BUSINESS

BUSINESS Back to Business

When it comes to returning to the workplace as state lockdowns ease, one of the big issues businesses confront is a shortage of Roni Robbins personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies and for some, isolation gowns to keep their employees safe from the virus.

The AJT, like other businesses, has struggled to find PPE, according to Kaylene Ladinsky, managing publisher and editor. “Everything is back-ordered by three or four weeks,” she said.

To keep up with requests for PPE, a national healthcare consultant, who helps durable medical equipment firms and others comply with government regulations and billing issues, joined forces with a company that specializes in making and importing orthotic braces.

The two Atlanta-based businesses, Jane’s Healthcare Management and Unite Medical, are using Georgia manufacturers to help satisfy the demand for PPE in the state. Their PPE business has tripled since starting in early March, when the shelter-in-place mandates in the country began. They provide a variety of hand sanitizers, masks, face shields and isolation gowns, which are more protective than typical hospital gowns, repel secretions and are used in medical applications, restaurants and salons, she said.

“From the very beginning a lot of clients were asking me where to get PPE,” said Jane Wilkinson-Bunch, CEO of her eponymous healthcare management firm. She speaks and consults nationally in her field of expertise. “I had a captive audience I knew I could help. The whole reason was to help my providers stay safe.”

Many of her clients, at that time, were essential healthcare businesses that wanted to protect their employees according to FDA and CDC regulations. Some were from other states that were not yet on lockdown, she said. Since then, her business has expanded to include restaurants and hair salons “just trying to survive the pandemic,” and according to the CDC, that’s going to be for quite a while, she said.

“We want to make sure we take care of our own. This is the reason we really got into this,” she said of the PPE business she formed with United Medical owner Damon Reed to meet the needs of local companies.

We at the AJT had been back to our office for two weeks as part of the national effort to return to work after the global pandemic shuttered businesses and forced employees to work from home. Despite vigilant disinfecting, the use of masks and gloves, and access to hand sanitizer at every turn – with most employees in their own individual offices – some employees expressed concerns about returning too soon.

I should add that our building, owned by Selig Enterprises, also required masks while inside with signs throughout to maintain distancing, offer hand washing recommendations and limit numbers in bathrooms and elevators.

To offer employees further peace of mind, AJT Owner-Publisher Michael Morris sprung for the top-of-the-line

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Dr. Ajala Ngarndi, The I.V. Doc Atlanta division medical director, helps record for registered nurse Anna John.

testing service by The I.V. Doc, a New York-based company with U.S. and international offices formed in 2013 to offer I.V. hydration through personalized medically administered treatment.

The company had just started its Atlanta office in November, three months before COVID-19 gripped America. To meet the needs of its clients, it expanded in April to offer testing for the virus. The AJT was the first in Atlanta to receive their in-office COVID-19 testing services.

Ladinsky said the I.V. Doc reached out to her about using their services, and she thought it was a “great option to make sure the staff felt comfortable in their work environment. It gives them that much more reassurance that we are taking the extra step.”

The process was quite simple. On Tuesday, June 2, we were told about the testing and the next day, The I.V. Doc asked us not to eat or drink for 30 minutes before our appointment. We either signed up online for a time slot to be prescreened or were asked a series of questions prior to our individual testing. The screening questions included an assessment of significant medical history, current symptoms and medications, travel outside the country and any known exposure to anyone who had tested positive for the virus. I had none of each.

Soon after arriving in our office, a masked and gloved Dr. Ajala Ngarndi, The I.V. Doc Atlanta division medical director, and a registered nurse, set up a makeshift medical testing site in our conference room. They used germicidal wipes to clean the table, then laid a disposable pad as an extra barrier of protection under my arm and began the process of testing. First, I was asked to fill out a form with basic information and again state my symptoms, agree for the results to be used for research purposes and sign the standard Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) health information use and discloser consent form.

The medical duo then took a vial, 3 ml of my blood, to be tested for antibodies, generated by the body in response to COVID-19 infection.

This test can be used to determine recent or past exposure, which tends to offer protection from the virus, but doesn’t mean you’re immune for the rest of your life, according to The I.V. Doc website.

The results, sent to the Access Medical Labs in Florida, are received back in as little as 48 hours.

If the viral swab test is positive, someone who is asymptomatic could potentially spread virus, Ngarndi said. She recommends quarantining at home for 14 days before being retested.

“If the patient exhibited symptoms, treatment would be focused on controlling the symptoms such as fever, muscle aches. There is no FDA approved medication proven to directly cure the COVID-19 infection, but research is still ongoing. If symptoms were severe, such as acute shortness of breath, the patient would be recommended to the ER for medical assessment.”

The company typically sends a hard copy in the mail or in a sealed envelope delivered to the office. We received copies sent by secured encrypted email fol

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My daughter, Lena Robbins, gives a blood sample to be tested for COVID-19 as her mother looks on.

lowing HIPAA guidelines, she said.

The difference between this test and other free or low-cost ones available at point-of-care testing locations, Ngarndi explained, is that this one looks at DNA for the virus and they look at common proteins attached to virus, losing some sensitivity and specificity. She said the main benefit of having a doctor consultation and a registered nurse come to a client’s home or office is it reduces exposure at testing sites to high-risk chronic diseases.

You pay for the convenience and luxury of one-on-one time with the medical professionals readily available to explain the process and results, answer questions and recommend possible treatment options if warranted, in an atmosphere that is comfortable and not rushed, as might be the case at a testing site, Ngarndi said.

“There’s a lot of information on the internet. It can be confusing.”

Morris said he chose the more expensive testing because this has more reliable results, as compared to other tests that might have “a fair number of false negatives.”

The results should make employees “feel more comfortable if they know we’ve succeeded in the last three of four months” of keeping COVID at bay. “It lets everyone know we’ve done the right things.”

The overall consensus from employees following testing was that they were appreciative of management considering their anxiety and going the extra mile to ensure their comfort and safety in the workplace.

Brenda Gelfand, a senior account manager and one of the longest-serving employees, said she thought getting tested was “personally a great idea, to find out myself if I have antibodies.” But she cautioned against getting a false sense of security if all the tests come back negative. “I don’t think the office should relax because we are having this done. People can walk in any day with the virus. I don’t want people to think we are all good after this.”

After her test, Gelfand called the medical testers “very professional” and said that although it’s difficult to find her veins to take blood, “it didn’t hurt.” After learning of the results she reiterated, “It doesn’t mean nobody can get it in the future.”

Community relations director Jen Evans expressed similar sentiments about the procedure. “I did not feel pain. … We can go outside and get COVID even if swabbed. If you know you’re a carrier or had before, you are cognizant about that.” Meanwhile she believes her daughter, who has been participating in protests in Athens, should be tested weekly to ensure she doesn’t contract the virus.

“I thought it was amazing,” said our newest employee, Amy Seidner, community events and PR manager. “It was thoughtful and considerate and made me feel so much more comfortable. It was a step above what was expected.”

Lilli Jennison, creative and media designer, said it was nice to know all the tests came back negative and she was grateful for the opportunity to be tested in what felt like a germ-free environment with quick results and without leaving the office. “I have a friend that took a test with the county [DeKalb] and he’s not gotten his results back, and we got ours so fast,” she said, adding that “we still need to be careful.”

After learning of the actual results, Morris said, “I’m glad to see that we all, as a mini community here, clearly have been cognizant of our social responsibility throughout the shelter-in-place period. I’m glad we are all clearly on the same page; we have all done the right things.”

Was it a worthwhile financial commitment? Morris seems to think so. “Since most people in the company chose to do this, it’s a good investment.” ì

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BUSINESS Millennials Set Standards to Help ‘Prevent the Spread’

By Marcia Caller Jaffe to the University of Alabama. Halpern to Riverwood International Charter School

While many are tragically out of en route to the University of Georgia. work, some are generatPre-COVID, they were ing opportunities in this both in Los Angeles: Engelerratic market. Someone hard in film production is manufacturing huge and Halpern, accounting. stand-up yard letters, fold“We began brainstorming, able pizza boxes, major and our ultimate goal was deployments of hand sanito help people get safely tizer stands, stylish masks, and quickly back to work,” wipes, swipes and sprays. Halpern said.

Andrew Halpern and On March 15, they Adam Harris Engelhard created the education profound themselves out of gram “Back to Work Force.” work because of the COVID-19 crisis. “Playing the Adam Engelhard is shown cheering for his home team “We would love to have an effective vaccine, but who cards we were dealt means from LA. He originally knows how quickly? We that no one wanted this conceived the business cannot sit back in fear,” [pandemic}; our job was to react the best way we could,” Engelhard said. model to work with movie and production companies, then expanded the vision. Halpern said. “We want to help people live their lives. Businesses shut down. We Thus formed his partnership with Halptook our shot to help with a solution.” ern: C19 Certified. Engelhard originally thought their

Both Atlantans are 29. They attendbusiness model would help film comed The Epstein School together and then panies reopen. They soon realized that Engelhard went from The Weber School there was a bigger need outside film. The

Former Epstein grads Adam Harris Engelhard and Andrew Halpern are doing their parts to provide standards and guidelines for safely reopening businesses by training employees and boosting consumer confidence.

resulting certification format offers onpersonal commitment by each employee line standardization that companies folto comply with current guidelines establow and employees learn best practices lished by federal and state public health of how to operate in the “new normal” authorities to minimize risk of spreading COVID-19 environment. virus. This should provide reassurance

Employees are taken through sevof safety to all employers, employees, en lessons with 10 to 12 questions over as well as customers and clients. Andy 45 minutes to learn about recognizing and Adam have done a great job creating symptoms, face coverings, disinfecting, this program presenting ‘public domain’ sanitizing, etc. The basic module is a staninformation in a simple format to help dard guide: “How to Prevent the Spread.” Georgia get back to business.” Plus there are industry specific options Attorney-consultant David Cooper for hospitality, traveling salespeople, added, “Premises liability is a bona fide gym/fitness, and corporate offices. The concern of businesses and employers. basic course is $500 plus $9.99 for each They want to be able to welcome a workemployee receiving certification. “We force and guests/clients/customers into want it to be affordable and not break their premises. While employees are anyone’s budget. The whole procedure is typically covered for an illness contracttouchless, all digital. It all can be done on ed on the job by workers’ compensation, a cell phone or tablet,” Halpern said. others (such as independent contrac

Happy customer Michael Miller, tors and guests/customers) do not enjoy owner of Arena Tavern in Duluth, has 40 those same protections. The goal here is employees. “A friend told me about Andy to meet a ‘standard of care’ for the operaand Adam and sent their sample video. I tion of the premises (or a camp, for exwas sold. Our staff was well ample) and avoid claims of trained, and this validated negligence. COVID-19 certithe process. C19 Certified fication is designed to help was worth it!” businesses avoid claims by

For their business utilizing published health to succeed, Halpern and guidelines and on-site Engelhard knew they needprotocols that make good ed credentialed experts, and sense. We do live in a litireached out to hometown gious society.” contacts. Dr. Paul ScheinEngelhard concluded, berg, retired chief medical “We want to do our small officer of Emory Saint Jopart to make an impact. seph’s Hospital, serves as medical consultant/advisor, Andy Halpern sports his Certified cap. Both young This is about what each individual can do. Each lending practical expertise men want to help get the person can help make a bigfrom years of clinical, scieneconomy rolling safely. ger impact. A weak link can tific and management experience. break a chain. Education is the key and

“Certification provides objective evican help mitigate [this pandemic], and dence of education and training with a we’re doing our part.” ì

BUSINESS Federation Names Walter VP Program, Grant Making

Compiled by the AJT

The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta announced June 1 that Rich Walter, an Israel educator, would become vice president of Program and grant making at the end of the month.

“Rich is a nationally recognized communal leader, program developer, speaker, facilitator and educator,” said Eric Robbins, Federation president and CEO. “His expertise will help Federation increase and enhance strategic partnerships and programs in order to identify and address community needs.”

Walter comes to the Federation from the Center for Israel Education/Emory University Institute for the Study of Modern Israel, where he served as vice president of curriculum and outreach and as the associate director for Israel education since 2012.

In his new role, which he assumes June 30, Walter will support Federation’s mission to care for, connect and strengthen the Jewish community throughout greater Atlanta, Israel and the world. He will oversee Federation’s community initiatives and the grantmaking for five major community impact areas: inspiring more Jewish journeys, making more Jewish places, rising up higher for those in need, moving to global Jewish peoplehood, and creating radically welcoming spaces.

Or as Walter puts it, “my role at Federation will be to oversee the community initiatives of both the Federation’s global and domestic portfolio. Together with the Federation staff, volunteers, and our community partners, I will help strengthen existing programs and support new endeavors as community needs continue to evolve.”

Walter’s background includes partnering with and influencing a wide variety of local and regional community leaders and organizations, including clergy, educators, youth, college students and adult learners in areas of program design, innovation and change, education, history, Israel and Judaism, and professional development, the Federation reported. He also has prior experience in Jewish education and program development.

Walter said that in his work with ISMI and CIE, “I have been fortunate to have worked with a wide variety of stakeholders from numerous types of institutions in helping to plan and deliver Israel learning programs and initiatives. This has required me to listen to the needs of our constituents in planning programs, mentor educators in creating meaningful engagements, and most importantly, deliver experiences for diverse audiences. Evaluating programmatic impact and measuring learning outcomes are also skills that will serve me well in my new role.”

He added, “Perhaps most importantly, a key component of my work was engaging with groups, be it teens, educators, or adult learners, who all had a wide variety of personal opinions on Israel. As such, I have had to learn to engage and embrace groups with multiple perspectives by challenging previously held assumptions, raising new questions, and promoting dialogue.”

When asked if he’ll use his background in promoting Israel and Israel education in his Federation role, Walter said, “Absolutely! While I am energized that this new role allows me to broaden my impact beyond Israel learning and engagement, I also have learned firsthand the importance of Israel to the Jewish community.

“I was privileged to learn many lessons working with Ken Stein at Emory and CIE, but among the most important is the concept of ‘Owning Israel’s Story.’ For me, this concept represents the notion that no matter how one connects to his or her Judaism, that Israel can and should play a major role in that connection. Beyond Israel’s religious significance to us as a people, the nation’s history, cultural contributions, scientific achievements, innovation, and social justice accomplishments are all templates for fusing Judaism into our everyday life. So beyond the global peoplehood portfolio, which works directly on programs and services that Federation supports in Israel, and of course the shinshinim [Israel student emissaries] program, which engages broad segments of our community with Israel, the more we can help the community embrace these concepts, the stronger our relationship will be with Israel, and the stronger our community will be regardless of one’s personal political beliefs.”

After eight years at Emory and CIE, Walter said he was ready for a new challenge. “At the top of my wish list was a desire to stay in Atlanta, our adopted hometown. …The opportunity to enhance existing skills, and learn new ones, combined with the chance to contribute more directly to a community I care about were also prime motivators.

After eight years at Emory’s Institute for the Study of Modern Israel and its sister, the Center for Israel Education, Richard Walter said he was ready for a new challenge.

Barry Flink, executive vice president and partner of Flex HR, Inc., has been named to the advisory board of Departures magazine. The publication is a source for high-end travel, restaurants, hotels and fashion, shopping, art and culture.

Flink has 40 years of management experience in multiple industries. His favorite jobs have always been in the hospitality industry. He has held senior level management positions in Westin Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels, Service America Corporation, the Greyhound Corporation, and the Peasant Restaurants, Inc., based in Atlanta. He began his career in the hospitality industry as the Hyatt Hotel Corporation’s first national management trainee.

HR Exec Named to Magazine Board

Flink is also an executive in residence at Kennesaw State University and has served on the board of directors of Georgia Tech’s College of Management as well as KSU’s Coles College of Business. He has also served on the President’s Advisory Board of Oglethorpe University.

Before I came to Emory, I worked for the Federation in New Haven, Conn., and prior to that at the Bureau of Jewish Education in Rhode Island, so, in some ways, I am returning to my roots as a communal professional.”

Still, Walter said he would maintain his connection with his previous work in Israel education. “One of my personal passions is education and teaching. So, I hope to continue to be of assistance with Emory and CIE as a guest presenter at their programs for teens and educators.” ì

He has been a visiting lecturer at Cornell University, Washington State University, Florida State University, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Emory University, and the University of Guelph and Ryerson University in Canada. He also wrote a chapter for a college textbook, “Business Acumen II.”

Flink was board chair of the Edge Connection and has served on the Small Business Council of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the board of directors of the AmericanIsrael Chamber of Commerce, and an advisory board of Saint Joseph’s Hospital. ì