DEC.5 –JAN.9, 2013 ISSUE • THE CSRA’S ONLY BUSINESS MONTHLY PUBLICATION

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Augusta ATV, located at 2325 Peach Orchard Road, is the CSRA’s only

licensed dealer in Bad Boy Buggies. According to owner Jimmy Holt, Sr., the 2013 line of Bad Boy ATVs represents a complete redesign of the vehicle which may be a result of the business being purchased by E-Z-Go, the number one golf cart manufacturer in America, several years ago.

“Bad Boy is the number one brand in the sporting goods market because of all the marketing they have done to get their name out to the public,” he said. “About two years ago, E-Z-Go bought Bad Boy

mainly because of their marketing, but in the process they turned what had been a decent product into an outstanding product. Before E-Z-Go bought them they had been a small company trying to compete with the big boys, but now they’re definitely top of the line.”

Holt started his business in 2010 and began without one specific brand, buying whatever ATVs he could on the open market. Shortly before E-Z-Go bought Bad Bay Buggies, Holt spoke with representatives about becoming the first Bad Boy dealer in the southeast part of the country, with the next closest being located in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

“I definitely felt that we needed a brand name to make our dealership competitive, and it all worked out good because I honestly don’t think we could have afforded an E-Z-Go dealership at that time,” he said. “After the company changed owners I was able to sell both Bad Boy Buggies and E-Z-Go cars, so it

worked out at the best possible time for me.”

Holt entered the ATV business after a long career co-owning more than 20 Pump N Shop convenience stores, after which he took about three years off while looking for a new business opportunity. Sadly, Holt was diagnosed with esophageal cancer about a year ago.

“Because I now have to spend so much time undergoing treatment I haven’t been able to be at the store as much as I would like to be,” he said.

Because of that, Holt has had to put more faith in his team, which includes sales manager Mike Douglas and three factory-trained inside mechanics who are constantly learning about the ever changing technology in the golf car industry.

Bad Boy Buggies new line includes the hybrid-electric Ambush, the Recoil and the Instinct, which entirely does away with Bad Boy’s former XTO, classic and LT models to create a completely redesigned outdoor experience.

“The old models had the golf cart look to them, so they wanted something that would have a new look,” he said. “Hunters want something that’s going to

look aggressive and set them apart from the average Joe. “

The Ambush 4X4 hybrid has the ability to switch on the fly between the range of a gas engine and the silence of an electric drive-train with the power of four wheel drive. It also features independent front suspension, 1,000 pound towing capacity and a 9.6 cubic foot cargo bed which can be exchanged for an optional rear-facing bench seat.

Article and Photos by Christopher selmek

OWNER BATTLES ILLNESS WITHHELP OF TEAM & NEW DIRECTION

Continued on page 9

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:seCtioN AMain Business News

seCtioN bEmployment & Education

seCtioN CSouth Carolina Biz

seCtioN DLeisure & Hospitality

Free! take one

Augusta ATV Owner\Operator Jimmy Holt Sr. with his team of technicians and sales professionals

2 DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

3DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

sCott huDsoN | Freelance Reporter For Wgac

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Be prepared. It’s the Boy Scout

motto - and words to live by in our current business climate. This year, being prepared goes beyond

reviewing the year’s activities and coming up with some New Year’s resolutions (which regular readers know I disdain). After a political season that has lasted years (or at least seems so) and created gridlock, we are at a moment when things are going to change, whether the politicians act or not.

For business owners, the next couple of months will be even more critical than usual to stay up on what is happening or not happening in Washington and at home. For example, without Congressional action, the “Bush Era” tax cuts will expire, affecting tax rates on wages, dividends and capital gains. The most troubling aspect for successful small business owners may be the reduction of the Federal Estate Tax exemption from $5,000,000.00 to $1,000,000.00. Because this number includes things such as life insurance and individual retirement accounts, many more people’s estates will be subject to this tax if Congress allows this law to lapse.

Another good example is the

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“ObamaCare”) which is, with the election and this summer’s Supreme Court ruling, the law of the land. For employers with more than 50 employees, this may mean offering “affordable” health care coverage, paying a tax penalty if they do not provide such coverage, or realigning their workforce in an attempt to avoid the requirements.

“With the changes looming on the horizon, business owners cannot wait around with their head in the sand until the changes are upon us. Successful business owners will follow that timeless advice from the Boy Scouts and BE PREPARED.”J. Edward (Ed) Enoch This is a sponsored Law Talk article. His practice focuses on business, employment, and real estate law. He is a 1992 Magna Cum Laude law school grad from Washington and Lee School of Law. He’s 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

BE PREPARED: 2013 WILL CHANGE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

J.eDWArD eNoCh, J.D. | Business Attorney

DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

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It’s an iconic Holly

do is a traditional

ODEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

I am so proud of this issue and are insightful business experts. Beginning on pAge 4, business attorney eD eNoCh explains why we need to be like a boy

scout in early 2013 and “be prepared” for some business tax hikes and H.R challenges.

oN pAge 6, risk management specialist ANDy kNox from WAtsoN & kNox examines how to avoid workers comp hikes in the New Year. oN pAge 8, digital media expert JeFF AsseliN from poWerserve gives our website a “tune-up” for 2013.

oN pAge 11, we welcome a new columnist I like to call “CoACh kAtie”. She’ll help us deal with some downsizing that has already begun at area plants and companies—with more expected.

oN pAge 12, breNt from TAleNt FoCus mANAgemeNt looks at

Innovation in 2013. oN pAge 14 hAiley from gmC gives us a resolution to ponder---Go back to school!

oN pAge 15, savvy business leader tAmmy shepherD of the ColumbiA CouNty ChAmber oF CommerCe reports back from a retreat and sets goals for 2013.

oN pAge 16, CpA ChristiNe hAll shares some insight on 2013 changes to the healthcare act.

You’ll notice our issue extends to January 9th--- more time to allow these important articles to seep in and allow us time to transition from resolution to action!

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 gorDoN | President, Buzz on Biz LLC

BIZ LEADERS MUST GET AHEAD OF THE 2013 CURVE

6

Like death, taxes, and the

Rolling Stones on tour again, at least one other thing is certain in 2013 – workers’ compensation insurance costs

will increase for employers. You can expect your workers’ comp premium to rise simply because insurance companies have paid out more in claims than they have collected in premiums. To get the best deal then, you must make yourself attractive to your insurance company before it starts setting rates. That way you are in control of your insurance rates rather than the insurance company.

When setting rates insurance companies look at the amount of risk that is inherent in your operations and the actions you have taken, and continue to take, to manage and control these risks. To make yourself attractive to your carrier, ask yourself these questions: Do you hire good employees who are focused on job safety? Do you have a safety program and continuously communicate with employees regarding job safety? Do you properly classify your employees? Do you have a strong return-to-work program?

Risk mitigation is a two-way street – your insurance company and agent should do their part, too. Insurance companies typically perform site inspections and offer

safety recommendations. Some you may think reasonable, and some you may not. Your insurance company may insist that you implement all of its recommendations, or it may agree with you that some do not have to be implemented. Just because the carrier agrees with you that some of its recommendations don’t necessarily have to be implemented doesn’t mean you are off the hook. If it keeps you as a customer, will the carrier increase your premium for not agreeing to implement all of its recommendations? Your agent may also sit on your safety committee and offer general advice using studies on areas such as ergonomics. He or she may suggest videotaping employees at their jobs for the purpose of identifying any safety problems and analyzing how they can boost their work performance by adjusting the ergonomics of their work stations.

Your insurance company should keep you informed as to how much specific injuries will cost you, as this cost often has a ripple effect. When an employee is hurt on the job, the primary cost is his or her medical bills, but there are also ancillary costs. Another employee must leave work to transport the injured person to the emergency room and wait there for him or her. Now you have two people away from their work. And if the injured person is unable to return to work for a period of time, you must find and train someone else to perform his or her job. All this effort equals lost production!

Understanding the experience

modification factor is also critical, especially since 2013 will mark the first major change in the rating bureau’s method of determining your experience modification factor. This change will further incentivize you to improve your loss experience since the premium differences between those employers with good loss experiences and those with bad loss experiences will become even more drastic. The biggest impact on pricing will be for those employers with high-frequency, low-severity workers’ comp claims.

A company with a 1.0 experience modification factor is simply average; you need to set a loftier goal for yourself. Although one large incident may cause your experience mod to rise, a frequency of lesser injuries, though deemed to be smaller individual expenses, will generate a higher experience mod and higher costs as you get penalized more for frequency. Incidents which are not your fault can still cost many dollars and your experience mod to rise. When this occurs, your insurance company works to collect the money they spent on your behalf. This is difficult and takes a great deal of time to collect from the party that caused the incident. But in the end, you can control a certain level of your workers’ compensation costs in 2013 by implementing an active and caring safety committee with tunnel vision on job safety, plus knowing and understanding the effect of injuries on the experience modification factor and how they can affect your bottom line.

In short, you should do your part to mitigate risk and also expect a certain level of commitment from your insurance company and agent. For example, I advocate an annual training day and a safety orientation

kickoff. When employees see that their employer is committed to their safety, this sense of commitment tends to trickle down to them – to everyone’s benefit. You pay lower premiums, and they are safer on the job!

andy knox is Vice President of Watson & Knox, Inc. in Thomson, Georgia, where he focuses on Property and Casualty lines with an emphasis on Safety (OSHA) and Workers’ Compensation. He is one of 60 agents in the country who have obtained the Masters Workers’ Compensation Advisor designation from the Institute of WorkComp Professionals. He can be reached at aknoxjr@watsonandknox.com or 706-595-4951.

COMPANY SAFETY AND THE WORKERS COMP RATES YOU PAYSPONSORED ARTICLE BY ANDy kNox, Jr. mWCA, CbWA

...you should do your part to mitigate risk and also expect a certain level of commitment from your insurance company and agent."

DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

7

DoN mACNeil | Crown Point Communications at Windsor Jewelers

New Year’s Resolutions.

Insert Bronx Cheer here. On some level we all suspect we’re going to hate ourselves in February. And yet…

It really is one of those, close-your-eyes, grit-your-teeth healthy exercises. If you’re a small business guy or lady, clip this out and tuck it away. Your homework’s been done for you.

The Cyber STuff - We’ve talked about how your position as captain of the ship can be a double-edged sword…dictating to all within your orbit the seeds of success or failure. But especially as it applies to marketing your business on the internet, your secret weapon as an owner is playing dumb. Your cyber people assume your ignorance anyway, and the smartest thing you can do for 2013 is not disappoint ‘em. Resolution #1 then? Ask a lot of “stupid” questions, like, “Where’s our list of web site key words?” “Can we improve that list?” “Are we employing the latest search engine optimization technology?” “Are we mobile compatible yet?” “How are our analytics trending?” Good for you if you understand the answers. Either way, you’ve started a series of healthy conversations.

Oh, and get that Facebook page and Twitter account up and running if you haven’t already. For your business, it’s one of those, “Don’t let the train leave the station without you” kinds of things.

fighT fOr COnSiSTenCy. Small businesses, because they can’t afford a central (ad) agency through which to pass all marketing are consequently forced to use the creative teams of the media outlets themselves, resulting in print that looks nothing like the TV spots that sound nothing like the radio that have none of the feel of the web site. If you can’t access a creative clearing house then single out the best work

being done by one of those outlets and insist that everyone else follow their lead, both in message and in look.

Keep an eye On The COmpeTiTiOn. Promise yourself that at least 15 minutes a week will be dedicated to scrutinizing The Other Guy, typically starting with his web site and moving on to his print and broadcast. Uncovered strengths will be warning blasts for you, and noticed weaknesses will provide some momentary comfort.

TalK TO yOur peOple. You may be stunned at what they’ve heard/learned from customers and have never thought to share with you. So you have to gently feel them out every now and then. Had a client in the 90s for whom nothing seemed to work, and we wondered where the magic had gone. Almost too late we found the sales people had known all along that potential customers were walking because the price points weren’t consistent with the history of the store. Ouch.

gO big…as in, message creativity. Find an emotional hook to even the most mundane of what you do. This is where you ignore what the other guy is doing and work to set yourself apart. Let’s say you’re in plumbing hardware – you supply the general public – and for years your ads have been asking, “Time to upgrade that toilet room?” Try instead: “Fire your plunger!” That gets us all where we live.

Happy new year…and good luck!

Next time: The Case for a Marketing Bench Coach

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

YOUR NEW YEAR’S (MARKETING) RESOLUTIONS

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DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

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Ds we close out 2012, it is not too

soon to be thinking about resolutions for 2013. Reviewing your company’s website and your internet marketing strategy is just as important as

reviewing your company’s profit and loss statements. I’ve put together a Top 5 list of reasons why you may want to review your website and consider your web-based marketing strategies in the coming year.

1. You Would Like to Appear Higher in Search Engine Results Pages - Search engines are constantly changing their algorithms and becoming much more intelligent in how they deliver relevant search results. Does your website have quality content? Do you update your content regularly? Are you utilizing latest Search Engine Optimization (SEO) best practices? Many SEO tactics from just 2 years ago that were helpful (keyword stuffing and countless inbound links to your site, to name a few) could actually be hurting your website today.

2. Is Your Website Mobile Device Optimized? - Website usage from mobile phones and tablets is growing at an alarming rate! A recent Mongoose Metrics study tells us that 44% of all US mobile phone sales are now Smartphones and 23% of US internet users own a tablet computer. Juniper Research predicts a 50% increase in online shopping from a mobile device by 2014. Only 10% of websites today are optimized for mobile devices. You need to move quickly, your customers are craving a positive mobile experience.

3. Your Website Gets Lots of Visitors Yet Sales Are Low - The biggest benefit of your website is that it is your Number 1 salesperson, working 24/7, delivering the perfect pitch every time. Even though you may have substantial traffic to your site, it may not be converting visitors to sales. There are many tools available today to help capture leads and automatically integrate them into your sales process.

4. Are You Keeping With The Times? - If your website was built years ago it most likely looks dated. An outdated website reflects poorly on your business and sends potential customers looking elsewhere for your goods and services.

A talented web designer can give your website a facelift that will be inviting, easy to use and position your company in the most positive light. An intelligent and intuitive website design can help dramatically improve your bottom line.

5. Does Your Website Meet Your Company’s Goals? - Many business owners are consistent about setting monthly and annual goals. It is critical that your website reinforces those goals. A savvy web design expert who understands the direction of your company can help optimize your website into a tool that engages your potential clients and generates a fabulous return on your investment.

Whether you just want to improve a clunky website, capitalize on a growing

mobile audience or appear higher in search engine results, make it a priority to update your company’s website in 2013. Maintaining an effective digital marketing strategy and vibrant website is an ongoing process but one that will reap tremendous rewards!

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: 706-826-1506, Ext 122). This is a sponsored article.

JeFF AsseliN | Powerserve, Director of Sales and Marketing

RESOLVE TO UPDATE YOUR WEBSITE IN 2013

DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

“Ambush is the one they want to ask about the most because it’s the first hybrid-electric vehicle for outdoorsmen,” said Holt. “If you want it to be quiet you can switch it into electric mode so that it doesn’t make a sound, but if you’re in a hurry and want to get back quickly you can switch it into gas mode and move more quickly.”

While most prospective customers are at least curious about the Ambush, Holt says he gets an equal amount of

interest in the Recoil, which features a 72-volt AC electric drive-train, full-time four-wheel drive and a range of up to 40 miles per charge. The Recoil comes standard with front independent suspension, but the upgrade Recoil iS is also available with four-wheel independent suspension.

“There’s good hunting land anywhere you go in the United States, but there are a lot of good hunting clubs within a fifty mile radius of here where people prefer Bad Boy Buggies,” said Jimmy D. Holt, Jr., one of the three factory-trained mechanics on site. “I like the Recoil the best because it’s a quiet electric motor and there’s plenty of torque and power and it can go up to 40 miles on one charge. It’s a great four-wheel drive

machine that is definitely 100 percent better than anything else that’s out there.”

The Instinct has an extensive range of up to 50 miles per charge, a 1,000 pound towing capacity and 5.9 cubic foot cargo bed. According to Holt, it is ideal for covering a lot of ground despite the fact that it operates in two-wheel drive.

“Whether you want two-wheel or four-wheel drive depends a lot on the type of terrain you’re covering, but two-wheel drive will take you just about anywhere you want to go,” he said.

New ATVs can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $16,000 depending on the brand and model. Augusta ATV also sells accessories for both Bad Boy Buggies

and E-Z-GO cars, including gun-racks, easily removable plexi-glass windshields, seat covers and cup holders. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“2013 completely redesigned the way Bad Boy designs ATVs, and there is no comparison,” said Holt. “It gives you a whole new look and improves on the quality of the work and the materials they use to build them, which are 80 or 90 percent American made and brought off the line just down the street at the E-Z-GO plant. It’s no wonder they call Augusta the Golf Car capital of the world.”

By christophEr sElMEk

9

AUGUSTA ATVContinued from page 1

From Left to Right: Bad Boy Buggy Recoil, Instinct, and Ambush vehicles

DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

10

To begin, let me ask you

some revealing questions. As a business owner, can you walk away from your business today for one or two months and

come back to find it operating smoothly and profitably? Can you even escape for two weeks? Have you ever had a work-free vacation? If your answers are “no,” you don’t have a successful business - you have a glorified job in which you are trapped! You don’t have an effective business system - you are the business system! In a large sense, you are a prisoner of your own success. Do not be offended by this very direct and frank communication. Please note, I admire, respect and serve business owners, their managers and their sales professionals. However, I get paid to help my clients “face reality” and then hold them accountable for the changes and goals they desire.

No matter what industry you are in, you should not be a prisoner to your business! If you are, you have it backwards. Your business should serve you and your dreams. It should

give you greater freedom, not less. In fact, your business, properly designed, should function practically without you, not because of you. It should run predictably and automatically whether you are in the office or not, in the store or not, out in the field or not, on vacation or not. Your business should not depend upon your presence, personality, problem solving and perspiration for its daily survival. If so, your business does not work, you do!

Bottom line, you should run your business; it should not run you, your family or your life. Your business should work harder so you don’t have to. It should be systems-dependent and not owner-dependent or expert-dependent for its success. It should have its own heart, mind, and soul – it should not steal your vital organs and spirit!

Stop for a moment and think of the consequences. If everything in your business flows through you and is dependent upon you, then you are restricting dramatically the growth and profits of your company. As a single human being, there are natural limits to the amount of work, transactions, problems, and decisions that can flow effectively through you in a given day. Stop being a bottleneck or clog.

Otherwise, you will continue to restrict the potential of your employees and business and ensure your persistent exhaustion. Stop missing out on greater personal freedom, money and happiness.

Begin today to unlock greater potential in yourself and your business. Define clearly your business and personal goals. Implement the changes you desire. Become more effective, focused, productive and strategic. Face reality, identify solutions, and then stay on track. Work “on” yourself, “on” your business, and “on” your specific issues, opportunities and goals. Then enjoy the rewards you always expected and deserve.

Ken Kehr holds a management degree from USC and has 37 years in the business information management systems industry. He is an experienced business and systems analyst, and sales, operations and business manager with a proven track record of delivering results. He is recognized as a top sales producer - being the recipient of numerous awards and commendations. In January 2012, Ken purchased The Growth Coach® franchise for the CSRA to bring nationally recognized business and sales coaching services to local businesses. He is adept at prioritizing requirements, developing action plans and then implementing those action plans to get the desired and necessary results. Ken can be reached by calling 706.724.7245 or email K.Kehr@TheGrowthCoach.com.

Ken Kehr | Management Consultant

DO YOU FEEL LIKE A PRISONER TO YOUR BUSINESS, EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS?

DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

9

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With change comes loss,

even if the change is good. And loss must be grieved so you can leave the ‘old’ behind and move into the ‘new’ in a healthy

way.Case in Point: John’s department

was downsized. Fortunately for John, he was one of the lucky ones who got to stay. He was appreciative that he was not fired, but felt angry towards his company. He was very upset for his friends who were laid off and who were still in contact with him. This emotional whirlwind resulted in depression and confusion. What John did not understand is that he was experiencing a loss and going through the grieving process. Things would never be the

same again. Most grief professionals agree that

the grieving process consists of five stages that must be addressed in order to move on. The five stages are:

1. denial – Not accepting that it’s really happening. John was dumbfounded when he learned his two best friends were fired. He got very caught up in their stories and often said “I can’t believe it” and bad-mouthed the company for what it had done.

2. bargaining – Believing that with negotiation or adjustment it can go back to the way it used to be. John was affected directly by additional responsibility which he told his boss he could not take on. That met with skepticism which made John realize that he had better accept the new normal of wearing two hats.

3. anger – Feeling that the situation

is “unfair.” John confided in his wife every night that the firings and the additional work he had to take on was unfair. She tried to console him, but he was very angry.

4. Sadness – Feeling lost, alone, or vulnerable. John’s days at work were lonely without his best buddies around, he missed them. He found some of the new work was a stretch for him and he worried about whether he could master it.

5. acceptance – Realizing that things will not go back to the way they were, and it is time to move on. Coaching through the above emotions and helping John understand that it is natural to have these feelings helped him to finally accept that he had to get with the program and that it was a new era for the company and for him. It was okay to feel good about the job again because he was learning new things and ways of doing them. And, even though he still missed his friends, he realized that commiserating with them, did not help him or them.

moral of the story: When grieving a loss, one may move from one stage to

the next and then back again. This is a normal part of the process. So, when experiencing a change, do not resist the grieving process. Although at first it may not feel like grief is good, it does help you to close one chapter of your life so you can move on to the next.

sponsorEd articlE katiE wEisEr has five different accredidations as a certified coach. She retired from Deloitte Consulting and Deloitte Services after 40 years and oversaw the counseling of 500 firm professionals who were downsized from their positions. She provided them with resume writing services, networking, and interview advice. She is available to conduct several different workshops or speeches for a variety of companies, groups, or associations focused on change, leadership, goals, effective communication and more. Coach Katie also coaches individuals to make a transition into the next phase of your career or life. Sign up for a 30 minute, complimentary strategy session by emailing katie@katieweisercoaching.com or by calling 706.550.4161

DOWNSIZING AND GRIEFKatie Weiser, CCE-Board Certified Coach

Editor’s NotE: WhilE NEW maNufacturiNg plaNts arE poisEd to opEN iN 2013 such as starbucks’--- huNdrEds of jobs arE also goiNg aWay iN 2013 at srs, proctor & gamblE aNd othErs.

12

Simply put, innovation

is the creation of a new idea, process or thing. It is undeniable that innovation plays a major role in the excitement surrounding the release of certain new technology products like the latest smartphone or iPad.

Why the buzz? It’s about the attention to detail. It could be

anything from the number of pixels on the screen to the size of the camera lens that makes it better than its predecessor and better than the competition’s product. The buzz is because the new product does more in less time. People get excited about improvement and innovation!

What if your company could reinvent some of its practices? What if you went from company 2.0 to company 4.0 because of your employee’s innovation? Well, that’s impossible isn’t it? You don’t have innovative employees, just dedicated

ones, right? Wrong. Companies all over America are

failing to realize the importance of encouraging innovation among employees to boost productivity and enhance outdated business practices. The excuse “but it’s the way we have been doing it for years,” won’t hold any weight in the current market. What can you do to ensure that you are capitalizing on employee’s innovation?

• Promote open communication• Encourage innovative thinking• Deny failure, but promote trying

until it’s right The most innovative employees

know that they can communicate their ideas directly with a manager or business leader. This open communication ensures that the leaders at the top have an opportunity to understand every idea coming from those in non-managerial positions. Communication promotes a healthy system of checks and balances, and encourages employees to problem solve based on their own experiences.

Do not let employees fail. Simply tell them to try until they get it right. Defining an attempt as a failure will inhibit new ideas and solutions because it promotes the idea of

“I can’t.” Don’t let employees sell themselves short. Encourage them to try until the idea or process is effective.

The iPad and electric car were innovations and they weren’t built in a day. And, several new versions have been created since the original prototypes hit the market. What could you and your company do with breakthrough innovation? What innovation is out there among your employees that you don’t even know about? What could it do for you? Or worst of all… what could it do for your competition?

BrEnt & kElly MallEk This is a sponsored Employment 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.

BRENT & KELLY MALLEK | Talent Focus Consulting

INNOVATION WILL BE KEY IN 2013

DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

Programs

Available

13

While about 60% of all jobs

currently require some kind of college degree, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that only 40% of Americans earn one

before the age of 27. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that since 1973, the number of jobs that require at least some college has tripled, while those requiring a high school diploma or less have flattened.

Two-year colleges, with Helms College (www.helms.edu) a non-profit two-year college being the most recent addition to Augusta, enroll about 43% of the country’s undergraduate students and play critical roles in our educational system. These colleges provide:

•Transfer Education, for students who will transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a BS/BA degree;

•Career Education, for students to graduate with an Associate Degree and directly enter the workforce;

•Developmental Education, remedial education for high school graduates who are not academically ready to enroll in college-level courses; and

•Industry Training, contracted by companies to provide training for specific jobs.

According to data from the American Association of Community Colleges, tuition at community colleges average 64% less than public four-year colleges and 80-90% less than many private four-year schools. In addition, tuition assistance is available at many two-year colleges. Augusta’s Helms College has been granted Title IV eligibility by the U.S. Dept. of Education, enabling qualified students to participate in various federal student aid programs including Pell grants, deferred students loans, and work study programs.

“Financing higher-education is a challenge for students and parents,” said Jim Stiff, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries, the parent not-for-profit organization of Helms College. “We are pleased to offer federal student aid options, as well as our own tuition assistance. Helms College

is committed to helping students fulfill their dreams to attend culinary school.” Stiff also explained that Helms students benefit from experiential learning, intensive career advisement mentoring, and staffing/placement services that are not readily available at community colleges.

Students who attend any college are more likely to have higher-paying and more secure jobs than those with no college education. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures show that students who attend college, but do not receive an Associates’ degree, typically earn 13% more than those with just a high school diploma. Those who complete a degree earn 21% more. Both are also correspondingly less likely to be unemployed.

Given the value that two-year colleges provide, their popularity should come as no surprise. The

growing demand for educated workers, combined with the rapidly growing cost of a four-year university education, has led enrollment in these colleges to expand at about twice the rate as four-year universities.

(Some text excerpted from Beyond IT blog by Tom Kucharvy)

susan EvEritt is the Director of Communications for Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA (www.goodwillworks.org). She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer’s Association, Board of Directors of the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors of the American Advertising Federation – Augusta, Augusta Ballet Advisory Board, and the Augusta West Rotary Club. Susan graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South. You can reach her at severitt@goodwillworks or 706.650.5760.

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Every January, around forty-

five percent of people in the United States make New Year’s resolutions, and almost half

of all resolutions made are self-improvement or education related. Unsurprisingly, less than half of resolutions made will be achieved.

Have you ever made a resolution that seemed impossible to keep? Working out every day, reading more, going back to school? Here

are a few simple techniques that will make achieving your goals much easier come January first.

1. Don’t make goals too general. By being specific, you can lay out a plan that will make achieving your goal a no-brainer. For example, let’s say your goal is to go back to school. That’s a pretty general goal, right? Instead, you should state your goal like this: “I will go back to school starting at the next available entry term, take two classes per quarter, and graduate with my associate degree

in business management before the summer of 2014.” In this statement, you have specified an end goal, laid out how you are going to achieve it, and given yourself a deadline!

2. Make yourself accountable. There are a variety of ways to do this. Start a journal and keep track of your progress. Use a wall calendar to count down the days until graduation. Make a list of every assignment you’ve turned in and record your grades. No matter what your goal is, having a tracking system in place will keep you accountable. It’s also a great motivator, because it shows you how far you’ve come!

3. Do it with friends. Having a support group is essential to making big life changes. Make a group of friends in your English class who are also majoring in business and study together. Join an academic club. Or, if you aren’t thrilled about the idea of making new friends in person, find on online blog or support group for non-traditional students. Having someone to work towards your goals with will make it more fun!

hailEy riBEiro is the Admissions Manager/Recruiter at Georgia Military College in Martinez, GA. For questions about Georgia Military College, please call 706.993.1123 or visit our website at www.gmcaugusta.com.

hAiley ribeiro | Georgia Military College Admissions Manager

NEW YEAR’S GOALS CAN INCLUDE SCHOOL!

FAITH-BASED EDUCATION.

Call our North Augusta Campus today at 803.426.7981 or visit swu.edu/northaugusta

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Time flies when you are having

fun! For me, fun is celebrating accomplishments and planning the goals for the next year. This might not sound like

fun to you, but even my personality assessment confirms I am a planner and a manager. As my college professor would say “The 5 P’s = Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.” I keep a journal book (I call it my scribble book) where I write everything down that needs attention. It might be a phone

call to return, a sales call appointment to make, or my list to accomplish. With the speed of my office, my personal life and unfortunately my age, this is what works best for me.

How does this tie into the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce? Well, the outside perception of the Chamber might be just fun ribbon cuts and networking events all year long, but we actually have a very serious strategic plan in place. Recently, we held our day long Board of Directors Retreat. No, we were not at some fancy resort playing golf or having spa treatments, we actually held the event at our new office. We were fortunate to find a very

good facilitator from Jefferson EMC. The first part of the day involved reviewing the membership survey and completing a S.W.O. T. (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis. Next came modernizing our mission, vision, value statements, and guiding principles. All of these laid the ground work for developing and updating the strategic plan. The key areas included in the Columbia County Chamber’s strategic plan are Business Viability, Small Business Resources, Regionalism and Leadership, Advocacy, Reputation and Financial Stability. Under each key area several goals were outlined with the strategies in place to reach these goals. Included in the strategies were the products that would be developed. This is a working document not meant to be put on a shelf. It will be incorporated into the monthly board meetings and measured to set benchmarks. I would encourage your business to do the same type of planning for 2013.

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce is fortunate to have an excellent Board of Directors in place. Their number one responsibility is to set the strategic plan and best serve the membership for years to come. We are excited to announce the 2013 Board of Directors that will represent the 815 members of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce.

David Duncan, GA Power Co., Past Chairman

Chris McLaughlin, Georgia Bank and Trust, Chairman

Rick Crawford, Security Federal Bank, Chair Elect

Michelle Piper, First Bank of Georgia, Treasurer

Rachael Grant, Verizon Wireless, Secretary

Julia Heyman, ResCare, Programs Chair

Robbie Moore, Blanchard and Calhoun Insurance, Membership Chair

Angi Brock, The Cleveland GroupBecky Flickinger, Atlanta Gas LightCandice Dermody, Savannah River

Nuclear SolutionsChristine Simmons, Comcast

Business ClassDebbie Kalliokoski, Ronald McDonald

House CharitiesGreg Van Bladel, John Deere

Commercial ProductsJ. Brian King, Donsbach and King

AttorneysJason Goldberg, Club CarKaren Smith, Doctors HospitalKellie Johnson, Shane’s Rib ShackKen Shah, Comfort Inn and SuitesRich Kisner, University HealthcareShane Pangle, Culpepper Ace

HardwareShawn Vincent, Georgia Health

Sciences UniversityStephen L. Kendrick, Kendrick Paint

and BodyTravis Hayes, Hayes MarineYvonne Meeks, SRP Federal Credit

Union

taMMy shEphErd is the president/CEO of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. She can be contacted at (706) 651-0018 or tammy@columbiacountychamber.com.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND GOALS!

15

tAmmy shepherD | CEO Columbia County Chamber Of Commerce

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors review a SWOT analysis at their recent retreat

DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

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This past summer, in a

much anticipated decision, the Supreme Court generally upheld the provisions of the Health Care Act. By upholding

the constitutionality of the Health Care Act, the Court has also upheld several key tax provisions contained in the legislation that become effective in 2013. Most notably, the Health Care Act: 1) adds a new Medicare Surtax of .9% on the wages and self-employment income of higher-income taxpayers; 2) adds a new 3.8% Medicare Surtax on net investment income for higher-income taxpayers; 3) generally increases the deduction threshold for medical expenses from 7.5% to 10% of adjusted gross income (AGI); and 4) places a cap on contributions to Flexible Savings Accounts.

Additional .9% Medicare Surtax on Earned Income of Higher-Income Taxpayers. Generally effective for wages and self-employed earnings received after 2012 that exceed certain thresholds, the Health Care Act imposes a new .9% Medicare Surtax, in addition to the existing Medicare tax. If you are married filing a joint return, this additional .9% surtax applies to the amount by which the sum of your W-2 wages and your self-employed earnings exceeds $250,000 ($200,000 if you are single, or $125,000 if married filing separately). For married individuals filing a joint return, the .9% Medicare Surtax will apply to the extent the sum of both spouses’ W-2 earnings and the self-employed earnings exceed the $250,000 threshold.

New 3.8% Medicare Surtax on Net Investment Income. Since the inception of the Medicare program, the Medicare tax has only been imposed on an employee’s “wages” and a self-employed individual’s “income from self-employment.” Starting in 2013,

certain higher-income individuals are subject to a new 3.8% Medicare Surtax imposed on their net investment income. The tax will apply to individuals whose modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds the following “threshold amounts” – $250,000 for married filing jointly; $200,000 if single; and $125,000 if married filing separately.

Deduction Threshold for Medical Expenses Raised From 7.5% to 10% of Agi. Starting in 2013, the Health Care Act generally increases the threshold for claiming an itemized deduction for un-reimbursed medical expenses from 7.5% of AGI to 10% of AGI.

Annual Contributions to Health FSAs Will Be Capped at $2,500. Employer-sponsored cafeteria plans are one of the most popular tax-free fringe benefits offered to employees. Under these plans, employees can generally select certain tax-free benefits or taxable cash payments. One common option under these plans is a health care flexible spending arrangement (Health FSA). Through 2012, there is no limit (except as imposed by the plan itself) on the amount an employee can elect to contribute to a health FSA through salary reductions. Starting in 2013, cafeteria plans will be required to cap the annual salary reduction contribution to a Health FSA at $2,500.

Tax law is constantly changing due to new legislation, cases, regulations, and IRS rulings. Those taxpayers that think they may be affected by these changes need to contact their CPAs to ensure proper planning is done before the end of 2012 to minimize potential future tax liability.

hall, 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 706-855-7733 or visit hallassociatescpa.com.

Christine hall, CPA | Hall, Hall, & Associates P.C

CHANGES TO HEALTH CARE ACT AFFECTS SOME BUSINESS LEADERS

DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

17DECEMBER 2012 21OCTOBER 2012 23JUNE 2012

SOUTH CAROLINA BUSINESSseCtioN D

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The holidays are here, and it is time to plan those corporate

holiday parties. AllStar Tents and Events has been helping with parties in the CSRA for the last 8 years, and they have an idea about how to get things done. Take a look at these tips and reminders to get the holiday parties started right!

piCK a Theme: A theme can be as simple as choosing a color scheme or as complex as a trip to the North Pole. A theme can help guide decisions throughout the planning process, and it can help to inspire new ideas while maintaining focus.

ChOOSe The righT day: For

corporate events, it is best to schedule the event early in the week and a few weeks before major holidays. People tend to take vacations close to holiday time or around the weekends making a Friday, Saturday or the week before Christmas bad choices for a party. Also, take time to make sure the VIPs are available to attend such as Presidents, CEOs, or owners.

bOOK The Venue early: Booking the venue is key because around the holidays, party venues book up quickly. Knowing the room size and features of the space will also help in making decisions about seating,

food and beverage set up, a dance floor, or other features that may be incorporated into the event. Working with nearly every venue in the CSRA, AllStar is knowledgeable of the event spaces and can help in the planning process to make decisions.

Send OuT inViTaTiOnS: It is best to send out invitations three to four weeks before the event, and always make sure to ask guests to RSVP. Do not use “Regrets Only” if a reliable head count is needed. When booking rentals, AllStar encourages companies to place rental orders to guarantee items, and adjustments can be made as needed.

maKe yOur liST: Not the list addressed to the North Pole! A checklist is important to ensure that rentals such as projector screens, speakers, drinking glasses, silverware, microphones, table cloths, or other party necessities are not forgotten. Double check this list with a co-worker to make sure the list is complete. AllStar spends time with clients to think through each detail of an event to guarantee every element is covered.

SeT up STaTiOnS: Do not put all of the food and drink in one area or guests will huddle around this

GET THE HOLIDAY PARTY STARTED!Advertorial by rebeCCA heAD

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18

This election year the people spoke in record numbers, votes

were tabulated and the winners announced - for the Condé Nast Traveler 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards. The 25th annual awards recognize the crème de la crème of hospitality elite from around the globe as among the best in the world and this year’s winners’ circle includes Aiken, South Carolina’s most glamorous 114-year-old

institution, The Willcox, a historic boutique hotel which cultivates an exceptional experience for guests in an informal atmosphere replete with tailored services and amenities.

Cultivating glamour amidst America’s storied thoroughbred country, The Willcox’s place among the Top Hotel in the South (No. 22) list joins other recent accolades for the beautifully refreshed and preserved property including spots

among Travel + Leisure’s 2012 “Top 50 Best Hotels in the World” and Condé Nast Traveler’s 2011 “Top 50 Small Hotels in the USA.”

Known as “The Living Room of Aiken,” guests and neighbors of The Willcox can drop in and make themselves right at home in the hotel’s casual elegance – perfect for relaxing and entertaining with friends, over a cozy quiet drink, or enjoying a reviving spa-treatment,

or tucking in to a scrumptious but low-key meal in the area’s first gastro-pub.

Indeed, The Willcox may be small in stature, but it certainly packs a punch when it comes to style, sophistication, and service.

by stepheN hAle

THE WILLCOX AMONG THE BEST HOTELS IN THE WORLD

DEC.5 –JAN. 9, 2013

HAVE A SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON

As the holiday season draws near, most of us will be extremely busy

decorating, shopping and planning and preparing for parties, events and trips to distant places to visit friends and loved ones. While it is an exciting time of the year, it can be hectic and stressful trying to accomplish all that needs to

be done. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time to do everything that we need to do before the holiday is upon us. We all seem to be in a hurry, and even distracted by the many things we have on our mind. There is more traffic on the roads, so driving to the mall or local shopping center takes more time, and accidents are more prone to happen when drivers are in a rush, or are distracted by other things than what is in front of them. Highway safety during this busy season is paramount for all of us to enjoy and celebrate the season whether we are driving to the local store or driving to visit loved

ones miles away from home. Staying focused while driving is critical to ensure highway safety, however, having your vehicle adequately serviced before you begin your journey is something that cannot be ignored to ensure safe travel to your destination and return home. While preparing your vehicle for the “road trip,” check your headlights to see if they are bright and clear. Are the headlights bright enough for the driver to see the road and for the “other guy” to see you coming? If not, call us today for an estimate. Our mobile units are available in Georgia and South Carolina to meet your busy schedule.

Headlights Made New wishes you a great and blessed holiday season.

P.S. Let us not forget the reason for the season

BoB and MarGarEt waltEr co-own Headlights Made New. The HMN restoration product is only available from an authorized, licensed dealer. To reach Bob or Margaret to schedule an appointment, or inquire about their services call 706.840.1392 or visit www.headlightsmadenew.com

SPONSORED ARTICLE by bob AND mArgAret WAlter

19

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HOLIDAY PARTY

DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

space. Instead, spread food around the room at different stations and provide a separate bar and drink station that is easily accessible.

COmmuniCaTe: Working with multiple vendors can become complicated. It is important to make sure that each vendor has clear and specific instructions to know what is expected of them. AllStar takes notes down to the last detail to ensure that every event runs smoothly and on time.

haVe a plan b: Something will go wrong, but it should not ruin a fun event. AllStar is skilled in the art of Plan B, and they strive to help clients with any last minute issues.

giVe yOurSelf Time: Have everything set up an hour before the party will begin to allow personal time to prepare for the event. This extra time will also be useful in the event that something goes wrong. AllStar can help by setting up events in advance to avoid last minute running around.

A holiday party is a wonderful way to say thank you to employees, and it is a wonderful end to the year. It is important to make the event special. During the holidays, AllStar typically rents out china, tables, table cloths, chairs, and glassware. They are also able to provide specialty items such as tents, heaters, furniture, various lighting, and popcorn and cotton candy machines. No party or event is too large or small for this locally based company. They have provided rentals as simple as a rollaway bed for the holidays or as complex as a stage for large concerts.

AllStar strives to accommodate all of their client’s needs, and they want each event to be everything the customer expects and more. For more information or to discuss a rental, please contact AllStar Tents and Events at (803) 649.5402. You may find them online at www.AllStarTentsandEvents.com or on Facebook.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Top executives from the City of Aiken government, Aiken Chamber of Commerce, and the Aiken Downtown Development Association

turned out in mid-November to welcome Intellisystems to The Alley. The Information Technology and Telephone Sales and Service company chose Aiken as the 2nd of its 3 locations. Intellisystems is also moving into a new office in Columbia in early 2013.Currently, 11 people work for Intellisystems at its headquarters on Greene Street in Augusta. Plans are to hire more to staff Aiken and Columbia.

Holiday Party Photo: Courtesy AllStar Tents and Events

INTELLISYSTEMS EXPANDS TO 2ND LOCATION IN AIKEN

20

This holiday season the major players in tablet computing have lots of cool options available, so

there hasn’t been a better time than now to take the plunge for that tablet you have been wanting. Whether it’s an iPad from Apple, a Surface from Microsoft, or a variety of lesser known products, you are likely to find a selection from the available offerings that deliver a surprising range of features and prices that will strike your fancy.

miCrOSOfT ‘SurfaCe’ TableTThe Microsoft Surface tablet has a starting price of $499 for its new 10.6”

HD screen tablet computer. It has twice the memory of the comparable Apple iPad. Although the $499 model doesn’t come with the cover that doubles as a keyboard featured in Microsoft’s advertising, the $599 model comes with the cover-keyboard combination, and the $699 model features the keyboard-cover and has greater data storage capacity. The cover/keyboard comes in different colors and can be purchased separately for $119.99, and there is an optional keyboard with a more traditional typing feel priced at $129.99. Some models of the Surface allow the user to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi. Since Thanksgiving, some cellular network-ready versions are available.

The Surface also comes in lower than some other offerings by hardware companies that plan to make their own devices using Microsoft’s new operating system software, which is designed to work on devices with touchscreens. Some computer makers have complained about the prospect that Microsoft might charge less for the Surface than they can. Asustek Computer’s Vivo Tab RT, for example, is being listed at $599, and Lenovo offers the IdeaPad Yoga that is priced at $799. Industry analysts believe Microsoft can sell three million Surface tablets during the fourth quarter of 2012, so this product is definitely going to be a player in the tablet wars. They also estimate Microsoft can capture 14% of the tablet market in 2013, including sales of Surface and devices from other hardware makers running versions of Windows.

Microsoft’s first Surface models run Windows RT and are powered by chips based on designs licensed from ARM Holdings. Future versions of Surface will run Windows 8, which works on x86 chips sold by Intel and Advanced Micro Devices, likely after the first of the year.

Microsoft believes that the Surface and other tablets powered by its software are more suited for business tasks, while iPads and other competing products are best at passive activities such as watching movies or surfing the Web. For instance, the Surface devices include a version of Microsoft’s popular Office software. Windows RT isn’t compatible with some PC apps written for earlier versions of Windows, and Windows 8 versions that will use the Intel chips probably won’t be available until after the first of the year.

Kindle fire and OTher gOOgle andrOid-baSed TableTSMajor vendors of tablets powered by Google’s Android operating system have

gained market share in the third quarter. Samsung’s share increased to 18.4% – the largest-ever market share for a vendor other than Apple. Amazon, the vendor of Kindle Fire tablets, followed with a 9% share, while Taiwan’s Asustek Computer came in fourth with a 8.6% share.

The Samsung Galaxy Note with its 10.1” HD screen starts at $499, and it sports the “S Pen’” which allows the user to edit photos using Adobe®

Photoshop® Touch. Users can design beautiful illustrations with variable brush weights and sizes, create handwritten notes, memos and postcards, highlight, draw fine details, thick bold lines or free-flowing strokes with remarkably accurate pressure sensitivity. The Galaxy Note is available with Wi-Fi only.

The original 7” screen Kindle Fire sells for $159; a newer HD version with improved Wi-Fi and screen quality sells for $199. Finally the newest 8.9” HD screen Kindle Fire delivers versions with Wi-Fi and 4G LTE wireless.

Asustek has its EeePad Transformer Pad with full HD 10.1” screen priced starting at $295 and boasts options including the ability to convert to a laptop-like device with the “Mobile Dock.” The EeePad Transformer is available with Wi-Fi only.

Finally, Google’s own Nexus 7 tablet with a 7” screen starts at $199, and is available with Wi-Fi only and with Wi-Fi plus 3G wireless.

apple ipad and ipad miniThe iPad Mini, which measures 7.9 inches diagonally, is Apple’s answer to the

lower end of the tablet market, albeit with a pricier product than rivals. The iPad Mini starts at $329, while rival Google’s Nexus 7 sells for $199, and Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablets start at $159, although those devices have a slightly smaller seven-inch screen.

The smaller iPad is part of the largest product push Apple has made ahead of a holiday season in recent history. Apple also started selling a slightly updated version of its full-sized iPad, which has a screen that measures 9.7 inches diagonally, a size that hasn’t changed since the first model was released in 2010.

iPad Mini sales were expected to be a little slower than previous iPad product introductions because the device is only part of Apple’s eventual iPad Mini lineup. The

iPad Mini product family will be complemented now that versions with cellular access have hit the shelves.

So as you can see, the options for tablet computers abound. Some are more traditional, some are geared more toward business use, but all offer a bit of a twist that gives them a somewhat unique place in the tablet market.

KEVIN WADE is the CEO and “techspert” for Intellisystems, a small business I.T department for area companies. He works with them to prevent network failure, data loss, or backup disasters and provides technology advice to keep clients and the community informed. Intellisystems is located in the Alley in Aiken, in Columbia at the Atrium on Stoneridge Drive, and in downtown Augusta. For more info, visit intellisytems.com

keviN WADe | CEO of IntelliSystems

MANY TABLET OPTIONS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

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Did you know that we are

now working with 4 generations in the workplace? As employers and employees…we really have to be OPEN MINDED about how to deal with each other. Make sure you provide your employees with the right tools to make their GENERATION be the most efficient! Below are some workplace characteristics and

tips on how to get the most out of each generation. Here are the years these generations of employees were born:

TradiTiOnaliST – 1922-1945 – Duty before fun! Put things in writing…they like formal memo’s and printed information. They also may have some traditional items they like to use for handling paperwork instead of having everything computerized. They still like a rolodex for contacts and business cards. They have a favorite pen they have used forever. They will need binders and files, therefore, possibly a larger work space.

baby bOOmer – 1946-1964 – Efficient Workaholics! They love to have meetings. They prefer to communicate in person. To get the most out of this person, make sure they have space to meet…with a small conference table in their office or a conference room near their work area. They also may need some extra chairs to provide space for one-on-one discussions.

generaTiOn X – 1965-1980 – Skeptics that desire structure! They can work on their own and they are in touch with technology enough to not NEED as much paper or space. They are very willing to learn and may want more options for presentations or projects, because they want to stand out and be told they are doing a good job.

generaTiOn y (millennialS) –

1981-2000 – Multitask! They don’t over think and may get tasks done quicker than many of the other generations. They need all the technology tools they can get their hands on…smart phones, iPads/tablets, thumb drives, multimedia presenters. They like to communicate electronically and will not need or want things in writing…don’t waste your time or paper. They also don’t need as much space to work, but like to stay

organized/neat.Try to COMMUNICATE to your staff

about how the other generations like to work. It is no longer a “one size fits all” workplace…IF you want to get the BEST out of your entire company!!

roBin BaxlEy and sandi shiElds The TEAM at BEST Office Solutions would love an opportunity to make your work life easier. We are constantly customizing a plan for each of our customers to fit their needs and personalities. We get excited about finding

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OPEN MINDEDrobiN bAxley | Co-Owner of Best Office SolutionssANDi shielDs | Co-Owner of Best Office Solutions

DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

23DECEMBER 2012 25NOVEMBER 2012 25JULY 2012 27JUNE 2012

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There are many different ways

to swing a golf club, but only one way to hit a golf ball. Turn on the television on a Sunday afternoon

and try to find two players that swing alike….it is going to be quite a hard task to accomplish! So what are the players doing that is similar? The answer is impact. There are a few key factors that lead to great impact positions.

gripMany of the great players in the

history of the game placed their hands on the club in a slightly strong to a very strong manner. A strong grip encourages the hands to lead the club into the ball. This is an extremely important part of a great impact position.

ShOulder TurnWhen turning the shoulders,

instead of moving them around your body and feeling your left shoulder over your right foot, turn the left shoulder down. This will allow the downswing to be effortless and there will be less searching with your body to get the club to return to the ball consistently.

WeighT ShifT At impact, your weight should be

noticeably on your left side. Your right foot should be starting to roll inward or slightly up in the air, and your hips should be over your left foot.

Try incorporating these elements

in your swing next time you practice. This is the secret to better golf!

drEw BElt 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.

DreW belt | Assistant Golf Professional at West Lake County ClubTAKE A SWING AT CREATING A BETTER IMPACT

Holiday Training Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24

Holiday Ballet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25

New Restaurant\Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 27

24

Congrats to the Quigley family, who have owned the Belair Road building and Wife Saver franchise for decades. It’s time for change

as they prepare to build a state of the art Wife Saver(similar to the Furys Ferry model) in Grovetown next to the new Barney’s Pharmacy. Once this occurs in the spring, the Quigleys will consider using their former location to develop a new concept. Their Belair Road store will remain open until construction is complete in Grovetown.

WIFE SAVER HEADS WEST

eD reiD | Owner, Team Fit

Tis the season for family

gatherings, shopping sprees and all around great cheer. Holidays are a time to celebrate and have

fun. Unfortunately, many of us will overindulge and consume too many calories by making hasty and tasty choices concerning food and drinks. Here are a few tips to help you stay focused during your festive times:

eaT befOre yOu leaVe hOme – Never go to a party or on a shopping excursion on an empty stomach. You can avoid eating yourself into a calorie-coma if you eat healthy beforehand.

dOn’T SKip mealS – Eating smaller meals throughout the day will help avoid treating dinner like an all-you-can-eat buffet? Skipping meals to try and make up for super-rich food will backfire. Hunger will take control of your choices, causing overindulgent behavior.

TreaT yOurSelf – It’s okay to choose one food item to have as an awesome treat. Why not make it something that is only around during the festive times? If Grandma makes the best peach cobbler in the universe – then make sure you get to enjoy.

maKe fiTneSS fun – Plan group activities that involve more than watching hours of sports or marathon video game sessions. Play a touch football game with the family before the big meal. Design fun games for kids that encourage constant movement and exercises. Working towards a charitable cause can also be a rewarding fitness opportunity (ex. walking in the neighborhood collecting food/clothes donations to deliver to a local shelter).

plan TO Train firST – Do not put off your training regimen during this time. Actually, it may be more beneficial to shorten your training time and raise your intensity. Instead of 20 mins on the treadmill at level 4.0, try interval training – 15 mins toggling between levels 3.5 and 6.0.

Make this year special by not gaining any extra this holiday season. Plan to stay active and continue to live a healthy lifestyle. Moderation can be fun and enjoyable if you never lose site of your ultimate goal. Enjoy the holiday season!

Ed rEid is a Certified Personal Trainer and leading fitness expert in the CSRA. He is Retired US Navy with over 15 years 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.

WAYS TO STAY FIT DURING THE HOLIDAYSDEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

Construction and design are pretty much complete on The Olive Garden in Augusta. The “Via Tuscany” remodel program is part

of a nationwide update of 20 Olive Gardens. The Washington Road restaurant has a rustic stone exterior mirrors the buildings in an Italian countryside. The interior is accentuated by Italian imports and the ceilings have exposed wood beans. Fabrics and artwork also support the Tuscan feel. The remodel goes hand in hand with new promotions like “Dinner Today & Dinner Tomorrow”(free take-out meal).

WHEN YOU’RE HERE YOU’RE FAMILY

25

The Columbia County Ballet was formed in 1985 by founding

Directors Ron and Kathleen Jones. Dance students enter the ballet as young as 3 and enjoy the creativity that the Pre-Ballet format offers while growing gently in both the knowledge and the discipline that comes from the ballet tradition. All students from the youngest to the most accomplished will experience the thrill of performance on one of the largest stages in the southeast in a production based upon one of the most engaging children’s stories of all time, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, by C. S. Lewis.

CCB’s Performing Company presents 4 major productions each year. Peter Pan was recently presented at the Imperial Theatre to a sold out house. The ballet donated all proceeds to the Imperial to help finance renovations for this Augusta treasure.

CCB’s Nutcracker is also performed on the Imperial stage and sold out last season’s show. When asked what separates CCB’s Nutcracker from others in the area, Director Ron Jones proudly notes, “Our guys on stage. Nothing substitutes for masculine energy. Recently, 5 new guys from Davidson Fine Arts Magnet joined us. We are having a blast working them into our productions. Frankly, I think once they saw all the pretty girls they were hooked.”

The Roar of Love is CCB’s adaptation of C. S. Lewis’ classic tale of Narnia. President and CEO of Focus on the Family referred to this production as “an absolutely wonderful ballet presentation.” The production

has grown so large that it can only be housed in the Bell Auditorium and must be divided into two separate casts to accommodate all 300 dancers. This inspiring story is performed during the Easter season.

Mayfest is a free concert performed on Columbia County’s amphitheater behind the Library each May. Families enjoy an hour-long celebration of dance and at the end of the performance Lady Bug Florist gives a complimentary long stem rose to all the young budding ballerinas in the audience.

awards and recognitions: -Voted Augusta’s Favorite Dance

Program-Mayor proclaimed a week in honor

of CCB-Named the Official Resident Ballet

Company of Columbia County-CCB Director voted Artist of the Year-Winner of the 2012 Augusta Dance

Companies Award

Why the Columbia County Ballet? “To my daughter dance is fun and

exciting. To me, it is developing positive character traits that will last a lifetime. That is priceless!”

“You have brought so much joy to young girls and boys and have helped to shape their futures as young men and women.”

Visit us online @ www.

columbiacountyballet.com or call the ballet school and schedule a tour. “Life’s a Dance. Children should enjoy the journey!”

COLUMBIA COUNTY BALLETroN JoNes | Co-Founderall minOr and maJOr plumbing. 24\7 SerViCe.

DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

26

The Tao Asian Restaurant closed the second of its’ two area restaurants in the Publix Plaza on the perimeter of the Riverwood Subdivision in Evans.

Mi Rancho has done well near the Publix Plaza and may have taken some “casual dining money” away from Tao Asian. Earlier in the year owners closed their other restaurant in the Food Lion Plaza on Evans To Locks Road. Bob’s BBQ Restaurant in Grovetown closed after less than six months in business—started by a pair of friends who had worked together in the telecommunications field. One of the partners was able to use the recipes of family members running a successful operation elsewhere in the CSRA. Bob’s served ribs, smoked chicken, barbecue, hash and rice, and much more. Their restaurant was situated in the older part of Grovetown and may have been hurt by all of the “Wal-Mart” spurred growth and other dining options.

TWO RESTAURANTS FOLD BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS

DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

27

Metro Coffeehouse, which some of its more regular customers refer

to as ‘Augusta’s living room,’ continues to provide one of the best happy hours in Augusta by focusing on consistency and customer service. With the recent opening of Whiskey Bar next door, owners Kenny and Bobby Morrison hope to take their business to the next level by following the same formula that has worked for the last 13 years.

“Our business model is based on consistency,” said owner Kenny Morrison. “Metro is the kind of neighborhood pub where we do pretty much the same thing Monday through Friday, and we’re focused on our very loyal regular customers, even though the regular crowd has shifted over the years as people finish their stay at MCG or Fort Gordon and move along, but we always have a regular crowd that we are deeply appreciative of.”

Both businesses actually have their roots in Disc Go Round, a record store the Morrison brothers operated on Bobby Jones expressway in the late 90s.

“That was right around the time you could start downloading songs for free,” said Kenny. “We saw which way the market was going and sold

the store, and then with the money from the sale of that store my brother and I put our money together with two other friends of ours and started Metro Coffeehouse.”

Kenny and Bobby pooled their money with childhood friends Michael Yonesaki and Travis Petrea and opened Metro Coffeehouse on New Year’s Eve in 1999.

“These are two people who we’ve known and trusted for 30 years, and about 13 years ago we had the thought that it would be really cool for four friends to open up a bar together,” said Kenny. “We’re still really happy that it worked out so well.”

Around one year ago, Kenny and Bobby began to feel the creative spark once more and wondered what they might do that would be a natural evolution of the business. Because they had a good relationship with the soon-to-be-retiring owners of the next door sushi bar, Wicked Wasabi, they knew they had an unique opportunity which they decided to seize.

Whiskey Bar officially opened on First Friday in November, although they also opened for one night in October in order to improve their processes running the new business.

“One of the first things we found out was that working behind the bar was a logistical nightmare,” said Kenny. “Metro’s bar is very spacious, systematic and efficient. Here we’re trying to fit the same size of inventory or more behind a bar only one third of the size we’re used to using. It’s like playing a game of Tetris.”

“The faster a bartender can move around efficiently behind the bar has a direct effect on how many drinks per hour you can serve,” he continued. “We created a model where we had two or sometimes three bartenders working at mirrored stations along the bar where everything they needed to reach for is within a six foot radius, and it’s allowed us to make drinks almost twice as fast.”

Whiskey Bar has two bartenders, three servers and four to six kitchen staff working during any given shift.

“We don’t close after lunch rush so we always have to have staff in kitchen and out front,” said Kenny. “We’ve staffed heavy in kitchen to keep ticket times down, so by the time you finish your appetizer, your entrée should be coming out. Even though it costs more initially, if the customers enjoy their visit they will return with more people and come more often.”

“We get a lot of orders for whiskey here,” said Leah Bell, a Whiskey Bar bartender for the last four weeks. “Even people who aren’t normally whiskey drinkers will come in and order one just because our selection is so huge. People come here from out of town a lot because it’s a nice, clean atmosphere and there’s more upscale type bar food with an Asian twist that’s not like what they’re used to seeing.”

Metro Coffeehouse is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Whiskey Bar is open from 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, noon to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.

By christophEr sElMEk

christophEr sElMEk | Freelance Writer

METRO COFFEEHOUSE OWNERS EXPAND WITH WHISKEY BAR

photo by christophEr sElMEk

DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

28

CPC TO ADD 7TH CSRA LOCATION The Center For Primary Care is building a new facility near the Wal-Mart in Grovetown to reach patients in all areas of Columbia County. They presently have two other Columbia County locations on the Jimmy Dyess Parkway and on Belair Road. CPC’s founder, Dr. Paul Fischer will head up the new office and his physician daughter will take the lead at Dr. Fischer’s Belair Road office. Construction should be complete by summer 2013.

CsrA shrm WiNs AWArDThe local chapter of the Society of Human Resource Managers really did its part to help those afflicted with drug addiction---and it’s National Association recognized them with a Pinnacle

Award—one of just nine given in the United States. The CSRA SHRM chapter partnered with the Augusta Judicial Circuit Drug Court to provide work readiness training to its participants nearing completion of the rehabilitation program. Members trained participants through a series of Saturday workshops on resume writing, job search skills, interviewing techniques, networking and professional attire.

CuDos to CuDos 4 uStaff members from Dan Cook and Associates are joining the Cudos4u Awards & Promotion Team after running a successful promotional products company for more than 30 years. This new division for Cudos will operate out of one of their two stores on the Augusta West Parkway and also from the former Dan Cook and Associates office in downtown Augusta. Cudos also has another retail location on North Belair in Evans and has separate divisions in the company. pressteCh impresses NoN proFits Presstech, a longtime area printer is going to announce non-profit awards by the end of 2012 or in early 2013. Various non-profits had the opportunity to submit an application as to why they were in need of printing services. Presstech is going to give away $10,000 worth of services in 2013, with non-profits qualifying for up to $2,500 worth of credit for the year. A group of business leaders will judge the competition.

127 12th St.Augusta, GA 30901

706.814.7393www.csra.rightathome.net

DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

Offer Expires 10/05/12

Offer Expires 10/05/12

jan. 15, 2013

jan. 15, 2013

29DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

30 DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

When yours truly worked at TV news stations, I vividly

recall the numbers $1,000, $1,100, or more rolling off my tongue delivering the holiday spending averages. Wow, have things changed despite all of the great bargains at CSRA retailers.

According toThe Georgia Credit Union Affiliates (GCUA), 6 out of 10 families will spend less than $500 this holiday season. About 5 out of 10 of us will spend less than a year ago.

Perhaps the most encouraging

news of all, is that 7 out of 10 of us will use cash this year. Maybe the reason we are spending a lot less is because we’re caught in a credit crunch.

Whatever happened to “making gifts” or “trading services”. Is the “reason for the season” found on the latest $100-700 tablet to hit Best Buy or H.H Gregg?

Just saying.

By Neil gorDoN

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28 OCTOBER 2012