Buzz founder Neil Gordon was at the Home and Garden Show and many of the 300 or so vendors on the floor, on the arena wings, and on upper level were busy talking with potential customers.

Nu Roofs had two corner booths and utilized the space to integrate some cross-marketing opportunities with affiliated companies.

“The Place on Broad” served up finger foods and gave away a free dinner for two. Toy Town had toy samples available for kids and gave away a standing art easel by Melissa and Doug.

Nu Roofs offers complimentary roof inspections and can often repair roofs for as little as $49 or offer a brand new roof.

Popularity: 1% [?]

WRDW 1630AM 12-2PM OR STREAMING LIVE AT WWW.WRDWAM.COM

The buzz founder Neil Gordon is filling in for John Patrick to kick off the workweek in style. There are many neat developments Bill Botham and Neil will explore and they welcome these guests:

12:20pm – KELLY RENNER (LIFE STRATEGIES FINANCIAL PARTNERS LLC)  will be chatting about her life strategies ”class” she’s doing.  She says … they’ll be doing a 45 minute “boot camp” with a  fitness instructor and 15 minutes with the Financial planner on Tuesdays and on Thursday the group with meet with the life coach.  On Saturday it will be for an hour and a half and they will get the 45 minute “boot camp” with an additional 15 minutes of the personal trainer.  Then she and the life coach will spend 15 minutes with the group.

www.lifestrategiesFP.com

1230 JOB SHOP JOB OF THE DAY

12:45pm –  Typically, attorneys charge a hefty fee for their services, our attorney, J. Edward Enoch spends ten great minutes with you each week to help out with human resource issues, contract issues, wills and real estate law. To contact Ed, give him a call at (706) 738-4141

1:20pm –Kelly Johnson, the Buzz on Biz marketing and P.R specialist joins us with a rundown of ribbon cuttings and business events you need to know about.

1:30pm — MEGHANN EPPENBROCK – Community Relations Director, SAFE HOMES will talk about the volunteer program.

www.safehomesofaugusta.org

1:45pm –Knology will help us “Get Connected” with representatives from the business, residential and public relations departments. Each week we’ll learn more about the changing technology in their world. For more information, log on to www.knology.com
We’ll also learn first-hand of their new growth in Grovetown and Fort Gordon.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Says M&A Will Play Role in Future Growth

Mike Farrell — Multichannel News, 2/22/2011 1:31:03 PM

Knology said Tuesday that it has agreed to purchase Cobridge Broadband systems in Fort Gordon, Ga., and Troy, Ala., for $30 million, adding that acquisitions will play a role in future growth.
Knology already has been an aggressive buyer of systems – it closed on a $165 million deal to purchase Sunflower Broadband last year. The Cobridge deal will add another 21,000 connections to Knology and is contiguous to the overbuilder’s existing systems in Georgia and Alabama.
Cobridge, led by former Broadwing Communications CEO Scott Widham, was in the news last year when it purchased 65,000 customers in seven states from Charter Communications.
Knology said it will use about $10 million of cash on hand and $20 million from its existing credit facility to finance the Cobridge deal. The Cobridge systems have about $15 million in annualized revenue and $5.5 million in annualized earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, valuing the deal at under 6 times cash flow.
On a conference call with analysts to discuss fourth-quarter financial results, Knology president Todd Holt said that the overbuilder has sufficient firepower for more deals.
“We have the capacity to do nice sized deals without issuing equity and experiencing dilution,” Holt said. “There are no guarantees we will get to the finish line on potential transactions, but we continue to believe that M&A will continue to play a role in our continued growth.”

BUZZ NOTES: We reached someone affiliated with this situation and were told that an additional 11,000 subscribers will be part of the new Knology family in the CSRA.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Bailie’s Restaurant is opening soon in the old Waffle King and 3 Squares Diner building on 14^th and Walton Way behind many hospitals and near a McDonald’s.

Pat from Bojangles has owned the building for awhile, but nothing has stuck. They’ll be serving breakfast and lunch and have redone the façade so it doesn’t look like a “Huddle\Waffle house building”

Popularity: 1% [?]

The United States House of Representatives has passed H.R. 1, its Fiscal Year 2011 Continuing Resolution.  This legislation provides for the elimination of all funding, over $3.6 billion, for the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) in Program Year 2011 and a $175 million rescission of prior year funds.  Beginning on July 1^st of this year, these cuts would zero out all new funding for state and local programs under WIA programs that provide vital services for the nation’s unemployed, the under-employed, and for America’s businesses as they try to rebound from the recession. This total elimination of funding for WIA would result in the end of the nation’s employment and training system during one of the worst economic downturns in American history.

In Richmond and Burke Counties that would mean the shutdown of the agency that has been providing services for over 25 years which consist of assistance with occupational skills training, support services and employment for unemployed adults and dislocated (laid-off) workers and assistance to youth that include occupational skills training, work ready training, dropout prevention and academic assistance that lead to high school graduation.

The Richmond/Burke Job Training Authority (RBJTA) serves over 1,000 customers each year.  Many are adult customers who are unemployed and non-traditional students who do not qualify for the Hope Scholarship or Hope Grant.  RBJTA has worked with employers throughout the CSRA such as Castleberry, Graniteville Company and Sampson Manufacturing Company to provide occupational skills training and/or job search to laid-off employees.  Currently, RBJTA is working with the Shaw Group to insure that local employees get access to training that allows them to compete for employment at Plant Vogtle.  RBJTA has operated a Summer Youth Employment Training Program for youth 14-21 years of age during the summer months for the past 25 years.  Over the past two summers we have served nearly 900 youth.  These Summer Youth Programs teach job skills, life skills, and academic skills that keep youth positively engaged in work experience and

career advancement.  We completely understand and support the need to make changes and cuts to our Federal Budget and we are aware that there have been fraud and mismanagement in a few WIA programs within the United States; however, they probably represent a small percentage of the total programs.  Let’s work together to continue to support Richmond/Burke Job Training Authority and other successful funded WIA agencies to continue to serve the needs of the unemployed Adults, Dislocated Workers and Youth.

Please contact Fredrick Lloyd, Executive Director or Al Chandler Deputy, Director at (706) 721-1858 if you have any questions.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Augusta, SC – MAU Workforce Solutions will be holding a job fair next Tuesday, March 1^st at Jameson Suites in Augusta, GA to fill  job openings at local CSRA industrial sites.  All applicants must have a minimum of 6 months of related work experience, a clean background, and must submit to a drug screen. Job fair attendees will be interviewed on the spot for consideration in the available positions. A wide variety of shift models and shift schedules are available.

MAU is seeking applicants to fill these positions in Aiken, SC:

• Machine Operators
• Welders
• Mechanical Assemblers

MAU is seeking applicants to fill these positions in Augusta, GA:

• Welders
• Office Furniture Installation
• Floor Buffer/Technician

MAU is seeking applicants to fill these positions in Beech Island, SC:

• Packers
• Forklift Drivers

MAU is seeking applicants to fill these positions in Thomson, GA:

• Support Operators

Tuesday, March 1^st | 9:00AM-4:00PM

Address of Job Fair is:

Jameson Suites

1062 Claussen Rd.

Augusta, GA 30909

Directions: Take Riverwatch Parkway to Claussen Rd., cross the railroad tracks, pass Waffle House, and the Jameson Inn will be on your right.

MAU Workforce Solutions provides business solutions that give our client partnerships a competitive edge through designed processes and our greatest asset – People – in the fields of Professional Recruiting, Commercial Staffing, Outsourcing Solutions, and Outplacement Services. MAU is based in Augusta, GA and has 8 locations throughout the southeastern U.S.: Augusta, GA, Lagrange, GA, Charleston, SC, Greenville, SC, Anderson, SC, Chattanooga, TN, Aiken, SC, and Chicago, IL.

Popularity: 3% [?]

AUGUSTA, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Animal Defenders International (ADI), a leading animal protection group, has added Helping Animal Rights Through Education (HARTE) to its list of Break The Chain campaign partners in peaceful protest against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The circus will perform with captive wild animals at the Augusta Richmond County Civic Center from March 3–6, 2011, in Augusta, Georgia.

“HARTE peacefully demonstrates in protest at the Ringling circus because we believe that mankind must stop interfering with the lives of animals that belong in the wild rather than in the ring and in cages where they suffer for our casual amusement.”

HARTE, a local group for animal welfare, works to educate the public about the cruelty that circus animals endure in order to entertain an uninformed audience of spectators.

“Just four years ago, we started with a single protestor and have since grown to a group of nearly 40 like minded individuals who just want to see animals treated humanely and compassionately,” said Breeda O’Mahoney, one of the co-founders of HARTE.

“HARTE peacefully demonstrates in protest at the Ringling circus because we believe that mankind must stop interfering with the lives of animals that belong in the wild rather than in the ring and in cages where they suffer for our casual amusement.”

Animal Defenders International President Jan Creamer said, “Break The Chain has been making a strong impact with its growing campaign presence in local communities through the advocacy of groups like HARTE. As our educational campaign continues to build across the U.S., we hope the movement against circus cruelty will eventually lead to a legislative ban here, adding it to the growing list of progressively and compassionately minded nations.”

As the leader of the Break The Chain campaign, ADI works with animal rights and welfare organizations across the U.S. to bring awareness on a local grassroots level to the communities in which animal circuses perform. Providing campaign assistance, program guidance and educational materials to local campaigners, ADI also reaches out to local governments to communicate its scientific findings to end circus suffering.

For more than 18 years, ADI has effectively produced overwhelming and undeniable evidence of suffering of animals in circuses as a result of extreme confinement, the constant traveling nature of these shows, and cruel training practices.

ADI’s two-year undercover investigation on circus cruelty shocked the world, resulting in major changes in the U.S., South America and European countries.

Courts in many countries have used ADI’s evidence to prosecute offenders while governments have been compelled to change laws in favor of partial or complete bans, such as the recent passing of Bolivian law 4040, which prohibits any and all use of animals in Bolivian circuses.

TV presenter and famed animal rights advocate Bob Barker has generously supported ADI’s work with a donation of $2 million, which not only funded ADI’s Operation Lion Ark, a complex and historic air lift of 25 former circus lions thousands of miles to Denver from Bolivia, but his contribution paves the way to ending animal suffering in circuses everywhere.

Actress and ADI Ambassador Jorja Fox is also a strong supporter who has accompanied ADI on several rehoming expeditions.

Said Fox, “When you hear a success story like this, and seeing these lions being brought to a sanctuary, it brings it all into the realm of the possible. I think in the United States, we’re going to see a movement like this. It’s a tremendous testament of the human spirit and what people can accomplish when they work together to make something great happen.”

For more information or to become a member of the Break The Chain network, visit the ADI web site.

About Animal Defenders International (ADI):

With offices in Los Angeles, London and Bogotá, Animal Defenders International (ADI) campaigns to protect animals in entertainment; replacement of animals in experiments; worldwide traffic in endangered species; vegetarianism; factory farming; pollution and conservation. ADI also rescues animals in distress worldwide. ADI-gathered evidence has led to campaigns and legislative action all over the world to protect them.

ADI’s Mission: To educate, create awareness, and promote the interest of humanity in the cause of justice, and the suppression of all forms of cruelty to animals wherever possible to alleviate suffering, and to conserve and protect animals and the environment.

Popularity: 1% [?]

WRDW 1630AM 12-2PM OR STREAMING LIVE ATWWW.WRDWAM.COM

12:20pm - - Jeremy Mace from www.newfiresocialmedia.com joins us for a look at social media in the workplace

12:45pm – - LISA MCCOLLUM (from McCollum Advertising and Consulting, LLC) will be chatting about “Dancing Stars of Augusta” … the 1st annual fundraiser of its kind to benefit the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.  Lisa is one of the dancing “celebrities”.
(Business) Dancing Stars of Augusta Announces 2011 Cast of Celebrities

First annual fundraiser announces first cast of local celebrities raising money to benefit the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association

(Augusta, GA) February 14, 2011- The Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is pleased to announce the celebrity cast of the first annual fundraising phenomenon, Dancing Stars of Augusta, set to take place on Friday, June 10, 2011 at the Bell Auditorium.

Set up much like the similarly named TV show, Dancing Stars of Augusta is made of up 10 local celebrities each paired with a professional dance partner, provided by The Ballroom Dance Center.  Each couple will be responsible for raising a minimum of $5000 to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association as well as learning a ballroom dance routine to be performed on the night of the event in front of a live audience.

Each dollar raised by the celebrities counts as a vote, and the Lexus Mirror Ball Trophies will be awarded to the winners.  The People’s Choice Award will be accepted by the dancer who raises the most individual dollars (and getting the most votes), while The Judge’s Choice Award will be given to the dancer with the highest scores.

The 2011 celebrity cast of Dancing Stars of Augusta includes:

• Don Bailey-President, The Augusta Chronicle
• Deanna Brown-Thomas-President, The James Brown Family Foundation
• Terra Carroll-Sr. Dir. of Small Business Development, Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce
• Sean Frantom- President, Young Professionals of Augusta  and Recruiter, Professional Services, Spherion
• Angela Hillesland-Public Relations Director, Jim Hudson Lexus of Augusta
• Abu Khan-Vice President/General Manager, Comcast Cable
• Lisa McCollum-President, McCollum Advertising and Consulting
• Julian Osbon-President, Osbon and Associates
• Austin Rhodes-Radio Personality, WGAC FM, Beasley Broadcasting
• Amy Winn-Director of Corporate Communications, University Hospital

Celebrities will begin practicing with their professional partners in February in preparation for their live performances on June 10, 2011.  Fans can review the dancer bios, keep tabs on their favorite celebrity’s progress, and show their support by logging onto www.dancingstarsofaugusta.kintera.org.  Fans will also have the ability to text to vote for their favorite celebrity and can go to the website for texting details.

1:20pm – -  - ZACK DAY (Sr Mortgage Loan Originator, PRIMARY CAPITAL ADVISORS) will be joining you in the studio to chat.  He’ll address military folks still being entitled to the 8,000 tax break (see below) if they purchase a home.  ((**Zack is still waiting to see if the broker from Executive Partners, David Greene, can be with him for the interview.  Will keep you posted. **))  Cell – as a just in case – 706.306.8604.

Primary Capital Advisors

622A Ponder Place, Evans, GA 30809
P 706.869.8589

www.zackday.com

The $8,000 tax credit program for first-time home buyers helped prop up the sagging real estate market in 2010.

While the landmark initiative finally expired last fall, there’s still one group of Americans who can still capitalize on the opportunity: Active duty military members who were serving our nation abroad on extended duty.

But the clock is ticking.

Qualified service members have until April 30 to sign a sales contract and until June 30 to close on their home purchase in order to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers and the $6,500 credit for current homeowners.

To qualify, service members must have spent at least 90 days abroad between Jan. 1, 2009, and April 30, 2010. Otherwise, prospective borrowers must adhere to the same guidelines that governed the tax credit program for civilians.

Those requirements include:

– First-time home buyers (or their spouses) cannot have owned a home in the last three years. Any prior history of homeownership outside that three-year window is fine.

– Individual borrowers must have an annual income no greater than $125,000. Married couples who file their taxes jointly cannot have an annual income above $225,000.

– A home purchase above $800,000 is not eligible for the tax credit.

The requirements for the $6,500 tax credit for current homeowners are essentially the same. Borrowers must have lived in their current home for five of the last eight years.

Service members can claim the tax credit no matter their loan financing option, including VA loans, which come with no down payment or private mortgage insurance.

With interest rates still hovering near record lows, this is a significant financial opportunity for scores of service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The key is making sure you have the credit and income profile necessary to secure financing.

Service members without a credit score of at least 620 may struggle to land a loan.

1:30pm –  GERALD JONES DEALER GROUP

1:45pm – - JAY GARRISON (from “Jay Garrison Fitness”) will join you over the phone to chat about his business.  He is celebrating nine years this month!

Call him at 706.951.5550

jaygarrisonfitness.com

Popularity: 2% [?]

BUZZ NOTE: This letter comes from HTI, a staffing company with an office in Aiken. They are spearheading an effort to reduce taxes.

Good Afternoon,

This Friday, February 25, 2011, Robert Bosch LLC is hosting a workshop at their manufacturing facility, 4421 Highway 81, Anderson, SC from 1:30p to 4:00p to discuss the recent SUTA tax increase.  Over 100 government officials and companies throughout the Upstate of South Carolina (and beyond) will be in attendance to:

Ÿ       Understand the unemployment insurance problem South Carolina must resolve

Ÿ       Understand the basis for the new SUTA calculation verses the previous calculation

Ÿ       Hear concerns and impact from all of you

Ÿ       Spend time looking at possible alternatives

Unlike previous SUTA meetings, this forum will take a strategic approach to finding a solution and working with government officials to make a change.

The meeting itself is closed to all media, HOWEVER, BOSCH HAS AGREED TO OPEN ITS DOORS TO ALL MEDIA AT 3:45pm! Upon entrance into the plant, media will be greeted by Bosch and taken on a tour of the informational “stations” set up in the cafeteria that address different aspects of the SUTA tax.

Companies and Legislators in attendance will be encouraged by Bosch to stay after the meeting to speak with media as well.

This is a very important meeting with some of the largest employers in the state in attendance.

If you plan to attend, please contact myself, Anna Rowe at Human Technologies, Inc. I will be at the main gate with Bosch security and will need a list of names in order to get any media into the plant.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Regards,

Anna Rowe

Popularity: 1% [?]

BUZZ NOTE:  This comes from an unhappy customer

Hello! I am an aggravated former customer of the Augusta Mall’s Picture People studio.  I recently purchased a $125.00 gift card and a picture club membership from the now defunct business.  I had my child’s pictures taken at the Augusta store last week and attempted to go in today to use the membership and gift card for picture printouts from recent sessions.  To my dismay, the store was locked up tight and there was no sign indicating who to contact for refunds.  I had a session last week and approximately 20 photos of my 9 mo. old had been “saved” for “one year with club membership.”  (I joined at the end of January for 39.95 +tax).  The photos had been pulled from their website this afternoon when I got home and it looks as though my online account was wiped out too.  I have left phone and email messages with their customer “no service” lines and want to know what can be done to rectify the situation.  I am just sick at the fact that her beautiful photos and my hard earned money seem to be gone without a trace (and without warning.)

Allison Hollimon

Popularity: 1% [?]