W H A T ’ S IN S I D E
MARCH 2014 • The CSRA’s Only Monthly Business Magazine
Cupid versus Ice Storm Pax
Hope for Graniteviille.................................5 Buzz Bits...................................................... 8,9 Chocolatier enjoys sweet success...... 12 Businessperson of the Month.............. 21 Augusta Canal tour launches............... 23 Careers and Education Section........... 25
Career Expo survives Pax and thrives
Storm wreaks havoc on Valentine’s trade, businesses rebound
By Gary Kauffman and Stephen Delaney Hale Like a woman scorned, Winter Storm Pax unleashed its fury on the CSRA in mid-February, bringing the wheels of industry – and anything else with wheels – to a grinding halt. Although the storm itself barely lasted 24 hours, and the ice it brought melted long ago, the effects of the storm are still visible today piled along roadways and in yards. The weight of the ice brought tree limbs and often entire trees to earth by the tens of thousands. The debris blocked portions of many roads and streets, including I-20. Although most roads were open within a few days, tree companies from many states are still working to clear the fallen timber. Electricity was also a victim of the storm, with virtually every neighborhood from Grovetown to Aiken experiencing at least a short loss of power. Many homes went three or four days without power. Thousands of utility workers from throughout the South rallied to help the Augusta area regain power relatively quickly. Thousands more volunteers trundled into the CSRA to help with the cleanup. The final financial toll to city governments and individuals won’t be known for several more weeks, but early estimates are already well into the millions. Businesses, of course, were also victimized by Pax. Although few suffered any physical loss, most lost power, which often meant no computers or phones. The resulting lost income was staggering. Among the hardest hit were the businesses that cater to Valentine’s Day trade. “We lost two days leading up to Valentine’s Day,” Don MacNeil of Windsor Jewelers in Augusta said. “You can imagine what that did.” For restaurants and florists, Valentine’s Day is second in importance only after Mother’s Day. Even though many of those regained power by Feb. 14, having no power or phones on Feb. 12 and 13 meant no one could call in orders or reservations. “It was a sad disaster for it to happen that week,” said Susan See ICE STORM, page 2
Photo by Gary Kauffman
Robert Kelly of Augusta Staffing talks with one of the job seekers at the 1st Annual Buzz on Biz Career Expo.
1st Career Expo connects job seekers and providers
By Gary Kauffman The old adage “the show must go on” applied to the 1st Annual Buzz on Biz Career Expo – but not without a delay, thanks to Winter Storm Pax. Originally slated for Feb. 13, the Career Expo, like most of the rest of the area, fell victim to Pax. Buzz on Biz President Neil Gordon decided to postpone the event to Monday, Feb. 17. “I’m so appreciative to all our sponsors and vendors who were able to alter their schedules during the ice storm to set up on President’s Day,” Gordon said. Despite the delay, the Expo was deemed a success by job seekers and those offering jobs. The event drew 136 job applicants. The majority of the attendees came from the immediate area, with 96 from Augusta, Martinez, Evans or Grovetown, and 10 more from North Augusta. But they also came from such out-
lying areas as Orangeburg, S.C., and Crawfordsville, Ga. Most seemed appreciative of the chance to meet with the 35 vendors on-hand to talk about their business. “Thank you so much for rescheduling this,” one job seeker said. “I was afraid you wouldn’t after it was canceled on Thursday.” About two-thirds of those attending reported being unemployed, although among that number were college students getting ready to enter the work force, mothers seeking to return to the work force and a few retirees with designs on a second career. There were some who were more curious about the job market than active seekers. Cliff McGhee of Augusta brought his 24-year-old daughter to expose her to the job market. Although he had a job he kept an eye open See EXPO, page 2