january buzz on biz

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JAN. 10–FEB. 6, 2013 ISSUE • THE CSRA’S ONLY BUSINESS MONTHLY PUBLICATION Buzz on Biz, LLC 3740 Executive Center Drive Martinez, Ga 30907 O n September 11, 2001, Katie Weiser was scheduled for a meeting at the offices of Deloitte Consulting, just across the street from the World Trade Center. On those occasions when Weiser had to travel from her home in Connecticut to New York, she and her husband would typically go up the night before, enjoy the city, and stay at the Marriott hotel in the WTC. As it happens, the meeting was canceled. “When the World Trade Center came down and the hotel with it, we looked at it as a sign that we should have a closer life with family in Augusta. Fortunately, I had been working virtually for about a year. So, I was able to work from anywhere.” That day was a turning point in Weiser’s life. Now based in Augusta, Weiser retired from Deloitte in October 2011 and immediately started her own business, Katie Weiser Coaching, and over the past year has helped more than 40 people find a more satisfying career or become happier in the career they already have. “In 2001-2002, Deloitte Consulting fired 1000 people because of the downturn in the economy. I created a global alumni program that included out-counseling services. Over the next couple of years, I personally coached 500 employees who were leaving,” she said. “The program allowed me to help a lot of people fight the sting of being fired, identify their ideal career, and then go out and make it happen.” “As I approached retirement, I knew that having been happy with the very busy schedule I had led, I wouldn’t be able to sit at home,” she continued. “I tapped into my passion and strengths and recognized that the most satisfying part of my career had been when I coached those 500 people. I used my coaching process on myself to figure out what I wanted to do.” Even after identifying her ideal career path, it took hard work and dedication for Weiser to turn her dream into a reality. While still working, Weiser went back to school at the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching, studying on nights and weekends to obtain her Board Certified Coach designation and membership in the International Coach Federation. “A lot of people say they are coaches, but they don’t have any credentials,” she said. “I had to do a lot of work every night and also went for training in Tampa and Boston. I had to pass oral and written exams. It took a year, but finally I finished my certification.” Article BY CHRISTOPHER SELMEK Photos from 9-11 9-11 TRAGEDY SPURS ON CSRA COACHING FIRM Continued on Page 9 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: SECTION A Main Business News SECTION B Employment & Education SECTION C Health and Fitness FREE! Take One Coach Katie Weiser moved to Augusta aſter the terrorist attacks of 9-11

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Page 1: January Buzz on Biz

JAN. 10–FEB. 6, 2013 ISSUE • THE CSRA’S ONLY BUSINESS MONTHLY PUBLICATION

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On September 11, 2001, Katie Weiser was scheduled for a meeting at the

offices of Deloitte Consulting, just across the street from the World Trade Center. On those occasions when Weiser had to travel from her home in Connecticut to New York, she and her husband would typically go up the night before, enjoy the city, and stay at the Marriott hotel in the WTC.

As it happens, the meeting was canceled.

“When the World Trade Center came

down and the hotel with it, we looked at it as a sign that we should have a closer life with family in Augusta. Fortunately, I had been working virtually for about a year. So, I was able to work from anywhere.” That day was a turning point in Weiser’s life. Now based in Augusta, Weiser retired from Deloitte in October 2011 and immediately started her own business, Katie Weiser Coaching, and over the past year has helped more than 40 people find a more satisfying career or become happier in the career they already have.

“In 2001-2002, Deloitte Consulting fired 1000 people because of the downturn in the economy. I created a global alumni program that included out-counseling services. Over the next couple of years, I personally coached 500 employees who were leaving,” she said. “The program allowed me to help

a lot of people fight the sting of being fired, identify their ideal career, and then go out and make it happen.”

“As I approached retirement, I knew that having been happy with the very busy schedule I had led, I wouldn’t be able to sit at home,” she continued. “I tapped into my passion and strengths and recognized that the most satisfying part of my career had been when I coached those 500 people. I used my coaching process on myself to figure out what I wanted to do.”

Even after identifying her ideal career path, it took hard work and dedication for Weiser to turn her dream into a reality. While still working, Weiser went back to school at the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching, studying on nights and weekends to obtain her Board Certified Coach designation and membership in the International Coach Federation.

“A lot of people say they are coaches, but they don’t have any credentials,” she said. “I had to do a lot of work every night and also went for training in Tampa and Boston. I had to pass oral and written exams. It took a year, but finally I finished my certification.”

Article by Christopher selmek Photos from 9-11

9-11 TRAGEDY SPURS ON CSRA COACHING FIRM

Continued on page 9

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:seCtioN AMain Business News

seCtioN bEmployment & Education

seCtioN CHealth and Fitness

Free! take one

Coach Katie Weiser moved to Augusta after the terrorist attacks of 9-11

Page 2: January Buzz on Biz

2

Our newspaper business model is simple: we find the best, local experts to write a sponsored, monthly column that is exclusive to

their industry and beneficial to you, the reader. This month we welcome Business Broker, Kim Romaner of Transworld Business Advisors, who shares on Page 8 the importance of an “exit strategy” whether your business is strong or weak. on page 13, Frank mulherin of Weinberger’s business Interiors moves into his new role as Office Design Expert in our newspaper. Read how your office affects your work! Mulherin’s move coincides with the physical move of his showroom into Weinberger’s new facility on the Riverwatch Parkway.

On Page 21, Group & Benefits employee Consultant russell t. head protects us all from the “fiscal cliff” with some great information on Health Care Reform and how you can benefit from upcoming Health Care Exchanges. If you’d like to reach 5,000 Chamber of Commerce business leaders and be in 10,000 copies of the monthly “Buzz on Biz,” contact me at 706.589.6727.

Our freelance writers are also excellent in providing you with “what’s new” in CSRA business.

in our cover story, Christopher selmek shares a heartwarming story of a local entrepreneur, whose life changed in the aftermath of the 9-11 horror. Selmek also looks into changes at the Midtown Market, a unique Central Avenue co-op of savvy businesspeople.

Alison richter looks at the exploding fitness business in the CSRA in our Health and Fitness section.

scott hudson investigates the “Drag Tax”—a controversial effort underway prior to this year’s Southern Nationals.

Finally, Don macNeil offers up reasons why it is critical to have a “marketing bench coach” on your team.

Happy New Year!

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 [email protected]

Neil GorDoN | President, Buzz on Biz LLCNEW YEAR, NEW EXPERTS!

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Page 3: January Buzz on Biz

3JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

What can Business and Industry Health at Aiken Regional Medical Centers do for your company’s bottom line?

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at 803.641.5363.

Page 4: January Buzz on Biz

4

In December’s column I

discussed using the Boy Scout motto of “Be Prepared” when working on your business for

the upcoming year. That column addressed changes coming this year for businesses and how as business owners we need to be proactive, not reactive to the coming changes.

This month I want to extend that theme to an issue that has

been around as long as there has been private business. It is the fundamental question of, “Now that you got it (the business that is) what are you going to do with it?” Business owners are like boat owners—the two happiest days of their lives are the day they buy it and the day they sell it.

People get into business in lots for different ways, for lots of different reasons. Some grow up in the family business, for others it is a passion that turns into a business, or maybe it is a career transition at the loss of a job. Once you find yourself in business, you

must ask the fundamental question, “How do I get out of this?”

There are really only three ways out of a business. First, you can sell it. Second, you can pass it down to others, usually family. Third, the business can cease to exist. That’s it. Those are your options. And here is some news for you—Option three is the default. Option three is what happens to your hard-earned business if you fail to plan for either option one or two.

Be Prepared. It’s never too early to plan for the transition of your business in your absence. If your business cannot survive without you, at least long enough to sell it and capture the value you have built, then it is not really a business, it’s a job you make for yourself.

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 [email protected]

BE PREPARED PART 2: THREE WAYS OUT OF YOUR BIz

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

lArry rUDWiCk | Founder, “Larry The Tune Up Guy”, Business Coaching Expert

IMPROvING COMMUNICATION SkIllS - PArt 1 (Best NeW YeArs resolutioN Yet!)

GreAt CommUNiCAtioNs is rAre! Have you ever really

thought about how important communications skills truly are? Whether it’s on the job, in our personal lives, or anywhere else, how well things are said can make the difference between success, and creating disasters. How things are communicated can make new friends, or start wars. Every day, some people even lose their lives because of lack of communications and/or miscommunications!

Now is a great time to make a resolution: I am so passionate on

this subject that I have decided to write a series of articles on how to communicate better. I suggest you resolve to learn to improve your communication skills AND help others to do so, too!

Whether you are selling professional services, serving in the military, desiring to improve your marriage, raising your children, or whoever you normally interact with, improving how well you listen, speak, read and write will help you and the people you touch.

Why We CommUNiCAte? Often it is to influence other’s thoughts, to encourage them to take actions desirable for the listener(s), the communicator(s), or both. We inform others about things they don’t know, or remind them about things they have heard already, but may have forgotten because they haven’t committed it to memory.

Great communication is information of interest or relevance that will likely be remembered. It may range from needs and desires of the communicator or others, to knowledge of how to accomplish those needs or desires.

improviNG CommUNiCAtioNs: Like so many important skills, learning to most effectively get your points

across to others requires a large variety of other learned skills. The better the prerequisite skills, and the more they are used, the clearer and more effective the message will be.

mANy poteNtiAl vAriAbles: For people who speak to a wide variety of people (one at a time or in a group) on a wide variety of situations, communications can be challenging because of the many variables: What may be interesting and resonate with one person may be quite different to someone else.

Here are some important variables: 1) the goals for the communication; 2) planning and thoughts made prior to the communications; 3) who the other party is; 4) how well both parties listen or read; 5) the words both parties say or write; 6) how well both parties speak or write; 7) questions asked; 8) body language and/or overall tone of conversation; 9) how each party comes across to the other; 10) everyone the communications potentially impact; 11) openness and honesty; 12) being consistent and focused; 13) how unpleasant subjects are dealt with; 14) when the conversation took place; 15) how memorable was the exchange; and 16) how the communication ended.

DON’T MISS PART 2, CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 WHICH DISCUSSES THESE vARIABLES IN GREATER DETAIL!

larrY rUdwicK This is a sponsored Business-Talk article. A lot more about this can be found on the www.Businesstune-ups.com website. To do an Executive Assessment requires a Word Document entitled Ten Questions That Can Improve Your Life. I would be happy to email one to you; you may request it from me at [email protected] or calling 571-331-6102.

Jumpstart Positive ChangeFREE 5-Step process - $200+ valuehelps businesses, careers, personal livesGo to www.BusinessTune-Ups.com

Larry RudwickBusiness Coach

To start process, clickSTEP 1 from ANY page,or call 571-331-6102

JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

Page 5: January Buzz on Biz

5JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

Page 6: January Buzz on Biz

6

We all hear about the significance

of mobile devices in our everyday lives! Studies show 23% of US internet users own a tablet, 44% of all US mobile phone sales are smart phones and

75% of time spent on mobile phones is spent doing “non-communications activities.” Amazingly, only 10% of websites are optimized for mobile (90% can do better!). Customers crave a positive mobile web experience and businesses need to move quickly to meet those needs.

I have categorized mobile-friendly websites into 3 different options. When determining your direction consider how much time will you have to invest in planning/maintaining your website’s content, how much functionality you want to provide to your mobile visitors and how much money do you have to invest in your mobile website strategy.

mobile lANDiNG pAGeThe simplest way to make your

website mobile friendly is to create a mobile homepage or landing page that will format correctly on mobile phones. This option can contain brief information about your company as well as basic contact information. Typically these mobile landing pages take advantage of a smart phone’s telephone dialer and GPS navigation as well as links back to a full “non-mobile” version of your website. While this may not always be the best option, it is the least expensive.

FUlly respoNsive DesiGNResponsive Design is a cool new

approach to building websites that display optimally on any sized device. Responsive websites essentially style the website design to fit the device your site is viewed on. Programming automatically arranges the content from your website to fit perfectly on the device being used. Unlike a mobile landing page, a fully responsive website requires a “mobile first” strategy when

developing or re-designing a company’s website. Designing a responsive site will require significant upfront planning between designers, developers and business owners. While there may be a larger up-front investment, a responsive website gives you the peace of mind knowing that, regardless of what new mobile devices come out, your website will always look great.

CUstom mobile WebsiteA custom mobile website is one

that is designed to maximize all of the benefits of your users’ mobile device. Custom mobile websites can offer features unique to a smaller mobile device such as larger navigation buttons, integration of the phone’s GPS and telephone functionality, accelerometer and more. Businesses whose users will have a lot of transactions (ie: checking balances, online ordering, filling out forms, etc.) may opt for a more tailored custom mobile website. Custom mobile websites actively engage users versus simply recognizing that they are on a mobile device.

Let me note that regardless of the type of mobile website you choose to implement, content management should be a key consideration. If possible, have your website developer create your mobile solution on a platform that allows for updating your website in one place vs. having to re-enter content in two separate areas.

So...are you reaching the 10% or the 90%?

Jeff asseliN Jeff 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 ([email protected]), 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

IN NEED OF A MOBIlE MAkEOvER?

JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

Page 7: January Buzz on Biz

7

DoN mACNeil | Crown Point Communications at Windsor Jewelers

Baseball invented the

bench coach as a way of acknowledging the fallibility of single-decision-maker decision making. Medicine

calls it the “second opinion.” Napoleon and Hitler could have used one when contemplating Russia. Ditto Roberto Goizueta, re: New Coke. Things just seem to get smarter with a second viewpoint.

You and your marketing are no different.

To demonstrate, let’s meet Mark. Mark owns a modest electronics store, and fervently believes his smarts are the reason he has what he has today and – wait for the fatal corollary – that nobody can possibly care as much about his business as he does. Taken alone, no harm done so far, but human nature being what it is, he chooses to act on that pair of certainties.

To Mark, smart marketing is just smart-guy common sense put to practice, and one day he gets the idea to hold a Super Bowl® Sunday open house with decorations, refreshments and a wide-screen Tv giveaway. Purchase of even a battery at his place gets you in the drawing. This is going to be great!

Except? Requiring purchase to enter the giveaway and the contest structure itself violates FCC rules governing such promotions, so Mark’s nearby radio stations can’t mention it. Mark didn’t notice when his staff began filling out entry blanks for the giveaway, effectively voiding the sweepstakes right there. He had no idea the words “Super Bowl®” were unusable in advertising unless licensed by the NFL, so he received a Cease And Desist order, nullifying all of his promotional print layouts. And? Mark was so excited about his Open House idea he failed to consider the degree to which Super Sunday has morphed into a kind of friends/family national holiday centered around homes and pubs. Because what he does doesn’t remotely occupy the place in the public’s lives that it does his, no one appeared.

A marketing bench coach would presumably have seen all of this coming.

But it goes beyond procedural mistakes. You as a business owner need the detached viewpoint of someone not as wrapped up in your business as you are. When the emperor has no clothes, someone needs to tell him. It’s breathtaking, when you begin to explore this phenomenon, the degree to which having your life immersed in a thing can color your judgment. The hard part? Creating the necessary open climate that encourages those around you to express misgivings without fear of incurring your wrath.

So where can you find your marketing bench coach?

The conventional method is asking around about who the smart marketers are in town these days. Think: finding a good lawyer. If/when you do, you’ll either agree on a retainer, a per-phone-call structure, or you’ll become a full blown client with 24/7 access to advice.

The less conventional route? Identifying an uber-successful, local, non-competitor of your approximate size with whom you can share marketing challenges. This solution comes with the added advantage that this person is in no way beholden to you, always a catalyst to maximized candor.

If some of this smacks of over-think and something you feel you can get along without, consider the newbie restaurateur, full of gastronomic talent and ambition, prowling his dining room soliciting reviews from his patrons. No one is going spoil the evening with a negative review, so as table follows table, our hero never hears the truth. In two months he’s out of business.

All for want of a straight-talking bench coach.

Next: The Tragedy of Small-Think

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

THE CASE FOR A MARkETING BENCH COACH

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

The Buzz on Biz mission: to act as an inspirational tool for those in the workplace and those who are entrepreneurs and to provide useful, practical information to help

increase companies’ bottom lines.

To submit editorial content or to order a 12 month subscription mailed to your home or office for $12, mail a check to the address on the bottom of the page

Neil R. Gordon: President/Editor/Sales (706) 261-9981Buddy Miller: Sales (706) 261-9981

Open Door Graphic Design: Design and LayoutMelissa Gordon: SofiaColton.com: Photography

Stacie McGahee: Copy Editor

Opinions expressed by the writers herein are their own and their respective institutions. Neither the Buzz on Biz LLC, or its agents or its employees take any responsibility for the accuracy of submitted information,

which is presented for informational purposes only.

www.buzzon.biz

t h e C s r A ’ s o N l y b U s i N e s s m o N t h l y p U b l i C A t i o N

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3740 Executive Center Drive #300 Martinez, GA 30907

The buzz is there was friction between the Atlanta based Junior Achievement headquarters and the Augusta management team and

Board of Directors. A change was made and Tina Austin was named Executive Director. Some in the non-profit circles were surprised the annual Hall of Fame dinner—wasn’t moved further back in 2013 than from mid-November to January 31st.

To keep things on a smaller scale, Austin contracted with the Legends Club instead of the Downtown Augusta Marriott.

The past regime routinely welcomed four new members of the CSRA Business Hall of Fame including a “rising star” award.

This year there are just two inductees. Both are notable:

J.A CHANGES lEADERSHIP AND HAll OF FAME BANQUET

JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

Thomas Blanchard, President of Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate, Insurance, and Mortgage Divisions.

Wyck knox, 50 year veteran of both Law, Business, and Philanthrophy. Founding Director and Chairman of the Georgia Lottery CorporationBlanchard knox

Page 8: January Buzz on Biz

8

If you read Scott Hudson’s article

in November, subtitled “The Anatomy of Selling a Business,” it might have caused you to wonder

about the timing of selling your own business.

Scott had some family and tax issues, and either one can drive you to sell your business, just as they did him. Other issues include business losses, health concerns, new competition, or a partnership gone bad. If your business has been losing money, for example, it’s critical to take steps now before your business’ value erodes any further.

On the other hand, you might be doing swimmingly: Customers are happy, you’re making a tidy profit and you’re paying yourself from the business. Because you’re doing well, perhaps you haven’t even thought about selling.

The difference between the first scenario and the second? As far as creating an exit strategy - nothing. Both kinds of owners need to plan their exit now.

Why? Because an unplanned exit will not optimize the results you wish to achieve, no matter what they are.

A successful business owner that visited my office today is dealing with very serious health problems,

and he realizes that he needs to make this move before he might no longer be able to.

Although the business is his “baby,” he knows that now is the time to put away his emotional attachments and maximize his exit, from both a personal and financial perspective.

It takes an average of 8.3 months to sell a business. That means that if you want to be out of your business a year from now, you need to start the selling process today.

Lastly, no matter the outcome of the fiscal cliff, history shows us that businesses will be bought and sold under any federal tax climate. If the time is right for you, you must move no matter what happens in Washington, DC.

If you don’t have an exit strategy for your business, start planning one today.

KiM roMaNer This is a sponsored Employment article. Kim is president of Transworld Business Advisors of Augusta, a business brokerage that helps people buy and sell businesses, and also enter into the franchise world. With over 65 locations in the U.S. and abroad, Transworld has sold many thousands of businesses. If you’d like to talk to Kim about selling or valuing your business, buying a franchise or turning your existing business into a franchise operation, please call 706-383-2994, or email her at [email protected].

WHEN SHOUlD YOU SEll YOUR BUSINESS?

kim romANer | Business Broker

JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

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Page 9: January Buzz on Biz

Although Weiser worked in many different roles for Deloitte, she sees her consulting work as very similar to her role as a coach in that she assists her clients from being stuck to gaining the clarity and focus to move forward. “I have seen so many people miserable in their jobs. I have a philosophy that if you use your strengths you’ll be fulfilled in your career, but if you’re in a job where you’re not using your strengths, you won’t be as happy as you could be. It takes courage to pause and do the required self-reflection. We tend to go through life with our heads

down working hard to provide for our families without taking enough time for ourselves. Every once in awhile we need to reevaluate our careers and our life’s goals; it helps to do it with a coach.”

Weiser gets her clients from her website and referrals. She coaches CSRA clients in person, US clients by telephone, and international clients via Skype. She helps professionals who are at a crossroads in their career to maximize their career change and transition. She has coached retiring Army personnel who need help translating their skill sets into a civilian job, college students and housewives entering/reentering the workplace who need resume, job search and interview coaching, and others, like herself, who are retiring and looking for an encore career, and those looking to start their own business. “Working with Katie Weiser has been one of the great pleasures of my life. When we met, my

life was in transition. I had relocated to Florida and was lost on how to rebuild my career. I was stuck and couldn’t seem to move forward. With Katie’s support, I was able to re-embrace my confidence and believe in myself again. Katie seemed to know exactly what I needed to hear and when to push me beyond my self-imposed limits. Her compassion and care combined with sound career direction shifted my energy into a place of power. I am now building the business I’ve always dreamed of. Thank you so much Katie!”

Emily Loewenstein, Cape Coral, FL“Some are mid-career and not happy

in their job and they want to figure out their ideal job or career,” she said. “Others come to me because they need career advice with sticky situations at work, and they want to know how to deal with it. A number of people I work with are unemployed, and are focused solely on job search.”

Although she follows the same process for helping all of her clients, she also realizes that each has different needs and she must customize her approach. .

“Many people are experiencing a lack of self-confidence, fear, and confusion,” she said. “I help each person overcome their roadblocks, as well as being their overall cheerleader.” She believes strongly in holding clients accountable for what they say they’re going to do.

Weiser coaches people individually, in groups and with companies who are downsizing as an exit career coach, and is available to make speeches and conduct workshops.

For more information, visit katieweisercoaching.com or call 706-550-4161.

By Christopher selmek

9

9-11 AND THE CSRAContinued from page 1

Bill Woodward, CPA/ABV, CVAOffice Managing Shareholder

For 88 years, Elliott Davis has advised businesses

on how to run efficiently, grow wisely, be more

profitable. Our team provides audit, tax, advisory

solutions, and accounting resources that

include financial reporting, payroll and software

implementation across the spectrum of industries.

fully engaged for you

© 2013 Elliott Davis LLC © 2013 Elliott Davis PLLC

Georgia • South Carolina • North Carolina • Virginiawww.elliottdavis.com

One 10th Street • Suite 400 • Augusta, GA 30901706.722.9090

We’ve helped businesses succeed through the Great Depression, the recent recession and every

market in between.

Coach Katie was working for Deloitte Consulting at the time of the terrorist attacks. she now trains clients “virtually” all over the u.s

JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

Page 10: January Buzz on Biz

10

For several years now the

Internal Revenue Service has stated that they would scrutinize charitable contributions. Over the past

few years they have indeed been auditing taxpayers that have high charitable deductions. The courts are upholding the IRS’ decisions, denying charitable contribution deductions where taxpayer failed to receive a qualifying receipt. If you contribute $250 or more to a charity, you are allowed a deduction only if you receive a qualifying written receipt from the charity by the time you file your return (provided that you received the receipt no later than the due date of your return). The qualifying written receipt must contain the following information: 1) the amount of cash and a description (but not value) of any property other than cash you contributed to the charity, 2) a statement as to whether the charity provided you with any goods or services in return for your contribution, and 3) a description and good faith estimate of the value of any

goods or services, if any, the charity provided to you (or, if applicable, a statement that the goods and services consisted solely of intangible religious benefits). In addition, for all noncash contributions, the receipt must contain the date of the charitable contribution and a description of the property contributed. Furthermore, to take a charitable contribution deduction for property valued in excess of $5,000, you must have both a qualifying written receipt, as just described, and an appraisal by a qualified appraiser. Moreover, if you are claiming a deduction of more than $500 for a vehicle, a boat, or an airplane you contributed to charity, the law requires that you obtain a Form 1098 C as well as a qualifying written receipt from the charity in order to deduct your contribution.

Over the last 12 to 18 months, the IRS

has successfully taken several taxpayers to court denying a charitable deduction for those who failed

to timely obtain a qualifying written receipt. For example, a taxpayer was denied a $22,000 deduction because the written receipt from the church did not include a statement that no goods or services were provided; another taxpayer was denied a charitable deduction of $1,870,000 for a donation of a “conservation easement” on real estate because the taxpayer failed to obtain a timely qualifying written receipt.

Whether you are contributing property or cash, the IRS may deny your

charitable contribution deduction unless you strictly comply with the technical documentation rules for the contribution. As you receive your charitable receipts over the next few months, be sure that they meet the specifications the IRS has set forth so you don’t lose your deductions.

Please call us if you have any questions regarding these mandatory documentation requirements.

hall, hall, & associates P.c This is a sponsored Employment article. Hall and Hall Associates P.C. is a full-service public accounting firm established in 1979. They

have a staff of experienced professionals that stand ready to meet all of

your accounting, tax and general business needs.

For a complimentary consultation call

706-855-7733 or visit hallassociatescpa.com.

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

CHARITABlE CONTRIBUTIONS, YOUR BUSINESS, AND THE IRS

January is here…there is no better time to

do a review of your company with your employees!

At BEST Office Solutions, we feel it is important to share the BEST part of our year, along with our struggles, with our entire team!

Below are some things that can make your company review EFFECTIvE!

•LOcatiOn:-Large enough meeting

area for your entire organization-Comfortable Chairs-Conference Table or Meeting/Training Tables-Multimedia Projector & Screen or Laptop with Large “extended” Monitor & wireless pointer-Marker Board or Dry Erase Easel Pages that can stick to the wall-Stand up or Table Top Podium

•cOntent:-Yearly Sales volume

-Top 10-20- Customers -Top 10 Products Sold-Company Accomplishments-Events you attended throughout the year-Have some personal family events of employees (births, deaths, weddings)-What did you change this year to make your company BETTER?-Photos from the year of employees, customers, suppliers, etc.-Mistakes or Struggles – This is reality…don’t avoid it-Add a good short motivational video-Make some facts interesting or funny…use comparisons to other industries -Goals for the new year

• PresentatiOn-Power Point Presentation-Print Presentation on Nice Glossy Paper for employees to follow-Impressive Presentation Binder or Folder-Pick a theme song for the year to play at the beginning and end of presentation- Have a collage or slideshow of photos to summarize your company’s year-Keep Slides interesting – fewer words and more visuals like graphs & photos-Large Font so presentation is easy to read from anywhere in the room

-Tell stories about things that happened…don’t just keep it all about the numbers-Make it short enough to keep people focused-Include your employees – give them a part of the presentation to share-Stand up to stretch if the presentation must be long- Make sure there is a WOW moment that is memorable

You can use this information as a “guide” for your meeting…but what you MUST do…is be SINCERE and ENGAGE with your employees!! This will be a great way to start your year!!

roBiN BaXleY aNd saNdi shields This is a sponsored Employment article . 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 efficient, economical SOLUTIONS for YOU! Call or email us today for your free ordering process evaluation.

WHERE DID THE YEAR GO AND WHAT HAPPENED?

robiN bAXley | Co-Owner of Best Office SolutionssANDi shielDs | Co-Owner of Best Office Solutions

JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

Page 11: January Buzz on Biz

11

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Page 12: January Buzz on Biz

12

Begin a new year and a

new page in the story of your business, which you will write. Remember, you hold the quill. Mold your

business, and take action. Start a new chapter. Only you can change the direction of your business. Let the New Year force you to change your approach and make the right decisions.

Decisions and actions you made last year will stagnate your business and keep it from growing. Make it a priority to fix the things that weren’t working last year. You must be accountable for past mistakes, but don’t be afraid to make them. Learn from them. Make changes and take the risks that are needed to begin your new chapter. No one else can take them for you. You are the author of your business and as you look toward a new page, reflect on the previous ones.

Learn from the past. Take 2012, both good and bad, and meditate on

what happened. This is the perfect time to transform your business and change your results. As you reflect, ask yourself some of these questions;

• What didn’t work in my business in 2012?

• What does a potential buyer see when looking at my business?

• What are their concerns and fears?

• Were there any problems I refused to face?

• Did I put off making decisions or making changes?

• What worked well last year and how can I replicate it?

• If I could change one thing about my business or personal life, what would it be?

Once you ask yourself these questions, you will gain focus and clarity. Understand what’s wrong. Change it. Get back to what’s right. The New Year is a new opportunity for you. Utilize it to reinvent your business and reinvent yourself. Don’t think the change stops at the end of the month. Continue the

process of reflection and action throughout the entire year. You will see improvement. Be accountable for the past. After all, you do want to build a better future for your business and your life, don’t you?

Ken KeHr This is a sponsored Employment article. Ken focuses on helping busy executives improve personal and team productivity while they build a world-class sales/marketing mindset. He is adept at helping clients prioritize requirements, develop action plans and then implement those action plans to get the desired and necessary results. To learn more about powerful, proven, guaranteed and nationally recognized executive, business and sales coaching services, contact Ken at 706.724.7245 or email [email protected].

Ken KeHr | Management Consultant A NEW YEAR, A NEW DAY, A NEW YOU

JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

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Page 13: January Buzz on Biz

13DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013

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Your office can be the single greatest

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where they work is just as important as

their salary and benefits. By offering an office environment that supports how employees want to work (and can change as their needs do), you’ll have a greater chance at attracting new employees and keeping existing

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think of their office environment: Does an office’s design really have

an impact on employee satisfaction and productivity? According to a recent study, the answer is YES.

*90 percent of workers surveyed believe a better office design makes employees more productive and companies more competitive

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*89 percent indicated the quality of their working environment is very important to them

*Almost 90 percent of senior executives think a better office environment would positively impact their company’s bottom line.

A homogenous static workplace is a thing of the past. When you create a workplace that can continuously adapt to the individual needs of employees, and teams as a whole, you can turn your office into a valuable strategic asset, particularly during recruitment.

FrAnK MULHerIn This is a sponsored Employment article. Frank has been the General Manager of Weinberger’s Business Interiors since it opened in 2008. He has 32 years of experience in the office furniture industry. Frank was associated with Ivan Allen Co. for 28 years. Frank’s team has received numerous industry awards. Frank has been extremely active in his community, having held leadership positions in numerous civic and charitable organizations. Reach him at 706-922-1371 or [email protected]

IS YOUR WORkSPACE WORkING FOR YOU OR AGAINST YOU?FrANk mUlheriN | Office Design Expert

Page 14: January Buzz on Biz

14

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According to various sources,

the average lifespan of a senior sales leader these days is 18-24 months. I never thought I’d see the day when the career tenure of the top organizational sales leader would be surpassed by the lifespan of the average field mouse.

Contrast this to the length of time it takes to truly drive change in most organizations, and the scenario gets really interesting. With the upfront analysis, solution development, and execution time it’s 12-18 months, at best, before true transformational change can take hold. Gets pretty close to the average tenure, doesn’t it?

If you’re a sales leader, you know this pain all too well. If you don’t normally wear it, put on the sales leader’s hat for a second and digest this. Then, layer in the daily activities of solving client problems, addressing internal issues, making board presentations, travel, data overwhelm, and 24/7/365 connectivity, which is only a partial list of challenges, and you can already feel the elephant sitting on your chest, can’t you? Our stock-price-driven focus on short-term results doesn’t make this any easier.

The big picture involves a lot of moving parts. It’s overwhelming if you are not familiar with all of it, but worth the effort to get it under your belt. True sales force transformation is a holistic approach that aligns the various levers (the people and things that drive organizational performance). Definitions vary, and agreeing on lexicon is one of the things I think we need to get better at, but here’s how I think about the pieces/parts:

Space prohibits me from recreating the entire model here but the major categories include…

▪ Sales Force Effectiveness▪ Sales Enablement▪ Sales Force Strategy▪ Sales Operations▪ Sales Talent Management▪ Marketing Alignment The alignment of all of these will

allow you to optimize your sales force and “transform” results. (Contact me and I will send you the full model)

Whether you adopt this model or another, the most important thing is that you consider all the moving parts. By looking at your component parts and determining their fit with your goals, structures, objectives, and processes you can make transformational change more quickly… and maybe, just maybe, outlast the 18 – 24 month average tenure of a sales leader and outlive the field mouse!

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

FIElD MOUSE OUTlASTS SAlES

JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

Page 15: January Buzz on Biz

15

Kevin Wade, CEO of Intellisystems was picked “Entrepreneur Of The Year at the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s December

Economic Luncheon. “Kevin is the quintessential entrepreneur. He started with an idea, differentiated himself from competitors, paced his growth, and is now expanding,” said Chamber President Sue Parr. Wade’s leading the growth into Aiken and Columbia as part of Intellisystems’ 20th Anniversary. He’ll receive a myriad of promotional advertisements from Morris Communications and News 12 and complimentary tickets to the Chambers’ Annual Meeting in late February. The “Rising Star” award went to Gloria Dunbar, owner of Hybrid Health I.T Also in December, a San Fransisco non-profit ranked Augusta #2 nationally in growth of high-tech jobs from 2006-2011. The CSRA showed a 82% growth.“It’s been our long-term goal to grow our technology sector and this recognition is proof positive that our team efforts are paying dividends,” said Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver.

I.T FIRMS HONORED; AUGUSTA INDUSTRY RECOGNIzED

JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

Augusta, GA – The holiday season

leaving your closet cramped and your house cluttered? Make a fresh new start by cleaning it out and donating clothing

and other unwanted items to Goodwill Industries for a tax write-off. Your donation will help local citizens become self-sufficient.

By cleaning your closets and garages, you get more than a tax deduction. Goodwill uses the revenue from your donations for its education and career services for people with disabilities and disadvantages, such as welfare dependency, homelessness, and lack of education or work experience. Eighty-two cents of every dollar earned via the sale of your donations, funds job training and placement services for individuals with barriers to employment. Goodwill channels all of its revenues directly into local services.

“Celebrate the new year off right by giving the gift of hope,” says James K. Stiff, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the Central Savannah River Area. “Every donation to Goodwill helps make a better year for thousands of individuals who need job training and other Goodwill career development services.”

Goodwill accepts household items, toys, computers, kitchenware, video games, books, CDs, cell phones, bikes, clothing, cars and other vehicles – even those holiday gifts that weren’t quite right. Donate it to Goodwill. Donations are sold in 4 retail stores in the Central Savannah River Area to underwrite services to the growing number of unemployed people to start their new year moving forward in a new direction.

Donors interested in claiming tax deductions should keep itemized lists of their donations. The Internal Revenue Service allows a deduction for each item, but the donor determines each item’s value. Generally, an item’s value should be based on fair market value – what the item would sell for in a retail store like Goodwill. Goodwill provides receipts to donors at its drop-off sites, and attendants can validate itemized lists when they are presented.

For information regarding taxes and your donation, visit: http://goodwill.org/get-involved/donate/taxes-and-your-donation/

Goodwill makes donations easy with our convenient drive thru drop-off centers:

AikeN retAil store1015 Pine Log RoadAiken, South Carolina(803) 644-4601

Mon - Sat 9:00am - 8:00pmSun 12:00pm - 6:00pm

AUGUstA retAil store3179 Washington RoadAugusta, GA 30907(706) 863-3445Mon - Sat 9:00am - 8:00pmSun 12:00pm - 6:00pm

AUGUstA AtteNDeD DoNAtioN CeNter

Augusta ExchangeCorner of Robert C Daniel Jr Pkwy &

Agerton LaneTarget Shopping CenterSun - Sat 9:00am - 6:00pm

evANs AtteNDeD DoNAtioN CeNter

Regions Bank4385 Washington RdSat - Sun 9:00am - 6:00pm

GrovetoWN AtteNDeD DoNAtioN CeNter

Gateway CenterWal-Mart Parking LotNext to 123 FurnishSat - Sun 9:00am - 6:00pm

mArtiNez retAil store4074 Washington RoadMartinez, Georgia(706) 855-8559

Mon - Sat 9:00am - 8:00pmSun 12:00pm - 6:00pm

soUth AUGUstA retAil store3120 Peach Orchard RoadAugusta, Georgia(706) 790-3800Mon - Sat 9:00am - 8:00pmSun 12:00pm - 6:00pm

If you choose to make a financial donation to support Goodwill, your dollars stay here and work here. Your financial generosity is an investment that will help people and generations transition from their hardships into self-sufficiency derived from the job and dignity of a paycheck. www.goodwillworks.org

sUsaN everitt This is a sponsored Employment article. Susan 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.

MAkE A FRESH START IN THE NEW YEARAdvertorial by susan everitt

Photo Courtesy: Sofia Colton PhotographyGB&T President Dan Blanton presents Kevin Wade of

Intellisystems with 2012 Entrepreneur Of The Year Award

Page 16: January Buzz on Biz

16

1. Choose the riGht mAJor.

Choosing a major is a difficult decision for college students, but it can also be exciting. Most

importantly, choose something that really interests you. Don’t choose engineering just because it’s what your parents want. Don’t choose pre-dental just because of the high salary prospects. Chances are if you’re not genuinely interested in your major, you won’t be successful in your classes. If you choose something you are passionate about, that excitement will reflect in your class work and your grades. More importantly, your enthusiasm will carry over into your career after graduation and help you be successful in the professional world.

If you’re not sure about what interests you, don’t worry. As a college freshman, you still have some wiggle room to test out classes and change your major a few times.

2. GpA mAtters! Even if you aren’t planning on continuing your education with a graduate degree, your academic performance matters. It’s something that most college graduates will include on their resume when applying for jobs (and if it’s not included, most employers will assume the reason is a low GPA). Although you’re not ready to build resumes and apply for professional jobs as a college freshman, it’s important to study hard and keep that GPA up, because it will affect your job prospects later!

3. Get iNvolveD! Joining

clubs, serving on your college’s Student Government Association, and writing for your school’s newspaper are all great activities that can give you professional, hands-on experience and serve as resume builders. Being in a club, like a debate club, shows you know how to work on a team and manage your time well. Participating in community service shows

selflessness, enthusiasm, and great people skills. Look for ways to get involved and showcase your talents!

4. Use yoUr ColleGe’s

ADvisiNG CeNter. As a college student, you likely don’t know much about the job market, professional careers, or resume writing and that’s okay. It’s more important to know where to go for help. Your college’s advising center is a great resource

for learning more about different career options, learning about transfer or graduate school options, and getting help writing your first resume and cover letter.

haileY riBeiro This is a sponsored Education article. Hailey 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

FOUR TIPS FOR COllEGE SUCCESS (AND BEYOND)

The Aiken Chamber Means Business 803.641.1111|www.aikenchamber.net

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JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

Feb. 15, 2013

Feb. 15, 2013

Page 17: January Buzz on Biz

So 2013 is upon us and it’s

time to make the annual forecast of what the New Year holds with regard to the technology world. What does the future

hold for Windows 8, smartphones, and technology jobs? What about tablet computing, cloud computing, and the traditional PC? The highly respected industry watcher Gartner, recently made their predictions for information technology in 2013 and beyond, and Windows 8 may be a tough sell for big business, Chinese smartphone makers will eventually be a major player, and tech jobs will outnumber qualified candidates around the world.

According to Gartner, through 2015 ninety percent of big business will bypass broad Windows 8 deployments. The gist is that enterprises will sit on the Windows 8 sidelines. In reality, I believe it is difficult to understand where Windows 8 may land on the tech spectrum. For small businesses it will depend on the tablet phenomenon, and if they make deeper inroads in everyday usage. Windows 8 installed on smartphones, tablets, and PCs is an extremely attractive option. Learn one operating system and use all three platforms of devices with minimal employee training - a proposition that is hard to argue against.

Gartner believes that by the end of 2014, three of the top five mobile handset makers will be Chinese. In my opinion, this is an entirely likely scenario. Although it’s important to point out that on the handset pyramid, no frills mainstream phones are the largest volume sold – a category dominated in the past by Nokia and other second tier smartphone manufacturers. The upper end of the pyramid is owned by innovators like Apple, Samsung, and other Android bases devices. The Chinese manufacturers are good at taking a device and making it cheaper, they aren’t known for innovative, groundbreaking new technology which is more popular in the western world.

Gartner says that by 2015, 4.4 million jobs will be created by technology – specifically ‘big data,’ and only a third of those jobs will be filled. My personal feeling is that this is likely a true situation. We have a major problem with talent/employment mismatch in our country – there are jobs available but the unemployed don’t have the skills to fill them. Nowhere is this truer than in the technology field. There’s a data architect and scientist shortage. Colleges will attempt to fill the talent pipeline, but even if universities start now, qualified grads won’t show up

until 2016. It would not surprise me to see some type of immigration reform materialize in the next few years that will make it easier to find talent around the world that will come to the United States and help fill the gap. Otherwise our role as the world’s technology innovator may be lost.

In Gartner’s opinion, by 2017 forty percent of enterprise contact information will have leaked into Facebook via mobile devices. I believe this is an incredibly conservative estimate. Most consumers are naïve to the fact that their mobile device can have malware. Through 2014, employee owned devices will be compromised by malware at twice the rate of corporate owned devices. Individuals don’t see the value of spending the necessary money to secure their personal devices, and yet their employers’ valuable data is at risk.

Finally, by 2014 Gartner says market consolidation will displace up to twenty percent of the top 100 IT service providers. In my opinion this is the continuation of a unique aspect of my industry: big tech suppliers are viewed skeptically, and bigger does not mean better. Big IT providers are viewed as bureaucratic, expensive, and out of touch with business needs. So the reason they will be consolidating is because they can no longer grow organically.

So, there you have it, straight from the hairball oracle, the tech forecast for 2013 and beyond. With this information and a dollar you can buy a pack of crackers – peanut butter is my favorite if you want to share.

Kevin Wade was selected as the 2012 Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce “Entrepreneur of the Year”.

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, email [email protected]

keviN WADe | CEO of IntelliSystems, Tek Talk

TECHNOlOGY FORECAST FOR 2013 AND BEYOND

17JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

Page 18: January Buzz on Biz

18

As I said in Part 1, great communication skills require the

speaker to adjust the communication style to the specifics/variables of the situation.

This article will discuss a few of these variables in some detail, and future

articles will discuss many of the others. 1) CommUNiCAtioN GoAls: We

all communicate with purposes (or GOALS) in mind. Normally the goals are to inform, remind or influence people to learn and/or take action either now or later.

Sometimes people say things without thinking that they regret later (“Act in Haste, Repent at Leisure”). This is often because the goals were not well thought out, or not thought about at all before the words were spoken.

Suggestion: Always try to ask yourself before you communicate (or take action): ‘What is my goal? What am I trying to accomplish by what I’m about to do? WHY do I want to do this? Is this the right time and place to act?’

2) CommUNiCAtioN plANNiNG: Once your goals are well thought out,

and are realistic to achieve, you should be ready to do some planning: 1) WHAT you are going to say, 2) HOW you are going to say it, and 3) WHEN and WHERE should you say it.

WHAT to Say should be determined by 1) the GOALS/PURPOSES, 2) the IMPORTANCE of the subject, 3) WHO you’ll be communicating with, 4) your KNOWLEDGE and HISTORY with the other party, and more.

Assuming this is a very important subject that is somewhat complicated, take time to write out your thoughts on paper. Read them over. Consider showing someone you trust, and that has good communication skills, what you have come up with. Get feedback, and possibly ask that person to help edit the message.

HOW it’s communicated is often more important than WHAT you actually say. We humans have emotions. Therefore the tone, volume, speed, passion, attitude, etc. that one conveys, may very well make a greater impression than what words were actually spoken. For example, depending on how one says “Get out of here,” it could mean many things from “Leave. I never want to see you again.” to “That’s really funny!”

WHEN and WHERE it’s communicated will often impact how the message will be received. Try to pick a time and place where the receiver will be receptive to the message and able to concentrate and focus. Sometimes the communicator just wants to “get it done;” she may

not realize/remember that when it’s really important that the communication succeeds, picking a bad venue may cause the communication to fail, creating a potential disaster.

The basic goals of communication are to get one’s message effectively across to another party. It should encourage them to remember something or do something that will benefit you, them and/or others.

We are all different. Some of us focus more on WHAT is said, while others may only remember how their EMOTIONS felt when the message was conveyed. Therefore, knowing your “audience” should impact one’s decisions about what, how and when the message is conveyed. This will be explained more thoroughly later.

Future Articles will continue “dissecting” and analyzing what

it takes to become a more effective communicator. I encourage you to communicate with me; please give me feedback on these articles and suggestions for future articles.

larrY rUdwicK This is a sponsored Business-Talk article. A lot more about this can be found on the www.Businesstune-ups.com website. To do an Executive Assessment requires a Word Document entitled Ten Questions That Can Improve Your Life. I would be happy to email one to you; you may request it from me at [email protected] or calling 571-331-6102.

lArry rUDWiCk | Founder, “Larry The Tune Up Guy”, Business Coaching Expert

IMPROvING COMMUNICATION SkIllS - PArt 2 (Best NeW YeArs resolutioN Yet!)

JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

Page 19: January Buzz on Biz

19DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013 27JUNE 2012

HEAlTH AND FITNESSseCtioN C

www. .

January is the month for resolutions, and perhaps the most common ones

are to exercise and lose weight. That’s good news for health clubs because it means an increase in new memberships. However, it also means competition amongst fitness facilities vying for consumer dollars in a challenged economy.

The CSRA has no shortage of fitness clubs, with new spaces opening in time for the new year; some are chains, some are independently owned, one is a nonprofit. While all gyms offer similar basics — exercise machines, free weights, cardio equipment, group classes and personal training — each one is unique. The variety of amenities means that anyone seeking a place to work out can find what they want and a space in which they’ll feel comfortable.

For the clubs, however, the key is to bring people through the doors and to keep those doors open. Overall, managers are optimistic about 2013 and their ability to retain current members while attracting new clientele.

GolD’s Gym: “CoNsisteNCy is the key to sUCCess”

Gold’s Gym has been the international gold standard in fitness since opening its first location in venice Beach, Calif., in 1965. Locally, the company operates one full-size facility in Aiken, one in North Augusta, and one in Augusta on Walton Way, as well as a smaller but fully equipped location on Bobby Jones Expressway. Gold’s offers a full schedule of Les Mills exercise classes as well as personal training in their larger facilities, while the Bobby Jones location features full gym equipment, personal training and a large, private training area with a TRX system and weekly boot camp classes. In addition to family memberships and military discounts, Gold’s offers month-to-month memberships with no contracts, and a reduced-rate membership of $10 a month for use of just the Bobby Jones location.

Rob Pinder, General Manager, Bobby Jones Expressway, points toward the success of Gold’s scheduled direct-mail campaigns, and also the company’s price points, in attracting members. “We don’t make pricing the issue,” he says. “We understand that many people cannot afford a high-cost

gym, but they are concerned about their health and want to make that commitment. By offering a lower-price option, we can make all of our services affordable and available, which is why the majority of our members come to us through referrals. We work with our clients in a very hands-on way. We offer exercise and nutritional guidance and help them build their knowledge. While each location has its specialties, we’re consistent about what we offer and make sure that our members are satisfied with the care that they receive.”

ANytime FitNess: “everythiNG yoU NeeD AND NothiNG yoU DoN’t”

Nine years ago, Tammy and Tommy Garner opened the 24th national location of Anytime Fitness, on Fury’s Ferry Road. Today, the global chain is in 12 countries, and the Garners manage four locations, including one in North Augusta, one on Columbia Road in Martinez and a newly opened, 5400-square-foot, free-standing facility in Grovetown.

Anytime Fitness features weights, machines, cardio, personal training and small group classes, as well as spring and fall weight-loss challenges. Because they are smaller in size, Garner says, they’re a “studio club” rather than a regular gym, which makes them more comfortable for clients who may be shy about a large, crowded space. Average memberships cost $35 per month, with short and long-term plans available, as well as contracts, month-to-month, and military discounts.

Tammy Garner strives to keep the ambience at her clubs friendly and casual. “We don’t sign people up just to be a member number,” she says. “We know you by name, we know what you need, and we help you get healthy and stay there.”

With almost a decade of experience managing Anytime Fitness locations, Garner is optimistic about 2013. “We don’t have a large overhead for the size that we are, so we’re able to weather some of the economic storms,” she says. “The competition and the economy definitely affected us over

AlisoN riChter | Free Lance WriterTHE FITNESS BUSINESS IS HEAlTHY IN THE CSRA

Plan NOW to Experience Summer in your backyard

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Continued on page 20

Photos courtesy: Anytime Fitness, Grovetown

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the last two years and we haven’t seen as much growth because people can’t afford memberships, but my attitude is positive. I see a lot of good things happening, and I feel some energy from people feeling better about the economy, so I think 2013 is going to be a positive year for us, especially with Grovetown.”

evANs FitNess ClUb – “A Gym DesiGNeD to be A Gym”

At 53,610 square feet, Evans Fitness Club is the largest facility in the CSRA. The space is located next door to the amphitheater and boasts an indoor track, steam and sauna, yoga studio, two-story Spinning room, sports enhancement and performance room, rock climbing wall, a wide array of group classes, weight and cardio equipment, and a medical weight-loss center independently run by Dr. Michael Sumner and his wife, Melissa, a nurse practitioner.

The club is a new structure, built from the ground up, privately owned and operated by Ben Smith and general manager Mike Montarbo. Their goal was to bring a major-market-level facility — a Ritz-Carlton of gyms, says Montarbo — to Columbia County, minus the limits imposed by using an existing space, and without relying on lenders or financiers. Open seven days a week, Evans Fitness Club offers individual, family and corporate rates, paid-in-full and month-to-month contracts, and military discounts.

Evans Fitness Club was designed to provide a state-of-the-art facility with the latest amenities via luxury-level presentation. Montarbo has no doubts that they will succeed, as they opened their doors to 5000 members — half their capacity. Launching a gym of this size and stature is low risk, he says, “because of (a) the quality of service, (b) the equipment that nobody else has and (c) most important, other gyms are

in old grocery stores while mine has zero restrictions.” Also, he says, “I’m very well capitalized in this project and I don’t have the added pressure or stress of paying a bank. In turn, I don’t have to pass that down to my membership, and I can keep prices reasonable for this community.”

the FAmily y: “streNGtheNiNG the FoUNDAtioNs oF oUr CommUNity”

As a 501c3 nonprofit, the Family Y operates differently from other health clubs, with a focus on wellness and a broad range of community services, from support groups to swimming lessons. Part of the international YMCAs, founded in 1844, the Family Y has eight wellness and family facilities in the CSRA and serves Aiken, Richmond, Columbia, Jefferson, McDuffie and Lincoln counties, in addition to their program centers in Lincolnton, Thomson and Grovetown, and after-school care in 34 elementary schools in three counties. The Wilson Branch is their flagship, on 18 acres of property with indoor and outdoor pools, basketball courts, sports field and gym.

The Family Y includes full cardio centers, free weights and exercise machines, as well as a wide variety of group classes. Childcare is included with family memberships, and different membership packages are available. They also offer financial aid applications for members facing difficulties. Because they are a nonprofit, they rely on grant funding, community support campaigns, fundraisers, and private and

public donations in order to remain in operation.

Nonprofits are not exempt from the economic downturn, says Millie Schumacher, Community Relations Director, Family Y. “There are YMCAs that have had to close, but our association in the CSRA has remained very secure, and our leadership makes great decisions about our financial management. Our CEO has 28 years of YMCA experience and our board of directors makes all of our financial decisions. We’re operating in a secure and financially solvent manner and we’ve been fortunate with that.”

While the Family Y operates differently from for-profit gyms, they also count on member support and enrollment. “We try hard to offer something more, and that’s just the nature of the YMCA,” says Schumacher. “We’re a lot of things to a lot of people, so certainly some areas have suffered with the economy. There are people who see a membership to a wellness facility as a luxury, but if someone walks in and says, ‘This is a luxury for me and my financial status has changed,’ a for-profit will say, ‘We’re sorry, come back when times are better,’ while we will give them the paperwork to apply for a scholarship. We keep a lot of people that way. That’s part of our social responsibility and how we give back to our community, and hopefully make our community stronger because of it.”

by AlisoN riChter

Continued from page 19

JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

127 12th St.Augusta, GA 30901

706.814.7393www.csra.rightathome.net

Photo courtesy: Ashleigh Dees Photography

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21

Now that the election is

over, the Supreme Court has ruled and we’ve averted the Fiscal Cliff (at least temporarily), let’s talk Health Care Reform.

The world of health care

as we know it has changed and will continue to change over the next few years. Our Federal and State governments will play an integral role in how health care is delivered and financed. On one side, hospitals, physicians, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers and all medical ancillary providers must adopt the new rules and regulations of healthcare delivery.

On the other side, insurance carriers, HMO’s, provider sponsored organizations, co-ops, and benefit consultants must adopt and adapt to the new Federal guidelines under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

In the middle of it all are the consumers, patients, and businesses - both small and large.

To be in compliance with PPACA what does a business need to do in 2013?

Here is a summary of a few of the regulations affecting small business:

• health plans and issuers of health plans must provide a summary of Benefits and Coverage (sbC) to plan participants during open enrollment.

• beginning march 1, 2013, employers must provide all current employees and future hires with a written notice about the new ppACA health insurance exchanges which are currently scheduled for open enrollment starting october 1, 2013 for a January 1, 2014 effective date. There will be 2 Public Exchanges available. The Small Business Health Options Program (The Shop Exchange) and the American Health Benefit Exchange, this exchange will be open for any eligible individual to enroll in.

• 60 Day Notice of plan Changes – Material Modifications to the existing plan.

• Notice of rescission – Group health plans and health insurance issuers may not rescind coverage

for a covered individual except in the case of fraud or intentional misrepresentation of a material fact.Preventive Care Services For Women (non-grandfathered plans) – Effective August 1, 2012, non- grandfathered health plans must cover specific preventive care services for women without cost sharing requirements such as copays, deductibles and coinsurance. Preventive Guidelines are available at www.hrsa.gov/womensguidelines.

• $2500 Contribution limits – pre-tax salary reductions for Flexible spending Accounts (FsA) will be limited to $2500 annually. Lower maximums can be established by the plan sponsor.

• As mentioned, this is a

sampling of what will be required in 2013 to be compliant for January 1, 2014. PPACA is far reaching and will touch everyone in some way whether you are a medical provider, a small business providing benefits to its employees or a consumer of health care.

Follow this column for more detailed discussions about specific provisions of the PPACA regulations, the impact on the local marketplace and updates to the regulations.

russell t. head is a Partner and Chief Visionary Architect with Group & Benefits Consultants, Inc., Augusta’s largest, privately held employee benefits consulting firm. He can be reached at 706-733-3459 or [email protected]. Visit Group & Benefits Consultants at www.groupandbenefits.com.

JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

by rUssell t. heAD | EMPLOYEE BENEFIT CONSULTANT

HEAlTHCARE REFORM & YOU

AXA Advisors, LLC (NY, NY (212) 314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC. GE-54844 (4/10)

Bradford Merry Financial Professional [email protected] Tel: (706) 733-3190 www.merryandcagle.com AXA Advisors, LLC 822 Aumond Place East PO Box 14578 Augusta, GA 30919

Page 22: January Buzz on Biz

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The most common

style of chip we learn is called the “leading edge chip shot.” This is done by

placing the ball well back in your stance and leaning the handle and weight forward. This is an easy way to make sure your club is descending into the ball and consistently hitting the ground, but not a very good way for a player to control distance and consistently hit the ball solid. Instead, place the ball in the middle of your stance, keep your weight evenly distributed between your feet and do not lean the handle forward. This new chipping style makes distance control easier, and also utilizes the bounce on your club, which allows for forgiveness.

If you are a low handicap and would like to take this shot a step further, through impact and into the follow through rotate

your right hand under the club while making sure the club is being swung a little inside out. This will create a sweep of the ball, keeping the face open and in front of you, and utilizes the bounce even more!

Wander by one of the chipping greens the 2nd week in April at the course off of Washington Road and you will see this shot being done to perfection!

Drew Belt, PGA

drew Belt This is a sponsored Golf article. Drew is an Assistant Golf Professional at West Lake County Club. A PGA of America Class A Member, Drew has been teaching golf to all levels of players for over 10 years. For comments or story ideas email [email protected]

DreW belt | Assistant Golf Professional at West Lake County Club

lEARN A MORE CONSISTENT CHIPPING STYlE

Bad Good

JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

Page 23: January Buzz on Biz

*Breakfast LiteOne egg served with homemade grits or hash browns with one strip of bacon or ham or sausage link and two triangles of toast 3.79

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*Rooty Jr.A half sized version of our signatureRooty Tooty. One egg, one strip ofbacon, one pork sausage link and one fruit-topped buttermilk pancake 4.29

*Two Egg BreakfastTwo eggs with two buttermilk pancakes and two bacon or ham strips or two sausage links 5.49

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23

Midtown Market, located at 2113 Kings Way, has been under

new management since December 1st, but just because there’s a new person in charge doesn’t mean there will be any difference in the quality or value of the various furniture, decorative items, and miscellaneous knick-knacks Midtown Market is famous for.

“Midtown Market has been through several different hands, so it’s hard to know exactly how long the store has been in this location, but it’s been here for years,” said new owner Laura Evans Moody, who also owns L & Company, the hair salon at the back of Midtown Market. “The previous owner wanted to do something different and set out on other adventures, but nobody here wanted to move.”

According to Irene Gary, who along with Lynne Cheek will remain providing customer service at the front end of the multi-vendor facility, Moody took the initiative of negotiating a new lease and giving all 35 vendors a choice of leaving or staying. All 35, mostly retires selling an eclectic variety of different products, decided to stay.

“She asked if we would continue to run it, so she’s learning as she goes along in between her other job,” said Irene, who has been working at Midtown Market’s front end for over a year. “Most of the vendors wanted to stay because it’s convenient and they do it more as a hobby and because

it’s just too much trouble to move. They like the people who come through here, and it really hasn’t been a problem to manage because the vendors we have are such a wonderful group of people that if Lynne and I handle the front half then Laura can do her regular job.”

“My salon has been at the back of Midtown Market since it opened and this place is convenient to where I live and I wanted to stay in there and everyone else did too,” said Moody. “I actually have a business in here, not just a side thing. With my salon back there it was important for me to keep a roof over it and didn’t want to disrupt my clients. I’m very lucky to have such capable help up front because then I can still concentrate on my salon. I couldn’t do it without Irene and Lynne.”

So far, the most trouble Moody has had to go through as store manager has been going around to all of the vendors before December’s First Thursday event and asking each one if they wanted to have a sale, and was pleased to discover just about everyone did.

“This First Thursday was wonderful, we had a lot of people in, sales were good and everybody was very positive about the change,” she said. “Tricia Hughes has been a great help to us and is going to help with the planning of First Thursday and the events that go on. We always serve wine and hors d’oeuvres, and I would love to be able to play music

but I’m not sure if there is a local sound ordinance. I’m going to have to check on the possibility of that legally.”

First Thursday celebrations in 2013 may become even bigger. Since the change in management three new vendors have opened up at Midtown Market, and Moody is looking into the possibility of playing music at future First Thursdays.

“Everybody around here does such a good job of coming together on the First Thursdays,” said Moody. “All the business owners have always gotten along.”

Midtown market is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, find them on Facebook or call 706-733-1788.

Article and Photo by Christopher selmekMIDTOWN MARkETJAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

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The Augusta Southern

Nationals annual drag boat race has found itself in the midst of a feud with the Augusta Port Authority. A recent resolution passed

by the authority assesses a new fee to every event held at the city marina and organizers of the drag boat race say the fee is not only unfair, but the Port Authority is not providing any service in exchange for the fee.

The passed resolution calls for events to pay either a flat rate of $1,500 a day

or they can choose to pay 50 cents for each “registrant, participant, or ticket sold.” According to Southern Nationals Chairman Dayton Sherrouse, the Authority explained to him that the new “fee” was being instituted because the city has cut funding and the lost money had to be replaced from some source.

“If [the Authority] were providing some kind of service to us, then I would gladly pay a fee,” explains Sherrouse, adding, “this is really not a fee, it is a tax.”

And he is correct.The drag race organizers pay for

every aspect of the event from security to sanitation and cleanup after the last

boat leaves the water. Therefore, the Port Authority is doing exactly what every other government body out there is attempting to do to keep the coffers full, that is finding a new tax. This is trickledown economics at its worst: a federal government raising taxes and continuing to spend wildly on pet programs and entitlements and then cutting funding to the states who turn around and cut funding to cities who then pass the cuts on to their boards and authorities who pass the buck on to the public who already is paying higher taxes. Only with the “fee” levied on the drag boat race, what the Port Authority is doing is replacing tax payer money with money from needy children.

Unlike other events held on the river such as Iron Man 70.3, the Southern Nationals is a true non-profit that donates all of its proceeds to charity. Last year, the Southern Nationals donated around $5,000 to the Special Olympics, so if the ticket prices remain the same and the “fee” of around $4,500 for this year is paid, then you can do the math and determine how much will be left to donate to the kids.

Sherrouse contends that the Southern Nationals really should be grandfathered in and allowed to continue on with its previous arrangements since the event was

technically created by the city 27 years ago to spur tourism on the river. Not only does the event help deserving kids, but the economic impact over the July 20 weekend is huge. Hotels and restaurants fill up, gas stations are busy and the city gets the sales tax from the weekend of tourism.

As it turns out, Sherrouse and company may have the last laugh. The language used in the Port Authority’s resolution states that events may opt to choose a flat fee or pay 50 cents per “registrant, participant, or ticket sold.” Notice the use of the word “or” and not the word “and.” What that means is that under contract law, the Southern Nationals can choose between the three. Since there are roughly 60 “registrants,” then really all the event organizers should owe the Port Authority is about 30 bucks.

Now, some would argue that in certain cases, that “or” could be perceived as an “and,” but that would likely not apply in this case. At an event, a person could be a participant and a registrant or they could be a participant and a ticket holder, but it is far stretch to say they could be all three. So, according to our resident legal scholars, in that case, the general rule of ambiguity in contract law would apply. That is, ambiguous language is

held against the person who wrote the contract meaning Sherrouse and the Southern Nationals would likely be told they had to fork over $30 and could give the rest to charity.

sCott hUDsoN is a free lance reporter for WGAC News and a local paralegal. For comments or story ideas email [email protected]

sCott hUDsoN | Freelance Reporter For WGACTHE DRAG TAX “if you get too cold i’ll tax the heat, if you take a walk i’ll tax your feet…

’cuz i’m the taxman, yeah, the taxman.” The Beatles

JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

Page 25: January Buzz on Biz

25

all mInor and maJor PlUmBInG. 24\7 sErVIcE.

Now that we are well into the winter season, with the clock having

been rolled back early in November, motorists are well advised to take greater heed of the dangers of driving at night. It is much harder to judge speed and distance when it’s dark with reduced visibility and inclement weather. Motorists need to be aware of how these factors can affect their driving.

To help motorists stay safe behind the wheel this winter, the following advice is offered:

(1) Maximum visibility is essential, so make sure that windows and mirrors are clean at all times. Do not allow them to become obscured by dirt, frost, smears, scratches or cracks.

(2) Ensure that all of the vehicle’s lights (headlights, brake lights, fog lights and back-up lights) are clean and in working order. Replace any bulbs that are not working.

(3) Always maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Provide yourself enough distance in the event you need to brake or safely react to avoid a potential collision.

(4) Reduce your speed when driving a night. Remember, you can only see as far as your headlights permit. Driving

at high speeds at night is much more dangerous than during the day as drivers have much less time to assess the road ahead.

(5) Be diligent about using the vehicle’s high beam headlights when approaching another vehicle, and refrain from using them when following another vehicle as this may blind the driver with glare from the rear view mirror.

(6) When travelling on long trips, especially at night, it is essential that drivers stop and rest at least every two hours. When you feel tired, open the window to get fresh air and find a suitable, safe place to pull over. Exchange drivers if you are traveling with another experienced, licensed driver.

I trust the above advice will be helpful to you and your family. Please drive safely, and take the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe on the highways.

Happy New Year!

BoB aNd MarGaret walter This is a sponsored Business article. Bob and Margaret Walter co-own Headlights Made New. The HMN restoration product is only available from an authorized, licensed dealer. Headlights Made New offers mobile unit services in both Georgia and South Carolina. Check out the web site at www.headlightsmadenew.com to learn more about our services and company. To reach Bob or Margaret to schedule an appointment, or inquire about their services call 706.840.1392 or visit www.headlightsmadenew.com

ADvICE FOR NIGHT DRIvING FROM HEADlIGHTS MADE NEW

SPONSORED ARTICLE BY bob & mArGAret WAlter | Owner, Headlights Made New

“if you get too cold i’ll tax the heat, if you take a walk i’ll tax your feet…’cuz i’m the taxman, yeah, the taxman.” The Beatles

JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

The franchisee of Sonic at 498 Fury’s Ferry Road flipped his Sonic into a

new concept—Road Rib Palace. Sonic had moved into the Bi-Lo plaza years back after closing a pair of it’s long running Sonics on Washington Road at Davis and Washington Road at Alexander.

Roadhouse will serve Chopped Pork, BBQ Chicken, Brisket, and Big Roadhouse sandwiches in the $6 range plus dinners and samplers in the $8-20 range. There will be appetizers, baked potatoes, sides\salads, kids meals, and grilled items like burgers and dogs.

The franchisee of Sonic will take advantage of the Drive-Thru to add a unique touch to a BBQ restaurant. The phone is 706.869.0084 and the web is www.RoadhouseRibPalace.com

ROADHOUSE RIB PAlACE OPENS IN OlD SONIC RESTAURANT

DISCLAIMER: These businesses were former marketing clients of “Buzz on Biz”.

After less than four months, the primary owner of both hospitality

businesses suddenly shut its doors around Christmas. The primary owner

is a longtime SRS employee who had help from a longtime friend with hospitality experience. They developed the concept of a tapas bar and cigar lounge from living and visiting similar spots in Charleston.

The Smokers Retreat opened first, followed by the restaurant with several missteps. It first opened as a part coffee bar and pastry shop in the morning—and closed shortly thereafter. Lunch was never served. There were delays in getting a liquor license for the evening and the Health Department shut down the restaurant for several days due to a violation. The most promising part of the restaurant was the variety of tapas served. Unfortunately, the head chef left within a week of opening—and the menu changed several times while a new chef came on from Champions Retreat.

At press time, new owners had posted a sign on the restaurant door indicating they would re-open on January 15th.

THE RETREAT RE-lOADS FOR 2013

Page 26: January Buzz on Biz

26 JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

Blondie and Company Salon opened at Mullins Crossing in

Evans Dec. 15 and has been doing a great amount of business despite not yet having done any advertising at all.

“This past Saturday we did five colorings and three highlights, which is a great amount of business for us since people only hear about us by word of mouth or by walking by the store,” said owner Tina Munson. “It’s a new challenge for me to own a salon of my own, but I enjoy it and I’ve gotten to the point where I’ve spent two to three months putting the salon together, and I think all my hard work will pay off in the end. Ideally, I’d like to remain in this location for another 10 years at least.”

Munson only recently moved to Augusta from Orlando, Florida, where she spent the last 11 years doing hair and considers herself very experienced. For the last nine years, she has been participating in the Aveda Master Jams three-day course each year to learn the most cutting edge techniques for color and cutting.

“We are an Aveda Concepts

salon, which is part of the Estee Lauder family of products, and everything we use is made of plant essence so it doesn’t damage the hair and it makes it shine and look healthier,” said Munson. “Personally, I like Aveda because it’s a custom color and you aren’t just going to get the color they have, you’re going to get the color we make for you. There are also a lot of benefits that go with the salon, because every customer gets a hand massage, scalp massage or makeup touch-up, one of those little stress relieving rituals, with any service.”

Five stylists work in the eight station salon, each with their own unique skill set and background. One stylist was a Paul Mitchell educator until recently, another has been working for J.B. Whites since 1985, and another has been doing hair locally for the past two years and is very skilled with new, trendy styles and ethnic hair.

“My stylists pamper everyone really well,” said Munson. “Everyone who comes in always says they’re coming back.”

Women’s haircuts start at $38, which includes the haircut,

shampoo, blowdry and stress relieving ritual. Men’s haircuts start at $18 with no shampoo or $25 with shampoo and stress relieving rituals.

Blondie and Company is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.

to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed Sunday. For more information, visit www.blondieandcompany.com or call 706-868-2100.

eD reiD | Owner, Team Fit

Many people start off the

New Year with the same goal - to get in better physical condition. There are facilities willing to accept lengthy contracts for

memberships, numerous “must-have” fitness gadgets for sale and countless companies claiming to know the best secret supplement that will guarantee extreme results! The overload of places, products, and thingamabobs may help us reach our goals, however they all have a common catch. We must eat healthy first!

We often forget the single most important piece to better health, the food choices we make. No amount of exercise will give us timely, lasting results until we decide to change (and maintain) better habits concerning the things we eat and drink.

Let’s not beat a dead horse about how important breakfast is and how many meals you should eat daily. If you have followed my column this year, you know this already. Instead, focus on what impedes your goals. Many things we consume on a regular basis can be changed, or at least

swapped for healthier options. Make this a priority for 2013. Include fruit, whole-grains, fiber and veggies in your meals. Prepare your meals at home, so that you have more control over the ingredients. When you eat out, you should pay attention to the nutritional contents. That small chocolate mint mocha latte is definitely more sugar and calorie laden then a larger cup of hot green tea! Choose a simple croissant, instead of the frosty caramel coated cinnamon swirl. The choices we make daily will create better health for a lifetime!

Learn more about nutrition and apply your discoveries. This can be the year that we reach our fitness goals.

ed reid This is a sponsored Fitness article. Ed is a Certified Personal Trainer and leading fitness expert in the CSRA. He is Retired US Navy with over 15 years 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: [email protected].

IT’S TRUE . . . YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!

by Christopher selmekBlONDIE AND COMPANY OPENS NEW SAlON FOR NEW YEAR

Photo Courtesy: Sofia Colton Photography

Page 27: January Buzz on Biz

27JAN. 10 –FEB. 6, 2013

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28 DEC. 5 –JAN. 9, 2013