news and information, visitNoraBlithe.com

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64 Buzz on Biz June16—July 20, 2016