June/July 2011

Issue 33 jun | jul 2011

jun -j ul USA $ 4 .95

sou t hm ag a z i n e .com

Issue 33 jun | jul 2011

jun -j ul USA $ 4 .95

sou t hm ag a z i n e .com

contents ➼

south

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jun | jul 2011

fe atu r es

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t h e q u e st fo r t h e pe r f ect m ayo r O n n ov e m b e r 8 t h s o m e o n e w i l l ta k e o t i s j o h n s o n ’ s j o b . f i n d o u t w h o ’ s t h e m o s t q ua l i f i e d t o b e m ayo r .

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b y d av i d g i g n i l l i a t

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s o u t h ’ s g r e at e st pet co n t e st

a f t e r a c i t y-w i d e s e a r c h , r e a d e r s d e c i d e d t h e s e p e t s h a d t h e best mugs.

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photogr a ph y by a ngel a hopper

b r e a k i ng s u i t it’s time to think outside t h e t r a d i t i o na l s u i t.

150 fa s h fo o d, fa st c a s h

w h y i n v e s t i n g i n a f r a n c h i s e r e a l ly pay s o f f.

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by r em y thur ston

contents ➼

south

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depa rtmen ts

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[ LIVE ] 28 scenes of the south

[ G O , S T AY , S H O P ] 128 corporate retreats

Parties, celebrations and anniversaries that were Scene in the South.

Travel with your team for a unique bonding experience.

34 guide to etiquette Your practical guide to surviving in a corporate culture.

36 professional play toys Find out what’s hot right now in the wonderful world of technology.

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130 sav to atl

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Eat, play, stay and shop in Atlanta. The perfect weekend getaway is right at your fingertips.

132 Explore kiawah

42 the collector

The luxurious resort is the perfect place for a golf getaway, weekend of pampering or delicious dining experience.

One local art collector shares the story of how he came to amass more than two dozen Warhol pieces.

146 fashion notes

[ MEET ]

Sleek, stylish and sensible, we’ve picked out the best accessories for office attire.

58 in memory of a hero

148 relax in style

A tribute to Patrick Williams, a local who inspired an entire community.

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66 stars of the south Together these leaders employ a large majority of Savannah’s workforce.

Some office chairs are stylish, some are comfortable. Luckily for local professionals, these are both.

[ E AT ] 152 dishes to dine for Make a good business move and hold your next lunch or dinner meeting at a downtown favorite.

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154 savannah’s speakeasy Hidden under the cobblestones, a new type of night time hot spot just opened its incognito doors.

[ P L AY ] 164 art notes Gallery and exhibition listings.

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special advertising section: south’s finest Lawyers ➼ page 80 POWER PROFESSIONALS ➼ page 114

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167 event calendar Find out what’s happening in Savannah and the Creative Coast.

publisher’s letter jun | jul 2011

IN GOOD COMPANY

About the Covers

F o r t h e f i r s t t i m e s i n c e 2 0 0 8 , S o u t h m a g azin e join ed th e M ag a zin e A s soci ation of

This group includes the finest magazines published in the Southeast region of the country. Each year they hold a conference to educate its members on excellence in publishing, and it’s a great opportunity to meet the publishers and editors from other top publications in the industry.

The conference also features the GAMMA awards, recognizing the excellence of editorial, design, photography and overall publishing. My wife and I sat with the president of the association, Stephanie Davis Smith of Dickey Publishing, Holly Firfer, former anchor at CNN Headline News, Neil Jamieson, design director of Money magazine and editor-in-chief of Garden & Gun magazine and magazine guru, Sid Evans. At times, it is a bit overwhelming with the level of talent that’s compiled in one room. Being a magazine junkie, these are the ones I look up to, and to be considered a peer is indeed an honor.

I knew we were up for a few awards, but by the time all was said and done, South magazine had racked up five gold, two silver and one bronze award. Savannah, Georgia was indeed on the radar that day in a room full of hundreds of magazine professionals. After the ceremony, I talked with Sid Evans at length about the challenges we all face and the tremendous sense of achievement that makes the long hours and stressful days all worth it. Seems Garden & Gun shares many of the same hurdles as us here at South, and they too, took home an armful of awards. See more details about the GAMMA awards on page 20.

As we left, all I could think about was how this would not have been possible without the tremendous amount of support our clients and readers have shown us.

Every advertisement, subscription and individual copy sold allows us to put the creative effort into this magazine that has promoted this great city we live in to all parts of the world. The judges’ comments nearly brought a tear to my eye as I thought back to all the hard work that has been put into this magazine since day number one when we had only two employees and every day was in question in terms of staying in business.

I still believe that the South has a soul larger than any other region in the world, and it is not until you have lived it that you can get a true sense of the passion and quirkiness that we all share that makes us who we are. t h e S o u t h e a s t.

Many thanks and keep reading,

Michael Brooks, Publisher

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cover: Steve Weathers photographer: Shawn Heifert makeup: Shelley Smith, See Jane creative director: Michael Brooks

S

teve Weathers is definitely a serious businessman at heart, but during the photo shoot for this cover he rolled up his sleeves to show off his sense of humor. Sharing hilarious stories of his world travels, he had our staff belly laughing all afternoon. His energy and excitement also extended to the plans he has for the city, and we can’t wait to see what else he has in store for the community.

cover: Judge Ginsberg photographer: Tim Johnson

F

irst it was Edenfield, then Abbot, Coolidge and now Ginsberg. Judges are incredibly important figures in the community, and for four years running, South magazine has had the honor of recognizing some of the best and brightest that serve Savannah. So with great pleasure, we’re presenting the honorable Judge Ronald Ginsberg, who has sat on the bench for 16 years.

editor’s letter jun | jul 2011

a lesson in money managment

magazine

publisher/creative director Michael Brooks ➼ mb@thesouthmag.com M a n agi ng m y pe r s on a l f i n a nce s h a s n e v e r—e v e r— b e e n m y s t r o n g s u i t . I despise math and crunching numbers, run from spreadsheets, and literally have nightmares about budgets. I’ll admit, though, my problem with money also arises from my slightly indulgent spending habits (actually, to say money burns a hole in my pocket is the understatement of my lifetime). As soon as my virtual paycheck settles in my account, I get a slightly giddy feeling and my feet get moving. A sushi dinner here, a new dress there, an occasional trip, and it’s soon gone—all of it. I definitely harbor the potential for financial suicide.

And it’s always been this way. From my first paydays as a preteen babysitter to just last paycheck, no matter the dollar amount, if I have money, I’m going to spend it. Frankly, even if I made millions, I’d probably still be flirting with bankruptcy. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not totally irresponsible. I pay all my bills on time and don’t even have too much credit card debt. My trouble purely lies in knowing that perfectly good, spendable money is within my reach. Once my obligations and debts are met, I daydream of dinners and plane tickets. And then if, or when, the mood strikes, I make them a reality.

For a long time, I justified my spending by telling myself I deserve it. After all, haven’t I earned the right to splurge by working really hard? Everyone deserves a little luxury, right? Everyone should have a little fun, right? My dad’s answer to those questions is “wrong, dead wrong.” For years he’s put up with my thought process that not overdrafting my account at the end of the month is being in control of my money and that contributing to a savings account is optional. And for years I’ve listened to his lectures and voicemails warning me to cut back. I’ve read his scornful emails and faxes (yes, faxes—he’s reverted to many creative ways of letting me know my spending is unacceptable), and every time I tell him I understand, I will do better, I will be more careful and more respectful to the almighty dollar. But for some reason, when in the moment, I’m powerless and hand over my debit card to anyone and everyone willing to swipe it, which, unfortunately for me, is anyone and everyone.

So, needless to say, I was excited to jump into our Power Professional Issue. I thought maybe having the advice of all the financial experts in the city combined at my fingertips would help me be more responsible, show me easy ways to help break my spending habits and set up a simple plan for saving money. And they didn’t disappoint (See Power Professionals [Page 106]). So whether you’re like me and just need a stern talking to about the basics of saving or want some heavy-hitting investing advice, check out what the experts are saying about your money and what you should be doing with it.

managing editor Lauren Hunsberger ➼ lauren@thesouthmag.com art director Bonnie Youngman ➼ bonnie@thesouthmag.com advertising art director Hannah Clough ➼ hannah@thesouthmag.com account executives Natalie Connell➼ nat@thesouthmag.com Rebecca Donnelly ➼rebecca@thesouthmag.com Jodi Laird ➼jodi@thesouthmag.com marketing coordinator Erin Wessling ➼ erin@thesouthmag.com circulation and financial manager Jennifer Gedroyc ➼ jennifer@thesouthmag.com web master Omar Mendez ➼ omar@thesouthmag.com assistant to the publisher Heather Myrick ➼ heather@thesouthmag.com fashion editor Mitchell Hall copy editor Kerri O’Hern contributing writers David Gignilliat, Kelly Skinner, Peter Zink, Averie Storck, Ezra Salkin, Travis Morningstar, Jim Reed, Wendy Marshall, Remy Thurston contributing photographers John Fulton Photography, Tim Johnson, Josh Branstetter, Nicole Rule, Shawn Heifert, Roxy & the Roxify Studio, Angela Hopper, Zac Henderson, Russ Bryant editorial interns Olivia Lauren Hawk, Amy Desselle, Sara Lynn McCall, Elizabeth Rowe production and photography interns Katie Dunkle, Aaron Bernstein, Taylor Block south magazine is published bimonthly by bad ink, brooks advertising design, inc. reproduction by any means of the whole or part of bad ink without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. views expressed in the editorial pages do not imply our endorsement. we welcome your product news. include prices, photos and digital files with your press release. please forward product samples and media kits to reviews editor, south magazine, 116 bull street, savannah, georgia 31401. we cannot be responsible for unsolicited product samples. subscription rates: u.s.: $19 for one year; $28 for two years; single copies: $3.95. change of address notice: six to eight weeks prior to moving, please clip the mailing label from the most recent issue and send it along with your new address to: south magazine, change of address notice, 116 bull street, savannah, ga 31401, attn: circulation

south magazine: A Division of Bad Ink 116 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401 phone: 912.236.5501 fax: 912.236.5524 southmagazine.com

Lauren Hunsberger, Managing Editor

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photogr a ph by josh br a nstetter

contributors jun | jul 2011

day, Amy was immediately won over by the beauty and history of the city. She is now a junior writing major and an editorial intern at South. Reading and writing have always been her two favorite activities and she hopes to have a future in the writing field. Her free time is spent soaking up the sun in Forsyth with a good book and an iced coffee. r e a d a m y ’ s work in “savannah’s secret speakeasy” [page 154].

Born and raised in Bucaramanga, Colombia, Alex left the seminary at age 18 and moved to America to study art.

While at school, he fell in love with the art of photography. He then assisted the renowned photographer Liz Von Hoene, eventually heading to New York City to pursue his own career in fashion and portraiture photography.

Currently based in Atlanta and New York, Alex is best known for his unique use of light and color.

His work can be seen in many magazines and advertising campaigns, both national and international.see alex’s work in “break-

a l e x m a rt i n e z

ing suit” [page 136].

amy desselle

Initially drawn to Savannah for a SCA D visit

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tay l o r block

Los Angeles local Taylor B lo c k c u r rently attends Savannah College of Art and Design with a major in fashion marketing and management. Taylor has been immersed in the photography world for the past five years, displaying her work in galleries and publishing it in numerous publications, including Sports Illustrated and The Los A ngeles Times. Today, Taylor happily joins the South magazine family.

pects to graduate with a BFA in photography and minor in fashion marketing and management in 2014. New to the South, he is excited to bring his unique, bold style to the creative coast. s e e tay l or’ s wor k i n “ dish e s t o di n e for” [page 152].

see tay l or’s wor k i n “cor p or at e etiquette” [page 34].

r e my th u r ston Rémy was born in Massachuset ts, raised in Idaho and moved to Savannah in 2003. He has travelled extensively through Europe, spending many summers in France. Thurston is a senior at UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and an intern at Athens Banner-Herald.

He is also Playboy Magazine’s UGA campus representative and a contributor to COED Magazine and aThEENs magazine. Thurston runs t wo food blogs, THURST 4 FOOD and BEATS & CARROTS. r e a d r em y ’s wor k in “fast food, fast cash” [page 156].

Aaron Bernstein, 19, is a fashion and commercial photographer from the Washington D.C. area. He currently attends Savannah College of Art and Design where he ex-

Aaron Be r nste i n

E l i z a b e t h R o w e Elizabeth Rowe is a recent graduate of Savannah Country Day and developed an interest for journalism after working diligently on her high school yearbook and newspaper for three years. She has resided across the U.S. as well as in Japan before moving to Savannah last fall. Elizabeth will start college in the fall at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta. What she will miss most when she is away at school- her two Maltese puppies Daisy and Champ. r e a d E l i z abeth’s work in “summer cool down” [page 126].

letters jun | jul 2011 ➼

w r ite to us at editor @ thesou thm ag . com or

116

bu ll str eet, sava n na h , georgi a ,

31401

Workout Like a Warrior Thank you South magazine for an amazing opportunity to experience boot camp with Hershel Walker! He kicked my butt, and although there were moments, we didn’t have to call 911! Props also to D-1. Great people, great facility! You guys at South magazine rock! —lar ry browde r

The South Rises Again South magazine picked up eight awards at MAG’s 22nd, including five gold awards. here’s what the judges had to say...

Gold Award for Best Single Cover for the August/September 2010 issue and a Silver Award for the February/March 2010 issue. Judge comments: The success of this cover is not just that it runs against traditional southern motifs and expectations, it’s that it, among the series produced by South magazine for the Aug/ Sep 2010 issue, is fun, lively and beautifully executed.

From the layered photography to the over the top photo with its rockabilly model, double fisting a hookah, it takes on all convention and stakes a claim of ‘screw you and your time honored past’ and it delivers on its promise.

Gold Award for General Excellence in the February/March, August/September, and December/January 2010 issues. Judge comments: What sets South magazine apart is the beauty of its design, the polished writing and the

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stunning photography. There was much here in each issue for readers to dive into: coverage of the arts, fascinating profiles and a great calendar of events.

Makes you want to move to Savannah.

Gold Award for Best Design in the August/ September 2010 issue and the October/ November 2010 issue. Judge comments: Again, fabulous cover and paper stock. The art direction is fantastic, well thought out, and cohesive- they have really developed their own style and look. Their typography is very original, highly designed, and executed perfectly. Every page has a perfect use of space, text, and imagery. There are many points of entry on each page, and therefore very engaging- you can’t wait to read it. They have a clear, clean, Front of Book, Well, and Back of Book, one can page through the book with ease. The layouts are designed to not only inspire but do provide a great service to the reader- it has a great “vibe” and “energy” of its own. The ad/edit juxtaposition is also very good and well thought out.

Gold Award for Best Profile for the February and March 2010 issue. Judge comments: Who knew Gregg Allman really wanted to be a dentist? In addition to a clever title, this profile offers reader a warts-and-all look at the rock-n-roll musician’s motivations, missteps, and achievements.

Gold Award for Best Photography in the August and September 2010 issue and a Bronze Award for the February and March 2010 issue. Judge comments: It is not often that I come across magazine photography that makes me stop and appreciate the art of it. South magazine’s Street Chic created an essay filled with incredible imagination and creativity. The images are fresh, joyous and has reminded me that there are indeed still so many great ideas out there to be made into photography. Outstanding.

Congratulations on the awards! Well deserved!

Awesome news! Well deserved!

Congratulations on all the awards!

—Mary McAli ste r , Di r ector Rape C r i s i s C e n te r

—J e n n i fe r Abs h i r e , Abs h i r e PR

— Li n da Pe ppe r

V i s i t S ava n n a h

I n n at M u l b e r r y

The April/May issue of South mag is f ull of fantast ic “staycation/daycation” ideas for Savannah!

Loving that South mag April/May gives nod to outdoors Savannah!

southmaga zine.com j un e | j u ly 11

s a r t e

southmagazine.com

check out southmagazine.com for daily blogs, exclusive videos and extended interviews from this issue

➼

view extra photos and video of south’s fashion shoot.

Never Miss an important event again!

Visit our Facebook page, become a fan and subscribe to our FREE receive weekly E-blasts.

➼

view an exclusive video interview with the general at

south’s office.

Cutting content is hard. Lu cky for you, the web offers unlimited space. View this issue’s extra photos, interviews and videos.

➼

view video of HERSCEL WALKER’s WORKOUT

exclusive interview with the general Local journalist Michael Jordan sat down with Maj. Gen. Robert “Abe” Abrams, Commanding General, 3rd Infantry Division, for an exclusive interview. With

new orders to return to Iraq one more time, Abrams talks about what that means for the soldiers, their families and for the rest of the community.

Check out our YouTube channel at youtube.com/southmagazinetv.

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live T h e

a r t

• Fourth festiv iti es What better way to celebrate the 4th of July than by heading to Savannah Theatre to see Jeremy Davis and the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra put on their 5th Annual Savannah Swings Patriotic Big Ban Salute to our military. With the soul of the Louisiana Delta and the Southern charm of Savannah, the group doesn’t just play jazz; they put on a one-of-a-kind show. Don’t miss your chance to see what Davis describes as “The Rat Pack meets The Dean Martin Variety Show with a touch of A Prairie Home Companion!” w h at

5th Annual Savannah Swings Patriotic Big Ban Salute to our military when

July 4th where

Savannah Theatre more info

912.233.7764 savannahtheatre.com/tickets

Go to southmagazine.com for a guide to daily life in the Lowcountry

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c u l t u r e

m u s i c

28 scenes of the south

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o f

t h e

b u s i n e s s

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corporate etiquette made easy

S o u t h

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c u l t u r e

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toys for the big boys

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meet the warhol man

48 the race for mayor

leader of the band: saxophonist Jeremy davis guarantees his band will spice up your holiday.

LI V E

l Kevin Werntz, Peas-Corp

Jamie Bowerman, Bowhous

Budding Businesses H av e yo u e v e r d r e a m e d o f s ta r t i n g yo u r o w n b u s i n e s s ? H e r e ’ s a l i t t l e a dv i c e f i r s t photography by muki aledori

Everyone has a pipe dream, a business they’re dying to open or an ingenious Internet venture that’s been floating around in their mind. These Savannah locals, however, took their passion projects to the next level. Meet some of the most interesting Southern entrepreneurs who recently decided to wing it. And, more importantly, here’s what they’ve learned along the way.

The Principals: Moira Sheenhan and Rick Broussard

The Venture: RPM Autoworx Inc. They are the first auto repair shop in the U.S. to seek LEED certification. Taking "green” to a whole new level, they offer things like alternative fuel kits such as gas to propane conversion.

The Advice: “Just because you know how to do everything, doesn’t mean you should be performing all the jobs the business requires.”

The Info: 912.651.5500, rpmautoworx.com

The Principal: Jamie Bowerman

Bowhous Bowhous is a company that produces messenger bags, backpacks, clothing, fashion accessories and other various products.

The Advice: “Learn everything! Know every aspect of your business inside, outside and back again. If you know your stuff, you will succeed no matter what, and best of all, no one can tell you otherwise when they doubt you, and I promise … they will doubt you.”

The Venture:

The Info: 912.695.632 7, jamie@bowsworld.com

The Principal: Philip Brown

PERC Coffee roasters PERC Coffee is a wholesale coffee purveyor that’s committed to sourcing the finest coffee available.

The Advic e: “The key to success is work ethic. Owning your own business is a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week job. Even when I’m not roasting, I theorize about different ways to improve my approach. I look at every batch as an opportunity to improve.”

The Venture:

The Info: 912.209.0025, PERCCOFFEE.com

The Principal: Kevin Werntz

Peas-Corp and the Whirled Peas® Game Whirled Peas is a party game designed to foster positive interaction and communication.

The Advice: ”Make sure you’re prepared for people to tell you how ugly your baby is because that is the only way you can fine tune and address your market demand.”

The Venture:

The Info: whirledpeasthegame.com, peasproject.org moira sheehan & rick broussard

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Philip brown

scenes of the south ➼

jun | jul 2011

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see mor e photos at sou thm aga zin e . com

photogr a phs by john a le x a n der

Mangled Courtesan Fashion Show red Sponso by South

C lu b - O n e ho st e d S C A D g r a duat e a n d fo r m e r Pro j e ct Ru n way sta r A pr i l Joh n ston ’ s Fa l l 201 1 Ma ng l e d Cou rt e s a n fa s h io n s how. Proce e d s f rom t h e s h ow w e n t towa r d t h e K i s s A Pig C a m pa ig n , w h ich b e n e f i t s t h e A m e r ica n Di a b et e s A s s oc i at ion .

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scenes of the south âžź

see more photos at southmagazine.com

âžź

jun | jul 2011

photogr aphs by alec jankowski & john alexander

ThincSavannah Awards red Sponso by South

c h r i s t i a n S o t t i l e , d e s i g n p r i n c i pa l f o r S o t t i l e & s o t t i l e wa s awa r d e d w i t h t h e f i r s t a n n ua l T h i n c S ava n na h V i s i o na r y Awa r d. T h e awa r d wa s p r e s e n t e d d u r i n g t h e f i r s t a n n ua l T h i n c S ava n na h Awa r d s w h e r e g u e s t s w e r e t r e at e d t o d r i n k s a n d f o o d f r o m M o o n R i v e r B r e w i n g C o m pa n y.

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Hyatt 30th Birthday Party T h e H yat t h o s t e d a r e c e p t i o n c e l e b r at i n g i t s 3 0 t h b i r t h day. T h e r e c e p t i o n b e g a n w i t h a r e c o g n i t i o n o f 1 3 e m p l oy e e s w h o h av e b e e n w i t h t h e h o t e l s i n c e i t s o p e n i n g i n 19 8 1 . T h e c e l e b r at i o n t o o k p l ac e o n B ay S t r e e t ov e r l o o k i n g t h e S ava n na h R i v e r .

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LIVE

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patrick graham, member of southbridge raquet club

ross kaminsky, member of savannah golf club

Where the Big Deals are Served Up w r i t t e n by a m y d e s s e l l e | p h o t o g r a p h y by s h aw n h e i f e r t

T

here’s an old adage that says you can tell a lot about the way people do business by the way they play sports—a test of sportsmanship, focus and followthrough. And maybe that’s why often times business leaders take potential employees out for a round. Or maybe business partners often hash out negotiations while sailing the seas, or going toe to toe in a tennis match simply because it’s more fun. Either way, especially in Savannah, it’s no surprise that social networks often turn into business networks. Here are a few of the places where the professionals play.

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1

The Landings Club ➼ 910 Franklin Creek Road | 912.598.2570 | landingsclub.com With multiple award-winning golf courses and phenomenal tennis courts, this club has something for everyone.

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The Club at Savannah Harbor (Westin- Savannah Harbor)

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➼ ➼ 2 Resort Drive | 912.201.2000 | theclubatsavannahharbor.com

The golf course was designed by golf legends Sam Snead and Bob Cupp and was rated as one of the “Top 10 Places to Play in the United States” by Golf &Travel Magazine.

Southbridge Golf Club & Southbridge racquet Club ➼ ➼ 415 Southbridge Boulevard, 80 Wedgefield Crossing | 912.651.5455 | 912.651.5466

With two distinct clubs, Southbridge offers a wide range options for all active professionals.

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Savannah Yacht Club

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Savannah Golf Club

➼ 730 Bradley Point Road | 912.897.1314 | Savannahyachtclub.memberstatements.com

The Savannah Yacht Club is a privately owned club located in Thunderbolt that has been in business for 142 years.

➼ 1661 East President Street | 912.232.2156 | thesavannahgolfclub.com

Savannah golf club is a private and member owned club, which has been around since 1794 and is considered the oldest golf club in America.

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Telephone Courtesy

LIVE

1. When using the telephone, whether placing a call or answering one, identify yourself immediately. The person on the other end of the line should never have to ask your name.

2. Always ask permission before placing a caller on hold, and waituntil you hear their response before doing so.

3. Give your caller all of your attention. It will be very obvious if you are multitasking while they are trying to have a conversation with you.

4. When around clients or co-workers, “out of sight, out of mind” is the best policy when it comes to cell phones. Do not keep checking it like you have missed an important call, because that will devalue the person you are with.

Email Etiquette

14 Tips For Doing Good Business Don ’ t write your next email until you ’ v e hea rd what etiquette expert Lydia R amsey ha s to say. a nd Listen ca refully. She just might sav e your job written by o li v ia L au ren haw k | ph ot o graphy by tayl o r bl o c k

n a professional world where the tools and rules are constantly changing, we often need a quick reminder of how to conduct business with poise. Enter Lydia Ramsey, a Savannah-based yet world-traveled business etiquette expert.

Getting her start by lecturing in front of audiences almost 15 years ago, Ramsey saw a growing need to further educate the professional world on how to conduct themselves in everyday interactions and got started writing. Ramsey has since lectured and written about manners all over the world and has appeared on Fox TV, NPR, PBS, TLC and The Paul Harvey Show. She has also been mentioned in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Investors Business Daily, Entrepreneur, Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, Real Simple Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness and Golf Digest. Always in touch with new business trends, Ramsey is also currently contributing to an etiquette guide written in 140-character tweets. She also recently released a DVD, Dining for Profit, which was named as the top training video on business dining by the Wall Street Journal. Helping you navigate the world of technology, here’s a quick guide to business etiquette straight from Ramsey herself.

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5. When emailing a co-worker, boss or client, keep your message brief. Email is intended to be fast and efficient, and your message will be lost if your email is too lengthy.

6. Choose words carefully because email has no tone of voice or body language to help relay the message. Make sure that your words truly explain your message so that there is not a misunderstanding.

7. Email is not private. Do not write anything in your email that you would not want your entire office to know.

8. Email is never to be used for disagreements. Do not argue through an email; Instead, pick up the phone to discuss an issue.

Successful Social Media 9. For Facebook or other online profiles, always use your real information and pictures. Your cat may be adorable, but that isn’t the face of your business. Make sure you represent your business.

10. Always use a different account or profile for your personal connections or websites. Remember, it is always best not to mix business and pleasure.

11. Offer information of value. For example, what your business exists for, what services you offer, what type of customers you are looking for, and things of that nature.

12. Check out the people that befriend you or want to follow you.

People will always judge you by the company you keep and unwanted “friends” can be potentially harmful to your business.

13. It is best to compose your posts, updates or tweets in a word processing document before you post them, so that you can check spelling and grammar first.

14. Most importantly, never put anything on the Internet that you wouldn’t want your boss, your co-workers, or potential clients to see. The Internet is not a secure place and you will regret posting inappropriate things.

For more information about Lydia Ramsey and her range of etiquette products, visit mannersthatsell.com.

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s o u t h ’s

gu ide to:

toys for the

big boys ................................ and Girls

So you’re a polished professional, enterprising student or ambitious startup that’s made the Creative Coast your home.

Is it possible to stay in touch with the latest and greatest gadgets in our historic Southern town? The answer is a resounding yes. While outsiders might mistake our historic buildings and sweeping marsh-filled vistas for a simpler time, they would be sorely mistaken. Savannah offers recent commercial gadgets, along with some local technical wizardry of its own. Here’s a sampling of some of the latest and greatest for the productive professional. written by Peter Zink

“The LTE 4G network is a great feature because it’s ten times faster than the previous network.”

- Josh Keller, owner of Cellular Sales Genius Phone While the world awaits Apple’s next unveiling of the iPhone, the HTC Thunderbolt is the hands-down feature-rich player on top of the smartphone market. Designed for the blazing fast 4G LTE network, it’s an ideal phone built for the future. With Verizon offering full 4G LTE service in neighboring Hilton Head and Jacksonville, it’s

T h e H T C T h u n d e r b o lt

only a matter of time before Savannah reaps the same benefits. In the meantime, enjoy its high-resolution 8-megapixel camera and mobile “hotspot” for up to eight wireless devices. The HTC version of Android operating system isn’t too shabby either. Josh Keller of Cellular Sales mentions how “HTC really makes the best version of the Android OS; they do a great job supporting the customer there.” You can pick up this bad boy for as low as $250 with a two-year contract and mail-in rebate. Ch e ck ou t Ce l lu l a r S a l e s (c e l l u l a r s a l e s . c o m ) f o r m o r e i n f o r m at ion .

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sa m

Smartphone

• s u ng

Stereotypes

LIVE

led l cd h dt v

l

Everybody loves a good stereotype, especially when it’s true. Now we’re not saying this is you, but it might be. Like everything you own, a smartphone is one of those fun devices that lets everybody make baseless judgments about you. Here’s ours:

Theater Killer Samsung 65” 1080p 3D LED -

L C D H DT V Well that didn’t take long. Just when it looked like movie theaters had regained the edge over the home theater market with the release of 3-D movies like Avatar and Tron: Legacy, along comes Samsung’s massive 65” 3D LED-LCD HDTV. Best of all, the ultraslim design allows you to easily mount this monster on a wall without worrying if the brackets are going to rip out. If you need a professional excuse justifying this entertainment giant’s price tag, don’t forget that it comes with built-in connectivity capability to YouTube and Skype for all those important “business presentations and meetings” you have to conduct. C hec k ou t the Sa msung 65” at your loca l

that’s where the similarity ends.

Anything you write can be downloaded in a digital form to your computer for later viewing, no more typing out painstaking handwritten notes you took in a meeting. It also features a digital voice recorder to catch anything you miss from a rapid-fire speaker. Who says the pen has to be boring anymore? You ca n pick it u p a t l o c a l o f f i ce s u p p l y st o r es o r at l i vesc r i b e .c om .

Anything you write can be downloaded in a digital form to your computer for later viewing.

Apple You’re trendy, hip and creative.

You’re willing to pay more even if it means getting less in terms of features, because you know you’re buying more than a productivity device—you’re buying a beautiful synergy of design and engineering.

Android You hate Apple. Yeah, you might not have wanted to switch off the Verizon network, but that excuse is gone now.

You like a phone loaded with features that’s highly customizable. You also like pointing out how much better your phone is than the iPhone and wondering why no one ever switches to yours.

Blackberry You’re all about business. Your employer might have even issued one to you.

With its full keyboard you swear there’s nothing better for doing email, and you might be right. It’s not the sexiest phone out there, but people understand where you’re coming from.

elect r o n i cs o r h o m e the ate r s p ec i a l i st.

Writing Well The Livescribe Echo Smart-

The pen is indeed mightier than the sword. It’s certainly used more often anyway. Despite smartphones, tablets and slim notebooks, pen and paper remains a reliable friend. But that doesn’t mean you can’t one up your colleagues in today’s digital age with the Livescribe Echo Smartpen.

Sure, it writes ink on paper like every other pen out there, but

pen

li v e

• s cr i

Windows Phone 7

be

e cho sm a rt p en

You like to torture yourself. No one understands why you didn’t at least wait for them to dominate and squeeze out every other smartphone on the market .

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l

Present Your Plan Charles Davis runs a highly mobile business, the Earth Comfort Company, that requires him to visit a lot of sites to outfit renewable energy systems. Thankfully, he doesn’t lug around the clunky projector made famous in so many conference rooms. Instead, he connects his iPad to the Cinemin Slice, a portable “Pico” projector that fits easily in a small briefcase. “I can take it everywhere. I just plug in the iPad and it creates a 60-inch image for me,” Davis remarks. If you want to go even smaller, you can go pocket-sized with the Cinemin Swivel, which, you guessed it, fits an iPhone or iPod. So the next time you find yourself stuck in a drab conference room, give your Cinemin a shot and enjoy a more interesting locale. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a -

LIVE

Pico Projectors

}

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“I can take it everywhere. I just plug in the iPad and it creates a 60-inch image for me.”

t ion , c h e c k ou t wow w e e .c om .

charles davis, Owner of the Earth Comfort Company

Medical Reality TV inVisionCam by Stage F r o n t P r e s e n tat i o n

Sy st e m s In today’s digital age, information is power, and sharing is more important than ever. In the field of medicine, where life or death decisions are made on a daily basis, continuous learning and improvement can literally save lives. Enter the inVisionCam by Stage Front, a high definition camera system that can film anything from filling a cavity to full-blown open-heart surgery—in high definition without getting in a practitioner’s way. Stage Front president, Steve Stephens, saw an opportunity when “medical clients kept asking us for a video system that would let them film without getting in the way. We couldn’t find anything that truly fit their needs, so we created inVisionCam.” Indeed,

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the lighting system on it is so precise a dentist can light up a client’s mouth without blinding them in the face. And if he wants to teach fellow residents or calm a nervous family, he can combine it with the inVisionStream to show the content live over the Internet or a closed television system. Medicine and technology have never played so nice. To l e a r n mor e a b ou t t h e in V isionCa m , ch eck ou t Stage F r on t ’ s w e b s i t e at s fp s . n et.

}

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“Medical clients kept asking us for a video system that would let them film without getting in the way."

Steve Stephens, Owner of Stage Front Presentation Systems

Back to Business So you’ve established your technological powerhouse of a business.

Important databases, customer information, and day-to-day operations stream across your high speed servers and accelerate commerce on a daily basis. No matter how good things are, you never know when the next hurricane or hacker might ruin your data and take you out of business for a few weeks. Enter Alastair Fisher, president of iTech in Savannah, and his diligent crew. iTech builds a backup server for you on-site that’s a carbon copy of your business. And if that hurricane takes out your backup server as well? No worries. iTech has yet another backup of your data at their Atlanta headquarters, so your business will be up in a matter of hours, not days. As Alastair likes to point out, “Business continuity is our specialty. You want a second line of defense.” Learn more about iTech’s solutions at iTech.biz or call them at 888.570.8647.

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life-long connoisseur Herbert Brito has amassed an impressive c o l l e c t i o n o f a n dy wa r h o l o r i g i n a l s t o p p i n g t wo d o z e n p i e c e s . A c o n s ta n t p l ay e r i n t h e a r t- d e a l i n g wo r l d, h e ’ s a l s o ow n e d wo r k s b y Ja s p e r J o h n s , R o b e r t R au s c h e n b e r g a n d F r a n k S t e l l a . B u t f o r B r i t o t h e b u s i n e s s o f c o l l e c t i n g i s a l l a b o u t h e a r t, n o t c o m m e r c e W R I T T E N B Y A v erie S t o r c k | P h o t o g rap h y by j o s h branstetter

One of Savannah’s 19th-century squares has a surprising, decidedly modern, secret; it’s home to some of the 20th century’s most iconic pop figures: Marilyn, Liz, Judy and Jackie, all famously rendered by another contemporary icon—Andy Warhol.

The pop art portraits are part of an impressive collection of Andy Warhol pieces amassed over a span of almost 40 years by Herbert Brito.

In addition to being an interior designer, historic preservationist, furniture designer, and since last August, dean of SCAD’s School of Building Arts, Brito is a storyteller. “Why do we love Savannah?

Savannah tells us a story. The architectural continuum tells us a wonderful 42

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story,” he says. And similarly, Brito’s Savannah home tells a story. It tells his story, what he’s passionate about.

“Herbert’s collection is magnificent,” says Paula Wallace, president and cofounder of SCAD. “It’s a reflection of the man himself: effortlessly sophisticated yet radiating warmth.”

Born in Cuba, Brito came to Miami when he was 7 and first became interested in Andy Warhol after spending a summer with cousins in Los Angeles.

“They took me to see a show at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and there were all these fabulous artists—Jasper Johns; George Segal, the sculptor; Frank Stella; and Andy Warhol. I was fascinated

by the fact that the art was totally consumer based.”

Brito bought his first Warhol—a purple silkscreen Marilyn (1967) for $250—when he was just 20 years old, a junior studying at Birkbeck College, University in London.

“Every day on the way to school, I would pass this gallery and see her. I saved and scrounged my British pounds. And my roommate saved and scrounged his British pounds. Well, he bought a tailor-made suit at Savile Row that summer and I went and bought the Marilyn. Years later, we laughed, I said, ‘Whose investment was better?’ He didn’t even know where his suit ended up!”

The Marilyn is still Brito’s most cherished Warhol. “It gives me joy to this day,” he says.

THE

LIVE

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life-long connoisseur Herbert Brito has amassed an impressive c o l l e c t i o n o f a n dy wa r h o l o r i g i n a l s t o p p i n g t wo d o z e n p i e c e s . A c o n s ta n t p l ay e r i n t h e a r t- d e a l i n g wo r l d, h e ’ s a l s o ow n e d wo r k s b y Ja s p e r J o h n s , R o b e r t R au s c h e n b e r g a n d F r a n k S t e l l a . B u t f o r B r i t o t h e b u s i n e s s o f c o l l e c t i n g i s a l l a b o u t h e a r t, n o t c o m m e r c e W R I T T E N B Y A v erie S t o r c k | P h o t o g rap h y by j o s h branstetter

One of Savannah’s 19th-century squares has a surprising, decidedly modern, secret; it’s home to some of the 20th century’s most iconic pop figures: Marilyn, Liz, Judy and Jackie, all famously rendered by another contemporary icon—Andy Warhol.

The pop art portraits are part of an impressive collection of Andy Warhol pieces amassed over a span of almost 40 years by Herbert Brito.

In addition to being an interior designer, historic preservationist, furniture designer, and since last August, dean of SCAD’s School of Building Arts, Brito is a storyteller. “Why do we love Savannah?

Savannah tells us a story. The architectural continuum tells us a wonderful 42

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story,” he says. And similarly, Brito’s Savannah home tells a story. It tells his story, what he’s passionate about.

“Herbert’s collection is magnificent,” says Paula Wallace, president and cofounder of SCAD. “It’s a reflection of the man himself: effortlessly sophisticated yet radiating warmth.”

Born in Cuba, Brito came to Miami when he was 7 and first became interested in Andy Warhol after spending a summer with cousins in Los Angeles.

“They took me to see a show at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and there were all these fabulous artists—Jasper Johns; George Segal, the sculptor; Frank Stella; and Andy Warhol. I was fascinated

by the fact that the art was totally consumer based.”

Brito bought his first Warhol—a purple silkscreen Marilyn (1967) for $250—when he was just 20 years old, a junior studying at Birkbeck College, University in London.

“Every day on the way to school, I would pass this gallery and see her. I saved and scrounged my British pounds. And my roommate saved and scrounged his British pounds. Well, he bought a tailor-made suit at Savile Row that summer and I went and bought the Marilyn. Years later, we laughed, I said, ‘Whose investment was better?’ He didn’t even know where his suit ended up!”

The Marilyn is still Brito’s most cherished Warhol. “It gives me joy to this day,” he says.

G o to r az in e. co m fo ag hm ut so ur of a vi rtua l to io n. ct lle co e th

A pretty print: herbert brito's collection includes the highly coveted marilyn prints and the rare flash series.

"I am a professional. I’m passionate about my furnishings, my decorative arts. And Warhol is the artist that I found that’s best suited to enhance and complement my collection. As a professional, I use my home for entertaining. And my home needs to tell the story about me."

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art collecting 101 1. Subscribe to art magazines and go to as many galleries as possible.

2. Set a budget. Art collecting can be an expensive hobby.

3. Stay up to date with local and out of town galleries to learn about new pieces and opening events.

4. Many home insurance policies will also cover art. For more infomation, call your home insurance provider to see if they provide this feature. Also there are special art insurance agencies that will cover your art specifically such as AXA Art.

Visitors to Herbert Brito’s home are always wowed by his Warhol collection, but the piece that inspires the most conversation is Flash – November 22, 1963, a grouping of 11 color screen prints which recount John F. Kennedy’s assassination. “It’s very rare to have the entire portfolio,” Brito says.

Of the 1967 portfolio of ten Marilyn screenprints that Warhol created ($250 each), Brito owns five—the black and white, the pink, the blue, the purple, and the green. While they clearly have aesthetic value to him, Brito also finds value in the story behind their creation.

“Warhol manipulated a publicity picture of Marilyn as if she would appear in black-andwhite TV. He would play with those three buttons that were on the TV: Color, Tint and Hue,” he explains. “He would twist them; he gave her a purple face and red face, etcetera. It was his commentary on the advent of color televisions.”

When I point out that most college kids save their pennies for extra beer money, Brito says, “I knew even then that I wanted art. I like to be a custodian of things. I always tell my clients, ‘You are custodians; you’re here to take care of your things and pass them along. I’m here to embellish your homes and to make you comfortable in your homes so you can go ahead to become that good custodian.’ I’m only a caretaker. You know, you’ve got these things, you share them.”

After receiving his Master in Architecture with a focus on architectural and historic preservation at the University of Florida, Brito moved to Washington, D.C., to work for the National Register of Historic Places. For two years as architectural historian, Brito traveled the 10 Southeastern states and Puerto Rico that made up his assigned territory. “It was fascinating. It was like a continuing architectural history lesson for me,” he says. It also clarified his desire to live in an historical city.

He became Savannah’s first preservation planner and taught the very first classes in mechanical drawing and survey of Western architecture at SCAD when they opened their doors in 1979.

After six years in Savannah, he moved to Atlanta and Miami, and opened his own firm, Brito LLC, which is responsible for countless high-end renovations and design projects such as the top three floors of the Four Seasons Atlanta (“I created a five-story stair hall—it’s like having a soaring atrium in your home”) and the conversion of an 18th-century passenger steamship terminal into an elegant Charleston residence.

Last August, he returned to Savannah to head the School of Building Arts, which was recently honored by DesignIntelligence as having the second best undergraduate interior design school and the fourth best graduate interior design school in the country. Says President Wallace, “Everyone at SCAD was delighted to welcome him back to our family. There are very few people who combine his vast experience,

high standards and ability to communicate in the most helpful, motivating way.”

It’s clear that emotion, not currency, drives Brito’s collector’s spirit. When asked how many Warhols he has, he looks surprised for a moment, “I don’t know. I’ve never counted.” (The current number turns out to be two dozen.) And like the best dinner guests, each of his Warhols has an anecdote to share.

Of the Jackie II (1966), Brito explains that Warhol created the diamond-dusted portrait of the grieving first lady by taking a cropped image from JFK’s funeral. “What he does is he presents her twice with her eyes centered right in the middle horizontal of the picture, which was a way of depicting Madonnas back in the Middle Ages.

So he depicts Jackie as the American Madonna.”

Brito also relates an odd artistic coincidence.

“I must have been probably in the 10th grade and I took a studio art class where I started doing woodcuts. For Christmas one year, I did a Madonna, and it was a serial image of a Madonna, not unlike the Jackie II. I had totally forgotten this and my cousin just showed it to me recently when I was down in Miami, and I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, this is uncanny.’”

Predating the Marilyn by three years, Warhol’s first portrait, Liz (1964), is tucked away in Brito’s entrance hallway because “it’s offset lithography on newsprint; it’s very light-sensitive.” Brito describes the genesis of the piece: “In 1964, Elizabeth Taylor was very ill and people thought she was going to die. And Andy decides he must immortalize her. So he takes a publicity still of her and does the purple eyes and the blue eye shadow and the red lips.”

Brito’s favorite era of Warhol’s work is the ‘60s, the first decade of Warhol as a fine artist.

Brito says, “Except for Judy,”—Warhol’s 1985 take on Judy Garland’s Blackglama ad— “everything I have is from the ‘60s.” Brito’s collection also includes non-portrait works such as Cow Wallpaper (1966), Warhol’s ironic interpretation of pastoral art; 1966’s Banana, the original cover of the debut album The Velvet Underground & Nico; and 1968’s rare FlashNovember 22, 1963 portfolio (see sidebar).

As for the recent, much-hyped auctions in the Warhol market, such as Warhol’s self-portrait, which recently sold for $38,442,500 million, Brito says, “Oh, it’s ridiculous. Dumb, dumb.

Warhol wanted everyone to have art. He was always about affordability. He would be the very first one who would be totally against that.”

Brito has only parted with two Warhols over the years—two Campbell’s Soup Cans II (1969), which he acquired in the late ‘70s and sold a

In case you can’t afford a real Warhol …

Start a collection with Incase for Andy Warhol: sleeves, bags and cases for iPhone, iPad and MacBook embellished with Warhol’s artwork.

Introduced in Spring 2011 with Camouflage (1986-87), Banana (1966), Flowers (1964), Dollar Signs (1982) and Cow (1966), the collection will be ongoing and will feature new releases seasonally. Prices range from $49.95 for iPhone Snap Cases to $149.95 for Shoulder Bags and are a great way for gadget heads to add some color to their technologies.

Now that’s art for the masses.

Incase for Andy Warhol is available through goincase.com.

decade later. He explains, simply, “They didn’t give me as much joy as I thought they would.”

He replaced the soup cans with S&H Green Stamps (1965), which Brito says “to me is a better piece, a seminal piece, because it marks Warhol’s transition between the graphic artist that he was and the fine artist he became.” Like much of Brito’s art, S&H Green Stamps also has a personal connection. “We were Cuban exiles, and as a kid, I would paste the S&H stamps very neatly in the book. And we would get, you know, a toaster, or a cookie jar. I would take a lot of pride in that.”

In addition to the Warhols, Brito has collected works by other artists such as Frank Stella, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg and Jim Dine. But when he moved from Atlanta to Miami, Brito bought a place that was all glass. He explains, “I didn’t have much wall space. So I just tailored it down to the Warhols.” (You can catch glimpses of Marilyn, Liz and Judy in Brito’s Miami luxury high-rise condo, which was featured on HGTV’s Bang for Your Buck in 2010.)

But hypothetically, just for fun—if Brito had unlimited access and funds, what Warhol would he acquire? “That’s very easy,” he says, “the Shot Red Marilyn.” And there is a compelling story behind this piece: In 1964, Warhol painted five Marilyns with different colored backgrounds and stored them

at his NYC studio, The Factory. A woman named Dorothy Podber famously fired a shot into a stack of four Marilyn paintings, which became known as The Shot Marilyns. “It’s a fabulous piece,” he says.

“I love the history of it.”

The Warhols will get a new home after the summer when Brito moves into the Greek revival town home he’s currently renovating on Chatham Square.

When asked how does 20th-century artwork—as well as classic mid-century modern decorative art furnishings, such as an eye-popping Fornasetti Palladiana chest and a Robsjohn-Gibbings dining table and chairs—fit into an 1852 dwelling, Brito responds with an elegant, simple philosophy: “Because anything classic works together well.”

He continues, “I am a professional. I’m passionate about my furnishings, my decorative arts. And Warhol is the artist that I found that’s best suited to enhance and complement my collection. As a professional, I use my home for entertaining. And my home needs to tell the story about me. I cannot tell you how many dinner parties at my home have gotten me projects.” It’s no wonder, as longtime friend Center says, “I’ve been in all of his homes and seen all of his art. All of it is exquisite. And dining in his home is second only to dining with royalty because everything is perfection.”

1/2-page Ad

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The quest for the perfect Mayor W R I T T E N B Y : D a v id G igni l l i a t | p h o t o gr a p h y by c h ri s tine h a l l

On November 8 , 2011, voters w i l l elect Sava n na h’s 65t h mayor, selec t i ng t he ma n or woma n to replace O tis Joh nson . T here a re a l ready si x reg istered c a nd idates—Regina T homas , F loyd Adams , Jr., Ellis Cook , Edna Jackson , Jef f Felser and James De wberr y—a nd each br i ng s t hei r ow n set of st reng t hs to t he t able. Combi ne t hem a l l a nd t he cit y m ig ht just have t he per fect leader, however on ly one w i l l emerge t he w i n ner.

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Any number of issues may dominate this year’s municipal election: classic election year staples like the economy, jobs, and business-friendly conditions in Savannah, as well as more nebulous puzzles like racial harmony and City Council transparency and accountability.

South magazine recently spoke with Savannah’s five mayoral candidates to get the long and short on whom should be the next person to set up shop at 2 East Bay Street.

“A lot of people are concerned about the polarization [on City Council]. We have never ever been as polarized as we are now.

When you start putting out issues that should not be of relevance to anyone, and make a big issue out of it, that’s a problem. That lets you know where your elected officials are, what they’re thinking about. … They’re not concerned about the important business of the city.

“You can be firm with someone and talk with them in a manner in which they can accept it, and move on, and see your point of view. I feel that I am a consensus-builder. When there is a divisive or volatile issue, you don’t come in being the same way. You have to have an open mind, and you have to reason with people, and you have to see things the way others may want it.

“I feel a lot of [the recent Council divisiveness] has been really childish, and some things that [happened] should not have happened. First and foremost, as an elected official, you have to know the [city] charter. You have to know the dos and don’ts, the cans and cannots. You have to know what your authority is.

“I will be a full-time mayor. It’s going to take that to improve things. … You have to run this city like it’s your own personal household budget. If I want to go buy a hat, but I also have to pay a bill—even if it’s a perfect hat and I say ‘Oh man, this hat is just to die for,’ I still have to decide between getting the hat and paying the bill later. No, I’m not going to buy the hat , because it wasn’t in my budget. You have to be fiscally responsible, and prudent. With this economy, you cannot expect to spend like you have before, and let the good times roll, when there are so many other needs. You just can’t. We’ve not had a mayor and Council that’ve been prudent, and that’s got to change.”

VO TE

Ca nd idate

Re gi na Th om as

adviser for H&R Block Community volunteer; former senior tax of Baltimore, Maryland Education : Community College -1998), Georgia state senator (2000-2008) Expe rien ce: Georgia House (1995

Age:

59

Curr ent Posi tion :

Rele vant

s. They’re concerned are concerned about their job “It’s about the economy. People ut staying afloat. al] businesses are concerned abo about their benefits. And the [loc to do to help them.” city, what their mayor is going They want to know what their j un e | j uly 11

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m ay o r a l e l e c t i o n s H s ava n n a h , georgia H november 8 2011 H voting precint 10 VOTE Ca

nd idate

Fl oy d Ad am s, Jr .

Age:

66

Curr ent Posi tion :

Savannah-Chatham School Board, District 2 Consultant, Editor-In-Chief, Savannah Herald B.A., business, Armstrong Atlantic State University, 1968 Expe rien ce: Savannah Mayor (1995-2003), City Council (3 terms)

Education : Rele vant

“I’ve worked with all the diverse

communities that make up the fabr ic of this city, and I believe that my history I’ve learned to get more done whe n you work with people together tha you fight with them. I love wor n when king in my community. That’s alw ays been my focal point.” and my record tell that story.

“A year ago, I was approached [to run for mayor], but I would not even consider it. The school board was my priority. But as things transitioned over the next three or four months, I didn’t like the divide that was happening. I hadn’t seen this city so divided … since the late 60s and early 70s. So, that was my driving force.

People kept on coming up to me asking me if I was going to run, and I wanted to see if it was worth the sacrifice in leaving the school board because I really didn’t want to do that. But I love this city, and I love the people in this city.

And for the future of this community to prosper and go forward, it has to be one city, not a divided city.

“Right now, the unification of the city is a priority. But also the transparency as to how people perceive that the city government is running. We have to develop an open atmosphere so that we can re-establish the trust in how our local government functions.

“To paraphrase that movie The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, I’ve seen Savannah at its worst, and now better … At one time, Savannah used to be called the city with the ugly face, and we cleaned the face up a little bit, but now it’s sort of going back. I would like to see us turn it around again. We have to make Savannah more friendly and attractive, so that we can bring people here.”

D ID YO U K N OW Savannah's African Amer 1st ican mayor was Floyd A dams, Jr. who was elec ted in 1996 .

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Not su r e where yo u ’r e z oned to vo t e in t h e u p c o m in g e l e c t io n ?

The Georgia Secretary of State has cr a web site w eated here you ca n check all of voter inform your ation. All yo u have to do is fill out your name, birthd ay and register ed county.

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VOT E

Ca nd id at e

E l l is C o o k Ag e:

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Cu rr en t Po sit ion :

Self-employed, commercia l real estate Ed ucatio n: Unive rsity of Georgia, 1969 Rel eva nt Ex per ien ce :

City councilman (1992-2 007), mayor pro tem (eight yea rs)

“I’m listening to people from all over, every different segment of the population. I’m getting feedback from everybody, and people are not happy.

“Race relations today are worse here than they were in the ‘60s. And what I plan to do if I’m elected is appoint a task force just on race relations, and get people from all over the community to come together and report on the problems and potential solutions. I think that by working together we can bring the city back.

“I’ve had people tell me they’ll never build another business inside the city limits because of all the red tape that the city throws up in front of them. … We need to be business-friendly, not anti-business. And the perception of just about every developer that I know is that Savannah is anti-business.

“If I’m elected, you’l l have a mayor that abides by the city charter, number on e. And you’ll have a more friendly city government, an d a more racially harmoniou s city …

I have a really good relationship with the black community. … And we’ll be as tr ansparent as we can be unde r my administration. People are just fed up with things right no w."

“I do plan just to run for one term. I do not plan to run for a second term … and I’m ready for some younger people to come in and take over. I don’t need the money; I’m glad to do it, but I don’t need to stay there forever. … I’m also going to take a pay cut the first year just to set an example … because I’m in it for the city. I love Savannah, and I think it’s worth fighting for.”

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“What I bring to the table is the ability to be a consensus builder, to work with people, not just on Council but with all areas in the community.

I’ve always told people that “it’s not about the I, it’s about the we,” and that is my way of operating. It’s not what Edna can do but what we can do together.

“It’s jobs, jobs, jobs. If we’re going to continue to reduce the poverty level, we have to make sure the citizens of this community can work. But how do we get to that? The need for jobs also points to the need for economic development for our community, and if we’re going to have job creation, it has to come across the board. We have to sit at the table together. We cannot create jobs if SEDA doesn’t know what jobs are needed in this community. I want to get all of the parties–SEDA, the Chamber, city and county government, education systems at all levels—sitting at the table together.

Where do we all fit in this equation?

“Everybody is not going to go to college, so we have to have opportunities available for every segment of our community.

“There have only been a few instances where Council has voted along racial lines, but of course, it’s sometimes the media that blows it up, and makes it a race [issue]. … You have to remember that we all don’t think alike, and you have to vote for what’s in the best interest of this community.

I let people know why I take a position. And I don’t think you have to give your opinion and be on the attack mode. And I try not to be the type of person to attack.

1 .0 8 . 2 01 1 annah, georgia H 1 av s H s n o i t c e l e l a m ay o r

VOT E

Ca nd id at e

E d n a Ja c k so n City council66 Cu rre nt Po sit ion : yor pro tem woman (1999-present), ma te University, Sta ah ann Sav : ion Edu cat Atlantic State ng Savannah State/Armstro enc e: Savannah eri Exp nt University Rel eva or (30 years) State University administrat

Age :

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r that "You have to remembe ke, we all don’t think ali for and you have to vote erest what’s in the best int of this community."

“Council is going to have to make a decision whether or not to continue the [current] city manager. Rochelle [Small-Toney] has from now until December to prove that she is worthy of continuing to serve for this city. I hope that some of the [controversy] is behind us at this time, and we can move forward. It’s just like any other job. If she has risen to the occasion, she’ll likely keep the job."

D ID YO U K N OW

The mayor’s salary is $5 4,000 and the city manager's sa lary $190,575. S ixty-four may is ors have served Savannah.

“Small business[es] are the backbone of the American economy, and especially here in Savannah. One of the reputations that Savannah has is that it’s hard to do business here. I want to remove that. I want to remove the bureaucratic red tape … and make it easier for people to go about their lives, make money and enjoy living here in Savannah. We have a lot of places where we can make change, but it’s going to take change in generational leadership, and I bring that to the table versus my opponents.

“I’m the type of person that can look at a budget as an attorney and go through it, and cut out the abuse and the waste. And I can see a lot of money that is still being wasted in the city of Savannah government. …You have to know what your limitations are. You have to have some realism. You can’t be pie-in-the-sky with projections—so that you don’t spend money you know you’re not going to have in the future.

“There’s an entire reform of the office of city attorney that needs to take place, and I intend to lead that change.

“I don’t think that everybody on [City Council] is on the same page when it comes to accountability, transparency, and opening up the business that we do. I do believe in that. … I believe we can do so much better in this area. There’s no reason why we should have meetings where we fail to post [notice]. The city manager process was unfortunate.

In many ways, it was very poorly carried out, and that is, in essence, what raised most of the rancor. It had nothing, in my opinion, to do with color. It had everything to do with an improper process that was flawed and, perhaps, meant to be flawed as some people think. At the very least, it was flawed and should have been something that was nixed and started over.

“I want to engage in meaningful positive change. I am not the status quo, and I’m not going to sit back and not voice how I feel. … I want to bring Savannah back together, as it was in previous administrations, where it wasn’t as much as black and white, but it was about the green, the economic green as well as the environmental green.”

m ay o r a l e l e c t i o n s H s av a n n a h , g e o r g i a H november 8, 2011 H VO TE Ca nd id at e voting precinct 12

Je ff Fe ls e r

Age :

49

Cu rre nt Po sit ion : Edu cat ion : Universit y of Ge

Rel eva nt Exp eri enc e:

Felser Law Firm, PC (1989-P resent) orgia, 1984, Mercer Law Sch ool, 1989 City Councilman, (2003-Pre sent)

ca mpai gn

“I think more and mo re Savannahians vote on the person … They kn ow that in a non-par tisan election, what really counts are the leade rship qualities that a candidate can deliv er.”

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“There are so many items that are voted up or down without any discussion at all, hundreds of thousands of dollars [that are allocated] without any debate.

The public needs to be aware of that. As long as the information is put out there, and there is an engaging discussion, we have to welcome that. We have to invite that type of public debate, not shun it. At the end of the day, it comes down to one vote for each Council member and the mayor, and that’s it.

You get what you get.

“People are talking about what is going on in Savannah. It’s shameful. It’s embarrassing. It doesn’t encourage companies that are considering relocating here that they have a rudderless government. We certainly need to bring civility to the council. The incumbents feel such a sense of entitlement that they’ve been here, and been part of the system for so long, that they’re preserving a path to go along with whatever agenda.

“There’s been too much of a go-along-and-get-along business downtown. I mean, how else you explain a 128 percent increase in the police budget [over the last 10 years]? How do some of these folks explain this? And why wasn’t the community more involved?

Somebody like me needs to get in there and speak up and start talking about these problems.

“I have never worked in the public sector like many of them. I don’t have the experience working in some of these groups. I’m not an attorney. But that’s one of the problems that we have. It’s the system the way it’s set up. Of course, I’m the outsider. I think there should be more outsiders that are on the streets making noise about things all along.

“Savannah should be a very attractive location for businesses. This is a beautiful area, and we should be marketing that.

VO TE

Ca nd id at e

Ja m es D ew b er ry Age : 40 C urr ent Pos itio n: Edu cat ion : Brewton-P

Rel eva nt

International communications manager arker College, bachelor’s deg ree, 1995 Exp eri enc e: Small bus iness owner, patron of the arts , civic activist

“If the incumbents do win their positions [on City Council], it just ind really are. I’m not beh icates how out of touc olden to anybody. No h voters body has financed me an for office. And I think d pro dd ed me wit h a stick to run that’s a good quality.

I don’t owe any favor s to anyone.”

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“We need to collectively change our attitudes to bring businesses to Savannah. And we need to combine that with some new political thinking, some new ideas of how to grow.”

Under One Banner R o n T h o m p s o n c e rta i n ly k n ow s a t h i n g o r t wo a b o u t m a k i n g S ava n n a h i a n s ta k e n o t i c e w r i t t e n by Dav i d G i g n i l l i at | p h ot o g r a p h y by tay l o r b l o c k

As owner of the popular Inn at Ellis Square, appearances and impressions are Ron Thompson's stock and trade, and he’s certainly made a lot of them since opening the hotel’s doors in 2005. In person, he’s neatly groomed, nattily dressed, his rhythmic British cadence and careful diction suggesting the effortless, cosmopolitan savoir-faire you might expect from a successful hotelier.

But lately, the impressions he’s been making are for some of the civicminded work he’s been doing on the outside of the guest suites and conference rooms that guard City Market and Bay Street.

A large banner, at least 20 feet long and likely as wide, currently hangs from the bricks closest to the renovated Ellis Square. It was unveiled earlier this year on St. Patrick’s Day, in one of the most heavily traveled areas in the Historic District. The banner is a call to arms for Savannahians to get more involved politically, and encourages “Nine good citizens to apply for Mayor and Alderman this November.” At the bottom of the banner it reads, “Those that have taken Savannah backwards need not apply.” The banner directs readers to a web site (sav21.org) and has generated considerable notice from locals and visitors alike.

As a group, Sav21 actually dates back four or five years to an informal group of like-minded local leaders who felt like they could make a difference by advocating change and forward-thinking ideas locally.

The grass-roots organization is not party-based and is described on its web site as “an advocacy group who believes that by inspiring citizens to be involved in their community and the political process, we can make the city better for all of us.”

“If you talk to young people in Savannah, there’s a lot of energy, there’s a lot of ideas, a lot of thoughts, but the problem is, unless they get to the point where they can influence what direction the city goes, then not much is going to change,” says Thompson. “I’d like to see some of those young people in the seat of power on the City Council.”

Many have assumed that the recently unfurled banner was timed to the highlight some of the recent intrigue at City Hall, including the recent city manager search and alleged racial divisiveness. Not true, says Thompson.

“I came up with the banner before all this [brouhaha] about the city manager search came up and had planned to launch it St. Patrick’s Day anyway. This was something we were always going to do,” says Thompson, who splits his time between Savannah and his primary residence in Culpeper, 40 miles from Charlottesville, Virginia, former home of city manager Rochelle Small-Toney. “The big idea behind everything that we do is that we encourage people to participate in what goes on in the city.”

Thompson believes the city’s younger voters are the future of Savannah and points to smaller cities like Austin as an example of a situation where a city has successfully leveraged young, creative minds to move a city forward.

“We’re not here to endorse candidates. We’re here to endorse ideas that move Savannah forward,” adds Thompson, recognized in 2009 by 100 Black Men of Savannah, Inc for his work in economic development. “I think everyone would agree that Savannah is a beautiful city, but it’s a city on the verge of what I think is something potentially even bigger and better. But we need to collectively change our attitudes to bring businesses to Savannah. And we need to combine that with some new political thinking, some new ideas of how to grow.”

There will be more banners as the November municipal elections near. Thompson says the next banner will include a verbatim listing of the portion of the city’s Code of Ordinances (Sec. 2-106, ) that inform the ethical guidelines of the city’s elected officials.

“Those who have already abdicated the above responsibilities need not apply,” the banner wryly concludes. j un e | j uly 11

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• h elping th e unbanked Jenny Gentry, market president for Wells Fargo, says there are a surprising number of people living in Savannah and the South who don’t have bank accounts.

Gentry is part of a group of local bankers that are trying to change the stats with the Bank on Savannah initiative.

“Having a bank account is sometimes the first step in developing a successful long-term financial plan,” says Gentry.

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pa r t i c i pa n ts

United Community Bank Sea Island Bank First Chatham Bank Wachovia Bank SunTrust Bank Atlantic Bank and Trust Carver State Bank BB&T The Savannah Bank Capitol City Bank and Trust The Coastal Bank more info

stepupsavannah.org/bankonsavannah

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➼ ANNA AND PATRICK

➼PATRICK AND ANSLEY WILLIAMS

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Patrick Ansley Williams J A N UA R Y 2 3 , 19 8 0 –A P R I L 6 , 2 0 1 1 S AVA N N A H H A S L O S T O N E O F I T S T R U E S O U T H E R N S O U L S : A H O S P I TA L I T Y A M B A S S A D O R , A L OV E R O F M U S I C , A K I N D , C R E AT I V E S O U L A N D A F R I E N D T O M A N Y C O M P I L E D BY DAV I D G I G N I L L I AT | P H OT O G R A P H Y P R OV I D E D BY T I TA N

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illiams was a partner in the Live Oak Restaurant group, which includes local mainstays Fiddler’s, Tubby’s Tank House, Molly McGuire’s and Spanky’s. In 2008, doctors diagnosed Patrick with Alveolar Soft Parts Sarcoma (ASPS), and he fought a courageous three-year battle with the cancer. South recently spoke with some of Williams’s friends, family and loved ones to get a sense of the lives he touched.

Ansley Williams, Patrick’s father A father–son relationship is special just by its very nature, but when you have a son like Patrick, it becomes extraordinary. Patrick was a bright and talented young man with a zest for life that was contagious, and naturally, I was always a proud and beaming dad who could not have asked for a finer son. We were blessed to have had Patrick in our lives, and for that, we will be eternally grateful. His journey with cancer, albeit unimaginably painful, was inspirational and life-changing. I was in awe of the relentless pursuit that he and Anna engaged to overcome his challenge, and we are all the beneficiaries of their endeavors. I learned far more from Patrick in his 31 short years, than I could have taught him in a lifetime.

Chelsea Williams, Patrick’s sister As I did on the day of the celebration of his life, I return to the senti58

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ments of love and gratitude. These two emotions dominate my being when I think of Patrick. He lived his life guided by love and gratitude.

His walk with cancer taught him the importance of being truly present each day and in each moment. On a daily basis, no matter how difficult the struggle, Pat made a point to acknowledge the things in his life that gave him joy. He would draw strength from his family, friends and his wonderful wife, Anna. He knew that with such amazing support, he could face any challenge that life would bring, even death.

Anna Jackson, Patrick’s wife My uncle Jeremy, who spoke at [Patrick’s memorial] service, always remarks, “We are spiritual beings on our human journeys,” and this speaks so honestly to Patrick’s experience, and in turn, all of us who so cherish him and his impact on us. He and I were partners in all senses of the word. In illness, we found the shared soul, and we met other incredible souls who guided and taught us; we found true love and compassion and beauty, and while these are elements we may hold as lofty—discovering them as partners indeed brought us back to our most humble and wild shared human journey. We may have lost the battle with time for finding a cure, but in the quest for healing, which we found had an even greater currency—we did indeed come out victoriously.

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★ best looking runner up ★ name: Bailey ★ owner: Karla Giebner ★ breed: Unsure because he is a rescue cat ★ age: Bailey is a 10-year-old male ★ favorite activities: He spends most of his time

sleeping in the sunshine, and we always have the windows and blinds open for him to enjoy. He loves sunning by the back door while watching squirrels and chasing his sister, Honey Pot (and typically losing those battles).

★ funny quirks: He likes to practice his jumps by bouncing off the walls, pouncing on catnip filled mice, begging for people food by laying on his back like a dog, and sleeping the remaining 20 hours of the day.

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South’s First-ever Greatest Pet Contest is a celebration of Savannahians’s deep-rooted love for their pets. Readers submitted pictures of their animals to compete in four categories: Best Looking, best dressed, ugliest Mug, and Like Owner, Like Pet. With thousands of votes over the course of a month, a few good winners finally emerged from the pack

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★ best looking pet winners ★ names: Benjamin and Maxx ★ owner: Eduardo Rivas ★ breed: AKC registered boxers ★ what are their full names: Benjamin’s official name is Benjamin Van Canterbury of Savannah and Maxx’s is Maxximus Van Devonshire of Savannah. ★ age: They will be two years old on May 31st. ★ favorite toys and activities: Maxx is a show dog and has won several ribbons. Benjamin would like to eventually compete in obedience trials

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and become a therapy dog. Their favorite toys are a squeaky duck and a monkey.

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★ best dressed winner ★ name: Luca ★ owners: Brooke Mollenkamp and Charles Herman ★ inspiration for the name: Charlie named him Lucius, which is Latin for “bringer of light.” ★ how long have you had luca? I have raised him with my boyfriend for the past 8 years. I didn’t come into his life until he was 2.

★ favorite activities or funny quirks: Luca is a people dog—he loves everybody and anybody! He is also an enthusiastic squirrel chaser. In his younger years he came close to the catch many times, sometimes even sacrificing his own well-being by running straight into oak trees at Forsyth Park while in pursuit.

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★ best dressed runner up ★ name: Nugget ★ owner: Jackie Uselding ★ breed: Although he is regularly mistaken for a

polar bear, teddy bear, fox, mini chow, mini husky, and most recently and least impressively, a cat and a possum, he is a full-blooded pomeranian.

★ favorite activities: He likes to bark and hop on his front paws when other dogs are playing catch.

Nugget is a very independent boy. He holds down a full time job at Cherry Picked Consignments as Head Morale Booster. ★ funny quirks: He really loves carrots.

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name: Charlie owner: Emily Ramsey breed: Charlie is a Shih Tzu. age: He turned 6 years old in April, and I have had

him since he was only a few weeks old. He was a birthday gift from the man I ended up marrying.

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★ funny quirks: Charlie is probably one of the laziest dogs I’ve ever known, and one of the most spoiled. He is referred to as King Charles around here. He has a growl comparable to an Ewok, but he’s also sweet and snugly and loving.

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TES PET ★ ugliest mug winner T ★ name: Allie ★ owners: The Simon Family ★ breed: Allie is a female boxer with white socks and paint. ★ age: She is 1 years old. ★ favorite activities: She is the ringleader for trouble in my pack. I arrived home one

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day to discover Allie had raided the pantry for Cheerios, pancake mix, a 25lb bag of sugar and a 10lb sack of flour. She took it all out, and as a good boxer would, she shared with her other four kennel mates. When I walked in, she was shaking the 10lbs of flour all over the other dogs and family room!

★ funny quirks: Allie loves water! We have to close the shower door completely or we will have company. We also jokingly say, "Allie cant hold her liquor" because she is a licker. Her command is "no kiss" in an attempt to stop her incessant licking.

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★ like owner, like pet winner ★ name: Gann ★ owner: Claire Teschel ★ breed: She is a yellow lab/American bulldog mix.

She has cute little freckles on her nose and tummy, which is characteristic of a bulldog. But she is certainly smart and stubborn like a lab.

★ inspiration for the name: It is from the 80s Disney movie The Journey of Natty Gann, but I spelled it differently. It’s the story of a girl and how she befriends a wolf on the search to find her dad. I used to watch it with my grandma when I was little and really love the story.

★ how did you find her? I had been looking to adopt a puppy and found an ad posted at Brighter Day back when I was a student at SCAD. I went to see Gann and her brothers and sisters and knew that she was the one because it always looked like she was smiling at me.

★ favorite activities and funny quirks:

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She loves tennis balls, laser lights and Ozzy the cat.

She doesn’t love first Friday fireworks on the river, fire hydrants, baths or watermelon.

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★ owner: Luther ★ owner: Tyler Rominger ★ breed: Luther is an Airedale. My husband wanted a German Shepherd and I wanted a Yorkie so we met in the middle and got an Airedale.

★ inspiration for the name:

My husband named him after a movie called The Ghost and Mr. Chicken.

★ favorite activities: He rings a bell when he wants to go out and he loves to chase squirrels. His one trick is begging and he does it all day long! He also loves to have his teeth brushed. He lines up behind my two girls patiently waiting his turn every night before bed.

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When talking with business leaders in the South about the current economic environment in Savannah, they all say the same thing—that we’re incredibly blessed to have a diverse range of lucrative contributors.

It means that when hard economic times hit, we’re able to float a notch above most other cities. And although there are many companies and people who contribute to the local economy, there are a few key institutions that form a strong backbone with their ability to employ large chunks of the population. But what’s more impressive than the employee headcount or bottom line are the people who run the institutions.

w r i t t e n b y l a u r e n h u n sb e r g e r , additional reporting by michael jordan p h o t o g r a p h y b y j o h n f u lt o n p h o t o g r a p h y

boosters Her e a r e the br a ins behin d

s om e o f t h e l a r g e s t e m p l oy e r s i n t ow n

➼ g o t o s ou t h m ag a z i n e .com t o r e a d e x t e n de d i n t e rv i e w s of t h e sta r s

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J o h n Pat t e r s o n CEO, JCB

“The quality of life Savannah offered to JCB employees was a contributing factor.

It is a beautiful city with lots of attractions for families.”

s ★ john patterson has a huge responsiblity as the leader of JCB, which employs more than 7,000 people worldwide and operates 18 manufacturing facilities on four continents. Today the family-owned company builds 300 different models of equipment. JCB invented the backhoe loader in 1953 and today is the world leader in this product, meaning nearly one out of every two sold anywhere in the world is a JCB. Currently the Savannah facility also manufactures the High Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMEE) for the United States Army, in addition to skid steer and track loaders. The HMEE is part of an ongoing military contract worth an estimated $290 million. j un e | j uly 11

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M a j. Gen. Robert “A b e ” A b r a m s Commanding G eneral, 3 rd Infant r y Division

“Savannah and Fort Stewart and Hinesville have a symbiotic relationship. It [the 3rd Infantry Division] is the lifeblood of what’s driving everything that goes on between Hinesville and Savannah.”

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★ “the truth is that we cannot be as productive in our missions without the support of our local communities,” Maj. Gen. Robert “Abe” Abrams, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, says. “It is invaluable. That is something that we in the military cannot ever take for granted.” Nor should the community ever take its local troops and their bases for granted—and not only because of the role they play in defending the country. The Fort Stewart/ Hunter Army Airfield complex has a mind-boggling economic impact on the region as well—more than $1.8 billion. Just one more reason to thank a soldier.

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M aggie Gill P resident and CEO, Memorial Universit y Medical Center

➸ “My job as the leader is to set the tone and provide a vision for worldclass health care.”

★ memorial university medical center nets $500 million dollars a year, employs 5,000 people in the Savannah area, is the third busiest emergency center and one of only four trauma centers of its kind in the state.

It also has the only medical academic learning center in the city. It’s a hospital with a huge responsibility. Maggie Gill, the brand-new president and CEO, isn’t scared, however, to pilot the hospital, which has seen a succession of leaders over the past few years, into a future of stability and success.

“Communication, integrity and honesty are all very important,” Gill says of qualities she plans to bring to the hospital.

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} Wa lt e r Ch a sta ng S a vannah Mill Manager, Inter nat ional Paper

“The economic effect isn’t just due to our employees. There’s a multiplying effect.There are a lot of vendors; there are a lot of businesses in this community that depend on International Paper.”

★ walter chastang is a man defined by loyalty and dedication. A lifelong employee of International Paper, 33 years ago he started in an Alabama facility, making his way around the Southeast, and eventually settling in Savannah in 2006. Currently he is responsible for 600 employees, an annual operating budget that hovers around a few hundred million dollars, and a product quota to the tune of 3,000 tons of paper a day—good thing he’s about as dependable as it gets. He also has a huge heart. “Many of our employees are involved in community service,” Chastang says, who spends his spare time working with United Way and the golf-based children’s initiative The First Tee. 70

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Thom a s Lock a my Superintendent, S a vannah- Chatham Count y P ublic S chool S ystem

➸ “The public school system is a large business with great expectations from every citizen living in our community. The quality of education provided is a critical factor, as it is a key element that will attract, and keep, families and businesses in our area.”

★ about 5,000 people are currently employed by the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System and are tasked with maintaining the well being of about 35,000 students. So with the 51 schools that make up the system, Superintendent Thomas Lockamy has a lot to juggle. But it’s worth the effort because SCCP’s economic impact goes well past the number of employees. “The number of students who are work-ready immediately after graduation each year greatly impacts the workforce, as they are employed by local businesses and industries,” says Lockamy.

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law

law

b r e a k i n g

d o w n

t h e

THE TRIALS OF SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE

RON GINSBERG

Th e judge sh a r e s w h at h e ’s le a r ne d a bou t life th roughou t h i s lega l a nd politica l ca r e e r .

W ith ov e r four deca de s of ex pe r ie nce a s a n attor ney, t wo te r m s in th e state legi sl at ur e , a nd 16 y e a r s a s a judge , h e ’s com e to unde r sta nd a th ing or t wo a bou t life in th e Sou th . written by lauren hunsberger

➛➛ I went to elementary school, junior high, high school here and Armstrong, which was downtown at the time. Then I went on to law school at Georgia in Athens. That’s a town I never wanted to leave. ➛➛ I’ve always enjoyed complicated litigation because it’s like solving a jigsaw puzzle or a Rubik’s Cube. ➛➛ To run for legislature is a real endurance test. I went door-to-door three to four miles a day. You’re doing everything you can to get elected. So at the end of two terms, children and family were number one. Internally, I knew it was the right thing to do. ➛➛ When I was in legislature, we passed the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Bill, and I got a lot of hate mail then, so we had to turn it over to authorities. So you have it in your mind that people do stupid things, but I still walk in my neighborhood with my dog at night and do certain things. ➛➛ As a judge, I’ve learned that people will be back to you and back to you if you don’t do something to stop the cycle. ➛➛ The most frequent place that they catch people who didn’t show up for court and have warrants against them is the county jail. They go visit somebody. To them, not showing up is like missing a doctor’s appointment. That’s their mentality. ➛➛ We have a large overpopulation in the jail because the legislature has made it to where you can lose your license, which is one of the worst things they could do.

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➛➛ The legislature doesn’t understand unintended consequences.

Every session they pass more and more laws. I used to joke when I was first a judge that the Lord only gave us 10 rules. Now we have thousands of laws on the books that nobody even knows are there. The point being is that not everything should be a criminal violation. ➛➛ We lock up more people per capita in the U.S. Georgia is in the top five in that. So we want to keep locking people up and paying for it. ➛➛ A medical malpractice case where the man was disabled after having a heart attack a few days after being released from the hospital would probably be the most memorable case because eight years later I’m in the mountains and I’m having problems. I was on aspirin, which probably saved my life because I had a 95 percent blockage. I thought it was indigestion because those were the symptoms that I was having, but things that I had learned in that case served me well. ➛➛ As far as the future is concerned, when you have budget cutbacks it affects all of the services and you’ll pay a price for it, sometimes down the road. ➛➛ The public expects everyone to be perfect except for them, and that’s the part that needs to change. ➛➛ For everything there is a season, a season to become a judge and a season to go out. My father died at 53, and my father-in-law died at 65. My father-in-law had just retired from being a doctor. In May it will be 40 years as a lawyer, 39 being married to the same woman and 16 years as a judge, so this seems to be the right thing to do.

“For everything there is a season, a season to become a judge and a season to go out. ... In May it will be 40 years as a lawyer, 39 being married to the same woman and 16 years as a judge, so this seems to be the right things to do.�

photogr a ph y by t im johnson

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D.A. Office law

by the numbers:

13,000 1,303 cases went through the office in 2010

1,222 The State Court filed 1,222 DUI cases, a 59% increase since 2008 when there were 767 cases

1,443 In 2010, the superior court division referred 1,443 cases to grand jury

cases were held in superior court

$29,962,000 Child support division collected $29,962,000 for children and families

MURDER

Top five Felonies investigated in 2010

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

After going to Duke University for his undergraduate and law degrees, Larry Chisolm returned to his hometown to start a private practice. He then held a position as an Assistant District Attorney for 19 years where he gained valuable experience. Now as the District Attorney, he says his main concerns for Savannah are with violent crime activity and the large number of DUI cases he’s seeing go through the system.

2,158

THEFT

“The case that sticks out in my mind was the first case that was negotiated for life without parole in Chatham County. That case involved a defendant who robbed a Carey Hilliard’s and killed the manager. He was also involved in a number of armed robbery cases here in Chatham County. We resolved the case by him pleading guilty and we gave him life without parole, and that was right after Georgia adopted the life without parole option in murder cases. It was one of the first cases, if not the first case, in Georgia. That case sticks out because of the sentence, but also because I remember the reaction of the mother of the victim. She was so happy that justice had been made.”

cases were held in State Court

ARMED ROBBERY

with district attorney Larry Chisolm

7,778

DRUG OFFENSES

My Most Memorable Case

cases were held in juvenile court

283

268

241

196

171

did you know?

There are 484 registered sex offenders in Chatham County 74

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photogr a ph y by seba st i a n pinzon

And The Nominees Are… wa r hor s e l aw y e r s clu b ,

According to Bill Broker, president of the Savannah Bar Association, about 23 percent of people in Savannah live in poverty. That’s a lot of people who can’t afford legal services if they get into a sticky situation. Luckily Broker, who is the managing attorney at Savannah Georgia Legal Services and his staff, can assist with civil cases, and Michael Edwards, and the Circuit Public Defender’s Office, oversees the criminal cases.

law

s ava n n a h d o e s n ’ t h av e a c h a p t e r

of the revered, time-honored old

Serving The Public

bu t i f w e di d , t h es e lo ca l l aw legends would be a shoe-in

Sonny Seiler: Seiler is a Savannah native who joined Bouhan, Williams, and Levy in 1960, after graduating with many honors from UGA. He is most well known for his involvement as lead defense counsel in the Jim Williams murder trials and for his line of bulldogs.

Walter Hartridge: Hartridge joined Bouhan, Williams, and Levy in 1961 and boasts an extensive list of litigation practices including class action suits, medical malpractice and maritime litigation. Hartridge has been honored many times by involvement in the University of Virginia, the Raven Society and the United States Army.

Arnold Young: Young is a partner at HunterMaclean specializing in liability, medical malpractice, and truck and crane casualties. Mr. Young is the author of many articles published in the Georgia Defense Lawyers Journal.

GEORGIA LEGAL SERVICES

PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE

8 lawyers work in the office, three of which have been there over 20 years, two have been there close to 20 years About 200 people call and 30 people walk in the office each day seeking service. most common services: Income maintenance, housing issues, domestic violence cases, education issues, domestic cases and elder law, among many other services and areas of expertise. ➸ more info: glsp.org

95 % of felony cases are handled here.

2005, the year Savannah got a public defender’s office.

Each attorney handles in between 160 to 200 cases at any given time. most common services: Representing people charged with felonies ranging from shoplifting all the way up to capital murder.

“We’re a voice for those who are voiceless.” —bill Broker “we try to use a holistic approach when helping our clients.” —Michael edwards

Harvey Weitz: Weitz began his career in 1965 with his admittance to the Georgia Bar. He has received many honors including a listing in The Best Lawyers of America and was voted “Super Lawyer” in 2008 and 2009.

Fred Kramer: Kramer holds the position of deputy chief of the criminal division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He also holds the position of senior litigation counsel.

Joe Newman: Newman holds the position of assistant U.S. attorney and was recently recognized at the annual U.S. Attorney Awards Ceremony.

Newman received a Director’s Award for Executive Achievement in honor of his 32 years of service and accomplishments for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Alex Zipperer: Zipperer of Zipperer, Loberbaum, and Beauvais, was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 1971. He has published articles in the Georgia Bar Journal and Mercer Law Review and specializes in criminal defense.

photogr a ph y by tay lor block

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The Local Legal Scene

law

Top Ten Areas of Practice in Savannah

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Type of Law

Description

Real Property Law

Governs the ownership of real property, which is land and anything attached

General Practice and Trial Law

Includes a range of ordinary legal cases

Tort and Insurance Practice

Protects your rights in case of an automobile accident or injury

Family Law

Concerned with family and domestic related issues

Workers’ Compensation Law

Protects employees who have been injured on the job

Business Law

Oversees business and commercial transaction

Fiduciary Law

Covers the ethical relationship between two parties regarding the trust when managing money or property together

Criminal Law

Punishes those who commit crimes

Bankruptcy Law

Includes individuals, businesses or organizations who legally cannot pay their creditors

Labor and Employment Law

Protects working people and their organizations

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Number of lawyers

73 69 63 51 36 34 32 32 23 22

Book Review: The Big Short C o l i n M c R a e , a l o c a l l aw y e r w i t h H u n t e r M a c l e a n , r e c o mm e n d s T h e Big Short a New York Times bestseller by Michael Lewis. The book g i v e s a b a r e b o n e s e x p l a n at i o n o f h o w t h e m o r t g a g e cr i s i s b e g a n a n d h o w o n e f i rm f i g u r e d o u t h o w t o p r o f i t f r o m t h e cr i s i s

The downfall of the housing market and resulting collapse of financial markets is, to non-Wall Street types, somewhat shrouded in mystery. We hear terms such as “subprime mortgages,” “collateralized debt obligations” and “credit default swaps” as the root of the downturn, but the interconnectivity of these various financial concepts can be difficult to grasp. In The Big Short, Michael Lewis provides a comprehensive but accessible account of the subprime housing meltdown, while highlighting the finance tycoons who predicted—and profited greatly from— the oncoming crisis.

Lewis does not seek to pinpoint one singular entity as the cause of the crisis, but instead spreads the blame equally between all the big players in the housing markets. There were the subprime mortgage lenders who rushed to originate suspect loans from patently unqualified borrowers, and the banks that packaged those loans together into bonds with no more due diligence

photogr a ph y by m uk i a l edor i

than the lenders. The ratings agencies such as Moody’s were then paid millions in fees by those banks to provide favorable assessments of the bonds, despite having little or no experience in rating such bonds. Finally, insurers (such as AIG) issued credit default swaps to hedge against the failure of such bonds, but undertook no in-depth analysis of the likelihood of the underlying mortgages going into default.

The focus of The Big Short is on the handful of very forward-thinking financiers who recognized the instability of these mortgage-based securities and figured out a way to bet against—or “short”—the housing market. Large scale investors like Steve Eisman and banking insiders like Greg Lippman had done their homework and discovered the fundamental volatility of these financial products, but had to craft a way to profit from their eventual collapse.

You find yourself almost rooting for these individuals as they play upon the incompetence and greed of the market’s largest players and end up making billions of dollars off of these doomsday bets. It’s a great read for anyone seeking a little explanation behind the crash.

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law

Left to Right: Jacob Massee, Blake Greco Colby Longley, Patrick Connell, Quentin Marlin, Jennifer Campbell, Nick Bruce, Zach Thomas

The Next Generation t h e s e yo u n g l aw y e r s c a r e a b o u t a l o t m o r e t h a n w i n n i n g c a s e s WRITTEN BY LAUREN HUNSBERGER

recently sat down with the board members of Savannah’s Young Lawyers Division for lunch in a conference room high above the city. Representing some of the top law firms in the area, these are the lawyers who make up the next generation of power players in the local law community. So what did I learn? That tacky sweater contests are a great way to bond with co-workers, that it’s within the nature of lawyers to endlessly rag on each other when presented with a good opportunity, and that every good professional folds their slices of Sreamin’ Mimi’s pizza.

But I also learned that all the members of this high-energy group have a deeply rooted devotion to the community. Despite their long hours and high stress positions, they’ve made it their mission to find ways and time to help others. “We’re continuing to grow the organization, especially the philanthropic side,” says Patrick Connell, current president of the division. Known for being one of the most active in the state, the group works with a variety of local charitable organizations, many of which are aimed

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at helping children. Every year they participate in food drives, fund raisers and educational opportunities. They also hold a variety of social events to foster friendship and fun within the Savannah Bar members.

YLD

by the numbers

70 35 $5,250

Current members of the Savannah division

Members must be 35 years old or younger

3,000

Amount raised this year for Guardian Ad Litem Program at their annual charity golf tournament

Under the guise of a Halloween party, the group raised enough money for America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia to provide 3,000 meals.

photo gr a ph y by z ac h en der son

THE BIG HIT

Richard H. Middleton, Jr. Case: Owens, et al. v. ContiGroup, et al.

Time on the case: 7 years The Rundown: It was a nuisance case brought for foul odors, flies and chemical-laden dusts by 15 neighbors of an industrial hog farm, consisting of 80,000 hogs in 80 barns, with 50 acres of waste lagoons and 1,000 acres of land-applied waste. This case is the largest such verdict in the U.S. against an industrial animal factory operation and is important because damages are simply loss of enjoyment of your own property.

law

M a n y t r i a l l aw y e r s s p e n d t h e i r c a r e e r s wa i t i n g f o r t h e c a s e t h at c o m e s w i t h a b i g payo f f.

L a s t y e a r , t h e s e l o c a l l i t i g at o r s g o t t h e i r w i s h

Verdict: $11,050,000; upheld by the Missouri Court of Appeals Jeffrey R. Harris and Darren W. Penn Case: Corey Cos. v. City of Atlanta Time on the case: Four months The Rundown: A federal jury sided with Billy Corey and his company, Corey Cos., in a federal discrimination suit against Atlanta City Hall. The case involved a billboard advertising contract at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. richard h. middleton, jr

jeffrey harris

Verdict: $17.5 million in damages

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the south’s finest

lawyers photogr aphy by nicole rule

&

s h aw n h e i f e rt

the conner law group pc, oliver maner, savage, turner, kraeuter, pinckney & madison, tate law group, huntermaclean, the middleton firm, christy carroll balbo, jones, boykin, & associates, p.c., mcnamara adams, richard m. darden, p.c., smart & harris, tom a edenfield, sr., scheer & montgomery p.c. wendy a. owens, gillen, withers, & lake, llc, harold j. cronk, p.c., bergen & bergen, deming, parker, hoffman, campbell, & daly, llc, the collaborative practice of savannah, lee, black, rouse, & hollis, pc

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“

if a lawyer is truly an advocate, then to effectively represent a client i believe i should spend more time listening to my clients than talking to my clients. i’m not doing my job properly unless i fully understand the client’s perspective and objective. —mike conner

”

the conner law group pc mike conner, Managing Partner the Law degree University of Georgia (1995) the credentials 16 years in practice the services + Commercial Litigation + Serious Personal Injury the awards/recognitions City Attorney for Jesup, Ga. (2011) Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America Fellow in the Council on Litigation Management Georgia Super Lawyers Rising Star Georgia Super Lawyers The Best Lawyers In America (2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011) Georgia Trend Magazine’s Legal Elite (2009) the most intriguing case An ongoing wrongful death case in which a woman was killed and partially eaten by an alligator. the mission I believe every client deserves my best effort every day. The Conner Law Group strives to provide consistently superior representation for a broad range of corporate and individual clients in a variety of legal areas and matters.

contact 7 East Congress Street | SAVANNAH, Georgia 761 East Cherry Street | Jesup, Georgia 877.283.2745 | theconnerlawgroup.com

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oliver maner llp

“

attorneys at law

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zealous representation with dedication to the rule of law is more than a slogan at oliver maner. it is a commitment to our clients and to our profession.

�

speci a l a dv ertor i a l sect ion

Oliver Maner LLP, founded in 1897 as Twiggs and Oliver, is located on historic Telfair Square in downtown Savannah. Oliver Maner is committed to providing value to its clients through skillful representation. Success, to Oliver Maner, means obtaining the best result possible for each client, no matter how big or small the matter, through the hard work of highly-trained and experienced lawyers who are dedicated to their clients, their clients’ interests and the rule of law.

The lawyers at Oliver Maner are widely recognized as top practitioners in their respective fields of exspeci a l a dv ertor i a l sect ion

pertise. The firm is particularly known for significant verdicts and settlements obtained by its trial lawyers who handle a broad range of civil matters, including business, personal injury, defense of professional malpractice, product liability, municipal, construction, banking, real estate, domestic relations, and employment claims. The firm is also well known for the skillfulness and commitment of its tax, estate, and corporate attorneys who provide a wide spectrum of services to businesses and business owners. Oliver Maner’s tax and estate attorneys are also recognized for their ability

to handle complex and creative estate planning and for their professional handling of probate matters.

In addition to providing a variety of high quality legal services, Oliver Maner attorneys are committed to improving our community and the legal system through leadership and involvement in charitable, community, bar-related and other non-profit organizations.

contact 218 west state street SAVANNAH, GeorgiA 912.236.3311 | olivermaner.com jun j un e | j uly 11

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Savage, Turner, kraeuter, pinckney & Madison trial attorneys the credentials

Established April 1, 1993, Savage, Turner, Kraeuter, Pinckney & Madison is the largest plaintiff’s practice in South Georgia. The firm has represented more than 3,000 people for claims involving major accident and injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, professional malpractice and product liability. The firm has successfully handled numerous class actions, representing thousands of claimants. The attorneys with Savage, Turner, Kraeuter, Pinckney & Madison have obtained over $355 million in settlements and verdicts for their clients.

the services

+ General Civil Trial Pactice (concentrating on personal injury) + Medical Negligence + Wrongful Death + Products Liability + Nursing Home Negligence + Representing Primarily Plaintiffs

the firm’s efforts

Obtained a $150 million dollar judgement in 2010 which was the largest in the state. Negligence suit against a drunk driver for permanent injuries including paralysis, resulting in a verdict of $7,000,000; Negligence suit against a driver for passenger’s permanent injuries received in accident, resulting in a verdict of $3,500,000 and medical expenses; Wrongful death suit against a drunk driver and establishment who served driver alcohol for death of parents, resulting in a settlement of $3,500,000; Medical malpractice suit involving improper resuscitation of a one-day-old infant in hospital nursery, resulting a $20,000,000 settlement.

Verdict for $2.3 million against developer for fraud. contact 304 East Bay Street SAVANNAH, GeorgiA 912.231.1140 | savagelawfirm.net

pictured left to right Brent Savage, Bart Turner, Brent Savage, Jr., Ashleigh Madison, William Otto, Karl Zipperer, Scot Kraeuter, Kathryn Hughes Pinckney (not pictured)

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speci a l a dv ertor i a l sect ion

speci a l a dv ertor i a l sect ion

“

tate law group is committed to helping injured clients get the money that they need to rebuild their lives.

tate law group, LLC

—mark tate

”

attorneys at law The lawyers

Mark A. Tate University of Georgia School of Law C. Dorian Britt University of Georgia School of Law Megan S. Helstowski Florida Coastal School of Law Michael K. Mixson University of Georgia School of Law James E. Shipley Walter F. George School of Law, Mercer University

the credentials

Mark A.Tate, Esq. has been practicing law for nearly 20 years and established his own firm, Tate Law Group, LLC in August of 2007. Tate Law Group has obtained over $70 million in awards for its clients since 2010.

the services

+ Industrial Exposure and Accidents + Personal Injury + Pharmaceutical Products Litigation

the awards/recognitions

Recipient of the F. Scott Baldwin Award for Most Outstanding Young Trial Lawyer; Elected to Outstanding Trial Lawyers of America; Recipient of the Weidemann Wysocki Citation of Excellence; Supporting Fellow of the Roscoe Pound Foundation; Host of WTOC 11 Saturday Night Law; Member of the Melvin Belli Society

the clientele

Individuals who have been injured by the negligence of others

the mission

Tate Law Group is a premier national law firm committed to providing our clients with a consistently high level of representation while handling complex and sophisticated matters both locally and nationally. The firm continues to implement methods of providing effective, quality representation, as well as results, for our clients.

contact 2 East Bryan Street Suite 600 SAVANNAH, GeorgiA 912.234.3030 | tatelawgroup.com

pictured left to right Mark A. Tate, Megan S. Helstowski, James E. Shipley, C. Dorian Britt

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HunterMaclean attorneys at law

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the credentials

Representing Businesses in Coastal Georgia for over 130 years... Since 1879, HunterMaclean and its predecessor firms have represented Savannah’s growing business community.

From railroads and banks in the nineteenth century to aerospace, high tech manufacturing, health care businesses and many non-profit organizations in 2010, the firm is proud to have been an integral part of our community.

the services HunterMaclean has extensive experience representing businesses and individuals in all areas of litigation as well as in: + Intellectual Property + Corporate Law + Business Litigation + Employment Law + Maritime Law + ERISA & Employee + Real Estate Benefits + Tax + Health Care + Estates & Trusts + Immigration + Transportation + Information Technology & Outsourcing speci a l a dv ertor i a l sect ion

the clientele

The firm’s clients include Fortune 500 companies, banks, hospitals, information technology firms, maritime companies, professional service organizations, manufacturing companies, industrial development authorities and non-profit corporations.

the mission

Professional excellence, uncompromising integrity and outstanding service define HunterMaclean’s mission. The firm’s attorneys specialize in creative solutions to complex client problems in fields ranging from maritime law to information technology law.

speci a l a dv ertor i a l sect ion

the awards/recognitions

HunterMaclean received 17 first-tier ratings in its market in the 2011 edition of Best Lawyers/U.S. News & World Report, including top ratings for all of the firm’s principal practice areas. In 2011, the Martindale Hubbell law directory honored 23 HunterMaclean attorneys with the top A-V rating, recognizing their commitment to legal excellence. The Best Lawyers in America, Atlanta Magazine named 10 HunterMaclean attorneys as Georgia Super Lawyers in its March 2011 issue.

Corporate Counsel magazine selected HunterMaclean as a “Go-To Law Firm” for the nation’s leading financial services companies. The Savannah Business Journal has honored a number of HunterMaclean attorneys as “40 Under 40”

business leaders, in recognition of their outstanding legal service and their leadership skills.

More than three-quarters of all HunterMaclean attorneys serve on the board of directors for a local nonprofit organization, demonstrating the firm’s commitment to serving the community.

contact Savannah Office: 200 E. Saint Julian Street 912.236.0261 | huntermaclean.com Brunswick Office: 777 Gloucester Street, Suite 305 912.262.5996 | huntermaclean.com

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the middleton firm Attorneys at law the services

+ Civil trial practice + Personal injury + Occupational disease + Products liability + Class actions + Professional negligence + Environmental claims (personal injury and property damage) + Employment litigation + Mass torts (pharmaceutical, disease, medical devices) + Business torts

the awards/recognitions

Past President, American Association for Justice (formerly Association of Trial Lawyers of America); Past President, National Crime Victims Bar Association; Past President , American Board of Trial Advocates, Georgia Chapter; National Board of Directors; Co-Chair, American Civil Trial Bar Roundtable; Past President, Pound Civil Justice Institute; Past President, Savannah Trial Lawyers Association; Lifetime Trustee, American Jury Trial Foundation; Past Trustee, Civil Justice Foundation, Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, Pound Civil Justice Institute; National Executive Committee, American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys.

the mission

The Middleton Firm, L.L.C. has achieved record verdicts and settlements in more than 40 states, pertaining to matters of products liability, occupational diseases, environmental claims, SLAPP-back litigation, franchise contracts, business torts, employment litigation and insurance fraud.

Mr. Middleton has received more seven and eight figure verdicts, judgments and settlements in more states than any other lawyer in the Savannah area.

Recent results include nuisance case verdicts of $11.1 million and $4.5 million for neighbors of two industrial agricultural complexes, a $47 million class action settlement for lost commissions of insurance agents, $2.4 million for wrongful death/ Legionnaires’ disease caused by a hotel hot tub, a $12 million settlement for victims of a health insurance company billing fraud, a class action ERISA/RICO judgment of $17.8 million for automobile dealers against a health insurance company, a $1.3 million verdict in a SLAPP-back suit against a national pork producer, and $1.1 million for a wrongful death in a trucking accident, and 2.75 million for the death of a race car driver.

Middleton is co-lead counsel for the national Industrial Agriculture Project, founded by Bobby Kennedy, Jr., with pending cases against factory farms in Georgia, Texas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, West Virginia and California. He served as lead trial counsel and was assisted by Stephen Sael in the largest nuisance case recovery ever for neighbors of such facilities.

The firm receives case referrals throughout the United States in all types of complex civil matters when quality representation and trial expertise are required.

contact 58 E. Broad Street | SAVANNAH, GeorgiA 912.234.1133 | middletonfirm.com

pictured left to right Stephen A. Sael, Richard H. Middleton, Jr.

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speci a l a dv ertor i a l sect ion

“

trial specialists for client and lawyer referrals throughout the u.s.

— richard middleton

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“

my philosophy is one of accessibility, knowledge and professionalism. in choosing my cases, i focus on what i know i can preform with the utmost ability.

—christy balbo

christy carroll balbo

”

Attorney At Law, P.C. the law degree the Law degree Fordham University School of Law tktktktktktktktktktktktktktktktkktktkttkt the credentials the credentials 10 years tktktktkt the services the service + General civil litigation + tktktktktktkktktktk + Contracts + tktktktktktkktktktk + Real estate + tktktktktktkktktktk + Personal injury + tktktktktktkktktktk + Business law + tktktktktktkktktktk

+ General Civil Mediator and Domestic Mediator

the awards/recognitions tktktktkttk ktktktktktk tktktktktk the awards/recognitions tktktktkkttktktktktkt tktktkktktk Certified General Civil Mediator tktktktkktktkktkt tktktktktkktktkt Certified Domestic Mediator tktktktkktktktktktktktktkktkt Commanding General’s Pot of Gold Award

the reward the inspiration tktktktkttk ktktktktktk tktktktktk Recently, Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro passed tktktktkkttktktktktkt tktktkktktk away. When I think of my career, I’m reminded of how ktktktkktktkktkt tktktktktkktktkt fortunate I was to have known her and that she agreed tktktktkktktktktktktktktkktkt tktktktkttk to author my law school recommendation. When I ktktktktktk tktktktktk was accepted at Fordham, I thought about how she had graduated as one of only two women in the 1960

the mission tktktktkttk ktktktktktk tktktktktk candidate from a major political party, and the first tktktktkkttktktktktkt tktktkktktk Italian-American to be a major party nominee. She tktktktkktktkktkt tktktktktkktktkt was also a journalist, a teacher, a businesswoman, an tktktktkttk ktktktktktk tktktktktk author, a human rights activist, a mother and a wife. tktktktkkttktktktktkt tktktkktktk class. She was both the first woman vice-presidential

I may never accomplish most of those things; but, I

do try to honor her example and provide respectful advocacy and support of those who need my help to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

contact 11258 Ford Avenue, Ste 8 | Richmond Hill, Georgia 912.756.5518 | Thebalbofirm.com

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“

we fight for what’s right.

— noble boykin

”

jones, boykin, & associates, P.C. Noble boykin, principal the Law degree Mercer University Law School, Juris Doctorate the credentials I graduated from law school in 1979. I was staff attorney for the Superior Court of Chatham County for two years and have been in private practice in Savannah continuously since then. the services + Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Litigation + Automobile Collisions + Motorcycle and Tractor Trailer Collisions + Slip and Fall Cases + Maritime Cases + Medical malpractice + False Arrest + DUI Defense the awards/recognitions I graduated with honors both as an undergraduate and from law school. I was an editor for the Law Review and was awarded a number of juris prudence awards while in law school. Since law school, I have obtained an “AV” rating with Martindale-Hubbell and am listed in Martindale-Hubbell’s Best Lawyers.

I was also selected for inclusion in Georgia Trend Magazine, Legal Elite for 2009. the mission Our firm’s motto is, “Helping folks in Savannah for over thirty years.” I think that pretty much sums it up. Our goal is to help ordinary people play on a level field with corporations and insurance companies, but doing so in an honest, straight forward way.

contact 213 East 38th Street | SAVANNAH, GeorgiA 912.236.6161 | nobleboykin.com

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“

individual commitment to a group effort- that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.

— vince lombardi

”

mcnamara adams attorneys & counselors at law the Law degree Thomas J. McNamara St Louis University (A.B. 1969) John Marshall University (J.D. 1976) Mary “Molly” McNamara Adams Loyola University, New Orleans (B.A. 1995; J.D., 1998) J. Craig Adams University of Georgia (A.B. cum laude, 1994); Loyola University School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1998) the credentials 30 years practicing the services + Real Estate Closings + Wills + Probate + General Practice The Mission With a commitment to personal service, our firm has focused on real estate closings and real estate related issues in Savannah and the surrounding areas for over 30 years, and we’ve been fortunate to have worked side by side with Savannah’s finest real estate agents and loan officers. We also handle wills, estate and probate matters, and we are here to answer your questions.

contact 7370 Hodgson Memorial Drive, STE. B-11 SAVANNAH, GeorgiA 912.355.1109 130 canal street, ste. 303 Pooler, Georgia 912.748.1204 | mcnamaraadamsatlaw.com

Pictured L to R: J. Craig Adams Mary “Molly” McNamara Adams, Thomas J. McNamara

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“

i have a very simple philosophy when it comes to the practice of law: never make promises you cannot keep and be absolutely honest with your client.

— richard m. darden

”

Richard M. Darden, P.C. Trial Lawyer the law degree Woodrow Wilson College of Law the credentials 33 Years the services + Criminal Defense + Appeals + State and Federal Court + Military Defense the awards/recognitions Recognized by Savannah Morning News as one of the most successful criminal defense attorneys in Chatham County. the most intriguing case Represented defendant charged with 3 murders. First case ended in mistrial and he was acquitted after second trial.

contact 33 Bull street, suite 510 | SAVANNAH, Georgia 912.231.1000 | rmdardenlawyer.com

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“

it is our practice to develop solutions to your legal and business challenges.

smart & harris

—don smart

”

attorneys & counselors at law the partners & Law degrees Don Smart, Partner West Georgia College (B.A. with honors, 1972) Emory University (J.D., 1975) Duke University (M.B.A., 1987) Monica B. Patel, Associate Williams College (B.A. cum laude, 1996) Northwestern University School of Law (J.D., 1999) Stephen H. Harris, Partner University of Virginia (B.A., 1968) University of Georgia (J.D., 1971) Barbara S. Foster, Associate University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (B.S., 1986) Campbell University (J.D., 1989) the history Don Smart, who has been in practice since 1975, and Stephen Harris, who has been in practice since 1971, established Smart and Harris in 1990. the services + Personal Injury + Family Law + Probate Law + Worker’s Compensation + Traffic Law + Commercial and Corporate Law + Criminal Law

+ Real Estate + Civil Litigation + Creditors’ Rights + Trucking Law + Wrongful Death + Social Security

The clientele We are a general practice firm so any and all are welcome. the most intriguing case A wrongful death claim for a child with sickle cell anemia.

contact 127 Abercorn Street, Suite 200 | SAVANNAH, GA 912.201.2332 | smartandharris.com Pictured L to R: Don Smart, Partner, Monica B. Patel, Associate Stephen H. Harris, Partner, Barbara S. Foster, Associate

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“

i was blessed by god to be born in a free country. freedom comes from sacrifice and courage of many. god is a better lawyer than i am. i get the fee but he does the work.

—tom edenfield

Tom a Edenfield, sr.

”

attorney at law the Law degree

Undergraduate Degree Armstrong University Law Degree Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law the credentials

I passed the bar exam in 1962, however, I graduated from law school in 1963 and have been practicing since that date. the services + General Trial Practice + Criminal Law + Civil Law + Personal Injury + Domestic Relations + Wills and Estates the awards/recognitions Member and Past President of Savannah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; Member and Past President of the Savannah Plaintiff Trial Lawyers Association; Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; Boss of the Year presented by Savannah Legal Secretaries Association (1975); Awarded the Robert E. Robinson Award by the Young Lawyers Section of the Savannah Bar Association (2003) in recognition of outstanding personal contributions to the goals of professional service, protection of the rights of individuals and the promotion of justice through law. Assisted in the Organization of the Chatham County Drug Court and DUI Court Programs; Judge, Bloomingdale Municipal Court (1988 to present); Judge, Garden City Municipal Court (2005 to present); Judge, Port Wentworth Municipal Court (2005 to present); Judge, Rincon Municipal Court (present); Former Judge, Pooler Municipal Court; Pro-Tem Judge, State Court Chatham County; ProTem Judge, State Court Effingham County; the mission Every client is important and needs to be treated special. To protect the rights and freedom of those who are fortunate enough to be born in a Nation under God where we all are entitled to Life, Liberty and Justice for all, remembering that we are descendents of many who believed in God and our freedoms established in the Bill of Rights and Constitution.

contact 217 West York Street | SAVANNAH, GeorgiA 912.234.1568 | edenfieldtoma134@bellsouth.net

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Scheer & Montgomery P.C. attorneys at law the Law degrees Craig Call Florida Coastal School of Law (J.D. 2009) Steven E. Scheer University of Georgia (J.D. 1974) Donald L. Montgomery Jr. University of Maryland (J.D. 2003) the credentials Steven E. Scheer, P.C. and The Law Office of Donald Montgomery merged in July 2009. the services + Personal Injury + Wrongful Death + Criminal Defense + Criminal Litigation + DUI

+ Government Law + Civil Litigation + Corporate Litigation + Product Liability

the awards/recognitions Steven E. Scheer Bar Register of PreEminent Lawyers (Martindale-Hubbell) AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell Member: Savannah Bar Association, State Bar of Georgia, American Bar Association City Attorney, City of Pooler (2002—Present) Donald L. Montgomery Jr. 1999 Police Officer of the Year Award— Veterans of Foreign Wars (Dundalk, Maryland) Member: Savannah Bar Association, State Bar of Georgia Craig Call Member: Savannah Bar Association, State Bar of Georgia, The Florida Bar the mission Scheer & Montgomery’s goal is to ensure that our clients receive the best possible legal advice and representation.

Our diversified attorney experiences allow us to provide legal representation in a variety of situations to service the individual needs of our clients.

contact 8 East Liberty Street SAVANNAH, GA | 912.233.1273 scheerandmontgomery.com

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“

from the earliest stage of the process, actively listen to your client so that you can work together to develop a strategy that most closely fits his or her expectations.

— wendy owens

”

wendy A. owens attorney at law the Law degree Tulane Law School

the credentials Admitted to North Carolina 1999, Georgia 2001 and West Virginia 2005.

I actively practice in all three states and am also a certified civil mediator in the State of Georgia. the services + Real Estate Litigation + Title Clearance + Business Litigation + Information Technology + Contracts + Mediation the awards/recognitions Leadership Savannah Class of 2009-2010; GAWL Leadership 2009; AWWIN Top Ten Working Women 2009 The most intriguing case There have been several over the years.

I worked along with the NC Attorney General’s Office to penalize and put out of business a company that was charging individuals to file counterfeit lien releases.

I have worked with local law enforcement to locate missing mobile homes, which have been moved sometimes one side at a time.

Additionally, I have disproven the existence of a fictitious Native American tribe in an attempt by an owner to thwart jurisdiction.

contact 111 E. Oglethorpe Avenue Savannah, Georgia 912.210.0901 | coastalempirelaw.com

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“

the leading rule for the lawyer as for the man of every calling is diligence and hard work.

gillen, withers, & lake, LLC thomas a. withers, sr

— Abraham Lincoln

”

the Law degree University of Georgia the credentials 27 years practicing law the services + Federal and State Criminal Defense + Complex Civil Litigation + Health Care Law the awards/recognitions While an Assistant US Attorney in the 1990s, I received several commendations for cases that we prosecuted. the most intriguing case Probably representing an attorney in Columbus a little over a year ago who was accused of being a member of a drug conspiracy, money laundering and a variety of other charges. Fortunately, the judge and jury agreed with us that the agents and prosecution were overzealous in their pursuit of a high profile attorney and the jury returned not guilty verdicts on all thirty four charges in the indictment. the mission Fundamentally, I think an attorney has to care about his or her client. I’ve seen too many attorneys who have lost their way in their practice and their pursuit of the dollar has overridden their sense of responsibility to their client and to the system of justice itself.

contact 8 East Liberty Street | SAVANNAH, Georgia 912.447.8400 | twithers@gwllawfirm.com federalcriminaldefenseblog.com twitherslaw.com

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harold j. cronk, p.c. attorney at law the Law degree Mercer Law School ( 1987) the credentials Practicing law for 24 years the serviceS + Plaintiff’s Personal Injury + Criminal + Probate + General Iitigation the awards/recognitions While in Law School I was a member of the Mercer Law Review, Moot Court Board, was an Honor Court Justice, and a member of the winning ABA Client Counceling Competition Team. Since Law School I have served as past president of The Savannah Trial Lawyers Association, have obtained an AV rating with Martindale- Hubbell, am a member of all Georgia Appellate Courts, the local Federal District Court, and I am authorized to practice before the Supreme Court of The United States. the reward I love practicing in Savannah because it is so beautiful and it is my hometown. Often times I get calls from people I knew, but have not seen in many years, who were classmates of mine in elementary school, junior high school, and high school. Above all, it is my pleasure and honor to work with the collegial members of the Savannah Bar and Judiciary.

The Biggest Influence on my Career I was fortunate enough to work with, and be mentored by, Attorney John Wright Jones, who taught all of his lawyers the right way to practice law. the mission My law firm will only accept cases in which I am prepared to pursue all the way to a jury trial, and if necessary, to appeal the case to the appellate courts in Atlanta. I am adamant about seeking a fair and equitable resolution for all my clients’ claims.

contact 49 Park of Commerce Way Suite 101 SAVANNAH, Georgia 31405 912.236.4878 | hcronk.com

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bergen & bergen attorneys & counselors at law the Law degrees Frederick S. Bergen Law School: Walter F. George School of Law, Mercer University, 1986 Zachary H. Thomas Law School: Walter F. George School of Law, Mercer University, 2004 the credentials The firm was originally established in 1951 by attorney Joseph B. Bergen.

The Clientele Fred and Zach are proud to represent individuals who have been catastrophically injured and individuals whose family members have suffered wrongful death in Savannah and throughout Georgia. the services + Medical malpractice + Catastrophic personal injury + Wrongful death + Products liability + Worker’s compensation the awards/recognitions Bergen & Bergen, P.C. is an AV rated firm by Martindale-Hubbell for preeminent legal abilities and ethics. Attorneys in Georgia and other states frequently associate Bergen & Bergen, P.C. in medical negligence cases as a result of the firm obtaining some of Savannah’s highest verdicts and settlements in that specialty. Since 2007, Fred has been annually selected for inclusion by Georgia Super Lawyers in the areas of medical malpractice and personal injury. Fred has also been selected to The Best Lawyers in America in the same areas. Zach has been selected for inclusion as a Rising Star by Georgia Super Lawyers annually since 2009 in the areas of medical malpractice and personal injury. the mission Fred and Zach are dedicated to obtaining the best results for their clients whether through settlement or trial while upholding the highest ethical standards.

contact 123 East Charlton Street | Savannah, Georgia 912.233.6600 | bergenandbergen.com 102

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“

in matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.

— Thomas Jefferson

”

deming, parker, hoffman, campbell, & daly, LLC christopher w. t. daly the Law degree Washington and Lee (B.A. 1990) University of Georgia (J.D. 1993) the credentials 18 years practicing the service + Workers’ Compensation the awards/recognitions “AV” Rated by Martindale Hubbell Survey of Attorneys and the Judiciary (highest possible rating) the reward I relish the situations where I can help people in the most trying times of their lives. It is not easy work, but for my clients, it is certainly very important work. the mission Mr. Daly and his firm dedicate their practice to representing injured workers and their families. A majority of Mr. Daly’s cases come as refferals from the local legal and medical communities.

contact 2 e. Bryan Street, Suite 602 | SAVANNAH, GeorgiA 912.527.2000 | deminglaw.com

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“

our local collaborative group understands that divorce ends a marriage but need not sever family ties or relationships, especially when children are involved. collaborative divorce can lead you and your family to a compassionate ending, and a healthy new beginning.

the collaborative practice of savannah

�

attorneys at law the credentials The collaborative group was started in 2007. The Collaborative Practice of Savannah is comprised of local professionals who have been trained in collaborative family law. A list of the collaborative attorneys, coaches, child specialists and financial neutrals/affiliates can be found on our website. the service + Collaborative Family Law The Clientele Divorcing spouses who want to end their marriage in a faster, less-stressful and cost-effective manner. Collaborative family law is a commitment to resolve outstanding issues in a respectful manner outside of court. the mission Our mission is to help divorcing parties resolve their disputes respectfully and in a cost efficient manner. In collaborative divorce the parties pledge to reach an agreement without going to court.

You and your spouse keep control of the decisions yourselves, rather than giving the judge the power to decide your case.

contact collaborativelawsavannah.com

Pictured L to R: Jack Strother, Trish Murphy, Carl Pedigo, Jenni Swan Back Row: Scot Kraeuter, Stephen Lewis, and Dena Gardner

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lee, black, rouse, & hollis, PC attorneys at law the Law degrees W. Jerrold Black, University of Georgia Christopher L. Rouse, Georgia State University Thomas E. Hollis, University of South Carolina the credentials Established in 1972 the services + Commercial and Residential Real Estate Law and Transactions + Personal Injury, Death and Disability + Litigation, including Insurance Litigation + Wills, Trusts and Probate + Social Security Disability + Small Business Setup and Issues + Divorces the awards/recognitions AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers the mission To provide high quality legal services to people buying, selling or re-financing real estate, forming businesses, or in disputes with other businesses, vendors or insurers, to those who need wills, trust agreements and related documents, or help with the probate process.

contact 7395 Hodgson Memorial Drive SAVANNAH, GeorgiA 912.355.1131 lawsavannah.com

Pictured L to R: Christopher L. Rouse, Thomas E. Hollis, and W. Jerrold Black

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business

g e t t i n g

d o w n

t o

business OPENING WORLD TRADE C u r r e n t ly t h e r e a r e a b o u t 3 3 0 wo r l d t r a d e c e n t e r s a r o u n d t h e wo r l d . S ava n n a h Ec o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t Au t h o r i t y p r e s i d e n t a n d C EO , S t e v e W e at h e r s , a l o n g w i t h a l a r g e t e a m o f l o c a l s u p p o r t e r s , i s w e l l o n t h e way t o b r i n g i n g t h e n e x t o n e t o S ava n n a h written by Lauren Hunsberger

Steve Weathers has been in Savannah working as the president and CEO of Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) for only about eight months, a short amount of time to do business in a tight-knit community notorious for operating by long-standing family and friends connections. But you’d never guess it by watching him command a room full of the heaviest hitters in the city, a group that collectively governs over the sea, land and air in the Creative Coast.

During the succession of meetings he’s been having with local leaders, he’s calm and direct. He stands at the head of the room sharply dressed, with well-managed hair and a trim figure, indicating his level of attention to detail. He’s a man with a grand plan for the city and everyone can sense it.

“Should we get plugged into world trade?” he asks. It’s a question he’s been asking a lot lately—to community leaders, to himself, to business owners and world trade experts. And by that he means, Should Savannah’s next big economic move be to bring a world trade center to the city? It’s a sexy idea, he admits.

“There’s a big world trade center in Dubai, UAE, and there’s also one in the small town of Missoula, Montana. And they do business. Can you imagine any other reason those two places would have to ever communicate? It’s amazing,” Weathers says. And it’s true. An instant connection into world commerce is intriguing. Add on the fact that Savannah has a prime location, a range of industries already heavily involved in importing and exporting, and a tourism driven economy, and it seems like a perfect idea. Right? Some local leaders think so and are throwing themselves behind the campaign. However, others, including Weathers, aren’t sold just yet.

“You really need to have the numbers to back it up,” he says. So that’s exactly what he’s determining. Called a comparative analysis, Weathers’ very first priority when he took the position with SEDA was to have an outside party analyze where Savannah stood economically in comparison to 11 other cities its size. The purpose was to quantify what the city’s economic strengths and weaknesses are and to determine which industries and companies would last, what the power of the workforce is, where there is room to flourish, and where the city would be treading water. “We’re looking for economic fruit,” he explains.

Among other benefits, the analysis serves as a litmus test of sorts for whether a world trade center is a good idea for Savannah.

In May, the results came back. They were pretty much on par with what Weathers was expecting. Savannah has potential—lots of it. But still, Weathers is a perpetual risk evaluator and says he has a lot of work ahead of him.

Despite arriving in the city just a short time ago, Weathers has quickly put the city on a fast track. He has a five-year strategic plan to propel the city forward in Steve Wea thers holds regu terms of economic development, the comparative lar meetings w analysis and world trade center being two critical leaders to ith city push the movemen t to bring parts of that plan. But first he has to carefully world tr ade evaluate exactly how best to do that. The good thing to the city .

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business

is this is not Weathers’ first rodeo. A member of the founding board for the San Diego World Trade Center and driving force behind economic development in Tucson, Arizona and Toledo, Ohio, he knows exactly what to look for, how to start the process and how to communicate with the community.

“We need to find out exactly what our footprint on the global culture is,” he says. That’s where the numbers come into play. Aerospace, emerging advanced materials, forestbased product manufacturing and, surprisingly, special food production all ranked very high as industries that could help Savannah flourish and provide sustainable long-term growth.

“The thing I really liked about the results is the diversity,” Weathers says, adding that while the previously mentioned industries are big players, there’s a second tier of smaller economic ventures that also popped up on the radar.

“In terms of potential for digital media, around the country, we ranked very high,” he says. Similarly, the potential for energy sustainable design and interactive entertainment is also very high in the city. This was very good news for Weathers as the final leg of his five-year strategic plan is to ramp up innovation, which according to the results concerning things like patents per capita and technology-based employment is one of the areas that Savannah desperately needs to catch up in. As his plan unfolds, he wants to eventually hire a director of innovation who will help initiate and nourish emerging industries.

The results from the comparative analysis are lengthy but chocked full of telling information about the city. Weathers’ challenge now is to distribute the information to the rest of the city in a way that they can understand the impact of the project. It will then be up to his board to determine whether a world trade center is appropriate for the community. The local board of leaders will vote in September, and if they decide to go through with the plans, the World Trade Center Association in New York will vote on it in early October.

One thing is for sure though, the city will be anxiously waiting to see what happens. ➼ To see his detailed plan for the city, go to seda.org

World

Trade

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The World Trade Centers Association is defined as an organization whose aim is to promote business growth and international trade by uniting government agencies and corporations to create a global trade expansion.

$200,000 is the sum of the fee required to be a regular member and have a licensed WTCA

by the numbers:

1970

91

was the year the first WTC was established in Tokyo

countries currently have membership with WTCA.

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IRS {a pp}

The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) just released its very own app for the iPhone and Android called the IRS2Go. The app allows taxpayers to check the status of their tax refund and to get helpful tax information that is easy to understand.

The app is free of charge. For more helpful tax return tips, taxpayers can also follow the IRS on Twitter.

APPS THAT CAN SAVE YOU MONEY 1. GasBuddy (Free) Find the cheapest gas nearest to you.

2. Mint.com (Free) Set, track and manage your budget from your phone.

A Century in the South S o u t h s a l u t e s t h o s e t h at h av e m a n ag e d t o m a i n ta i n t h e i r b u s i n e s s e s a n d h av e b e e n s e r v i n g o u r a r e a f o r ov e r 10 0 y e a r s

3. PAGEONCE BILLS (Free) Organize and track all of your accounts.

4. Red Laser (Free) Read any barcode— guaranteed.

Saving with Social Media

Bouhan, Williams, & Levy LLP has been serving the Lowcountry since 1886. The firm now boasts 15 attorneys and focuses on corporate, business and transaction matters.

These days Facebook and Twitter aren’t just for sharing photos and status updates. Banks and financial institutions are sharing saving secrets and tips via newsfeeds. Follow them, and you could see real results in your bank account. SunTrust is one of the companies taking full advantage of social media tools, and they offer a wide variety of tools.

Globe Shoe Co. has been keeping Southerners in style since 1892.

Specializing in high-end shoes and accessories, this family-owned business has been around for three generations.

LiveSolid Facebook: The Facebook page for the LiveSolid community features a daily tip, links to articles and tools on LiveSolid.com and interaction with fans on financial and lifestyle topics. facebook.com/livesolid

Levy Jewelers started as a small family-operated watch repair business in 1900 and has evolved into one of the most prominent jewelry stores in Savannah through the past four generations.

HunterMaclean started in Savannah in 1879 and still practices mainly out of the Savannah office. The firm represents a large number of companies and individuals in business matters.

Hancock Askew & Co., LLP was started by Charles Neville in 1910.

Founded as The Charles Neville Audit Co., the firm evolved over the years into Barnes, Askew, Mills & Co. and eventually Hancock Askew & Co. 108

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•

AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGES savannah

Georgia

$775 $866

Construction

$1,252

Manufacturing

$907 $1,016

Wholesale Trade

$1,230

$470

Retail Trade

$492

Transportation

$685

& Warehousing

$878 $1,499 $1,501

Utilities

Information

ARE YOU READY TO RETIRE? According to local investment managers people should save at least 15% of their gross salary during their entire working life, preferably through tax deferred savings vehicles such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and the like.

In order for your retirement account to last your lifetime (which may be 30+ years in retirement), your account should be worth 25 times your annual withdrawals (if you plan to withdraw $2,500 per month or $30,000 per year, your retirement account needs to be $750,000 by the time of your retirement). • The Fiduciary Group Investment Managers, 912 303 9000, tfginvest.com

$887 $1,382

➼ Money Manager: Julia Butler wants to help you make the most out of your investments. $977

Finance & Insurance

$1,300

$1,208 $1,268

Federal Government

Professional, Scientific/Tech Services

$982 $1,332

$816 $858

Education Services

$883 $833

Health Care & Social Services

Arts Entertainment & Recreation Accommodation & Food Services

Other Services

Real Estate & Rental & Leasing

$409 $598

Growth in a Tough Economy Education and health services were the fastest growing sectors from 2005 to 2010, recording a growth rate of 17.2%.

17.2%

The hospitality sector grew 7.5% in the last five years. * The only other sector to post an employment gain is state and local government.

7.5%

2005 2010

A Tax Blog That Saves You Big

R o b C o r da s c o i s a n u m b e r s m a n w h o h a s a way w i t h w o r d s . H e r e c e n t ly s ta r t e d b l o g g i n g a b o u t ta x e s , d e c o d i n g a n d e x p l a i n i n g c o m p l i c at e d i s s u e s — a n d m a n y l o s t ta x pay e r s t h a n k h i m f o r i t

$295 $304 $518 $573 $582 $844

State Government

$818 $731

Local Government

$738 $708

photogr a ph y by sh aw n h eif ert a n d m u k i a l edor i

Do you know what 100% depreciation (Section 179) means and how it can help your business? Do you know what happens if you can’t afford to pay your taxes? No? Rob Cordasco, who opened Cordasco & Co. to help small businesses and their owners capitalize on the changing economy and tax environment, answers all those questions and more on his blog, which offers helpful tax tips and news. Don’t miss a bit of his advice—go to cspcpa.com/blog/ j un e | j uly 11

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business

12 Tips to Consider Before Opening Shop c o m m e r c i a l r e a l e s tat e i n v e s t m e n t a dv i c e

Preparation:

The first step is to create a comprehensive and realistic business model.

Term: Your lease duration should be structured to address your short and long-term goals.

Feasibility:

Test your business model to ensure positive market demand.

Shield:

Competition: Identify and assess the competition’s market share.

Hidden Costs:

Target the demographic profile of your client base.

Marketability:

Assess: Project immediate and future space needs.

Orientation, visibility, accessibility and convenience are critical.

Positioning:

Permissibility: Determine if your signage is legal and conforms with governing restrictions and ordinances.

Insulate and protect yourself from future competition by requiring a non-compete provision.

Be keenly aware of the responsibilities of each party relative to major building and systems repairs and replacement.

If the foregoing elements are satisfied, move forward with the business model.

Take Action:

A qualified agent will be able to assist in all facets of the process and allow your more immediate focus to be directed toward the business model.

Representation:

âžź For more information, call Jennifer Moesch at Whitley & Associates, Inc. | 912.704.6242

Jennifer Moesch, a local commercial real estate mogul, identifies the critical information needed before taking the plunge

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15.8%

13.6%

11.2%

26.7%

did you know?

At $13.2 billion, Savannah Gross Domestic product (GDP) is the third largest in the state and the 8th fastest growing.

8.7%

business

13.2%

10.7%

What Savannahians Make...

$45,021 $63,491 WHERE THE JOBS ARE (11.2%) Retail tradE

(13.2%) Leisure and hospitality

(10.7%) Professional and business services

(13.6%) State and local gov.

(15.8%) Education and health services

(8.7%) Manufacturing plants (26.7%) OTHer

Median household income in Savannah

Average household income in Savannah

*126,307 households total

26% 26.1%

of households bring in $25,000 of households bring in between $25,000-49,999

41.8% 6.1%

of households bring in between $50,000-149,999 of households bring in $150,000 +

1/2-page Ad

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business

New Tax Law Changes For 2010 and 2011, most taxpayers can expense 100% of new business assets. Section 179 expensing election was increased to $500,000, and with the changes to bonus depreciation, all new business assets acquired after Sept. 9, 2010 can be expensed with no limitations. In some cases this even applies to leasehold improvements.

with gary sadowski

➤➤ For 2011 social security withholding reduces to 4.2% from 6.2% ➤➤ For 2010 taxpayers may take a credit of up to $1,500 for qualified improvement expenses (residential energy property credit) ➤➤ Lifetime gift tax exclusion amount increased to $5,000,000 ➤➤ Estate tax exclusion changed to $5,000,000 ➤➤ Qualified businesses with less than 25 full-time employees can receive a tax credit

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of up to 35% of employer-paid health care costs. ➤➤ Employers who hired unemployed workers (after Feb. 3, 2010 and before Jan. 1, 2011) may qualify for a 6.2% payroll tax incentive.

The maximum value of this incentive was $6,621 per new employee, which amounts to 6.2% of wages paid in 2010 up to the FICA wage cap of $106,800. Note: Do not panic if you missed this one. You still have time to claim your credit for 2010 wages paid to qualified employees.

• For more information, visit sadowskico.com

photo gr a ph y by sh aw n h eif ert

A Downtown Movement downtown businesses find a shoulder to lean on as the voice of dba gets louder

As the political and economic scenes in Savannah keep changing, Ruel Joyner, president of the Downtown Business Association, equipped with the support of his 20-member board and 140-business membership list, wants their organization to lead the way to stability and success. “It’s time for Savannah to really flourish. It’s time to go out and till the fields and grow,” Joyner says. Topping his list of priorities, he says communication between the local government, the small business community and the public is hugely important. And then, of course, there’s funding.

“One of the biggest challenges is

photogr a ph y by josh br a nst et t er

revenue for the city,” he says, which helps with revitalization and other business retention efforts. His other goals for the DBA are to recruit more small businesses and then ensure that they succeed. “Small business is the backbone, is the lifeblood, of the city,” he says.

You can join the Downtown Business Association through their web site. Membership packages vary and benefits include a feature on the organization’s web site, monthly luncheons and discounts at other members’ businesses. ➸ savannahdba.com, 912.660.4718

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The South’s Finest

POWER ProfessionalS photography by

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the fiduciary group, the murphy group, sadowski & company, llc, the savannah bank, n.a., cordasco & company, pc, deemer dana & froehle llp, scott mckeever, cpa, pc, william d. cannady, cpa, pc, georgia heritage, holland, henry, & bromley, llp, hancock askew

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“

WE’RE A TEAM OF HIGHLY SKILLED INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING A BEST-IN-CLASS EXPERIENCE TO THOSE WHO VALUE HANDSON SERVICE, EXPERTISE, AND SMART INDEPENDENT ADVICE. —Malcolm Butler

”

The fiduciary group investment management

Malcolm Butler, Chief Executive Officer

Joel Goodman, CFA Chief Investment Officer

the credentials Malcolm: B.A., Duke University; J.D., University of Georgia School of Law Joel: B.B.A., University of Georgia; M.B.A., Duke University the Clientele High net worth individuals and families, people in “savings mode,” trusts, estates, and company retirement plans. the service For over 40 years we have been dedicated to one thing: fiduciary investment management. That means constructing and managing investment portfolios for clients based on the highest standard of care and solely in their best interests. the awards/recognitions The only recognition that matters to us is from our clients, when they tell us they feel their money is in good hands and they enjoy working with us. the reward Helping our clients throughout the lifecycle of their financial lives, from starting careers and building wealth, to protecting it in retirement and passing it on to the next generation. the mission We seek to preserve and build our clients’ wealth while managing risk so it will support their lifestyle, last their lifetime, and provide their legacy. Transparency, accountability, and integrity are the cornerstones of our relationships.

contact 310 Commercial Drive SAVANNAH, Georgia 912.303.9000 | tfginvest.com

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“

We feel so fortunate to live and work in Savannah. Its culture, heritage, and the quality of people we interact with on a daily basis enhance both our personal and professional lives.

The Murphy Group

Suntrust investment services inc.

”

the credentials 20 years of combined investment experience the clientele High net worth individuals, corporate investment plans and retired executives

Garrett Murphy, Private Financial Advisor

Ryan Murphy, Private Financial Advisor

the services + Retirement Planning + High Net Worth Financial Planning + Investment Management the awards 2009 and 2010 President’s Team Award the reward Providing advice and direction that has a profound impact on the lives of our clients and their families for generations the mission Our mission is to help people and institutions prosper. We do this by discovering the many dimensions of our clients’ lives, developing personalized and comprehensive solutions to reach their goals, and delivering an exceptional client experience.

contact 33 Bull Street Ste 200 2nd floor Savannah, Georgia 912.944.1021 suntrust.com/wealth

Securities and Insurance Products and Services: *Are not FDIC or any other Government Agency Insured*Are not Bank Guaranteed *May Lose Value Securities, insurance (including annuities and certain life insurance products) and other investment products and services are offered by SunTrust Investment Services, Inc., an SEC registered investment adviser and broker-dealer affiliate of SunTrust Banks, Inc., and a member of the FINRA and SIPC and a licensed insurance agency.

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“

DURING THIS TOUGH ECONOMY WE HAVE FORMALLY ADOPTED THE PHILOSOPHY OF “WE REFUSE TO LET OUR CLIENTS FAIL”

—Gary Sadowski, Managing Partner

”

Sadowski & Company, LLC certified public accountants Pictured L to R: Rob Martin, Chris Lovell, Stacy Rector, Duncan Wilkes, Dale Murray, Alan Karesh, Mary Day, Frank Falcione, Alan Cash

The Credentials

We are currently celebrating our 25th year in business. We are members of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts.

the services

+ Business Services including Audits, Reviews, Compilations, CFO Services, Business Valuation, Planning, Formation and Internal Control Review + Individual and Business Tax Preparation, Planning and Problem Resolution + QuickBooks Setup and Training + Personal Financial Planning including Estate Planning

the reward

We have by far the most experienced and seasoned staff in the Georgia and South Carolina Low Country. Our CPA’s average over 25 years of experience, as CEO’s, CFO’s, business owners, and executives, as well as in public accounting. That gives us a distinct advantage in helping clients succeed.

the mission

Our firm provides outstanding service to our clients because of our dedication to three underlying principles: professionalism, responsiveness and quality. We are completely committed to helping our clients succeed and can do so because we are business people first.

contact 1004 MEMORIAL LANE, SUITE 300 SAVANNAH, GA 31410 912.232.2211 | sadowskico.com

The Partners Pictured L to R: Gary Smolinski Karl Rosenbohm Gary Sadowski Clinton Fonseca

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Bluffton Location 29 Plantation Park, Suite 115, Bluffton, SC 29910 843.757.9001

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“

a growing community requires financial leadership and ‘hands on’ support with community and civic activities.

— John C. Helmken II

the savannah bank, n.a.

”

the savannah bancorp inc. the credentials The Savannah Bank opened its doors in 1990 and has been serving the Savannah community for over twenty years. In 1998, our holding company merged with the holding company of Bryan Bank & Trust in Richmond Hill which expanded our coastal footprint into Bryan County.

Since that time, we have also opened branches across the state line into South Carolina and, in 2008, surpassed $1 Billion in total assets. Not only does our bank have the largest Trust Division in the region, we also acquired the largest and oldest registered investment advisory firm in our area, Minis & Co. The blending of all these services enables us to respond to the breadth of financial needs of the community.

John C. Helmken, II President & CEO The Savannah Bancorp, Inc.

Holden Hayes, President, The Savannah Bank

the Clientele We want customers—all customers.

Everyone needs a banking company that is always there for you. We target individuals and businesses that need regular banking services such as deposit, ATM, electronic banking, e-statements, loans, mortgages, etc., but we are also here to help with the financial planning and investment needs. the awards/recognitions The Savannah Bank is the largest community bank in our area and has also earned the rank of #3 in deposit market share in Savannah. Our company was named seven years in a row as “Best in Business” by the Atlanta Journal Constitution by the Georgia 100 Club.

contact 25 Bull Street | SAVANNAH, Georgia 912.629.6500 | www.thesavannahbank.com

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“

If you don’t drive your business, you will be driven out of business — B.C. Forbes

”

Cordasco & Company, PC a boutique CPA firm

Rob Cordasco, CPA, CITP

the credentials The firm was established in February 2007. Rob Cordasco, the firm’s principal has over 20 years of public accounting experience, the majority at a senior leadership level. the Clientele Our primary target market is small businesses and entrepreneurs. We work with a wide range of businesses and individuals with simple to complex tax and accounting issues. We have a strong expertise in complex tax issues, so an increasing number of people seek us out to provide customized solutions and proactive planning alternatives. the services High-end tax and accounting services for small businesses and individuals. the reward The ability to work with a diverse group of people and businesses. Since every client and situation is different we are able to create customized solutions based on our broad and deep tax and accounting knowledge. The best part is that our results are easily quantifiable. We either saved you money or not. the mission Our mission is simple - we help our clients capitalize on the rapidly changing tax and accounting environment.

contact 109 Oglethorpe Professional Court SAVANNAH, GeorgiA 912.353.7800 | CordascoCPA.com

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“

Although our firm has a national practice, our tax and small business group is proud to serve Savannah and the surrounding communities.

—pamela o’Quinn

”

Deemer dana & froehle llp Certified Public Accountants the credentials An Independently Owned Member, McGladrey Alliance 48 Years in Existence We have 8 partners, 50 employees and offices in Savannah & Atlanta

John Vandaveer, Tax & Valuation Partner

Pamela O’Quinn, Small Business Group Partner

Arthur Dana, Tax & Business Planning and Litigation Support Services Partner

the Clientele We specialize in tax and small business services for our Savannah and Atlanta clients. We also promote three major niches, the architecture/engineering/construction industry, colleges and universities, and employee benefit plan audits. the services + Assurance & Advisory + General Business Consulting + Merger & Acquisition Services + Tax Compliance & Consulting + Valuation & Litigation Support the awards/recognitions Accounting Today: Best Accounting Firm to work for, Alfred P Sloan Award for Business Excellence the reward The opportunities and value we are able to create for our clients. Creating a true partnership with our clients, contacts, vendors and communities. the mission All firm members strive for one common goal both inside and outside the office: to create value in each relationship.

contact 118 Park of Commerce Drive SAVANNAH, GA 912.238.1001 | ddfcpas.com

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“

It’s all about helping individuals, families and small businesses, such as myself, to increase profits and achieve their financial goals.

—Scott mckeever

”

Scott mckeever, cpa, pc certified public accountant the credentials BBA Accounting Georgia Southern University (1992) the services + Individual and small business tax and accounting + Consulting + Compilation and reviews + Fraud investigation the awards/recognitions Member of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Member of the National Society of Accountants the reward Solving challenging tax and financial situations that clients present the mission We are dedicatied to providing individualized attention and professional expertise that allows clients to plan and achieve their financial goals through a relationship built on confidentiality, integrity and trustworthiness.

contact 329 eisenhower drive, suite b100 SAVANNAH, GeorgiA 912.660.0673 | mckeevercpa.com

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“

As we look to the future, we will continue to find new and imaginative strategies to better serve our clients.

William d. Cannady, cpa, pc certified public accountants the credentials In business for over 30 years. the Clientele Individuals, small to medium businesses, non-profits, homeowners associations, estates and trusts. the services + Tax Planning and Preparation + Tax Audit Representation + Audits and Reviews + Full range of accounting and payroll services + Litigation support + Software evaluation and support + General and management consulting the awards/recognitions We chose to share our blessings and successes with our Community, rather than Industry or Fraternal Organizations.

The Owner has served on the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army of Savannah for over 20 years in various capacities, currently Treasurer. He also currently sits on the Board of Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless, as Treasurer. the reward Our rewards are derived from the achievement of our clients’ desired results or outcomes, knowing that we were able to contribute to their success.

We aim to make life better for those who we serve. the mission To provide accurate, confidential, and timely financial services to our clients, at a fair value, in a personal and professional environment that promotes, supports and rewards all of us for making a difference.

contact 506 W. Jones Street SAVANNAH, GeorgiA 912.233.8397 | wcannadycpa.com 122

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—William Cannady

”

“

”

Our mission is to improve the financial well-being of our members and to serve our community with respect, integrity and excellence.

—Thor Dolan, president/CEO

Georgia Heritage FEDERAL CREDIT UNION the credentials Since 1940. The senior management team (pictured) has combined banking experience of 99 years. the Clientele People who live, work, worship or attend school in Chatham, Effingham and Bryan counties the services + Financial Services + Checking + Savings + CDs + Auto loans + Mortgages and credit cards the awards/recognitions Georgia Heritage FCU is renowned for our fundraising events to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and the Children’s Miracle Network. We also award two $1,000 college scholarships each year. We hold educational seminars on topics such as investments, planning for retirement, understanding credit and building a budget, which are open to the public. the reward Credit unions touch people’s lives every day, while improving those lives immeasurably through access to high quality and affordable financial services.

contact 1085 West Lathrop Avenue SAVANNAH, GeorgiA 912.236.4400 | gaheritagefcu.org

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“

Our flexible, comfortable and responsive work environment is designed to hire and retain sharp, motivated employees to ensure top-notch accounting services are delivered to our clients.

Holland, Henry, & Bromley, LLP

—shannon brett

”

Certified Public Accountants the credentials HH&B Partners have 125 years of combined experience the Clientele Foreign and family owned businesses, not for profit organizations, taxpayers, and employee benefit packages. the services + Audit & Attest + Tax Consulting & Compliance + Business Advice + Fraud Investigations the awards/recognitions 2010 Recipient of Savannah Technical College Foundation Community Star Award the reward Helping our clients succeed through increased profitability, minimized taxes, and strengthened operating efficiencies. the mission HH&B’s mission is to provide our clients with high caliber professional service and to provide our employees with opportunities for successful careers.

contact 2 east bryan street SAVANNAH, GeorgiA 912.235.3410 | hhbcpa.com

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“

I have worked with Hancock Askew for over 20 years. I trust my personal and professional accounts with their talented and knowledgeable staff. Hancock Askew is a vital aspect of my business. Their professionalism, customer service, and attention to detail are second to none.

— J.T. Turner, Jr. President, J.T. Turner Construction Co., Inc.

”

Hancock Askew Accountants and Advisors the credentials Hancock Askew has been in business for 101 years. the Clientele Individuals for tax and estate planning.

Business owners and executives of small business and mid-sized privately owned companies. Middle market public companies. Large private businesses. the services + Tax + Assurance (Audit and Internal Controls) + Management and Advisory Services + Small Business Services and QuickBooks Consulting + Estate + International + Cost Segregation + Business Valuations the awards/recognitions 100 years in business in 2010 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Flexibility in the Workplace in 2010 and 2011 Best Accounting Firms to Work for in 2010 and 2011 Georgia Society of CPA (GSCPA) Public Service Award in 2010 the reward We get to work with many different business leaders in varied industries and provide creative and effective business advice. We enjoy contributing to the financial success of our clients.

contact 100 Riverview Dr | Savannah, GA 912.234.8243 1870 The Exchange SE Suite 235 Atlanta, GA | 678.387.3960 hancockaskew.com Pictured L to R: Joe Usher, Harry Haslam, Jr., Mike McCarthy, Alisha Wright Back Row: Doug Cobb, Billy Griffin (Not Pictured: Chad Miller) speci a l a dv ertor i a l sect ion

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explore kiawah

breaking suit

sit in style

written by elizabeth rowe

Summer Cool Down Package With temperatures on the rise there’s no better time to get away and cool down.

Palmetto Bluff, located just outside of Bluffton, South Carolina, is now offering their Summer Cool Down Package, complete with the perfect balance of leisure and excitement. The package includes a luxurious room and dinner for two at the River House Dining Room, which offers “upscale excellence” according to Christine Wrobel, the marketing and executive assistant at the inn. The package also includes one seasonal activity, and guests can choose from a list that includes a three-hour beach combing cruise , kayaking or a round of golf. Rates start at $475 per night. info

866.706.6565 PalmettoBluffResort.com

Go to southmagazine.com for a guide to Southern getaways, plus local lodging and shopping.

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Cool down like a king with Palmetto Bluff’s Summer Cool Down Package.

p h o t o s u p p l i e d b y pa l m e t t o b l u f f

{ SHOPPING GUIDE }

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front vistas, your team is sure to have a relaxed and rejuvenating experience. The staff at Casa Marina will design boardroom, conference-style and customized seating, and they have a covered outside veranda overlooking the ocean that is great for breaks. ➼ 691 North 1st Str eet, J a c k s o n v i l l e B e a ch , FL , 904. 270.0025, ca sa m a r ina hotel . com/ meetings -ev ents - cor po r at e . h t m l

qu ick tr ips:

The Ultimate Corporate Retreat G et ou t of t h e b oa r dro om a n d i n to t h e g r e at ou t d o or s .

T ry t h e s e f u n a n d e xci t i ng cor p or at e r et r e ats for s om e f r e s h a i r a n d a n e w a pproach to t e a m bu i l di ng w r i t t e n b y S a r a L y n n M c C a ll

Page Island Located in Hilton Head, this is the perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Page Island promotes team building, trust and confidence through a variety of activities. They believe staffs can produce better and faster results by simply working together. They offer intense team building activities on their challenge course or a more relaxed atmosphere simply enjoying the secluded Page Island. ➼ H i g h wa y 2 7 8 ,

visual equipment, a 6,000-squarefoot covered pavilion and an outside amphitheater. Their team building adventure activities include a Low-High Ropes Course, GPS Adventure Challenge and Screaming Eagle Zip Line Canopy Eco-Tour. Several meeting packages are available for day trips or overnight stays. ➼ 2 0 5 H o r s e sh o e D a m R o a d , Wh i t e s b u r g , GA , 7 7 0 . 8 3 4 . 9 1 4 9 , historicbanningmills.com/ c o r p o r at e /4 - m e e t i n g s/ 2 - c o r p o r at e - s e r v ic e s

C l e r m o n t , GA , 7 7 0 . 9 8 3 . 0 5 0 3 ,

Suite H, Hilton Hea d, SC

m on ta r a fa r m .c om

8 4 3 . 6 8 6 . 6 9 9 6 , pa g e i s l a n d . c o m /

Casa Marina Hotel

t e a m _ bu i l di n g . h t m l

The Lodges at Historic Banning Mills Just 45 minutes west of Atlanta in Whitesburg, Banning Mills is an ideal place for a little peace and quiet. They have six meeting rooms that include audio and 128

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lanta in Clermont, offers a variety of activities during your all-inclusive retreat. Enjoy the beauty of the North Georgia mountains while working together and problem solving in the private meeting facility or outside on the miles of trails. Their facilitated adventure program includes everything from the Great Race to the Wilderness Survivor, but the activities don’t end there. Montara Farm also offers tennis, golf, boating, canoeing, kayaking and rowing. ➼ 674 9 S t r i n g e r R oa d,

Montara Farm This team building ranch, located just one hour north of At-

Just two hours South of Savannah, Jacksonville’s Casa Marina Hotel sits along the Atlantic Ocean with stunning waterfront views. Their entire third floor can be used exclusively for corporate retreats with professional personalized attention. With ocean-

YMCA of Coastal Georgia If you’re looking for team building activities but don’t want much travel involved, the Islands YMCA offers team building activities with their high ropes course, 200-foot zip line and climbing tower. The zip line follows the high ropes course, and the 40-foot climbing tower includes four different climbs. For YMCA corporate members, the high course is $20 per person and the climbing tower is $15 per person. The YMCA employees are very well trained and will help your office work together to accomplish a common goal. ➼ 6 4 0 0 H a ber sh a m Str eet, Sava nn a h , GA , 9 1 2 . 3 5 4 . 5 4 8 0 , y m c a o fc oa s ta l g a . or g

photography s u pplie d an d by k atie d u n k le

{ SHOPPING GUIDE }

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• ➼ The always elegant, four Seasons, Atlanta

SAV ATL -to-

➼ written by olivia lauren hawk

When craving fast-paced city life in a place with world-class restaurants, shopping and events, use this complete weekender’s guide to the coolest places to eat, stay, shop and play in Atlanta Stay four seasons Located literally five minutes from the city centre, Four Seasons Atlanta sits right in the heart of Georgia’s capital. Surrounded by expansive parks and the many cultural offerings of Midtown Atlanta, this hotel will put you right in the middle of the happenings in town! Four Seasons Atlanta offers beautiful spacious rooms, all decorated in 130

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➼ DOGWOOD, Foie Gras Creme Brulee ➼ Chef Shane Touhy

welcoming yellows and golds. Child-proof and family friendly rooms are available upon request. 404.881.9898, 75 Fourteenth Street, fourseasons.com/Atlanta

Eat Dogwood Showcasing an array of regional cuisine, Chefs Shane Touhy and Scott Black have proudly opened their first restaurant, Dogphotogr a ph y prov ided

A Weekend Guide for ATL Where to Stay four seasons

404.881.9898 75 Fourteenth Street fourseasons.com/Atlanta

Where to Eat

➼ 4TH AND SWIFT ➼ RED FLANNEL HASH

Dogwood

404.835.1410 565 Peachtree St. Northeast dogwoodrestaurant.com 4th and swift

678.904.0160 621 North Avenue NE 4thandswift.com

Where to Play dialog in the dark

866.866.8265 Atlantic Station, 265 18th Street dialogtickets.com

➼ manjari chocolate creameaux

wood. The restaurant is located in the heart of Atlanta, on the ground floor of the Reynolds condominium building in Midtown. Dogwood exists to prove that Southern cuisine can be demonstrated with elegance and refinement, and not just in the form of fried chicken!

Check out their extensive menu online. 404.835.1410, 565 Peachtree St. Northeast, dogwoodrestaurant.com

4th and swift Located in the historic Old Fourth Ward, 4th and Swift combines a modern approach to traditional American comfort food with seasonally fresh and natural ingredients to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Jay Swift’s menu features seasonal favorites that perfectly highlight subtle Southern flavors. Featured items for the summer include Tybee Island Shrimp Ceviche, Kippered Wild Salmon, and Pan Roasted Poulet Rogue.

678.904.0160, 621 North Avenue NE Atlanta GA 30308, 4thandswift.com

Play

bodies...the exhibition

404.496.4274 265 18th Street bodiestheexhibition.com/atlanta

Dialog in the Dark To someone who has impaired vision, the world can (literally) be a dark place. The Dialog in the Dark exhibition was created so that people with normal vision can understand and experience life in the dark. Guided by someone who is visually impaired, the visitors will travel through everyday experiences, but without the luxury of light and sense of sight. Monday through Sunday, tickets generally sold until about 5pm. 866.866.8265,

➼ THE BANYAN

Atlantic Station, 265 18th Street, dialogtickets.com

Bodies…The Exhibition Bodies… The Exhibition gives visitors a new chance to explore the human body. Using actual human bodies, as well as individual organs, Bodies allows you to take a deeper look inside how our bodies function, grow and even how they can be affected by disease. The exhibition is open to visitors of all ages.

404.496.4274, 265 18th Street, bodiestheexhibition.com/atlanta

➼ In the name of science: The bodies used in the exhibit are unclaimed bodies from the Chinese government.

all visitors are given canes to navigate through the exhibit dialogue in the dark.

g o s tay s h o p

g r e a dy f or a r ou n d?

KIAWAH island golf resort

➼

written by kelly skinner

The golf weekend has long been the guise for full-fledged bromances or grounds for big business deals. Tipping back tall boys and strolling along the greens are ideal catalysts for easy conversation and instant bonding, but no longer is the golf weekend a moniker for a mens-only affair, nor is it necessarily just a golf weekend. Kiawah Island Golf Resort on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, isn’t reserved solely for the sports fiends, the bachelor parties or deal negotiating getaways (though those are all still encouraged).

“I don’t think there’s a luxury resort anywhere in the U.S. with such a broad array of top-rate activities and amenities available to guests,” says Mike Vegis, public relations director for the resort. “Not only is our hotel ranked as a Forbes Five Starwinner, so is our spa. The hotel’s top restaurant is the highest rated steakhouse in the U.S. Condé Nast Traveler’s latest Readers’ Choice poll rated Kiawah Island as the No. 1 island in North America and named us the No. 2 golf resort in the U.S., the Ocean Course is named the No. 4 public course in the U.S. by both Golf Digest and GOLF magazines; and Tennis Magazine named us the No. 3 tennis resort in the U.S., 132

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while Tennis Resorts Online named us the No. 1 tennis resort in the world.”

Add to Vegis’ enthusiasm the fact that the resort is only 21 miles from historic Charleston and you’ve got an all-around crowd pleaser here. Meaning, essentially, that with its awardwinning grounds, greens, amenities and dining, it’s a destination suitable for anyone looking for a luxury weekend away—whether that be a girlfriends getaway, work retreat, couples weekend, family vacation, or yes, even guys golf-a-thon.

Eat

It doesn’t matter what you’ve got a hankering for, chances are, you

can walk a few steps from your suite to a dining room that can provide a sizzling plate of said c r av i n g . J a s m i n e P o r c h ’ s sweeping views of the Atlantic bring in the best of a low-key vacation with a dressy casual vibe and a down South menu to boot.

Dig into good home cooking with the restaurant’s Fried Green Tomatoes and Palmetto Quail or be more adventurous with the Southern Spring Roll (pork, rabbit, napa slaw, pineapple glaze) or the impressive prix fixe, Tour of the Lowcountry, which gives diners two choices per course plus the option to pair each course with wine. The Ocean Room is a posh steakhouse option with gorgeous cuts of locally

raised, grass-fed beef and a stellar wine list. It’s no wonder that this is the only restaurant in the U.S. to have earned both the Forbes Four Star and the AAA Five Diamond awards. Go for Italian delicacies at Tomasso at T u r t le Po i n t C lu bh ous e for homemade pastas and authentic cuisine. Stay in vacation mode and eat a sandwich by the pool at the resort’s poolside L o g g e r h e a d G r i l l . For additional casual, still-in-my-swimsuit eating, nibble on fried fish and fries at Shrimper’s or snag a quick sandwich and cool brew at one of the resort’s club houses, like Osprey Point Golf Club’s Osprey Point Grill.

➼ tomasso at turtle point clubhouse

➼ the ocean room

➼ the sanctuary, morning room

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Stay

Play

At Kiawah Island Resort, you’re privy to a huge range of dwelling options suitable to any style. Spread out over 10 miles of immaculate beaches, Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers vacation rentals (think mod villas), private homes and rooms within The Sanctuary Hotel. With more than 1,000 resort employees at your service, you’ll be living the high life regardless of your preferred abode. Villas come in three options: premier, deluxe and resort, all of which are decked to the hilt in eyepopping design schemes complementing ocean views. Premier homes give guests full maid service, smooth Egyptian cotton linens and full access to The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s fitness center. Likewise, private homes (which range in size from three to eight bedrooms) are your most spacious option at the resort and are scattered in picturesque spots all over the island. The Sanctuary itself is complete with rooms boasting plantation shutters, handcrafted beds, fine linens, marble walk-in showers and romantic views. Stay in the Presidential Suite for optimal elegance, because at 3,000 square feet, you’re bound to feel Oval Office worthy.

While there are unlimited ways to be active at the resort, the amazing golf opportunities are undeniable.

If you’re a first-timer, get out there and grab a lesson. You won’t want to miss the grounds. Seasoned golfers, rejoice! You have not one, not two, but five world-class courses to choose from. Varying in difficulty, all boast tremendous views of a breathtaking coastline among impeccably kept courses designed by legendary swingers Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Gary Player and Clyde Johnston. After honing up your golf swing, work on your backhand at Kiawah Island Tennis Resort, run by hall of famer Roy Barth. Avid tennis fans can sign up for weekend getaways that revolve around the sport, like the Ultimate Tennis Package, which includes unlimited court time, three nights at The Sanctuary or in a villa, unlimited round robins or doubles, and two clinics or drill sessions a day.

But the options don’t end there.

Take an Adult Twilight Paddle Ride ($50 for hotel guests) at sunset, for a leisurely look at the island, or up the ante with a Marsh Kayaking C lass (also $50 for hotel guests) throughout the island’s creeks. Rent bikes and find your own slice of

solitude at water’s edge, or try your hand at an eight count during a fly-fishing charter ($450 per charter). For more of an adrenaline rush, try shark fishing ($100 per person with a three-person minimum). Though it’s just catch and release, nothing gets the heart racing like a big gray fin racing toward your hull.

For the people who need a break from all the action, you’ll find something special too. Sunbathe by the pool or lay on the beach with a book and a drink, then spend the late afternoon at the spa. Get a restful glow with the Lowcountry Verbena Body Polish, a 90-minute massage and scrub that utilizes lemon verbena and sea algae.

Or, while you’re communing with nature, get out all of the city smog and tension with a Detoxifying Seaweed Body Retreat.

Get the benefits of seaweed—toned, gleaming skin—followed by a head and neck massage and then a full body massage.

Shop Positioned at the intersection of Kiawah, Seabrook and Johns Island, F r e s h l a n d s V i l l a g e is filled with one-of-a-kind island shops. Stop in at indie bookseller Indigo Books for some good beach reads and try the newest shop on the block, Kiawah Fine Jewelry (opens summer 2011), for a peek at locally designed pieces. Enthused by your newly discovered active lifestyle?

Buy the gear to keep up with the habit when you get back home from SeaCoast Sports and Outfitters. Yet you don’t necessarily have to leave the resort to get some solid shopping done. Get new goodies for your home from Sanctuary Home, stocked with tabletop items, linens and even fine wines. For luxury beach wear, step inside of The Sanctuary’s Elizabeth East, where women’s colorful swim garb, handbags and sunglasses line the shelves.

➼ golf shop

For more information, contact Kiawah Resort by calling 843.768.2121 or visit their web site at kiawahresort.com

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S U I T alex martinez bonnie youngman thebohemian hotel mitchell hall katie schear jessica miller and lizzie odom, factor model management catie louden jules de jesus and karen hough of dollface by jules chris carder, sara lynn mccall and marcy hall

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Featuring: steve Monnier & nick laybourn BLOUSE: [$64], GLAM, J. PAIGE SKIRT: [$385], CHLOE & REESE, GAUCHO j un e | j uly 11 southmaga zine.com

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DRESS: [$239], ROLANDO SANTANA, MINT boutique SHOES: [$225], SAM EDELMAN, GLOBE SHOE CO.

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DRESS: [$550], TISH COX NECKLACE: [$375], LISA ZIPPERER, Gaucho

DRESS: [$575], TISH COX SKIRT: [$385], CHLOE & REESE, GAUCHO

DRESS: [$495], EMMELLE, JAMES HOGAN SKIRT: [$525], TISH COX WATCH: [$225], MICHAEL KORS, LEVY JEWELERS SHOES: [$225], SAM EDELMAN, GLOBE SHOE CO.

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DRESS: [$216], TRINA TURK, PALM AVENUE JACKET: [$349], EMIL RUTENBERG, MINT SHOES: [$225], SAM EDELMAN, GLOBE SHOE CO.

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DRESS: [$325], HABERDASHERY

DRESS: [$278], TRINA TURK, PALM AVENUE BRACELETS: [$115, $95], 1AR, LEVY JEWELERS

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About the location: The Bohemian Hotel writ ten by s ara lynn mccall

The Rooms Fall asleep and wake up to the beautiful views of the Savannah River or Savannah’s Historic District in one of the Bohemian’s 75 luxurious guestrooms and suites. The rooms are full of modern amenities including flat-screen LCD televisions, high-speed wireless Internet and Bose CD clock radios while incorporating Southern décor.

Rocks on the Roof You haven’t really seen River Street until you see it from the roof. Rocks on the Roof is a local nighttime hotspot, complete with an inviting fire pit, live entertainment and a tapas-style menu. Take your time looking over the extensive drink and martini choices while taking in the breathtaking scenery surrounding you.

Kessler The Bohemian Hotel is a part of the Kessler Enterprise, a unique creation of eclectic and luxury hotels.

Richard C. Kessler, who was born and raised in Savannah, founded the enterprise in 1984. Kessler’s hotels are distinguished by their exclusive artwork, lavish décor, relaxing atmosphere and impeccable service.

Rocks on the River Modern Grill

Contact

Enjoy delicious dining in a laidback atmosphere full of river-inspired

The Bohemian Hotel is located at 102

elements. Rocks on the River serves traditional American comfort food

West Bay Street overlooking the

with a Southern flair. You can order everything from hamburgers and

riverfront in Savannah. 912.721.3800

steaks to fish and mussels, but don’t forget to take a look at their

bohemianhotelsavannah.com.

extensive wine and beer list to complete your mouth-watering meal.

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fa s h ion n e w s & n o t e s :

Adding Professional Edge D r e s s f o r s u c c e s s a n d yo u ’ r e b o u n d t o m a k e a n i m p r e s s i o n i n yo u r o f f i c e .

Pay i n g at t e n t i o n t o d e ta i l m e a n s e v e r y t h i n g w h e n d o i n g b u s i n e s s s o c a r e f u l ly c h o o s e e v e r y t h i n g f r o m a c u s t o m k n i f e d ow n t o yo u r s h o e s . w r itt e n b y Am y D e ss e ll e

the knife William henry studio Special edition mammoth bone spearpoint primeval knife

$1,550, Levy Jewelers 91 2 . 2 3 3 .1 163

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the cuff links sterling silver oval cuff links

$13 5 a pa i r , L e v y J ew el er s 91 2 . 2 3 3 .1 163

The William Henry Knife

Each William Henry knife is custom created by master cutlers who take no less than seven months to perfect each piece. Making sure each knife is heirloom quality, the artisans seamlessly integrate natural materials with state-of-the-art alloys.

the Suit Lauren by Ralph Lauren SHIRT- GITMAn BROTHERS SPREAD TIE- ROBERT TALBOTT

J. Pa r k er Lt d 912.234.0004

t h e Wat c h Gents Bulova Stainless Steel Precisionist with Black and Silver Dial with Date

$ 59 9, L e v y J ew el er s 91 2 . 2 3 3 .1 163

th e money Cli p William henry studio geneva damascus and mammoth tooth money clip

$ 49 5 , L e v y J ew el er s 91 2 . 2 3 3 .1 163

her shoes Stewart Weitzman black patent leather, also comes in cafe and nude

$298 , gl obe shoe Co. 91 2 . 2 32 . 8161

his shoes Donald J. Pliner Rex Black, from tux to suit to jeans, a great all-around shoe

$2 5 0, gl obe shoe co.

91 2 . 2 32 . 8161 LUkeJohn Dickson, Savannah Kitchen and Bath

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{ SHOPPING GUIDE }

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1 Setu Chai r , h erman m i ller

The Setu chair by Herman Miller has a kinematic spine, which bends and flexes with every move, eliminating all the annoying adjustments. It is so simple that the instruction manual only says, “Sit down.” $ 57 9 , N at ion a l O f f ic e S y s t e m s , 9 1 2 . 2 3 8 . 0 5 3 9 Scott Center, National Of fice Systems

in ter ior desir es:

Work Hard. Relax in style.

S i t t i n g at yo u r o f f i c e d e s k n e v e r l o o k e d s o g o o d. T h e s e c h a i r s a r e d e s i g n e d t o h e l p yo u r e l a x , a n d s i n c e yo u ’ l l b e s o h a r d at wo r k , g o a h e a d a n d r e wa r d yo u r s e l f written by Amy Desselle

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Ribbed Back Office

This funk y, black leather, ribbed back chair sports chrome plated steel and a streamlined design. It feat u r e s a n adju s t a ble s e at height, locking tilt, a rolling base and removable arms. $ 3 2 0 , 2 4 e , 91 2 . 2 3 3 . 2 2 74 Chair

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Mirra Chair, herman

This chair is 96% recyclable and 100% comfortable. It is designed with an original look and Aireweave suspension that follows the contours of the body and distributes pressure. $ 8 2 9,

miller

National Office Systems, 91 2 . 2 3 8 . 0 5 3 9

4 Dom i no H ig h - bac k Offic e

This sleek chair showcases a polished aluminum frame and padded dominoshaped seat and back in genuine black leather. The five-star base allows for height adjustment and can swivel and tilt 360 degrees. $ 4 5 0 , 2 4 e , 9 1 2 . 2 3 3 . 2 2 74 Chair

5 C e ladon by C Bran ds

With a thin, European profile the Celadon series is suited for executive seating and boasts a steel frame w ith advanced memory foam in the seat and back. It is also easily customizable. $ 8 9 9 , M a s o n In c o r p o r at e d, 9 1 2 . 2 3 2 . 4 19 2

photogr a ph y by om a r men dez

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savannah’s speakeasy

fast food fast cash

written by olivia lauren hawk

Lowcountry Gourmet Foods specializes in aged balsamic vinegars of various kinds along with a large variety of olive oils, seasonings and sauces. Perfect for bread dipping or salads, stop by and try the pomegranate, dark chocolate or peach vinegars. We like the Sicilian lemon balsamic vinegar! But it doesn’t end there. Whether you’re looking for barbecue sauce or gourmet olives, you can find it here! when

Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. where

The corner of Liberty and Abercorn Streets more info

912.233.9155, lowcountrygourmetfoods.com

Go to southmagazine.com for a guide to local cuisine

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photogr a ph y by a a ron ber nstein

Garlic and Rosemary Encrusted Rack of Lamb

Plates that Pack Power

17Hundred90 Restaurant and Inn Named for the year it was constructed, 17Hundred90 is the oldest and longest operating restaurant and inn in Savannah. Although they have a varied menu, you can’t miss with the Garlic and Rosemary Encrusted Rack of Lamb. For this dish, chef Nick Samons begins with only the finest quality New Zealand lamb, which has an international reputation for both fantastic flavor and true tenderness. He first pan sears the rack of lamb, then carefully coats the rack with dijon mustard and dusts it with breadcrumbs, robust rosemary and tasty thyme and roasts it.

The lamb is plated next to fresh fingerling potatoes (also pan seared and finished with a roasted garlic cream sauce), grilled asparagus, and garnished with bright red pepper curls and fresh rosemary sprigs. It’s a dish fit for a king or queen. 307 E. Presidents St., 912.236.7122, 17hundred90.com

D i n e w i t h t h e c i t y ’ s p ow e r professionals and make the most out o f yo u r b u s i n e s s d i n n e r o r l u n c h at t h e s e l o c a l e at e r i e s w r i t t e n by W e n dy M a r s h a l l photography by aaron bernstein

Filet Mignon, Oscar Style Ruth’s Chris Steak House Since Ruth’s Chris Steak House opened in November 2008 here in Savannah, locals and tourists alike who get a craving for some robust red meat always put this restaurant at the top of their list. The general manager, Dominic Moraco, touts the filet mignon “as our most popular and most tender cut of corn-fed Midwestern beef.” To take your steak to the next level, order the Oscar topping. Your beef will then come blanketed with a jumbo lump crab cake, steamed asparagus, and a smooth, creamy homemade tarragon Bernaise sauce. Preparation is the key to making their steaks some of the juiciest in the South. “Our famous USDA Prime, wet-aged steaks are first encrusted with a special seasoning, a blend of salt, pepper, and parsley. They are then seared to perfection using an 1800-degree broiler and served on a 100-degree plate. Fresh butter is added so it sizzles all the way to your table,” says Moraco. A perfectly cut and cooked steak is a great way to start any business dining conversation. 111 W. Bay St., 912.721.4800, ruthschris. com 152

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Pan Seared Jumbo Scallops Vic’s on the River Perched high above the hustle and bustle of River Street, Vic’s on the River is an elegant oasis, perfect for doing business. One of their most popular signature entrees is Pan Seared Jumbo Scallops. Created by Brian Hanson, head chef, this main course begins with giant, succulent sea scallops that hail from Holden Beach, North Carolina. The scallops are gently flash-seared in a lemon herb butter sauce with basil, parsley and shallots. They are then perched atop a mound of creamy crab risotto. Garnished with delicate grilled ramp (wild baby leeks), shaved carrot curls and seasoned arugula, the pièce de résistance is a drizzle of aromatic truffle oil. When asked what his inspiration was, Hanson quickly responds, “I was hungry.” 26 E. Bay St., 912.721.1000, vicsontheriver.com

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Savannah’s {Secret} Speakeasy The age of wonderful nonsense lives on in the city’s first hidden hot spot and burlesque venue

S

written by Amy Desselle | photography by katie dunkle

avannah’s only speakeasy doesn’t just boast a name tantamount to mystery and intrigue; it lives up to the expectations. Located under the streets of Savannah, The House of Mata Hari’s is a chance for late night lushes to experience the secretive hideaways of the Prohibition era, where bartenders warned their patrons to be quiet and “speak easy.”

Mata Hari’s takes its name from the stage name of the notorious Dutch exotic dancer and accused spy, Gertrud Margarete Zelle, who was executed by the French just before the Roaring Twenties began.

With a name that recalls the days of spies and secret meetings, a speakeasy is the perfect namesake.

Once behind the doors of the downtown hot spot, guests are immersed in an opulent scene where the wait staff is dressed in tuxes with tails, bow ties and gangster hats tipped on their heads. There are also women

performers singing jazz in glitzy period attire. But it doesn’t end there.

The atmosphere and flowing liquor lead the patrons to the back room where there’s a burlesque show—Savannah’s only.

Since the speakeasy quietly opened in November of 2010, Mata Hari’s has been creating a buzz, most of which comes from the mystery that surrounds the lounge.

There are only two ways to get in: know someone with a key or purchase one of your own. Of course, you’ll have to find it first. The member list has 425 names and only the privileged know the location.

If you can find your way with a member or a coveted golden key, then you will have the chance to travel back to a time when elegance was king.

Mata Hari’s is open Wednesday nights from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., ThursdaySaturday from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., and is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

honoring old school ways, mata hari’s doesn’t have a website,

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isn’t listed in the yellow pages and doesn’t share its address.

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FAST

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fast cash s o you wa n t t o h av e i t you r way ? T h i n k ou tsi de t h e bu n. f or y e a r s a m e r ica ns t hough t t h e y k n e w t h e way a s a n dw ich shou l d be a n d a r e now t e st i ng t h ei r sk i l l s . Wi t h m a n y st i l l t ru d gi ng t h rough t h e r e ce s sion, you de se rv e a br e a k t oday.

O

W R I T T E N B Y R é m y T h u r s t o n | P h o t o g r a p h y by s h a wn h ei f ert

pening a restaurant is often a fleeting dream for many young entrepreneurs. But when reality hits, they find it takes months, more often years, of hard work and dedication to be successful. Many who try end up finding they’d much rather be served their ideal meal than be responsible for a well-oiled dining machine. The fantasy of owning their own restaurant is dashed by the tedium of profit-loss reports, stacks of crusty dishes and the grueling 18-hour workdays. But there is an answer. Buy a franchise.

One of the quickest, most reliable ways to make money in today’s economy, franchises offer a business model that provides proven success, in-depth training and brand recognition. Adopting this concept, a string of local, hungry entrepreneurs have opened thriving eateries and succeeded. They all credit their success to being willing to clock in at 7 a.m. and out at 1 a.m., seeing past the stacks of paperwork to the bigger picture and having experienced the entire range of positions—from cashier to manager. Each of their backgrounds may be different, and their levels of success may vary, but they all share a common goal of making good money from good food.

• Alex

Salguiero, Burger King There may be no story that better illustrates the

pursuit and accomplishment of the American dream like Alex Salguiero’s. He has the burningred Ferrari F430 to prove it. Born in Havana, Cuba, he and his family immigrated to Miami when he was 7. By the time Salguiero was in high school, like many American teenagers, he started working an entry-level job at a local fastfood joint. In his case, it was Burger King. Though he didn’t know it at the time, taking the job was probably the best decision of his life. When Salguiero was 18, Burger King offered to pay for his college tuition on the condition that he would stay and work for them as a general manager, one of the youngest in the company’s history.

After completing his education at Florida International University, Salguiero climbed the ranks of the corporate ladder, taking positions that took him across the globe to open foreign Burger King franchises in countries such as Denmark and Columbia. In 1981, he accepted a promotion to be a regional manager in Atlanta because he was exhausted from all the travel.

“When you start kissing the customs people when you get to Miami, you know you’ve got a problem,” Salguiero explains. Atlanta soon grew old for the newly married businessman, and Salguiero decided on a change of pace, buying all five of the existing Burger Kings in Savannah on May 31, 1986. He sat up all that night in a local law office, signing legal forms until his arm

was throbbing. That night he became his own boss for the first time in his life. Salguiero currently owns all 11 Savannah-area Burger Kings.

His fortune comes from the tireless work throughout his career. He defines success first and foremost with profits. That is the businessman talking, but he also reveals that he regards himself as successful because he is happy with what he does. He provides for his family, works on his multitude of candy-red cars, and gets the satisfaction of making his customers happy. Many upstart franchisers now go to him for advice.

“If you want to be successful, you got to stick to your guns. … There’s that ‘have it your way’ slogan at Burger King—well, we don’t have that slogan in this office; it’s called ‘have it my way.’”

In all, the franchising business is a lucrative business idea and Salguiero knows it.

“There are more franchises sold in the United States than in the whole world.”

Average Investment: $25,000-$50,000 franchise fee plus $1 million-$1.5 million for land, equipment and landscaping.

Locations: 601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah; 7923 White Bluff Rd., Savannah; 14 W. DeRenne Ave., Savannah; 11711 Abercorn St., Savannah; 14241 Augusta Rd., Garden City; 4268 Ogeechee Rd., Savannah; 602 Fair Rd., Statesboro; 421 South Columbus Ave., Rincon; 815 E.G. Miles Pkwy. Hinesville; 1262 Highway 21, Springfield; 500 Hopkins Corner Dr., Waynesboro

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Patrick Hopkins, Shane’s Rib Shack • Often times the best careers are those that are born out of hobbies. Just ask Patrick Hopkins, who turned his passion for barbecuing into a successful Shane’s Rib Shack franchise. With 10 years of retail experience working for General Nutrition Centers, he was thrilled to find a way to combine his knowledge of cooking and sales. To bring together all the necessary ingredients for this business venture, Hopkins partnered with Bruce Watford and Russell Rosengart who had experience with their Sonic drive-in locations. Beyond Hopkins’s love for the smoky, tender slow-cooked meats, he had a better reason why a barbecue restaurant would work in Savannah.

“We looked at a number of different concepts and felt like this was an excellent market that we could grow with barbecue. I felt like the sandwich industry was overcrowded,” says Hopkins. The model was a perfect combination of cost effectiveness, product quality, and good ol’ Southern-style cooking that would be well received in the Savannah area.

It has been two years since Hopkins opened two locations of Shane’s. He credits his success to the consistency of the food. Shane’s serves what Hopkins calls “clean barbecue.” What he means is that the meat is pulled apart lovingly with all the fat and gristle removed so that the consumer can take a bite and not worry about finding something chewy between their slices of Texas toast. The most indicative clue of the franchise’s success is the customers’ smiles as they wipe a smear of barbecue sauce from their lips.

Average Investment: $30,000 franchise fee plus cost of the building and equipment.

Locations: 6730 Waters Avenue, Savannah; 300 W. General Screven Way, Hinesville

•

Paul Childers, Your Pie Paul Childers has always been a businessman, working in the furniture retail industry his entire career until the Great Recession. After it became apparent he’d have to find a new business, a friend familiar with Your Pie, a down-the-line pizzeria that allows customers to add their favorite ingredients to personal 10inch pizzas, panini or calzones before watching their creations crisp and bubble in the blazing stone oven, suggested he look into franchising opportunities. After visiting a franchise, Childers was sold on the idea. He knew the local Savannah college students would be attracted to the low price and high quality.

“Savannah is open to new ideas, and I thought that if it was going to work it would work here,” says Childers. However, he found after opening last Thanksgiving, his clientele was prominently business professionals on their lunch breaks.

“You see the ties tucked into the button-down shirts so they don’t get the cheese on them.” says Childers adding that they now prepare an average of 160 pizzas a day. He and his son Michael, the manager, enjoy working for themselves and are content with how well the young franchise is doing. Their goal is to open more franchises throughout the Savannah area, but Childers wants to concentrate on his customer base first.

Average investment: $160,000 – $325,000 Location: 110 W. Bryan St., Savannah

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Chris Smith, Five Guys Burger and Fries

Chris Smith, who bought the rights to his own franchise before even graduating from the University of Florida in 2007, proves it’s never too early to go into business for yourself. Smith never guessed at the beginning of his senior year in college that soon he would be the owner of three Five Guys Burgers and Fries franchises. He had been contemplating going to law school, or earning a master’s degree.

His future changed when one day while he was at his family’s home in Orlando, and a vegetarian friend recommended, of all places, a burger joint. Smith says his friend is a very health conscious person and Five Guys is the only place they let their kids eat because they can be assured of the quality of the ingredients.

Smith knew right then that he had to try the Five Guys’ menu.

“The food was fantastic!” he says. That February, Smith signed his first deal with the Virginia-based company. Nine months later he was opening his first restaurant. Smith admits there were hurtles. Dealing with the customers and the food came naturally, but he found managing the “business of business” and processes like payroll more challenging as he juggled them all. Smith credits his work ethic and the simplicity of the Five Guys business model to the eventual success.

Now he’s at the point where he is able to hire directors of operations so that he can focus on further development of the franchise to locations such as Pooler, the Southside of Savannah and Hilton Head.

Average Investment: $25,000 franchising fee plus $20,000 in development fees.

Locations: 900 Glynn Isle, Brunswick; 1019 Fording Island Road, Bluffton, South Carolina; 175 W. Bay Street, Savannah

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Franchise Figures Nehal “Nick” Patel, Jimmy John’s

There is something irresistible about a good sandwich.

The fact that customers can stack as many tender meats, cram as many crunchy vegetables and dowse as many tangy sauces as two halves of bread will hold has led the sub sandwich to become a staple of the American diet. It is no surprise, then, that Nehal “Nick” Patel decided to leave his Midwest home to open his own Jimmy John’s sandwich franchise in Savannah. The brand began in the Midwest, so Patel grew up eating Jimmy John’s gourmet sandwiches.

He knew the product, but more importantly he believed in the product.

Patel’s journey started when he was laid off from a mortgage lending firm that folded under the poor housing market in 2009. His cousin Parth who lived in Savannah was also laid off from his job around the same time. Rather than fumble around for a new job in a faltering market, the Patel cousins decided to look for a new opportunity. Patel visited his cousin and found that Savannah was sans Jimmy John’s.

After being a mortgage lender, the learning curve for the sandwich business was steep, but Patel says the training that Jimmy John’s provided made the transition easier. Throughout the training, Patel noticed something unique about the people in the corporate office in Champaign, Illinois. “Everybody truly believed in the product, and everybody got behind the product … I think that stuck out the most,” says Patel. During the two months that he trained there, the atmosphere instilled a sense of pride in Patel for the product. With the combination of a great location that serves the Savannah business community and delivery that is “damn fast,” Patel has nothing but optimism.

Average Investment: $300,000-$400,000

Burger King Opened: 1954 11 in Savannah, 200 + in Georgia 7,300 in U.S., approx. 12,200 in world

S h a n e ’ s R i b S h ac k Opened: 2002 41 in Georgia, 68 in U.S.

Yo u r P i e Opened: 2008 11 in Georgia, 17 in U.S.

Location: 7 E. Congress Street, Savannah

F i v e G u ys Opened: 1986 39 in Georgia, 750 in U.S.

Jimmy John’s Opened: 1983 20 in Georgia, over 1,000 in U.S.

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jcb 5k W r i t t e n By E l i z a b et h R ow e

Grab your running shoes and water and register for JCB’s annual 5K race. The race is held at the JCB campus in Pooler and circles around the company’s 1,000-acre property. The course takes runners through wooded scenery and around a beautiful lake with views of the famous yellow trucks. This 3.1-mile course serves as the perfect training tool for the upcoming Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon which will take place in November. The 5k is on Saturday, June 18th and starts at 8 a.m.

The cost is $20 if you register by June 17th, $25 the day of the event. You can register at Fleet Street Sports in Savannah.

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best southern fests

event calendar

scenes of the south

mouth of the south

➼ Ready to Run: Shorter local races are a great way to train for the big event in November.

when

June 12 Cost

$20 info

fleetfeetsavannah.com

Go to southmagazine.com for a complete guide to events and entertainment.

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p h o t o g r a p h y b y j o h n f u lt o n p h o t o g r a p h y

1. Women and Men, Shipbuilders, Southeastern Shipyard

2. chosen, curtis bartone

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3. edward jones

3. jea art gallery

Edward Jones The Jewish Educational Alliance Art Gallery will feature the work of Edward Jones June 1-30 with a reception from noon to 2 p.m. on June 5. A graduate of Rhode Island College, Jones worked as a jewelry designer but now concentrates on wood carving. He uses recycled wood, cedar fence or signpost and enjoys carving figures and geometric shapes. savj.or g

Gallery News & Notes G e t yo u r c r e at i v e j u i c e s f l ow i n g t h i s s u m m e r at o n e of the local art exhibitions.

W r i t t e n b y S a r a L y n n M c C a ll

1. Jepson Center

Ebb and Flow: Life and Community in Eastern Savannah The City of Savannah and Telfair Museums will present an exhibition on Martha L. Keber’s book Ebb and Flow: Life in Eastern Savannah, which will run through July 17.

Keber’s book focuses on the rich history of an iconic neighborhood and is full of cherished black-and-white photographs. Exhibition admission is free during museum hours. telfair.or g/jeps on 2. Friedman Fine Art Gallery

Domain: Drawings, Etchings, and Lithographs by Curtis Bartone Curtis Bartone’s series will be on display at the Telfair until June 26. His drawings and etchings concentrate on the distressed relationship between humans and nature.

His style is a fusion of Italian Renaissance painting, 17th-century Dutch still life, and 19th-century scientific illustration with a 21st-century aesthetic, and his work is a part of the Telfair’s permanent collection. telfair.or g

4. old blue, julia licht 4. Gallery S.P.A.C.E.

Julie Licht Gallery S.P.A.C.E. will highlight the work of illustrator Julia Licht July 8-29 with an opening reception and an outreach program. Licht graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia, and her work includes a mixture of social satire, humor, wit and love. The exhibition is free and open to the public. s ava n n a h g a . g o v/ c i t y w e b/ c u lt u r a l a ffairsweb.nsf

do you have art news and notes to share? e-mail editor@thesouthmag.com

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{ GALLERY GUIDE }

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Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival 4 Where: Charter Amphitheatre at Heritage Park, Simpsonville, South Carolina The Lowdown: Spend the afternoon enjoying great music from seven awesome bands, including B.B. King and Buddy Guy. A cash bar will be open along with a beer garden filled with micro brews.

And don’t forget to enjoy some of the most mouthwatering BBQ in the Southeast. Ticket prices range from $25 to $75, and the show starts at 4 p.m.

Insider’s Tip: Make sure to bring your lawn chairs or blankets for more comfortable seating.

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More Info:

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july 4th fireworks spectacular

Best Southern Fests

Summer is a time for being outdoors, so m a r k yo u r c a l e n da r w i t h t h e s e f i v e fa r o u t, f u n a n d fa s c i n at i n g f e s t i va l s W r i t t e n b y S a r a L y n n M c C a ll

Buzz in the Blue Ridge Chainsaw Carving Extravaganza When:

June 3–5

Where: Habersham Winery, just

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country will battle it out to win the Buzz Championship. This year’s competition made the top 20 event list for Georgia Made Georgia Grown.

Insider’s Tip: Save money by purchasing a 3-day pass for only $10.

More Info: 706.892.7598, malworks.com/ buzzintheblueridge.html

864.250.4899, heritageparkamphitheater.com/event_bbking.html

River Street’s Great American Weekend and July 4th Fireworks Spectacular July 2– 4 River Street, Savannah, Georgia The Lowdown: Celebrate Independence Day weekend on historic River Street with a fireworks spectacular on July 4 to culminate the weekend’s events. The fireworks will be choreographed to music, so tune in to KIX96, I-95, MIX 102.1, E93, Magic 103.9, The Ticket or WBMQ for the live simulcast.

Insider’s Tip: Don’t be late!

The fireworks will begin around 9:20 p.m.

When:

Where:

More Info:

912.234.0295, riverstreetsavannah.com/events

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buzz in the blue ridge

Lazy Daze Festival When: July

16

Where: Winder,

Georgia This outdoor music festival will feature artists from around the state of Georgia, along with over 60 craft booths.

Local food vendors will also be on-site serving up some delicious eats. The festival will begin at 10 a.m. and wrap up about 10 p.m.

Insider’s Tip: This is a family friendly event so bring the kids along to enjoy children’s activities for all ages. More Info: 678.425.9082, windergaevents. org/lazydaze.html The Lowdown:

Wednesday, June 1

compiled by sa r a ly nn mcca ll

Friday, May 20Friday, July 29 “MANOLO BLAHNIK…THE SHOE”

SCAD will present “Manolo Blahnik…The Shoe” at the Gutstein Gallery. The exhibition will feature over 70 pairs of shoes, sketches and memorabilia from Blahnik’s personal archive. Admission is free and open to the public. 201 East Broughton Street. 912.525.4727, scad.edu

EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIP TO OS-

SABAW ISLAND Coffee Bluff Marina

will host a trip to Ossabaw Island to explore the marshes, wildlife and points of interest from 9 a.m.noon. $85 per person. 912.925.7474, coffeebluffmarina.net

Friday, June 3 FIRST FRIDAY OYSTER ROAST AND FIREWORKS The Westin Savannah

Harbor will host an evening of live music, fresh grill items and a full bar during First Friday from 7:3010:30 p.m. Admission is free.

912.201.2000, westinsavannah.com

Friday-Sunday, June 3-5 SAVANNAH PARANORMAL INVESTI-

Explore some of Savannah’s most haunted places GATION WEEKEND

Saturday, June 4 TYBEE ISLAND SEA KAYAK RACES

Participate in three sea kayak races for kayakers of all ages on Tybee to benefit the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. Time TBD. 912.786.5917, tybeemarinescience. org TYBEE ISLAND TOUR OF HOMES

Tour Tybee’s unique homes full of character and design to benefit the Hope House of Savannah. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 on the day of the tour. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

912.786.7704, tybeetourofhomes.com

Sunday, June 5

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CONCERT: MIRANDA LAMBERT, THE REVOLUTION TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUESTS JOSH KELLEY AND ASHTON

SHEPHERD Presented by the Mar-

t i n L u t h e r K i n g Jr. A r e n a .

912.651.6556, savannahcivic.com

Monday-Friday, June 6-10 SUMMER ART CAMP FOR CHILDREN

Art on the Park, located at Daffin Park, will hold summer art camps for children ages 5-11 from 9 a.m.12:30 p.m. Cost varies and additional art camps will be held t h r o u g h o u t Ju n e a n d Ju l y.

912.354.5988

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Event Calendar

with investigators Ray Couch, Mark Nesbitt, Carol Nesbitt and Laine Crosby. The event will be hosted by the Roundhouse Railroad Museum, and the cost is $175 per person.

407.234.6611, southernghosts.com/ savannah

Saturday, June 11 KAYAK FISHING SEMINAR-intermediate LEVEL

Learn the three main criteria for

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Fun with Ferraris If you’re a car enthusiast, especially a fast car enthusiast, you’re in luck because the 2011 Ferrari Club of America International Meet is being held in Savannah from June 8-12. The meet will take place at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa, and events will be held at the 2.0 mile Grand Prize of America Track, which is only a short distance from the hotel.

Admire rare and special Ferraris during the competitions and award ceremonies. WHEN: June 8-12, 2011 MORE INFO: fca2011.org or call 336.684.3692

fishing out of a kayak at Coffee Bluff Marina from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Kayak rentals will be provided for 50% normal kayak rental rates. $35 per angler. 912.925.7474, coffeebluffmarina.net SAVANNAH ASIAN FESTIVAL

The Savannah Civic Center will host one of Georgia’s largest Asian Celebrations with live stage performances, martial arts demonstrations, authentic cuisine and cultural displays. Time 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 912.651.6417, savannahga. org/arts

Sunday, June 12 REDFISH IN THE GRASS SEMINAR

Coffee Bluff Marina will teach you how to find, stalk and catch redfish in the grass of the marshlands from 4- 8 p.m. $50 per angler. 912.925.7474, coffeebluffmarina.net

Thursday, June 16 THE SAVANNAH PREMIERE OF

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MARGARET MITCHELL, AMERICAN

REBEL Held at the Charles H. Morris Center from 6- 9 p.m.

404.685.2644

Friday, June 17 CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER & FRIENDS Presented by the Johnny

Mercer Theatre. The show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are $55 (orchestra), $45 (orchestra & mezzanine) or $35 ( balcony).

912.651.6556, savannahcivic.com

Saturday, June 18 KAYAK FISHING SEMINAR-EX-

TREME LEVEL Spend a day offshore fishing in kayaks for big game at Coffee Bluff Marina. 6:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. $180 per angler.

912.925.7474, coffeebluffmarina. net

Tuesday & Wednesday, June 21 & 22 SESAME STREET LIVE Presented by the Martin Luther King Jr.

{ ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE }

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A National Patriotic Challenge is Born in Savannah Children 12 and under who participate in the I Pledge Project and recite the Pledge of Allegiance from memory will receive a free ice cream cone at Leopold’s Ice Cream. WHEN: Friday, July 1 TIME: 4-7 p.m. WHERE: 212 East Broughton Street MORE INFO: 912. 234.4442, leopoldsicecream.com

Arena. Sing along with all of your Sesame Street favorites during this high-energy musical. Ticket prices range from $12-50. There will be a 7 p.m. show on Tuesday and Wednesday a 10:30 a.m. show on Wednesday. 912.651.6556, savannahcivic.com

Friday, July 1 FIRST FRIDAY OYSTER ROAST AND

FIREWORKS The Westin Savannah Harbor will host an evening of live music, fresh grill items and a full bar during First Friday from 7:30- 10:30 p.m. Admission is free. 912.201.2000, westinsavannah.com

Sunday, July 3 TYBEE INDEPENCE DAY FIREWORKS

The annual fireworks show will be launched from the Tybee Pier and Pavilion to celebrate Independence Day. Admission is free. 912.786.5444, tybeevisit.com

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Monday, July 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND

CELEBRATION The Westin Savannah

Harbor Golf Resort and Spa will celebrate Independence Day with organized kids activities, poolside games and an amazing fireworks display.

912.201.2000, westinsavannah.com

Saturday, July 23 THE LADY CHABLIS AT CLUB ONE

One of the most colorful characters from John Berendt’s book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil will be at Club One at 8 and 10:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online at clubone-online.com. 912.232.0200

Wednesday, July 27 EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIP TO OS-

SABAW ISLAND Coffee Bluff Marina will host a trip to Ossabaw Island to explore the marshes, wildlife and points of interest from 9 a.m.- noon. $85 per person. 912.925.7474, coffeebluffmarina.net

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Client Directory For a complete listing of the city’s g r e at e s t p l ac e s t o e at, p l ay, s tay & s h o p, g o t o s o u t h m ag a z i n e . c o m /g u i d e s

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Bar/Restaurant

Education

Belford’s........................................................ 155 Boar’s Head Grill and Tavern..................161 Goose Feathers............................................155 Hooters of Savannah..................................175 Kayak Kafe....................................................159 KBella Gourmet Carry Out..................... 153 Love’s Seafood.............................................151 Michael’s Cafe..............................................159 Moon River Brewing Co........................... 153 North Beach Bar & Grill...........................155 Outback Steakhouse..................................153 Ruth’s Chris..................................................161 Savannah Menu...........................................161 Zito Zito.........................................................159

Georgia Southern University....................179

Beauty/Spa/Salon

Furniture/Homewares 24E..................................................................149 National Office Systems...............................47

Apparel

Art

Cherry Picked Consignments....................129 Fab’rik..............................................................147 Gaucho/Lisa Zipperer Designs...........................................................27 Globe Shoe Company..................................17 J. Paige.............................................................147 Trunk 13........................................................129

Ray Ellis Gallery..........................................165 The Art Buzz................................................165 Trends and Traditions...................................6

Atmospheres Salon.......................................25 Genesis Medical Spa..................................... 11 Illusions...........................................................147 Spa Bleu.........................................................147

Banking/Finance

Design/Printing/Imaging

Dewitt Mortgage.........................................112 Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union 173 SunTrust..........................................................39

Image is Everything.................................. 163 Kennickell.......................................................35

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Electronics Cellular Sales...................................................3

Entertainment JCB..................................................................171 Jeremy Davis..................................................171 Lady and Sons Blood Drive.......................171 Live Oak Library...........................................169 Sand Gants....................................................169 Savannah Philharmonic............................171

Home Improvement Anne Hagerty Interiors...............................149 One-Stop Remodeling.....................................9 Savannah Kitchen and Bath.........................7 Servpro...........................................................113 Zipperer Land Company................................2

Hotel/Lodging

Jewelers Levy Jewelers............................... Back Cover

Production/Photography Angela Hopper..............................................65 Christine Hall................................................59 Fancy Pants Pin-ups and Boudoir Photography....................................................129 Silverline.........................................................57

Medical/Dental Bradford A. Durham, DMD, PC....................8 Memorial.........................................................41 Morrison Dental............................................46 Spine and Sport................................................21

Museums The Telfair Museum.................................. 165

CE Hall Construction..................................13 Hostetter Schnieder Realty.........................76 Judge Realty...................................................19 Mike Farmer Realty.....................................45

Car Spa...........................................................172 iTech..................................................................29 Jani-King.......................................................170 Remer Lane Insurance...............................111 RGP...................................................................77 Saber Security................................................110 Savannah Distribution...............................177 SEDA/BRAT...................................................33 Statefarm Insurance....................................172 Yates Astro......................................................167

Recreation

Automotive

Sea Kayak Georgia......................................169 Yahama of Savannah.................................168

Savannah Harley-Davidson, Inc...............15 Southern Motors Honda.............................4-5

Retail

The Finest Lawyers of the South

Shampoochies.................................................127

Real Estate

City Market Merchants............................ 127 Modern Sylvester & Co.............................138 Polka Dots.....................................................129 River Street Sweets....................................127 Savannah Bee Company...............................40

Services ADS Security.................................................40 American Plumbing Service.......................149

Bergen & Bergen.........................................102 Christy Carroll Balbo...................................92 Deming, Parker, Hoffman, Campbell, & Daly, LLC..................................................103 Gillen, Withers, & Lake, LLC...................100 Harold J. Cronk, P.C...................................101 HunterMaclean..........................................88-89 Jones, Boykin & Associates,P.C..................93 Lee, Black, Rouse, & Hollis, PC....................105

McNamara Adams........................................94 Oliver Maner.....................................................82 Richard M. Darden, P.C.................................95 Savage, Turner, Kraeuter, Pinckney, & Madison...............................84-85 Scheer & Montgomery P.C............................98 Smart & Harris...............................................96 Tate Law Group, LLC................................86-87 The Collaborative Practice of Savannah... 104 The Conner Law............................................81 The Middleton Firm.................................90-91 Tom A. Edenfield, SR...................................97 Wendy A. Owens............................................99

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Avia..............................................................139 Palmetto Bluff................................................31 The Mansion on Forsyth Park.................. 23

Pets

Power Professionals Cordasco & Company, PC..........................119 Deemer, Dana, & Froehle LLP.................120 The Fiduciary Group.................................115 Georgia Heritage..........................................123 Hancock Askew...........................................125 Holland, Henry, & Bromley, LLP............124 Sadowski & Company, LLC......................117 Scott McKeever, CPA, PC..........................121 The Murphy Group....................................116 The Savannah Bank, N.A...........................118 William D. Cannady, CPA,PC...................122

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scenes of the south ➼

see more photos at southmagazine.com

➼

jun | jul 2011

photogr aphs by John alexander

Jewels and Jeans red Sponso by South

j e w e l s a n d J e a n s i s a n a n n ua l e v e n t t o r a i s e m o n e y f o r A m e r i c a’ s S e c o n d H a r v e s t o f C oa s ta l G e o r g i a i n o r d e r t o p r ov i d e m e a l s f o r c h i l d r e n w h o pa r t i c i pat e i n H u n g e r I n i t i at i v e P r o g r a m s . Th e e v e n t f e at u r e d l i v e m u s i c a n d a s i l e n t au c t i o n f e at u r i n g i t e m s f r o m J e w e l s a n d J e a n s .

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Avett Brothers red Sponso by South

Th e Av e t t B r o t h e r s C o n c e r t wa s h e l d at t h e J o h n n y M e r c e r Th e at r e a s a pa r t o f t h e S ava n na h M u s i c F e s t i va l .

Th e b a n d, f r o m C o n c o r d, N o r t h C a r o l i na , c o m b i n e b lu e g r a s s , c o u n t r y, p u n k , p o p m e l o d i e s , f o l k , r o c k a n d r o l l , h o n k y-t o n k a n d r agt i m e t o p r o d u c e t h e i r u n i q u e s o u n d.

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scenes of the south ➼

see more photos at southmagazine.com

➼

jun | jul 2011

photographs by john alexander and alec jankowski

Sand Gnats Business Connection T h e S ava n na h A r e a C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e t e a m e d u p w i t h t h e s ava n na h S a n d G nats f o r a n i g h t o f f u n at g r ay s o n sta d i u m . T h e e v e n t g av e g u e sts t h e o p p o r t u n i t y f o r s o c i a l n e t wo r k i n g a n d t o e n j oy sta p l e b a s e b a l l f o o d.

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Georgia Historical Society’s Garden Party T h e G e o r g i a H i st o r i c a l S o c i e t y h o st e d t h e i r 1 72 n d a n n ua l G a r d e n Pa r t y, d u r i n g w h i c h n e w ly a p p o i n t e d b oa r d m e m b e r s w e r e e l e ct e d a n d va r i o u s m e m b e r awa r d s w e r e g i v e n . T h e e v e n t wa s o p e n t o m e m b e r s a n d f r i e n d s w h o e n j oy e d d e l i c i o u s c o c k ta i l s a n d h o r s d ’ o e u v r e s .

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mouth of the south

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gs n i h T g n i z a Ten Am Lawyers did for America L o c a l t r i a l l aw y e r M a r k Tat e s ay s t h e r e a r e p l e n t y o f r e a s o n s t o l ov e l aw y e r s photography by nicole rule

1 2 3 4

Lawyers helped argue for The

Voting Rights Act.

They protected The Civil Rights Act. Fought for equal Protected right

pay.

to bear arms and other

civil liberties.

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Without lawyers, there would be no

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Created a political

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They check

L.A. Law or Law

and Order.

watchdog.

on powers of the

government (i.e. search and seizure, wiretapping, etc.)

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They made wearing shiny

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And provided tons

10

suits trendy again.

of material for comedians.

They proved that you can be an alcoholic

and functional.

Mark Tate When local trial attorney Mark Tate isn’t working hard on multimilliondollar cases, he’s putting some of the area’s most well known community members, such as Mayor Otis Johnson, Georgia State Representative J. Craig Gordon and radio personality Bill Edwards, under fire on his TV show, Saturday Night Law, where he explores local politics and other hot topics. Catch Tate on Saturday Night Law Saturday nights at 11:35, only on WTOC-TV.

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