Kelloggs gets Energy Star from EPA
Augusta’s Kellogg facility has earned an Energy Star certification from the EPA. The certification is given to plants that are industry leaders in energy efficiency in reducing greenhouse gases and cutting their energy costs. To qualify, the plants must be verified to be in the top 25 percent in energy performance. The Augusta Kellogg plant was one of three Georgia companies to earn this certification. Only 70 plants across the nation earned the designation.
Laurie McRae named to national board Laurie McRae of Laurie McRae Interiors of Augusta has been named the president of the board of directors for the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ), the national organization that oversees the examination interior designers must pass to practice their craft. “I am looking forward to futureproofing the association and the professional practice of interior design over the next year” McRae said. “Interior Designers have a central role in designing spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing, but that are also functional, safe and contribute to health, well-being and improved quality of life.” As a regulated profession, many consumers may not recognize the amount of formal education, intensive supervised work experience, and specific knowledge and skills that qualified Interior Designers must demonstrate in order to earn the prestigious NCIDQ Certification. “As President of our Board, Laurie leads the CIDQ activities in not only identifying and setting the standards of competence for the field of Interior Design, but in perpetually looking toward the future to ensure that the NCIDQ Examination is always evolving to reflect current practice realities, enabling
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us to deliver on our mission and protect the public,” said Dr. Carol Williams-Nickelson, CIDQ and the NCIDQ Examination’s Executive Director. “Laurie was chosen by her colleagues to serve on the Board because she is an accomplished and well-respected practitioner, visionary, role model and leader in the profession.” McRae has numerous achievements including Vice President of Georgia Alliance of Interior Design Professionals and serving as a member of the Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers for seven years. She is a member of American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
Loss of business forces lay offs Sitel, a long-time employer in the Augusta community, has announced it will reduce its staff by about 675. According to a press release, a project for a client ended, creating the need for the layoffs at its customer service center on Windsor Spring Road. The layoffs started earlier this month and will continue through the end of the month. Sitel is actively seeking new business opportunities, programs and alternatives to provide employment for the employees affected by the layoff.
Recycling guessing game If you’re good at guessing and care about recycling, you could win a car. Recycling Perks, part of Augusta’s solid waste service, in conjunction with Milton Ruben Toyota, has filled a Toyota Prius with recyclables. Guess how many recyclables – plastic, paper and cardboard – are crammed inside and you could win the car. The car can be seen at Milton Ruben Toyota at 3510 Washington Road. The contest runs through April 30, with the winner announced on May 1. To enter, log in to your free Recycling Perks online account and enter your guess on the account dashboard screen.
8 Buzz on Biz March 19-April 15, 2015
Flights to Washington, D.C. starting again on trial basis The new flight schedule has been announced for nonstop flights from Augusta Regional Airport to Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. Nearly a year after being discontinued, the direct flights will resume on March 29. The American Airlines flights will depart Augusta at 12:11 p.m. and arrive in Washington at 1:52 p.m. They will leave Washington at 10 a.m. and arrive in Augusta at 11:46 a.m.
The flights will be scheduled six days a week. The direct flights will be available on a temporary basis only, ending once again on June 3. The flights to the nation’s capital are important to Fort Gordon and a number of local businesses. The possibility of keeping the direct flights on a permanent basis depends on how much the flights are used during the trial period
Interior design firm wins award
Interiors. “It’s an amazing tool for improving communication in the client/designer relationship. Whenever I need to show someone what I am trying to describe, we go to Houzz and find a similar image. This cuts down on ambiBespoke Fine Interiors was guity in the design process.” chosen for a prestigious award In keeping with Bespoke’s by the more than 25 million tagline, “Custom by Definition,” users that comprise the Houzz Hersacher said the goal of any community from among more successful design project is to than 500,000 top-rated home make the project uniquely cusbuilding, remodeling and design industry professionals from tom to fit the client. Whether it is a residential or commercial projaround the world. ect, the interiors should enhance The Best of Houzz award is given in two categories: Design the individuality of people. Bespoke Fine Interiors offers a and Customer Satisfaction. Winners such as Bespoke Fine Interi- variety of services, from oneors are determined by a variety hour consultations to full-service, of factors, including the number ground-up design for new construction. To learn more, visand quality of client reviews a it www.bespokefineinteriors.com. professional received in 2014. Bespoke is located in downtown Those that win receive a “Best Aiken at 413 Hayne Avenue SW. of Houzz 2015” badge on their profiles to assist Houzz users in learning more about that business’ popularity and satisfaction rating among their peers in the Houzz community. EDTS, a regional IT services “I love being a part of Houzz,” company headquartered in said Catherine Hersacher, owner Augusta, continues to be recogand designer of Bespoke Fine nized for the service it provides.
EDTS named to MSP 500
This time, the company has been named to the 2015 CRN Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list as a member of the MSP Pioneer 250. The list recognizes the top technology providers and consultants in North America who offer a leading-edge approach to managed IT services. The MSP Pioneer 250 list honorees have a business model geared toward the small- and mid-sized markets. EDTS has also been ranked 121st among managed service providers worldwide on the 2014 MSPmentor 501 Global Edition list, and has been named to the Inc. 5000 FastestGrowing Private Companies in America for five consecutive years. The firm ranks among the fastest-growing companies in South Carolina on multiple lists. “The managed services landscape continues to evolve rapidly as organizations are discovering they can impact both bottom-line and top-line growth,” said Charles Johnson, CEO of EDTS. “Being recognized in this top tier of managed service providers is a testament to the commitment to excellence of our employees and the confidence and support of our growing client base, and we look forward to sharing insights and best practices from this group with our customers.”
Miller Realty raises funds for Easter Seals
Century 21 Larry Miller Realty announced that it raised more than $30,000 for Easter Seals of East Georgia in 2014. The multi-faceted fundraising efforts resulted in a $30,743 contribution to Easter Seals. “I am so proud of our agents, our staff members, and anyone who contributed to our Easter Seals projects during the year,” Miller said. “Easter Seals has been close to our hearts for over 22 years now, and we look forward to helping serve this wonderful organization again this year.” All told, nationwide Century 21 realtors donated $2.9 million to Easter Seals.