Buzz February 2017

Special Section Feb. 23-March 22, 2017 • The CSRA’s monthly business Magazine

Jobs/Community access Pages 32-34

Whole Foods closes

Businesses, community respond to sudden decision

By Amanda King

Whole Paycheck. Whole Wallet.

These are just two nicknames given to Whole Foods Market over the years because of its reputation for having high prices. It appears many Augustans felt that way and did not visit the specialty grocer as much as developers anticipated.

On Feb. 8, Whole Foods announced it would close its Augusta location after less than three years in business.

Buzz on Biz and The Augusta Chronicle, both owned by Morris Communications, made multiple attempts to reach out to Whole Foods’ corporate headquarters in Austin, Texas, but received few details outside of the statement that was released: “As we work to position Whole Foods Market for long-term success, we have carefully evaluated our portfolio of stores to align with a more thoughtful growth strategy. As a result, we have decided to close the Augusta store. This was not a decision that was made lightly and we are working closely with all affected team members to find alternative positions at nearby stores where possible.”

The same day, Whole Foods announced that the company would close nine stores throughout the country.

What happened?

In June 2015, just nine months after the Augusta location opened, the New York Department of Consumer Affairs released a statement that it was investigating Whole Foods’ New York City stores for overcharging consumers anywhere from 80 cents for a package of

Whole Foods opened in the Washington Crossing shopping center in late 2014. Announcing the store’s closure less than three years later, the company said only that it was a decision meant “to align with a more thoughtful growth strategy.” Photo by Melissa Gordon

pecan panko to nearly $15 for a package of coconut shrimp. After the announcement, stocks and profits for the company began to fall and never recovered, despite heavy marketing campaigns by the grocer to lower prices.

Around the same time, Kroger Co. began growing its already successful Simple Truth products line, similar to organic and non-GMO items that Whole Foods

carried. Over the years, many stores have begun carrying more organic and natural products, leaving Whole Foods with less exclusivity in the market.

Impact on customers, employees

Kim Ball, of Grovetown, was a customer of Whole Foods before it closed Feb. 22. With her grandson’s allergies to wheat, dairy, soy, eggs, peanuts and tree

nuts, a specialty store like Whole Foods was needed.

Even with her specific needs, Ball said she shopped at Earth Fare more frequently than Whole Foods.

“I love Whole Foods, but it was just out of the way and difficult for me to get to,” Ball told Buzz on Biz. “Had it been See WHOLE FOODS on Page 4

Facetime Web won’t replace customer service

By Amanda King

When Evans resident Ann Jones was preparing for retirement in 2007, she knew she could not just stay home. The former teacher began looking for something to do.

“I just always loved to travel and prior to retiring started investigating being a travel agent,” she said.

Jones started Trip Quest Travel Services – first dabbling in the field and eventually, when she retired in 2012, taking the leap to make it her full-time job.

In a world where many people use websites such as Expedia or Kayak to book their travel destinations, the decision to be a travel agent might have seemed odd.

But Jones has a secret: “We can find things that people can’t find on the internet,” she said.

With more businesses switching to internet-only sales and customer service, small business owners such as Jones have a difficult time explaining to people why they are still needed.

She shared the story of a couple who booked a Christmas cruise for themselves and their baby. The young mother realized that she did not bring the proper birth certificate for her child. Without it, they would not be able to board the ship.

With the help of their travel agent, who made numerous calls to government agencies, they were able to secure the birth certificate in time for their cruise.

Other clients have had less-serious issues while traveling and Jones has been able to relieve their stress while they vacationed by handling the problems at no extra cost.

She recognizes that many people like the convenience of online shopping but said that it sometimes comes at a higher cost.

“Things happen, and that’s where we add value,” Jones said.

Jones doesn’t completely dismiss the

use of the internet when planning a vacation. She said many clients have sent her links to possible hotels or excursions to book, and she was able to tell them whether they are good or bad options.

One client, for example, thought he had chosen a fantastic hotel on Expedia, but after some research, Jones discovered that it had recently had a bed bug infestation.

She found her client another hotel.

The travel industry is not the only one that might be best used off-line. Sites for legal documents, such as LegalZoom, have come into question by multiple attorneys in news articles and blogs throughout the country after documents that many clients requested were filed or printed incorrectly. Documents from wills to business incorporations were useless because of the lack of facetime with an actual attorney.

Nonetheless, on Feb. 15, serial investor Warren Buffett sold $900 million of his stock in Walmart, the largest retailer in the world. Business Insider reported that Buffett previously stated that traditional retailers were struggling to keep up with the e-commerce competition.

At the beginning of 2017, The Limited closed all 250 of its women’s clothing stores and laid off around 4,000 employees to switch to online-only sales. That was shortly after Macy’s announced that it would close 68 stores throughout the country, citing poor sales and better online shopping numbers.

Will e-commerce kill brick-and-mortar stores like video killed the radio star? Not likely. With smiling, local business owners like Jones and her team of five other agents, customers will always return to the ones who invest in them. Jones has several clients who return to her year after year to plan their dream vacations – worry-free.

The internet will never fully replace in-person services, said Ann Jones, who books trips and helps handle issues that can crop up for people while traveling through her business, Trip Quest Travel Services.

Special photo

2 Buzz on Biz February 23—March 22, 2017

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Signs were there for WHOLE FOODS CLOSURE

By NEIL GORDON

It was a matter of time.

I’ve been around long enough to know that Whole Foods’ days were numbered.

Sometimes the signs are more visible, like when retailers or restaurants can’t afford to fix the bulbs in their signage so you can’t read the name when you drive by at night.

In other cases, owner/operators have to leave the keys to an employee to take a full-time job elsewhere to take care of personal expenses because their business isn’t succeeding. Inevitably, their dreams shatter, and they close with a lot of “what ifs” and a lot of debt.

For Whole Foods, the clues for me came about a year and a half ago.

In 2014, I had begun working closely with the Augusta Marketing Director Melissa Brown on healthy eating columns for a publication, Verge, that ironically I would have to close for business reasons.

She was a whirling dervish – constantly coming up with new promotions and events and getting signage designed in the store to make things as fresh as the produce being sold. She told me overtime wasn’t allowed, so she constantly worked “off the clock” to put 110 percent into her job.

Around the summer of 2015, Melissa shared with me that layoffs were occurring and positions were being consolidated, including the marketing position for Augusta and Columbia into one job

The construction of Lidl on Alexander Drive and growth of healthy food departments in nearby supermarkets spelled the end for Whole Foods. Photo by Amanda King

and the managers of the Specialty, Whole Body and Grocery departments into one position.

She said her colleagues all had to reapply with Whole Foods and compete with one another or take a severance package.

Brown chose to become one of the development directors of Golden Harvest Food Bank. She’s having great success working on that mission and hasn’t looked back.

The other odd part to me was just how large this Whole Foods store was. It was larger than many traditional supermarkets that were selling more mainstream products to the masses. I cannot imagine the power bill and spoilage because of the square footage, let alone the extra labor.

Think about the size of Fresh Mar-

ket — even after its expansion it offered enough fresh and organic options to keep loyal customers coming back. The nearby “big box” stores including Publix and Kroger are offering more and more discounted specialty items that took up a fraction of the space Whole Foods had.

Lidl’s construction on Alexander Drive is moving swiftly, and it’ll offer a lowerpriced alternative in the healthy foods space. Earth Fare is nearby and still hanging in there.

What happened to Whole Foods is akin to what is happening to Food Lions across the country; Walmart’s neighborhood stores are surrounding them, and some Food Lions are closing.

Whole Foods got eaten by the competition.

Table of Contents Amanda King........................ Facetime.................................2 Damon Cline........... .15th St. Kroger closure...................5 Kurt Mueller................. Finding the Benefit.......................6 Amanda King.................... Cyber Center.............................8 Amanda King..................... Cyber Event..............................8 Submitted................. NA Chamber Banquet.................10 Buzz Bits...........................................................................12-13 John Pope.......................... Hello Google..........................14 Richard Brashear...............Social Savvy...........................14 Mark Alison...................Style of Marketing.....................16 Dagan Sharpe.................. Danger Zones.........................18 Steve Swanson.......Learning from Mistakes...............18 Neil Gordon.......Business Person of the Month.........20 Comings and Goings...................................................22-23 Jame Geathers......Employment Regulations.............24 Ed Enoch.......................... Govern Yourself.......................24 Calenda...................................................................................26 Joe Edge...........................Property Points.......................28 Christine Hall.......................... Tax Tips...............................28 Sean Andrews.............Laughing out Loud....................30 Amanda King...........Fort Open for Business.........32-33 Tom Clark........................ Fort Gordon FAQ......................34 Beth Pence.................... Reach Your Target.....................36 Scott Thurmond.................. Copy That.............................36 Mike Herrington.................Plan Ahead...........................38

There are some benefits to this casualty of store war: the aforementioned Golden Harvest Food Bank will have more perishable and nonperishable healthy food than it could imagine, as Whole Foods store staffers will stay on into early March to bag and transport food to the food bank warehouse.

This fits into Executive Director Travis McNeal’s 2017 mission to feed hungry people in the CSRA healthier alternatives.

We’ve heard severance packages and relocation opportunities offered by Whole Foods in Augusta are as generous as they come. I know of several Augusta staffers relocating to the Whole Foods in Charlotte, N.C. For those hard-working employees that is a good thing. No one wants to see people lose their jobs.

It was just a matter of time.

Neil Gordon is the founder and publisher of Buzz on Biz, which includes a daily TV segment on News 12 This Morning at 6:25 a.m., a daily radio show from noon to 1 p.m. on 1630 AM, a weekly e-newsletter and www.buzzon.biz. Reach him at 706.589.6727 or neil@buzzon.biz.

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

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

Mark Stephens................It’s Your Money........................38 Missie Usry.................... Working Together.....................40 Barry Paschal................. Fatherly Wisdom......................40 Susan O’Keefe..............Restuarant Review....................44 Amanda King.................. Jalapeno Jacks........................46 Amanda King..................... Evans Diner...........................48 Tammy Shepherd.........Chamber Corner......................50 Billy Cristofanelli.............Saving Money.........................52 Taylor Awalt..............Snow’s Coffee and Tea.................54 Neil Gordon......................... Social Buzz............................56 Samantha Taylor.......A Good Book/Movie...................58 Ben Casella............................. Beer Talk..............................59 Tony Creighton......What’s Eating Your Roof?..............63 Russell Head..................Business Benefits......................63

Publisher\Editor in Chief Neil R. Gordon Managing Editor Amanda King, amanda@buzzon.biz Layout Riverfront Design Center Ad Building E35 Media Photography Amanda King, Melissa Gordon

Sales Manager Neil Gordon, neil@buzzon.biz, 706-589-6727 Sales and PR Jessica Jones, jessica@buzzon.biz, 762-218-0239 Distribution Kenneth Brown, Jessica Jones

Opinions expressed by the writers herein are their own and their respective institutions. Neither Morris Publishing Group nor its agents or employees take any responsibility for the accuracy of submitted information, which is presented for informational purposes only.

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February 23—March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

3

WHOLE FooDS Continued from Page 1 in a different, more convenient location for me, I would have shopped there more often.”

For other customers, Whole Foods was their only option for certain foods for family members.

Jennifer Ann Hurst’s son has an allergy to a protein found in cow’s milk. He has been to the hospital several times over the last three years as a result of the allergy.

Losing Whole Foods means less access to foods without milk.

“Most people don’t realize that milk can be found in almost anything – potato chips, lunch meats, vitamins and lotions were just a few that surprised us,” Hurst said.

Hurst said she will be able to find some products at Publix but not as many as at Whole Foods.

“Not only is this a loss for our family, but a loss for our community as well,” she said.

Customers are not the only ones directly affected by the closure. Employees were reportedly shocked to hear about the store closing with such little notice.

Stephanie Cook, a contracted worker at Whole Foods, is a brand ambassador and demo representative for natural and organic products, representing around 30 different brands to different stores.

Cook moved to the Augusta area from southern California in June 2014 after learning about the new Whole Foods store from her sister, who lives in the area. She had been working in the natural products industry for nearly a decade, and Cook felt the store would be a great opportunity.

“It’s not just another grocery store, it is a melting pot of ethics, culture, environmental awareness and overall health and wellness,” Cook said.

Cook used her passion and knowledge to help build Whole Foods up in the community – she literally helped with construction in its final phases, placing shelves and stocking products.

Her opportunity at Whole Foods came to a halt when she received a call from a Whole Foods team member in early February telling her that the store was closing.

“My heart completely sank,” she said.

Whole Foods Augusta made up the majority of Cook’s business, although she will still travel to Columbia to work at the Whole Foods location there. She is weighing multiple options to move forward, including moving to Charlotte, N.C., to work at one of the company’s four stores there. Cook said many Whole Foods Augusta employees are considering the same thing.

Good Earth Produce and Garden Center, which sells regionally grown produce, dry goods, plants and frozen meat, will open in March on Davis Road and has reached out to former Whole Food employees to apply for positions at the store. Photo by Amanda King

“It’s not just another grocery store, it is a melting pot of ethics, culture, environmental awareness and overall health and wellness.”

– Stephanie Cook, a contracted worker at Whole Foods who moved to the Augusta area in 2014 to take a job at the store. She is now weighing her options on how to move forward.

Impact on businesses

Before Whole Foods’ opening in 2014, the Washington Crossing space underwent a total makeover, and one business, Shangri La Chinese restaurant, closed to make room for more upscale retail and restaurants to match the Whole Foods demographic. Since the opening, more restaurants and retail stores have moved into the shopping center, including Zoe’s Kitchen and Half-Moon Outfitters.

For Ruth Washington, store manager of Family Christian Bookstore in Washington Crossing, the news of the closure is “disappointing.” “[Whole Foods] does draw in new customers when they go shopping,” Washington said.

The growth of the area created a num-

4 Buzz on Biz February 23—March 22, 2017

ber of traffic problems. The shopping center was difficult to get in and out of without driving down to the traffic light at Boy Scout Road and Center West Parkway, and the entrance was also very close to Interstate 20’s entrance to Washington Road.

The intersection saw numerous wrecks and frustrated drivers before Whole Foods’ arrival, and the store only made things more clustered after opening day.

Many drivers and potential customers learned to steer clear of the area.

While some tenants of Washington Crossing might be concerned about the future of the shopping center, Good Earth Produce and Garden Center in Martinez could benefit from the Whole Foods closure.

In 2016, the business, which sells regionally grown produce, dry goods, plants and frozen meat, announced that it would be building an indoor facility next to its current location on Davis Road.

According to an interview with Buzz on Biz in December 2016, Good Earth owner Rick Catts said the indoor facility will be about 9,000 square feet and that all products sold in the store will be made or grown within a 100-mile radius of Augusta.

Good Earth also extended a helping hand to Whole Foods employees via Facebook: “Like the rest of you, we at Good Earth are saddened by the news that Whole Foods will be closing. We would like to reach out to the employees of Whole Foods and ask that you consider employment with us. We are hiring!”

The post also said that the new store will be opening in a few weeks.

What now?

The absence of Whole Foods will mean Washington Crossing is only 73 percent occupied. The presence of restaurants will certainly keep visitors coming to the shopping center, but without an anchor store, the future of many businesses is uncertain.

Buzz on Biz attempted to contact the leasing agent for the property, but phone calls were unreturned.

Supermarket closure leaves fewer options for downtown shoppers Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the Jan. 31 edition of The Augusta Chronicle and is reprinted with consent.

After 35 years, the Kroger store on 15th Street is closing.

A company spokesman says the store’s sales have been in decline for years. Part of the reason for the decline is a lack of traffic in the evenings.

By Damon Cline

Augusta Chronicle Business Editor The Kroger at 501 15th St., the only supermarket in Augusta’s central business district, will shut down Feb. 28, leaving residents in the urban core at least two miles from the nearest grocery store.

In late January, the Kroger Co. announced it will close its 15th Street market on Feb. 28. The 35-year-old store, the anchor tenant of Central Square shopping center at the corner of John C. Calhoun Expressway, had been struggling for years.

“The store has experienced declining sales and negative profit over an extended period of time,” said Glynn Jenkins, spokesman for Kroger’s Atlanta division, which oversees its Augusta-area stores.

The shopping center’s owner, the MCG Foundation, was not surprised by the announcement. Foundation President Ian Mercier said that Kroger had been on a short-term lease for a couple of years and that it tried to negotiate a lower lease rate in 2012.

“Kroger has been saying for a number of years that this is not a profitable location, but being sensitive to the fact the area is a food desert – which we agree – they agreed to keep it open as long as they could,” he said.

The foundation, which was given the property in 1997 from the estate of Augusta radio pioneer George Weiss, has had long-term plans to redevelop land into an upscale commercial zone to serve as an aesthetically pleasing gateway to Augusta University’s Downtown Campus.

The development would feature a hotel with meeting rooms in addition to office, residential and retail space.

The foundation’s acquisition of the cityowned bus maintenance facility just south of the shopping center is contingent on its ability to secure a grocery tenant for the future gateway project, Mercier said.

“That’s easier said than done,” Mercier said, adding that the area lacks the critical mass to support grocery sales in the evening hours. Many of the store’s customers are medical district employees who do the bulk of their evening shopping in suburban areas where they live.

“One of the things that will have to happen is we’ve got to create a draw to

The Augusta Chronicle file photo

“One of the things that will have to happen is we’ve got to create a draw to this area daytime and nighttime. That’s why there’s a residential component to our development.”

– Ian Mercier, president of the MCG Foundation, which owns Central Square shopping center and plans to redevelop it this area daytime and nighttime,” Mercier said. “That’s why there’s a residential component to our development.”

Aside from the Harrisburg section, the Kroger on 15th Street served primarily downtown and east Augusta neighborhoods.

Based on straight-line measurements, the next nearest grocery store is the North Augusta Publix, situated just over two miles across the state line at the corner of East Martintown Road and Knox Avenue.

The nearest stores served by Augusta Public Transit would be the Daniel Village Bi-Lo at 2803 Wrightsboro Road and the Harvey’s Supermarket in Southgate Plaza shopping center at 1631 Gordon Highway, both of which are about three miles away. The Kroger at 2801 Washington Road is across the street from the Publix at 2816 Washington Road, and they are roughly 3¼ miles to the west.

The downtown Kroger has operated in Central Square shopping cen-

ter for 35 years. The 40,000-square-foot store is about 30,000 square feet smaller than modern Kroger stores and is about 80,000 square feet smaller than the Cincinnati-based company’s “Marketplace” megastores.

Jenkins said all 110 associates, represented by the United Food & Commercial Workers Union, will be considered for reassignment to other Kroger stores “as outlined in the company’s collective bargaining agreement.” He said Kroger representatives will meet with associates to discuss reassignments and additional options in the coming weeks.

He said Kroger “remains committed to the Augusta area” and opened a 123,000-square-foot Marketplace store at 435 Lewiston Road in Grovetown during the summer.

The company also is in the middle of a market-wide remodeling plan. The most recent renovations were completed at its 1284 Knox Ave. store in North Augusta in November.

After Kroger vacates, Central Square’s only remaining tenants will be Nails Now, Hair Max Beauty Supply and Happy China.

February 23—March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

5

finding the benefit 3 Ways Business Owners Can Recruit and Retain Top Talent

By Kurt Mueller, CLU® Northwestern Mutual Savvy business owners realize that recruiting and retaining top talent is a key ingredient in the success of their businesses.

While talented employees might be a successful business’ most important asset, losing them could also be its biggest liability. But attracting and retaining talented employees isn’t always easy.

A 2015 survey conducted by PayScale shows that 63 percent of businesses report “employee retention as their No. 1 concern … a massive (125 percent) increase in concern since 2009.”

Looking for an original way to persuade key contributors to stay or to attract new superstar employees? Nonqualified benefit plans allow employers to reward the commitment of their most valuable employees with supplemental retirement benefits at a future date.

Unlike qualified plans such as a 401(k), which must be made available to all employees, employers can select which employees will receive these benefits and determine the types of benefits provided. Consider the most common nonqualified benefits:

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

An SERP is a type of deferred compensation that is funded by the employer.

6 Buzz on Biz February 23—March 22, 2017

With an SERP, the employer agrees to pay supplemental compensation in the future, usually at retirement, to select employees – in addition to their current salary and benefits.

Employers can contribute to these plans in a variety of ways. Life insurance is a popular method for informally financing an SERP because it provides multiple benefits to the employee.

As a benefit to the employer, the business owner maintains ownership of the SERP funds – and can tap into these resources if needed – until time of payout. The trade-off for many employers is that they don’t get an immediate tax deduction on contributions made to an SERP as they would with pretax contributions to an employee’s 401(k).

Overall, an SERP provides key employees an additional financial perk, letting them know their company has an interest in their future while allowing employers to retain control of the plan payout.

Elective Deferred Compensation Plan

Unlike an SERP, an EDC is funded from the employee’s salary or bonus and it allows key employees to defer a portion of their income until a later date, which is usually retirement.

These plans provide a sound option for employees who want to set aside pretax money for retirement, beyond the maximum contributions they can make to their qualified plans.

An even greater benefit to the employee is that employers may choose to match the employee’s deferral up to certain limits, similar to a 401(k) plan.

Bonus Plan

A bonus plan allows an employer to provide added compensation to their key employees. The bonus can be used to purchase insurance or investment products or to help with long-term care planning.

To streamline the process, employers can pay premiums or make deposits directly to the insurance or investment company.

With this kind of nonqualified plan, employers are able to take tax deductions on the paid compensation, while the bonus amount is taxable to the employee.

As employers sit down with a prospective new employee or strive to retain their top performers, these incentives can be used to sweeten the pot.

If you’re an employer considering nonqualified plans, make sure to talk with a financial professional who can help you create a plan that’s right for your business, for your key employees and for the personal goals you’ve set for your family.

Kurt W. Mueller is a financial adviser with Northwestern Mutual in Augusta. Call 803.671.8792 or email kurt.mueller@nm.com.

The information in this article is not intended as legal or tax advice. Not all products mentioned are offered through Northwestern Mutual.

Nonqualified benefit plans allow employers to reward the commitment of their most valuable employees with supplemental retirement benefits at a future date.

goolsbys.com

February 23—March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz 7

Cyber Center ready to go Construction set to begin soon

By Amanda King

The plans have been made, the documents have been signed and all that’s left is to start moving some dirt.

Gov. Nathan Deal visited Augusta University’s Riverfront Campus on Feb. 15 to sign a mid-year budget adjustment with a major impact on Augusta.

After the adjustment passed both houses of the general assembly, Deal took the first step toward building the $50 million Cyber Innovation and Training Center and Augusta University Cyber Institute with his signature on the adjustment.

The $50 million comes from a surplus from the state’s conservative budget. Since it is cash and not bonds, construction should start soon.

“We can start immediately, and I think that’s the plan,” Deal said.

“Eighteen months, they tell me, is when it will be constructed.”

Augusta University will be the host of the center but state and federal agencies also will be involved. Deal stated some private investors may participate as well.

The cyber training center will have an impact on local businesses, primarily downtown. It will be within walking distance of restaurants, retail stores and theaters and employees and students will need them all.

While Deal felt that Augusta was a “good fit” for the cyber center with its tie to the U.S. Army Cyber Command headquarters, he did say that improvements such as transportation and schools might be needed to prepare for an influx of employees and students.

“The Richmond County School system has some work to do. They have too many chronically failing schools,” Deal said.

He encouraged the school board to make improvements, saying that doing so will benefit the entire community, not just the cyber center.

In addition to the cyber center, the budget included $36.5 million to bring new businesses to the state of Georgia and give state law enforcement personnel a 20 percent raise totaling $23.7 million. Overall, $23.4 billion was amended in the fiscal year budget.

“This is a reflection of the priorities we believe our state must continue to put emphasis on,” Deal said.

Flanked by state, military and local leader, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal signs an amended fiscal year 2017 budget that includes $50 million to build the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center in downtown Augusta. Photos by Amanda King

University offers glimpse into cyber world

By Amanda King

“We can start immediately, and I think that’s the plan.

Eighteen months, they tell me, is when it will be constructed.”

– Gov. Nathan Deal, on the cyber training center

8 Buzz on Biz February 23—March 22, 2017

It seems as though you can’t go anywhere in Augusta without hearing about cyber. But what is all this talk about “cyber?”

On March 2, from noon to 8 p.m., the University of Phoenix-Augusta hopes to give a glimpse into the cyber world with its Cyber Experience Day. The event, which is hosted at their main campus at 3150 Perimeter Pkwy., will introduce cyber in a variety of ways, including hands-on workshops and virtual reality.

“This is going to be big. It’s going to be informative, and it’s going to be engaging,” said campus Director Norman Fountain.

The event will be a dialed-down version of the University of Phoenix Redflint Experience Center, which specializes in cyber education and hands-on training, as well as incubating new businesses.

Fountain hopes to bring a similar cyber

program to the Augusta campus to be a part of the cyber community.

“We at the University of Phoenix are in the [cyber] market as well,” Fountain said. “Augusta is growing, and it’s growing in the cyber world, and there’s more than enough room for everyone to have a niche in the cyber arena.”

Fountain has reached out to Unisys and various other organizations to get them involved with the Cyber Experience Day and extended invitations to local schools’ technology programs to catch the attention of potential cyber students.

While there is not currently a cyber program at the Augusta campus, Fountain hopes to change that through this event.

The University of Phoenix-San Antonio has done very well with its cyber programs, according to Fountain. The city has a similar demographic to Augusta, with a strong military presence that focuses on cyber security.

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706.825.6557 SUPPORT@ONTHELEVELDIGITAL February 23—March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

9

Columbia County Chamber Celebrates Success at 12th Annual Banquet

By Tammy Shepherd

2017 Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Chairman Shawn Vincent receives the flag of leadership from 2016 Chairman Angela Brock during the annual meeting Feb. 9 at the Columbia County Exhibition Center.

Photos by Melissa Gordon

Vince Brogden (center) of Gold Cross EMS received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership and his investment in the community.

Reagan Williams of Sherman & Hemstreet Real Estate Co. earned the Leadership Columbia County Alumni Award.

Robert Kelly, of Augusta Staffing, received the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Mark and Joanne Herbert receive the Small Business of the Year Award for Herbert Homes Inc.

10 Buzz on Biz February 23-March 22,2026

Chad Trollinger, of Welcomemat Services, received the Ambassador of the Year award.

On Feb. 9, the Columbia County Exhibition Center played host to the Greater Augusta area’s biggest night for business, the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce’s 12th Annual Banquet and Business Showcase. Drawing a crowd of over 600 business and community leaders, the night of celebration saluted the accomplishments of 2016 and set the bar for a prosperous 2017.

The night kicked off with the Business Showcase and VIP Reception. One of the Chamber’s largest networking opportunities, the business showcase provided attendees the opportunity to mix and mingle amongst themselves and network with over 35 local vendors.

As the program began, I presented the Annual State of the Chamber address, emphasizing the Chamber’s Strategic Plan and seven goals that have afforded the Chamber a 36 percent growth over the past six years.

A highlight of the evening was the ceremonial passing of the flag of leadership from 2016 Chairman Angela Brock to 2017 Chairman Shawn Vincent. In his remarks, Vincent thanked the membership for their continued investment in the Chamber and outlined his goals for the upcoming year.

During the program, the Chamber presented several prestigious awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Given annually since 2005, the Lifetime Achievement Award seeks to honor one leader of our community for his or her professional and philanthropic achievements.

This year’s award winner, Vince Brogdon of Gold Cross EMS, was recognized for his professional leadership and his investment in the community. Outside of Emergency Medical Services, he willingly provides staff and ambulances to local schools and nursing homes, offering tours of the facilities and the displays of vintage ambulances on the property.

Most recently, his organization established its own Emergency Medical Services Academy to fill the void of quality EMTs in the area. He has also introduced an EMS Explorer Group to inspire teens and young adults to join the emergency medical field.

The Chamber also recognized Textron Specialized Vehicles as Business of the Year, and Herbert Homes Inc. was recognized as Small Business of the Year. The Chamber also presented the Ambassador of the Year Award to Chad Trollinger of Welcomemat Services, the Volunteer of the Year Award to Robert Kelly of Augusta Staffing and the Leadership Columbia County Alumni Award to Reagan Williams of Sherman & Hemstreet Real Estate Co. The 12th Annual Banquet and Business Showcase was presented by South State Bank. Special thanks to Premier Sponsors: Doctors Hospital, Kendrick Paint & Body, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Savannah River Remediation, and Zaxby’s; Executive Sponsors: Allegra Marketing, ADP, AT&T, The Cleveland Group, CPAs, and Georgia Power; and Corporate Sponsors: Camelia Walk, E.R. Snell Contractors, and Ivey Homes.

Tammy Shepherd is president of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and has worked at Disney World, Savannah Rapids Pavilion and Columbia County Magazine. Email tammy@columbiacountychamber.com.

507 CDP Industrial Blvd Suite 2 Grovetown, GA 30813 Phone: 706-737-6482

Cost Savings with Flexibility!

Sweetwater Baptist Church in North Augusta not only wanted to save money be printing inhouse, but they wanted the flexibility of printing documents at-will instead of being confined to large quantities in order to save costs.

With the Canon IRC 700 Image Press from Duplicating Systems, Inc. (DSI), the church got flexibility, cost savings AND impressive quality.

www.duplicatingsystems.com February 23-March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

11

buzz bits

‘Chef Jeff’ to manage Metro Diner

New E-Z-GO vehicle raises efficiency

Sprouse a Top 50 Economic Developer

One of Augusta’s favorite chefs will be back in the restaurant business by the summer.

Jeff Freehof, the former owner of Garlic Clove in Evans, will be managing partner for the new Metro Diner, located at the former Somewhere in Augusta location on Washington Road.

The vacant space will be retrofitted to meet the standards of the chain restaurant, which has locations in nine states.

Metro Diner is Freehof an award-winning concept that began in Jacksonville, Fla., and was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network. It serves innovative breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes.

Freehof will begin training soon in Florida before opening the restaurant in Augusta on July 11.

“They opened a location in Roswell about four months ago, so some of the training could be there,” he said.

Freehof closed Garlic Clove in October 2016, after nearly 10 years with the popular Italian eatery.

Before the closing, he and his wife moved to Harrisburg to focus on a ministry his church developed.

Freehof will continue his ministry work while managing Metro Diner.

“I love the Metro Diner concept,” Freehof said. “While some of the menu is mainstream items, they’re all made from scratch, and many items are just ‘over the top’ which aligns perfectly with my culinary point of view.”

Augustans are still waiting to hear where Somewhere in Augusta will relocate to after closing its doors at the beginning of 2017.

One deal to open another location fell through, but in a text message to Buzz on Biz Publisher Neil Gordon, co-owner Cindy Fisk said, “We are definitely going to reopen, just making sure we find the right spot.”

E-Z-GO vehicles are getting a little easier to take care of. Its new ELiTE Series offers zero-maintenance batteries with a five-year unlimited amp-hour warranty and increased energy efficiency.

“The E-Z-GO partnership with Samsung SDI resulted in a giant step forward for the industry when it comes to high-efficiency vehicles and zero-maintenance battery power,” Michael R. Parkhurst, vice president, Golf, for Textron Specialized Vehicles, said in a statement.

“ELiTE Series vehicles are the biggest advancement in golf car technology since E-Z-GO introduced the E-Z-GO RXV golf car, with its groundbreaking AC drive and IntelliBrake technology.”

The lithium batteries do not require watering, terminal post checkups and cleaning like traditional lead batteries do.

With less power required to charge ELiTE Series than leadacid battery competitors, golf course managers can cut energy costs and enjoy the extra revenue that comes from all-day use.

The new batteries are also half the size and a fraction of the weight, reducing turf damage resulting from vehicle weight.

The new series of vehicles were tested at Tijeras Creek Golf Club in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.

The award-winning course is known for its challenging hilly, brutal terrain.

“From day one, the ELiTE Series vehicles have been going around our golf course anywhere from 36 to 54 holes a day, and during that time frame, we aren’t having to recharge them,” Rob Heslar, director of golf at Tijeras Creek Golf Club, said in a statement.

“There’s a confidence factor in the ELiTE Series lithium car for me.

I’m not concerned about putting my customers in an ELiTE Series golf vehicle, because I know they won’t worry about becoming stranded in an uncharged vehicle.”

Walter C. Sprouse, the executive director of the Augusta Economic Development Authority, has been named to the 2017 list of “North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers” by Consultant Connect, a consulting agency designed to bridge the gap between economic developers and site consultants.

Sprouse and the others on the Top 50 list were nominated by their colleagues in both the economic development industry and Sprouse the site consultant community for excellent practices, innovation and success in building the communities they serve.

“This annual list recognizing North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers is designed to acknowledge the hard work of the top leaders in this field and elevate the conversation around economic development and job creation.

“Each of the leaders represented on this year’s list are beyond deserving of this recognition for their efforts in building our communities,” Ron Kitchens, managing partner of Consultant Connect, said in a statement.

12 Buzz on Biz February 23-March 22, 2017

Visitors to have $650,000 impact in area The Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Augusta Sports Council have announced its estimated economic impact for February.

An estimated economic impact of $650,000 will be generated by people attending meetings, reunions and sporting events in the Augusta River Region.

Augusta University’s Half Marathon, 10K and 5K will generate the most economic impact at

over $216,000, followed by the Diocese of Savannah Youth Conference at more than $213,000.

These are both groups that have worked with the Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Augusta Sports Council in either the site selection or planning phase.

Bi-Lo Parent Company has 3 New PrivateLabel Brands Southeastern Grocers, the parent company of BI-LO, is adding three new private-label brands: SE Grocers, SE Grocers Essentials and Prestige. There are 13 Bi-Lo supermarkets in the CSRA that will roll out new products for the brand in 2017.

Over the past 12 months, the company has been transforming its own brand offerings by testing more than 2,330 products and making 2,260 quality improvements.

“Not only are we transforming by investing in our stores and in lower prices, but we are also investing in the quality of our products,” said Ian McLeod, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers.

McLeod says customers will enjoy brand-name quality at store brand price savings of between 20 percent and 30 percent on their groceries.

He makes a guarantee that if a customer is not 100 percent satisfied with the quality, then the customer can have Continued on Page 13

Continued from Page 12

buzz bits

their preferred brand free!

TaxSlayer, SRP Partner for Tax time SRP Federal Credit Union, based in North Augusta, and TaxSlayer, based in Evans, have formed a partnership this tax season.

The companies are in an agreement to support SRP Federal Credit Union’s members file their taxes with TaxSlayer’s tax preparation program.

“We are excited about this partnership. Not only is it an opportunity for two large local companies to work together, but it is a service to our members,” said Harry Gunsallus, president and CEO of SRP Federal Credit Union.

A dedicated link on the credit union’s website will direct users to an SRP Federal Credit Union co-branded page on TaxSlayer’s site where the tax filing process begins.

“TaxSlayer is proud to be partnered with SRP Federal Credit Union, another CSRA based organization, to provide the best way for members to file their taxes,” said Brian Rhodes, president and CEO of TaxSlayer.

SRP Federal Credit Union has been in business since 1960 and TaxSlayer since 1965. Both businesses started locally and remain extremely active in the community.

Augusta Economic Index shows growth According to Simon Metcalfe, an associate professor of Finance at Augusta University, the leading economic index is on its way up.

The LEI, which helps forecast future economic activity, increased in December and was the second biggest in 18 months.

Employment growth was particularly strong in the last two months of 2016, although job openings declined, as did real deposits in local banks.

The Augusta data for 2016 hours worked and earn-

facturing projects located in Georgia during 2016, the office said.

Augusta Tops Manufacturing in state in 2016 The Augusta Economic Development Authority announced in mid-February that AugustaRichmond County led the state of Georgia in new and expanding manufacturing projects in 2016, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Augusta created 11 projects, followed by Newton County with 10 and Hall County with 9.

One hundred eighty-eight manu-

Edge receives Award for Unique sale Joe Edge, the president of Sherman & Hemstreet, won the H. Gould Barrett Award from the Greater Augusta Association of

ings is missing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, which publishes this data, found errors in these series for many metro areas. The corrected figures are expected to be released in March.

Information that is available includes that 4,800 new jobs were created in 2016, and the unemployment rate fell from 5.9 percent in December 2015 to 5.4 percent in December 2016. However, 2016 average annual jobs growth in Augusta lags the state and the nation for the sixth consecutive year.

Realtors. The award is handed out annually to the agent with the most unique sale of the year.

The transaction that won the award consisted of 96 separate parcels – five were vacant lots, four were commercial rentals and 87 were single-family homes.

Included in this transaction were the seller, who was also a licensed broker, and a buyer that was an out-of-state broker using a 1031 exchange.

Major issues that arose in the transaction were related to the 1031 exchange requirements that only allow a buyer to only exchange up to three properties. With this transaction there were 96 total parcels involved. More than 96 title searches had to be completed in 30 days and distributed into three owners’ title policies in two states.

Once the challenges with the 1031 exchange and title insurance were resolved, a purchase price and terms were agreed to. But to make matters more difficult, one week before closing, one of the units burned down, resulting in even more negotiations, that parcel be-

ing removed from the package and the price being reduced based on the partial re-conveyance allocations previously negotiated, leaving a final sales price of $3,570,000.

US Fibers to expand US Fibers, a recycled polyester fiber plant in Trenton, S.C., is expanding and creating more than 20 jobs in its current location. The growth will also mean that the company can expand the types of products they produce.

“This latest investment demonstrates our continued commitment to the fiber industry. We are excited about the opportunities that this new operation affords us and the ability to enter new markets,” company founder and President Edward Oh said in a statement.

The company’s products are used in a variety of applications, including automotive, home furnishings, filtration and geotextiles.

The company also serves the nonwovens market.

February 23-March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

13

Hello Google Google competes with Alexa, Echo

By John Pope

Google is not just a search engine, it is now also your personal home or business assistant.

I am not referring to the fact that we use the search engine for everything from our kids’ homework to finding business solutions, but that now Google has a technology we use in our homes or offices to control our environment. That’s right, not only does Google control the flow of information in our homes and businesses, but also our lights, thermostat and many other aspects of our daily lives.

By itself Google Home will not mess with the temperature settings in your home. For that to happen you will need to connect it to your Nest, a wireless thermostat device you can control from your smartphone, or even connect Google Home via its multitude of apps available on the Google Play store to your automatic dimmer.

Google Home is the company’s answer to Alexa and Amazon’s Echo, which can provide similar functionality. What makes Google Home stand out is its

Google Home can be a helpful virtual personal assistant. Special photo

ability to work with your Chromecast media plugins and also answer complicated search queries using the AI-based Google search engine.

The sci-fi geeks out there, like me, will find an eerie similarity to Skynet, which is the AI that destroys the world “as we know it” in the Terminator movie fran-

chise. This is an extreme example of AI and the potential negative impact of robotics and artificial intelligence on our society, and we are very far from Google having access to our nuclear arsenal.

That being said, during this year’s Super Bowl a commercial for Google Home was broadcast that caused thousands of Google Home units to “go crazy” and respond to the voice prompts coming from the live TV broadcast.

Whether the same effect will happen during DVR playbacks of the game is yet to be seen. But, most likely, unless viewers recorded the game solely for the commercials, I believe it was a one-time occurrence.

Google Home is not an invasive technology, as it has limitations based on user settings and apps downloaded and associated with the voice-activated unit. It can be a helpful virtual personal assistant in our daily home and business lives. Google Home can set timers to keep track of meeting times. It can use its connection with Google Maps and GPS to determine arrival and departure times based on

traffic and other factors when you have to leave to catch your next meeting. Also, it can keep track of your personal and daily schedule throughout your day by connecting with your smartphone and other mobile devices.

All and all, Google Home can act as a replacement for a living personal assistant, with the exception of blocking and filtering those pesky telemarketers and sales calls. To learn more about Google Home and how it can help you run your business, visit store.google.com/product/ google_home.

John Pope has worked in digital media sales and marketing for six years. His specialty is Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Email pope@ontheleveldigital. com.

Social Savvy How Social Media Marketing Can Help Your Business

By Richard Brashear

Social media marketing can inexpensively make a big difference for many small businesses. According to Social Media Examiner, 83 percent of marketers say social media is important for increasing awareness of their businesses.

The fact is, and we all know it, social media has deeply penetrated our society, and it continues to do so at an increasingly rapid pace. Nearly 1 billion users get on Facebook every day, according to Sprout Social, which means a lot of eyeballs potentially on your posts and ads.

Let’s face it, it would be a waste not to take advantage of that.

Using social media to attract customers

When using social media to find and attract business, you have to know where your customers spend most of their time online. Does your target demographic hang out on Facebook or LinkedIn? Pinterest? Instagram? Whatever the answer, it’s best to reach out to customers where they are already online.

Once you know where your audience hangs out, you can start developing your marketing strategy and interacting with them.

4 tips to get you started

For anyone new to the world of social media as a business marketing tool, it can be a little daunting. After all, it’s completely different from anything we’ve seen up to now. There are a few basic concepts you should know when marketing your business on social media.

It takes time and dedication: As a business owner, you need to develop a plan to listen to your audience, engage them with relevant content and encourage them to share your message.

Use your business’ overall marketing strategy as a springboard to start your social media marketing plan.

Share relevant content: This shouldn’t be just self-promotional posts. Your followers have interests apart from your business, and they’re more likely to share

14 Buzz on Biz February 23–March 22, 2017

Special photo

a variety of content.

For example, if you own a health food store, share articles on workout tips and healthy recipes. Anything that appeals to your target customers will keep them coming back.

Interact with customers: Nobody likes to feel ignored. If a customer asks a question or even posts a negative comment on one of your networks, respond.

Like customers’ posts and comments, ask questions about their experience and engage them. Showing you care about your customers on an individual level will help boost your online reputation.

Measure your results: This way you can see what you’re doing wrong, what you’re doing right and what you can improve on to reach even more potential customers.

These are just a few tips to get started.

Social medial marketing can be an effective and inexpensive marketing tool for your business. In fact, according to Hubspot, social media has a 100 percent higher lead-to-close rate than outbound marketing. This is an amazing opportunity for your business.

With a little thought and effort, you can confidently get started towards achieving your social media marketing goals.

Richard Brashear is general manager for Main Street Digital, a sister company of Morris Publishing Group. Main Street Digital assists companies with various online services, including websites, social media, SEO and generating online leads. Call 706.828.3948 or email richard.brashear@mainstreetdigital.com.

February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

15

The Style of Marketing

Learn to read others before making a sale

By Mark Alison

What would your reaction be if you walked into a furniture store for the first time and the salesperson greeted you like this: “Hi. You are in luck today. Our designer collection just arrived.”

How about this?

“Hello, may I show you our President’s selection?”

What about one of these: “Welcome, we have a sale on today.” or “Hello. Traditional furniture is on the left and contemporary on the right.”

Maybe none of the above met with your approval, but if you are like the majority of Americans, at least one of these greetings, in some form, would appeal to you. That also means three of the four could be a turnoff.

Why is that? Why do some people respond to a more casual greeting while others are more formal? Why would one person respond positively to a “sale” comment while another is turned off?

A friend of mine was shopping for a hot tub a few years ago and related this story: “I walked in a nice store and the single salesperson was tied up talking with another customer. I walked around all of the spas and had a pretty good feel about the higher-priced one simply due to the features and warranty that was posted on the tub.

“When the salesperson finished with her customer she walked over and greeted me. She said, ‘Welcome to Spa City. My name is Cindy.’

“I gave her my first name in return. ‘Are you interested in a hot tub?’ she asked.

‘Yes I am,’ I said. I was standing next to the one I liked in the center of the showroom, but she pointed to the one nearest the door and said, ‘That one is on sale today. You can save $1,000. I think you’d like it. The price goes up tomorrow, so if you want it, I can write the order. We only have one left.’ ” My friend was insulted and left the store. Did the salesperson think he could only afford the one on sale? Did she imagine he would be so gullible as to drop $7,000 that quickly? Did she have any clue to his likes and dislikes?

Actually, the answer is that everyone gives us clues to their personalities if we take a moment to study them.

Personalities fall in four primary styles, with a “spill over” into secondary styles. In the marketing world we call these “Buyer Styles.” Some Internet gurus have expanded this idea and call them “personas.”

This is not a new idea, and there are

Special photo

many labels for these four primary categories. We have named them: (1) Communicator, (2) Commander, (3) Calculator and (4) Completer.

Note: They correspond to the earlier salesperson greetings in the opening illustration.

Visually, here are a few hints: How they dress: Communicators are casual, comfortable dressers. Commanders are formal dressers. Completers are conservative dressers. Calculators are buttoned up but not necessarily formal.

Conversation: Communicators like to talk about anything. Commanders like to talk about themselves. Completers like to talk about how things were better in the past. Calculators like to talk about specifics and details.

Gestures: Communicators talk with their hands. Commanders limit hand gestures to a flourish. Completers’ hand gestures are minimal. Calculators rarely use hand gestures.

Speaking tone: Communicators speak hurriedly. Commanders speak authoritatively. Completers speak quietly (unless challenged). Calculators speak haltingly and monotone.

These are just four of the many ways to pick out a person’s style. There are plenty of resources online to learn more about how to communicate with them.

Copywriters know their audience and

16 Buzz on Biz February 23—March 22, 2017

Buyer styles Don’t wash away your chances of making the sale. Here is a glance at the four personality primary styles and a few of their characteristics: Style Clothing Conversation Gestures Tone Communicator Casual Talk about Talk with Hurried

anything hands Commander Formal Talk about Flourish Authoritative

themselves hand gestures Calculator Buttoned- Talk about Rarely use Monotone

up the past hands Completer Conservative Talk about Minimal Quiet unless

specifics challenged the best ones write to the style they want to persuade. Even if there is just one product, the product copy and commercials can be designed for each style so that everyone, regardless of style, sees the value of the product for themselves.

My friend in the hot tub store was a calculator. He wanted to know more details, compare for value and be treated like the discerning person he was.

Had the salesperson chatted with him a few minutes and taken note, she would have noticed by his clothing, speech pattern, use of hands and conversation that he was not going to respond well to a hard discount sales pitch.

Instead, she lost the sale.

Here is the bottom line: People like to buy from people who are like them. And they like products that speak to their style.

Good marketing recognizes this and

carefully designs the strategies that work with each group.

On the other hand, bad marketing lumps everyone together and tries to make the customer fit its style. As the spa salesperson found out – not such a hot idea.

Mark Alison has spent more than 30 years in sales and marketing. He is the chief operations officer of Alison-South, a regional advertising/marketing firm with a diverse client base. Call 706.724.3758.

February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

17

Danger Zones Behaviors that can damage a business

By Dagan Sharpe

Throughout my career, I have seen three key behaviors lead to the slow fade and decline of many careers. These are resisting change, pessimism and complacency – and these negative behaviors have destroyed more than just careers.

However, there is good news in knowing these self-defeating traits can be changed and even avoided. The opposite of these negative traits are adaptability, optimism and developmental improvement. In other words, in life, there are “downers” and there are “doers” – and we definitely want to strive to be among the doers for very obvious reasons.

Pessimism: Someone once declared, “I have never met a successful pessimist,” and when we think about it, this is true, especially when we define success from a contribution, rather than an accumulation, perspective. We will no doubt face times of discouragement and disappointment, but the question is, will we allow these events to define us and rob us of the

thrill and joy of living? For example, those who declare they can’t afford to save will find this goal more difficult to achieve than those who pursue how to save and believe they can. Life is an adventure, and when we have a purpose that is greater than ourselves and reach to benefit others, we are in stronger positions to leverage this optimism for greater impact in our jobs, our finances, our families and throughout our communities.

Resistance: We know change is inevitable. Therefore, if we fight against it, we are in a constant state of conflict and resistance. This, of course, can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, anger and all other sorts of negative consequences. Rather, we must learn to adapt to change. This doesn’t mean we compromise our convictions and truth, but it does mean we don’t embrace stagnation. Rather, adaptability is a powerful asset supportive to longevity – professionally, relationally and even financially. As an example, consider some of the national businesses that are no lon-

ger around because they failed to adapt to change. We might not like change, but learning to adapt to it without compromising our values and integrity is a profitable skill to develop.

Complacence: A complacent person is one who doesn’t seek to improve. Rather, they settle for stagnation. This is a costly trait to adopt, for there is always room for improvement in our lives. In addition, there are various rewards in learning, refining and developing ourselves, our business and others. As an example, any loving parent desires to help his or her children develop and prosper to become contributing members to society and any organization they might be a part of. Therefore, we should remain in a constant state of learning, development and mentoring as we simultaneously commit to bury any form of complacency we may find.

We will most likely have to struggle with any, or all of these traits from time to time, but the key is not allowing ourselves to stay in these danger zones. Perhaps

even more difficult is when we cannot escape the pessimistic, complacent and resistant people who might surround us, for we might be forced to interact with them on a daily basis. This, of course, is difficult, because their negative states can begin to rub off on us if we’re not careful.

This is why we must always be aware of our own behaviors, which means we must be the change agents in order to adapt to the situation so we don’t allow others to zap our optimism or desire for growth.

Dagan Sharpe is senior vice president of Queensborough National Bank & Trust and the author of a stewardship book, Bank On It. Email dsharpe@qnbtrust. com.

Learning from Mistakes Failure is an opportunity!

By Steve Swanson

Gene Kranz has experienced a unique time in history.

He’s an engineer and a retired NASA flight director. Kranz was the lead flight director during the Gemini and Apollo programs and is best known for his role at Mission Control as he helped save the crew of Apollo 13 after a life-threatening mishap in space.

As he led the Apollo 13 rescue efforts, he made these statements to his team: “You cannot operate in this room unless you believe that you are Superman, and whatever happens, you’re capable of solving the problem,” plus the unforgettable words, “Failure is not an option.”

What response would you get from your team of co-workers if you made those statements today? Would your team be “all in” and ready to solve whatever “problem mountain” stood in front of you?

Recently, I read an article by a man named Nathan Tabor. At the conclusion of his article was a brief bio that got my attention. I’ve highlighted the words in bold that really stood out to me: “Nathan Tabor lives in North Carolina with his wife and daughter. He has

founded and owned over two dozen businesses since 1999, grossing over $150 million in sales. Some ventures have been wildly successful while some have been epic failures.”

Nathan didn’t spell out his “epic failures,” but he made it clear they had been part of his life.

Failure is not discussed much, but it is a common life experience. Failure can be a very private matter or, at times, very public.

Having a voice on the radio provides me with the amazing opportunity to talk about my life, family and life experiences. Even after doing this for many years, sharing some of my failures is still not an easy task. I’d much rather come across as having it “all together.” But, truth be told, my failures are something listeners lean into that serve as a place to discover common ground.

We all make decisions at times that take us down the wrong road. We have big ideas that don’t work. We have relationships that break and fail. We let people down. We are selfish. We think we can do it all. At times, even with the best of intentions, we fail.

When Kranz was leading his team at

18 Buzz on Biz February 23–March 22, 2017

NASA, he made clear the fact that if his team at Mission Control failed, the astronauts depending on them in space would die. Failure was not an acceptable outcome. (Thankfully, you and I are not typically dealing with life-and-death situations).

What about you today? What can you learn from failures in your life? Here are a few life lessons I’ve learned; I hope you’ll find them helpful.

I believe failure reminds me that I am in need of God’s forgiveness and strength, moment by moment, day by day.

Failure reminds us that our decisions and their consequences affect us, but the impact also extends to co-workers and family members.

Failure has a way of revealing our character and priorities. It gives us the chance to “reset,” learn and go forward. Failure can define us and stop us in our tracks, or it can cause us to grow and change for the better, with renewed momentum and perspective.

As a Christ-follower I am thankful that the Bible includes stories of great men and women of faith. Along with their amazing achievements and belief in God, we also see their mistakes and failures in

unblinking detail. These stories provide a vivid reminder that none of us can achieve perfection, and that even when we fail, God is still willing and very capable of using us to accomplish his purposes.

Be encouraged! You are NOT “disqualified” by your past mistakes and failures.

He specializes in fresh starts and new beginnings!

By the way, If you want to check out Kranz’s book, look for Failure is Not an Option: Mission Control From Mercury to Apollo 13 and Beyond.

Your comments are welcome. Reach out to me at steve@wafj.com.

Steve Swanson serves as the station manager for 88.3 WAFJ. He has more than 30 years of radio experience and was named Christian Music Broadcasters Program Director of the Year in 2009 and 2011. Email steve@wafj.com.

February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

19

Businessperson of the month

HIGHER CALLING IN a HIGH-TECH BUSINESS

By Neil Gordon

The Baker family vacation on Hilton Head Island, S.C., the first week of June 2004 was like most – fun times at the beach.

That was until Marty Baker, the lead pastor of Stevens Creek Church in Augusta, woke up from a deep sleep June 6 before dawn.

“He was prompted by the Lord,” his wife Patty said.

Patty Baker, SecureGive That prompting sparked an idea, and the peace that came over the Bakers supported them as they launched a successful company that Patty now runs with 14 employees. They have business relationships with pastors of thousands of churches worldwide and played a big part in the Prayer Breakfast at the inauguration of President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. The concept for the Bakers’ business, SecureGive, began the way most inventive products and services do – they couldn’t find a solution to a problem, so they formed a company to help them and others.

Marty had been struggling with how to launch a building campaign to increase giving.

“At the time we had a young congregation. Marty thought, ‘How will people give if they don’t have a checkbook?’ ” Patty said.

With more people carrying plastic and leaving other forms of currency at home, Marty sought options in the Christian marketplace but couldn’t find software to help churches deal with a shift in parishioners’ giving habits.

After some research and help from developers, the first giving kiosk was installed at their home church in March 2005. Within a few months of the launch, 27 percent of Stevens Creek Church donations came from members who hadn’t given at all before, likely because they didn’t have a convenient way to give.

Orders for kiosks followed from churches in Atlanta, Hilton Head and Louisiana.

“We slowly began to sell to other churches across the country as the word spread,” Patty said.

The Bakers’ oldest children, Stuart and Sarah, were in high school, Sam was in

Patty Baker runs SecureGive, a company she and her husband, Marty Baker, started that helps churches install kiosks to make giving more convenient for members. After 14 years, SecureGive is in roughly 2,300 churches worldwide. Photo by Melissa Gordon

middle school and Patty was thinking about transitioning from her role as a stay-at-home mom. Shortly after, she became co-owner and operator of the startup business.

A call in September 2006 from a Los Angeles Times reporter was a game-changer for Patty: “ATMs for Jesus” landed on the front page of the Sunday newspaper, reaching millions of readers.

“We spent much of the next year doing interviews with news organizations as the story spread,” she said.

Journalists and talk-show hosts challenged the Bakers about the potential downside of allowing overeager church followers to max out their credit limit on a credit card to tithe.

Patty said they did not let the criticism bother them, because they knew in their hearts they were serving a bigger purpose.

They now give member churches the option of whether to accept credit cards at the kiosks or not to accept them.

“God told us that he needed to use us to finance his kingdom. We never wavered,” Patty said.

Donation software used with the first kiosk is much improved today. It is still a simple process for donors to give to the church. All SecureGive churches have the option to accept credit or debit cards.

Churches pay a flat monthly amount

20 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

for the physical kiosks and software needed to manage their online, mobile and text-based giving programs. There is no additional cost to churches to review reports and ask questions about their online, kiosk, mobile or text-to-give platforms for tithing.

SecureGive has caught on like a weeklong church revival in the Bible Belt. Patty and her team cover the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Employees handle new client launches, customer service, technical support and sales. A retired pastor on staff prays for the churches.

“It’s a great opportunity to serve local churches and raise the finances that God’s called us to do. Everyone here is a Christian and has a heart for the local church,” Patty said.

Pleased pastors provide testimonials as their church coffers increase.

“Over the past several years of using SecureGive, we have seen double-digit increases every year,” said the Rev. John Kenney from Quest Church, who recently relocated his church from a shopping center in Martinez to its own building in Grovetown. Kenney is one of about 20 local pastors using SecureGive.

One of Patty’s largest accounts is the fastest-growing church in the U.S. “Giving has grown nearly 40 percent every year that we have been with Secure-

Give,” said Amy Newton of Hope City Church in Houston.

The biggest highlight in early 2017 was an invitation by the chairperson of the Presidential Inauguration Prayer Breakfast for the Bakers to provide four SecureGive kiosks at the event just a few blocks from the White House.

Marty Baker was asked to pray over and receive the offering, which was mostly online – thanks to SecureGive.

“We were honored to be asked to help out and be part of something so big and exciting to us,” Patty said.

Fourteen years after God’s prompting, the Bakers now have competitors, but SecureGive was the first and is still the only giving platform created by a pastor for pastors. The family business and ministry lives on – and online – across the globe.

In its office, approximately 2,300 pushpins on a map represent each church using SecureGive. The goal for 2017 is to add 400 churches and nonprofits, another area of growth for the Bakers’ company.

Marty has steadfastly focused on serving Stevens Creek, building the church and helping shape SecureGive.

“Marty is a visionary and has a Godgiven gift to see things beyond. I am a day-to-day person and see things in black and white. It’s why we work so well together,” Patty said.

H I R E A L I S O N S O U T H A S YO U R M A R K E T I N G F I R M I N 2 0 1 7, A N D G O F R O M G O O D T O G R E AT. AIKEN (803) 226 - 0284

A U G U S TA (706) 724 -3758

AU G U S TA M A R K E T I N G . C O M

February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

21

Business openings, closings and moves Comings The Juicy Crab A new seafood restaurant opened on Feb. 15 in Washington Square, the same shopping center that hosts Stein Mart and Masters 7 Cinemas. The Juicy Crab features seafood with unique seasonings and sides, plus low country boils and bar beverages. Customers will also have the ability to order online.

In addition to its original location in Duluth, Ga., and the new Augusta restaurant, The Juicy Crab also has a location in Jacksonville, Fla.

Jersey Mike’s The new Jersey Mike’s outside Fort Gordon’s Gate One on Madeline Drive is now open.

Several other Jersey Mike’s locations have opened in the CSRA in recent years, including on Furys Ferry Road, Washington Road and Flowing Wells Road.

Started in 1956, Jersey Mike’s now has 1,500 restaurants that are either open or under development. Jersey Mike’s was even named the fastest-growing chain in Nation’s Restaurant News Top 100 for the third year in a row in 2016.

Owner decides to consolidate locations After less than two years at its downtown location, Escape Outdoors, a locally owned outdoor equipment store, is consolidating to one store at its Evans location.

Owner Brian Cliatt said he “felt like this was the best decision for the business,” and said he is open to opening another location in the future but is not actively looking.

Escape Outdoors opened its downtown location in June 2015, hoping to capitalize on the riverfront location with its kayak rentals.

Cliatt noted the incredible growth and development downtown but reiterated that the best thing for his business was to reduce to one store.

Escape Outdoors owner Brian Cliatt says moving solely to The owner of the downtown building Es- the Evans location is “the best decision for the business.” The cape Outdoors leased is Fred Daitch. Daitch downtown Augusta storefront is garnering interest, reports tells Buzz on Biz he has restored it and that it Fred Daitch, the owner of the building. Photo by Amanda King is in great shape. He said prospective tenants that have looked at the building include a restaurant, brewery, two bars, a boutique and an escape room.

Escape Outdoors sells major apparel brands including True Grit, Patagonia, North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Arc’teryx, Chaco and Olukai, and outdoor equipment such as kayaks, water bottles, backpacks and more. Kayak rental will still be available. should contact CrunchAugusta@crunch.com.

Cerni declined to comment, simply stating, “The business has closed.”

Mergers

Goings Crunch Fitness When Julie Phillips, general manager of Crunch Augusta, walked into work Feb. 2, she thought it was going to be like any other day since she began doing pre-enrollments for the gym back in September.

But she and other Crunch employees were shocked to learn that owner Chris Cerni had filed bankruptcy and was closing the doors to the gym before it even opened.

“I was just blown away,” Phillips said.

The 27,000-square-foot gym in Daniel Village on Wrightsboro Road was scheduled to open at the end of February. Phillips said that when she was first hired to join the Crunch team, she felt like the gym was a perfect fit for the Augusta area and “saturated” the area with information to recruit new members to the nationwide gym.

“I feel like I lied to the community,” she said.

Phillips and eight other Crunch employees are now jobless, many of them having left other jobs to work for Cerni.

People with memberships will be refunded, according to Phillips. Anyone with questions or concerns

22 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

Morris Publishing Group and Georgia Trend Morris Publishing Group LLC acquired the publisher of Georgia Trend magazine. It plans to fold into a newly formed subsidiary called Morris Business Media.

The Augusta-based media company, the owner of The Augusta Chronicle, said the acquisition of Trend

Publications LLC includes its flagship monthly business magazine, its digital and special events assets and several other annual publications.

Both companies are privately held, and financial terms of the sale were not disclosed.

William S. Morris IV, the president and CEO of Morris Communications Co., the parent company of Morris Publishing Group, said in a statement that suburban Atlanta-based Trend Publications has “built a strong suite of business products that have positive and dynamic influence on the Georgia economy.”

“Adding this to our portfolio is an honor, and one with a bright future,” Morris said.

In addition to the Chronicle, Morris Publishing Group’s Georgia properties include the Savannah Morning News and Athens Banner-Herald. The company also owns The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville, Fla., and The St. Augustine Record.

Sherman and Hemstreet and Turner Realty Group Sherman & Hemstreet, one of Augusta’s oldest and largest real estate brokerages, and Turner Realty Group, a residential real estate firm in Lincolnton, Ga., have announced their merger.

This strategic business partnership marks the second such alliance for Sherman & Hemstreet in the last year.

“Sherman & Hemstreet has been looking for opportunities to expand in the market and for a partner with clear momentum in the region,” Sherman & Hemstreet President Joe Edge said.

“Turner Realty Group embraces our culture of teamwork, trust and innovation. The combination will permit Sherman & Hemstreet to continue to invest Continued on Page 23 February 23–March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

Business openings, closings and moves Continued from Page 22 in our growing residential sales division and support our sales team in this highly competitive market.”

This merger will truly link the region with the offices of these two brokerages. The combined organization, known moving forward as Sherman & Hemstreet, will have real estate professionals operating in three sales offices across three counties.

Augusta Sportswear Group Augusta Sportswear Group has merged its Augusta Sportswear, Holloway and High Five divisions.

The result is a simpler experience for its customers, one that will now give them access to all three brands in a single transaction. The consolidation began in December 2016 with the creation of a single sales force and will eventually result in one catalog and one invoice by the end of 2017.

The new structure for the company will be built around three market based divisions: Outdoor, Team Uniform and Off-Field.

“This shift will reorient our business around a deep understanding of the end user, which will invariably result in better and more innovative solutions for our customers,” remarked Derek Ernst, the senior vice president of Marketing and Merchandising.

Each of the ASG brands will continue to maintain its current brand positioning.

The Augusta Sportswear brand will be focused on youth recreational leagues, travel clubs and middle schools, while the Holloway brand, with its rich tradition in varsity jackets and superior out-

erwear, will be targeted primarily towards high schools, elite clubs and universities.

The High Five brand, with its legacy and strong heritage of the brand, will continue to focus primarily on soccer and volleyball.

“This move is just the beginning,” said Dave Elliot, the CEO of Augusta Sportswear Group.

“This is a new era for ASG, one that is deeply focused on the customer and consumer, and one that is committed to providing the best service, products and marketing tools for our customers.”

Impact Safety Inc., based in Augusta, conducts safety training and specializes in helping companies reduce risk, protect their assts and create a safe, OSHA-compliant environment.

Anniversaries/ Milestones Insurance Services of Augusta Insurance Services of Augusta is celebrating 100 years of service to Augusta. The agency recently moved from its location at 2945 Walton Way to No. 5 George C. Wilson Court, Augusta. In 100 years, this is only the agency’s second move. It was originally the first tenant in the then-brand new Georgia Railroad Bank Building.

Expansions Danny’s Used Tires & Auto Repair and U-Haul U-Haul Co. of Georgia is pleased to announce that Danny’s Used Tires & Auto Repair has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the Augusta community.

Danny’s Used Tires & Auto Repair, at 3255 Deans Bridge Road, will offer U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, support rental items and in-store pick-up for boxes.

Submitted photo

Photo by Neil Gordon

Father, son help keep Augusta safe for 16 years In October 1996, Bill Foster took an early retirement package from his employers at the Monsanto plant on Columbia Nitrogen Drive.

His career had been built on making sure chemicals were processed safely and employees and contractors were trained properly, so injuries, accidents were kept to a minimum and OSHA regulations were followed.

The severity of OSHA infractions determines whether fines are in the hundreds, thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“A good safety program will pay for itself,” said Foster from his Impact Safety Inc. office on Augusta West Parkway.

Foster’s idea to start the company was based on his experiences in the plants, not the boardroom.

At the time, his son, Joseph, was about to graduate from college with a business degree.

“It’s been a really good partnership,” said Joseph. The younger Foster grew up traveling with his father while he taught safety courses in different states and knew he’d be involved in the world of emergency response and hazardous materials.

“When Joseph was just 15, he became a high-angle rope instructor,” said his father. “I don’t know of anyone else that young completing the course work and then instructing others.”

The “chip off the ol’ block” and his dad have developed a business that includes seven full-time employees, with plans to hire three more in 2017, and contractors from area first response teams who teach safety courses to clients that mostly include area plant managers and construction companies.

Impact Safety is hoping to get calls before a fatality or catastrophe occurs (known as FAT CAT in the industry) and has several different programs held at its training facility or on-site for companies. It is designed to help companies on a part- or full-time basis to reduce risk, protect assets and create a safe, compliant environment.

Impact Safety does site walkthroughs, job safety audits, OSHA compliance, fire and hazardous materials protection, confined space entry and confined space rescue.

“Recently, we were working with a company that had their exit door blocked with boxes of heavy copy paper,” said Bill Foster.

OSHA called upon him to become one of its adjunct instructors many years ago to teach companies to prevent hazardous situations from occurring. Joseph followed suit and is also an adjunct instructor.

Like father, like son.

– Neil Gordon

February 23–March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

23

Employment Regulations Mistakes Small Businesses Make

By Jame Geathers

One of the most exciting aspects of being a small-business owner is building your team of employees.

As an employer, you create opportunities for others, but with that comes the responsibility of managing your team.

There are many clear requirements that are commonly known, such as paying overtime or not discriminating against applicants and employees, but what about the lesser-known requirements?

Several common mistakes can cost your company time and money if overlooked.

The first mistake we’ll look at is classifying employees as contractors. Hiring contractors can have many benefits for your small business including lower costs due to saving on taxes, unemployment insurance and workers compensation insurance. Other benefits are having more flexibility with hiring and firing plus a reduction in liability exposure related to employee claims and lawsuits.

Sounds great, right? Not so fast. While those benefits can sound tempting, not all hires can be classified as an independent

Special photo

contractor. A few determining factors are: Does the individual work for only one employer? Do they submit invoices or are they paid through payroll? Do they operate independently or are their duties dictated by others?

These and other factors should be carefully considered before hiring takes place.

Another mistake would be requiring

employees to perform work during unpaid times such as lunch breaks or after hours.

Contrary to what many believe, the State of Georgia and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act do not require employers to offer meal breaks, although it is highly recommended. The problem comes in when an employer requires an employee to perform duties while not being compensated. Regardless of how small a task or even if the individual is on the premises during the off time, if they work they must be compensated.

Finally, let’s look at withholding an employee’s final paycheck.

The transition of an employee can be a contentious event. Depending on why and how they depart, there may be hard feelings all around. If an employee departs on less-than-friendly terms, getting them to return company equipment can be a major challenge; however, some employers mistakenly believe this gives them the right to withhold the employee’s final paycheck. While you cannot withhold the employee’s entire paycheck, what you can

do is deduct the value of the items not returned. Before doing so, it is strongly recommended that you create and distribute a policy informing employees that they will be responsible for the cost of items not returned and/or damaged. Include the value of items. It’s also a great idea to include space for the serial numbers and other information for all items issued to employees.

This is not an all-inclusive list by any means but rather a good starting point. If you need additional information regarding this or other human resources issues, please contact us!

Jame Geathers has more than 12 years’ experience in the corporate and nonprofit sectors, with an emphasis on Human Resources and Operations. Her focus is on helping small businesses with their structures and policies.

Reach her at 706.496.9691 or www.jamegeathers.com.

Govern Yourself Accordingly Don’t forget to manage your company

By Ed Enoch

Whenever I get a letter from another attorney directing me or my client to “Govern yourself accordingly,” I always think, “What a pretentious a##.” But it fits for this article.

If you own or manage a small business, it is very likely set up as a corporation or limited liability company (LLC). Most small businesses do not devote sufficient time or attention to the formalities of governing their company. By this I mean adhering to the bylaws or operating agreement that should have been established at the company’s formation. Even worse, maybe you never adopted bylaws or an operating agreement, so the rules that apply to your business are the default rules created by the government.

Corporations have shareholders, directors and officers. LLCs have members and maybe managers. Each of these groups has specific roles to play in governing and running the company. In a small business, one person might play multiple roles or even all the roles. Maybe you are the sole

It might seem silly to have a meeting of the board of directors when you are the president, treasurer, manager and sole employee of your company, but following corporate procedure helps protect you from liability.

Special photo

owner and the company manager. You should still have meetings and prepare resolutions for actions as dictated by the bylaws or operating agreement.

I know it seems kind of silly to have a meeting of the board of directors to pass a resolution recommending to the shareholders that the officers be authorized to

24 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

take some action when you are the sole shareholder, the only board member, the president, secretary and treasurer of the company. Why bother, right? Here’s why: A significant part of the benefit of doing business in one of these entities is liability protection. If you do not respect the formalities of the entity, neither will the court. The court may well decide that you were ignoring the entity and therefore you are not entitled to shelter behind the protections of the entity. This is called “piercing the corporate veil,” one of my favorite legal expressions.

So, bottom line, to protect yourself and your assets, make sure your entity has all the necessary rules and that they are followed. And remember, as I learned long ago in the Navy, if you do not write it down, it did not happen.

Reminder: Corporations and LLCs registered in the state of Georgia must file their annual registration with the Georgia secretary of state by April 1.

Failure to register will lead to administrative dissolution of your entity – the legal equivalent of pouring acid on it.

J. Edward “Ed” Enoch has practiced law in Augusta for more than 20 years, mostly focusing on helping business owners and companies to include formation, transition, business planning, contract writing, employment law and other areas of the law. Email jenoch@ enochlaw.com.

February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

25

upcoming Business events Monday, Feb. 27 Mardi Gras Madness Member Mixer presented by the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, 4:30-5:30 p.m. - Member Orientation; 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Mardi Gras Mixer, 406 West Ave., North Augusta. Let the good times roll!

Come and enjoy an afternoon of food, fun and Chamber information, Mardi Gras style. Come mix, mingle and find out how the Chamber can best benefit you.

Tuesday, Feb. 28 Faith@Work, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., First Baptist Church of Augusta, 3500 Walton Way Extension. Join business leaders for lunch and light worship led by Gary Redding.

This month’s menu includes First Baptist’s famous fried chicken and homemade strawberry shortcake.

Email Cyndi Busby to make reservations at cbusby@fbcaugusta.

Thursday, March 2 South Carolina’s Cyber Savannah River Region Kickoff Conference presented by EDTS, 4-7 p.m., North Augusta Municipal Building (Palmetto Terrace) 100 Georgia Ave., North Augusta. The event will help introduce small and mediumsized businesses in the Savannah River region to the cybersecurity resources offered by area universities and South Carolina providers.

The event is also open to those in industry, academia and government to learn about cybersecurity initiatives, agencies, education and more. The half-day event will have short presentations, with networking opportunities and display booths for attendees.

Friday, March 3 First Friday Means Business presented by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, 7:30-9 a.m., Newberry Hall, 117 Newberry St. SW, Aiken. The Greater Aiken Chamber’s informative monthly breakfast meeting features a keynote speaker who addresses issues of interest to the business community. This monthly meeting allows attendees

the opportunity to stand up and introduce themselves and their firms to all the other attendees and possibly meet their next newest and potentially largest client yet.

Tuesday, March 14 Young Professionals of Augusta, 5:30-7 p.m. The Pinnacle Club, 599 Broad St., Augusta. Join YPA (ages 21-40) for networking and to hear Dr. Simon Medcalfe, Augusta University Finance Professor, give an economic forecast for Augusta.

Wednesday, March 15 Generation Startup: A documentary exploring what it means to make it as a young entrepreneur, presented by the Augusta Metro Chamber in partnership with Hull College of Business, 5-7 p.m., University Hall Room 170, Augusta University Summerville Campus, Augusta University. Complimentary event, open to the public.

Advance registration required at AugustaMetroChamber.com.

The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Hull College of Business, Augusta University, is hosting a screening of Generation Startup, a documentary that shows a young entrepreneur on the front lines of entrepreneurship in America, capturing an inthe-trenches look at the struggles and triumphs of six recent college grads who put everything on the line to launch startups in Detroit.

Thursday, March 16 Third Thursday Business Builder presented by the Augusta-Metro Chamber of Commerce, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Augusta Metro Chamber office, 1 10th St., Suite 120, Augusta.

Complimentary for members, lunch provided. $15 prospective members. Advance registration required at AugustaMetroChamber.com

Friday, March 17 Good Morning North Augusta, 7:30-9 a.m. Municipal Complex, Palmetto Terrace 4th Floor, 100 Georgia Ave., North Augusta. Chamber

26 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

Members: $15; Nonmembers: $25.

Advanced registration is required.

NorthAugustaChamber.org

Tuesday, March 21 Women In Business Luncheon presented by the AugustaMetro Chamber of Commerce, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Legends Club, 2701 Washington Road, Augusta. An Education & Industry Partnership Initiative: The RPM Program, with speakers Heather Meyer, Plant Manager, Textron Specialized Vehicles, and Dr. Jason Moore, principal of RPM, Richmond County schools. Presenting sponsor Hull College of Business, Augusta University. $30 Members, $40 prospective members.

Advanced registration required at AugustaMetroChamber.com.

Dine Downtown for the Miller, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Various locations; dine at participating restaurants and a donation will be made to the Miller Theater restoration cam-

paign. At press time, Farmhaus, Mellow Mushroom and FatMan’s Cafe (lunch only) are participating. Others are welcome. Contact Angela Maskey at amaskey@ jimhudson.com to sign up.

Thursday, March 23 Member Economic Luncheon presented by the Augusta-Metro Chamber of Commerce, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Augusta Marriott, 2 10th St., Augusta. Presenting sponsor Unisys, series sponsors Augusta Magazine, Augusta Riverfront Center, Augusta University, Georgia Bank & Trust, SRNS, with media sponsors The Augusta Chronicle and News 12 NBC 26. $35 Members, $45 nonmembers.

Advance registration required at AugustaMetroChamber.com.

Catch the Buzz! Get more on events and follow business news across the CSRA at buzzon.biz.

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February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

27

Property Points Death of the “For Sale by Owner”

By Joe Edge

According to the National Association of Realtors, in 2016, less than 10 percent of all real estate transactions were handled without a Realtor. This trend has been growing over the years as fewer and fewer people are trying to sell their property without the help of a licensed professional. The ever-changing complexities in real estate are the main factor for the reduction in For Sale by Owner (FSBO) sales.

As anyone who has ever sold real estate knows, these transactions can be very complicated. Specific methodologies exist to save sellers money, not only with the price negotiation but during the due diligence period.

In my experience, more money is lost during the due diligence period than most people realize. Having a good strategy in place from the beginning of any real estate transaction can help protect the seller and save them tons of money.

Surveys and studies on this topic show that one of the main reasons sellers continue to list with experienced agents is the expertise required during the “under contract” period. Most inexperienced sellers do not have the market knowledge and expertise to navigate a difficult due

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diligence period. The result is that they get pushed around by more experienced agents and their net proceeds at closing are greatly reduced.

Additionally, experienced agents know that value is completely market-driven.

But a seller can’t maximize value if the property is not exposed to the entire market. Sellers who decide to go it alone obtain poor exposure to a very small pool of buyers. Since it doesn’t cost buyers any money to have a Realtor representing them, buyers and their agents often over-

look FSBO homes and focus on those listed with the Multiple Listing Service.

This results in only a handful of buyers looking for FSBO properties. Lower offer prices, poorly written contracts, earnest money troubles, disorganization and longer times on the market are all qualities of FSBO properties.

Timing is also very important to real estate transactions. The amount of time a property spends on the market has a direct correlation to its price. The longer a property is on the market, it creates a greater expectation from buyers that the price be discounted. Additionally, statistics show that FSBO sellers often end up hiring a Realtor in the end, largely because of frustration and a lack of qualified buyers.

FSBOs lack the resources and networks needed to market property effectively. Digital marketing has drastically changed how customers are finding properties. FSBOs lack these resources, which significantly affects their ability to get their properties in front of qualified buyers. As marketing trends continue to change at a fast pace, it has become even more important to have an experienced professional involved.

Many people don’t think of rentals as

being “by owner.” But the fact is, it is even more difficult to handle a “rental by owner” than a sale. The dynamics of rental property, both residential and commercial, demand a high level of expertise and professionalism. When you add it all up, and take into account the constantly changing market’s improving technologies, I believe the days of the For Sale

by Owner and For Rent by Owner are steadily coming to an end. Realtors provide a service that is vital to the real estate market, and property owners should use a professional to help them navigate the process.

Joe Edge is president and broker at Sherman & Hemstreet. After service in the U.S. Marine Corps and a career as an independent commercial agent, Edge bought the historic Sherman & Hemstreet, a full-service firm specializing in commercial real estate listings and property management. He recently restarted residential sales. Reach him at 706.722.8334.

Tax Tips

Using qualifying dependents to save on taxes

BY CHRISTINE HALL

Are you taking care of an elderly parent or relative? Whether it’s driving to doctor appointments, paying for nursing home care or medical expenses, or handling their personal finances, dealing with an elderly parent or relative can be emotionally and financially draining, especially when you are taking care of your own family, too.

Fortunately, there is some good news!

You might be able to claim your elderly relative as a dependent come tax time, as long as you meet certain criteria. Here’s what you should know about claiming an elderly parent or relative as a dependent.

The IRS defines a dependent as a qualifying child or relative. A qualifying relative can be your: • Child, stepchild, foster child or descendant of any one of them, for example your grandchild • Brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, stepbrother or stepsister

• Mother, father, grandparent or other direct ancestor, but not a foster parent • Stepmother or stepfather • Niece, nephew, step-niece or stepnephew • Aunt or uncle • Son-in-law, daughter-in-law, motherin-law or father-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law.

There are four tests that must be met in order for a person to be your qualifying relative: Not a qualifying child test: Your parent (or relative) cannot be claimed as a qualifying child on anyone else’s tax return Member of household or relationship test: a person must either live with you all year as a member of your household, or be related to you in one of the ways mentioned above.

Gross income test: Income cannot exceed the personal exemption amount, which in 2016 (and 2017) is $4,050. In

28 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

addition, your parent or relative, if married, cannot file a joint tax return with his or her spouse unless that joint return is filed only to claim a refund of withheld income tax or estimated tax paid.

Support test: You must provide more than half of a parent’s total support for the year, such as costs for food, housing, medical care, transportation and other necessities.

What if you share caregiving responsibilities?

If you share caregiving responsibilities with a sibling or other relative, only one of you – the one proving more than 50 percent of the support – can claim the dependent. Be sure to discuss who is going to claim the dependent in advance to avoid running into trouble with the IRS if both of you claim the dependent on your respective tax returns.

Sometimes, however, neither caregiver

pays more than 50 percent. In that case, you’ll need to fill out IRS Form 2120, Multiple Support Declaration, as long as you and your sibling both provide at least 10 percent of the support towards taking care of your parent.

The tax rules for claiming an elderly parent or relative are complex. If you have any questions, contact your tax preparer and he or she can help you sort through the maze of dependency exemptions.

Christine Hall is a partner in Hall, Murphy & Schuyler PC, a full-service accounting firm. For a complimentary accounting, tax or business consultation, call 706.855.7733 or email cmh@hmandscpas.com.

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February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

29

The grooming effect 6 tips to put you in the winners’ circle

By Daryl Rolle

Like sports, a business can be a game of inches; it can make or break situations. Every edge counts, whether you are interviewing or networking for a large account.

Your grooming habits should always give you the win and command attention in any space. Armed with almost 20 years’ experience in the men’s grooming industry, I understand those needs.

While understanding those needs, at times it can be annoying trying to understand the solutions to life’s maintenance issues. Nothing to be ashamed of, ladies and gents. Here are a few hacks to help keep you ahead of the game.

Adjust your clothes: When it comes to shirts, slacks, jackets or vests, always take them to get altered to fit.

Off-the-rack clothing is one step from a generic fit; take another step toward tailored clothing and have your clothes accent you.

Clean those filthy, unmanaged nails: Dirty nails are a dead giveaway of bad hygiene and can be viewed as poor maintenance. You want your hands to encourage more handshakes and fewer fist bumps.

Educate you on you: Add style blogs, books or magazines to your reading. Look at styles that fit your profession, character and lifestyle. Remember that 90 percent

Professional, polished grooming will always command attention, no matter the situation. Special photo

of what you wear on the outside comes from how you feel on the inside.

Watch the monobrow: Gentlemen, this is a no-fly zone. Besides being distracting, it brings back memories of Burt from Sesame Street or Groucho Marx. If taming your brows is something you cannot accomplish on your own, your barber will assist when requested.

Frank fragrances: The key to wearing fragrances is to be polite and not invading, subtle and not frank. If you are on an elevator, other people there should not be able

to taste your fragrance.

Delegate: No worries if these tips are too much to keep up with. Consult an image professional to remove friction from your grooming process. The objective is to have the right people on your team to better you for success.

By investing in your own personal image the ROI is daily. It establishes a prescence that instantly reflects competence and credibility. Great grooming habits radiate to others. They can create a platform to educate and motivate your employees to project a consistently professional presence in the workplace. Start with two grooming hacks a month and watch the evolution in your personal and professional image shift.

When you change the perception, you change the reality.

Daryl Rolle is the owner of the award-winning Dapper & Co. men’s grooming lounge and co-owner of Regal Styles and Imaging of Evans. Rolle is one of the fastest-rising barbering educator/grooming consultants in the country. For questions or reservations you can contact him at drolle@dapperandcompany.com

Laughing out Loud Body language speaks volumes

By Sean Andrews

Body language is a fascinating field, and someone who understands it definitely has a leg up in business. A new supervisor or manager needs to establish rapport with the workforce as quickly as possible, but how can one do that with every individual? The answer is – you don’t have to.

All you have to do is tell a joke – a clean one.

The concept is called “the informal leader.” In every organization there are designated leaders, the people who have titles such as supervisor, team leader, CEO, etc. On the surface, it looks as though they are in charge. But the reality is much different.

The people who really call the shots and lead the group are the informal leaders. Generally, they have been with the organization for a while and have gained the respect of their fellow workers. Informal leaders usually don’t have titles, but everyone looks to them for direction. If the informal leaders are happy, the workforce is happy, but if the informal leaders are unhappy, the company could be in trouble.

The new (titled) leader needs to establish rapport with the informal leadership

Do you want to know who the real leaders are in your organization? Don’t look at job titles; tell a joke instead, and watch what happens. Special photo

of the group, because the group will usually follow the informal leaders. So, how do you identify the informal leaders? You could ask everyone which their co-workers they respect, but that’s no fun and they might just tell you what they think you want to hear. Do it this way instead: Believe it or not, laughing is something that can give you information on relationships. When people laugh, they naturally look at people they like or respect. The

30 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

next time you’re in a group, take note of who people look at when they are laughing. They will tend to look at the informal leader. If the informal leader laughs uncontrollably, the rest of the crowd will also. If the informal leader groans, or worse, is stone-faced, everyone else will subconsciously agree that the joke was not funny and will not laugh. They follow the informal leader.

This tip is not just for the workplace –

it works with any kind of group. Watch this the next time you’re at any sort of social gathering: When people are laughing, take note of who is looking at whom.

Those glances can mean that someone likes the person he or she is looking at, or that they’re romantically involved. You can also see who the friends are.

But back to the business applications.

You want to identify those informal leaders because you want them on your side.

If you can persuade them to your way of thinking, the others will follow. It would be nearly impossible to establish rapport with 300 people, but if you establish it with the informal leaders, you can win over an entire organization with little effort. This is a much easier way to establish rapport with a whole new office!

Sean Michael Andrew is a hypnotist, body language expert, author and corporate keynote speaker. He was selected the Mid-America Hypnosis Conference 2013 Hypnotist of the Year and the 2016 Educator of the Year. Reach him at 706.284.3370.

February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

31

File photo from The Augusta Chronicle

open for business Fort Gordon wants civilians to know they’re welcome

By Amanda King

Fort Gordon wants Augusta to report for duty. There are no pushups, running in the rain or crawling through the mud required – just golfing, hunting, fishing, riding horses and having a good time on the military post.

Last year, Fort Gordon lost $1.5 million dollars because of low turnout for many of its regular activities, according to Craig Larsen, the director of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR).

“The money we make through these activities goes directly back to support the soldiers,” Larsen said.

The director, who began working with MWR in June 2016, said there is a perception that civilians are not permitted to be on post or that it takes too long to get inside.

“Since last June, we have cleared the backlog, streamlined our process,

“The money we make through these activities goes directly back to support the soldiers.”

– Craig Larsen, the director of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation and we are now processing visitor requests in hours or days instead of months,” Col. Todd Turner, garrison commander at Fort Gordon, said in a statement.

Civilian visitors still have to come through Gate 1 and complete a background check at the visitor control center to access the post, but the process only takes a few minutes to complete. Those who are worried about prior speeding tickets or DUIs need not worry – the background check is

32 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

only looking for people with serious criminal history or active warrants, according to Larsen.

“For 99.9 percent of people, it’s not going to be a problem to do a background check,” he said.

After the background check, the visitor control center will issue a short-term pass for up to 30 days or a long-term pass for up to 12 months with sponsorship from any MWR activity facility.

A number of activities are available

to civilians, including the popular dinner theater, bowling and bingo. Larsen said bingo is the base’s most popular attraction, often bringing players in from Columbia. Food courts and auto care services are also available.

The post also holds family events each year, including Oktoberfest, Springfest and the Fourth of July celebration. The USO also hosts popular acts, including comedians, musicians and other performers.

To keep up to date on those events, follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram under the name Fort Gordon MWR.

Check out some of Fort Gordon’s other activities on Page 33, and get an insider’s look at the post’s impact on page 34.

just a few of the things to do on post Those looking for a shooting challenge can take advantage of the longest shooting range on a military post available to civilians.

The 800+-yard shooting range at the Tactical Advantage Sportsman’s Complex (TASC) is one of many firearm and weapons opportunities that the post has.

Other TASC options include an archery range, 3Darchery course, sporting clays trail and skeet and trap fields.

The trail includes use of a golf cart and 50 clays.

“For what we charge, it’s pretty cheap for the cart and everything,” said Don Randolph, director of TASC. TASC rents weapons and sells ammunition to civilians but cannot sell weapons to them. All rental guns are properly maintained and cleaned after each use, according to Randolph. Civilians may bring their weapons to Fort Gordon but must keep them in a hard or soft case in their trunk, sep-

Tactical Advantage Sportsman’s Complex Spots for fishing

arate from ammunition, and visit TASC to complete a form that allows gun access on post.

Hunting and fishing are also available during their appropriate seasons as long as participants have the proper licenses. Fishing licenses can be purchased at the lodge. TASC offers fishing tournaments for adults and fishing derbies for children throughout the year.

For the avid deer hunter, Larsen said the hunting grounds are filled with large

Shooting range

bucks. Controlled pheasant hunting for children and adults is another popular activity on post; the birds are released in a small area to teach hunting skills.

All activities are offered at affordable prices, according to Larsen. There are also discounts for TASC members.

First-time shooters receive member pricing. For more information on membership, tournaments and other activities, call (706) 791-5078.

Sporting Clays Trail

Hilltop Riding Stable

The Hilltop Riding Stable on Fort Gordon offers a number of opportunities for horse enthusiasts – horse camps for children, birthday parties with pony rides and riding lessons for all ages. There are more than 20 miles of riding trails for riders of all experience levels. The stable offers boarding for horses whose owners do not have the space for a horse or need to leave town briefly or long-term.

For more information on the riding stable, call (706) 791-4864.

Gordon Lakes Golf Club

Upcoming MWR Events

“There are a lot of beautiful courses in Augusta, and this is one of them,” Larsen said.

The original Gordon Lakes Golf Club course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, who also redesigned the 11th and 16th holes at Augusta National Golf Club. Gordon Lakes is a 27-hole course that allows ample space for golfers and tournament players.

The pavilion and clubhouse on the golf course property are available for conferences and meetings. Catering can also be used. For more information, call (706) 791-2433.

Feb. 25: Crappie Tournament at Butler Reservoir, $10 March 11: Bass Tournament at Butler Reservoir, $10 March 25: Crappie Tournament at Butler Reservoir, $10 March 25: Instructional classes for handguns and rifles, $40. Lunch will be included.

Pre-registration is required.

April 3-7: Horse Camp for ages 7-13 To learn more about the activities available on post, go to www.fortgordon.com.

Photos and text by Amanda King February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

33

Five questions about Fort Gordon

1

What is the impact of Fort Gordon’s growth on the community?

Clark: Between 2013 and 2019, Fort Gordon will add about 4,700 employees, with about 2,000 having already been added the first two years. Another 1,000 are projected for 2015, 900 in 2016 and 700 more after that. About one-third of these new positions will be civilians. Using military models, 4,700 employees equates to about 13,000 people total when spouses and children are included, with about 2,400 being school-age children. Using the Department of Commerce multiplier of 2:1 means for every job added at Fort Gordon, two jobs are created in the community, or another 8,000 jobs.

U.S. Army Cyber Command will arrive in 2018-19 timeframe with strength of about 1,000 personnel.

New and existing missions continue to add additional personnel, with another 6,500 projected between 2020 and 2025.

2

What can the community do to support Fort Gordon?

Clark: Fort Gordon needs to attract high-tech, high-quality personnel to this area to fill the many government and defense contractor positions. The region is competing with high-tech areas like Silicon Valley, San Antonio, Huntsville, Washington, D.C., and the Research Triangle in Raleigh.

These are high-salaried employees seeking a higher quality of life.

We can easily compete on cost of living, cost of housing, and recreation to a certain extent, but trail in quality of education, highquality restaurants, shopping, cultural activities and transportation.

You can advocate for and support improvements in these areas.

The community can continue to do the little things like thank a service member and their families when they see them in the community – it means the world to them. Area businesses can continue to offer discounted merchandise and goods

Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Tom Clark, the executive director for the Alliance for Fort Gordon, promotes, coordinates and advocates for the Fort Gordon Cyber District to stimulate investment in cyber growth and capitalize on opportunities for everyone’s benefit. Here, Clark shares his answers to five of the questions he is most frequently asked about the post.

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to service members.

The Alliance for Cybersecurity Education (ACE) was formed to develop a high school cybersecurity pathway, which was approved by the state Board of Education in February 2015 and is being offered in six high schools in Columbia and Richmond counties.

Fort Gordon has partnered with area high schools to assist with the cybersecurity curriculum track to “home-grow” future cyber warriors and create a civilian workforce pool.

Advanced education opportunities in cybersecurity will be critical to the success and education opportunities for military and civilian personnel. Augusta University has established a Cyber Institute offering extensive cybersecurity programs. Encourage youngsters to enroll in these programs, but also warn them that any criminal record, to include misdemeanors, will likely disqualify them from these high-salary positions.

Fort Gordon currently has no plans to build more family housing on post, and these new positions will be filled by more

34 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

senior, likely married employees, so most of the 4,700 will live in the community. Welcome them into your neighborhoods, churches, recreational facilities, etc. Contrary to the old system of moving every two to three years, these cyber employees will likely be here for five to 20 years, so they will become more permanent members of the community.

3

What can the community do to support the Alliance for Fort Gordon?

Clark: Of course the Alliance could use financial support, but we could also use your support to spread the word of what the Alliance does and how together we can truly make a difference.

4

Will there be another BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) round and, if so, what is the likely impact to Fort Gordon?

Clark: There will most likely be additional BRAC rounds as the military wraps its arms around

right-sizing; however, there is not likely to be a negative impact on Fort Gordon if this happens because (Fort Gordon is) one of only two military installations who will experience growth during the next five years. In all likelyhood another BRAC will benefit Fort Gordon with additional growth.

5

How does Fort Gordon/ Fort Gordon Cyber District compare to other installation-community relationships?

Clark: Fort Gordon is extremely proud of its successful community partnerships that support the mission and complement the installation management action plan. The supportive and engaged character of communities surrounding Fort Gordon have resulted in longterm cooperative partnerships, mutual support agreements and lasting interest in the well-being and readiness of our military.

This broad historical association underscores the municipal and voter willingness to support operational growth and mission diversity on the installation.

February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

35

Reach your target Make the most of every interaction

By Beth Pence

It is necessary to make the most of every customer interaction. Here are insights on how to create customer journeys that deliver exceptional brand experiences.

Identify the audience you desire to reach: No other element affects your results as significantly as your data file. Targeting the audience most likely to respond is a marketer’s top priority. If you are not reaching the right person, then nothing you say or do will be effective. Improve the results of your campaign by creating customer file models, gaining valuable insights about the individual characteristics of your best customers.

For example, a customer’s gender, age and purchase history might predict the likelihood of a future sale. Data is collected, a statistical model is formulated, predictions are made, and the model can then be validated or revised as additional data becomes available. Behavioral data is

the timing of their response, average order size, what motivated them to respond, what channel they responded to, etc. Demographics are age, income, gender or geographic location. Psychographics are the classification of people according to their attitudes, habits, hobbies, behaviors and other psychological criteria.

Develop individualized customer insights: Today, people are more connected than ever before. They can choose when, where and how they consume information and how they interact with media and brands. They can compare products and prices instantaneously and have new ways to gather information, engage with brands, and purchase products and services. Marketers have more ways to reach them, but fewer chances to get it right.

Every customer journey is unique. And every communication is an opportunity to leverage valuable data to nurture customer relationships and deepen customer

intimacy. Knowing your target audience allows you to create offers and incentives they can relate to, increasing the odds they will take the desired action and respond. Today you must be much more analytical to develop a true understanding of the customer and ensure your campaigns are targeted and your promotional offers meaningful.

Offer irresistible, obvious and easyto-respond-to service: In a world where the consumer is increasingly in charge, it is even more important for a business to offer value that extends as far as possible.

Compelling offers can do a great deal for your brand and your bottom line, as long as they are done well.

How can you implement strong calls to action to create engagement and build brand loyalty? Remove as many barriers as possible between you and customers. If they have to think too much about it, they might not contact you, and you lose the

sale. Put yourself in your prospect’s shoes, and at the end of every piece of copy, ask, “Now what? What do I do next?”

Use effective call-to-action phrases: Call now. Buy today. Register now. Contact now. Enroll now. Add to cart. Sign up here. Reserve now. Get a free quote today. Talk to an expert. Immediate download. Join now. Start now. See it in action.

Watch our tutorial. Learn more. Take the tour. Donate today. Find out more.

Beth Pence is co-owner of Alphagraphics with her son Phillip. It is located across from the Martinez Post Office and offers print, sign and design services. Call 706.650.3177 or email US650@alphagraphics.com.

Copy That

Are you getting the most from your copier?

By Scott Thurmond

Although you might still be using the term “copier,” today machines that provide you with copies are better known as MFDs (multifunction devices) or MFPs (multifunction printers).

The reason is that today’s machines do a lot more than copy. If you are not taking advantage of their many functions, you could be wasting a lot of money and time. Today’s copiers can enhance workflow performance, reduce expenses, and even build in security and confidentiality measures.

Today’s copiers no longer restrict their uses to individual computers or even the four walls of your office.

With AirPrint technology, devices on a network can have the same advantages as someone working at a desktop computer.

Whether using a smart device or a desktop, you can determine if you want your document to be printed in grayscale or color, one- or two-sided or even stapled.

To give smart technology users more flexibility, an app provides more control of options and simplifies the procedure.

ICloud printing makes “follow-

me printing” or mobile printing possible. This technology is perfect when you might be visiting another site, such as a convention center or hotel.

Your document is printed via an email attachment and a release code provided by the host site.

36 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

Not only does the system provide you with added security for the printing, but it allows guests to print without accessing the host’s network.

You can also control your copier costs through several options available in multi-functional devices.

Many copiers have built-in settings that can be configured to print grayscale unless overridden. If you are leasing your copier, this setting can reduce your printing costs, as color can cost much more than grayscale.

Devices can also track who printed what. We find that even when individual users are not charged for their copies, tallies at the end of a designated period of time help to build awareness and tend to reduce costs.

Other advantages may not even involve a hard copy. Scanning capabilities permit optical character recognition to make even pdf files text-searchable.

Some machines also scan directly into Word or Excel formats.

Even faxes have changed. The ability to receive and send faxes elec-

tronically builds added security without tell-tale paper copies littering the work room. The machines can be configured to send certain faxes to specific folders on your computer or to email to your inbox as a pdf.

What’s on the horizon? Machines are getting easier to use and integrating more with cloud structure. Last year’s introduction of the Smart Operation Panel allows users to customize screens.

If you are still using that machine in your office for simple tasks, it’s time to call your supplier and explore all of its options or search your model number on the Internet. Your multifunction device might not be able to clean your floors or make coffee … but we’re working on it!

Scott Thurmond is CEO and co-owner of Duplicating Systems Inc. (DSI), a company with 30 years of service in the CSRA. DSI provides copiers, software solutions and other technology. Email sthurmond@duplicatingsystems.com.

Stress testing really isn’t that stressful ...

So, your doctor mentioned that you should have a stress test.

Sounds incredibly stressful! Don’t worry, by the end of this article you should feel more comfortable about having the test performed.

What exactly is a stress test?

A stress test can: • Help assess symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath or palpitations, to determine whether they are coming from the heart • See if enough blood flows to your heart as you get more active • Learn how your heart medications are working • Find out if it’s likely that you have coronary heart disease and need more testing • Identify abnormal heart rhythms • See how well your heart valves are working • Help you develop a safe exercise program There are two main types of stress testing – a standard exercise stress test and an imaging stress test.

The standard exercise stress test uses an EKG (electrocardiogram) to detect and record the heart’s electrical activity. A standard stress test shows changes in your heart’s electrical activity. It also can show whether your heart is getting enough blood during exercise. A

tests tend to be more sensitive in detecting coronary heart disease than standard (non-imaging) stress tests.

An imaging stress test might be done first (as opposed to a standard exercise stress test) if you can’t exercise for enough time to get your heart working at its hardest. (Medical problems, such as arthritis or clogged leg arteries, might prevent you from exercising long enough.)

Submitted photo

technician will prepare you for the test by connecting electrodes to your chest. These will be attached to a monitor that will display your heart rate and rhythm during the test. A physician or specially trained technician will monitor your heart during the test. You will begin walking on the treadmill slowly and on a slight incline. Gradually, usually every three minutes, the treadmill will get faster and steeper so that it will get more difficult as you go. Your EKG, heart rate, blood pressure and symptoms will be constantly monitored.

The imaging stress test as part of some stress tests takes pictures of your heart while you exercise and while you’re at rest. These imaging stress tests can show how well blood is flowing in your heart and how well your heart pumps blood when it beats. This helps your doctor figure out if any parts of the heart are not working well. This test uses a radioactive dye to obtain the images. The amount of radiation in the dye is considered safe for you and those around you. However, if you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t have this test because of risks it might pose to your unborn child. Imaging stress

How you’ll prepare for these stress tests will vary. Wear comfortable walking shoes and loose clothing that allows you to exercise. Ask your healthcare provider if you should take your regular medicines on the day of the test. Do not eat or drink anything past midnight the day before your test. It is very important that you do not have any food, beverages or medications that contain caffeine 48 hours before the test.

Remember, this includes chocolate.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact our CPC-IMAGING Stress Test Team by calling (706) 9221129 or (706) 922-6699. You can also visit our website, CenterForPrimary Care.com, for more information.

(Paid Advertorial)

February 23-March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

37

Plan ahead Extra work now might save headaches in the future

By Mike Herrington

Eventually, every business owner will leave the business he or she created … either by selling the business or as a result of death, disability or retirement.

As a result, business continuation planning is about taking control of something that is inevitable.

The first step in business continuation planning is to clearly define your goals.

For example: • What do I want for my future? Do I want to work indefinitely, or do I want a clearly defined exit strategy?

• What do I want for my family? Do I want my business to remain in the family? What steps have I taken to secure my

family’s financial well-being in the event something happens to me?

• What do I want for my business? What would happen to my business if I died or became disabled?

• Do I want my business to survive my death, disability or retirement?

In answering these questions, you have three options to evaluate: retain the business in your family; sell the business to coowners, employees or to outsiders; or, as a last alternative, liquidate the business.

Without advance planning, others could end up in control of that process. With advance planning, a business owner has the opportunity to realize the

maximum value of the business, develop an appropriate tax strategy, leave the business in the hands of the owner’s chosen successors and avoid the family and business turmoil that can result from a lack of planning.

Mike Herrington 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.

Reach him at 706.868.8673 or mike@ herringtonfinancialservices.com.

Special photo

It’s your money; keep more of it

By Mark Stephens

What would you do with extra cash?

Buy needed equipment? Hire an employee? Pay off a loan? Cost segregation can be your answer.

Cost segregation is an engineeringbased, IRS-approved study that can reclassify components and improvements of your commercial building from real property to personal property.

This process allows the assets to be depreciated on a five-, seven- or 15-year schedule instead of the traditional 27.5or 39.5-year depreciation of real property.

Thus, your current taxable income will be greatly reduced and your cash flow could in-

crease by 5 to 8 percent of your building’s cost. That’s $50,000 to $80,000 for every $1 million in building cost that you can keep.

Commercial- and income-producing properties constructed, bought or remodeled since 1986 can qualify for a cost segregation study. The economic benefit of cost segregation is substantial. Not only can the property owner increase cash flow and reduce taxes, but the reinvestment of those funds, in the business or other options, also compounds the positive returns.

In addition to the economic benefit of accelerated depreciation, property owners can take advantage of partial asset dispositions and the expense of disposal and removal costs when undertaking renovations. (These deductions need

38 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

to be in the year the renovations were made.) When removing an asset from a building, there is remaining value to that component/system that can be expensed, plus the cost of the removal. Those items heading for the dumpster can be valued by a cost segregation study, which your certified public accountant can apply to your return.

In January 2014, the IRS issued the final Tangible Property Regulations, commonly known as the Repair Regulations.

The Repair Regulations give clarity on how to account for major repair and maintenance expenditures.

The decision must be made to either expense or capitalize your repairs and maintenance (write down or depreciate over a longer period).

In the past, if your tax professional saw a large expenditure, he or she would rightly capitalize, leaving most large expenditures on your books to depreciate over 39 years. That is no longer the safe decision. All expenditures must be run through a series of “tests” to determine whether they rise to the level of capitalization under the new regu-

lations. If items currently on your asset schedule should not be there under the new rules, they must be removed from your schedule and written down.

This is money in your pocket.

In summary, cost segregation can deliver both the economic benefit of accelerated depreciation and the compliance benefits available through the Tangible Property Regulations. The Repair Regulations were written to the advantage of the building owner. We will be exploring these topics in more detail in upcoming editions of Buzz on Biz.

Mark Stephens manages Business Development for Cost Segregation Services Inc. CSSI is the premier company for IRS-defined, engineering-based cost segregation studies in America. Its objective is to facilitate maximum tax savings and improved cash flow, allowing businesses to grow, evolve and flourish. Reach him at 706.294-7989 or mstephens@costsegregation services.com.

February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

39

Working together Cooperation among competitors

By Missie Usry

The dictionary definition of cooperation is “the process of working together to the same end.”

While many of us expect cooperation within our businesses from co-workers or employees, we don’t often realize that cooperation can come from our competitors or those in the same industries as ourselves.

In the world where competition in industries can be fierce, the idea of getting referrals from competitors seems like a novel approach.

You may be asking why a competitor would send business your way. The answer is quite simple.

Among competitors, there are often differences in the products and services offered to customers. Those differences might make one customer a better fit for another company than your own or vice versa. Additionally, an organization may have more

When competing businesses have the same goals, working together can help the customer and the business. Special photo

work than they can handle.

Frankly, you might offer pricing that is a better match for the client’s budget needs. When this happens, you’ll want to be a part of a network of competitors both

to refer customers and to gain referrals from competitors.

Georgia Military College is part of the CSRA Education Cooperative, made up of various college recruiters and admissions

staff from colleges in the Central Savannah River Area.

The group meets on a regular basis to network, create educational events in the community, share upcoming calendar events for recruiting, and stay up to date on what each college has to offer.

The CSRA Education Cooperative members can refer students to another college when students are searching for a specific program of study offered at the institution or if they need to accomplish a specific goal by a specific deadline.

The group also can assist an organization or company that wants to schedule an education fair for its employees, but doesn’t have the manpower or time to create the event.

By contacting a Cooperative member, such as Georgia Military College, a time and place is determined, and the group does the work to put the event

together.

Ultimately, members have the same goal in mind: to meet the educational goals of those seeking education in the CSRA. By the definition of cooperation, we’re all working to the same end.

Missie Usry is the Enrollment Manager and advises the Community Involvement Club at Georgia Military College’s Augusta campus. Georgia Military College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which means that all credit earned at the institution is transferable to other accredited schools. Eligibility for participation in the joint enrollment program is based on students’ high school GPA and SAT or ACT scores. For questions, call 706.993.1123 or visit gmcaugusta.com.

Fatherly Wisdom

Advice to Millennials as they enter workforce

By Barry Paschal

As any parent will tell you, one of the great milestones of a child’s life is when he or she graduates from college and lands that first real job.

We hit that milestone recently when my youngest left our parental payroll, setting her feet on a new career path with an Atlanta-area publishing company. As she prepared to start work, it occurred to me that it might be helpful to impart some unsolicited words of fatherly wisdom to help her find her way in the corporate world.

Surprisingly, she expressed considerable gratitude for the advice. And it occurred to me, now that I’m actually a grandfather: Why not share that advice with others who’ve been fortunate enough to land that first career role?

So, in no particular order, here

40 Buzz on Biz February 23--March

are some of those bits of advice for those who soon will graduate and find that first step on the career ladder (particularly in an office environment): Show up when you’re supposed to.

You’ll be amazed at the impression you’ll make on your boss and on coworkers just by being on time. Millennials tend to stink at punctuality; be the exception.

As soon as you arrive at the office, find out where the bathroom is, ask how to get office supplies and learn your workplace policies and etiquette. If you don’t see someone else playing music, eating at their desk, etc., don’t assume it’s

OK for you to do so. Workplaces often have odd rules created because of some long-forgotten employee who ruined it for everyone.

Try to think in terms of positives, rather than negatives; when there is an assignment or request that you don’t like or disagree with, rather than express dislike or disagreement, offer a different direction toward the same path. You’ll sound creative and inventive – and most of all, constructive. Managers like to hear how you can make things work, not how you dislike doing it.

From the beginning, try to maintain a neat, orderly workspace. That sounds simplistic, but being organized is incredibly important. Don’t pile – file. You can be one of your own best resources if you can easily find things related to past work as you do similar work in the future.

Maintain a scheduling calendar to keep track of what’s coming next. Maintain a journal to keep track of what you’ve worked on. The calendar will keep you organized; the journal will help demonstrate to you, and your boss, the work

you’ve been doing.

Even when you aren’t busy, try to look busy. (The Dilbert Principle says to always walk quickly and carry a piece of paper; people will assume you are on a mission.)

You’ll have failures and disappointments. Like life and death, they are inevitable. Learn from them; don’t dwell on them.

And lastly? Call your mom and dad every now and then. You’ll be amazed at how good it will make you feel – and how proud they’ll be.

Barry Paschal is senior director of Marketing and Communications for Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA, which also operates Helms College. Visit goodwillworks.org.

Purveying the fabric of a community, for over 40 years

DOWNTOWN AIKEN

LIONELSMITHLTD . COM

Rendering provided by Sheri Chambers, Chambers Design LLC, 706.664.1054

February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

41

Plan ahead Take time to prepare healthy meals, snacks Choose lean meats and vegetables for meals, including the kind you can pack and take with you, to get healthier.

Preparing food you can take with you as you go about your day can help you avoid lesshealthy options.

By Onnie Sanford

One of my greatest joys is teaching people how to eat, how to eat the right foods and how to enjoy them.

The hardest part about eating healthy and staying on a meal plan is, well, life.

There are so many things that get in the way. As hard as it can be, there are ways to stay on track, whether you are running errands in town or traveling for vacation.

First and foremost, you must have a plan. Fail to plan, plan to fail. Set aside a couple of hours a week to take stock of your upcoming week and make a food plan.

Always keep healthy snack options with you, even if it is a small bag of mixed nuts or a piece of fruit. To put it in perspective, I always leave the house with my next two meals in hand. That gives me six hours that I can worry about everything else that I have to do, not what I am going to eat. For me, it is easier to eat what I have on hand without being tempted at the Chick-fil-A drive-through by their chicken fingers and honey mustard dipping sauce.

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I used to think that when my family and I went on vacation, it was a free-forall food party, until I realized that: 1. I felt horrible by the second day, and 2. It took me a week to recover from my food intake when I got home.

I still indulge when on vacation, I just make it count. I pack healthy meals in containers and take them with me – I

42 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

take lean meats and veggies. I choose lean meats and veggies because they are the “cleanest” food you can eat, meaning they are quickly and readily digestible by the body.

Do not ever assume there will be healthy options to choose from when vacationing, going out to dinner or even going to a party.

It is also important to have a grasp on proper portion sizes. Gaining this knowledge might be one of the best steps to taking control of your nutrition.

One serving of meat is 4 ounces, which can fit in the palm of your hand. One serving of complex carbohydrates, such as sweet potato, is three-fourths of cup.

Vegetables are your “free food” – you can eat up to two whole cups to get a serving.

It is helpful to eat a clean meal an hour or two before going out to eat or to a dinner party. You will be less hungry, and therefore less likely to snack on or overeat food that does not fit into your meal plan.

Onnie Sanford is the owner of Paleo Num Yums, a meal prep service specializing in healthy, fresh and tasty meals that are ready to cook. For a free consultation, call 706.699.1383.

February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

43

Not just a neighborhood lunch spot

By Susan O’Keefe

There’s a new restaurant on the block in Summerville, and rather than rest on its namesake’s reputation, it’s letting its food do the talking.

On a recent sunny day, my colleagues and I dropped by Beck’s, where everybody knows your name.

True to the sense of friendliness on the Hill, we were greeted promptly and shown to a window booth. As I watched the steady stream of foot traffic entering and exiting, I noticed that nearly every diner spoke directly to the hostess, busboy or owner, John Beck. Each patron was welcomed with a sincere smile. Each was dismissed with a warm handshake, hug or both.

If the food matched the atmosphere, then Beck’s would soon be more than just a neighborhood lunch spot, it would blossom into a landmark fixture.

As we settled into our booth, the natural beauty of the restaurant was uninhibited. The remodeled dining room still has the sheen of newness and the faint smell of freshness. The exposed brick and open window to the kitchen provide diners with a glimpse into the room where the magic happens. The woodwork was breathtaking and had the appeal of an art gallery.

Sporting a traditional lunch menu of soups, salads and sandwiches, my colleagues and I perused and debated. Blackened shrimp po’boy or smoked turkey sandwich? For the salad enthusiast, Greek pickled shrimp over mixed greens or roasted beets? Choices. Choices. Choices.

After a few sips of water, we eagerly ordered a cup of the venison chili, the honeycrisp apple salad, smoked turkey sandwich, plus the shrimp and grits entrée. Our mouths began watering as we watched other fare being delivered to nearby tables. There was a pleasant busyness about the restaurant. As music played low and customers bantered among themselves, a comfortable, restful atmosphere settled over us.

Without much wait, my venison chili arrived topped with a handful of crumbled corn chips, chives and a dollop of sour cream. The attractive artistic presentation was quite a sight. It almost looked too good to eat, but I dove in anyway, and was glad I did. The meaty flavor had just a hint of heat and melted in my mouth.

I was reluctant to share a spoonful. The slice of accompanying bread nearly made the soup a meal in itself.

When my soup tray was removed by an attentive server, the rest of our order was delivered. The turkey sandwich burst with

The venison chili at Beck’s is so tasty I didn’t want to share. Submitted photo

Beck’s Food Price Location Networking Noise Level Beck’s is located at 2111 Kings Way in Augusta. Call (706) 922-1501 for more information or reservations. color and flavor as it was adorned with cranberry, Vidalia onion, avocado and microgreens. With nary a crumb remaining on the tray, I trust my colleague was pleased. The same can be said for the salad, which paired the crispness of the apples with the softness of the goat cheese.

And the wild-caught shrimp, served with andouille sausage over Stilton cheese grits, was a hit as well. At our table, we were three for three on top-notch orders.

With only a few weeks under its belt, Beck’s earns a superior service rating, complete with prompt, pleasant staffers.

It seems like a perfect place to impress a client, seal a deal or pitch a million-dollar proposal. With ample seating and room for rearrangement, a small business gathering could happen in a heartbeat.

Currently, Beck’s is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Dinner hours will be announced soon.

Susan O’Keefe has been reviewing restaurants for Buzz on Biz since August 2015. Her restaurant visits and reviews are done with a businessperson in mind.

44 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

45

Augusta likes it hot

Jalapeno Jack sees success at local market

By Amanda King

First came the name. Then came the sauce.

When Greg Lee copyrighted the name and design “Jalapeno Jack,” he thought he would one day open a restaurant with the catchy name.

He loved to smoke meat and loved jalapenos but could never find a good sauce with his favorite pepper’s flavor.

So, Lee got to work in his kitchen in Martinez. He combined ingredients until he finally found the perfect sauce to go with his smoked meat.

“I started making it, and everybody started liking it,” Lee said.

Friends and family were so pleased with the sauce that they began asking for their own bottles. Lee realized that he might have a product that people would buy.

He began researching what it would take to turn his secret sauce into a business. He discovered that he would not be permitted to make his sauce in a personal kitchen and sell it to the public.

He began to search for a cobottler to help mass produce the sauce in an approved space.

“I found several people, but they weren’t going to make it the way that I do,” he said. The co-bottlers said the recipe was too “labor intensive” as the sauce needed to be strained.

Lee finally found a co-bottler who was willing to put in the work for his sauce and made his dream a reality. He received his first order in May 2016. The shipment was larger than he expected.

“I said, ‘What am I gonna do with all this sauce?’” Lee said.

He and his wife signed up to be vendors at Augusta Market on the River, an outdoor shopping experience for local farmers, artists and food enthusiasts like Lee. He went into the market hoping to sell one case. To help his sales, he opted to offer samples.

“People loved it,” Lee said.

“Everyone who would try it would buy it.”

Within four months, Lee was completely sold out of his sauce and ready for a new order.

With the success of the sauce locally, he began reaching out to grocery stores with the Range Me app.

The app puts products in front of thousands of grocery and retail stores across the country, helping the stores find unique products at their fingertips.

So far, Lee has not had any big box stores pick up his product, but he has won over the customers of Cricket Dry Goods, a boutique in Evans that specializes in locally made products.

According to Lee, the store has ordered several cases since it began carrying his product.

Lee has not found a large grocer to carry his product yet, but he plans to continue to sell his sauce at the Augusta Market, which resumes in March. He is also in the early stages of creating a new sauce with a mustard base.

“I’ve had some test runs with some friends and it seems to be going well,” Lee said.

46 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

Jalapeno Jacks sauce can be found at Augusta Market on the River and Cricket’s Dry Goods. Submitted

Take a walk on the river

Riverwalk Augusta has more than meets the eye

By Janie Peel

How good does it get to be able to enjoy a walk or boat trip between two marinas and the former Golf and Gardens that will be the home of the new Cyber Innovation and Training Center?

Our Riverwalk Augusta will soon be anchored on 13th Street by a world-class innovation center and a new mixed-used development at the marina and railroad depot properties. The Innovation Center has been announced and signed off on by Gov. Nathan Deal. Now we are anxiously awaiting the announcement of the newest development at Reynolds and Fifth Streets.

Unisys is continuing to add employees, with 700 upper-level cyber employees who are located in the newly renovated River Place Condominiums. These employees have one of the finest views in our city and can walk right out their front door onto the historic riverwalk.

This is a $25 million investment and counting. There is additional office space available, including some spaces for small businesses. Occasionally, a residential

condominium comes on the market.

St. Paul’s Church, the original site of Fort Augusta, is alive and well, with music events and self-guided tours of the historic cemetery. The children’s park is right in front of the church, with picnic tables, the popular rose garden and a perennial garden that is maintained by the Augusta Garden clubs. There are many walking trails with benches to sit on and to enjoy the views.

The Downtown Development Authority is working with Cooper Carry and the sheriff ’s department to continue its work on safety and maintenance concerns. The city has been busy clearing out old growth and dead trees and planting new foliage. Every time I go down there, the city workers are abuzz. Check out everything that is in bloom; a bit early, but beautiful.

The most exciting thing about the DDA and Cooper Carry plan are the archways that will identify the riverwalk from Reynolds Street. One of the archways will be at the Eighth Street entrance, and the other will be closer to the Convention Center.

The Convention Center is expanding with the addition of another downtown hotel. Several developers are collaborating to do some additional development in the Eighth Street area on the river. Check out the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s compilation of plans and studies to see its rendition of what is proposed.

The city is working to expand Augusta Common across Reynolds and over to the riverwalk. This will expand the festivals that bring such great events and foot traffic to the area. Demand is growing for the arts and for downtown, urban housing. These new developments will help to fill those needs.

Visit our numerous cafes and restaurants on the riverwalk: Beamie’s, Cotton Patch, Boll Weevil, Augustino’s, Starbucks and Mi Rancho. We are currently working with several other restaurants, a brew pub, tap room and a full-time market, all on the riverwalk.

New management of the marina is serving food and drinks while continuing to add to that venue. Go by, introduce yourself and bring your kayak, canoe or

bike. Did you know there are boat docks at Augusta Marriot, the Marina at Fifth Street and further down the riverwalk at the city-owned marina at the Reynolds (Bay Street) entrance?

The Saturday Market on the River starts back up March 18. Bring your shopping bags and running shoes to snag the freshest breads and produce around.

This is the biggest social event in town, complete with an organized run or walk.

Plenty of local music, food, fashion and fun!

Janie Terrell Peel is the broker/president of Prime Commercial Properties. She has been dubbed the “Queen Advocate of Downtown” for her knowledge and appreciation of the diverse culture, unique architecture and non-cookie-cutter atmosphere in downtown. Janie brings 40 years of experience in real estate. Reach her at 706.564.6231 or janie@prime-properties.net.

February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

47

Are you hungry?

changes coming to the local restaurant scene Evans Diner prepares for big move

Evans Diner has been a staple in the community long before the town built up around it with shopping centers, restaurants and business offices. For two decades it has been where parents and grandparents, white-collar and bluecollar workers, men and women have all gathered for a filling breakfast, quick lunch or just a cup of joe.

In January, Buzz on Biz learned that the ’50s-style restaurant at 4429 Washington Road would be packing up and heading west … to the former Sho Chin’s restaurant down the street.

But as the days in their unique diner drew to a close, the owners announced that there would be another change – a new name. In a Facebook post Feb. 14, the family-owned restaurant issued this statement: “As some of you already know, we are closing our doors and tomorrow will be our last day. With lots of emotions and tears we have sold the property and would like for anyone to come by tomorrow to say their goodbyes, tell your awe-

The building that housed Evans Diner will be dismantled and moved outside the Augusta area. A Chicken Salad Chick will be built on the site. Evans Diner is moving down the street and is getting a new name: That Flippin’ Egg. Photo by Amanda King

some stories of this beautiful historic diner that has been in this community for 20 years. We have cherished every customer and employee that has made great memories at the Evans Diner and hope you will continue the tradition at the new place.

“As my son Robert Robertson carries on the tradition, he will open across the

street where the old Sho Chins operated.

The crew along with Robert looks forward to spoiling you rotten at the new That Flippin’ Egg.” Evans Diner closed Feb. 15 and will reportedly be taken apart and used as a restaurant outside the Augusta area. A Chicken Salad Chick location will be

built on the property after the structure is removed.

The new location of That Flippin’ Egg is still undergoing renovations to fit the diner’s ambiance, and an opening date is not certain, according to Evans Diner employee Crystal Andrews.

– Amanda King

Habanero’s opens in former Teresa’s location

The owners of the longtime Teresa’s Mexican Restaurant brand have sold their businesses and moved to Minnesota to open Teresa’s restaurants there.

The Boy Scout Road location is already operating under a new name, Habanero’s Mexican Grill.

Those owners also have three other restaurants in Thomson, Lincolnton, Ga., and Harlem.

Habanero’s offers combination plates, kids’ meals and lunch specials with fajitas, steaks and seafood.

It also serves beer, mixed drinks, wine and, of course, margaritas.

– Neil Gordon

Photo by Jessica Jones

Hot Foods returns with new name

Photo by Jessica Jones

48 Buzz on Biz February 23–March 22, 2017

Calvin Green is back on Broad Street! The former owner of Hot Foods by Calvin has opened Calvin’s Roasted Fish & Salads in the same plaza as his former location, 2027 Broad St. He is open Monday-Sunday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Green still offers his Southern entrees like fried chicken, oxtails, BBQ beef ribs, fresh-catch fish and more. Green is also focusing efforts on catering for special events.

– Neil Gordon

Must present this card/ Discount is only good with full contract price. Not valid with other offers, discounts or previous purchases. Expires 3/31/16

February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

49

North Augusta Chamber holds annual banquet

Hampton Terrace Hotel

Attendees remember Hampton Terrace Hotel, honor members Submitted

The Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce presented its annual meeting Feb. 3 at the North Augusta Community Center. This year’s event, themed Timeless: Leadership & Service, remembered the historic Hampton Terrace Hotel and saw a sold-out crowd of more than 300 attendees.

The legendary Sharon Jones was posthumously awarded the honor of 2016 Citizen of the Year. Jones’ sister, Willia Stringer, accepted the award on behalf of the late singer as many family members and friends watched from the audience.

After numerous valiant battles with cancer Jones died Nov. 16, 2016, at just 60 years old. But in those 60 years, she lived a life that only most of us can dream of: jet-setting, performing on stages around the world and starring in movies, but she never forgot her hometown, her beloved North Augusta.

Jones brought both attention and pride to the small community by being a true citizen of the world. She even referenced North Augusta in her song When I Come Home, singing “left North Augusta at the age of 3 …”

BriTen Janitorial & Floorcare LLC was presented the award for 2016 Small Business of the Year. The local business had humble beginnings almost 20 years ago and has steadily grown into successful multi-contract company.

Owners Brian and Tennille Williams truly set themselves apart by focusing on the importance of first impressions, which turn into lasting client relationships.

This business prides itself on its family environment and sees all of its employees as part of this family.

One way they show this value is by breaking industry standards and offering above-standard pay to their employees. This business also sees the value in giving back to its community and is a local champion for causes such as the Light the Night Walk, the American Heart Association and Alzheimer’s Association – Dancing Stars of Augusta.

Keith Aiken was presented the award for 2016 Ambassador of the Year. The Ambassador of the Year award honors a Chamber Ambassador who has volunteered many hours of time, talent and energy to the success and growth of the Greater North Augusta Chamber.

Aiken displays an extraordinary commitment to helping the Chamber meet and engage members.

He consistently demonstrates good will, true enduring friendship and camaraderie and always wears a highly contagious smile. Aiken’s keen sense of commitment to family, continuing education and the local and regional business and manufacturing community is truly an asset to the Greater North Augusta Chamber. He is currently employed as an Employment Coordinator with Austin Industrial.

50 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

Singer Sharon Jones , who died Nov. 16, was named the 2016 Citizen of the Year.

File photos from The Augusta Chronicle

February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

51

SavinG Money Easy ways to save your hard-earned money

By Billy Cristofanelli

I don’t know if you feel the same way I do, but I find myself working harder, making less, and spending more.

So, what is a person or family supposed to do when they seem to be stuck in this cycle?

Should we work even harder, put in more hours, and hope that by doing so we can gain a little extra ground?

Maybe we should switch jobs or try to budget a little better, and maybe that extra money will magically appear.

While I won’t begin to tell you that I can take care of all the problems above, I will say that through this and future articles I will attempt to save your family some money and help you as best I can.

So, let’s get this journey started.

So, you may be asking, who is this guy writing this new series of articles about saving money? I am just a regular guy approaching his 40s who is blessed with a great wife and two beautiful girls.

My faith, family and friends are all very important to me and are my foundation for the life I live.

OK, great, you might say, but how does that make you qualified to write a series of articles on saving money? Do you have a degree in finance or perhaps you are a CPA or financial adviser?

Hmm, sorry, I am none of these.

OK, you say, but surely you are a professional writer and have studied journalism, so we can expect at least that much.

Well, that answer to that would be “no” as well.

At this point, I am sure you are wondering why you are still reading what this guy is writing.

Well, if you are, thanks, and here is the reason why I do what I am doing: I like to save money. Plain and simple, I like to save money whenever I can and however I can.

Now, if you ask my friends, they would probably use other words to describe me, such as “cheap,” or if they were being nice they might say “thrifty.” It doesn’t really bother me, because at the end of the day I am the one who has to make my family’s finances work and hopefully provide a reasonable lifestyle for us.

About two years ago, I was doing what I think a lot of families do to save money, and I found myself “googling” for deals.

On one occasion, I was searching for kids’ meal deals at restaurants in the Augusta and Evans areas. What I found, or perhaps it would be better stated what I did not find, was information that was current or accurate.

If you find yourself working harder, but it feels as though you’re making less and spending more, it’s time to consider some things you can do to save money.

Special photo

I found old, outdated specials to places no one goes to or that were even out of business.

So, I dug a little deeper. Unfortunately, those additional searches yielded much of the same results, and I found myself wondering why no one had this information gathered into one area.

I thought that if someone did put the information together, it would be extremely helpful and would keep people from making the mistake we have all made, such as showing up on the wrong day and missing the deal altogether.

I decided that I would put something like this together and would start a new company focused on saving money and helping families.

As a result, Pinpoint Savings was born and has been helping individuals and families in the CSRA since August 2015.

So, I guess I am telling you this for a couple of reasons. The first is so you know that I do own a coupon business, and I do desire to help you in whatever way I can.

52 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

The second is so you know I will look for ways to help you, whether through my business or other avenues that present themselves. So, here goes. Listed below are some resources you might find helpful in finding kids’ meals and family specials in the CSRA:.

Pinpointsavings.com: Pinpoint Savings’ Kids Meals calendar offers unique restaurant specials organized by day and unlimited coupons to be used each week through its free app. Just hit the Kids Meals tab at the top or use the browse function and select Kids Meals on the dropdown menu.

Outtoeatwithkids.com: The website provides a listing of local restaurants, including about 10 restaurants that have kids’ meal specials. No coupons are needed, since these specials occur at the restaurants on a weekly basis.

Kidsmealdeals.com: This site provides a small list of restaurants that have similar specials to those at outtoeatwithkids.com and a few additional offerings. Make sure

you put in Augusta, Ga., in the search bar.

Ask a friend: You never know what you may learn, and you might be surprised as to how many deals you can uncover just by asking around.

While this list is short, hopefully it will help you and your family discover some local savings and provide a bit of guidance on how to save a dollar or two throughout the week. I look forward to finding additional ways to help families in the CSRA save more and spend less.

Happy hunting!

Billy Cristofanelli is the founder and co-owner of Pinpoint Savings LLC and has 15-plus years of sales and marketing experience.

Cristofanelli developed Pinpoint Savings to help CSRA businesses connect with customers by offering coupons through its free app. Pinpoint Savings currently represents over 40 local businesses. Reach him at billy@pinpointsavings.com.

February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

53

Brewing for a cause Entrepreneur hosts pop-up coffee events, helps community

By Taylor Awalt

A growing business is popping up around downtown Augusta: Snow’s Coffee and Tea. The business has been around for almost two years now and is known for its handcrafted, cold-brewed coffee.

Owner James Aaron Snow strives to provide customers with high-quality, locally roasted coffee, which is why he chooses to use organic, fair trade products without GMOs. His business started after a friend convinced him to jump on the cold-brew bandwagon, which he wholeheartedly did. He now has three different batches he has crafted himself.

When Snow first began experimenting with cold-brewed coffee, he would bring samples to work for his coworkers to try.

They loved his special brew so much that he began thinking that he could turn his love of coffee into a lucrative business.

He decided to use Ball Mason jars to package his coffee, creating individual tags with a typewriter to identify each batch. Then, to drum up business and earn some positive word-of-mouth, Snow held pop-up events at various shops in downtown Augusta.

Snow’s coffee is radically different from the white chocolate mocha you’d find at Starbucks or a caramel latte at Dunkin Donuts.

His pour-over coffee is bursting with bold flavors, despite having only a few simple ingredients, such as almond milk and brown sugar, available to help sweeten the medium and dark roasts.

The first shop that gave him his start was Purely Painted Market and Gifts, where he would work two Saturdays in a row. Bill Karp, a local jazz musician, performs at Purely Painted during the popup events.

“I love working with Aaron Snow. His warm and mellow attitude matches his coffee and seems to be the perfect fit for jazz. We also both are dedicated to supporting businesses in good ole’ downtown Augusta. It’s where the 21st century lives, works and plays,” Karp said.

Eventually, Snow was able to expand to other shops downtown including Sweet Sticks, Men’s Refinery and the Book Tavern, which has its own batch named after the store. In addition to pop-ups, Snow has also worked large-scale events such as weddings.

As he steadily increases his business, the pop-up events allow for low inventory and less storage space, gaining more profit in the end. Snow truly enjoys hold-

Aaron Snow brews coffee with his pop-up business, Snow’s Coffee and Tea, in Purely Painted Market and Gifts. Photo by Taylor Awalt

“I love coffee, but … I said what can I do this for, for a greater purpose, and that was the greater purpose I found.”

– Aaron Snow, who hopes to find a place in Augusta to open a store where he can sell his coffee and other products and help young adults who have been jailed transition back into the community ing pop-up events and believes it adds to the experience of being downtown.

“Having Bill Karp here, smelling the coffee when you walk into the door – it’s what you think of when you imagine downtown,” he said.

Snow said he will always do pop-ups, but that he would like to find a store in Augusta to conduct his business, as he considers the city his home. The store-

54 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

front will be needed to add more products to his business, such as his greatgrandmother’s recipe for homemade biscuits with bacon bits.

The main reason Snow started the business was to help create partnerships with the nonprofit organization he works with, Full Circle Refuge. The ministry uses community resources and biblical principles to help young adults who are

at-risk, incarcerated and/or in an aftercare program.

The organization also works with youth development campuses and regional youth detention centers.

Snow’s role is to coordinate volunteers within the Augusta area for Full Circle Refuge. Volunteers help young men and women learn how to dress and excel in the corporate workforce. They also help instill confidence, self-respect and the value of hard work in the young adults so they can transition back into the community as responsible citizens who know their value in the workplace and in society.

Snow’s mission was to get his cold brew to a production level high enough to employ the young adults when they transitioned back into the community.

He said it can be hard on those trying to join the workforce, or those simply trying to keep a job.

“I love coffee, but I don’t love it that much. I said what can I do this for, for a greater purpose, and that was the greater purpose I found,” Snow said.

, G N !

O Y P T T R O N A S P ’ IT S A

’ T I

Saturday, March 18, 2017 • Legends Club Information and tickets available at

AugustaTableTennisClassic.com Hosted by:

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February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on1:25 BizPM55 1/20/17

CELEBRITIES GATHER TO HEADLINE first CHARITY TENNIS CLASSIC

By Neil Gordon

You’d better hurry.

Tickets to the first annual E-Z-GO Green Racquets Tennis Classic are going faster than a record 153-milesan-hour serve from former Australian Open champion Roscoe Tanner.

Tanner will put on a serving clinic, and 17-time Grand Slam doubles champion Gigi Fernandez will teach her tennis techniques, called the “Gigi Method.”

“There’s a lot of bad doubles tennis info out there,” Fernandez told Buzz on Biz radio show host John Patrick.

Fernandez, who was the former No. 1 female doubles player, says she will travel to do 25 to 30 of these teaching clinics each year. She hasn’t been to the Garden City other than a trip one April to watch a little golf at the Masters Tournament.

She’s passionate about helping grow the game of tennis.

“It’s a game you can play for life. Other than swimming, it’s the only sport you can get a full body workout, and it’s good for the mind,” Fernandez added.

Green Racquets Classic organizer Tracy Zawacki-Rieckert is a teaching professional at West Lake Country Club in Martinez, where the charity event will be held to benefit United Way. “My vision has always been to have a celebrity event in Augusta featuring tennis pros running a few clinics and have a social event to cap it off,” she said.

Zawacki-Rieckert says she hopes to make the Green Racquets Classic an annual event and plans to announce the celebrity players for the 2018 event at this year’s April 28-29 Classic.

“It’s not too often we’re approached by event organizers, but we like it because it raises money for our organizations and brings the community together,” said Rina Powell from the United Way. For more information about the event, contact Zawacki-Rieckert at (706) 231-2263.

Organizers hope to make the E-Z-GO Green Racquets Tennis Classic an annual event at West Lake Country Club. Submitted photo

56 Buzz on Biz February 23–March 22, 2017

Schedule highlights E-Z-GO Green Racquets Tennis Classic

West Lake Country Club, 3556 West Lake Drive, Augusta Friday, April 28 6 p.m.: Opening Reception and VIP Meet & Greet 7 p.m.: Exhibition with Pros in Round Robin format

Saturday, April 29 9 a.m.: Group Photo and Serving Clinic by Roscoe Tanner 10 a.m.: Doubles Instruction by Gigi Fernandez Noon: Lunch at West Lake Clubhouse 1 p.m.: Mixed Green Tennis Play and Mingle 4 p.m.: Videotaping of Serve with Roscoe Tanner 6 p.m.: Green Gala Cocktail Hour, Silent Auction, Dinner and Dancing

February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

57

Nothing Like a Good Book

Successful children’s series now on Netflix

By Samantha Taylor

I’ve always loved to read.

As a child, reading was an escape from the difficulties in my life. As an adult, well, I suppose it serves the same purpose.

Thankfully, my teenager loves reading as well, and we often read books together and have some pretty magnificent discussions.

Because reading has brought such joy to my life, and brings my son and me closer together, this month’s reviews are dedicated to movies based on books.

‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’

When my son was in the fourth grade, we started reading Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. For the book parade at school that year, my son even put together his own costume so he could be Count Olaf.

We never finished the series, but we had a great time reading the first three books. When we found out Netflix was rolling out its own series, we were thrilled.

The day after it was released, my son and I sat down to watch the first two episodes of A Series of Unfortunate Events, which cover the first book, The Bad Beginning.

The show boasts some well-known actors, with Neil Patrick Harris playing a hilarious and frightening version of Count Olaf, and Patrick Warburton as Lemony Snicket himself. The main characters, the Baudelaire children, are relatively unknown, but are perfect for their roles.

If you’ve never read the book, let me give you a quick synopsis: The Baudelaires are a happy, wealthy family. One day, the Baudelaire children are sent to play at the beach and while they are away, their family home burns to the ground. They are informed of the loss of their home and their parents. The Baudelaire children are sent to live with their distant relative, Count Olaf, whose one desire is to steal their fortune from them, no matter what it takes.

The children manage to escape from Count Olaf and are sent to live with a new, much more loving and caring relative. Unfortunately for the Baudelaires, Count Olaf does not rest and uses his talents as an actor to find ways to get to the children and harm their guardian. This happens over and over again, with the children traveling far and wide in an attempt to get away from the wicked count.

Although I did not finish reading the

If there are books you and your children have loved, it might be fun to take a look the film and television adaptations of the stories.

Special photo

Maybe it’s been so long that I tricked myself into believing the books were good. Whatever the case, watching Maximum Ride was, as my son said, “worse than sitting in the back of a garbage truck.” series, the first few Netflix episodes seem to follow along with the books nicely.

There is a major spoiler alert, however.

The Baudelaires’ parents did not perish in the fire, and because I never finished the series, I never knew that. Imagine my, and my son’s surprise, when we saw Mr. and Mrs. Baudelaire in the very first episode trying to escape from some awful place.

Lesson learned, folks; always read ALL the books.

Should you give this series a try? Absolutely! My son and I love it and he asks every day if we can watch another episode. Be careful, though. There are some earworms in the show, and if your child is like mine, he will be replaying the theme

58 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

songs on YouTube as you drive to school in the morning.

have listened to the child.

“Really, Mom,” he said, “It’s only got one and a half stars.”

Nevertheless, I convinced him that the books were super exciting. I believed in this film. I was woefully let down.

It takes a pretty bad movie for me to turn it off a third of the way through.

It takes a worse one for my son to start begging me 10 minutes in to turn it off.

What is it about? Don’t worry about it.

Describing it isn’t worth the words on this paper.

‘Maximum Ride’

Admittedly, it’s been quite some time since I’ve read this young adult series from James Patterson about genetically altered teenagers. Perhaps that’s why I had much higher expectations than this movie could possibly deliver.

Maybe it’s been so long that I tricked myself into believing the books were good.

Whatever the case, watching Maximum Ride was, as my son said, “worse than sitting in the back of a garbage truck.”

I should have known better. I should

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.

PRESENTS

SPONSORED BY:

Applications Now Being Accepted Ten outstanding young professionals ages 25-35, who are already leaders in our business community and poised for even greater achievement 10 years from now, will be recognized at the Augusta Metro Chamber Member Economic Luncheon in June.

Take time to apply today! Download the form at augustametrochamber.com Application deadline: Friday, March 31, 2017

February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

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Beer talk

let’s take A deeper look at the importance of malt

By Ben Casella

Malt. Who would have thought that dried-up, germinated grains could have such a tremendous impact on civilization?

Corn aside, malt is one of the most important, significant and profound attributes of Earth.

From porridge to bagels, malt commonly turns up in more foods than you may imagine.

Me? I like it in beer, and I especially like it in beer in wintertime. (For you youngsters out there, winter was once a season during which the weather turned cold.)

So, as an homage to the season that once was (and a backhanded tongueand-cheek to Punxsutawney Phil ironically seeing his shadow), let’s take a sip of a couple of maltier brews for whenever it decides to get cold again.

Dogfish Head Raison d’Etre

If there’s room for existentialism anywhere in a craft beer column, it would have to be here. “Reason for being,” as the name of this beer suggests, is a notion that has plagued humankind for as long as malt has been brewed.

There might as well be a beer named for it, and a malty one at that. The appearance, as the label suggests, is a deep mahogany with a yeasty head to match (enjoy in a snifter).

The nose conveys yeast and malts that are sweeter than you might anticipate.

This aspect translates nicely onto the tongue, making this brew one to sip slowly and savor for a while.

As I write this description, a glass of Raison d’Etre alongside a turkey sandwich on sourdough toast with romaine, tomatoes, goat cheese and cranberry chutney comes to mind.

Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale

Leaping from Delaware to Tadcaster, England, we lose three percentage points of alcohol by volume with this malty brew (Raison d/Etre is 8 percent).

This translates into a slightly “lighter”

What do you like in your beer? In the wintertime, I like malt in mine. Some of the maltier beers are meant to sipped slowly and savored when (or should I say if?) it gets cold outside. Special photo

ale that comes closer to a quench than the aforementioned brew.

Toffee is evident on the nose and tongue of Nut Brown, as is a subtle caramel tinge but with a trace of hops on the back end (just enough to help dissipate the sweeter aspects).

This is a solid and well-balanced brew that continues to impress.

Try it alone at first, but then complement it with a toasted peanut butter and chocolate sandwich (don’t knock it till you’ve tried it).

Although he’s been a de facto hophead for several years now, Ben Casella does still enjoy succumbing to the dark side of malty brews from time to time. If it would actually get cold for a spell, he might have the opportunity to enjoy one in its entirety.

60 Buzz on Biz February 23–March 22, 2017

COMMUNITY CARE SERVICES PROGRAM The Community Care Services Program (CCSP) assists individuals who are elderly and/or functionally impaired to remain in their homes and/or communities. For eligible consumers, CCSP offers community-based services as an alternative to nursing facility placement.

What services are available through this program? 

Adult Day Health



Assistance with meal preparation, bathing, and light house keeping

Daytime care and supervision in an adult day center 

Alternative Living Services

Alternative residence for persons unable to remain  Respite Care 

independent in their own homes 

Personal Support Services

Consumer-Directed Personal Support Services

Consumer hires and supervises worker(s) of choice

Emergency Response Services

In-home electronic support system providing two-way  Out-of-Home Respite Care Out-of-home overnight respite care in an approved facility communication between isolated persons and a medical control center with 24-hour supervision i

Home-Delivered Services



Skilled nursing services, as well as physical, speech and occupational therapy

Home Delivered Meals Prepared outside the home and delivered to the client

Who is eligible for this program?

The eligibility criteria for CCSP include the following: Physically impaired In need of care Medicaid eligible

CSRA Area Agency on Aging A Division of The CSRA Regional Commission 3626 Walton Way Ext, Suite 300 Augusta, Georgia 30909 (706) 210-2018 February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

61

62 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

BUSINESS BENEFITS Trump signs executive order on the ACA

By Russell Head

On Jan. 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order addressing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), as his first act as president. The order states that it is intended to “minimize the unwarranted economic and regulatory burdens” of the ACA until the law can be repealed and eventually replaced.

The executive order broadly directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other federal agencies to waive, delay or grant exemptions from ACA requirements that may impose a financial burden.

An executive order is a broad policy directive that is used to establish how laws will be enforced by the administration.

It does not include specific guidance regarding any particular ACA requirement or provision and does not change any existing regulations.

As a result, the executive order’s specific impact will remain largely unclear until the new administration is fully in place and can begin implementing these changes.

Overview

President Trump’s executive order begins by emphasizing his administration’s

The executive order’s full impact will remain largely unclear until the new administration is in place. Special photo

long-stated goal of repealing the ACA. Pending these repeal efforts – which are already underway in Congress – the executive order is intended to: • Minimize the ACA’s unwarranted economic and regulatory burdens • Prepare to afford states more flexibility and control to create a free and open health care market.

Specifically, the executive order directs HHS and other federal agencies responsible for administering the ACA to “exercise all authority and discretion available to them to:

• Waive, defer, grant exemptions from, or delay implementation of any ACA provision or requirement that would impose a fiscal burden on any state or a cost, fee, tax, penalty or regulatory burden on individuals, families, health care providers, health insurers, patients, recipients of health care services, purchasers of health insurance, or makers of medical devices, products or medications; • Provide greater flexibility to states and cooperate with them in implementing health care programs; and • Encourage the development of a free and open market in interstate commerce for the offering of health care services and health insurance, with the goal of achieving and preserving maximum options for patients and consumers.”

The executive order specifically states that it does not, itself, make changes to any existing regulations. To the extent that the executive order’s directives would require revision of regulations, that will be done by federal agencies through the normal regulatory process.

gives federal agencies broad authority to eliminate or fail to enforce any number of ACA requirements, as permitted by law.

As a result, until the new heads of federal agencies are in place, it is difficult to know how the ACA will be specifically impacted.

However, the immediate impact of the executive order will likely be small, since it will take time to implement policies, regulations and other sub-regulatory guidance to carry out the directives. In addition, health insurance policies for 2017 are already in place, and state law, in many cases, prohibits significant changes from being made midyear.

No ACA provisions or requirements have been eliminated or delayed at this time as a result of President Trump’s actions. Therefore, employers should continue to prepare for upcoming requirements and deadlines to ensure full compliance.

Russell T. Head is CEO with Head Capital Advisors, an Acrisure agency partner and Augusta’s largest employee benefits brokerage. Call 706.733.3459.

Impact on ACA provisions

The executive order is very broad and does not include any detailed guidance as to how it should be carried out. Instead, it

What’s Eating Your Roof?

Algae can create problems for home

By Tony Creighton

Do us a favor: The next time you’re outside, take a look at your home’s roof.

Chances are, you’ll notice at least some dark spots.

Unless it’s rained very recently, these dark spots aren’t condensation but a much more serious problem: algae. In a humid climate such as the one we live in, especially in neighborhoods with plenty of shade and trees, algae such as Gloeocapsa Magma, more commonly known as bluegreen algae, attaches to your roof and begins to spread and thrive. Sure, having algae on your roof is an unattractive attribute. However, it’s more than that, and it’s not something you can put off taking care of.

Here’s the thing – roof algae is a living thing, and it’s feeding off the natural components used in shingle production.

If your roof isn’t cleaned regularly to treat and remove algae, it can lead to rapid de-

Roof algae is a living thing, and it feeds off the natural components used in making shingles. Left untreated, it can lead to shingle deterioration, which can create more serious problems. Special photo

terioration of your shingles, which can have unwanted effects.

Roof shingles covered in algae are no longer able to efficiently reflect sunlight.

The algae-covered shingles absorb heat, thereby superheating your attic and in-

creasing your cooling costs.

Algae growth can also compromise the integrity of your roof. This type of growth on your roof will absorb the moisture from dew and can penetrate the shingles, allowing moisture to get into the sheathing, causing wood rot. When the wood rots in a home, moisture gets in through the cracks and creates an environment hospitable to mold growth, which can pose health risks to people and pets. In addition to this, the smell of wood rot and growth on your home can attract wild animals to your home and ultimately into your attic.

While it may be tempting to set aside a weekend to make your roof cleaning a DIY project, this may not result in the safest, most effective cleaning possible and can actually cause more harm than good. Without the proper cleaning detergents and low-pressure equipment, a homeowner can damage shingles, create

permanent water damage to their home, and damage surrounding landscaping; not to mention adding the risk of falling due to not having the proper roofing equipment. Using a licensed and insured roof cleaning company ensures a highquality, safe and effective roof cleaning is done in a timely and professional manner recommended by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association.

Tony Creighton is the owner\operator of All-Clean Pressure Washing and its subsidiary, Augusta ProClean – committed to providing high-quality cleanings for the CSRA’s commercial properties and homes. Call 706.651.8089 or email allcleaningaugusta@gmail.com.

February 23--March 22, 2017 Buzz on Biz

63

LET’S NAVIGATE HEALTHCARE TOGETHER

1

Three reasons to connect your group

Relationship Matters

Open enrollment educational meetings for your team Personalized renewal planning sessions

3

Local & National

We facilitate the transition with insurance providers on your behalf. Sourcing your group with the most cost effective policies that align with your company needs is just one of our goals.

As an Acrisure Agency Partner we have access to national benefit benchmark reporting, comparing your group benefits to competitors, while offering local resources such as wellness and compliance advisement.

Contact us today for assistance

706.733.3459

headcapitaladvisors.com

64 Buzz on Biz February 23--March 22, 2017

2

Strategic Development

head

capital advisors