CHAMBER COLUMBIA COUNTY · GA
Angi Brock, The Cleveland Group CPAs, named 2021 Business Woman of the Year. See page 4 for more details.
2021 Quarterly Newsletter
Third Quarter Edition
New Look for the Chamber, pg. 4 | Proper Work Classification, pg. 5 | Annual Banquet Winners, pg. 8-9
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE DIAMOND LEVEL
PLATINUM LEVEL
GOLD LEVEL
the claiborne AT W E S T L A K E
A PREMIER RETIREMENT COMMUNIT Y
SILVER LEVEL
BRONZE LEVEL Advanced Technology Leaders, Inc • Alfred Benesch & Company • Augusta Industrial Services • Bio-Life Plasma Services • Bojangles • Brandon Wilde Lifecare Community • Cadence Bank • Carter Koenig Photography • Center for Primary Care • Cintas • Classic Collision • Colony Bank • Convergent Outsourcing • Cranston Engineering Group • F&M Bank • F&W Transportation, Inc • Fifth Third Bank • First Community Bank • FLSmidth-AFT Operations • Fulcher Hagler LLP • GEARIG Civilworks • Greenpoint- The Prather Group • Harlem Family Dental • IntelliGenesis • JANUS Research Group, LLC • JH Cleveland Construction • Jim Hudson Lexus Acura• Koch Trucking • Mack’s Poppin LLC • Maner Builders Supply Co. • Marshall Pines Alzheimers Care • McKnight Construction Company• Mulherin Lumber • Murphy Auto Group • Papa John’s • Peach State Federal Credit Union • Peraton • PlanDwell, Inc./ Stone & Story, LLC • Reeves Construction Company • Security Onion Solutions, LLC • Sitel • Sonic Drive-In • Southeastern Development • Southern Beverage • Sparkle Express Car Wash • SunTrust Bank • The Cleveland Group CPAs • Total Comfort Solutions • US Battery • Willow Creek Outdoor Management • Yancey Rents • Zaxbys
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THIRD QUARTER NEWSLETTER
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! (April 2021 through June 2021)
Calvary Wealth Web: calvarywealth.com Platinum Concrete Coating Web: platinumconcretecoatingsllc.com Guardian Power Washing Web: guardianpowerwashing.com Bagwell Insurance Services, Inc. Web: bagwellins.com Boho Soul Boutique Web: facebook@bohosuolboutique
Edward JonesZack Teffeteller Web: edwardjones.com/zack-teffeteller Exquisite Nails Web: exquisitenailsgrovetown.com
ADT Security Services Web: adt.com Augusta Business Daily, LLC Web: augustabusinessdaily.com
Morgan Brinson State Farm Web: morganismyagent.com
Southeastern Development AssociatesAngie Beck Web: southeastern.company/
T-Mobile Grovetown Web: T-mobile.com
Homestar Financial Corporation Web: homestarfc.com
The Doctor in Me
Mack’s Poppin LLC Web: mackspoppin.com
Steelgate, LLC Web: steelgatellc.com
FX Spine and Performance Center, LLC Web: fxspinecenter.com
Freedom Boat Club Web: freedomboatclub.com/
StoreEase Web: storeease.com/self-storage/evans-ga-30809
Southern Smoke Market Web: facebook@ @southernsmokemarket
Small Wonders Daycare Web: smallwonderspc.com
Blanchard & Calhoun Real EstateRashawn Vernon Web: blanchardandcalhoun.com
Apricot Lane Boutique Web: apricotlaneboutique.com/evans/ Abigail Thompson Victoria Cabrera
Natalie Lee Martin Enterprises, LLC Web: natalieleemartin.com
Sheila Wahman Law Web: wahmanlaw.com
Koch Trucking Web: kochtrucking.us
Hixon’s Roofing Web: hixonsroofing.com
Judge Amanda Heath Web: augustaga.gov/1859/Juvenile-Court
MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES ADVERTISE WITH US: The Chamber is currently looking for sponsors for its E-News and quarterly newsletter publications. If you’re interested in promoting your company or business, contact Olivia Reich, Communications Manager at 706-651-0018. Act Now! SHARING IS CARING: Got an important announcement, or an upcoming event? Maybe you just want to toot your own horn a little bit? Share Your Company News with us! Let us know what you’ve got going on and we’ll share it with our 1000+ business members. Send your good news or upcoming events to olivia@columbiacountychamber.com
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THIRD QUARTERL NEWSLETTER
2021 Board of Directors Executive Committee Adam Williams, Chair, The Cleveland Group CPA's Jordan Pierce, Chair-Elect, First Community Bank Reagan Williams, Past-Chair, Meybohm Real Estate Wendy Perry, Secretary, Catalyst Human Performance Experts Dorothy Brandon, Treasurer, Regions Bank Robert Kelly, At-Large, Augusta Staffing Kerry Bridges, At-Large, Georgia Power
John Allen, Allen + Batchelor Construction Caroline Ashe, Ivey Homes Bill Bates, SRNL- SRNS Helen Caldwell, Synovus Bank Janee Dock, University Health Care System Chad Harpley, Premier Networx Adam Harris, Queensborough National Bank & Trust Scott Johnson, Columbia County Board of Commissioners Russell Keen, Augusta University Dee Dee Kurilla, KAMO Manufacturing & Supplies Elizabeth Lamb, Doctors Hospital Don Lawerence, D.C. Lawerence Real Estate Carey Miller, Southeastern Residential Beth McLeod, Fulcher Hagler, LLP David Przedecki, Home2Suites by Hilton Grovetown Stan Shepherd, AT&T Joe Tate, Singh Investment Group
Chamber Staff Russell Lahodny, President & CEO Sabrina Griffin, Vice President Darrell Butler, Membership Relations Manager Beth Frits, Leadership Program Manager Olivia Reich, Communications Manager Ashley White, Workforce Development Manager Sarah Hare, Bookkeeper
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THIRD QUARTER NEWSLETTER
NEW LOOK FOR THE CHAMBER PRESIDENTS REPORT It’s been an exciting first half of the year for the Columbia County Chamber. We’ve been working hard to take the Chamber’s brand to a new level and it started with our new logo that was revealed at the Annual Banquet in May.
The seed was planted at the Chamber’s Board Retreat in October of last year. The idea was to freshen our brand to be more versatile and modern, which reflects the mission and programs of the Chamber. Thanks to our partners at Alison South Marketing, we now have a new logo that will be rolled out through our materials as we go in an effort to be more cost efficient. So, if you see marketing materials with our “vintage” logo, know that we are phasing in the new logo once we use up the old materials. Another change around the office involves the staff here at the Chamber. Sabrina Griffin was promoted to Vice President after the departure of Tiffany Heitzman. Since Sabrina started in 2017, she has become an integral part of the team and has done a great job of developing quality programs for the Chamber. That experience and knowledge is irreplaceable and will be the key to the Chamber’s ongoing success. Sabrina will be monitoring the pulse of the membership and working with our Chairman’s Circle members to continue providing increased value and growing the program. She will also be working with our team to ensure consistency among all departments. Look for more exciting things to come!
ANGI BROCK NAMED 2021 BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR On June 9, at the Executive Luncheon Series, Angi Brock with The Cleveland Group CPAs was named the 2021 Business Woman of the Year. The Business Woman of the Year award is given to recognize a woman in the community for her hard work, dedication, and passion both professionally and personally. The award is presented by Hardwood Floors & More.
PROPER WORK CLASSIFICATION Beth McLeod, Fulcher Hagler LLP
With President Biden’s election and the change in administration, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is once again examining rules governing the classification of workers as independent contractors. Proper classification of workers as independent contractors, as opposed to employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), is important for a number of reasons. Contractors are responsible for paying their own taxes and are not subject to minimum wage and overtime protections afforded employees. In addition, they are not eligible for employer-sponsored insurance or retirement, do not qualify for unemployment benefits, and are not covered by worker’s compensation. By way of background information, the DOL announced a final rule on January 6, 2021, to take effect in March 2021, outlining standards to establish independent contractor status. This rule generally was considered employer-friendly. Had it taken effect, the rule would have reaffirmed the economic reality test. This determines whether workers truly are in business for themselves and, thus, qualify as independent contractors, or are dependent on an employer, making them employees pursuant to the FLSA. The rule identified two factors central and most probative to making this determination: (1) the nature and degree of control over the work; and (2) the worker’s opportunity for profit or loss in the venture. The rule also identified three other factors, particularly when the above two factors are in conflict: (1) the requisite skill involved in the work; (2) the degree of permanency of the relationship; and (3) whether the work is part of an integrated unit of production. On March 12, 2021, following the election, the DOL issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). After reviewing approximately 1,000 comments, the DOL ultimately withdrew the independent contractor rule on May 5, 2021. In withdrawing the rule, the DOL questioned whether it was fully aligned with the text of the FLSA and case law interpreting the economic reality test.
Although some conflict exists among the circuits, many courts consider and balance some or all of the following factors in determining independent contractor status: (1) the nature and degree of control over the work; (2) the permanency of the relationship; (3) the skill, initiative, and judgment required for the work; (4) the worker’s investment in requisite equipment and materials; (5) opportunity for profit and loss; (6) whether the work is an integral part of the employer’s business; and (7) the degree of independent business organization and operation. Courts generally have examined the totality of the circumstances while the new rule would have elevated two of the prongs and made it unlikely the other factors would outweigh them. During his campaign, President Biden expressed support for a version of California’s more strict ABC law. This test places the onus of establishing independent contractor status on the business owner/employer. Under the ABC law, a worker is an employee unless he or she is free from control in terms of performance of the work, both in fact and contractually; performs work outside of the normal scope of the business’ work; and is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, business, or occupation of the same nature as the work being performed for the business owner. As we wait to see whether the DOL will issue a new rule, the factors outlined in the withdrawn rule continue to be relevant, but not dispositive. Issues that are immaterial to the analysis include where the work is performed and whether the worker is licensed by the State or local government. In addition, the absence of an agreement is not determinative nor is labeling the worker as an independent contractor. Rather, the nature of the actual relationship is central to the evaluation.
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THIRD QUARTER NEWSLETTER
PM Flight Team- $1,200 Check-in begins at 11:00 am Shotgun start at 1:00 pm
AM Flight Team- $1,200 Check-in begins at 7:00 am Shotgun start at 8:00 am
THIRD QUARTER
JULY
27
Virtual Financial Series 1:00 pm Zoom Platform Mid-Year Business Review
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THIRD QUARTER NEWSLETTER
AUG
18 Executive Luncheon Series 11:30 am Savannah Rapids Pavilion 3300 Evans to Locks Road Martinez, GA
AUG
26 Membership 101 4:00 pm Chamber Office 1000 Business Boulevard Evans, GA Learn all things Chamber and how to put your membership to work for you!
bracesbypowell.com | 706-860-6888
UPCOMING EVENTS
SEPT
SEPT
State of the Community Address Columbia County Exhibition Center 4:00 pm Business Showcase 5:45 pm Dinner 6:30 pm Program
Networking for Leads 12:00 pm Chamber Office 1000 Business Boulevard Evans, GA A light lunch will be provided.
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SEPT
28
Virtual Professional Women's Series 1:00 pm Zoom Platform
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THIRD QUARTER NEWSLETTER
16TH ANNUAL BANQUET
Lifetime Achievement Award Ron Cross, Former Chairman of Columbia County Board of Commissioners Award Presented by:
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THIRD QUARTER NEWSLETTER
Large Business of the Year Award Queensborough National Bank & Trust Company
Small Business of the Year Award Augusta Staffing
Volunteer of the Year Award Shelly Wilson, Warren Baptist Church Award Presented by:
Non-Profit of the Year Award Golden Harvest Food Bank Award Presented by:
Ambassador of the Year Award Heather Johnson, Southpaw Roofing Program Sponosred by:
Leadership Alumni of the Year Robert Kelly, Augusta Staffing Program Sponsored by:
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THIRD QUARTER NEWSLETTER
Ben Barmore Barmore Hammond, CPAs
Liz Bragg Meybohm Real Estate
Steve Exley Columbia County Board of Commissioners
Jordan Gray Serotta Maddocks Evans CPAs
Sara Kessie OLH, Inc.
Crystal Kincade Doctors Hospital of Augusta
Andy Lawrence Queensborough National Bank & Trust
Jennifer Leisey Health Center Credit Union
Jace Morgan The Cleveland Group, CPAs
Sarah Murray SRNS
Kelly Schlein Columbia County Board of Education
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Ashley Campbell White City of Grovetown
Nick Guzman University Health Care System
Angelica Concepcion Eagle Dynamic Solutions
Kayla Cooper City of Augusta
Jonathan English Jonathan English State Farm
Faye Hargrove The Better Choices Group, LLC
Grace Helms SRP
Kim Hensley TaxSlayer
Chris Huneycutt JH Cleveland Construction
Kelly Knitter First Command Financial Services
Diana Krawiecki Georgia Power
Ann Malay Golden Harvest Food Bank
Hillary Millar M-Homebuilders, Inc.
Clayton Quamme AP Wealth Management
Stacy Roberts Augusta University Hull College of Business
Class of 2022
Zach Murray Southpaw Roofing
Sandy Shirk Brandon Wilde
THIRD QUARTER NEWSLETTER
Robert L. Collins, lll US Army Signal School
Anita Patel Development Authority of Columbia County
Corey Simpson US Army Cyber School
Leah Pontani Goodwill Industries of Middle GA & the CSRA
Sean Smith Cranston Engineering Group, P.C.
Jenny Viger Market House Realty
Tiffany S. Watson GIW Industries
Columbia County Summer Internship Signing Banquet On May 11, the Columbia County Chamber Foundation hosted its Inaugural Signing Banquet at the Jabez Hardin Auditorium. Columbia County high school students signed letters of intent reflecting their commitment to the Columbia County Summer Internship Program, and their designated business. Industries that took in students for the summer included: insurance, manufacturing, construction, technology, healthcare, automotive, community development, painting, and human resources. Columbia County Summer Internship is a program of the Columbia County Chamber Foundation and presented by Georgia Power Company, the program will provide Columbia County high school students with the opportunity to intern at a local CSRA business during an 8-week program in the summer. The program started at the beginning of June and will go through July 30, 2021.
FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Carrie Hodge, Chair, South State Bank
Stephan Swafford, Right At Home
Matt Forshee, Vice Chair, Georgia Power Company
Sean Petro, Columbia County School District
Rob Clifton, Treasurer, Clifton Construction
Bonita Jenkins, Augusta Technical College
Ralph Alee, Secretary, Augusta University
Nathan Krupa, Golden Harvest Food Bank
Phyllis Salazar, Immediate Past Chair, First
Linda Hughes, University Health Care System
Community Bank
Russell Lahodny, Columbia County Chamber
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