JULY 21—AUGUST 30, 2016 • THE CSRA’S MONTHLY BUSINESS MAGAZINE
DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA SAFETY PLANS
POLICE LOOK AT ADDING PRECINCT NEAR SHOOTING SITE BY KELSEY MORROW
Despite the Fourth of July shooting, downtown Augusta is still thriving, and soon may be safer than ever before. On the night of July 4, a suspect fired a gun into a crowd located on the patio of the Unisys building. A bystander with a concealed carry permit pulled out his own weapon, and another bystander managed to tackle the shooter to the ground and wrestle his weapon away from him. “It’s unfortunate,” Christie Westbrook, Manager of Beamies at the River said of the July 4 events. “They are working to revitalize downtown, and this was a tragedy.” Although there were no fatalities, this shooting has drawn renewed interest to the idea of having a police presence downtown. According to Patrick Clayton, Chief Deputy of Operations at the Augusta Richmond County Sheriff ’s Office, negotiations to place a new police precinct
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On a recent Friday night, people of all ages safely walked the streets of downtown Augusta. Photo by Gary Kauffman
If you look at the facts, Augusta is one of the safest cities around.
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in a portion of the building currently occupied by Unisys have been going on for about a year.
However, the recent shooting incident, ironically in the exact area where the precinct will be located, has sped up the process. A committee met to discuss this new precinct recently, and according to Clayton, the issue of funding will likely come to a vote within the next few weeks. “This event, like all major events,” Clayton said, “has caused us to reevaluate our security plans. We are coming up with security enhancements for major events downtown in the future.”
If the precinct is funded, Clayton said it would be called the Downtown Business precinct. It would cover two zones with 25 police deputies. Clayton said that the reason this event has drawn so much attention is that it is out of the ordinary, and that this one-off event does not mean that people should avoid the downtown area. On the contrary, looking at how well area businesses handled themselves the night of the See DOWNTOWN, page 2
OVERTIME LAW CHANGE CONCERNS LOCAL BUSINESSES BY GARY KAUFFMAN
A federal law that’s nearly 80 years old has garnered a lot of attention in the past few months because of three changes that will affect most businesses before the end of the year. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) was enacted in 1938, and since then has governed the areas of minimum wage and overtime, child labor, payment methods and recordkeeping. Jeri Farley, HR Compliance Advisor for ACHS Insurance in Augusta, called the FLSA a “law of exceptions.” Most employers and employees fall under the rule of the FLSA. “The majority of the law hasn’t changed,” Farley told members of the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce Friday morning. “Only three items in the law have changed.”
But it is that trio of changes that have companies across the country scrambling to understand them and then prepare to be in compliance with them. Those changes affect overtime pay for salaried employees, and how employees are classified to determine if they should be eligible for overtime pay. “This can have a major impact on small businesses depending on their categories of employees and their compensation structure,” said Paul Wade, a partner in SME CPAs in Augusta. “Companies should work with their labor attorney and CPA prior to December 1, 2016 to determine the possible impact on their business and what steps can be done to mitigate it.” The FLSA has always required that See OVERTIME LAW, page 10
HOW THE CHANGE COULD AFFECT A BUSINESS
How might the new overtime law that goes into effect Dec. 1 play out in real life? Here’s a possible scenario. Sam is a manager at an office supply store. His managerial duties include scheduling employees, supervising them, keeping track of time cards and recording the day’s receipts. Like most managers, though, Sam also fills in when employees are absent or the store is busy. He may run the cash register, stock shelves or help with clean-up duties. He averages about 50 hours a week and earns a salary of $40,000. Under current rules, Sam is not eligible for any extra pay for the 10 extra hours he works per week. But under the new rule those hour would qualify as overtime, and he would
be paid accordingly. This could result in perhaps $15,000 more per year. His employer has several options: • Move Sam to a straight hourly pay rate, which will make him eligible for overtime • Adjust Sam’s salary so that it is at least $47,476. This will also require making sure that 50 percent or more of his duties are managerial, which are exempt from overtime pay. If he works more than 50 percent of his time on the cash register or stocking shelves, which are non-exempt, he could still qualify for overtime. • Adjust his pay and/or give him a bonus. Up to 10 percent of his final salary of at least $47,476 can come from bonus payments. • Keep his salary at $40,000 but adjust his hours so that he is working no more than 40 hours per week.
DOWNTOWN continued from page 1 shooting inspires renewed confidence in downtown Augusta’s ability to handle such a crisis. “We called a police officer to walk people out on the night of the event because it was literally right in our backyard,” Westbrook explained. “And we’ve talked about making sure that we have a police officer available at events, particularly holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, the Fourth of July, etc. in the future.” Rafael Gonzales, General Manager of the Boll Weevil Cafe and Sweetery, expressed similar views. “We will definitely be more cautious of things going on downtown,” Gonzalez said. “But we still have our loyal customers that have been coming here for years and years, and that won’t change.” Clayton emphasized that events like what occurred on July 4 are not normal occurrences in the downtown area. “If you look at the facts, Augusta is one of the safest cities around,” Clayton said. “We need to keep in mind that this event was an aberration.” Downtown business owners echo Clayton’s words. “The police officers downtown are so good at keeping the streets safe,” Sandra Sanders, owner of Purely Painted Market on Broad Street, said. “Their presence is known and respected here. They are always asking businesses if we have any problems, and they help us when we need them.” It is a well-known phenomenon that residents of other areas from the CSRA tend to avoid the downtown area due to inaccurate or outdated misconceptions about safety. In reality, downtown Augusta is actually a thriving portion of the city with much to offer its visitors. “The creativity and culture down here is unlike anywhere else.” Brent Slagle, owner of Flowers on Broad said. “The downtown experience in itself is worth a trip down here.” In addition to the unique culture, downtown Augusta also provides refreshment offerings unlike anywhere else in the CSRA. “Downtown Augusta provides some unique businesses that you won’t find anywhere else: Retail, restaurants, and bars,” Matt Flynn, co-owner of Stillwater Taproom said. “It has a unique environment all its own.” Anthony Harley, General Manager of the downtown Augusta location of Mellow Mushroom agrees. “We have a variety of restaurants and people in this area.” Harley said. “It makes it a great atmosphere with a lot of great food to choose from.”
2 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 30, 2016
POKEMAN FAD BRINGS GAMERS TO DOWNTOWN A new gaming phenomenon could be beneficial for downtown businesses. The Pokemon Go app, released in the United States on July 6, challenges players to search their neighborhoods for Japanese cartoon characters known as pocket monsters, or Pokemon. In order to make their character move within the game world, players must move themselves. This encour-
A Pokemon character “photographed” along the Augusta Canal. Photo courtesy of Augusta Canal Twitter
ages players to get out and explore areas of their towns that they might not have had a reason to visit before. Various areas around town have special designated hotspots where players can replenish their supplies or catch rare Pokemon. In the Augusta area, the vast majority of these hotspots occur in the downtown area. Since the launch of the app, groups of people have been spotted wandering the downtown area in search of Pokemon – people who may not have been frequent downtown visitors before the app’s launch. Once these players are downtown, it is more likely that they will take advantage of the wide variety of businesses located downtown, which is great news not only for these businesses, but for the local economy as well.
SOMETHING DIFFERENT
CHANGES, NEW PROGRAMS KEEP BUZZ ON BIZ GROWING NEIL GORDON Ever walked into a room and said to yourself, “I know something is different, but I can’t put my finger on it.” It’s a bit like that with this edition of the Buzz on Biz. Anything look different to you? Our great stable of unique columnists are still in the issue, along with our Buzz Bits, and New/Closing Businesses. But the format we present them in is different. Our Editor in Chief Gary Kauffman redesigned it to give it a “magazine” style, full of pull-out quotes, sidebars and a sleeker look. We hope it’ll make your reading experience more enjoyable. Also changing this month is our advertising team. We welcome Jessica Jones to the team in a sales and marketing position. As we know from our coverage of other companies, sometimes there are “comings with goings.” Tiffany Stone is moving on to bigger and better things and we know she’ll do well. And a special thanks to Janine Garropy, who’s been our loyal sales/distribution/proofreader/management type for more than two years.
Features
Prison Break..................... 4 SCORE helps inmates develop business plans to create new destiny after release.
She also made a 1-1/2-hour round trip commute each day from her home. This “jack of all trades, master of many” will now have a 10-minute commute to the National Wildlife Turkey Federation for her new role in sponsorship sales. God speed and blessings. Did you know there is a group of re-
“sparkle” for many years – Sparkle Express Car Wash owner Gary Richardson. On pages 22 and 23, you’ll discover some new businesses in the area, including a new cafe and new ownership of a respected bakery. On page 46, Chris Kane looks into a wellness company developing a new con-
Our great stable of unique columnists are still in the issue, along with our Buzz Bits, and New/Closing Businesses. tired and active business owners helping CSRA prisoners become business owners? Read “Prison Break” on Page 4. On page 6, yours truly attended a MO-N-E-Y conference in mid-July. It covered two critical needs for many CSRA businesses – cash flow crunches and getting government contracts. You’ll also find information about a similar local company in Kim Romaner’s article on page 8. On page 20, you’ll learn about the background of a man who has made the CSRA
cept for area companies and employees. On page 54, our foodie Susan O’Keefe takes a bite out of one of North Augusta’s fairly new restaurants. Lastly, there is some news regarding the Buzz on Biz: • For the first time, we are sponsoring a financial lunch and learn event. Information is posted on page 8. Hurry and sign up like I did. Scott Chapman will lead the Financial Freedom Bootcamp and I, for one, am interested in learning how to create tax-free money, with limited risk, and
B2B Expo will help businesses help each other be better.
Fat Fighters.................... 46
Richmond County awards millions of dollars locally
Area businesses help people fight the battle against obesity.
Buzz Bits....................12,13
Common Ground........... 54
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.
Millennials think differently, but often align themselves with Baby Boomers.
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.
Email program keeps businesses in contact with customers.
Fixing Problems............. 57
Business Events............ 38
Flack Chiropractic of Augusta strives to make a difference in Montana.
Publisher Neil R. Gordon Editor in Chief Gary Kauffman/803-341-5830 Sales Neil R. Gordon/706-589-6727 neil.gordon@buzzon.biz; Jessica Jones/762-218-0239 jessica.jones@buzzon.biz Design Gary Kauffman Photography Gary Kauffman, Melissa Gordon Writers Amanda King, Kelsey Morrow, Chris Kane Calendar Coordinator Kelsey Morrow kelsey.morrow@buzzon.biz Distribution Jessica Jones, Kenneth Brown
Keeping Clean................. 20 Gary Richardson of Sparkle Express Car Wash is Businessperson of the Month.
Business Briefs..........22,23 N. Augusta Chamber..... 34
Two canal bridges, I-20 bridges are scheduled for repairs, updates.
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.
Security Alert................. 18 B2B Expo........................ 52
No business is too small to avoid a cyber threat.
Government Contracts.... 6
Bridge Work................... 16
plenty of access without penalty. See you there for the workshop and lunch. • Also for the first time, we are coordinating a Business-To-Business Expo that will be held at the new Foundry at Rae’s Creek. It’s the perfect backdrop for what will be a first-class event. The B2B Expo is an opportunity to take steps to improve our businesses and learn about new products and services in the market. My story and our line-up of sponsors begins on page 42. • Next month I’ll have even more buzz on the Buzz on Biz. A proper hint would be “here we grow again.”
Columnists Kim Romaner: Poor Cash Flow Stymies Businesses’ Attempts to Grow............. 8 Eddie Kennedy: Succeeding at Athletics or Business Requires Lots of Grit...10 Mark Alison: A Good Tag Line Brings Your Company to Customers’ Minds....14 Scott Thurmond: People Should Imitate Barbara’s Copy Practices...................18 Gary Kauffman: Keep an Eye on Trends to Prevent Costly Reactive Steps.....24 Mike Herrington: Reverse Home Mortgage Works for Some..............................24 Charles Kelly: Used Computers Retain Some Value as Trade-In Items.............26 Kelsey Morrow: #You’re Never Too Old to Learn to Use Social Media..............28 Melonie Holmes: Gmail has Many Applications Beyond Sending Emails.......28 Kevin Wade: An Information Breach Can Put You on the Wall of Shame........30 Dagan Sharpe: True Success is Found in How Much We Pass on to Others...30 Jame Geathers: Action Needed to Avoid, Overcome Work Place Conflicts....32 Christine Hall: Taxes Have Different Effects on Mutual Fund Investors............32
Steve Swanson: Many Ideas, but What Really is the Secret of Success?..........36 Russell Head: Complex Affordable Care Act Still Confuses Employers............40 Justin Anderson: Patience is Key when Making Real Estate Investments.......40 Carol Gignoux: Creating Habits Key to Making Most of Innovator Mind........48 Carolyn Ramp: Stressful Situations Affect Mental and Physical Health...........50 Sarah Blake: Divorce Means Dividing Up the Good, the Bad and the Ugly....50 Susan O’Keefe: The Larder has Relaxing Vibe but Food Could Use Help.........52 Ben Casella: Visit to Boston Leads to Good Beers – and Lobster........................58 Samantha Taylor: Netflix Documentaries Combine Relaxtion and Learning.58 Dianne Brady: When Caring for Others, Take Time to Care for Yourself...........59 Barry Paschal: Elevation to Grandfather Status Adds Responsibility................60 Nora Blithe: Owning a Business Brings Personal Improvement.........................62
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. Like us on Facebook @ facebook.com/buzz-on-biz 3740 Executive Center Drive, #300 Martinez, GA 30907
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
3
PRISON BREAK
SCORE HELPS INMATES DEVELOP BUSINESS PLANS TO CREATE NEW DESTINY AFTER RELEASE BY GARY KAUFFMAN Finding a job after a stint in prison can be tough. But SCORE offers a solution for the incarcerated – starting their own business. “Being a convicted felon, you’re not on anybody’s job list of who they want to hire,” said Kevin McCarthy, chair of the Aiken County SCORE chapter. “One answer is to start their own business.” SCORE is now involved in its second workshop at the Federal Correctional Institution in Edgefield, helping inmates develop viable business plans that they can implement when they’re released. The first workshop was a success, with 40 of 51 inmates presenting viable business plans. “I was blown away with not only the number of business plans but by the quality of the work,” McCarthy said. Some of the types of businesses the inmates hoped to get into when they’re released are nonprofits to offer guidance to people like themselves, culinary ventures, computer gaming and even one that would lease Lamborghinis to high rollers in Washington, D.C. The success of the first class has resulted in the launch of two more classes, each with 50 participants. Teaching people how to write successful business plans is nothing new for SCORE. They’ve been doing that for years. It is usually a five-week course based on SCORE’s book, Simple Steps for Starting a Business, but it takes longer at the prison because of the number of participants and only being allowed access every two weeks. It also has to be done without any computers or electronic devices. The inmates are given notebooks and produce handwritten business plans. But SCORE’s involvement with the inmates goes beyond the nuts-and-bolts of writing a business plan. They also help
give the prisoners confidence. “I say to them all the time, ‘Your destiny is not the sum and substance of the decisions you’ve already made; it starts with the decisions you make today,’” McCarthy said. “This is in their hands, to think differently about themselves. They have to take time to dig themselves out of the hole they’ve gotten into.” The certificate of completion of the course means much more to the inmates than the typical person taking a score class because it represents the new direction in their lives. McCarthy said it is something that improves their standing with their families and even the parole board. Because they recognize the need to
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Edgefield FCI Medium security facility 1,449 male inmates from Southeast Region Minimum security camp 502 male inmates from Southeast Region
“It’s changed the way the inmates have started to think and act together,” McCarthy said. Changing how inmates think and giving them hope for a future can do a lot to reduce the high recidivism rate in the United States. Half of prisoners are rearrested within the first year of their release, and in five years three-fourths are back in prison. McCarthy would love to see rates ap-
I say to them all the time, ‘Your destiny is not the sum and substance of the decisions you’ve already made; it starts with the decisions you make today.’
change the direction of their lives, the inmates are attentive and enthusiastic participants, a marked difference from the high school course McCarthy was leading at the same time as the first class in the prison. “The attention I get from the prisoners is night-and-day different than from the high school students,” he said. McCarthy said the prisoners were particularly attentive to a course in ethics taught by Dr. Linda Rodriguez, a professor at USC Aiken. “They were into it wholeheartedly,” he said. “If they don’t start ethically, they won’t make it.” During group activities, SCORE places the prisoners in groups they choose rather than who the prisoners like. And that is having a positive effect as well.
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proaching those of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program in Houston, where the recidivism rate is a mere 10 percent among those who go through the program. “These guys go out on the street the way they came in, without any money,” McCarthy said. “That’s one of the reasons the Small Business Administration makes micro loans available (up to $20,000 for inmates with viable business plans). You’ve got to give them some way out.” McCarthy said SCORE doesn’t have any knowledge about what the prisoners did that led to their incarceration, or any knowledge about when the prisoners are being released. “That’s not germane to what we’re doing,” he said. “We’re simply there to say, ‘You can do this.’”
SCORE SEEKS MORE MENTORS FOR CSRA SCORE is active in Aiken and North Augusta on the South Carolina side of the river, but is hoping to expand its services to Augusta and Evans. It is now working with the Augusta Metro and Columbia County chambers of commerce to develop mentors. Kevin McCarthy, chair of the Aiken County SCORE chapter, said it is impor-
4 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 30, 2016
tant for mentors to have a talent or skill of some kind to share with the people they work with. But being a mentor means more than sharing business knowledge with people looking to start a business. “Our job is not to tell them what to do but to teach them what to do,” he said. “You have to coax them to do it. We change people’s lives by using our business skills to
teach them to make better decisions.” McCarthy said making that change in people’s lives is important to him after a lifetime of learning. “I’ve spent about 17,000 ‘wake-ups’ learning something,” he said. “I’m 71 and I figure I’ve got about 3,500 wake-ups left. I can use them either playing golf or use them teaching others.”
DIPPING INTO THE ICE CREAM SCENARIO One teaching tool SCORE uses with the prisoners in the Edgefield Federal Correction Institution is the Ice Cream Scenario. In this role play, they are given the only ice cream franchise at a Triple A baseball park. They then have to work out what it would take to be successful at the venture, such as the type of equipment they’ll need, who to hire, how much they have to sell to make a profit and even what to do in the off season. “It’s the little things,” Kevin McCarthy, chair of the Aiken County SCORE chapter, said. “We see how far they go in their thinking.” Because of the diverse business backgrounds of the SCORE mentors, they can put real life applications to different scenarios.
SCORE of Greater Aiken 121 Richland Ave. E Aiken, SC 803-641-1111 greateraiken.score.org
July 21—August 17, 2016 Buzz on Biz
5
More than 100 people gathered in mid-July to hear how they can be part of the process of being awarded government contracts. They also learned about a program that promotes cash flow. Photo by Neil Gordon
GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS AVAILABLE
RICHMOND CO. AWARDS MILLIONS OF DOLLARS LOCALLY BY NEIL GORDON After 12 years of working for others, North Augusta Plumber Curtis Stark formed his own company in early 2016 with hopes to grow into larger, government contracts. He received a $6,000 contract and hired local suppliers. But after about 12 weeks, he almost went out of business. “My money got held up and it almost crippled my company,” said Stark. He and more than 100 business leaders and government officials came together in mid-July to learn how to grow business in the CSRA through cash flow management and the pursuit of government contracts. NOWaccount from Atlanta and the City of Augusta co-hosted the event. “The opportunity exists here and we are looking for you,” said Jeri Sams, procurement director for Augusta-Richmond County. Her department was recently honored by UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute as a topperforming Government Procurement Agency that should be emulated by other Georgia municipalities. Augusta-Richmond County writes about $100 Million per year in purchase orders and more than 60 percent of their contracts are awarded to CSRA businesses, even though there is a mandate from the Federal government to advertise
6 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 30, 2016
to companies outside the CSRA as well. Augusta’s procurement department advertises weekly in area newspapers to spotlight new bids that come up. They also make public the results of previous contracts to help future bidders. “If I was in business I’d find a previous contract that is similar,” Sams said. “I’d look at and analyze the specifications and see how much to bid.” About 10 percent of the audience acknowledged they had either done or do business with the City of Augusta or the Federal Government. There are several ways to do business with the government and contact information is listed to the right. NOWaccount President Lara Hodgson formed her woman-owned certified business in December 2010 in Atlanta and has done almost $160 million in invoicing on behalf of her clients. Hodgson used to run a manufacturing company and realized how crippling cash flow issues can be when her top client ignored her Net 30 invoices. “It became ‘Net Whenever,’” she joked. The slow pay trickled down to her suppliers, who she had to stall with promises to pay when she got paid. “More companies grow out of business than go out of business,” Hodgson said. Her company charges 2.5 to 3 percent to do the invoicing for the specific “slow-pay” clients a company may have.
Rather than wait 30, 60, 90 days or more for money, NOWaccount disburses 90 percent of a business’ accounts receivable within a few days and the remaining 7-7.5 percent at a later date. The risk of a slow or no-pay rests on Hodgson’s company and insurance companies backing her business model. “I think this is a great solution,” said Amanda Schuyler, a partner with the Augusta CPA firm Hall, Murphy & Schuyler. “You can’t borrow money for 2.5 percent.” Bobbie Lee, Executive Director of the AGC Teacher Supply Company on the Bobby Jones Expressway in Martinez, is considering the NOWaccount to help her invoice private/public companies that AGC trains. She seemed satisfied with the answers to the questions she had for Hodgson, such as “Will my customer know you’re doing the billing?” and “What’s the minimum invoice total and how do I qualify my customers?” As for Curtis Stark and his plumbing company, he is considering bidding on part of a $5 million contract over the next several years to change over septic systems at various government properties. And he’s considering the NOWaccount. “If I can guarantee cash flow, I can guarantee growth,” he said. For more information about the local licensee of NOWaccount, see Kim Romaner’s column on page 8.
DOING BUSINESS WITH UNCLE SAM First Steps to Register • Obtain a Data Universal Number (DUN) dnb.com/us • Apply for a System For Award Management (SAM) sam.gov SUBCONTRACTOR BIDS web.sba.gov/subnet SELF-CERTIFICATIONS Small Business Woman-Owned Veteran Owned Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Small Disadvantaged Business\Minority Owned sba.gov PROCUREMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (PTAC) sellingthegovernment.net SMALL BUSINESS SPECIALISTS osdbu.gov or score.org WOMEN’S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT onlineabc.gov SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER sba.gov/sbdc
July 21—August 17, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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GO WITH THE FLOW
POOR CASH FLOW STYMIES BUSINESSES’ ATTEMPTS TO GROW KIM ROMANER Many business owners are stymied in their attempts to grow because they simply don’t have the cash flow to make the appropriate investments. Often, this lack of cash flow is the result of inadequate financial management. What are some of the mistakes that business owners make in handling the finances of their businesses that result in poor cash flow, and how can they be remedied? Undercharging for products and services. Selling based on price is a race to the bottom, and the winner is the loser. Better to accept that your company will not win every bid, nor do you even want to. Some customers are not worth the meager profit they generate. Have you ever noticed that your least profitable customers are also your most difficult ones? Revenue does not equal success, profitability does. Do you have any customers that you need to fire in order to improve your profitability, and possibly morale along with it? Unknown profit target. What profit margin does your company need to achieve to adequately cover the cost of delivering your product or
service, fixed overhead, your required income, and the amount necessary to achieve the company’s annual profit goals? What’s that you say? You don’t have an annual profit goal? Now would be a great time to set one. Inadequate billing and payment records. Are you using handwritten invoices? Do you feel like you’re working hard and charging a good price, but still have no cash? This probably means that you’re not consistently collecting what you’re owed because some of your invoices are falling through the cracks. You’re not asking for payment, and your customers are not pointing out your error. Ever paid a
8 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 30, 2016
vendor twice for the same bill, and then had to wait to get your money back? Moving to a computerized system like QuickBooks will help with this financial management issue and many others. Too complicated? Pay someone to do it for you! This expenditure will pay itself back many times over. Conflicting credit terms. Are you offering Net 60 terms to your clients, but your vendors are offering you Net 30? That will eat your cash up in a hurry! Work with vendors to extend your payment terms. Bring your payment terms in closer. Institute a standard discount for customers
who pay early, say 2-3 percent. If you can’t renegate your way out of this conundrum in the short term, however, you might try factoring. Factoring companies loan you money against your outstanding accounts receivables, and often will take over the responsibility for collecting those invoices. You may not like their collection methods, however, and your customers may not, either, which could reflect poorly on your company. To that last point, I recently discovered a new method for leveraging existing invoices, via Josh and Matt Keck of RAN Services here in Augusta, which they call Paid in Five (PaidinFive.com). This relatively new service operates much like a consumer credit card company does, but for business-to-business and business-togovernment transactions. You know how you can walk into a retail store, slap down your credit card, and walk out with merchandise? The retailer
likes it, because it gets to record the revenue that very day, while at the same time offloading the debt risk to a third party for a relatively small fee. The customer likes it, because they get to take home the merchandise that day, and pay for it later. If they don’t pay, it won’t be the store that’s coming after them, it will be the credit card
company. Therefore, no brand issues are created for the retailer. Paid in Five is like that, but for business-to-business or business-togovernment transactions. Your company signs up with Paid in Five, and then you submit the clients you would like to enroll in the program. You send your invoices to Paid in Five, and they give you 90 percent of the money within five days. It doesn’t matter whether your terms are Net 30, 60 or 90. The remaining 10 percent is paid 30 days after the due date on your invoice, minus a transaction fee. There are no upfront fees or contracts. You pick which clients you put in to the system. There are no harassing calls to your clients, and they won’t be turned over to collections. I have to admit I really like this model. The business-to-business (or B2B) market has needed it for a long time. I think Paid in Five will be particularly helpful here in Augusta, where so many local companies are doing business with the federal government via Fort Gordon. If you give it a try, please let me know! I’d love to capture your experience for our Buzz on Biz readers.
Kim Romaner is president of Transworld Business Advisors of Augusta, a business brokerage and franchise consulting firm, and a Multi-Million 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.
Some customers are not worth the meager profit they generate. Have you ever noticed that your least profitable customers are also your most difficult ones?
July 21—August 17, 2016 Buzz on Biz
9
GOING FOR THE GOLD SUCCEEDING AT ATHLETICS OR BUSINESS REQUIRES LOTS OF GRIT EDDIE KENNEDY The 2016 Summer Olympic Games are about to start and I’m sure you’ll be pulling for your favorite athletes this year. I can’t help but remember one of my favorite moments from the 1964 Summer Games, as well as the life lesson that I learned from it. Billy Mills, a relatively unknown long distance runner, became the first American to win the gold medal in the 10,000 meter event. At the time I was too young to watch it live, but since then I have replayed it many times. It inspires me when I think about where he came from and what he accomplished that day. Mills had something every business person needs - “Grit.” Merriam-Webster’s dictionary describes grit as “firmness of mind or spirit, an unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger.” Mills was not expected to do well in the Olympics, much less win. No one thought he was fast enough to beat the world record holder, Ron Clarke, who was in the event as well. During the 10,000 meter race, Mills’ goal was to stay close to the leaders so that he would have a chance. Mills would have to run faster than his best ever time. During the event, he was able to stay on pace with the leaders, and even led for a few laps. At the beginning of the last lap, he was running stride for stride with the leaders, but on the second turn Mills, was faced with an incredible hardship. Clarke, the odds-on favorite to win, shoved Mills in the side and pushed him out of his lane, almost causing him to fall and break his stride. Before Mills had a chance to re-
Look at GRIT as an acronym and see if you can relate:
GUTS RESILIENCE INITIATIVE TENACITY or GIVE IT YOUR ALL REDO IF NECESSARY IGNORE GIVING UP TAKE TIME TO DO IT RIGHT.
cover, another runner, Mohammed Gammoudi, pushed Mills aside again to pass him and Clarke to take the lead. In a matter of moments, Mills had gone from contending for first to a distant third. Tired and almost completely drained of energy, for a moment, Mills contemplated settling for third. The distance between him and the leader seemed almost too much to make up in the last corner of the track, but somehow, down the final straightway, his months of physical training and mental preparation enabled him to relax and unleash his energy to power on through to the finish line. Mills passed both great runners to come in first place. He set a new Olympic record by running 50 seconds faster than his previous best time. He is still the only American to win the gold medal in the 10,000 meters. In today’s business climate, it seems like unknown hardships and challenges come at small business owners on a weekly basis. Whether it’s a new regulation passed
OVERTIME LAW continued from page 1 hourly employees be paid time-and-ahalf for overtime worked. But salaried employees earning more than $23,660 have been exempt – they worked for a set amount of pay, whether that took 30 hours or 60 hours in a week. Farley said that the biggest concern for most employers is the change in the salary level that makes an employee exempt from overtime pay. That amount is jumping from $23,660 to $47,476 annually. “So many employees don’t meet that salary threshold,” she said. Some employees will continue to be exempt from receiving overtime pay, depending on their job duties. A number of types of jobs – executives, administrative employees, professionals, computer pro-
10 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 30, 2016
fessionals, outside sales reps and partial business owners who are active in running the business are exempt from that law (there are other exemptions as well, so businesses should check with a FLSA expert if they have any questions). One aspect that muddies the waters for many companies is employees who have a variety of duties for a company, some of them which are exempt from the overtime law and others that aren’t. This can particularly affect middle managers. Farley encouraged employers to develop or review job descriptions that are accurate and detailed to determine the exempt status, and to consider doing time studies with employees who have divided responsibilities among exempt and nonexempt duties.
by the government, an increase of workman’s comp or health insurance premiums, or a great employee that just leaves the job, there’s always something happening that is unexpected. In times like this, you must have grit. The question is: what is it and where does it come from? GRIT comes from having the courage to start something new, and the undying passion and perseverance to see it through to completion. GRIT comes from being totally committed and having a “never give up” attitude. If you are successful, you have had to push through hardships and challenges. Most small business owners have GRIT. It’s what you rely on to power through to the finish. When you opened your business, failing wasn’t a part of your plan. However, many businesses fail within the first few years. Challenges happen to all of us, but those who decide before they start that no matter what happens they are going to keep going, that they are not going to stop or give up, that they are going to keep improving the process or finding solutions until they get to where they’re going – those are the ones that are most likely to succeed. You prepare yourself mentally and physically to succeed, plan and practice
Wade said it also raises the question in today’s connected world about what to do about texts and emails. “Do you limit these employees to 40 hours a week and tell them that once they leave the office they’re off the clock and they shouldn’t be checking emails or returning phone calls?” he asked. Farley said the simplest solution may be the best for any questionable situations. “If it’s a gray area, I encourage you to pay hourly,” Farley said. “It is never wrong to pay someone hourly.” While the law change is touted as being favorable for all employees, Farley said some salaried employees won’t want to move to hourly. “A lot of them don’t want to be exempt because they like some of the perks of not
until you know what to do and how to do it, allow your passion and perseverance to power you toward victory, and no matter what happens, finish strong. When you think of it like that, you can see that you’ve got it, too. You have what it takes to succeed – GRIT.
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
being hourly,” she said, such as not having to keep track of their time. Employers can consider increasing an employee’s salary to make him or her exempt, to change their job classification to make them exempt, or to change their job duties. Whatever changes are being considered, Farley encouraged transparency. “Talk to your employees early and often,” she said. “This shouldn’t be a secret. Tell them where you’re coming from.” Wade said it is important to emphasize to employees that adjustments are not a reflection on their value. “Whatever changes are made,” he said, “companies should emphasize to their affected employees that these changes are the result of new regulations and not the employees’ value to the business.”
July 21—August 17, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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CHAMBER NAMES SMALL BIZ CHAMPION Southeast Restoration Group was recognized as the first Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Champion. The award was given on Thursday, June 16 for their dedication to the community. Southeast Restoration Group (SRG) is a full-service licensed general contractor that provides emergency services, structural repairs, and construction, with an emphasis on insurance repair claims. Their emergency services include board-ups, roof tarp placement, and debris / tree removal. SRG specializes in restoring property damage that may result from fire, water, storm or mold. Small Business Champion is an initiative of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce that is meant to recognize small businesses for their successes and contributions to the community. This award provides the opportunity to showcase the story behind their success. With this program, the Columbia County Chamber wants to promote awareness and visibility of small businesses throughout the Greater Augusta area. Nomination forms can be found on the Columbia County Chamber’s website. A winner will be announced at the end of every quarter. For more information, contact Becky Dearden, Member Relations Manager.
AGENT’S VOLUNTEERISM EARNS FUNDS FOR HABITAT A local businessman’s volunteer work earned him recognition and some funds for the organization he helps. Hap Greenway, owner of the Hap Greenway Agency, 240 Edgefield Road, North Augusta, recently received the Allstate Agency Helping Hands Grant for his commitment to helping others and community service. The
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Allstate Foundation awarded a $1,000 grant on Greenway’s behalf to Habitat for Humanity of North Augusta, where he volunteers. Allstate, its agents, and employees have a history of putting their good hands to work in supporting South Carolina communities, promoting volunteerism and providing financial resources to enable local organizations to help others. Now in its 64th year, The Allstate Foundation has given more than $400 million in financial contributions to communities around the country and volunteered more than 250,000 hours. So far this year, the Foundation has awarded more than $170,000 in grants to local South Carolina organizations where agency owners volunteer. The Allstate Foundation awards more than $2 million every year to nonprofit organizations across the country in honor of dedicated Allstate agency owners who give back to their communities through outstanding volunteerism. To be eligible for nomination, Allstate agency owners must volunteer, mentor, or lead a nonprofit of their choice.
AIRPORT SEEKS ART WORK TO DISPLAY IN TERMINAL
Augusta Regional Airport is currently searching for local area artists to display their work in the General Aviation and Airline Terminal buildings. Two and three dimensional artists are welcome to submit applications. Desired artwork includes pottery, sculptures, tapestries, wood turning, photography and painting. Two dimensional artwork will be selected for display in the airline terminal building and will be on display for one quarter of the year. The airline terminal building is the perfect setting to have pieces viewed by thousands of residents and visitors that travel through the Augusta Regional Airport every quarter. Three-dimensional artists will be selected to have their work on display for one year in the
12 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 30, 2016
STATE LEADER
AUGUSTA CHAMBER PRESIDENT NAMED TO STATE POST Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce President Sue Parr has been appointed to the Executive Committee of the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (GACCE) as Second Vice Chair/ Treasurer for the 2016-2017 term. Parr has been an active member of the GACCE board of directors for many years, most recently serving as the Vice Chair of Member Benefits. She holds both a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) and an Institute for Organizational Management (IOM) designation. Parr has been the President of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce since 2005 and has been involved in chamber and association work for almost her entire professional career. The GACCE consists of Chamber of Commerce executives and staff, as well as those members of business and community organizations who are directly interested in or allied with Chamber of Commerce work in Georgia. The GACCE has a long history of
serving chamber professionals in the state of Georgia. The organization exists to advocate the role that local chambers of commerce play in economic and community development and to provide GACCE members with exceptional service in the areas of professional development. The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce represents 1,100 businesses and organizations throughout the region. The organization’s mission is to lead the business community by serving as its advocate, promoting our region, enhancing the business climate and providing quality membership programs and services.
Airport’s private aircraft terminal. The General Aviation Terminal welcomes private and business aircraft to Augusta on a daily basis. To submit an example of your work, send 6-10 examples of the work via photographs on a CD to 1501 Aviation Way, Augusta, 30906, Attention Lauren Smith, or email to lsmith@augustaga.gov. The deadline for submissions is Aug. 5.
to provide their customers, employees and friends with tickets to the game. The GreenJackets have created a package that allows up to 15 businesses to buy these tickets. For more information, contact the GreenJackets at 706-7367889 or email smitchell@greenjacketsbaseball.com.
The Augusta GreenJackets, in conjunction with the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, will host the Columbia County Community Night on Aug. 16. Businesses in Columbia County have the opportunity
year thousands of homebuyers miss out on down payment and closing cost assistance. Fifth Third Mortgage is introducing its new Down Payment Assistance Program to help consumers purchase homes.
BANK HELPS GREENJACKETS WITH DOWN PLAN NIGHT FOR PAYMENTS No homebuyer wants to pay COLUMBIA CO. more than they need to. Yet each
“We want to help build strong communities,” said Chad Borton, head of the Consumer Bank and executive vice president for Fifth Third Bancorp. “We know that making homes affordable is one of the best ways we can help improve our neighborhoods.” Fifth Third’s Down Payment Assistance Program offers 3 percent of the purchase price in down payment assistance, up to $3,600, for low-income borrowers or those purchasing in a designated low-income area and financed through Fifth Third. “You really need someone to guide you through the house hunt and the purchase,” said David Gunn, mortgage sales effectiveness director for Fifth Third Mortgage. “This likely will be the biggest investment you make. We think of ourselves not just as mortgage specialists, but partners in the process.”
CHANGES TO CANAL ALTER TOUR BOAT SCHEDULE Augusta Canal National Heritage Area is offering special summertime Petersburg Boat tours of the upper canal. From July 6 through mid-September, guided tour boats will depart from the scenic headgate dock at Savannah Rapids Park. Tour guides point out historic structures and man-made marvels while passengers relax in refreshing natural surroundings and watch for wildlife. Tours begin at the Lockkeepers Cottage/Savannah Rapids Regional Visitors Center located at Savannah Rapids Park. Tickets are $10 for all ages and include a voucher for a free visit to the Augusta Canal Discovery Center at Enterprise Mill in downtown Augusta. The tours are available Tuesday through Saturday mornings, 10 and 11:30 a.m., Friday and Saturday evenings, 6 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday afternoons, 4 and 5:30 p.m. Departure times are subject to change or cancellation due to weather, water or other conditions.
GEORGIA BANK MERGES WITH SOUTH STATE BANK If all goes as planned, Georgia Bank & Trust will become part of the South State Bank system by the first of the year. South State Corporation and Southeastern Bank Financial Corporation, the holding company for Georgia Bank & Trust, jointly announced on Friday, June 17, the signing of a definitive merger agreement. Because of all the legal compliance issues and the votes of shareholders of both corporations, Georgia Bank & Trust President and CEO Ronald Thigpen said the deal won’t be finalized until January 2017. The merger agreement has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of each company. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Augusta, Southeastern operates as Georgia Bank & Trust Company of Augusta and also operates as Southern Bank & Trust in Aiken County, South Carolina. Thigpen said the merger made sense for both corporations because of their likeminded goals. “South State is community minded like we are,” he said. “That’s been the secret to their success and the secret to our success.” Other than eventually changing the name from Georgia Bank & Trust to South State Bank at an undetermined future date, Thigpen said customers will see little change. All branches and their employees will stay as they are. “There won’t be any changes in customer contact,” he said. Thigpen added that the merger made sense from two other points as well. “It is primarily to better serve our customers,” he said. “We’ll be better able to service larger customers as it relates to lending.” The other point was to offset regulatory expenses that continue to grow. They will be better able to absorb those costs with a larger base. While the change won’t havve
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visitble effects in the branches, some of the 150 employees at the operations center on Columbia Road will be laid off after the first of the year. They are expected to be notified in August. Once merged, South State will have 133 offices in Georgia and the Carolinas. “We are pleased to be merging with a high-performing regional bank that has similar company values and culture for our employees, customers and shareholders,” said Daniel Blanton, CEO of Southeastern Bank Financial Corporation, in a press release. “We are excited to join with a like-minded regional bank that can build on our success and take it to a higher level for the good of our community and customers. Together, we will strengthen our position as a premier bank in the Southeast.” All 12 Georgia Bank & Trust branches will remain open. Thigpen said they have been strategically located but thinks new growth will happen as the CSRA continues to grow. “We see Augusta as a growth market,” he said. In a press release, Robert Hill, Jr., CEO of South State Corporation, said South State is pleased with the merger. “As the leading bank in the Augusta and Aiken markets, the company has a great reputation and a great team of bankers,” Hill said. “Our teams and our company cultures are very similar and we look forward to enhancing customer relationships and continuing the legacy of service in these communities.” As of March 31, Southeastern Bank Financial Corporation had approximately $1.9 billion in assets, $1.6 billion in deposits and $1.0 billion in loans. Upon completion of the transaction, the combined company will have approximately $10.5 billion in total assets, $8.7 billion in total deposits, $7.2 billion in total loans and a network of 133 branches in the Carolinas and Georgia. Pending regulatory and shareholder approvals, the closing and system conversion is scheduled to occur in the first quarter of 2017.
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
ICONIC AIKEN LANDMARK LISTED AS TOP HOTEL The world is finding out what Aiken has known for a long time – that The Willcox is a great place to stay. Travel and Leisure recently ranked The Willcox as the seventh best hotel in the world and the number one resort hotel in the South. The Willcox started in the late 1800s and is also known for its restaurant and event space. The Spectator hotel in Charleston was ranked second in the world. Other hotels that ranked ahead of The Willcox were in Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand. In its description of The Willcox in its Best
Hotels of the South, Travel + Leisure said, “When you fantasize about your ideal Southern hotel getaway, chances are it looks a lot like The Willcox, in South Carolina. Old oak trees shade the white-pillared, 22-room main house, which looks plucked straight out of Gone With the Wind. Guests sleep in four-poster beds and are warmed by fireplaces on cool evenings. Equestrian sports are a local specialty, which means guests can take part in steeplechase races and foxhunts. And for golfers, it’s only a 30-minute drive to Augusta National Golf Club, site of the Masters Tournament.”
CHOG, CANCER CENTER RECEIVE GIFT
diagnosed with cancer this year. Pediatric cancer research, however, is underfunded because less than 1 percent of people with cancer are children.
A gift of $1.4 million is being made to the Georgia Cancer Center and the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. The gift will fund the critical pediatric cancer research at the cancer center, the Child Life Program and other areas of need at CHOG. The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, cites the Press On Fund childhood cancer research gift of $2.5 million announced last September and a subsequent $300,000 gift also in support of pediatric cancer research at the Georgia Cancer Center as an inspiration. “For us, the satisfaction of knowing this money will prove beneficial to the youngest and most vulnerable of cancer patients is its own reward,” the donor said. “The sense of satisfaction and joy is overwhelming.” The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 10,000 children under age 15 will be
AUGUSTA AMONG BEST PLACES TO RETIRE If you’re looking for a good place to retire, you may have already found it. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance recently named Augusta as No. 5 among the magazine’s 12 picks for Great Places to Retire for Good Health this year. The list was published in July on the Kiplinger.com website. The most important component of a happy retirement? It’s not financial security (although that’s nice to have) or proximity to family and friends. It’s good health, says Kiplinger’s. What’s so good for your health in Augusta? The state-of-the-art Augusta University Medical Center, says Kiplinger’s.
Recognized by AARP as an agefriendly city, Augusta is revitalizing its downtown area to add housing, public transportation and sidewalks, making it more attractive to seniors and emptynesters, said Mayor Hardie Davis. The city is also home to Augusta University Health, a health care network that includes the 478-bed Augusta University Medical Center.
AUGUSTA TECH GETS AWARD Augusta Technical College has been awarded a $198,865 National Science Foundation Grant through the Advanced Technological Education Program. The Virtual Industrial Process Simulator Lab project for Engineering Technology programs will enhance the education and instruction of Engineering Technology students utilizing 3D Virtual Simulation to obtain the technical knowledge and skills to be highly qualified and better prepared engineering technicians in industry and manufacturing.
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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TAG, YOU’RE IT
A GOOD TAG LINE BRINGS YOUR COMPANY TO CUSTOMERS’ MINDS Slogans are often used to extend the brand name to make it relate to the product or service it represents. For BMW it was natural to connect driving to the brand with “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” 7Up did it in 1973 using “The Uncola.” For Wendy’s, “Where’s the Beef ” not only tied Wendy’s to hamburgers but also took a poke at the competition. Some brand names don’t immediately connect with their services so the slogan does it for them. Reinforcing the audience’s memory of the product/service is also a function of tag lines. Today on the way to work I passed a red truck sporting one of the first ad slogans we ever created. It was for a regional pest control company and read: “It’s Borden-Borden-Borden or It’s Bugs.” It was launched 33 years ago in 1983 and it’s still working for them. What makes one ad slogan catch fire and another bite the dust? “We Try Harder” (Avis, 1962) still has legs. Burger King traded in “Have it Your Way” after 40 years and made it “Be Your Way.” It never took off. Neither did Pepsi’s “Live For Now” slogan that replaced “The Choice of a New Generation.” Sometimes it’s best to leave well enough alone. Blunders come in many ways, some not so expected. For example, KFC’s famous tag line, “Finger-Lickin Good,” was translated “Eat Your Fingers Off ” in a classic mistake when the company opened in Beijing, China. Coors’ slogan “Turn It Loose” didn’t translate into
Spanish very well. It was read, “Suffer From Diarrhea.” Oops! Making sure your slogan and your brand translate properly is part of the agency’s responsibility. Today that can include everything from foreign languages to URLs. “Therapist In A Box,” for example is Therapistinabox when it is made into a URL. Creating an ad slogan or tag line is not always hard work. When we conducted focus groups to find a tag line for a restaurant that specialized in chicken, we learned that people would go to different restaurants for the particular taste of chicken they were craving. The gamut ran from greasy to crispy. In this case, one participant in the group told about guests she had coming from the North and she wanted to impress them with “Down home Southern cooking.” She called our client by name and distinctly said, “It’s a place where you can ‘Put a Little South in Your Mouth.’” You could hear our creative team cheering on the other side of the one-way glass. It just came out of nowhere. The client quickly trademarked the slogan and is still using it. But it’s not always that easy, even though Mad Men make it look so. Our method is to absorb ourselves with the client’s products, corporate culture and customer expectations. The board is covered with dozens of words that communicate the essence of the brand. Nothing ever gets erased. We simply line through it. Wait 24 hours and meet again. Follow the same procedure. Suddenly, without warning when we
SLOGAN FLASHBACK
How’s your advertising recall? Here are six decades of famous ad slogans and the year they were launched. How many can you match up with their respective products/ services? (See answers below) 1. Good to the Last Drop (1959) 2. I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing (1966) 3. Don’t Leave Home Without It (1975) 4. Where’s the Beef (1984) 5. There Are Some Things Money Can’t Buy. For Everything Else There’s _____ (1997) 6. Can You Hear Me Now (2002) Answers 1. Maxwell House Coffee, 2. Alka-Seltzer, 3. American Express, 4. Wendy’s, 5. MasterCard, 6. Verizon
MARK ALISON
are working on another project, the line comes to our minds. Often more than one. Meet again and scrutinize all of the ramifications. Create a typeface design and study it for readability, translation and how well it relates to the subject. Seek outside validation. Critically rethink it and then release it. You would be surprised the number of times the final slogan is one that was lined through and rejected earlier. Do you think “Just Do It” could have been a first-round reject? The top-voted tag line of all time from Nike almost didn’t make the cut. Wadded up in hundreds of words and dozens of sheets of paper covering the walls, these three words started out as “Let’s Do It,” the famous last words of Gary Gilmore, an American criminal. It was later refined by Dan Weiden of the Weiden+Kennedy agency and put alongside the Nike swoosh to
embody a definite attitude during the fitness craze of the 1980s. Themes and tag lines have a lifespan, some much longer than others. But those that stick around even after they have been abandoned, are the ones about which ad lore is created.
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.
BREXIT CONSIDERED A MINOR BLIP IN AUGUSTA
FINANCIAL EXPERTS SAY BRITISH VOTE WILL HAVE LITTLE LOCAL EFFECT BY GARY KAUFFMAN Last month’s vote in Great Britain to leave the European Union (EU) has filled the internet and airwaves with dire warnings about a global economic downturn, but a local economist believes the impact in the Augusta area will be short term. “People are going to be impacted in the stock market, but most of that will be very short term,” said Simon Medcalfe, associate professor of finance in the James Hull College of Business at Augusta University. “In the long term, things will return to normalcy.” Britain’s decision to leave the EU – known as Brexit, a shortening of Britain’s exit – has created shockwaves in
14 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 30, 2016
stock markets around the world, including the United States. It has also caused economic fallout in England, and a threat by Scotland to seek independence from Great Britain so it can rejoin the EU. Since the United States as a whole and the CSRA particularly do a minor amount of export and import business, Medcalfe expects little impact locally, other than some stock market volatility. “It’s fun to watch from the sidelines unless you’re planning to retire next week,” he said. Mike Herrington of Herrington Financial Services in Augusta believes Brexit may even have a positive effect on the domestic stock market. “The equity markets in the United
States have been overvalued and are poised for a downturn,” he said. “This may be the start of that correction.” He said he engaged in conversations about Brexit for a month before the vote, and some made changes to their portfolios while others preferred to play a waiting game. The wild card in the scenario is if other countries follow suit in leaving the EU. “If the European Union broke up it would impact the global economy,” Medcalfe said. “But I don’t think that will happen.” But it is that uncertainty, as well as the unknown timeline for England’s exit, that creates an unstable economic situation.
“It’s that uncertainty that creates the volatility,” Medcalfe said. A domino effect of other countries leaving the EU could take Herrington’s scenario of a stock market correction too far. “There’ll be a lot of emotion kick in at that point,” he said. “It’d be healthy for us for the stock market to correct 10 or 15 percent – if we can stop it then. That’s the danger of a domino effect on a downhill slide of the equity market.” But Medcalfe thinks America’s attention span with Brexit will be short. “America doesn’t trade as much with other countries as the rest of the world does,” he said. “Come fall and winter, it’ll be largely forgotten in America.”
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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The Butt Memorial Bridge is one of two bridges along the Augusta Canal that will be repaired this summer. Photo by Gary Kauffman
The bridges on I-20 over the Savannah River and the Augusta Canal will be repaired and widened, but not until after 2018. Photo by Gary Kauffman
BRIDGE WORK
TWO CANAL BRIDGES GETTING FACELIFTS The Butt Memorial Bridge over 15 Street and the Broad Street Bridge will be getting some TLC over the next few months. Both bridges will have the underside decking replaced, as well as other restoration work. The lower part of the Augusta Canal was drained early in July to allow for the work. The bulkhead gates across the canal near Lake Olmstead were closed, allowing water to drain out through tailraces at Sibley, King and Enterprise Mills and through other drainage structures including gates at 13th Street. According to Dayton Sherrouse, Augusta Canal Authority Executive Director, the lack of water will have significant financial impact on the Canal Authority’s operations, including its popular Petersburg boat tours and the hydroelectric power stations it operates at the Sibley, th
16 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 30, 2016
King and Enterprise Mills. “It is regrettable that the city must drain the water during the summer’s peak power demand and outdoor recreation period,” Sherrouse said, “but these bridge maintenance projects are essential. We are doing our best to minimize the impact on the public.” Because water will remain in the upper five miles of the canal above the Olmstead Bulkhead, the Petersburg tour boats will travel up the canal and dock at the Savannah Rapids Park for the summer. Sherrouse also cautioned the public to stay out of the canal bed during the drawdown to avoid being trapped by the thick mud. Wildlife, including aquatic plants and fish, will be studied during and after the drawdown Sherrouse said, “We have staff and a summer intern coordinating plans for this at the present time.”
I-20 BRIDGES APPROVED FOR WIDENING
The I-20 bridges across the Augusta Canal and the Savannah River will be a little wider and safer, but not for a few more years. Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal announced on Wednesday a partnership with South Carolina to replace the bridges over the Savannah River and the canal at a cost of $75 million. The project will widen the bridges to three lanes and add emergency pull-off lanes on the bridges. The widening of the lanes will extend from Georgia Exit 200 (River Watch Parkway) to South Carolina Exit 1 (West Martintown Road). However, it will take a few years to reach fruition. The project won’t be put out for bids until fall 2018. Georgia and South Carolina will share in the costs. “The replacement of both bridges is critical to the safe movement of goods and people to and from both states,” said
Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry. “Due to economic growth on both sides of the river, it is imperative that the bridge infrastructure meet modern demands.” Each day, more than 60,000 vehicles travel on I-20 in the area of the Georgia and South Carolina line. The two eastbound and two westbound bridges that currently span the Augusta Canal and Savannah River are now more than 50 years old. After extensive evaluations of construction staging, hydraulic concerns and future maintenance costs, it was determined that replacement of the bridges would be the most beneficial long-term solution. “We had identified this section of I-20 on South Carolina’s project priority list for interstate widening,” said South Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Christy Hall.
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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COPY CAT
PEOPLE WOULD DO WELL TO IMITATE BARBARA’S COPY PRACTICES SCOTT THURMOND
You’ve just got to love Barbara Seigler, church secretary of Beulah Grove Baptist Church. She’s warm, outgoing, efficient, welcoming, but what I love about her is that she makes all her copiers sing. If more of us practiced her words of wisdom, we would all have fewer frustrations. Barbara, who oversees five copiers of various capabilities for the many programs of Beulah Grove Baptist Church, is fanatical about certain principles of good housekeeping for copiers. If we all followed her ground rules of copying fundamentals, we would all experience fewer frustrations. Paper condition is No. 1, she says. Nothing gets under her skin more than to see an opened ream of paper hanging partway off the shelf. She knows that if paper is not good and flat, there is going to be big trouble when it goes through the machine. And, don’t leave spare pages out with the ends curling up. That is a killer as well. She is more prone to ditch the few thrown haphazardly on the shelf than to try to use them. She knows the curled corners will surely jam the machine. As an added incentive to avoid jams, she insists that a good fanning takes place before paper is inserted in the machine. It
relieves all the static cling, she reports. We agree. She fans a third to a half a ream at a time in a couple of directions. What else drives her crazy? It’s leaving the lid upright. The lid is there for a purpose, she rightly extols. When the lid is raised, dust gets on the glass and creates spots and lines on your paper. That’s a real no-no in her office. Wite-Out, she says is a bone of contention, especially when someone does not wait for the correction fluid to dry before making copies. The liquid sticks to the glass, and all sorts of
smudges result. Amen! When we get complaints about lines on copied documents, one of the first things we suggest is to clean the glass. Good, old-fashioned window cleaner is a copier’s best friend. Another pet peeve of Barbara’s? Someone grabbing the copies and running without realizing that they have left the job unfinished because of running out of paper. The next person endures copies of the previous job before getting to the new job. Barbara’s suggestions are very good and come with years of experience. One other common issue we at Duplicating Systems, Inc. see often related to paper is jamming, of course. Copiers today can run a wide variety of paper, but only if it is programmed correctly. Programming your copier for the correct paper adjusts many settings inside
the copier, mainly paper feed to help reduce jams and heat to provide the best quality for the stock provided. Sometimes you’ll see odd terms, so check out our paper guide on DSIHelps.com for a terms chart. What’s Barbara’s favorite device? Well, one she loves is the digital mimeograph machines that she can leave a master on and print at will at a fraction of the cost of regular copies. Her favorite new update, though, is the new sample copy button on some of the newer machines. It saves a lot of headaches and printing errors, she reports. Send a job to the printer for many pages, hit “sample copy,” check out the sample. If it meets approval, hit, “print” on the screen. If not, “hit cancel” and correct the problem. No more hundreds of copies with a problem.
Scott Thurmond is CEO and Co-Owner of Duplicating Systems, Inc. (DSI), which provides multi function copiers, software solutions and other technology. The company has been serving CSRA for more than 30 years. For comments or questions, email sthurmond@ duplicatingsytstems. com
NO BUSINESS IS TOO SMALL TO AVOID CYBER THREATS MOST BUSINESSES DON’T CONSIDER SECURITY UNTIL AFTER A BREACH BY KELSEY MORROW
Zac Lewallen of Computer Exchange has seen too many companies become complacent in their cyber security. Just because you are not a large business, it doesn’t mean that you are not a target for hackers. “All companies can be affected by cyber attacks,” Lewallen said, “from the largest companies all the way down to the smallest start-ups. Cyber security is important for all businesses.” Being reactive rather than proactive about potential cyber security attacks is an issue plaguing many businesses across the globe. Raytheon, a global cyber technology company, surveyed businesses worldwide and discovered that most businesses put off cyber security updates until they have been affected by a threat. In fact, twothirds of companies questioned admitted that only a serious loss of data would motivate them to seek IT assistance.
However, by the time your company has been targeted, it is significantly harder for IT experts to assist you. It is likely that some, if not all, affected data will be per-
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18 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 30, 2016
ti-virus also needs to be up-to-date.” As technology evolves, the techniques that hackers use evolve as well. New versions of anti-virus and firewall software
You cannot use the same software for your business computer that you would for your home computer.
manently lost. So, how can your company proactively prepare for cyber security breaches? “There are a lot of really basic things that businesses can do to protect themselves,” Lewallen said. The most basic is to have the right antivirus for your computers. “Companies need to make sure that they have business grade anti-virus software. You cannot use the same software for your business computer that you would for your home computer. Your an-
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include the latest defenses against these techniques. If your anti-virus or firewall has not been updated, you are still vulnerable to these newer threats, so you are not fully protected. The same is true of older equipment. Lewallen explained that often he can tell just by looking at a company’s computer equipment if it is being exposed to potential threats. “An older computer might still function, but it’s not giving you the protection that you need,” Lewallen said.
Finally, even if you believe that your company’s software and equipment are up-to-date, there is an even safer way to protect yourself from potential hackers. Many IT companies now offer penetration testing, in which they will play the part of the hacker and see exactly how your data appears to those trying to break in. Although you can never be certain that a hacker will not find a way in to your data, a penetration test provides the knowledge that at least the most common entry points are secure. In the Augusta area, Computer Exchange offers this service. The quicker a potential risk area is identified, the better the chance of preventing a hacker from getting into your system. “Sometimes we can see something really obvious right away and we can stop right there and get that fixed,” Lewallen said. “Then we can do a more detailed security audit.” When it comes to cyber security, your business can never be too prepared.
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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BUSINESSPERSON OF THE MONTH
RICHARDSON KEEPS CSRA DRIVING CLEAN MACHINES BY GARY KAUFFMAN
For nearly a quarter of a century, Gary Richardson has been helping CSRA residents clean up their acts. Richardson founded and built the Sparkle Express Car Wash brand. The chain operates six locations, spanning the region from North Augusta to Grovetown. Richardson, an Augusta native, enjoys the business because it generally makes people happy. “Most of the time people are in a good frame of mind when they’re washing their car,” he said. “It’s fun to deal with people when they’re in a relaxed state.” In our automobile-obsessed world, cars are as important to some people as family pets – or members of the family. “People just feel a little better when their car’s clean and it’s got that shine,” Richardson said. Richardson first saw the car wash business as a brick-and-mortar 401(k). He was working for the Raco convenience store chain, traveling the area to check on their various stores. In Statesboro, Raco also owned a self-service car wash, which inspired him. “It was a small company and didn’t have any retirement plan,” he said. “I thought if I could build me a couple of these selfserve car washes I could have money for retirement.” Richardson bought one in 1992, then another and soon had three that he ran on evenings and weekends while continuing to work at Raco. Those turned from a retirement plan to an immediate income plan when changes at Raco eliminated his job. Car washes then became his full-time occupation and eventually he owned six self-serve locations. One of those he bought was the Sparkle Car Wash in Evans, a name he decided to keep for all his locations. In 2004, Richardson saw a change on the horizon in the car wash business. “I saw the automated car washes, with their low price and free vacuums, coming, and I thought I’d better get in that or I’m going to get run over by a freight train,” he said. He bought his first automated car wash in North Augusta in 2004. Now, with the opening of his newest one at Grovetown’s Gateway Plaza last December, Richardson owns six automated car washes. In the meantime, he’s sold all but one of his self-serve car washes. He bought the first full-service location, but has built the other five from the ground up. “That’s the part I like now,” he said, “to go out and find a piece of property,
20 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 30, 2016
Gary Richardson, Sparkle Express Car Wash do the due diligence, bid it out and build it. Once I get it up and running, my son takes over at that point. It’s a long process, 12-18 months.” Sparkle Express is a true family business. Richardson’s wife, Ginger, plays a role now that she’s retired from a career as a kindergarten teacher, and one son handles the operations while the other works in the marketing end. “Being a retired kindergarten teacher, my wife takes care of all of the guys,” Richardson said. “She has that mothering nature.” Richardson credits his grandfather for developing his entrepreneurial bent. Richardson’s parents and a sister were killed when he was 9 months old, and his grandfather raised him. “He was always an entrepreneur,” he said. “I always had the thought of getting where I could work for myself. It’d be hard to go back and work for somebody else.” Richardson is self-taught in the ways of business, with a keen eye on what other people are doing in the car wash business. “We learned as we went,” he said. “We are very active in the Southeastern Car Wash Association. We educated ourselves through the industry.” Richardson also serves as a Columbia County Commissioner, and previously served on the Planning Commission. What are you passionate about in your business? Taking care of the customers, making sure their experience is what they expect. And being involved in the community and giving back. I’m very passionate about that. What have you learned about yourself from your years in business? That I have a drive to want to be better at what we do. I have a drive to take care of the people we employ. I’m a caring person – I want to take care of my employees and customers. What did you learn from your grandfather about running a business? Hard work. You’ve got to get up and go, it’s not going to happen on its own. You’ve got to get out there and get it done. What have you learned from your wife about running a business? She has the same thoughts I have as far as caring for people and giving back. It’s very exciting to go out and see peo-
ple who have grown up and have kids of their own, come up and hug her. They tell her the impact she made on their lives in kindergarten. I’ve learned from her how to treat people right and take care of people. How do you unwind? I used to play golf but that was not a stress relief, to pay and get all frustrated. That was adding to the stress. A real stress relief is to go to the lake, get in the boat and just tool around at a very slow pace. We have a place at the lake, when we do take the time to go there. Our business takes place when everybody else is off work. The weekends and holidays is when we have to be on our A game. So it’s a little different to think about taking off and going to the lake on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
How do you give back to the community? As a business we do fundraisers at all of our locations. We have 50 or 60 organizations a year we benefit. I’ve coached youth baseball and football. I filmed high school football games for 10 years at Greenbrier High School and served as president of the booster club. We’re active in West Acres Baptist Church and I’ve served on the board of the Southeastern Car Wash Association. What does the future hold for you and the business? I would like to see my boys continue in the business, and as they have children I’d like to see them get involved. It’d be special to me to see a third generation involved. We plan to continue to grow the business. I don’t know that I’ll ever retire. I don’t know what I’d do. But I would like to travel a little bit.
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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HEALTHY CHOICE
NEW CAFE GIVES ALTERNATIVE TO FAST FOOD LUNCHES A desire for a healthier alternative to fast food led an Army veteran to open a Tropical Smoothie Café in Augusta. Reginald Foster, who retired from Fort Gordon last year, opened the franchise in the Augusta Exchange on May 29 in the former location of Keen Signs. It was his travels with the military over the past 25 years that made him want to bring the franchise to Augusta. “Traveling around the last 25 years, it was hard to find a healthy alternative to fast food,” he said. “This model seemed to fit best. Especially with the Millennial generation, people are looking to eat better and feel better.” Tropical Smoothie Café serves a variety of smoothies made with fresh, healthy
ingredients and offers flatbreads, wraps, sandwiches and salads. Breakfast is served all day. “A lot of people say they like it because it’s fresh and healthier,” manager Chelsea Pitman said. Although it is new to Augusta, the Tropical Smoothie Café chain is popular in Virginia and Florida. “A lot of people moving from Virginia because of Cyber Command are familiar with it,” Foster said. And so far it’s proven popular with the locals as well. “We’ve had really good customer turnout,” Pitman said. “It’s really busy between 11 and 2, but it stays steady throughout.”
Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers a variety of smoothies, sandwiches and wraps.
BUSINESS OPENINGS, CLOSINGS AND MOVES OPENINGS
Barberitos An investment group is opening three new Barberitos Southwestern Grille & Cantinas in the CSRA, the first of which is under construction in the Publix Shopping Center on Washington Road in Evans. A corporate-owned store already exists on Agerton Lane in the Augusta Exchange. The new store at 4272 Washington Road will feature a 400-square-foot indoor-outdoor patio area and the company’s new interior motif. They expect to hire about two dozen workers, most of them for part-time positions. The investment group is comprised of Brett McCullough, an Athens restaurateur, Cissy Hutchinson and Lanier Scruggs, who is an Augusta native. The new Barberitos is located at the intersection with the new River Watch Parkway Extension, which the group expects to greatly benefit customer flow. The group is looking to expand to the west side of Augusta next. Barberitos began in Athens in 1999 and now has 62 restaurants in the Southeast. Barberitos is known for its burritos and salsa bar, made from fresh ingredients. The Viet Royal Vietnamese restaurant had formerly occupied the Washington Road location. Wellness Nail Spa CSRA residents now have a healthier way to pamper themselves. Wellness Nail Spa, 414 Vaughn Road, Martinez, behind the Rite Aid on the corner of Furys Ferry, is the first organic nail salon in the Augusta area.
22 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 30, 2016
The spa, which had its grand opening May 24, offers all of the usual treatments you would expect from a spa experience including manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages – but with the added benefit of only using organic products. Regular nail polishes and artificial nails contain formaldehyde and other harsh chemicals and toxins that can be harmful, particularly to those who are pregnant or have suppressed immune systems from cancer or other diseases. The all-natural ingredients in Wellness Nail Spa’s products are free from these toxins and chemicals, creating a healthier spa experience for everyone. In addition, Wellness Spa also offers 12 kinds of herbs that customers can choose to include in their treatments, including chamomile, eucalyptus, ginger root, green tea, lavender and lemon grass. Insight Eye Care Insight Family Eye Care, which opened in April at 3836 Washington Road, hosted an open house on June 30 from 3-7 p.m. Dr. Sherita Brown, the optometrist at Insight, is a native of Camden, S.C., and has practiced at Fort Gordon and in the Augusta area. Insight Family Eye Care is a full-service eye and vision care provider, specializing in pediatric eye exams and vision therapy. The company works with insurance providers and offers financing options. It is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Sweetwater Square Sweetwater Square off Exit 5 in North Augusta continues to expand.
An authorized Verizon dealer store recently opened in front of Walmart. Now construction has begun on a Holiday Inn Express and ground had been cleared for a Lulu’s Car Wash. The 84-room Holiday Inn Express is expected to open in January. Ken Shah, Mike Patel and Brad Patel are the owners. The hotel will feature an outdoor pool and conference rooms. A restaurant may be added later. This will be the first Lulu’s Car Wash in North Augusta. There are three locations in Augusta. Ms. Myrt’s House Children in the Grovetown area now have a new afterschool hang-out. Learning, Laughter, and Love Christian childcare center owner Deena Youngblood is opening a foundation called Ms. Myrt’s House. Located at 110 Hardy Drive right in the heart of Grovetown, Ms. Myrt’s will provide a place for underserved middle school through high school aged children who don’t have anywhere to go after school hours. “Middle schoolers get out earlier than anyone else,” Youngblood said in a recent interview on the Buzz on Biz radio program. “They get out of school at 2:40 every day. A lot of them are not participating in afterschool sports and there’s no place for them to go. We just want to provide a safe place for them to come and get homework help or whatever their need is.” In addition to homework help, Youngblood says Ms. Myrt’s will also contain a computer lab, provide meals and hold programs with various professionals, in-
cluding photographers, newspaper reporters and police officers. “We also are going to help the community,” Youngblood said. “We will be building a huge community garden next spring.” The name and inspiration of the foundation came from Youngblood’s late grandmother who passed away last year. She was known as Ms. Myrt. “I thought I would turn my grief into really celebrating my grandmother’s legacy,” Youngblood said, “and doing something positive in the Grovetown area. She was always helping and was a very giving woman, so this vision comes from the seed that she planted within me.” Ms. Myrt’s house held its dedication ceremony on Sunday, July 17. They are anticipating being open primarily 4-8 p.m in the evenings, and attendance will be free. Prompt Care The foundation has been laid for University Medical Center’s Primary Care and Prompt Care building on Georgia Avenue in North Augusta. The facility is expected to open this fall. The new facility is across from its current office location in Jackson Square, next to the Waffle House. The current facility opened in Jackson Square in June 2015. Prompt Care is designed for treatment of urgent but non-emergency health needs like minor cuts, sprains, sore throats, broken bones, intestinal complaints and other illnesses. A physician continued on page 23
SECOND CHANCE
LOYAL CUSTOMERS BUY FAVORITE BAKERY TO KEEP IT OPEN Just a little more than a month ago Delightful Bites Cakery was planning to close permanently. But because of the interest of loyal customers, it re-opened on July 7 under new ownership. A little more than a month ago, Sharon Hutko, owner of Delightful Bites on Washington Road at the intersection of Davis Road in Martinez, announced that the business would close permanently on June 11. The news caused a lot of anguish for their sweet-toothed customers, but Sam and Jackie Cira and their friend Freda Baker decided to do something about it. “We were ‘frequent fliers’ there,” Jackie Cira said. “My husband is in love with their cookies and we were heartbroken.” But that spurred an idea: Buy the business and keep it going. They contacted Baker, and after a weekend of mulling over the idea, they made the arrangements to buy the bakery. “I’m real excited to have the new
owners,” said T.J. Rowland, who has worked at Delightful Bites for many years and will serve as the manager. “Augusta loves Delightful Bites. We’ll continue to serve our customers and love on them a little.” Jackie Cira said they will keep the same recipes and some of the same staff, with Sam Cira handling the daily operations. The one new item, according to Rowland, is a lemon loaf cake that will be sold by slice. But she said the cakes, cupcakes and the infamous DB Bars (“a little bit of heaven in your mouth”) will remain as they had been. Running a new business will be a new venture for the trio, but Jackie Cira believes they bring some good experience to the table. She and Baker are bankers, they’ve lived in the community for a long time and they are keeping the ingredients that have already made Delightful Bites popular. “We have big shoes to fill,” Cira said.
“But every person we’ve shared this with has been as excited as we are.” Delightful Bites is open Tuesday-Fri-
day 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.3 p.m. Orders can be placed via email at delightfulbitescakery@gmail.com.
BUSINESS OPENINGS, CLOSINGS AND MOVES
continued from page 22 and nurses are on hand for the examinations, and the facility also offers outpatient lab services and x-rays. Prompt Care also offers occupational health services for area businesses.
EXPANSIONS
Big Daddy’s Express Bo Handy is hoping success breeds success. Handy, owner of Big Daddy’s Southern Grill on Jimmie Dyess Parkway, is opening Big Daddy’s Express on Evans to Locks Road in July. The new location is takeout only, or for delivery for large orders. “We want to mirror what we’ve been doing here at the restaurant,” Handy said. “It’s been successful here.” Big Daddy’s Express takes the place of Kim’s Donuts in the Blue Ridge Shopping Center near Lakeside High School. It’s a location Handy was interested in even before he owned his restaurant and was working for another company. The owner of the shopping center where the building is located is a friend, and when it became available he let Handy know about it. Handy believes it will be a good location. “There are businesses and housing developments there and nothing like this around there,” he said. “Plus the overhead
is low and I can cross promote it with the restaurant.” Handy said he can’t duplicate the entire Big Daddy’s menu at the Express location, but plans to have most of his barbecue offerings, chicken wings and chicken fritters available, as well as all of the side dishes. “A lot of the food we’ll produce over here and take over there,” he said. “But everything will be made fresh every day, just like it is here.” People can call orders in ahead of time for pickup or come to the drive-up window. Big Daddy’s Express will also deliver for large orders, like a business event or a family gathering, for a charge. Handy also hopes to expand the catering menus and offer catering through the Express location. He admitted that opening a second location is a gamble. “I have no idea what to expect,” he said. “But I had a lot of interest from people in us coming over there.” Marco’s Pizza A building in Evans is being “recycled” from one type of restaurant to another. The former Bojangles restaurant building next to Blimpie’s across from Riverwood Plantation in Evans is being gutted to make room for a new Marco’s Pizza location. According to Jordan Gay, who will be the assistant manager for the new
location, they hope to be open by the end of August. The franchise owner is Pizza Guys LLC. They also own the Marco’s Pizza locations on Fury’s Ferry Road, on Columbia Road in Grovetown, on West Martintown Road in North Augusta and on Silver Bluff Road in Aiken. Zaxby’s A new Zaxby’s has opened at 1450 N. Liberty St. in Waynesboro. “Just like the original Zaxby’s that opened in Georgia 26 years ago, a community like Waynesboro is exactly the type of atmosphere that we look for when opening a new location,” said J.J. DeRoy, director of market development for the new Zax LLC location. “With each store, our focus is on establishing long-term partnerships with local organizations, as well as bringing a quality dining option to the community.” With seating for 90, the new 3,800-square-foot location features Zaxby’s new farmhouse design, offering guests a high-end, fast-casual experience with redesigned exteriors, dining areas and kitchen. EDTS Augusta-based EDTS, which manages IT services, network security and advanced infrastructure solutions to organizations across the Southeast, opened an Asheville office on July 1 to meet accelerating demand from North Carolina-
based organizations. The 75-person IT organization has been serving Western North Carolina clients from its three other offices located in Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina, and Augusta. EDTS was recently named to the Inc. 5000 list of FastestGrowing Companies in America for the seventh consecutive year and honored for excellence on numerous other national and Southeastern lists. “Moving into Asheville and the western North Carolina region continues a natural progression of growth for EDTS,” said Charles Johnson, EDTS CEO. “With a strong customer base already in North Carolina, this fourth office allows us to support clients in and around greater Asheville with even more talent, speed and resources. We are also eager to increase the community involvement that EDTS proudly encourages in all of our communities with our expanded team and footprint.” The office, located at 28 Schenck Parkway, Suite 215, in the Biltmore Park area of Asheville, will initially include both network engineering and account executives, with the ability to add other professionals there over the next 12-24 months, Johnson added. After this latest step in the firm’s planned expansion throughout the Southeast, EDTS is also examining additional offices in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee.
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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FORWARD THINKING
KEEP AN EYE ON TRENDS TO PREVENT COSTLY REACTIVE STEPS GARY KAUFFMAN Years ago I was the editor of a weekly newspaper that also distributed an “advertiser” – a free weekly newspaper that was chock full of ads (it was vitally important to many people – we got more angry calls from customers when their free paper wasn’t delivered than if they missed getting the paper they paid for). As someone who likes to keep abreast of industry trends and what the competition is doing, I noticed that many of the free advertising papers were adding “news” content to their publications. These were often general filler-type stories (“5 ways to grow better geraniums”) or recycled stories from the regular newspaper. I liked the idea, so I spent one weekend redesigning our advertiser to add some stories, including a front page story. I presented the idea to the triumvirate of people at corporate headquarters who made decisions about our publications. They laughed and stopped just short of ridiculing me and questioning my sanity. No one, they explained with the tone of parent lecturing a child, wants news in their free paper. They want ads, ads and nothing but ads. They advised me to quit wasting my time with such foolishness. Fast forward a mere seven months. The same triumvirate called me into an emergency meeting on a Thursday afternoon, panic in their voices. It seemed that our largest advertiser, a local grocery store, had threatened to
jump ship in favor of our competitor – because they offered news stories with their ads. Losing this advertiser would cost us a sizeable chunk of our already meager revenue. The same triumvirate of leaders told me in no uncertain terms that I needed to create an advertiser publication like our competitor because people want news with their ads. They chided me that an allad newspaper like I was producing was no longer good enough for our advertisers. Oh, and I had to have a prototype ready for them to present to the grocery store by Monday morning. Fortunately, I had saved the prototype I’d presented to them earlier in the year. It was a matter of a few hours work to
format it the way they wanted. Much to their surprise, I had it ready for them Monday morning (in truth, I had it ready Friday afternoon). I reminded them that this was exactly what I had told them seven months before, but amnesia must have set in because they seemed not to remember it. The new format, some pleading and bone-deep discounts in the advertising rate persuaded the grocer to continue his advertising with us. It cost us thousands of dollars in revenue, which affected my bonus. Had the leaders listened to me seven months before, we would have never run into this problem and saved the company money. Fortunately, my immediate supervisor recognized this and adjusted my
bonus accordingly. The point is, in business we always need to be looking ahead and asking what are the trends, what are our competitors doing successfully and what do our customers want? In today’s Google world, finding information on trends and big data of customer desires are easy to find. Engaging in conversation with customers – at least in listening to what they’re asking for from your business – gives you an idea of what they want. And perusing the ads of your competition, or doing a little creative shopping, can broaden your knowledge about what you’re up against. Day-to-day business stresses can often make us reactive rather than proactive in facing challenges. But as my superiors at the newspaper discovered, waiting until the alarm bells are ringing to take action can often be a costly mistake.
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.
GOING IN REVERSE
REVERSE HOME MORTGAGE WORKS FOR SOME MIKE HERRINGTON
Reverse mortgages typically require no repayment while you are living in your home
24 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 30, 2016
At one time, there were only two ways to tap into the value of your home: Sell your home but then you would have to move somewhere else, or borrow against the equity in your home but then you would have to make monthly loan repayments. Many people have retired with what they assumed would be a comfortable retirement income into the future, only to find that inflation, rising health care costs and unexpected expenses have worked to make their retirement less secure. These people may have substantial equity in their homes…equity they would like to convert to cash without having to move or assume debt that has to be repaid. A reverse mortgage, which converts a portion of a home’s equity into cash without requiring that the home be sold
or that the equity be repaid currently, may provide the answer. What is a reverse mortgage? A reverse mortgage is a loan against the value of your home that does not have to be paid back for as long as you live in the home. Simply put, a reverse mortgage converts some of the equity in your home into income. The proceeds from a reverse mortgage can be paid to you: •In a single lump sum •As a regularly monthly income •At times and in amounts of your choosing. While reverse mortgages typically require no repayment while you are living in your home, they must be repaid in full, including interest and any other charges, at the earliest of: •The death of the last living borrower
(meaning that a surviving spouse may continue to live in the home without repaying the reverse mortgage) •The sale of the home •The last living borrower moves permanently away from the home, such as to an assisted living facility or nursing home.
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
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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EXCHANGE RATE
USED COMPUTERS RETAIN SOME VALUE AS TRADE-IN ITEMS CHARLES KELLY With a name like Computer Exchange, we have had our share of interesting exchanges over the years. When we opened in October 1995, a good used computer was $2,500 and I specifically remember selling an open box Packard Bell 486 DX systems with a CD rom for as much as $2,799. Back then, we did a lot of trading. Once, a guy offered me a running car for a motherboard and CPU. Brand new, this setup was probably close to $500 retail, but after looking at the car, I politely declined the offer. It was a Chevy Chevette that ran well, but had no reverse gear. We settled on him trading in his current motherboard and CPU towards the new ones. Later, as we got into building servers with a lot of storage, one of our good customers ordered two servers and opened some sort of business that worked well for a few months, but then failed. He ended up owing us about $1,000 after trading them back in. I don’t recall all the details except that he was the owner of a 7-footlong Millennium Falcon, one of 500 that had been raffled off at Toys ‘R Us. He had won the raffle and, being a collector of hard-to-find things, I made a deal. The Falcon hung in our showroom until the last remodel and is awaiting refurbishment atop our incoming tech shelf. It will need new lights and a rebuild of the warp drive. (We also need a ceiling expert to build us a tray in our drop ceiling so that no one will bump their heads. We are seriously open to trades on that as I sim-
ply do not have the time or energy to do it myself.) We still do take trade ins, especially on good, quality laptops or MacBooks. We even take trade ins on desktop rigs if they are something high-end, built in the last 36 months. The reality is that most of the thousands of desktops that come through the store each year end up as a recycle item. Even a really high-end computer that is five years old is still a 5-year-old computer. Today, a used computer may actually have a negative value as the price of metal has fallen so far that it costs us more than a system is worth to recycle it. We still offer free recycling to homes and businesses and will continue to do so as long as we are in the computer business. In some cases, if you have a business that has changed hands or is closing and the machines are nearly new, especially businessclass computers, we may want to make a bid on them. Most people don’t realize that 80 percent of what we sell now are brand-new, custom-built computers and new laptops. We usually take your old computer on trade and offer a courtesy trade value equivalent to the price of a data transfer. So, you bring in your old computer, purchase a new one and we do the data migration in trade for the old computer. Sometimes we will use some of those parts in our rebuilding process to produce a wide variety of quality refurbished machines, which are very popular items for companies or individuals who want a machine with Windows 7 as an operating system.
We also create machines that are offered to local charities that service the homeless veterans of our area. One of the first things a person needs after shelter and food is access to a personal computer and we have provided many computers to people in need, again with an emphasis on veterans. Coming from a military family as I do, it is a passion of mine and something that I hope to always be able to provide to our community. We have many honorable charities in the area, but the local Augusta Warrior Project is one that has done very good work in the Augusta area. We also do significant amounts of trade with several sign printing companies and also with all of our advertising partners. So, while the computer in your garage may not get you a big discount on a new computer, it will guarantee at least a data migration and perhaps it will end up helping a homeless veteran get back on his or her feet. Keep ‘em coming and we will keep processing them in a proper, ecological way – and a few selected units will end up in the hands of those less fortunate.
Today, a used computer may actually have a negative value as the price of metal has fallen so far that it costs us more than a system is worth to recycle it.
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.
AU CYBER INSTITUTE EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Augusta University has been recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. “Joining this elite group of four-year colleges and universities strengthens our academic program and validates that our cyber curriculum meets the highest national standards,” said Joanne Sexton, director of the Augusta University Cyber Institute. “Our institution has become a national leader in cybersecurity education.” “This designation by the NSA and DHS confirms what we have known all along: that Augusta University is and will continue to be a leader in cybersecurity education in the state and nation,” said Georgia Congressman Lynn Westmoreland, chairman of the House Permanent
26 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 30, 2016
Augusta University is and will continue to be a leader in cybersecurity education in the state and nation
Committee on Intelligence Subcommittee on NSA and Cybersecurity. “With this recognition, Augusta University will play a key role in filling the many unfilled and much needed positions in the cyber defense and security field. I look forward to watching this program continue to excel and the achievements of its graduates
in the years to come.” Augusta University launched the Cyber Institute in June 2015 to coordinate and improve its cyber curriculum. The institute is developing unique programs in three core areas: • Cyber operations — field that studies the behavior and techniques of cyber criminals; • Health security — field that develops techniques to safeguard health information in cyberspace; • Data science — field that analyzes and makes sense of available data. In April, the university signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence to share resources and help develop a cybertrained workforce through education, innovation, research and outreach. “We want to help solve the cyber work-
force shortage by heavily investing in cyber education and training our students to become major players in the cybersecurity field,” said Gretchen Caughman, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “We want to be strong community partners and help develop a robust local economy as we train the next generation of cyber warriors.” Additional programs offered through the Cyber Institute include GenCyber camps, funded through a grant from NSA and the National Science Foundation to train high school students in cyber defense, and the annual Cyber Education Summit that brings together hundreds of government, industry and academic leaders to discuss the future of cybersecurity. This is the second year in a row that Augusta University has hosted GenCyber camps.
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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LEARNING NEW TRICKS
#YOU’RE NEVER TO OLD TO LEARN TO USE SOCIAL MEDIA KELSEY MORROW The old adage isn’t always true. Apparently old dogs can learn new tricks. Being the token Buzz on Biz Millennial, I typically start my day in the office by checking our various social media platforms and sharing our notifications with my Baby Boomer co-workers. One day last month, I said to our editor in chief, Gary Kauffman, “Look at this, Deke Copenhaver tweeted about the interview that you did the other day.” “I probably should have tweeted about that to our followers,” he said. “How do I do that?” Gary is right. Anytime that something significant happens as it relates to your business, Twitter provides an opportunity to let your followers know. Twitter is not a new social media platform. It began in 2006, two years after the launch of Facebook, and was intended for users to share frequent but short posts. The 140-character limit, only slightly longer than an email subject bar, forces you to grab your reader’s attention immediately and steer them towards a clear call-to-action. As I explained to Gary, the first step in setting up a Twitter account is choosing your “handle,” the username through which other Twitter users can interact with you. For a business, your Twitter handle should be as close as possible to your actual business name. However, there is a limit of 15 characters, so you may have to get a bit creative. You also have a page name and a bio on your account, so even if you can’t fit your full name in your handle, you have plenty of
opportunities to clarify who your company is and what you do. Change your mind about your handle later? No worries, it’s not set in stone. If your business name changes or you just come up with a better idea, you can always change your handle under the settings. Once you have established your handle, next you need to find people to follow. When you first set up an account, Twitter asks you for your interests, and it will then recommend accounts it thinks you should be following. Even after your account has been in place for a while, you can still access Twitter’s recommendations on the right sidebar of your homepage. I recommend that you check your recommendations often because Twitter does a pretty good job of finding users that you might not have known existed. For example, I run the Twitter page for an Augusta-based nonprofit, and thanks to Twitter recommendations we have found similar programs all over Georgia that we previously were not aware of. Now that you have an account and have started building a following, you can tweet. Your tweets can be as creative as 140 characters will allow. There is no wrong way to tweet. However, a good rule of thumb for a business Twitter is to make sure that every tweet has a purpose. With Buzz on Biz, for example, most of our tweets are headlines of news stories that we hope will entice our followers to read the full story. But you could also simply tweet information that you want your followers to be aware of, like “50% sale at XYZ Boutique
this weekend!” or “ABC Cafe is moving to a new location! We will now be located at 123 Street.” Anything that you think your followers should know about is acceptable tweet content. If you want to tag another account in your tweet, you can do this by including the “@” symbol before their handle. For example, if you tweeted “@Buzzonbiz”, Buzz on Biz would be notified that they were tagged in your tweet. In addition to tagging individual users, you may also want to include a hashtag, or the “#” sign followed by a word or words. Hashtags don’t tag a specific user, but are intended to group tweets together by subject. For example, at Augusta’s TEDx event earlier this year, searching the hashtag “#TEDxAugusta” would provide you with a list of tweets from other users about that particular event. To create a hashtag, simply include it in a tweet. For example, if XYZ Boutique is having a sale, they could tell followers
G WHIZ
to include #XYZsale in their tweets about the event in order to see all related tweets in one place. When creating hashtags, though, keep in mind that numbers, punctuation and spaces are not allowed, so keep them as short and to the point as possible or they can become both difficult to read and difficult for users to copy in their own tweets. So now that you know the basics, you are ready to tweet! Oh, and don’t forget to say hi to Gary (@GaryKauffman77). Not bad for an “old dog.”
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. Contact her at kelsey.morrow@buzzon.biz.
GMAIL HAS MANY APPLICATIONS BEYOND SENDING EMAILS MELONIE HOLMES 7 Things you didn’t know you could do with your gmail account Most people know that Google has Gmail for email and Google search but there are a lot of things you can do with a Gmail account that can be useful for business and personal use – and most of it is free! 1. Automatically backup all your photos from your phone and other devices to Google Photos. Keep them private or share albums with friends. Download the Google Photos app, go into settings and tell it to automatically backup your photos. You get un-
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limited storage and your pics won’t be deleted when you delete them from your device. 2. Use Google drive for file storage and sharing like Dropbox. Download Google Drive and put documents in it that you want to share across devices. Set Drive to sync photos and your photos that are backed up will be downloaded to your computer automatically. 3. Sync and backup your contacts. If you have an Android phone, make sure that it is putting contacts into your gmail account instead of in the phone or sim card. That way, all your contacts are being backed up. Access your Contacts online via gmail.com
4. Manage and share your calendar. This great feature allows families to share a calendar. You can set up calendars within the same account for different family members. 5. Create a blog site. If you’ve been wanting to blog but didn’t know where to start and felt intimidated by Wordpress, Blogger.com is owned by Google. You can login with your gmail account and be up and writing a blog in no time. 6. Register and manage a business domain and email. Google is great for running your business – set up a domain and then create an email address that works just like a gmail account but is at your @
businessname.com (or .net, etc.) 7. Create documents using Google Docs. Google has its own suite like Microsoft Office – Docs, Sheets, Slides and it’s all online.
Melonie Holmes is the owner of Savvy Senior Training and specializes in helping seniors (individuals and small business owners) overcome their technology frustrations. She can be contacted at 706-267-9351 or melonie@savvyseniortraining.com.
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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SHAME ON YOU
AN INFORMATION BREACH CAN PUT YOU ON THE WALL OF SHAME KEVIN WADE When an information breach occurs in the health care industry, organizations must report it to the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at the Department of Health and Human Services. When that breach has exposed 500 or more records, it will be posted publicly on the OCR’s website, otherwise known as the “Wall of Shame.” An information breach can happen for various reasons and under different circumstances – from a practice being lax with their security technology, to a laptop or thumb drive being lost with health information on it, or by their information being hacked into or physically stolen. According to the OCR, there were 253 healthcare breaches that affected 500 individuals or more on the “wall of shame” in 2015. That is a combined loss of more than 12 million records. It’s estimated that out of the records that are breached only 1 percent make it to the “wall of shame.” The breaches that affect less than 500 individuals do not have to be posted on the website. The bulk of the breaches in 2015 – about 38 percent – were reported as “Unauthorized Access/Disclosure,” but
90 percent of the top 10 breaches were reported as a “Hacking/IT Incident.” As a category, “Hacking/IT Incident” represented 21 percent of all breaches. The other top category was “Theft” at 29 percent of all breaches. Credit card data has declined in value on the black market with new security measures being taken through chip enabled cards. The real money is now found by stealing patient records and identification to target people in different ways including filing fraudulent tax returns. Your entire identity (full name, social security number, contact info, etc.) is included in most of your patient records and they can fetch around $60 per record, while just a social security number will cost a criminal around $15 on the black market. Legislation designed to protect patients against loss, theft or disclosure of their medical information was passed in 1996, but the fines and penalties associated with that don’t appear to be having much of an effect on either patient privacy or data security. In September 2015 Cancer Care Group, PC was issued a $750,000 fine for a laptop that was stolen out of an employee’s car that contained unencrypted backup media with information on 55,000 current and former patients. This practice has
The real money is now found by stealing patient records and identification 18 physicians, so it’s important to note that these fines are not only handed out to hospitals and very large organizations. OCR concluded that the fine was handed out because Cancer Care Group basically ignored the HIPAA security rule requirements. They did not conduct a risk analysis when the breach occurred and had not established policies and procedures to protect patient data such as encrypting their devices. Most malpractice and general liability insurance policies do not cover HIPAA related fines. Through compliance programs such as HIPAA Help Center, they actually help with compliance and have breach insurance in case a breach may ever happen. Hospitals, insurance plans and physician practices can avoid penalties by simply encrypting the health care data or by destroying the electronics that house the
HELPING HAND
data at end of life. Unfortunately, too few organizations are getting the message and are still dependent on antiquated hardware and software with many vulnerabilities. OCR is sending a very clear message to healthcare organizations: If you have a data breach and find that you have ignored HIPAA requirements, there is a good chance that you will be handed a very large fine and end up on the “Wall of Shame.”
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 medium-sized 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.
TRUE SUCCESS IS FOUND IN HOW MUCH WE PASS ON TO OTHERS DAGAN SHARPE We all desire success for ourselves, our families, our businesses and quite frankly, anything we’re affiliated with. But how do we go about accomplishing all this? Thankfully, the answer is surprisingly simple and can be applied by practically anyone regardless of their background, credentials, difficulties and/or present opportunities. The greatest challenge is making the shift from how we define success. For example, when I began my career at a large company, I was always striving to be No. 1 and climb the ladder of success as fast as I could. However, despite any corporate success I may have had, all my striving was leaving me with only temporary satisfaction. It wasn’t until an older client shared with me how I had personally impacted her family’s life that I realized my experiences can actually make a difference for others and for future generations. This was my wake-up call and since then, even though I am as ambitious as I ever was,
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Helping others, is never wasteful – it is what true leadership is all about.
I now understand how my life success is greatly determined by sharing what I have seen, learned and done in order to help as many people as possible pursue their success. Zig Ziglar has one of the greatest definitions describing this point of view: “You can have anything you want, when you help enough people get what they want.” Thankfully, this type of accomplishment can be achieved by reinvesting some of the God-given gifts we already have Talents. We all have talents. Yet, it’s how we invest and use our talents that makes all the difference. When we seek to hoard our skills and the talents from others, simply to advance our own agendas, then we are placing restric-
tions on their greater potential. We can transform what we do when we realize the talents we have, no matter what they are, can promote a greater good that begins a ripple effect of “paying it forward” of people using their talents to help others. Treasures. Perhaps you feel as though you have zero treasures and you would like to begin collecting some. However, a powerful truth resides in the principal of sowing and reaping. For example, in order for a farmer to cultivate a crop, they must first plant seed. They must also work to water, nurture and inspect their crops growth. Investing in the resources of seed, fertilizer, water and inspection is costly, yet the farmer finds it worth the price in order to increase the likelihood of a worthy payoff. Likewise, we must be willing to make the investment in others, our business and ourselves to ensure the highest potential for a quality return. Testimonies. Our testimonies are unique to us and when we step out to share the outcomes of our various experi-
ences, they can be used in spreading beneficial hope and encouragement to many. If we never share our stories, or only do so to have bragging rights, this helps no one. But when we seek to share with others the lessons we’ve learned to better their lives, we are again “paying it forward.” In other words, helping others, is never wasteful – it is what true leadership is all about. We all have talents, testimonies and treasures, but it’s how we decide to use them that makes the difference.
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.
July 21—August 17, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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CAN’T WE ALL GET ALONG?
ACTION NEEDED TO AVOID, OVERCOME WORK PLACE CONFLICTS JAME GEATHERS With the election season underway and current events in our nation, many employers are having to deal with office conflicts more than usual. Whether it’s a difference of opinion or a personality conflict, discord in the workplace can bring even a thriving business to a complete standstill. As an employer, you want to respect freedom of speech and individual opinions but it can be challenging to know where to draw the line. While it can be challenging to keep the peace in other places, your business doesn’t have to be one of them. Let’s look at two office conflict scenarios. First up, the supervisor and subordinate conflict. In this situation you have an employee that is constantly butting heads with their immediate supervisor. This may be reflected in them constantly escalating their concerns above their manager’s head, failing to maintain acceptable attendance and even being argumentative/ insubordinate with management. To make matters worse, the disgruntled employee will likely complain to coworkers, further spreading the negativity and lowering morale.
As an employer it is not realistic to expect all employees to share the same views and opinions but you absolutely should insist on respect in the work place. So what’s the best way to resolve this scenario? For starters, your Human Resources team (or you) should sit down with the employee and their supervisor separately. Find the cause of the discord and determine if there are legitimate reasons for concern. If there are legitimate concerns, address those with the manager and help them to repair the situation. If the concerns are found to not be credible, the employee should be informed that their concerns have been investigated, the out-
come of the investigation and held accountable for their behavior. The second scenario would be an employee having conflict with another employee. Unfortunately, this is the most common and most difficult type of office conflict to resolve. In an ideal world, everyone would agree to disagree and current events would be no more than chit chat at lunchtime. However, that is not reality. As an employer it is not realistic to expect all employees to share the same views and opinions but you absolutely should insist on respect in the work place. Whether you agree with the employee’s opinion or not, if they are being aggressive, insulting or badgering another employee because of a difference of opinion, you must intervene. Failing to address the behavior could lead to claims of harassment or even a hostile work environment and that is a headache you don’t need. To resolve this type of conflict, have the instigator (or instigators) sit down with Human Resources (or you). Explain that while you respect their right to have an opinion, sharing it has disrupted the business and that is not acceptable. I would also suggest that the conversation be documented and added to their person-
nel file, just in case the problem persists. If you are unable to identify who the instigator(s) are, the best course of action would be to send a strongly worded email to all staff. Be sure to outline the behavior is unacceptable and avoid singling out specific employees. Also, set the example. Be mindful of the conversations that you are having in the workplace. While you and the person you are speaking with may share the same views or have the ability to debate topics of the day without getting heated, many people do not. If you have any questions regarding Human Resources best practices or policies, let us know!
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.
MUTUAL DECISIONS
TAXES HAVE DIFFERENT EFFECTS ON MUTUAL FUND INVESTORS CHRISTINE HALL Whether you’re new to mutual funds or a seasoned investor who wants to learn more, you need to have a clear understanding of how distributions from mutual funds are taxed. Tax law generally treats mutual fund shareholders as if they directly owned a proportionate share of the fund’s portfolio of securities and you must report as income any mutual fund distributions, whether or not they are reinvested. Thus, all dividends and interest from securities in the portfolio, as well as any capital gains from the sales of securities, are taxed to the shareholders. There are two types of taxable distributions: ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions. Ordinary Dividends. Distributions of ordinary dividends, which come from the interest and dividends earned by securities in the fund’s portfolio, represent the net earnings of the fund. They are paid out periodically to shareholders. Like the return on any other investment,
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mutual fund dividend payments decline or rise from year to year, depending on the income earned by the fund in accordance with its investment policy. These dividend payments are considered ordinary income and must be reported on your tax return. In 2016 (same as 2015), dividend income that falls in the highest tax bracket (39.6 percent) is taxed at 20 percent. For the middle tax brackets (25-35 percent) the dividend tax rate is 15 percent, and for the two lower ordinary income tax brackets of 10 percent and 15 percent, the dividend tax rate is zero. Qualified dividends. Qualified dividends are the ordinary dividends subject to the same 0 or 15 percent maximum tax rate that applies to net capital gain. They are subject to the 15 percent rate if the regular tax rate that would apply is 25 percent or higher; however the highest tax bracket, 39.6 percent, is taxed at a 20 percent rate. If the regular tax rate that would apply is lower than 25 percent, qualified dividends are subject to the 0 percent rate.
Capital gain distributions. When gains from the fund’s sales of securities exceed losses, they are distributed to shareholders. As with ordinary dividends, these capital gain distributions vary in amount from year to year. They are treated as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long you have owned your fund shares. A mutual fund owner may also have capital gains from selling mutual fund shares. Capital gains rates. The beneficial long-term capital gains rates on sales of mutual fund shares apply only to profits on shares held more than a year before sale. Profit on shares held a year or less before sale is considered ordinary income, but capital gain distributions are longterm regardless of the length of time held before the distribution. Long term capital gains are taxed at 20 percent (39.6 percent tax bracket), 15 percent for the middle tax brackets (25 percent, 28 percent, 33 percent, and 35 percent), and 0 percent for the 10 percent and 15 percent tax brackets. Medicare Tax. Starting with tax year
2013, an additional Medicare tax of 3.8 percent is applied to net investment income for individuals with modified adjusted gross income above $200,000 (single filers) and $250,000 (joint filers). At tax time, your mutual fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV, which tells you what earnings to report on your income tax return, and how much of it is qualified dividends. It is of the utmost importance to provide the full 1099 to your tax preparer to ensure the proper tax reporting of your investment income.
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 706-855-7733 or email at cmh@HMandScpas.com.
July 21—August 17, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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NORTH AUGUSTA CHAMBER
EMAIL PROGRAM KEEPS BUSINESSES IN CONTACT WITH CUSTOMERS TERRA CARROLL Email marketing is a great way to reach your customers where they are without spending a lot of money. Constant Contact leads the industry in providing effective marketing tools that work. The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Constant Contact to bring hands-on-training to you. Authorized local expert and trainer Anne Marie Farrow will facilitate relevant, engaging and practical sessions designed to help small businesses, nonprofits and organizations create and grow customer/member relationships, revenue and influence. And there’s so much more. Best of all, you’ll enjoy exclusive savings on Constant Contact, with plans starting as low as $20 per month. Join us for a series of sessions to maximize your marketing strategy. Constant Contact Workshops The Power of the Inbox (Aug. 5) What is the first impression you give when customers or prospects see you in their email inbox? And when they see you there, what do they do?
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From revealing why regular email doesn’t work, to insider tips and techniques like automated list building tools and the design elements that work (and those that don’t!), this seminar will give you the keys to the most effective marketing you can do: email marketing. Harness the Power of Mobile (Sept. 8) Participants will learn how to use mobile technology to promote themselves and drive more business. Mobile Internet usage is growing fast – more people are starting to receive and read your email and social media messages with their smartphones. And more businesses are starting to use mobile to create marketing communications and make it easy for their customers to buy from them. Join us for this workshop to make mobile a part of your business. Social Media Marketing Made Simple (Oct. 7) Social media represents the new wordof-mouth. If you’ve been thinking about marketing your business with social media, you may feel overwhelmed and not
sure how to get started. Or you may not be convinced that it works. This seminar will show you the value of using social media to reach your customers, how it can lead to new customers or drive repeat business from your current customers and it will provide you with a lot of simple tips for getting started. In this session you will: • Learn more about why you should be considering adding social media to your marketing mix. • Take a look at some of the most popular social media networks – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+ – and learn why each one might be right for your organization • Learn what you can do next if you’re interested in getting started with social media marketing – including some simple ideas for figuring out what to say and some “do’s and don’ts” of social media. Back to Basics: 60 Ways to Grow Your List (Nov. 4) You’ll leave this workshop with ideas and strategies to capture new contacts, grow your email list and take action to help move your business forward.
Having an interested and qualified list of contacts that you can stay top-of-mind with, is vital to every business. Continuing to grow that list is just as important. In this workshop we will show you 60 easy ways to grow your contact list today! Plus, you’ll have a chance to network with other attendees and grow your contact list, live during the workshop! The workshops will be held at Southern Wesleyan University, 802 E. Martintown Road, Suite 101, North Augusta, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. A nominal cost for the classes includes lunch. For more information or to register, visit NorthAugustaChamber.org, or call Terra at 803-279-2844, or email to terra@northaugustachamber.org.
Terra Carroll has served as president of the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce for more than three years. Contact her at 803-279-2844.
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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TELLING SECRETS
MANY IDEAS, BUT WHAT REALLY IS THE SECRET OF SUCCESS? STEVE SWANSON
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT SUCCESS Joshua 1:8: Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Proverbs 2:7: He holds success in store for the upright; he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless Luke 12:15: Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own John 15:16: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
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I have met some successful people in my lifetime: Professional athletes you’d recognize by name, a few internationally known speakers and authors and several musicians who have sold millions of albums over the course of their careers. I found myself wondering the other day what they would tell me about their success if I could sit down with each of them individually. What does “success” mean? What does it look like? Can all of us achieve it? What is the measuring stick we should use to gauge it? What does it take to be successful? A positive attitude? Extreme talent? Being in the right place at the right time? Education from the right schools? A great family? How about a God-inspired idea? Here are some concepts of success I found while skimming the internet. I know I shouldn’t have been surprised, but there are hundreds of ideas out there about what success is, and how to achieve it. Here are a few: “The real secret to success is enthusiasm.”—Walter Chrysler “The secret of getting ahead is getting
started.”—Mark Twain “Success is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.”—Jim Rohn “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”—Colin Powell I also thought this perspective provided interesting food for thought: 7 Secrets of Success…I found the answers in my room. 1. Roof said: Aim High 2. Fan said: Be cool 3. Clock said: Every minute is precious 4. Mirror said: Reflect before you act 5. Window said: See the world 6. Calendar said: Be up to date 7. Door said: Push hard to achieve your goals. What is success in God’s eyes? Success is accomplishing what God put us here to do. You succeed when you please God and do his will. 1 Timothy 6:19: In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. A couple of reminders: • Life is short. Live it well, finish strong • Every day is a gift to be shared and
celebrated • God is pleased when we strive for excellence where we are today, right now! • When we look to God (our Creator), we discover the things that matter most. He does not measure success like the world does. He is looking for a heart faithful to Him. • Living for His pleasure and service to others will provide us with the success we’re looking for. I’ll close with this thought: “You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need.” Now, go live – really live! I pray you find success by allowing God’s highest and best in all areas
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. For comments, email steve@wafj.com.
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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Upcoming Business Events
Friday, July 22
Lunch with the President, presented by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, 121 Richland Avenue East, Aiken. Noon1:30 p.m. A lunch meeting with a small group of Aiken Chamber members to learn about local businesses, talk about the Aiken Chamber, and make business contacts. AikenChamber.net. Ribbon-cutting: Beach Medical Weight Loss, 218 Edgefield Road, North Augusta. 4-6 p.m. NorthAugustaChamber.org. SCORE: Starting a Nonprofit, presented by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, 121 Richland Avenue East, Aiken. 9:30-11 a.m. This workshop will cover the steps needed to establish a not for profit organization. It will include compliance with state law, creating bylaws and getting 501(c)3 tax exempt status. AikenChamber.net.
Tuesday, July 26 BES: Digital Bootcamp – Youtube and Snapchat presented by the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, 406 West Avenue, North Augusta. 9:30-11 a.m. Chamber Members: Free; NonMembers: $10. Snapchat is the most talked about platform in social media right now, and some question whether this disappearing photo and video app could replace Youtube. Attendees at this session will learn: what type of content should be included to capture an audience and make a clear call to action; how to use Youtube/Snapchat to push people to their website; how to leverage Youtube/Snapchat for SEO. Northaugustachamber.org.
Wednesday, July 27 Lunch with the President, presented by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, 121 Richland Avenue East, Aiken. Noon1:30 p.m. A lunch meeting with a small group of Aiken Chamber members to learn about local businesses, talk about the Aiken Chamber and make business contacts. AikenChamber.net. Score Seminar: How to Develop a Business Plan presented by the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Southern Wesleyan University Business Technology Center, 802 East Martintown Road, Suite 101, North Augusta. 9:30-11:30 a.m. During this free workshop, attendees will learn how to develop their own business plan with topics including: The elements of a
38 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 30, 2016
business plan, customer insights and knowledge, competition and pricing, and finance and cash flow. Northaugustachamber.org. Small Business Marketing Academy presented by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, 1 Tenth Street, Augusta. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. An opportunity for the owners of small businesses to learn, share and plan for a growing and thriving business. AugustaMetroChamber.com.
Thursday, July 28 Business After Hours, presented by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, Hilton Garden Inn – Aiken, 350 Eastgate Dr., Aiken. 5-7 p.m. An opportunity for a company to introduce itself to the business community. This program offers chamber members the chance to meet one another and network in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. AikenChamber.net.
Wednesday, August 3 Membership 101 sponsored by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, 1000 Business Boulevard, Evans. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Information session for new chamber members, as well as those who want a refresher course. ColumbiaCountyChamber.com. Ribbon-cutting: Augusta Vascular Center West, 3624 J. Dewey Gray Circle, Augusta. 9 a.m. AugustaMetroChamber. com.
Friday, August 5 Constant Contact: The Power of the Inbox presented by the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Southern Wesleyan University, 802 E. Martintown Road, Suite 101, North Augusta. 11 a.m. - 1p.m. Chamber members: $10; NonMembers: $12. Lunch will be provided. What is the first impression you give when customers or prospects see you in their email inbox? And when they see you there, what do they do? From revealing why regular email doesn’t work, to insider tips and techniques like automated list building tools and design elements that work, this seminar will give you the keys to the most effective marketing you can do via email. NorthAugustaChamber.org.
Thursday, August 11 The Global Leadership Summit, West Acres Baptist Church, 555 Gibbs Road in Evans. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. A two-day event telecast live from Willow Creek’s campus near Chicago to hundreds
of locations in North America. The summit will present attendees with opportunities to sharpen their leadership skills and better develop the people they lead. For a full schedule of speakers and to register, visit willowcreek.com/events/leadership/index. html#home
Friday, August 12 The Global Leadership Summit, West Acres Baptist Church, 555 Gibbs Road in Evans. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. A two day event telecast live from Willow Creek’s campus near Chicago to hundreds of locations in North America. The summit will present attendees with opportunities to sharpen their leadership skills and better develop the people they lead. For a full schedule of speakers and to register, visit willowcreek.com/events/leadership/index. html#home
Tuesday, August 16 Columbia County Community Night at the GreenJackets, Lake Olmstead Stadium, 78 Milledge Road, Augusta. 6-10 p.m. GreenJacketsBaseball.com. Women in Business Luncheon presented by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, The Legends Club 2701 Washington Road, Augusta. 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Chamber Members: $30; Non-Members: $40. A networkin event that brings together and supports professional women to encourage and empower the business community. AugustaMetroChamber.com.
Wednesday, August 17 SCORE Seminar:Prevention of Business Fraud presented by the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Southern Wesleyan University Business Technology Center, 802 E. Martintown Road, Suite 101, North Augusta. 9:3011:30 a.m. NorthAugustaChamber.org.
Thursday, August 18 Third Thursday Business Builder presented by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, Augusta Metro Chamber Office,1 Tenth Street, Augusta, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Members: Free; Non-members: $15. “Establishing a Security Strategy & Decreasing Your Company’s Vulnerability: Security Awareness Training That Works” with keynote speaker: Delano Collins of EDTS. Reservations required. AugustaMetroChamber.com
Friday, August 19
Good Morning North Augusta: Legislative Update presented by the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Palmetto Terrace, 4th Floor: Municipal Complex, 100 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta. Networking: 7:30 a.m.; Breakfast and Program: 8-9:30 a.m. Members: $15; Non-Members: $25. Elected state representatives will provide a public policy update. Speakers will include Rep. Bill Hixon, Senator Tom Young, and Senator Shane Massey. NorthAugustaChamber.org.
Monday, August 22 Chamber After Hours presented by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, 7004 Evans Town Center Boulevard, Evans. 5-7 p.m. An event designed for chamber members to meet and build relationships with other businesses from the Columbia County area. ColumbiaCountychamber.com.
Tuesday, August 23 The Georgia Academy for Economic Development, 111 Railroad Street, Thomson. 8-4 p.m. The first of a fourday course intended to enhance leadership skills, community development knowledge and economic development knowledge. The following three sessions will be held September 27, October 18, and November 16. https://form.jotform.com/ DCA/r7fall2016.
Thursday, August 25 Business After Hours presented by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, Aiken Center for the Arts, 122 Laurens Street SW, Aiken. 5-7 p.m. An opportunity for a company to introduce itself to the business community. Attendees have the opportunity to meet one another and network in a casual atmosphere. aikenchamber.net.
Wednesday, August 31 Executive Luncheon presented by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, Savannah Rapids Pavilion, 3300 Evans to Locks Road, Martinez. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Members: $25; NonMembers: $35. Keynote Speaker: Mark Rauckhorst, Executive Vice President of Vogtle 3&4 Construction, will be discussing the future of nuclear power in America. https://secure2.chambermaster.com/directory/jsp/events/dlg/Public_ AddReg.jsp?ccid=291&eventid=10403
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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LOST IN THE DETAILS
COMPLEX AFFORDABLE CARE ACT STILL CONFUSES EMPLOYERS RUSSELL HEAD By now, most employers are aware of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and the tremendous effect it has had on businesses and their responsibility to offer and report on healthcare offered to their employees. However, due to the complexities of the law, it is easy for employers to get lost in the details of exactly what is required. The following is summary of common employer errors, and tips on how to avoid them. Not knowing which part of the law applies to my company Even now, more than six years after the law was signed, many employers are not certain which parts of the law, if any, apply to their business. In general, all employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent (FTE) employees must offer qualifying coverage to their full-time employees or be subject to significant penalties. Special rules apply to related companies (for example, those with common ownership) that might make otherwise exempt companies subject to the law. Also, special exemptions for employers between 50 and 100 FTEs were in effect for coverage offered in 2015; however, those exemptions have now expired. Not knowing which employees
Deciding which employees should be offered coverage and when can be a daunting task. to offer coverage and when Deciding which employees should be offered coverage and when can be a daunting task. In addition to full-time and part-time employees (those working more or less than 30 hours per week), the law also creates categories for variable hour employees (workers whose hours fluctuate above and below the 30 hour threshold) and for seasonal employees (workers hired into positions for which the customary annual employment is six months or less and for which the employment begins about the same time each calendar year). Affected employers should offer fulltime employees qualifying coverage no later than the 91st day following employment. Part-time, variable-hour and seasonal employees, however, can be placed in a longer “measurement period” of up to 12 months to determine whether they meet the requirements of a full-time em-
ployee prior to being offered coverage. Not documenting offers of coverage One of the foundational tenets of healthcare reform is the employer mandate to offer qualifying coverage to qualifying employees. However, the employee can waive coverage, presumably because they are covered elsewhere on a family member’s plan or through the healthcare exchange. For these employees, it is important that employers document the content and timing of any offer of coverage by requesting the employee sign and date a waiver form. Even now, employers are receiving marketplace notices for employees who have enrolled in coverage through the healthcare exchange. In order to avoid penalties for qualifying employees, employers will need to prove that they offered qualifying coverage in a timely manner. Not completing the required reporting For some employers, the most daunting part of healthcare reform may be the new reporting requirements created by the law. In addition to W-2 reporting of total healthcare costs already required, this year was the first year employers were required to report to employees and the IRS concerning the quality and timing of healthcare offered to full-time employees for the prior year. In addition to employers with 50 or more FTEs, employers of
all sizes offering self-funded plans were also required to report. For many employers, this has been a painful process of sorting through enrollment data and a dizzying array of codes for the newly created forms. Perhaps even more painful, however, is the possibility of fines of up to $3 million for failing to complete timely and accurate reporting. This requirement is not to be ignored. Considering the possibility of these and other missteps an employer could make, it is recommended that companies not go it alone. Continue to learn as much as possible on the ever changing requirements of the law through education and by seeking the guidance of knowledgeable benefits or payroll professionals.
Russell T. Head is President with ACHS Insurance, Inc., Augusta’s largest risk management and employee benefits brokerage. He can be reached at 706-7333459 or rthead@achsinsurance.com. Visit ACHS Insurance at achsinsurance.com.
HURRY UP AND WAIT
PATIENCE IS THE KEY WHEN MAKING REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS JUSTIN ANDERSON
The best time to plant an oak tree was 20 years ago…the second best time is today! One of the things I love most about being involved with AORE is the constant exposure to new investors who have just discovered this game of real estate investing. It is the new investors’ energy and enthusiasm that inspires me the most. The greatest challenge for the new investor always seems to be planting that acorn and then waiting the 20 years for the tree to mature. It seems that once someone discovers the amazing world of real estate investing, they get impatient and want to have 20 years of success in the first week! I completely understand! Patience is definitely not my virtue. It never has been. In fact, I can remember being in first grade, and the school I went to put on the play Annie that year. The guy who played Daddy Warbucks was in eighth grade. I remember seeing him around the
40 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 30, 2016
playground and becoming star struck, almost in awe. I wanted to be him so badly – but it felt like he was almost as old as my dad. It felt like I was never going to be that old! Then I remember getting into third grade. If you can believe it, they wanted me to learn to write in cursive! What? No way! That was going to be too hard – there was no way that was ever going to happen. I remember getting through that traumatic experience and making it all the way to 14 years old. I got my first job at a water slide park. I was too young to work on the slides, so I had to work in the arcade. My friend Paul, who was 17 at the time, worked at the wave pool. That was the coolest job ever! Of course, it helped that all the girls always liked the lifeguards at the wave pools. Unfortunately, I felt like I was never going to be old enough to be as cool as Paul! The funny thing is, when I was facing
The greatest challenge for the new investor always seems to be planting that acorn and then waiting the 20 years for the tree to mature. those obstacles in my life, they always seemed so far away and impossible to accomplish. However, now, looking back, they were all just minor blips in time. Any time we face an obstacle in life, it seems like a 600-foot mountain to climb. However, once we climb it, it seems like a little 6-inch step we took. In many cases, looking back it almost seems easy compared to the new challenges life is presenting. The point here is, just get started. If you have been thinking about investing, or have just discovered the idea – get started! Don’t try to grow an oak tree in the first week. Just plant an acorn and start the process. Before you know it, you will be
able to sit in the shade under your mature tree, drinking lemonade and enjoying the afternoon.
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.
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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BUSINESSES HELPING BUSINESSES BE BETTER
B2B EXPO IN OCTOBER PUTS BUSINESSES IN THE SPOTLIGHT NEIL GORDON By now you’ve probably heard about our B2B Expo – we’ve been telling everyone because we think it’s an exciting opportunity for businesses across the CSRA. Our goal is to create a business-tobusiness setting that will benefit everyone on both sides of the aisle. Think about it: You’re a business who needs to buy products and services to run at peak efficiency. There are many businesses who focus on helping your business do that. It’s a natural fit to bring everyone together to share our expertise in one setting.
Many other unique companies will display their products and services that have business-tobusiness functions you may not know about. To do that, we created our first B2B Expo, which will be held on Oct. 19 at the new Foundry at Rae’s Creek, a beautiful setting created by Robert Williams of Roux’s Catering – and a place you might want to consider for your upcoming event. At our B2B Expo, you’ll find booths by dozens of vendors offering the kinds of products you’ll need at your business. There will also be a few seminars during the day, dispensing advice that you’ll find useful in making your business even more successful. It’s only fitting that PremierNetworx,
42 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 30, 2016
WHO’S IN THE B2B EXPO SO FAR
*7 spots remain
Level 3 Sponsors* Augusta Data Storage Jani King Local Trade Group Alpha Graphics Cracker Barrel Credit Card Payment Systems Troy State University Window World
Level 2 Sponsors* Woody Merry\Axa Advisors
Listing as of July 15
Presenting Sponsors* PremierNetworx News 12\WAGT *2 spots remain
Level 1 Sponsors* Pollock Company Augusta Staffing/Job Shop Chronicle Media
*9 spots remain
the Augusta IT Guys, is one of our premier, charter sponsors. It’s been a good few years for Premier, as they’ve grown exponentially through the acquisition of some of their former competitors. Premier is one of 14 sponsors who’ve signed on so far to participate in the B2B Expo. There are still spots available if you’re interested in bringing your business “into the spotlight.” Although there are still three months left until the Expo, don’t wait too long, as the number of available booth spaces is limited. News 12/WAGT is our media sponsor. You’ll start seeing promos soon on both stations and their affiliates. Several other prominent companies have taken major sponsorships like Augusta Staffing/Job Shop, which has participated in all three of our Career Expos. Pollock Company celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a trade show last year but 50 years hasn’t made them complacent – they’ll be demonstrating a new product at the B2B Expo. “We’ll be showcasing our new line of digital postal meters,” said General Manager Michael Sommers. The high-tech version of the old “mailing machine” saves their clients time and
*7 spots remain
money. Many other unique companies will display their products and services that have business-to-business functions you may not know about. Window World, for example, installs office windows and will have some on display. And did you know Cracker Barrel delivers breakfast and/or lunch to your office for early morning or lunch meetings? They’ll be on hand to tell you all about it.
What does a university have to offer a business? Well, Troy State University is developing a plan to encourage employers to recommend school for their employees. “The Atlanta branch of Troy has had a lot of success offering a 10 percent discount on tuition through its outreach to companies,” said Admission Counselor Tracy Zawecki of the local branch of Troy State. Check out the full list of company sponsors so far. A list of speakers and ticket information is available in our ad on the next page. If you have any questions, call me at 706589-6727 or email neil@buzzon.biz.
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.
July 21—August 17, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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44 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 17, 2016
July 21—August 17, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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AREA BUSINESSES HELP PEOPLE BECOME LOSERS
AMA’S DESCRIPTION OF OBESITY AS DISEASE IS WAKE UP CALL FOR MANY BY CHRIS KANE Al Cothran knows first-hand how Palmetto Wellness & Weight Loss can change lives. The Revenue Administrator for the City of Aiken dropped 78 pounds through one of their weight loss programs. “The program at Palmetto Wellness is very innovative and it’s something new and fresh compared to other weight loss programs,” said Cothran. “They want you to succeed and they aren’t judgmental.” Palmetto wants people like Cothran to succeed for a simple reason. “Obesity is the No. 1 disease in the United States,” said Dr. Gregory Eaves, founder of Palmetto Wellness. “Four out of 10 people are obese in this country.” In 2013, The American Medical Association classified obesity as a disease. It was a major wake-up call for millions of people. Eaves is an expert on the topic of obesity. A few months after the AMA decided to officially call obesity a disease, the Aiken cardiologist opened Palmetto Wellness & Weight Loss MD in September 2013. “The reason I did it is because I did not feel anyone was addressing the obesity epidemic in the way it really needed to be treated,” Eaves said. “When you go see your physician, they are so busy treating your acute illnesses. It’s hard to focus on the lifestyle changes and the treatment of weight in order to successfully affect weight loss and maintain it.” Cothran said, “Their goal is get you off a bunch of meds and get you to where you are coming in once a year when you reach your goal and maintain it. Dr. Eaves has a very different approach to health care and he’s really into preventive care and not the sick care.” Many of Cothran’s co-workers are believers too. He said about 20 City of Aiken employees signed up with Palmetto Wellness & Weight Loss after Eaves spoke at a city luncheon. “When obesity was recognized as a disease, the city nurse and I wanted to get more aggressive on helping people who were obese if they wanted it, too,” Cothran said. “Through our City of Aiken Comprehensive Health program (COACH), we focus on helping employees with obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and nicotine addiction.” The numbers are staggering when it comes to obesity in the United States. By 2020, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development estimates that three-fourths of the Ameri-
46 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 30, 2016
can population will be overweight or obese. Obesity leads to more than 120,000 preventable deaths each year in the United States. An obese person in this country spends nearly $1,500 in medical expenses
Dr. Gregory Eaves of Aiken helps people lose weight in the right way.
annually. Those stats bothered Eaves and he started to attend meetings conducted by The American Society of Bariatric Physicians. “I realized we were focusing mainly on treating the symptoms of obesity and not the root source which is basically our diet,” Eaves said. “We have generally a
very high carbohydrate diet in the United States, which leads to most of our problems. I really changed my whole approach to not only my cardiac patients, but myself included, as far as my diet.” The change worked for Eaves and his patients at Palmetto Wellness & Weight Loss. “Our goal is to help them lose the right weight and body fat, and to wean them off as much of their medicine as possible,” Eaves said. “We see folks every 2-to-4 weeks when they are on active weight loss. We are following their lab work and measuring body composition to make sure. They also receive counseling on exercise and behavioral modification.” The success of the program has spurred Eaves to start a corporate wellness program. “We are eager to meet with business heads and work out a plan for them,” he said. And his staff is prepared and ready to work with their employees on site. “When your employees are not at your business, they’re not being productive. One of the goals of our corporate wellness plan is to improve worker productivity, decrease worker absenteeism and improve overall health. If I take your employees away from you to come 15 minutes across town and they are gone for an hour, then I’ve hurt productivity.” There is a big push in the corporate world to have quality wellness programs, but according to Eaves, most of them lack teeth. “Folks go and get their blood pressure checked and they get labs done and they may listen to quarterly seminars and get checked off for being there,” he said. “Most companies consider that to be their wellness programs, but at the end of the day, nobody is healthier.” The long-term effect of obesity has a devastating effect on productivity in the business world. “The number of workers comp claims are twice as high and folks are carrying too much body weight, making them more prone to injury,” Eaves said. “There is a significant increase in absenteeism related to obesity and corporations lose billions of dollars to obesity-related illness every year.” Eaves said if companies want to improve their wellness programs they need to set the example from the top. “It would be interesting to see how many of the corporate leaders are in bad health, overweight or obese? I would venture to say they reflect the typical numbers of the population,” said Eaves. “If your leaders are not healthy and not
“
When your employees are not at your business, they’re not being productive. One of the goals of our corporate wellness plan is to improve worker productivity, decrease worker absenteeism and improve overall health.
”
focused on their health, it’s probably not going to be in the front of their mind that it’s important for their workforce.” Another way to instill new life into Employee Wellness programs is for corporations to encourage their employees to sign up for corporate gym memberships. “We offer a number of different options depending on the company’s level of participation,” said Shaun Smith, owner of three Gold’s Gym locations in Aiken, North Augusta and Augusta. Smith has been running Gold’s Gyms in the CSRA for 20 years and he’d like to see more corporations take advantage of their membership plans. Once a company is signed up, it’s up to the employee to get serious about its fitness. “Everyone is different and has their preferences on when they work out,” said Smith. “The key to success is to stay consistent. My advice for the 9-to-5 employee is to work out first thing in your day, then other stuff can’t interfere!” Whether it’s staying fit at a gym or working with a wellness weight-loss expert, corporations need to encourage their employees to make healthy lifestyle decisions, Eaves said. “It’s proven that obesity does affect productivity in the business world,” Eaves said. “When you have a healthier workforce, company leaders are going to have more productivity out of its staff.”
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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PLANNING AHEAD
CREATING HABITS KEY TO MAKING MOST OF INNOVATOR MIND CAROL GIGNOUX “Five Steps to Creating a Habit that will Save Your Butt” So here you are, feeling disorganized and distracted once again, stressing over what you forgot to do or trying to start a task you’d rather avoid. “Oh, hell with it,” you say. “I’ll spend some time on the computer and forget about how miserable this all makes me feel.” I’m guessing a version of that might sound familiar to some of you. That is indeed the trap we with Innovator Brains fall into if there are no outside structures in place. By structures, I mean plans, practices, systems and routines. Because our Innovator Brains (nix the ADHD because it’s not true) function in the here and now, they are stimulationseeking missiles and are highly susceptible to how we feel at any given moment, we are more likely to do what feels good and interesting than what will save our job, our marriage or our academic career. And then there is the demoralization that comes from continuing to screw up, making us feel even worse. So what if you could do things differently and your life became less of a crapshoot? What if you could develop a more reliable and organized way of achieving the life you’ve always wanted and you could deliver up a daily agenda that actually made you happy and proud? What would be possible for you in your life: unconditional love, pure joy, completely satisfying relationships, living your true potential and making a difference in the lives of others? Planning Ahead Planning ahead and anticipating is an
unnatural state of affairs for your brain and that is why you don’t know how to do it. But the good news is that you can learn. If you follow the accompanying steps exactly, your life will no longer be like playing the tables in Las Vegas and more like functioning within a reliable system that allows you to be a version of your very best self. Don’t let the simplicity of this system fool you. Try it and see for yourself how not using the system is responsible for a majority of your problems. Your life will be less stressful, more predictable and infinitely more rewarding. Each day and week will unfold more along the lines of success and less along the lines of failure. You’ll be able to look back to see what works for you and what clearly is not working because the evidence will be right there in front of your face. You’ll use the previous week(s) to do better in the week coming up. And most importantly, each week you’ve planned is really a window into how you’re living your life and the perfect opportunity to decide how you feel about that!
Carol Gignoux is a coach, trainer and motivational expert in the world of achievement and productivity with a 40-year background in educating and training people of all ages. She is well established as an expert in ADHD Coaching with more than 16 years of experience. For the past decade she has engaged in extensive research and developed powerful insights into how dynamic relationships between individual people and their organizational environments are created. Contact her at 706-955-9063 or carol@liveADHDfree.com.
TAKING THE GAMBLE OUT OF YOUR LIFE Requirement 1: Write everything down. Everything. Write it down in a weekly planner that you always have with you. You think you’ll remember, but more than likely you won’t. Practice the One Minute Rule – if you can do something in a minute, do it now. Requirement 2: Do not use your smart technology. You’re going to train your brain to use this new planning system and your brain learns best – and will only learn this system the right way – if you use paper and pencil. Remember, it is only recently in human evolution that we began using computers and tapping keys, but we have been writing from brain to hand for much longer. If you have a problem with this, get over it. When training time is over and your system is a predictable habit, you can go back to your precious devices. If you’re not willing to follow this one, don’t bother to read on. Step #1: Make sure that you have a planner that opens up to the whole week. Monday through Sunday must be visible at a glance. In this system you’ll need to work with – and therefore see – the whole week in order to shift things around when you need to. Step # 2: Designate a section of your planner for writing down what comes up so you can “capture it” and return back to your planner when you’ve forgotten it (forgetting always happens and especially when you “just know” you’ll remember). As things come up and you don’t have time in that mo-
ment to write them in the correct day and time in your planner, at least you know you’ll have “captured “ them for later inclusion. Step # 3: You will be planning your week on Sunday because that is the perfect time to plan the week ahead. Talk to you husband or wife when they are less distracted and share what ‘s coming up in the week ahead in their life, your life and the family’s life. Include the social calendar, the appointment calendar and the projects calendar. Step # 4: Fill in the weekly calendar on Sunday so that every hour of the day in the week ahead is accounted for, using down arrows in your planner to designate things that will require longer than an hour. (Use pencil because, of course, some things will change and need to be rescheduled.) The point is not to pressure yourself into creating the perfect carved-in-stone calendar; the purpose for having this system is to produce the best ideas at the time of the planning because your planner will always be a guide and not a set of forced restrictions. Caution: when you reschedule something, find a new place for it right then or you’ll forget. Step # 5: Now you are beginning to see the value of having a guide to the obligations, appointments, due dates, projects, self -care activities and fun times in the upcoming week. Your brain is being trained to plan ahead and remind you to continually check the weekly calendar so you don’t forget.
SHEPEARD FIRST TO REDUCE RISK OF TRANSFUSION INFECTIONS Shepeard Community Blood Center is the first blood center in the State of Georgia to produce pathogen reduced platelet components in which a broad spectrum of pathogens and leukocytes have been inactivated to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted infection, including sepsis, and to potentially reduce transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease. Shepeard supports 21 hospitals in Georgia and South Carolina, and supplies 32,000 components per year. “Shepeard continuously strives to find ways to utilize the latest innovative technologies to improve the safety and availability of our blood supply,” said Kevin Belanger, Shepeard President/CEO. “The Intercept Blood System provides a
48 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 30, 2016
proactive approach to address the safety of blood transfusion recipients by helping to protect them from transfusion transmitted infections, including those from certain bacteria and emerging pathogens.” Nearly 30 million blood components are transfused each year in the United States. In fact, it is estimated that 40 percent of people will one day need a transfusion to treat a disease, replace blood loss during a traumatic injury or to supplement their own blood during surgery. In the United States, the incidence of transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs), including HIV, and hepatitis C (HCV), have become rare thanks to donor screenings and advanced disease testing procedures. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) issued a revised draft guidance document which includes pathogen reduction technology as a recommended option to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination in platelets, and transfusion-related sepsis. In addition, gaps exist for some pathogens for which there are no licensed tests – such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya – or for threats that haven’t yet been identified. Adding new commercialized tests to the routine assessment of donated blood can take a significant amount of time due to development and regulatory submissions that must be performed. Unlike testing, pathogen reduction is a proactive approach to reducing transfusion-transmitted infectious risk, including sepsis, through the comprehen-
sive inactivation of bacteria, viruses, and parasites in plasma and platelet components. The Intercept Blood System’s proprietary pathogen reduction technology is based on a simple premise – platelets and plasma contain no functional DNA or RNA; however, pathogens and harmful white blood cells all do. Pathogen reduction is designed to block the replication process so that these viruses, bacteria, and parasites can no longer multiply and cause disease. The Intercept Blood System inactivates a broad spectrum of pathogens, offering a proactive approach to reducing the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections, even those for which there are currently no commercialized testing methods.
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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SECOND WIND
STRESSFUL SITUATIONS AFFECT MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH CAROLYN RAMP “There just aren’t enough hours in the day!” “I never seem to get enough done!” “I’m barely keeping my head above water!” Any of these remarks sound familiar to you? Think about it. Have you said one of them or something similar just this past week? We live in a hectic world. It seems there is always something going on – at home, at work, with our children, with our extended family, with a friend. We begin to feel “pressured,” “overwhelmed,” “stressed.” Each of us responds to challenges differently. Most of the time, we refer to these challenges as stress or pressure and this creates physiological responses that we feel in our bodies – our blood pressure may rise, our heart rate may rise, our breath comes quicker, we can’t seem to breathe as deeply. Our non-essential bodily functions, such as our digestive or immune systems, slow down. We feel the response of our body to the pressure. It’s commonly referred to as the “fight, flight, or freeze” response. It’s our body’s alarm system. We are constantly sizing up the situation in front of us and deciding if it’s a threat to us and if we have the resources
within ourselves to handle it. Do we have the coping skills to deal with the situation without becoming overwhelmed? Or do we believe our resources are not enough to get a grip on the situation? Now, these challenges aren’t always negative. Having a baby, planning a wedding or a move, building a house, getting a new job or a promotion are all positive experiences that can bring on pressure. But anytime we experience what we consider stressful, our mental health as well as our physical health is affected. We may have feelings of anger, depression, sadness, anxiety or feelings of insecurity. It’s crucial to realize it’s what we think about the situation that determines how we will respond both physically and mentally to the challenge in front of us. We have to know and understand our limitations, take care of ourselves and be willing to ask for help when we need it. The truth is, what we think causes us to have feelings. What we feel causes us to act or behave a certain way. And the way we act or behave contributes to the outcome of a situation. We may say “I can’t help it if I think that way. It’s how I was brought up.” “I can’t help it if I feel that way. It’s just a feeling.” And “I can’t help it if I act that way. I’ve always acted that way.” What we are saying is we can’t control
our thoughts, our feelings or our behavior. But, actually, those are the only things we really can control. We will never control the rest of the world. So when you’re feeling “pressured,” “overwhelmed” or “stressed,” it’s time for a little self-care. We are all hardwired differently. What might work for me, might not work for you. Just as Billy Joel sings in his song “You’re Only Human,” remember we all have a second wind. When your emotions are overwhelming you, or you’re beginning to run out of steam, or you feel as if you are all alone or you feel you can’t make it, do a little self-care and hold on….For that ol’ second wind to come along.
Suggestions for self-care •Getting good sleep (uninterrupted, REM sleep) •Eating appropriately (fast food on the run makes us feel bloated) •Avoiding caffeine and alcohol (yep, alcohol is a depressant. It will not help you solve anything.) •Meditation (sitting still and quiet, focused on breathing) •Exercise (the dreaded E word! This can include yoga, tai chi, walking, etc) •Relaxation techniques (focused breathing, guided imagery, etc.) •Journaling (writing can get the feeling out of us and onto paper) •Making lists and prioritizing
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.
•Positive affirmations (these really do help motivate us) •Asking for help (counseling can help build your resiliency and teach you new skills)
THE GREAT DIVIDE
DIVORCE MEANS DIVIDING UP THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY SARAH BLAKE During a divorce, the judge or the jury is going to have to divide all of the marital estate – the marital property and the marital debt. So you have to know what marital debt and marital property are. A rule of thumb for debt and asset division in a divorce comes by way of Clint Eastwood. No, not that bit about luck, it’s from one of his most famous movie titles. I tell my clients that the court is going to have to divide the good, the bad and the ugly parts of your financial life. Generally speaking, this means that if an asset was acquired during the marriage it is going to be marital property. Likewise, if a debt was incurred during the marriage, it is a marital debt. I often have people concerned that they are not going to be able to make a claim to a significant asset because it is
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titled solely in their spouse’s name – often a car or a house. The titling of the vehicle or the property is irrelevant to the court. If you purchased the vehicle or the real estate during the marriage, you have a claim to it because it is marital property. Even if your spouse made all of the payments towards the purchase of the property from his or her paycheck, the property will still be considered marital property. Many clients are also concerned about debts titled only in his or her name. The same concept applies to these debts. If you incurred the debt in the course of your normal married life – for family gifts, vacations, or to pay bills – the court will apportion the debt between you and your spouse, regardless of the name on the account. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule of thumb. The most common exception is inheritance. If either you or your
spouse inherited a sum of money or an item of property during the marriage, that inheritance is not considered marital property. There are ways around this exclusion, so it is important that you seek the advice of an attorney to see if you can make a claim to the property. I know it may be difficult for some spouses to even know where to start. Many people are married to someone who is secretive with financial matters. The best thing that you can do is to gather as many documents as you can locate. Even if the statement that you have is old, an attorney can still use information on the statement to locate bank accounts, trace funds and help you get what you deserve. Once you have defined the marital estate, you must be prepared for the marital estate to be divided. In both Georgia and South Carolina, the marital estate is subject to equitable division.
I like to think of this as a fancy way of saying “a fair division.” This does not necessarily mean a 50/50 division. There are several factors that come into play during the division process and it is absolutely critical that you know how to argue each of those factors in your favor.
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.
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SIMPLE CHARM
THE LARDER HAS RELAXING VIBE BUT FOOD COULD USE HELP SUSAN O’KEEFE Mouth-watering summer specials straight from the garden sprinkle the menu at a fairly new lunch spot in North Augusta. The Larder offers such goodies as steamed lettuce wraps with blackened chicken, pickled onions and a blackberry salsa. Another favorite item topping a recent lunch list included the green goddess sandwich with garden cucumbers, tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts and dressing on a multigrain bread. On a hot, humid day, my colleagues and I were eager to escape the sweltering heat in exchange for the cool, refreshing atmosphere of The Larder. Patio, plates and pantry is the garnishing mantra of the hip eatery. Its website shows racks of specialty oils, jams, jellies, salts and seasonings. For a trio of women eager to try something new, The Larder looked like a sure thing. We were greeted as soon as we walked in the door. A small bar filled one corner
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The Larder
The Larder is located at 89 Crystal Lake Drive in North Augusta. of the room. Fashionable wooden tables, chairs, and high tops neatly lined the remainder of the dining area. The clerk asked for our order after promptly recounting the day’s specials. Prices seemed more than fair with a meatball side order for $4 and the popular Cuban bread pork shoulder sandwich for $8. Italian, as well as ham and turkey sandwiches, were also offered on the menu, as well as a host of salads from a Mediterranean to Asian to Nicoise. An ample list of sides included waffle fries or potato salad. For the coffee connoisseur, The Larder offers espresso, cappuccino and Irish coffee, to name a few. Again, the items were reasonably priced in the $3 to $8 range. My colleagues and I easily found a table as there were only a few patrons in the restaurant. A couple of casual diners occupied tables and seemed to be enjoying their meal. Business folks would have no trouble discussing a deal in the quiet atmosphere of The Larder. For larger business groups, tables could be rearranged to seat six or eight. The restaurant vibe was relaxing and refreshing with an abundance of natural light pour-
ing in from the front windows. With only a few diners to serve, the kitchen staff was able to prepare our order quickly. We were served with a smile and invited to refill our iced tea at our convenience. There was a large canister sitting on the counter. It’s a “help yourself ” kind of situation. Although my colleague commented that her sandwich bun was a bit chewy and bland, the contents of the sandwich were scrumptious. The Asian salad could use a wake-up call as its wilted lettuce and day-old chicken left another colleague a bit disappointed. We decided there is definitely potential in The Larder but will ask more carefully next time before we order. The Larder opens at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday and is a suitable spot to
meet for a business coffee or meal. There are enticing promotions like the free bike rentals accompanying lunch orders that would fill a picnic basket. While that idea may be more appropriate for family diners, it gives business folks an opportunity to bike outside the box. The simple charm of The Larder will give it steam to propel itself onto the business scene. From there, patrons will determine the need to keep these cupboards stocked.
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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COMMON GROUND MILLENNIALS DIFFERENT, BUT ALIGN WITH BABY BOOMERS BY KELSEY MORROW Millennials might not be so different after all. “Millennials actually have a lot in common with earlier generations” Beth Huggins, Director of first and second year experiences at Augusta University said at a recent Women in Business Luncheon hosted by the Augusta Metro Chamber. “In particular Millennials are much more closely aligned with the Baby Boomer and Greatest Generation than Generation X.” The term “Millennial” was derived by the media as a shorthand for referring to those born between the early 1980s and 2000. The Baby Boomer generation is generally defined as those born 19461964, with the Greatest Generation preceding it and Generation X sandwiched between it and the Millennials. This is not to say that Millennials are without their differences. In comparison
to all previous generations, Millennials are the first generation not to list work ethic as their most important trait. “Millennials were raised around statements such as ‘You are special’ and ‘Leave no one behind,’” Huggins said, “so they have a greater need to feel indispensable within their company.” Although this trait has often caused others to describe Millennials as entitled or spoiled, it is not always a negative attribute. The need to feel valued can also translate into hard work. “Millennials are incredibly goal-oriented,” Huggins said. “If they have some place they see they can work towards, they are going to get there.” Millennials may be the new kids on the business block right now, but by 2025, it’s estimated that more than 75 percent of the work force will be made up of millennial workers.
HOW MILLENNIAL ARE YOU? A study of social trends by the Pew Research Center seeks to redefine the term Millennial. Pew has developed a quiz, entitled “How Millennial Are You?” (http://bit.ly/ aumquiz) – and age is not the primary factor in their determination. According to Pew, “Millennial” is defined more by your interactions with your world than by your age alone. Major questions include “In the past 24 hours, did you watch more than an hour of television programming?” “Do you read a daily newspaper?” “How many text messages do you send on a daily basis?” and other technology-related questions.
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Beth Huggins provides some tips to help a company attract and retain members of the next generations. 1. PROVIDE CLEAR WORK EXPECTATIONS FOR NEW EMPLOYEES. The younger half of the Millennial generation is still transitioning from the college lifestyle to the work force. To set them up for success in your company, it can help to mimic the college structure with which they are familiar. Consider creating a “work syllabus” for new employees that spells out topics such as work rules, job hours, social media policies and dress codes.
2. Create connections between younger employees and more senior employees. “When issues arise, Millennials often tend toward horizontal communication as opposed to vertical conversation,” Huggins said. Some companies have successfully navigated this concern by pairing new employees with senior employees in a mentor/mentee relationship. This way when issues do arise, a younger employee will hopefully already have a relationship with an employee in a vertical position to communicate with.
3. Pick your battles. Millennials value flexibility more than previous generations. Determine if your type of business requires employees to be at their desks the entire 9-5 standard work day, or if flexible work hours or telecommuting are acceptable options.
4. Provide a purpose. Millennials want to serve a purpose and feel that their work has meaning. In some industries, the work itself does not allow for creativity, but this can be countered by organizing outside events. “Even if employees might need to do menial tasks such as filing or stapling that are not fulfilling in and of themselves,” Huggins said, “when they come together as a team to help the community, they can find fulfillment that way.”
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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56 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 17, 2016
FIXING PROBLEMS LONG DISTANCE
FLACK CHIROPRACTIC STRIVES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN MONTANA BY AMANDA KING Beth Flack is no stranger to fixing things. As a chiropractor and owner at Flack Family Chiropractic, she is familiar with putting bones back in place But the biggest adjustment Flack has made is happening nearly 2,000 miles away from the CSRA at the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Poplar, Mont. Since May, Flack, her office staff and patients have been collecting backpacks for the children on the reservation, complete with school supplies. Their goal was to collect 100 backpacks. “The area out there is like a third world country,” Flack said. “And it’s here in the United States and most people don’t even know about it.” Flack learned about the reservation through The New Renaissance, a coaching program for chiropractors. The New Renaissance partners with Love Has No Color, which seeks to eradicate hopelessness on Native American reservations. The children on the reservation suffer from pot bellies due to their hunger, while 75 percent of adults are unemployed and the suicide rate is above the national average. Children are frequently abused, many with cigarette burns on their bodies. Sex trafficking with children is a major problem as parents sell their own children to have money for drugs and alcohol. Gangs are also a huge problem in the area, although the statistics are decreasing. Love Has No Color recently built the community a movie theater so children and teenagers would have a safe place to attend. In addition to the backpacks, Flack and her team are trying to raise $20,000 to
provide good food for the families on the reservation. Many children only receive food from the school cafeteria during the school year. The closest Walmart is an hour away and many parents do not have the gas to get there. According to Flack, if given a choice between a toy or a loaf of bread, a child will choose the loaf of bread every time. On a previous trip to the reservation, Flack recalls children eating four or five hot dogs while they were giving away food because they were so hungry. “My heart just aches for them,” she said. Flack has visited the reservation once in the past and will return in August with a team of approximately 20 people to deliver the backpacks, give chiropractic adjustments and assist the reservation by passing out food and working on homes. There will also be an opportunity for Flack and other volunteers to have fun with the children on the reservation by doing face painting, hair braiding and more. The team will also be branching out to Wolf Point, Mont., during this trip. The backpack project is one of two outreach projects Flack’s office will conduct this year. Later this year they will do Christmas on the Reservation, which involves collecting any items needed for the children and families. Last Christmas, Flack and her team collected instruments for children to play. “Giving back always makes you feel better,” Flack said. “And really and truly, it makes you a better business owner because you’ve got that passion and people see that and I really think it attracts people to you as well.”
Some of the backpacks being collected at Flack Chiropractic. Photo by Amanda King
AMERICANS CONTINUE TO INCREASE THEIR DATA USAGE
Americans last year used three times as much digital data as they had in 2013. According to a recent survey, Americans used 9.6 trillion megabytes of data in 2015. This is the equivalent of consumers streaming 59,219 videos every minute or roughly 18 million MB. Smart phones are the top wireless device Americans use to stream data, and us-
age is still growing. There were more than 228 million smart phones in the United States in 2015, an almost 10 percent increase from 2014. Seventy percent of the population now owns a smart phone. But tablet usage is growing even faster. Last year there were more than 41 million tablets on wireless networks, up 16 percent from 2014.
Americans also exchanged more than 2.1 trillion texts, videos and photo messages, or more than four million every minute. It’s safe to say Americans prefer mobile devices to communicate. Oh, and some Americans still use phones in the traditional way. Americans talked more than 2.8 trillion minutes on
their mobile phones, up more than 17 percent from 2014. To handle the increase in devices and usage, America’s wireless carriers invested almost $32 billion in 2015, including adding almost 10,000 new cell sites. Since 2010, carriers have invested more than $177 billion to improve their coverage and capacity to better serve all Americans.
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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BEANTOWN BREWS
VISIT TO BOSTON LEADS TO GOOD BEERS – AND LOBSTER BEN CASELLA
Boston: Beantown, the Cradle of Liberty, the City on a Hill, the Olde Towne. Whatever you call it, Boston is simply one of the best cities our side of the galaxy. On a recent trip there, I managed to accomplish two goals: logging over 24 hours in the same conference room and sampling some quality ales. One of those accomplishments was slightly more enjoyable than the other, and I’ll leave that up to you to decide. Harpoon IPA - One of our evenings led Laura, my parents, and me to Durty Nelly’s near the North End in Old Town. My brother had suggested this place as an authentic Boston pub. He was right all the way down to the drunk local who bought the whole bar a round (I’ll bet he wishes he had that money back right about now). I had a Harpoon IPA (Harpoon being a brewery with a national reach but still some products I haven’t yet tasted – the IPA being one of them). The takeaway from this brew (besides the fact that I enjoyed it enough to have another) was the presence of a significant amount of spice both on the nose and the tongue. In the end, the hops win out with a decay that lingers just enough before the next sip.
Final judgment: this is a pretty good IPA that’s worth your while (especially if you can get it on draught). Green Head IPA – Yes, I’m writing about two IPAs in the same article. You’ll probably get over it… I had Green Head poured from a can, and I could smell notes of pine and aspen before I even got it within a foot of my nose. It’s a darker amber IPA with a 7.2% ABV to match, and it is very good. The balance between malt and hops is a difficult task that the folks at the Newburyport Brewing Company have pulled off very well, and I highly recommend this beer. It isn’t as bitter as you’re probably thinking, and the overall balance is superb. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this beer, and I am going to try my best to find it (or get it available) around here.
Ben Casella also enjoyed Cisco Brewers Grey Lady and the Samuel Adams Summer Seasonal. He also enjoyed his six meals in a row having at least something to do with lobster. He is now back home trying to figure out if that number is his cholesterol level or his zip code.
Ben Casella and his father, Thomas, share a toast in a Boston pub. Photo contributed
TV LESSONS
NETFLIX DOCUMENTARIES COMBINE RELAXATION AND LEARNING SAMANTHA TAYLOR
Every once in a while I start to feel bad about all the Netflix I watch. I mean, couldn’t I be doing something more productive with my time? Lucky for me, Netflix has a ton of documentaries. It may be summer vacation, but I’m still learning! Bigger, Stronger, Faster The first stop on my documentary trip was an exploration into the world of bodybuilding and steroid use. Chris Bell, the director, is one of three brothers that grew up with dreams of stardom, and each have used or continue to use steroids. Bell and his brothers are honest about their feelings on steroids, and they aren’t necessarily attempting to make a case against steroid use. This film is worth watching, particularly because it gives a perspective that we don’t usually see. Prescription Thugs Also directed by Chris Bell, this film really got me thinking. While I’ll admit that Bell doesn’t exactly come off as a hard-hitting journalist in his baggy shorts, T-shirts and sneakers, he actually
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does a good job of interviewing a variety of people affected by the prescription drug industry. Another reason I enjoyed this film is that Bell once again got personal with things. Drug abuse affects the Bell family in ways that I didn’t expect, even though I should have. The family is open and honest, inviting us to feel the weight of their tragedy and, subsequently, making us stop to consider the role prescription drugs play in our own families. Fight for Justice: David & Me I’m going to let you know right away that this film made me cry. A lot. Actually, I didn’t just cry, I sobbed. But you know what? It was worth it and I would recommend this movie to everyone I know. I can’t give much away, but let me set the scene. David McCallum is 16 years old when he confesses to a crime he did not commit. There’s no physical evidence, but the confession of a boy abused by an officer is enough to put him away for life. Fight for Justice is a sad story with many victims. Divine intervention plays a role, however, and some are saved, while
others, sadly, are not. Watching it, I was reminded of how lucky I am, and how quickly things can change. Attacking the Devil: Harold Evans and the Last Nazi War Crime Of all the documentaries I watched, this is the one that impacted me the most. Thalidomide was prescribed to pregnant women suffering from nausea in England during the late ‘50s and early ‘60s. Although told the drug was safe, it actually caused deformities in more than 2,000 children. These children were born without arm or legs, and the parents were left with little to no assistance. The parents of the so-called “thalidomide babies” thought they were on their own, but they had an unexpected ally in Harold Evans, an up-and-coming newspaper editor. When Evans learned about what had happened to these families, he used the press to assist in their fight for justice, even though it was against the law. Attacking the Devil was difficult to watch, partly because the entire situation could have been avoided, and partly because the British government played a
role in preventing the families from getting the help they so desperately needed. Let me tell you, there’s nothing better than learning while you’re stretched out watching the screen. And just because I’ve had such a great time watching them, I’ve included a short list of other notable films I’ve watched this month. Believe me, you should check them out. You’re sure to learn something! Other Notables: Crips and Bloods: Made in America Tab Hunter Confidential The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden
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.
CARE PACKAGE
WHEN CARING FOR OTHERS, TAKE TIME TO CARE FOR YOURSELF DIANNE BRADY Increasing numbers of folks are finding themselves unexpectedly in a caregiver’s role caring for a person with memory loss. Caring for a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease takes a great deal of time and effort and at the end of the day, there is little time to think about one’s own emotional health. However, one needs to make caring for oneself as important as caring for others. When we fly on an airline, we are instructed to put the oxygen mask on ourselves before putting a mask on another person. Many believe that this same principle applies to caregiving. During our monthly support group at HarborChase of Aiken, several caregivers have affirmed that they learned early on that they must view caring for their own emotional needs as an important part of their day in order to stay healthy. The job of a caregiver becomes even more difficult when the person with memory loss gets angry with you, hurts your feelings or forgets who you are. You may feel discouraged, sad, lonely, rejected,
Experienced caregivers have stated that it is important to develop a practice of encouraging oneself by repeating statements like: • I will get enjoyment out of the moments where we can be together in peace.
angry, frustrated or confused. Others who care for individuals with memory loss feel the same way. We have found that these feelings are normal. Most caregivers agree that finding a way to meet their spiritual needs helps with the feeling of loneliness or being overwhelmed. One person said that being part of her faith community has become an anchor in her life that keeps her rooted during the stormy times. Many say being involved in faith activities helps them be a better caregiver, work through bad situations in a more stable
way, and feel more balanced and peaceful overall.
• Even when I do everything I can possibly do, there will be problem behaviors because of the illness, not because of what I do. • I am doing the best I can and what I am doing would be hard for anyone. • I am only human and not perfect, but that is okay. • I am not in control of everything that happens.
Dianne Brady is an author, columnist, and speaker. She is the Director of Sales for HarborChase of Aiken Assisted Living and Memory Care, 1385 Silver Bluff Road, Aiken, SC 29803. Dianne can be reached at 803508-0222 or dbrady@hraonline.com.
• I can pray or talk to a trusted person when caregiving feels like it is too much for me.
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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SETTING AN EXAMPLE
ELEVATION TO GRANDFATHER STATUS ADDS RESPONSIBILITY BARRY PASCHAL Just like that, I’m a grandfather. The face that looks back at me from the mirror still doesn’t look old enough to have a grandson, but it’s true: Rivers Griffin Jones joined the family in June, the son of my oldest daughter. No one is as enamored with children and pets as their parents and owners, so it seemed important in the weeks leading up to Rivers’ arrival that I tone down my natural enthusiasm. That pretty much went out the window as soon as I saw his glowing little face and full head of hair. All that time, and the hours since, provided ample opportunities for reflection – not just on ways to contribute to my grandson’s growth, but on the influences of my own grandfathers. Because my parents divorced at an early age, my grandparents provided a steadying influence. None were more influential than Lloyd Paschal, my dad’s father. A farmer and school maintenance man, Mr. Lloyd was resourceful, wise and supportive. He not only taught me how to drive at age 5, but forgave me when I accidentally backed a tractor into the side of a barn. And he
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“bought” a pony from me for $25 to start my first savings account. Mitch Martin, my mother’s dad, was an influence of a different sort. He was a heavy equipment operator and could be frighteningly gruff. He smoked unfiltered cigarettes, and as a teen I watched him draw his last breath when complications from emphysema killed him. In addition to these two very different men, as a bonus, I also received grandfatherly guidance from John William Holden Sr. He was both frugal and generous, enabling him and his wife to retire when he was 55 and travel extensively, while still leaving a modest inheritance to his grandchildren – including my wife. He led by example in ways that continue to prove valuable years after his passing. Building on these examples, what can I hope to provide to my new grandson not only in his formative years, but as he grows toward adulthood, fatherhood and grandfatherhood? A couple of tangible things come to mind: • Funding a 529 College Savings Plan. A caveat: Consumer guru Clark Howard warns grandparents to put par-
ents in charge of a 529 because the use is more restrictive otherwise. • Starting an investment account. It doesn’t take much money to set one up, either with a local broker or online, and as the child gets older the value of compounding becomes evident. • Modeling generosity. Whether it is with time, talents or money, for churches or charities, children should learn the community-building value of a giving spirit. Obviously, for me, this is a wondrous time. I can only hope and pray to be as positive an influence on my new grandson as my grandfathers were to me. And as an aside, wouldn’t it be remarkable if politicians spent more time wondering how their actions affect everyone’s grandchildren?
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.
Building on these examples, what can I hope to provide to my new grandson not only in his formative years, but as he grows toward adulthood, fatherhood and grandfatherhood?
July 21—August 30, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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DOGGED DETERMINATION OWNING A BUSINESS BRINGS PERSONAL IMPROVEMENT NORA BLITHE In the course of my life, I’ve worked many different jobs. I’ve been a barista, I’ve sold wedding gowns and I’ve been a travel agent. After high school, I spent a year and a half working as an actress for a reparatory theatre company. I toured the United States in a van, met a lot of interesting people and learned to dislike many of the fellow actors that I traveled with, lived with, ate with, worked with… We saw a lot of each other during our time on the road. It was remarkably easy to annoy one another. Every job had its challenges, but no job I worked asked more of me than being an entrepreneur. For 14 years, I worked as a professional pet sitter and for seven of those years I owned my own company. It came with all the regular challenges of owning a business, such as hiring and firing staff, managing onerous mountain ranges of paperwork and keeping customers satisfied. It also came with challenges unique to caring for animals. I was bitten by dogs,
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peed on, pooped on, and once got stuck under a client’s bed when I crawled under it to give their shy cat her pill. I loved being a pet sitter and a business owner. I’m infinitely glad I did it. It gave me a skill set that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Owning your own business challenges you in ways greater than you might imagine. Entrepreneurship forces you to confront shortcomings in your own character. After all, it’s your money on the line if things go south. When you’d rather be lazy and stay in bed, entrepreneurship reminds you that
if you want a place to keep your bed, you have to get up, go to work and pay your mortgage. And when things go really wrong and you look around for someone else to take the blame, you realize there is no one
else, and you learn to stand in the face of challenges. Everyone should own a business at least once in their lives. It makes you a better customer because you’ve been on the other side of the counter, and it makes you a better employee after entrepreneurship, because you know how crummy being the boss can be. Though I loved working for myself and caring for animals, I don’t miss it. I don’t miss seven-day-a-week work weeks, working major holidays and I really don’t miss firing underperforming staff. But I’m so glad I did it because I grew as a person. The check for the sale of my business wasn’t bad either.
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
July 21—August 17, 2016 Buzz on Biz
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64 Buzz on Biz July 21—August 17, 2016