Buzz On Biz September by John Robeson

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SEPTEMBER 2013

SEPTEMBER 2013 ISSUE • THE CSRA’S ONLY BUSINESS MONTHLY PUBLICATION

Sam G. Nicholson (right), George Samuel Nicholson “Young Sam” (left) and George C. Nicholson (pictured left) make up three generations of attorneys serving the CSRA.

Three GENERATIONS OF PROTECTING THEIR CLIENTS Christopher Selmek | Freelance Writer/Photographer

Buzz on Biz, LLC 3740 Executive Center Drive Martinez, Ga 30907

hen George C. Nicholson passed the state bar exam in 1932, he probably had no idea that his son and grandson would keep his certification framed on the wall of their family practice more than 80 years later. The offices of Nicholson Revell LLP, attorneys at law, have recently acquired a new associate to continue the family legacy. George’s son, Sam G. Nicholson began practicing in Augusta shortly after his father’s death in 1977, and then inspired his own son George Samuel (Young Sam) Nicholson to attend law school and eventually join their offices

located at 4137 Columbia Road in Augusta. “Following in my father’s footsteps had a lot to do with it,” said Sam, who began practicing law in 1978 with his older brother, Chris. “I watched him do it and saw how much people appreciated his help with their problems and thought it would be something worthwhile to do. When I started my dad had just died, so I felt it was important for my brother and me to carry on the name that had been associated with law in this community.” “I was definitely predisposed to the law as a career because of my father and uncle, and because of stories I heard about my grandfather,” said Young Sam Nicholson, who graduated from Georgia State Law School in 2010 and began working for Nicholson Revell, LLP earlier this year. “People have issues all the time and it’s nice to help them navigate the legal system when they don’t know who else to turn to for help. You get a lot of

satisfaction out of helping people that way.” The Nicholson’s have established their family name for more than 80 years as the area’s best personal injury lawyers, with a practice that now includes Louisville, GA native Harry Revell, who became Sam’s partner in 2004, associate Adam King, and now Young Sam Nicholson. Together they form a committed and resourceful group of like-minded professionals focused on the pursuit of justice. Their mission is to provide exemplary, caring and professional legal services to those who have been injured or harmed through the negligence or intentional actions of others. They believe everyone deserves access to the civil justice system so that wrongdoers are held accountable for their actions. “If a person was hurt in a car wreck and it was the other person’s fault, then we could help that person to get

fair and just compensation for their injuries,” said Sam. “We also do medical malpractice lawsuits where someone

Continued on Page 6

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: SECTION A

Main Business News

SECTION B

Employment & Education

SECTION C

Health Care Reform

SECTION D

Leisure & Hospitality

SECTION E South Carolina

SEPTEMBER 2013

THE CSRA’S ONLY BUSINESS MONTHLY PUBLICATION

BUZZ ON BIZ • INDUSTRY EXPERTS • WATERCOOLER STORIES • BUSINESS ADVICE • TRENDS

The Buzz on Biz mission: to act as an inspirational tool for those in the workplace and those who are entrepreneurs and to provide useful, practical information to help increase companies’ bottom lines. To submit editorial content or to order a 12 month subscription mailed to your home or office for $12, mail a check to the address on the bottom of the page

MUST READ

NEIL GORDON | President, Buzz on Biz LLC

y now the terms, “Obamacare” or the “Affordable Healthcare Act” should be engrained in our minds. The generic term for what is expected to occur in October is “Healthcare Reform”. Partner Russell Head and Group Health & Benefits Consultants are sponsoring a special 4-page, pull-out section that you may want to refer to on your desk. It begins the second section of our newspaper and deals with notices employers must give employees and how employers and employees select

healthcare and pay for it. Mostly, Russell is hoping to answer frequently asked questions and get us all familiarized with Government forms that we’ll need to fill out. If you are still scratching your head just a little bit -- here is a suggestion: call Russell Head at 706.733.3459. Neil Gordon is President of Buzz on Biz, LLC and produces a daily tv segment on News 12 This Morning, a daily radio show on WRDW 1630 AM, and two hyper-local, niche publications, “Buzz on Biz” and “Verge”. To learn more, visit www.buzzon.biz or email neil@buzzon.biz

Neil R. Gordon: Publisher\Sales Manager (706) 589-6727 Jennifer Pruett: Executive Editor E35 Media: Design and Layout Kyle W. Evans: Sales(706) 288-9957 Christopher Selmek: Senior Writer Erin Campbell: Special Projects Coordinator Melissa Gordon: www.sofiacolton.com, Photography S.C. Contributors: Stephen Delaney Hale & Chasity Kirkland Jackson Opinions expressed by the writers herein are their own and their respective institutions. Neither the Buzz on Biz LLC, or its agents or its employees take any responsibility for the accuracy of submitted information, which is presented for informational purposes only.

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10 Ways To Maximize the Selling Price of Your Business Kim Romaner | Business Broker

or every business I list that is prepared to be sold at its maximum value, there are easily twenty that are not. In order to help your business be the one out of twenty that’s prepared, I’ve put together this top ten list of things you can do to maximize the selling price of your business… 1. Keep good books and records. Okay. This is not very sexy, and I didn’t want to put it first; but, the sale of a business is ultimately a financial transaction. The buyer is looking for a return on investment. He or she needs to know the true financial condition of the business. The better you can demonstrate that, the higher your sales price will be. 2. Sell when the time is right. Let’s be clear about this right now: the best time to sell your business is when it’s a going and growing concern. Don’t wait until you’re disinterested, tired, sick or

ready to retire, and let the revenues decline over a number of years. Sell it while the selling is good! Owning a small business doesn’t have to be a life sentence. You’ll hear more from me on this in a future column. 3. Stop doing all the work yourself. If you’re the Big Kahuna, then Big Kahuna, Inc. will lose a lot of value the day you leave. Empower the people who work for you to do what you do, to make more money than you make and to achieve their highest aspirations for themselves; because when you do, you will have built a sellable asset instead of a job. 4. If you’re taking cash out, put it back in, and give yourself a raise. I have sellers who take home an often unknown amount of cash from their businesses and keep it in a big box at their house. I can’t sell a Cash-in-the-Box. You need to be able to quantify and prove how much value you’re receiving from your business. If you’re thinking about selling, put the cash back in and give yourself a raise or take a draw to keep track of that value.

YOU DON’T KNOW DOMA J.EDWARD ENOCH, J.D. | Business Attorney

f you are a business owner and you don’t know DOMA, you soon will. DOMA is short for the “Defense of Marriage Act.” DOMA is a federal law passed with bi-partisan support in 1996 that did two things. First, it defined “marriage” as only a union between a man and a woman. Second, it defined “spouse” as “a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife.” These definitions affected all federal laws which reference either of these two words. The second thing Congress did with DOMA was to say explicitly that no state in the nation has to honor any form of same-sex union entered into legally in another state or country. At the time Congress passed DOMA no state had adopted or recognized any form of same-sex union. So why am I talking about this law now? Because this summer the United States Supreme Court struck down the portion of DOMA which defined “marriage” and “spouse.” For business this creates a situation where you might be required to offer certain benefits (such as FMLA leave) to same-sex partners in some states and not in others. This is because without DOMA most federal laws either explicitly or implicitly refer to the state where a

person lives to determine if that person is married. To complicate matters further, advocacy groups are lobbying federal agencies to adopt a “place of celebration” rule concerning marriage. If that happens, then even in states such as Georgia and South Carolina, which have explicitly adopted laws outlawing and refusing to acknowledge any form of same-sex union, businesses may be required to extend benefits mandated by federal law. The other thing which has changed is the landscape in the states. In the less than twenty years since DOMA’s passage twenty-one states have adopted some form of legallyrecognized same-sex union. No matter where you stand politically or morally on this issue, it is only going to get murkier for businesses owners. Proceed cautiously and seek professional guidance before implementing any policies.

J. Edward (ed) enoch This is a sponsored Law Talk article. Ed Enoch’s practice focuses on business, employment and real estate law. He is a 1992 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Washington and Lee School of Law. He has served in many leadership roles for SHRM, Rotary, the Family Y and the United Way. Reach him at 706.738.4141 or jenoch@enochlaw.com.

5. Educate yourself about the selling process. Do you know what businesses in your industry are selling for? Do you know how long it takes to sell a business? Do you know what will accelerate the sale of your business? Contact a professional who can tell you all this and more so that you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to prepare. 6. Pull your accounts receivable in. Cash flow is king! If you have receivables that are out 60, 90, 120 days or more, make it a priority to get that cash in the door. The more you can push to the bottom line, the more appealing your business will be. 7. Reduce the debt or plan to take it with you. If you have credit lines, loans, accounts payable… pay them off. If you can’t, expect to take the full debt of the business with you. This could drastically reduce your proceeds from the sale. 8. Paint a picture of the opportunity for growth. Do you have a marketing/growth plan for the next three years of your business? If you do, then it will be very easy to show the prospective buyer exactly what to do to maximize his or her investment. This will help to maximize your selling price. 9. Manage your online reputation. These days, we’re all connected by the Internet. When was the last time you “Googled” the name

of your business? If you never have, now is the time. You can be sure that today’s business buyers will. If your online reputation is besmirched, it will have an impact on your sales price. 10. Maximize your use of technology. If you’re keeping handwritten logs of transactions, or customer records, on index cards, or you don’t yet have a website, you’re not taking advantage of the efficiencies that technology can offer you or your prospective buyer in key aspects of your business. In 2013, there are many low-cost solutions available to bring your business up to date. Your business could fund a really big part of your retirement if you view it as a saleable asset -- the value over which you have control -- versus a job. Start applying these value-maximizing techniques today, and it will. Kim Romaner This is a sponsored article. Kim Romaner is president of Transworld Business Advisors of Augusta, a business brokerage that helps people buy and sell businesses, and also enter into the franchise world. With over 65 locations in the U.S. and abroad, Transworld has sold many thousands of businesses. If you’d like to talk to Kim about selling or valuing your business, buying a franchise or turning your existing business into a franchise operation, please call 706-383-2994, or email her at kromaner@tworld.com.

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When George C. Nicholson passed the state bar exam in 1932, he probably had no idea that his son and grandson would keep his certification framed on the wall of their family practice more than 80 years later.

Nicholson Law Firm Continued from Page 1

was misdiagnosed or mistreated and we can help that person achieve fair and just compensation. When folks come in a lot of time they or someone in their family has just suffered a catastrophic injury and they don’t know what to do next, and we have established a reputation for being the lawyers they can trust.” According to Nicholson, ninety percent of their cases get settled out of court, but they have to prepare many of their cases as though they were going to court. In the past they have been successful in class actions against harassing creditors, insurance companies and product manufacturers, as well as in cases involving automobile, truck and tractor trailer collisions, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse and neglect and

workers compensation. An important part of the job also involves building relationships. George C. Nicholson practiced law with Judge Jim Blanchard and Senior Judge William Fleming, who are both now judges on the Superior Court of Augusta Judicial Circuit. Sam was elected to the Georgia State House of Representatives in 1981 and served one term from 1981 to 1982. George C. Nicholson served in the Georgia State House from 1943 to 1945. “The way I looked at public office was the same as my job here, which is helping people with their problems,” he said. “A lot of the job is just listening to other people and trying to understand their concerns, and you get to meet a lot of people that way as well.” Young Sam worked in the District Attorney’s Office for two and a half years

following his graduation, and benefited from having an office inside the local courthouse. “I wanted to do something on my own for a while, and that’s a great opportunity to try lots of cases,” he said. “Plus, you get to meet a lot of people and you get to know the judges and the law enforcement officers. I thought about staying in Atlanta after I graduated, but it was important to me to come back to Augusta to continue in the tradition that my grandfather started in 1932.” Young Sam said that although he had a good idea what the job would be like before he started, he is happy to be in a situation where he can ask for advice from more experienced partners. “I do give him some advice in the normal course of having 35 years of experience just as I would help any other young associate just starting out,” said Sam. “There’s a lot of teaching that goes on in this office, but I don’t feel I have to

help my son any more than I would any other attorney in our office.” Sam recently turned 60 years old, but is in good health and says he has no plans to retire. He says he feels satisfied with the choices he’s made in life and is appreciative of his valuable support staff at his office. He is married to the former Susan Eubanks, and they have two daughters, Katie and Jane, in addition to Young Sam. Young Sam is married and expecting his first child on September 14. Nicholson Revell LLP has not yet discussed adding a fourth generation of Nicholson’s to the payroll. For more information about finding legal assistance call 706.722.8784 or visit www.nicholsonrevell.com.

By Christopher Selmek

SEPTEMBER 2013

Political and Chamber of Commerce leaders from Richmond and Columbia County celebrate the groundbreaking of Marshall Square Retirement Home with those charged with building and marketing the property. Photo by Christopher Selmek

New Retirement Resort Breaks Ground In Evans

9/15/13

Christopher Selmek | Freelance Writer/Photographer

esort Lifestyle Communities broke ground on August 14 on an upcoming 134-apartment facility to be called Marshall Square Retirement, near Evans Towne Center at 850 Ronald Reagan Drive. Multiple city leaders from Columbia County, Augusta and Aiken assembled at the dig site to congratulate the new owners on their contribution to the community and express their support for a strong partnership as Marshall Square Retirement is constructed over the course of the next 18 months. “We’re glad to be here in Evans; it’s a great place,” said Jeff Cunningham, vice-president of RLC, based in Lincoln Nebraska. “I think you’re going to find our community is state of the art and unlike anything you’ve seen before in the south.” Marshall Square Retirement features all-inclusive rent for adults age 55 and older, which includes resident managers who live on site, 24/7 concierge services, housekeeping and Freedom Style Dining. The building plan includes studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites leased monthto-month that feature full kitchens, walk-in closets, individual climate controls and granite countertops. According to Cunningham, RLC residents have a tendency to stay with them longer than residents with other retirement communities; this is a testament to their affordability and comfort. RLC hopes to become a part of the Evans community by running shuttle buses to take their residents around to local attractions, and by inviting non-residents to use their 150seat theatre and fitness facility. “It means an awful lot for us to have a population base in this area,

and I think this means good things for Evans Towne Center and all of Columbia County,” said Ron Cross, Columbia County Commission Chairman. The site preparation has been ongoing for the past several months with construction expected to be completed in approximately 18 months. At the groundbreaking, the RLC managers invited Rev. Greg Porterfield to say a safety blessing for the 100 people who would be working on the construction site. Another 12-15 full-time employees for the completed facility may be drawn from the local area, as well several part-time employees cleaning rooms and working in the kitchen. Sue Parr, President and CEO of Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, recommended graduates of Helm’s College, just down Washington Road, as ideal employees of the new facility. “Thank you for choosing this area to place your project,” said Parr. “I can only think of it as a first-class operation when I hear about your theatre and your fitness facility, and I think it will become a first-class opportunity for you and for us.” “We’re so excited to have an impact on Evans Towne Center’s commercial success,” said marketing director Karla Frese. Prices for any of the 134 apartments are set between $2000 to just over $3000 on a monthly basis, and there is already a waiting list for residents. For more information, call 706.854.1234 or visit MarshallSquareRetirement.com. By Christopher Selmek

SEPTEMBER 2013

Used Car Location Opening in Old Restaurant

Saving for College Christine Hall, CPA | Hall, Hall, & Associates P.C

ccording to the US Census Bureau, individuals with a bachelor’s degree have the potential to earn more than double the salary of those with just a high school diploma, so even though tuition and fees are on the rise, most people feel that a college education is well worth the investment. That said however, the need to set money aside for their child’s education often weighs heavily on parents. The most popular college savings program is the Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). You can contribute up to $2,000 in 2013 to a Coverdell ESA for a child under 18.These contributions are not tax deductible, but grow tax-free until withdrawn. Contributions for any year can be made through the due date for the return for that year. There is no adjustment for inflation; therefore the $2,000 contribution limit is expected to remain at $2,000 for 2013 and beyond. Only cash can be contributed to a Coverdell ESA and you cannot contribute to the account after the child reaches his or her 18th birthday. The beneficiary will not owe tax on the distributions if they are less than a beneficiary’s qualified education expenses at an eligible institution. This benefit applies to higher education expenses as well as to elementary and secondary education expenses. Anyone can establish and contribute to a Coverdell ESA, including the child and an account may be established for as many children as you wish; however, the amount contributed during the year to each account cannot exceed $2,000. The child need not be a dependent, and in fact does not even need to be related to you. As with IRA contributions, the maximum contribution amounts are subject to a phase out limitations.

The child must be named (designated as beneficiary) in the Coverdell document, but the beneficiary can be changed to another family member, for example, to a sibling if the first beneficiary gets a scholarship or drops out. Funds can also be rolled over tax-free from one child’s account to another child’s account. Funds must be distributed not later than 30 days after the beneficiary’s 30th birthday (or 20 days after the beneficiary’s death if earlier). For “special needs” beneficiaries the age limits (no contributions after age 18, distribution by age 30) do not apply. Withdrawals are taxable to the person who gets the money, with these major exceptions: Only the earnings portion is taxable (the contributions come back tax-free). Also, even that part isn’t taxable income, as long as the amount withdrawn doesn’t exceed a child’s “qualified higher education expenses” for that year. Go to our web site at HallAssociatesCPA.com and view “College” under “Calculators”. We have the answers to many common questions concerning saving for college. Some of the information includes whether it is better to live on or off campus, the feasibility of student loan repayments and when you should begin saving for your child’s college education just to name a few. After all, a college education is the best and most rewarding gift you can give a child. Hall, Hall, & Associates P.C This is a sponsored Employment article. Hall and Hall Associates P.C. is a full-service public accounting firm established in 1979. They have a staff of experienced professionals that stand ready to meet all of your accounting, tax and general business needs. For a complimentary consultation call 706-8557733 or visit hallassociatescpa.com.

US Auto Sales is setting up a lot on 218 Bobby Jones Expressway big enough for hundreds of cars. The lot should be open by the beginning of September, according to COO Mitch Moore. US Auto Sales offers used cars, trucks and SUVs by top manufacturers and has over 12,000 customers and over 1,200 vehicles from which to choose. Most US Auto lots are located throughout the Metro Atlanta area, in Athens and Macon. The Augusta location will be their 13th and the first to expand their “premier buy here, pay here” dealership into the CSRA. “At US Auto Sales we pride ourselves on having a better selection and better looking vehicles than most other ‘buy here, pay here’ dealerships,” said Mitch Moore, COO of US Auto Sales. “We want to put the right person in the right car, and we also work very hard to provide financing options that will work for the customer.” They offer extended service contracts on every car they sell, as well as expert advice for those seeking used car loans. In addition, each deal includes a 125-point inspection, 30-day power train warranty, and a Car Fax report. The Augusta location will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and will be closed Sunday. Call 888.280.7274 for information on different US Auto Sales Finance Options, or visit www.usautosales.info.

“Right at Home” owners Celeste Hoffman and Kathy Crist introduce therapy dog Snickers to Mrs. Margaret Lista. Photo by Todd Lista.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

EDTS Named to Inc. Magazine’s 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies for Fourth Consecutive Year EDTS, a regional IT services company specializing in advanced infrastructure, network security and managed IT services, has been named to the 2013 Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies for the fourth consecutive year. “We are pleased to be recognized for the fourth consecutive year among America’s fastest growing companies,” stated EDTS CEO Charles Johnson. “As one of very few firms in our region on the list, this recognition validates the dedication and hard work of our growing team, and celebrates the successful partnerships that we have created with our clients.” EDTS was ranked at 2949nd place on this year’s Top 5000 list, up nearly 500 positions from its ranking just two years ago in 2011. EDTS also ranks highly among IT Service providers on the list – historically the fastest-growing segment. The 2013 Inc. 5000 list measures revenue growth from 2009 through 2012. To qualify, companies must be U.S. based and privately held, independent -- not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies -- and have had at least $100,000 in revenue in 2009, and $2 million in 2012. “We believe that the year-over-year growth and success of EDTS is attributable to our unwavering commitment to providing clients with comprehensive information technology solutions, responsive and attentive service, and assisting them in growing their market share and profitability,” added Johnson. “By helping clients lower costs and harness the full power of their technology investment, we empower them to achieve even higher levels of success.” Founded in 1999, EDTS has grown to a staff of more than 50 professionals serving clients 24/7/365 across the Southeast from offices in Augusta, GA and Greenville and Columbia, SC. The firm provides clients with the Experience, Dedication, Technology and Solutions to help them increase productivity and reduce costs associated with information technology. “For more than 30 years, Inc. has celebrated the fastest growing private companies in America, and this year is a particularly notable achievement. Your company had to thrive through three of the toughest years this economy has seen in living memory,” stated Eric Schurenberg, Editor in Chief of Inc. magazine. Over 27 million businesses are registered in the United States and thus eligible for consideration; past honorees have included Microsoft, Under Armour, Visa, Intuit, Timberland, Publix, and Zappos.com.

SEPTEMBER 2013

Take Control of Your Online Reputation JEFF ASSELIN | Powerserve, Director of Sales and Marketing

ou’ve worked hard to make your business a success. You’ve invested blood, sweat, and tears. You’ve made every effort to be a great corporate citizen, and a magnanimous employer. You’ve even missed a few too many of your children’s music recitals and basketball games. Your business is finally on autopilot...until one day you realize your showroom door is not opening as often, your phone isn’t ringing and orders have stopped coming in. You ask yourself what’s going on -- your customers loved you, everyone seemed happy…well, almost everyone. One afternoon, you Google your business name and notice several negative reviews online. You keep searching and find more negative mentions across the web. Many of those situations were isolated incidents and most were resolved in a timely fashion. It doesn’t matter how good your business is, many will find themselves under fire from negative press at some point. Even the best run businesses can’t rest on their laurels. It only takes one disgruntled customer to write a

negative blog post, leave a few negative mentions on review sites or share their feelings of discord with hundreds of followers across their social media networks. A survey, sponsored by Zendesk earlier this year asked respondents if they could recall reading a Positive or Negative review on any of the following...

Source

Online Review Site Facebook Company Website Yelp Twitter

Could Recall a Negative Review 39% 38% 29% 25% 22%

Local online business reviews = your online reputation! What is said about you and your business on internet forums, across social media and on directory review sites is oftentimes beyond your control. These comments can make or break your reputation. Nielsen’s most recent Global Trust in Advertising study indicated that 70% of global consumers trust online reviews from strangers when making purchasing decisions. There are lots of tools a company can use that can help keep track of

Could Recall a Positive Review 41% 44% 39% 24% 23%

your online reputation. You must be vigilant about staying on top of these comments and consistently improving your public perception. Even though you cannot control commenting, you need to respond in a professional manner as publicly as possible. By responding to comments, positive or negative, in a timely fashion it shows that you are listening to your customers and genuinely care about their perceptions. Recent studies show that 9 out of 10 people are within hands reach of their mobile phone 24 hours a day, 7 days

a week and are more connected than ever. A company’s online reputation cannot be ignored. Business owners need to be aware of all the negative and positive things people are saying about their brand. I have seen our clients identify disgruntled customers and turn them into raving fans. The feedback is out there and it’s in your company’s best interest to find it and take action! Jeff Asselin is Director of Sales & Marketing for Powerserve, a web development company that focuses on Websites, Custom Business Software, Search Engine Optimization, Graphic Design and Social Media Marketing. Let Jeff put his more than 16 years of advertising and marketing experience to work for you helping grow your business. Click (www.powerserve.net), Email (jeff.asselin@powerserve.net), Visit (961 Broad St, Augusta) or Call (c: 706-691-7189, o: 706826-1506, Ext 122). This is a sponsored article.

SEPTEMBER 2013

The Talk DON MACNEIL |

Crown Point Communications at Windsor Jewelers

t hit me when viewing panicfilled news footage recently of that fire in the stern of Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur Of The Seas. It was the same thought I’d had while watching replays of the Boston Marathon bombings. Much was made of those who ran toward the explosions vs. those who fled in terror, and eminent psychologists were summoned to network anchor desks to explain this phenomenon. I thought, “Those are the ones who’ve had The Talk.” The Talk? It’s that vital conversation you have with yourself that effectively prepares you – rehearses you, if you will – for life’s jolting moments. It begins, “What am I going to do if…”. Clearly, an overwhelming number of us never have this life-defining internal conversation. Maybe it so goes to the root of who we are that not having The Talk in and of itself begins to define us. Have you had The Talk? We’ve all been a part of a slow, backed-up traffic crawl passed a horrific road accident. Are you a gawker? Or have you had The Talk, and decided that our too-human first impulse to fixate on tragedy isn’t the more noble reaction? Does a disruptive sound outside of your field of vision cause you to immediately turn and examine it? Or have you had The Talk, and seen the wisdom

of assessing the noise before turning your attention to it, thereby possibly preserving the privacy and dignity of the sound’s source? If those panicked Grandeur Of The Seas passengers had had The Talk, they’d have already done the math and realized they still had 95% of the ship to retreat to, and ample time to access life boats if necessary. And in Boston…was it bravery or simply, “What am I going to do if…”? I’ll be the first to admit that the marketing version of The Talk should be so far down your priorities depth chart that your having it may only be at my urging. Consider this that nudge. It should be clear by now that all of these Talks go to the core of who you want to be. In your marketing, do you want to be typical or extraordinary? Do you want to hammer or persuade? Bend the truth or directly address your potential customer’s secret misgivings? Research the best placement of your advertising or buy only what you like? The quality of life and your business skyrockets with just a little rehearsal. Have The Talk. Next: A Deal With The Devil DON MACNEIL is a traditional media expert, having spent more than 30 years on-air and behind the scenes in Media and Marketing. If you have any comments or questions, email Don at windsorway@ comcast.net

SEPTEMBER 2013

BullChicks Closes One Restaurant

The on again, off again saga of BullChicks is off again at Surrey Center in Augusta. For lease signs are up by the landlord looking to fill the vacant restaurant -- held for years by Wife Saver. BullChicks is still open in North Augusta, serving up 20 different hamburger options and various chicken wing flavors along with salads and wraps and more. The Augusta store had issues from the beginning as it was supposed to open in November of 2011 and was delayed about six months before opening in the spring of 2012. Once open, the franchisee violated policies and procedures… after corporate trainers from Texas came in for an inspection. The corporate officer shut down the restaurant for several weeks and reopened it as a corporate store. A franchisee took back over in late 2012 and never could get any traction with all of the changes taking place.

Bill Woodward, CPA/ABV, CVA Office Managing Shareholder

For 88 years, Elliott Davis has advised businesses on how to run efficiently, grow wisely, be more

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SEPTEMBER 2013

EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION

13 17 15 25 23

SECTION B

Real estate apps make it easier to buy and sell homes.

REAL ESTATE – There’s an APP for That Lelia SAKATA Williams | Meybohm Realtors

here seems to be an application for every aspect of our lives. They help us keep up with our friends and family, where to find the cheapest gas, and now, where to find our next home. The housing market is rebounding and for the first time, it is happening in a time of ubiquitous mobile technology. We’ve put together a list of apps that will not only make it easier to find a new house but also make it your dream home. Pick up your smart phone -- all of these apps are completely FREE! REALTOR®.com App -- There are several things that we like about the REALTOR®.com app, but one notable

feature is the area highlighter. It enables you to draw your desired target area on a map and will only show you available properties within those bounds. No more sifting through hundreds of homes that are not in the area you’re looking for. This app also allows you to create notes to send to family and your REALTOR® about the homes that you are interested in. Are you a seller? No problem, there are many features for you as well. Our favorite is a feature that allows you to zoom in on the map to see recently sold homes in your area, so you can compare your asking price. This app is available for both Apple and Android devices. Homesnap -- This app is a little more inventive than some others we tested. It allows you to simply snap of photo of the home you’re interested in, and if there is a match in the system,

Homesnap will provide you details about that particular property. If you are interested in asking a friend’s opinion, it provides a social aspect by enabling you to share and comment on properties through its Facebook integration. It’s available for Apple and Android. Lovely -- This real estate app is for the client that wants to be in the know at all times. It is a location based service that can store your preferences and let you know the minute something new hits the market in your desired target area. It is also available via the web, which can allow you to view the photos of matched properties on a larger screen. This app is available for Apple devices only. Houzz -- In the market but not quite sure what features you are looking for in a home? Houzz is definitely the app for you. This is a database-driven

application that is absolutely full of home ideas and inspirations. You can also join a community, save ideas that you like and share them with your REALTOR® or family! Houzz is available for Apple and Android devices. Buying or selling a home is an exciting change in life. We encourage you to explore these Real Estate apps and really enjoy the process. If you’re looking for a remarkable real estate experience, call Meybohm Realtors. We’re waiting to help you! Lelia Sakata Williams is the Marketing Director for Meybohm REALTORS®. She also serves as the cochair for the Greater Augusta Association of Realtors- Young Professionals Network and is co-owner of Geez Louise Special Events. She spends her extra time being mom to a busy 8 year old son, Bobby.

SEPTEMBER 2013

From Sandwich City Facebook

Mike Mulherin, new General Manager of Sandwich City.

Sandwich City Gets New General Manager S

Christopher Selmek | Freelance Writer/Photographer

andwich City, which has been a favorite breakfast and lunch spot for residents of downtown Augusta since it opened in 1972, has recently come under new management and will be enhancing the menu to provide customers with the best possible dining experience. General manager Mike Mulherin, who most recently opened the Steak and Shake on Belair Frontage Road, has over 35 years of experience in the restaurant business and made the decision to focus more on Sandwich City’s daily specials while continuing to provide the same great service and selection that customers expect. “I love being here because I know so

many of the people coming in, and I have the freedom to make those changes to the menu that customers tell me they would like to see,” said Mulherin. “Everybody has been really receptive to the changes, but we’re always open to new suggestions.” Sandwich City began with an assortment of soups and sandwich specials that are still available, including chicken salad, turkey salad and an egg salad that Mulherin said is the closest people are likely to get to the quality of egg salad served at the Augusta National Golf Course. The daily specials menu only developed in the early 2000s, which has now been expanded to include two

meat options every day. Customers may come in on Monday for pork loin or Salisbury steak, Tuesday for pot roast or chicken fried steak, Wednesday for fried pork chops or meatloaf, or Thursday for spaghetti or turkey and rice. Friday is Bar-B-Que day, all the ingredients for which are prepared fresh on site. Each special comes with two vegetables, bread and a 20-ounce drink for $7.99. “We give healthy portions of everything we serve here,” said Mulherin. “You’re not going to walk out hungry.” Sandwich City also offers breakfast all day, which may include two pancakes and three pieces of bacon for $4.48, or

one egg, grits and toast for $2.99. The restaurant typically sees more than 100 customers a day, with many loyal regulars who occupy the same table for breakfast or lunch each day. According to Mulherin, one of the greatest and most overlooked benefits of visiting Sandwich City are the designated parking spaces just out the door and also across the street. Sandwich City is open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information about their menu or specials, call 706.823.6237.

   

    

 

SEPTEMBER 2013

ON SITE OR ONLINE.

CLASSES FORMING SOON. Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Bachelor of Science in Human Services

Learn more at swu.edu.

swu.edu/northaugusta | 803.426.7981

Focus My Talent BRENT & KELLY MALLEK | Talent Focus Consulting

reviously in this space we’ve talked about the importance of employees being matched to performance profiles in the hiring and selection of top talent. Having recently experienced the transition of our son from high school to college, we’ve also seen how few resources are available to match an individual to a career path. We completely understand the importance of job fit. Job fit is the matching of an individual’s personal strengths and attributes to a particular job or career path. We have performance models on thousands of jobs against which we can assess a candidate to see how well they fit, and in doing so we can reliably identify those that match top performance. Knowing the importance of fit, we felt compelled to provide guidance to our son about picking his major field of study. After all, the major he chooses will, in a significant way, lead to the job(s) for which he’s qualified. But qualified doesn’t mean there’s a good fit and we knew it! How could we give him guidance on the jobs for which he’d be a good fit based on his personal skills, attributes, learning style, behaviors, and interests? We know parents want to provide the best information they can to their kids but when it comes to careers, they

often don’t know enough to be able to guide their child. In spite of our both having strong business backgrounds, we felt handicapped in coaching our son about careers outside of those with which we were familiar. I suspect other parents feel the same. Thankfully, we are pleased to share that there are now tools to help and they aren’t only for those transitioning from high school to college. Current college students, recent graduates, and those considering a career change have new resources available too. Parents owe it to their kids to give them the best information they can about what jobs they will best fit. Kids owe it to their parents to make a good choice so they don’t have the expense of changing their major over and over. A valid tool is the answer for both… and you can bet our son has his personalized list of careers that he’s well suited for and he’s picked a major that aligns with one of those paths! BRENT & KELLY MALLEK This is a sponsored article from their company, Talent Focus Consulting. Brent has over 20 years of Human Resources experience as a proven leader, coach, and teacher. His practical yet strategic approach to human capital issues provides great value to the businesses with which he works. Kelly’s successful track record spans 25 years working in sales, customer service, and business operations. Her practical approach puts others at ease while assisting others in driving their business results. Visit their website at www.talentfocusconsulting.com or call 706.945.1592 for a free consultation.

James Brown Arena Recognized as Top Ten Facility in Second Quarter

Global Spectrum is proud to announce that the James Brown Arena was recognized by Venues Today Magazine as #7 on the Hot Ticket Top 10 List for venues 5,001-10,000 seats in second quarter. This notable honor is based upon total gross sales and attendance during this time period. Venues Today Inc. is the leading source of original reporting for live entertainment and events, serving management, owners and suppliers to music, sports and meetings venues internationally. “We are honored to be recognized on the Venues Today Hot Ticket Top 10 List,” says Global Spectrum’s Monty Jones Jr., General Manager of the James Brown Arena. “We share this recognition with the outstanding promoters and events, and the supportive CSRA community. We had a great second quarter in 2013, and look forward to continuing the momentum through the remainder of the year.” Global Spectrum® manages more than 115 public assembly facilities around the world. Nearly 23-million people attended more than 15,000 events in Global Spectrum venues last year. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Global Spectrum is part of Comcast-Spectator, one of the world’s largest sports and entertainment companies.

SEPTEMBER 2013

My Role as a Life, Career and Business Coach (Part 1)

LARRY RUDWICK | The Buzz Business Coach

love helping people do better in their businesses, careers, and personal lives. I am very fortunate and blessed to be given the opportunity to use my talents doing what I am quite passionate about. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many people, who often think of their lives and/or businesses as just work they must endure until they retire. My role, as a coach, often becomes helping people 1) understand themselves better – their goals, strengths, passions, challenges, etc. 2) become more passionate about what they actually do, 3) change their situation to what they have more passion for, 4) make an action plan, 5) become more focused, pro-active and accountable, and 6) feel better about themselves, with more of a sense of serenity. My role typically begins by receiving a call from someone who is interested in making some positive changes. The necessary key is the caller must really want to improve their situation, because it takes a full commitment to make changes happen. If the caller is willing to make a small commitment to respond in writing to two sets of questions (the second set being specifically written for that person after reviewing the first responses), my experience shows the person may likely be ready to make positive changes. These questions form

an initial assessment, which focuses on understanding themselves better (#1 above), including where they are today, and what changes they want to make over the short term, medium term and long term. As this initial assessment is completed, a plan starts to develop -- what needs to happen to start working toward one’s goals. Because everyone’s situation is different (and I love challenges), I often will come up with suggestions that my clients may not have thought of, or perhaps had thought of in the past, that now may be practical to do. My goal, at this point, is to help the person discover “low hanging fruit”, things that are easy to obtain, and add significant value. If I am working with a business owner, I help look for inexpensive or cost-free ways to increase sales, and/or lower costs to increase profits. Getting rid of “junk” -- Some people are pack rats, hoarders, or just not motivated to “clean things up”. It’s not just physical things we can hoard. Some managers/business owners may “hoard” taking responsibility and doing things they should delegate to someone else. It’s often not obvious this is happening until an outsider notices this and suggests changes. So, this too, often becomes one of my roles. Every Engagement is

different! Each person I work with 1) has a different personality, 2) is in a different situation, and 3) are closely involved with different people. And, if I am working with a business owner, the business is unique, due to the 1) type of business, 2) age of the business, 3) way it is managed, 4) corporate culture 5) financial situation, and more. I will often work with some or all of the employees, depending on the owner’s needs and preferences. My exact role varies with each engagement. Because I love challenges and helping people, I love coaching people; each engagement has its own nuances, challenges and

potentially practical solutions. Feel free to challenge me! Look over my website, sign up for my newsletter, give me a call, or email me. Larry Rudwick 571-331-6102. Rudwick@ cox.net LARRY RUDWICK This is a sponsored Business-Talk article. A lot more about this can be found on the www.BusinessTune-Ups. com website. To do an Executive Assessment requires a Word Document entitled Ten Questions That Can Improve Your Life. I would be happy to email one to you; you may request it from me at Rudwick@cox.net or calling 571-331-6102.

I help people do better... in their Businesses,

Careers and... Personal Lives Call for a Free Consultation: 571-331-6102 Larry Rudwick, Business & Relationship Coach

www.BusinessTune-Ups.com

SEPTEMBER 2013

CNN Money Ranks Columbia County #1 for Job Growth

Between 2010 and 2012, Columbia County has seen a 14.1 percent increase in job growth, according to CNN Money Magazine. With those stats, the county is ranked No. 1 in the magazine’s “Where the Jobs Are” nationwide list. “We’re beating or leading the path for the rest of Georgia, and the southeast,” said Robbie Bennett, Executive Director of the Columbia County Development Authority. “Both the retail side, and the existing job side are doing very well, and we hope they continue to do well, and we’re going to do everything we can to foster that growth.” This good news from Columbia County is in contrast to disappointing job numbers statewide due to temporary layoffs. But in Columbia County, officials hope their bit of job news is a lot more permanent. A recent example of major growth: Bass Pro Shops making its entrance into the Augusta market, choosing a site in Columbia County as the place to build. “I think you’re going to continue to see growth in general,” said Bennett. “The retail is a very important part of the growth in Columbia County. But you cannot forget the existing industry and the opportunity they give us for creating jobs.”

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SEPTEMBER 2013

2013 Summer Interns at Elliot Davis LLC, during a visit to the Morris Museum of Art.

Elliott Davis LLC. Begins Intern Recruiting Christopher Selmek | Freelance Writer

ith the start of the new school year, the business managers of one of the largest accounting, tax and consulting service firms in the southeastern United States, Elliott Davis LLC, are beginning their recruiting push for spring and summer interns from colleges around Georgia. This summer 40 interns served 8 office locations throughout Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, learning how to become professional accountants alongside nearly 500 employees and in most cases earning future jobs with Elliott Davis. “Recruiting is very vital to our future success, and it’s very competitive, so we try to be very proactive in reaching out into Georgia’s universities,” said

local office managing shareholder Bill Woodward. “We try to create a pipeline of folks we intend to make a full offer to at some point. When someone does an internship with us our intent from that moment is to have them with us full time.” The six interns who spent this summer in the local office at One Tenth Street, Suite 400, were mostly college seniors with one currently in graduate school. They worked 40 hours a week for seven weeks, which culminated in an intern beach retreat where the Augusta interns won the competition to produce the best intern video. During those seven weeks the six interns learned to function just as an audit or tax staff by preparing tax returns and financial

statements, performing basic auditory procedures and research on issues related to client needs. Many of the projects they worked on were not directly related to client service but were designed to keep them productive and learning. For a group research project, the interns collaborated on an office presentation about Obamacare and its implications for taxes and businesses moving forward. Interns, some of whom were not from the Augusta area, also participated in volunteer projects with Jud Hickey, Goodwill, Golden Harvest Food Bank, the Ronald McDonald House, the Boys and Girls Club of Augusta and others. “In accounting school education is mainly theory,” said Zack Stroup, a current staff member at Elliott Davis

who completed his own internship there in the summer of 2011. “Internship is a very big step in transitioning from the theory who learn in college to real world work, and it allowed me to hit the ground running in the office because I had already learned the software and established relationships with the people there.” Elliott Davis will begin their 2014 recruiting over the next several weeks with career fairs at the University of South Carolina, Georgia Southern and the University of Georgia, on-campus interviews, and in-office interviews on Oct. 17. Anyone interested in finding out more about the internship program may call Bill Woodward directly at 706.826.7700 or visit www.elliottdavis. com.

SEPTEMBER 2013

Back to School -Not Just for Kids Missie Usry |

Georgia Military College, Enrollment Manager

ell, it is that time of year again…back to school time. With so many working parents scurrying around buying school supplies, attending open house and worrying about after school care, those parents have to remember that back to school doesn’t have to be just about the kids. Back to school may mean that parents look at their own skills and begin considering their own education. Oftentimes, adults who are working and have children are concerned about going back to school because they are fearful of their ability to manage time and money. This group also sometimes feels intimidated by the college environment or the challenge of juggling all of their obligations. However, when the routine is set and the non-traditional student adjusts to the schedule, this group tends to become more confident much more quickly, and because of their life experiences, tends to be more motivated. There’s little to be afraid of because many people, including the children, will look up to the nontraditional student, admiring your initiative and zeal for balancing career, education and family. Why go back to school? Technology is ever changing; employers are always looking for staff members who have strong problem-solving skills and

can take initiative on projects. These skills are not always taught through a textbook, but are acquired through practice while taking courses that require research. Working parents who are non-traditional students stand out to an employer because it is clear that this demographic has a special skillset. Working parents who are juggling a job, keeping up household bills, managing a family and achieving high grades have already proven that they can handle tasks that businesses face. In a non-traditional student’s daily life, they have proven to be multitasked, able to meet project deadlines, handle last minute issues that arise, and maintain quality of work. They also prove an aptitude for time management and organizational skills. It is sometimes a gamble for an employer to hire a younger, fresh college graduate with little work history, but the nontraditional graduate with a work history shows a significant amount of drive that offers less risk. Missie Usry, is Enrollment Manager, heading up Georgia Military College’s Augusta campus Admissions department. The Admissions department is responsible for enrollment, marketing, and recruiting. For questions about how to enroll in Georgia Military College’s degree programs, please call 706.993.1123, email musry@gmc.cc.ga.us, or visit www.gmcaugusta.com.

Augusta’s Premiere Luxury Event Facility. 2701 Washington Rd. • Augusta, GA 30909 AugustaLegendsClub.com

SEPTEMBER 2013

The Cost of Living a Healthy Lifestyle ED REID | Owner, Team Fit

hen you ask the general public where they rank health in their life, most put their health somewhere near the top of their priority list. However, when it comes to actually adopting a healthy lifestyle, we tend to make excuses. “I want to get into better shape, but gym memberships are expensive” or “healthy foods cost more.” When assessing clients for their present fitness level, I usually discuss this topic. My conversations circle back to this question, “Where do you value health in your life?” Some people value material possessions. We spend great sums of money for houses, cars, clothes and other tangible items. These items have two things in common: 1) They require regular maintenance to operate in peak condition; and 2) they can be replaced. Others value their bodies. Our bodies, which require regular maintenance too, cannot be replaced. We only have one vessel to get through this lifetime. Why not build and maintain the best body possible, so we can enjoy the people in our lives and the things we have for years to come.

Don’t make excuses! Not everyone has the money to join a fitness center. Utilize free areas for exercise. There are plenty of parks and trails that can be used for various sports, individual/ group exercise sessions, biking, walking, skating, etc. Don’t enjoy the outdoors? Workout at home! If you are not sure where to begin with your routine or you just need someone to motivate you, consult a certified Fitness Trainer. Most initial consults are free. It does not have to be a lengthy process; just review the basics of exercise and nutrition to refresh your memory. You wouldn’t trust your home or car maintenance with just anyone, so think likewise concerning your body.

The cost of a healthier life can be free. Eat to train. Train to rebuild and maintain. Live a Healthy Lifestyle!

ED REID This is a sponsored Fitness article. Ed is a Certified Personal Trainer and leading fitness expert in the CSRA. He is Retired US Navy with over 15 years

article reprinted from NOVEMBER of 2012

experience in the health and wellness industry. Ed owns Team Fit Personal Training located at 4460 Columbia Road, Suite 10. For more information, call Ed at 706.877.0556 or e-mail him: getfit@teamfitaugusta.com.

SEPTEMBER 2013

Local Club Fencing In Historic Downtown Building Salle d’Armes Fencers Club T

Christopher Selmek | Freelance Writer/Photographer

he Salle d’Armes Augusta Fencers Club officially opened their new building to the public with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 27 on the corner of Fifth and Greene Streets, where they share the historic building with Adept Imaging. The building located at 464 Greene Street was formerly an A & P Super Market, constructed in 1949. According to the April 24, 1949 issue of the Augusta Chronicle, the market was “one of the finest and most complete in the south” because it included a frozen food department, a service and self-service meat department and an open-style produce department with open-style, self-service refrigerated cases in which all fresh fruits and vegetables were kept. Dr. Rudy Volkmann, head coach of the Fencers Club, said that he is eager to open the new building to the public following a year of construction and painting, most of which he handled himself. “After a little over a year of construction, from clearing it down to the bare walls, and after all of the effort it took to get to this point, it looks exactly as I had imagined,” Volkmann said. “I did everything except the electrical work, although I could have done that too. There are 1.3 miles of one-by-four underneath here and it took a lot of work to install. The historical society is primarily concerned with the appearance of the building and that it fits the historic character of the neighborhood, but they agree that on the inside things should be as modern as possible.” “We’ve been working on it for a long time, and we’ve been looking for a place downtown for a long time; I thought this would be a great opportunity that would work out for the both of us,” said Collin McCoy, who founded Adept Imaging in 2007. “We do a lot of work for other businesses, so we’re not as concerned with walk-ins. I know some people are sketchy about certain parts of town, but I think that if we want to help the neighborhood we need to be willing to contribute to it a little; so it’s really more about us helping the neighborhood than the neighborhood helping us.” Adept Imaging is a small but growing company dedicated to producing quality work, including custom art, screen printing, embroidery, monograming and signs. The new space is large enough to house all the machines necessary to the operation, along with a small workforce. In addition to owning Adept, McCoy is an assistant fencing coach for the Fencers Club, and he looks forward to utilizing the new, larger space to host larger tournaments than the club was able to at their former Ninth Street location. “We’ve been on Ninth Street for about twelve years, but now I can have twice the space for just as much rent, and I’m taking that opportunity,” said Dr. Rudy Volkmann, head coach of the Fencers Club. “There were about two months of overlap where I was still teaching classes

there while moving the equipment a little at a time over to the new place, as Adept Imaging has done, but now we have lots more room, lots more flexibility, and a better location where we can have our own parking and we own the building.” Fencing is a complicated sport that involves suits wired up to a computer system that chirps every time one player scores a point by sticking the tip of their foil. According to Volkmann, simply learning the stance and basic positions in order to score points requires a lot of instruction that is not typical of most American sports. “It’s not like soccer or basketball where you can just jump right in and start playing, there are at least fifty basics you have to understand before you can even consider yourself a fencer,” he said. “Fencing is a tough game because it takes several months before you can do it at any level without hurting yourself or someone else, not something to be attempted if you expect instant gratification.” Volkmann has about 40 students right now, only 15 of whom are active competitors while the rest are either recreational fencers or are still learning the basics. Likewise, the age range of his students ranges from 17-year-old C.J. McCarter to her 53-year-old father; Volkmann said that most of his students tend to be either very young or very old. “I was 265 pounds when I started, and I’ve dropped 35 pounds while keeping the same diet just because of the exercise of fencing,” said Manley McCarter, who drives to Augusta from Greenville, S.C. each week with his daughter just to learn fencing from Dr. Volkmann. “A lot of people think it’s just about speed, but it’s a lot more than that, and sheer strength will just hurt your performance. It’s more about footwork, timing and mental strength. Ninety percent of the movements are done with just the fingers, and there’s a high degree of concentration involved to get it right.” “It’s remarkably aerobic,” said Volkmann. “The 100-meter dash probably burns a few more calories per second, but very little else does. You’re not only trying to hit your opponent but you’re a target as well, and the situation can change in a split second. You have to use all your mental faculties to participate.” The best way to learn fencing is to take one of Volkmann’s introductory classes, which he offers two or three times a year. Three fall classes will begin September 18 for ages 6 through adult. This is a $150, 10-week course that is one hour on Thursdays, for which Volkmann provides all the necessary equipment; attendance at each class is essential in order for students to consider themselves trained fencers. For more information, call 706.722.8878. By Christopher Selmek

(Photos courtesy of Chris Selmek) The Augusta Fencers Club has now moved to the 464 Greene Street.

Dr. Rudy Volkmann works to renovate the inside of the historic building, constructed in 1949, which housed the A&P Grocery. The building is now the home of the Augusta Fencers Club

SEPTEMBER 2013

Another Japanese Restaurant to Open in Columbia County

Applebee’s to Join the “Neighborhood” in Grovetown Signs are up inside of the Gateway Shopping Center area in Grovetown as Applebee’s announces plans to expand its brand from West Augusta, South Augusta, Evans, and Aiken into Grovetown. They’ll be nearby the new Center For Primary Care building and the new Family Y and Grovetown Exhibition Center. Bojangles is also placing digital billboard announcements that they too are planning to open a fast food restaurant in the same vicinity of the Gateway Center, which has Wal-Mart has the anchor tenant. Grovetown has already seen an explosion of new business open right off Exit 194 in Columbia County. There is more room to grow as eventually the Grovetown Exhibition Center will take up all of the YMCA’s space as the “Family Y” moves to an adjacent lot to include its indoor and outdoor recreational centers with room for an Outdoor Water Park.

The “Asian Invasion” of restaurants continues in Columbia County with the buzz that a new Japanese buffet restaurant will open in the spot previously owned by Grand China Buffet on Washington Road in Evans, behind Dunkin Donuts. Grand China suddenly closed a few months back, having featured sushi, fresh hibachi cooked food, and dozens of Chinese, Japanese, and American buffet items. In the last few months, three different Asian restaurants have opened in Columbia County. They are Miyabi Express in the Kroger Shopping Center on Washington Road, Hokkando Steak House and Sushi in the Liberty Square Shopping Center on Washington Road in Evans and Fuji Asian, a Hibachi and Sushi style restaurant in the Quantum Fitness Center on Evans to Locks Road.

SEPTEMBER 2013

& Whole Foods Moves In as GA Wholesale Florist Expands We got the buzz from Len Collins at Georgia Wholesale Florist. Whole Foods will be leasing his large space next to Bonefish Grill on Washington Road. Once that deal is finalized, Collins says he will exercise an option on an existing building near a Bobby Jones Expressway exit in Richmond County. The facility will have enhanced functionality…cutting edge lighting, much more refrigeration, safer access, room for expansion, and superior shipping and receiving areas. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to improve our products and services,” said Collins. This will tie in nicely to the 60th Anniversary of Georgia Wholesale Florist. In the interim, wholesalers are able to find bargains for their stores during the moving sale. In terms of the public, there is a defined area filled with décor and floral supplies -- but the entire facility is NOT open to the public. Whole Foods, which will move into the Georgia Wholesale Florist space, reported that approximately 100 jobs will be open, once their store is complete in 2014. The fresh and organic store giant will compete with Fresh Market, Publix, and Earthfare all within a 10 minute distance with one another.

North Carolina Based Restaurant Opening on Walton Way

The Cook-Out Restaurant franchise has been expanding throughout the south for the last 23 years with more than 122 locations in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina and Tennessee. Now, the famous “cooked outdoors” style of food is coming to Augusta, with construction of a new restaurant in its final stages at the corner of Walton Way and Crawford Avenue between the Burger King and Shell Gas Station and across the street from Tubman Home Middle School. No completion date has been projected by the Cook-Out corporate offices, but they hope that the new Augusta and Statesboro

PITA PIT

Pita Pit is opening at 4336 Washington Road in Evans, with a tentative opening day of mid to late October. According to franchise owners Sam Oshana and Mike Jijija, this will be the first Pita Pit within 100 miles of Augusta, although the franchise has already proved very popular in college towns like Athens, Statesboro and Columbia. “Mike is still a federal contractor on Fort Gordon, and I’ve always wanted to focus on good, healthy food and open a restaurant to serve the community, especially our men and women in uniform,” said Oshana. “We strongly believe in the product we offer because it is the kind of fresh thinking and healthy alternative to traditional fast food that Augusta needs, and it’s especially good for the men and women protecting our country at Fort Gordon who have told us that they need to stay in shape in order to continue serving us.” Oshana and Jijija plan to offer a wide variety of Lebanese foods including falafel, a falafel wrap, baba ghanoush, Hummus and souvlaki chicken. They will also serve healthy fruit smoothies, but have not yet determined if they will offer breakfast as other restaurants in the chain have done. According to Inc. Magazine, Pita Pit is the #124th best franchise in the country and the #1 Pita franchise. They are also ranked the 3,296th fastest growing private company in the world. The new Pita Pit will likely be open six days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with possible extended hours on Saturday nights and catering on Sundays. A complete menu of meat and vegetable sandwiches wrapped in pitas is available at www.pitapit.com.

locations will allow them to expand into Georgia. According to the company website, “Our fans can’t get enough of our fresh never frozen chargrilled hamburgers, our chargrilled chicken, hot dogs, Foot longs, BBQ, Chicken Wraps, Quesadilla and creamery style milk shakes.” Their menu offers dozens of milkshake flavors, including Hershey’s Chocolate, Banana Pudding and Cherry Cobbler, char-grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken and Lexington-style BBQ. Other favorites include low-carb platters and cook-out trays featuring one entrée, two side items and a drink for $3.99. Cookout locations are also known for their unique double drive-thru buildings and bright neon signs as well as restaurants that feature beautiful dining rooms and patios. Cook-Out’s success is based on the use of only fresh top quality name brand ingredients. “Our fresh never frozen hamburgers which we cook “outdoor style” have created a fantastic following throughout the Southeast and have won us over 100 awards,” according to the website. “But all the awards don’t mean much to us if our customers don’t leave happy and look forward to their next visit. That’s why Cook-Out managers and crew think of our customers first. Our policy is that the customer knows what they like on their burgers better than we do. So we let them tell us how to make every order! Our customers are always right no matter what they want on their burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs or foot longs.” Cook-Out’s Mission Statement is to serve customers the highest quality food in the least amount of time in a professional well run way. This commitment to customers is what drives Cook-Out to continue to grow and bring unique attention to customer service and food quality to customers throughout the Southeast. More information is available at www.cookout.com.

SEPTEMBER 2013

SPECIAL HEALTH CARE REFORM SECTION

Healthcare 1

SPECIAL HEALTH CARE REFORM SECTION

Healthcare 2

SEPTEMBER 2013

Health Care Reform & Your Business by Russell T. Head | EMPLOYEE BENEFIT CONSULTANT

1) Q. Which employers must provide the notice? A. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) amended the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to require notice by the following employers: • Employers with 1 or more employees that are engaged in interstate commerce including the following entities that are subject to FLSA Minimum Wage & Maximum Hour Rules; • Government Agencies; • Hospitals and other institutions that care for the sick or aged that reside on the premises; • Schools; • Companies/Organizations with annual revenue greater than $500,000. It appears that the notice may even apply in a broader sense to those with revenue under $500,000. To be safe, the notice should be provided in those companies as well. There is no minimum number of employees and the notice applies whether the employer provides health insurance or not. 2) Q. Who must receive the notice? A. Active employees and new employees including: • Full or part time employees; • Eligible or not eligible for the health plan; • Enrolled or not enrolled in the health plan;

• Independent contractors, contract and leased employees may need to receive the notice based on the nature of their relationship with the employer, based on the FLSA “economic reality test” (see www.dol. gov ). • No notice is required for Dependents, Retirees, COBRA Participants or COBRA Qualified Beneficiaries. 3) Q. What information must the notice contain? A. The notice must contain all of the following. The Department of Labor Model Notice fulfills these requirements. (See insert to this publication for Model Notice Template). • Information about the existence of the Exchange a.k.a Marketplace; • Employer’s contact information; • A description of the services provided by the Exchange; • Information about the possibility of an employee being eligible for a subsidy; • Inform the employee that they may lose any tax-free employer contribution; • Model Notices. There is a model notice for employers who sponsor a health plan and a separate notice for those that do not sponsor a health plan. Each notice has Part A and Part B. Part A of both notices contains general information. Below are the differences in the required information for Part B of each notice. 4) Q. When Must The Notices Be Delivered? A. All notices must be delivered as

follows: • Employees on your payroll before October 1, 2013 must receive the notice by that date; • Employees hires October 1, 2013 and later must receive the notice within 14 days of their date of hire; • The notice must be provided automatically and be free of charge. 5) Q. How Must The Notice Be Delivered? A. All notices must be delivered in one of the following ways: • In writing; • First Class Mail; • Electronically (if Dept. of Labor Electronic Disclosure Safe Harbor Requirements are met) by email, as an attachment to an email, on your company website or on a CD. Also Note: The Department of Labor Model COBRA Election Notice has been revised to make qualified beneficiaries aware of coverage options in the Exchange/Marketplace. Please review our special insert to this edition of Buzz on Biz for sample Exchange Model Notices. The information presented here is not intended to be a complete outline of the ACA Regulations regarding the Exchange Model Notice. It is a summary of key components that are of interest to consumers. Please refer to ACA Final Regulations listed below for detailed information on this topic. For further explanation of the PPACA provisions outlined in this article, please refer to the following resources: www.hhs.gov; www.irs. gov; www.healthcare.gov; www.dol.gov

Russell T. Head is a Partner and Chief Visionary Architect with Group & Benefits Consultants, Inc., Augusta’s largest, privately held employee benefits consulting firm. He can be reached at 706733-3459 or rthead@gandbc.com. Visit Group & Benefits Consultants at www. groupandbenefits.com. This is a sponsored article.

SEPTEMBER 2013

Consignment Shops Growing in this Economy

Kid-to-Kid and Uptown Cheapskate will open a new side-by-side location this fall between the Electrolux Building and the Legends Club in the National Hills Shopping Center. There is a stand-alone “Kid to Kid” store in Aiken, but both Washington Road locations feature both “Kid to Kid”, which focuses on maternity clothing, baby gear, children’s clothing and nursery furniture, as well as Uptown Cheapskate, a teen and young adult fashion exchange. The success of this franchise reflects the growth of consignment and resale stores since the economy tanked nearly five years ago. “We’re a resale store, so it’s a little different from other stores, because our customers can get great upscale brands for one half to one third of what they might find at the mall, but it’s all in one store so it’s a great convenience,” said Shelley Rollins, store manager of the Martinez side-by-side location that is only a ten minute drive from the new setup. “It’s a different demographic and we’re trying to give more to customers who live on the hill, and we also get a lot of customers from North Augusta and Aiken,” she continued. “What we offer at the new location won’t be that much different from what we offer anyplace else, but it will be more of what we do here as we reach out into a different area.” Both stores accept and re-sell gently used clothing, and have a simple business model -- bring in items to sell and while the staff evaluates whether to buy it or not -- you go shopping. Once finished, you can either receive money for your goods or “trade up” and get free items. In most cases, customers receive about 40 percent of the value of what Kid to Kid or Uptown Cheapskate will re-sell items for. Uptown Cheapskate offers tops and tees from $4.99, colored skinnies from $12.99, denim for all from $7.99, dresses and skirts from $9.99, flats and boots from $6.99, hoodies and jackets from $8.99, bags and totes from $12.99, scarves and hats from $3.99, designer styles from $19.99 and everything else you can think of from $5.99. Kid to Kid offers many low-priced new products including bows, baby carriers, boys’ ties, sippy cups, baby bracelets, pacifier holders and more, as well as name brands like Gymboree, Children’s Place, Fisher Price and Playskool. Brand preferences may vary from store to store. Kid to Kid also offers a frequent saver and seller card for which loyal customers can earn a stamp for every $10 then spend or sell. Once a customer has collected 30 stamps, they can get 20 percent off their entire next purchase. Additionally, a VIP Book Club allows customers to take home a free book of their choice from the Kid to Kid collection every month for a year. Spend $30 once, anytime, and you’re eligible to receive a free book club card. Both locations are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www. uptowncheapskate.com, www.kidtokid.com, or find them on Facebook.

SEPTEMBER JUNE 2012 2013

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LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY

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Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 5

Figure 4

How to Create a Better Impact Position Drew Belt | Assistant Golf Professional at West Lake County Club

reat golfers deliver a good amount of shaft lean at impact. Though the driver is a specific case (due to ball position and angle of attack), throughout the set, the best players deliver the shaft in such a way that it has not passed the line of the left forearm prior to impact (figure 1). This sometimes is called a “flip” and will occur when the left wrist cups (figure 4) on the downswing and into

impact (figure 2). A flat left wrist helps to compress the ball to strike it solid every time, so great golfers tend to not “flip” at the ball any significant amount. If you are somebody that is struggling with picking the ball clean, hitting the ball fat, pulling the ball, or even slicing the ball; chances are you are probably cupping your left wrist into the ball (figure 4). A great way to feel the difference between a cupped left wrist and a bowed left wrist is to put your hands together out in front of you with your palms facing one another. Now, if you bend your hands to the left (figure 4) that cups the

left wrist. Do the opposite and bend your wrist to the right (figure 3) and bow the left wrist. This is the feeling with the wrists you should have into impact. Now set your grip on a club and see if you can hit small shots feeling the bow in your left wrist as you hit the ball and into the follow through (Figure 5). The main focus should be, while you are hitting small half swing shots with your pitching wedge, look down and check your left wrist on your follow through. If there is any hint of a cup of the left wrist, adjust your hands, and try it again! Every time you hit the ball, hold your

follow through, look down and check your hands on each small shot. If this is done properly you will amazed on how fast you can learn a better impact position! Drew Belt This is a sponsored Golf article. Drew is an Assistant Golf Professional at West Lake County Club. A PGA of America Class A Member, Drew has been teaching golf to all levels of players for over 10 years. For comments or story ideas email drewbelt@westlakecountryclub.com

SEPTEMBER 2013

Good Eats and Sweet Treats Boll Weevil Café and Sweetery Nola Bon Viveur | Fun-Loving Foodie

re you in search of the best business lunch spots around the CSRA? So am I. Each month I schedule a lunch meeting at a different local eatery, and I rate them on the criteria that I feel constitutes a great “Power Hour” dining spot. This month I met with a group of women who all work from home. It was a “think tank,” of sorts. We met to share ideas on organization, time management and increasing productivity. We needed a place that would give us room to spread out (with our calendars and spreadsheets) and a place where we could talk and share ideas. Conveniently located on Augusta’s Riverwalk, Boll Weevil Café and Sweetery offered just what we were looking for. They offer good food, fast and friendly service, semi-private seating options and DESSERT! Every good lunch meeting should involve dessert, right? Boll Weevil was opened in 1990, by George Harrison. In the 1930s George’s great-grandfather, Fred Harrison, bought the then abandoned cotton sheds, across from where Marriott Suites now sits; then in the 1950s his father, Fred Harrison, Jr. used the building as storage for his

business, T.R. Maxwell Furniture. When Fred Jr. reached retirement, George decided to open a small restaurant on the property. The current owner/operator is William M. Harrison. Boll Weevil offers full lunch and dinner menus including appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees and “southern delights”. However, what it’s best known for is its dessert menu, featuring more than 30 homemade desserts. While it was tempting for us ladies to skip lunch and go straight to what we saw in the dessert case, we restrained ourselves and saved our dessert for after our meal (our mothers taught us well). We each chose the half-sandwich combo -- half of a sandwich paired either with a small salad or with a cup of soup. My favorite Boll Weevil sandwich is The Jerk, grilled Jerk chicken topped with Provolone, lettuce, tomato and ranch on ciabatta bread. It’s a great sandwich. The spice of the Jerk is perfectly balanced by the cool creaminess of the ranch. The veggies are fresh, and the bread is warm and delicious. I chose to pair it with Tomato Apple soup. The flavor of the soup is a little odd for my taste (as I should have guessed from the description).

Apple Blossom dessert at Boll Weevil Café and Sweetery, Augusta, GA.

Moving right on to dessert -- the best part of the meal. While the layered cakes looked absolutely beautiful in the dessert case, I couldn’t resist apple blossoms, apple pie filling in a buttery pastry shell served warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. It was so decedent that I ate every bite on the plate -- not sharing any with any of the other ladies at the table. As I mentioned previously, Boll Weevil offers some semi-private seating. This accommodated us quite nicely, giving us the room we needed to spread out and the quiet that we needed to talk and share ideas. Our server was very attentive and friendly. Our meeting was productive, and we will definitely go back the next time our

“think tank” gets together. Give Boll Weevil a try for your next Power Hour lunch. You won’t be sorry. Nola Bon Viveur the “Fun-Loving Foodie,” is on the quest to find the best local hotspots for business power lunches. Nola is a regular contributor for Buzz on Biz. She is a native of Augusta, and is well acquainted with the local food scene.

LOCATION SERVICE NETWORKING Noise LEVEL

Hotel Owners Post Masters Sign

The owners of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites just posted a sign indicating the remodeled hotel will be ready for the 2014 Masters Tournament. It replaces a former Regency Inn at 444 Broad Street. Work is almost 50 percent complete and next up on the list of projects is the installation of windows and then interior work. Work began on the $8 Million project last March and will take a full year to complete. Once complete, the hotel will have 118 rooms as part of the 70,000 square foot facility. The builder and project partner is Mason McKnight and the developer is local businessman T.R. Reddy, who owns many properties in the CSRA, including the Washington Road building where Crazy Turks sits. The original steel structure remains intact. Information from a July 30, 2013 Augusta Chronicle story was used in this story.

SEPTEMBER 2013

Open s 24 Hour

4361 Washington Road Evans, GA 706-364-2095

3125 Peach Orchard Road Augusta, GA 706-364-6147

SEPTEMBER 2013

Party Planning Without The Stress Lelia Williams | co-owner of Geez Louise Special Events

s August comes to an end, believe it or not, holiday parties are just around the corner. Holiday events are ideal to display the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appreciation and to celebrate a year of success, not to mention, the perfect opportunity for your employees to get together and enjoy each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company without the pressure of an office atmosphere. Holiday parties are enjoyable but can be stressful for the person responsible for planning the event. I have put together a checklist that should help to alleviate some of the stress associated with party planning. Budget- Determining a financial budget for the event early in the planning process is crucial as all important aspects of the event are dependent on the amount. The event budget can determine whether an employee will plan the event or if you are able to hire a professional. The type of event and venue are also dependent on the amount allotted for the event budget. Type of Event- Generally Holiday events fall into two categoriesLuncheons and Evening Parties.

Luncheons tend to be a more cost effective and laid back while evening parties involve dinner, entertainment, and can require a larger budget. Another aspect to consider when picking an event type is the guest list. The guest list will be smaller with a luncheon that can be kept to employees only, as spouses are generally invited to evening events. Venue and Theme- Once the budget and type of event are set; the next item on your list should be the venue, catering, and theme. You should also be able to solidify your event date by the availability at the venue of your choice. Venues should be booked sixty days in advance and will require a deposit. You should consider catering when choosing a venue, would you like the venue to cater your event or will you bring in outside catering? Does the venue offer a holiday package? Will place settings be included? What is the clean up fee? Will AV access be available if you are giving a presentation? All of these questions are important to the decision on venue. After you have chosen your venue, you are free to choose the theme of your event and start with decorating ideas. In the age of Pinterest, there is no reason you should not have affordable and appropriate party decorations! Invitation- Now that you have

a date, venue, and theme, it is time to send out the invitation! Invitations for holiday events should be sent out three weeks in advance, giving your attendees ample time to RSVP and make arrangements to attend. It is recommended that you send a formal invitation by mail if you are planning an evening event, while email invitations are acceptable for luncheons. The invitation needs to include the event time, date, location, and RSVP date, as well as, the appropriate dress code. Again, Luncheons should be business casual, while evening parties can be formal. A few other factors that you may want to keep in mind would be: Entertainment- Entertainment is dependent on budget. A DJ or live bands are the usual routes of entertainment for a holiday event. Alcohol- Determining your alcohol policy can be a way to cut back on budget and allow everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time. If you chose to limit alcohol consumption, I would recommend drink tickets for each attendee.

Party Favors/Gifts- Many companies provide their employees with a small gift as a memento of the evening. You can offer a branded gift that serves both purposes of giving a gift and company exposure. Regardless of the budget or theme of the holiday party, the most important aspect is that your employees feel appreciated and feels a sense of pride in their company and the companies achievements. Holiday spirit is easy to spread, why not in the office? If you need a professional touch for your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holiday party, Geez Louise Special Events would love to take the stress of planning and orchestrating the event over for you! Give us a call!

Lelia Williams is co-owner of Geez Louise Special Events. Geez Louise specializes in all events from corporate fundraisers and parties to the popular Pinterest party! Call us today (912)3120866 for any of your event needs or visit geezlouiseevents.com.

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SEPTEMBER JAN. 10 –FEB.2013 6, 2013

SOUTH CAROLINA BUSINESS

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scheduled and Which Wich are Both Shane’s Rib Shack aven, just okh Bro at s ppe e Sho to open this fall at Th ey Road. isk Wh on pping Center south of the Target Sho Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches is to open either August 27 or Sept. 4, beside the newly opened Fresh Market on Whiskey Road.

New Restaurants and New Jobs Coming to Aiken Stephen Delaney Hale | Freelance Writer

reshuffling of what have been landmark restaurants downtown and the sprouting of four new eateries on the south side of town are making a big impact on the dining scene in Aiken this fall. The West Side Bowery to Become Mellow Mushroom Sam Erb, owner of The West Side

Bowery, a pioneering downtown restaurant in “The Alley” since 1981, announced on Aug., 19 that he is closing on the last day of the month and selling the building to Shawn Ledford, owner of two Mellow Mushroom franchises in Augusta and Evans., Ga. Ledford said it will take several months for the Erb family to remove their equipment, furniture and décor and for Mellow Mushroom to create their own environment, predicting a February 2014 opening. The West Side Bowery, which

opened when Erb was still 20 and legally prevented from serving alcohol in his own restaurant, became the first upscale restaurant/bar in downtown Aiken. The Bowery inspired Up Your Alley restaurant to come in across “The Alley” a once feared section of downtown. Soon a restaurant scene sprouted and was joined by numerous shops, boutiques and an ambitious beautification process lead by the city government and then the Aiken Downtown Development Association. Erb was accompanied by his wife and business partner Donna Erb, his parents Dudley and Debbie Erb, who supplied

the early financing and kept the books all this time, and his sister Maggie, who with husband David Sacks, own Newberry Hall catering and special events venue around the corner. Several dozen leading downtown figures were on hand to thank the Erbs and to bid them well in the future, and to welcome Ledford, his GM Ryan Kight and Mellow Mushroom to Aiken. Mellow Mushroom was originally opened by three college students in Atlanta in 1974, and the franchise now has more than 140 restaurants in 18 states. Ledford said he has had his eye on The Bowery building for a Mellow Mushroom for a decade and said he and his staff know they will develop the same kind of relationships in Aiken that the Erb’s have. He said the new

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WHAT DOES THE REST OF THE WORLD KNOW THAT YOU DON’T?

gru.edu/spine Job # 1271GRM13 • Job Title: Spine_BuzzOnBiz

SEPTEMBER 2013

Project Jackson Vote Postponed by Aiken County Council Stephen Delaney Hale | Freelance Writer

n overflow audience crammed into the Aiken County Council chambers Tuesday night, Aug. 20, to watch the vote on a resolution to assist North Augusta in the financing of a $140 million entertainment complex that would include a new riverside baseball park for the Augusta GreenJackets. They didn’t get to see what they came for. On the advice of their attorney, Lawrence Brown, council voted to change the nature of the question from a resolution, which requires one meeting and one vote, to an ordinance which is a stronger legal vehicle, and requires three meetings and two formal votes. The yes vote to do so at the first meeting has no bearing on whether council will eventually agree to share in the funding. Council Clerk Tammy Sullivan said Council could agree to speed up the process by holding special called meetings to hear just this issue, but that would require 15 days’ notice. The next regularly scheduled meetings are Sept. 17 and Oct. 15. North Augusta is asking the County to enter into a 30-year Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement, which would apply taxes on improvements on the

38-acre site along the Savannah River toward funding the project. Whenever millions of dollars are involved it’s never quite that simple, but that is the concept behind TIF funding. Very little money is coming to the county now from taxes on swampland, but once it contains a professional baseball park, a 300-room hotel, a conference center, and retail space that could host stores, restaurants and offices, a robust commercial engine will generate millions of tax dollars, say proponents. If the project is not realized, the county will be able to tax whatever development eventually does come to the area between Hammonds Ferry and The River Club. Project opponent Steve Donahue, president of The River Club Homeowners Association, said it was inevitable that high-end development would come to such a prize location and that properties on either side of the area recently sold for $800,000 at The River Club and $1 million in Hammonds Ferry. Tax revenue on eventual development would be traded away by supporting Project Jackson, Donahue said. The former prosecuting attorney also made a legal argument that TIF district financing law states it is intended to rescue blighted areas. “Words have meaning and how is this a blighted area if it is worth $18,000 an acre now?” as

Donahue estimated the undeveloped land could bring now. “You are sworn to uphold the law,” and governments across the country have “tortured” the intent of TIF laws, many of which have failed, he said. The developer, Greenstone Properties of Atlanta, proposes to put up $101 million toward construction. From that development, it is estimated by North Augusta officials, that about $40 million in taxes would be generated and it is a portion of this money, not existing tax money, that North Augusta is asking the county to defer so they can put it toward financing the project. The Aiken County School Board voted Aug. 13 to approve a similar 15-year agreement. According to the North Augusta plan, the city would pay 65 percent of the $40 million government share from the taxes raised on the development. The county’s deferred taxes would cover 23 percent of that money and the school board’s contribution would represent 12 percent of the amount needed. North Augusta would then sell bonds to pay for the project, assuring that neither the school board nor the county government was liable for any money should the project fail. If the development realizes more than the estimated taxes, the school board and county would receive that money. If it produces less than that amount, the City of North Augusta will be responsible

Proposed hotel and conference center for North Augusta’s riverfront

for the shortfall needed to pay for the bond service. “These numbers will be tested in the open market,” said North Augusta City Manager Todd Glover, in making the case for Project Jackson. “Your approval is not our finish line,” Glover told the nine council members, from whom he needs five approving votes. “It is our start line. Then we must begin our due diligence. If our numbers don’t hold up, investors will not buy our bonds. If the bonds don’t sell, the project will not go forward.” Glover estimated that the county and school board would still reap profits from spinoff developments generated from sales taxes from the GreenJackets and retail spaces and income taxes on hundreds of construction and permanent jobs created. GreenJackets President Jeff Eiseman said that, if everything goes according to plan, the club hopes to “Holler, Play Ball!” on opening day in April 2015.”

SEPTEMBER 2013

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SEPTEMBER 2013

Family Owned and Operated Since 1964 Sam Erb, owner of The West Side Bowery in The Alley in Aiken since 1981 held a news event Monday, Aug. 19, to announce he is selling the restaurant to Shawn Ledford (right), owner of the Mellow Mushroom restaurants in Augusta and Evans, Ga. Ryan Kight (left) is Mellow Mushroom general manager in Augusta. Sitting is Sam’s father, Dudley Erb, who has worked the books for The Bowery for 32 years as his ‘silent partner’. The last day of The West Side Bowery will be Saturday, Aug. 31 and the Aiken Mellow Mushroom is scheduled to open in February.

NEW AIKEN RESTAURANTS

Continued from Page 33

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restaurant will employ 50 to 60 people and promised, “Everyone loves Mellow Mushroom. We will bring a wide range of fun and clientele.” Erb agreed, thanking the packed house for the sendoff and telling them that “Mellow Mushroom will be a great investment for Aiken.” Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches Jimmy John’s owner Stacey Vincenzetti is excited to bring the brand’s “Freaky Fast and Freaky Fresh” sub-sandwiches to Aiken. Jimmy John’s will open beside the new Fresh Market on Whiskey Road. “Our philosophy is to make you a fresh sub sandwich in thirty to forty five seconds -- freaky fast,” she said. Jimmy John’s sandwiches are made with fresh-baked bread and all ingredients, including a range of premium deli meats and cheeses, are sliced fresh daily. Sandwich prices range from just $3.50 to $5.50. Jimmy John’s website allows customers to order online for pick up -- or delivery if they are within the store’s necessarily limited delivery range -- “or we couldn’t be Freaky Fast!” said Vincenzetti. Vincenzetti is preparing for a “soft opening” on either August 27 or Sept. 4. She has already hired a full staff, running between 25 to 30 employees, but still wants to hear from more job seekers. Jimmy John’s can be reached at 803.226.0640 or jimmyjohnsaiken@ gmail.com. LongHorn Steakhouse Construction was nearly complete at mid-August, and contractors said they expected the new Aiken LongHorn Steakhouse, 2480 Whiskey Road in front of Lowe’s Home Improvement and across the street from Aiken Mall, will be ready to open on Sept. 16. They are hiring a full staff of 80 to 100. A release said LongHorn, and their parent company Darden Restaurants, Inc., who also own Olive Garden, Red Lobster and five other specialty restaurants, said their research identified Aiken for its strong retail and residential base and that Aiken “draws a

number of visitors.” The restaurant advertises their product as “fresh, never frozen, boldly hand-seasoned steaks,” as well as chicken and seafood expertly prepared as only LongHorn can.” Proclaiming that, “You can’t fake steak!” LongHorn offers steaks ranging from a 6 oz. sirloin for $11.99 to the 20 oz. LongHorn Porterhouse billed as a New York strip and a filet mignon in “one juicy cut” for $24.99. Those interested in applying for employment may visit the restaurant, go to www.longhornsteakhouse.com or call 803.648.5070. Shane’s Rib Shack Farther south down Whiskey Road in The Shoppes at Brookhaven, is Shane’s Rib Shack. This new location of the popular barbeque restaurant chain is due to open in September or early October. The national chain offers a menu of slow-cooked ribs, handchopped pork and chicken, smoked wings, hand-breaded chicken strips and several southern-style side orders, according to a news release. Which Wich According to a news release early this year, and reports from staff in businesses in The Shoppes at Brookhaven, a Which Wich franchise is to open this fall, to be owned by former Silver Bluff H.S., University of South Carolina and NFL wide receiver Troy Williamson. Which Wich is known for its innovative ordering system in which customers use red Sharpies to mark pre-printed menus on sandwich bags. They select a sandwich from 10 categories and then choose the bread, cheese, spreads and toppings. The sandwiches are then prepared and delivered in the personalized sandwich bags. Williamson hinted at an opening date of Sept. 21 on his Twitter account, but calls to Williamson, now retired from football, were not returned by press time.

SEPTEMBER 2013

AllStar Gets Their Own Party Started With Expansion Rebecca Vigné

| South Company

llStar Tents and Events has not let a tough economy slow them down! They are developing a new headquarters building while adding new services to clients. The locally owned business has continued to serve the Augusta, North Augusta and Aiken areas as well as cities throughout Georgia and South Carolina. The business got its start in 2004 when Mike Fanning decided to open a small party rental company to provide rentals for small events. Mary Wolf, Fanning’s sister, joined the company the following year as a partner, and this past year, Donna Fanning, Fanning’s wife, came on board as well. Throughout the past 8 years, the business has evolved into a full-service event rental facility. The company can now accommodate festivals, large corporate parties and events, weddings, family reunions, concerts, trade shows and more. Recent outdoor events include the Poultry Festival, Augusta Pride, Aiken’s Makin’, The Border Bash, Rock Fore Dough, the Banjo-B-Que, the Lobster Races, The Aiken Trials, USCA Pacers and Polo, the Aiken Spring Classic and five fairs in the CSRA.

AllStar travels throughout the southeast for festivals and concerts with its newest Fencing Division. Now offering over 4,000 feet of fencing, the rental company can provide fencing for crowd control or general event fencing. They have expanded into the Columbia, South Carolina market with fencing and continue to grow this area of the business. When asked how the company has managed to flourish in the current economy, Mike Fanning explained, “We set ourselves apart by providing strong attention to detail, the best quality rental products, and the best customer service. We find niches where we can provide a unique service to customers that has not been available before.” Recently, the rental company closed on land in Graniteville, South Carolina and will hold a ground breaking in the near future to begin construction on a new, larger facility that is more centrally located for delivery capabilities. The site which is located on Bettis Academy Road right off of I-20’s Exit 11 contains over 4 acres of space for the relocation. The facility will allow for continued growth and expansion throughout the southeast. “We are excited to better serve our current clients and we look forward to finding new opportunities for growth,” the owners agreed. The company currently provides

CSRA Banks to Merge with South Carolina Banking Company First Community Corporation, the holding company of First Community Bank, and Savannah River Financial Corporation, the holding company of Savannah River Banking Company, jointly announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement, under which First Community has agreed to acquire Savannah River in a cash and stock transaction with a total current value of approximately $33.6 million

Photos courtesy of Facebook Allstar currently provides tables, chairs, wedding accessories, linens, catering equipment, china, glassware, bars, tents, dance floors, staging, pipe and drape and much more. tables, chairs, wedding accessories, linens, catering equipment, china, glassware, bars, tents, dance floors, staging, pipe and drape, inflatables, lighting, sound systems, generators, air conditioning systems, fencing and luxury portable restroom trailers. AllStar provides delivery, installation, and removal of rental items for the customer’s convenience. Owing to their experience in the CSRA and surrounding areas, AllStar is familiar with most rental facilities, making it easy to know what will fit

or approximately $11.00 per share. “This is a comfortable extension of our company into a contiguous county, and beyond into Augusta. The Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) and the midlands of South Carolina have many economic similarities, and both are experiencing nice momentum in business growth,” said First Community President and CEO Michael C. “Mike” Crapps. “More importantly, we are excited to partner with the Savannah River Banking Company team.

into a space. The experienced event coordinators on staff can help with any small or large event decision from the number of tables that a room can accommodate comfortably to the number of glasses a fully stocked bar should include. This helpful attention to detail has contributed to the company’s success and growth. For more information or to plan your next event, call AllStar Tents & Events at 803.649.5402 or find them online at allstartentsandevents.com. They can also be found on Facebook.

Mr. Paul S. Simon, Chairman of the Board of SRFC, said, “The Board of Directors of the Savannah River Financial Corporation, its Executive Officers, and I are pleased to recommend this merger opportunity to our shareholders and to join together with an excellent company that is well capitalized and has much forward momentum. This combination offers our shareholders a cash dividend and enhanced liquidity, as well as a premium on the capital they invested.”

SEPTEMBER 2013

Productivity

Bob scurried into my cubicle. “I can’t take it anymore,” he gasped. “I’ll be in the bathroom playing Angry Birds on my tablet if Miss Bossy Pants | Humorous thoughts on the workplace anyone needs me.” He wriggled to the bathroom. By Nora Blithe | Freelance Writer “How am I going to work without funny cat pictures,” Vicky fumed. We spent the next hour stared at the office memo drawing cat cartoons on printer paper and passing aghast. It finally happened. them back and forth. Theodore, our office manager, “Everyone,” Theodore screamed. I surreptitiously finally discovered the secret of dumped the cartoon I was drawing into the recycling our so-called productivity and bin. “Productivity is at a new low,” Theodore’s quashed it: Facebook. The internet face was flushed with blood and low productivity phenomenon that gives workers rage. He turned to a quivering intern, “How did this hours of ability to appear like happen?” they’re accomplishing piles of work when in reality “You shut off Facebook,” the intern stupidly they’re sharing pictures of Grumpy Cat. answered. The room did a collective inhale. Quickly, I clicked the blue “F” icon at the top left of “You’re fired,” Theodore shouted. “Back to work. my computer screen. “BLOCKED,” the word mocked No one goes home until these numbers are up.” me. I sighed, considered doing actual work but fished “Did you see,” my coworker Vicky hissed waving my unfinished cat comic strip from the recycling bin the memo. I nodded. Bob from tech support army crawled down the row and resumed drawing. Suddenly, Bob’s head appeared in my cubicle. of cubicles so short, fat Theodore wouldn’t spot him. “You’re not going to believe this,” panic lit his eyes.

“What,” Vicky dashed around the corner, eager for news to break up her monotony. “I found a work around to the Facebook block!” “What? That’s great,” I said. “There’s just one problem,” Bob said. “When I found the loophole I accidentally sent out a work advertisement instead of a personal status update.” “So,” Vicky asked. “So,” Bob wailed, “I’m going to lose my job when Theodore sees it.” Vicky and I were unsympathetic. We weren’t going down with him. “You should have worked like we did,” I scolded. “You’re drawing cat cartoons,” he snapped. Vicky left to answer her ringing phone. Bob scrambled to answer the ringing phone in his cubicle. My own phone rang and soon the whole office was awash with the sound of jangling phones. Suddenly, Theodore burst from his office. Again. “Who was on Facebook,” he roared. After a pause, Bob stood up to accept his fate. “Excellent work, Bob,” Theodore beamed. “You single handedly increased productivity in the entire department. Bob was promoted on the spot. I drew a cat cartoon. nora blithe is an Augusta native, an entrepreneur and a syndicated humor columnist. She lives in Greenville, SC with her husband Brian and their pets. Read her syndicated humor column Life Face First in Verge or find her online at doorinface.com or email her directly at norablithe@gmail.com.

SEPTEMBER 2013

SPECIAL HEALTH CARE REFORM SECTION

Healthcare34 Healthcare

SEPTEMBER 2013

Healthcare 4