Security Federal Corporation (“Company”) SFDL +11.77% , the holding company for Security Federal Bank, today announced earnings for the six month and quarterly periods ended September 30, 2011. The Company reported net income available to common shareholders of $660,000 or $0.22 per common share (basic) for the six months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $127,000 or 23.83% when compared to net income of $533,000 or $0.22 per common share (basic) for the six months ended September 30, 2010. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, net income available to common shareholders increased $72,000 or 30.51% to $308,000 compared to $236,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010. The increases in both periods were primarily the result of a decrease in non-interest expense combined with a decrease in preferred stock dividends. These changes were offset slightly by a decrease in non-interest income and an increase in the provision for loan losses.

The Company made significant progress in recent quarters to reduce its non-interest expense through the implementation of several cost savings strategies. As a result, for the six months ended September 30, 3011, non-interest expense decreased $1.05 million or 9.19% to $10.36 million, compared to $11.41 million for the same period in 2010. For the quarter ended September 30, 2011, non-interest expense decreased $655,000 or 11.19% to $5.20 million compared to $5.85 million in 2010.

Also during fiscal 2011, the Company was able to reduce the annual cumulative dividend rate paid on preferred stock through its participation in the Community Development Capital Initiative (“CDCI”). The annual cumulative dividend rate of 5% paid on the Series A preferred stock issued to the U.S. Treasury through the Capital Purchase Program in 2008 was reduced to an annual cumulative dividend rate of 2% paid on the Series B preferred stock issued to the U.S. Treasury through its participation in the CDCI program. As a result of this exchange, preferred stock dividends and the related accretion of preferred stock to redemption value decreased $245,000 or 52.69% to $220,000 for the six month period ended September 30, 2011 and decreased $111,000 or 50.23% to $110,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.

Net interest margin for the six months ended September 30, 2011 increased five basis points to 3.15% from 3.10% for the six months ended September 30, 2010. Despite an increase in margin, the significant decrease in the volume of interest bearing assets, particularly loans, resulted in a decrease in net interest income. Net interest income decreased $132,000 or 0.97% to $13.50 million for the six months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $13.63 million for the six months ended September 30, 2010. One of the Bank’s primary objectives has been to maximize risk based capital through steady earnings and a decrease in certain loan type concentrations. The Bank’s total risk based capital ratio increased 7.65% to 17.88% at September 30, 2011 compared to 16.61% at March 31, 2011.

Net interest margin for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 increased three basis points to 3.10% from 3.07% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 while net interest income decreased $89,000 or 1.33% to $6.62 million during the same period.

Non-performing assets, which consist of non-accrual loans and repossessed assets net of specific reserves, increased $2.55 million to $29.07 million at September 30, 2011 from $26.52 million at March 31, 2011. Management of the Bank continues to be cautious about current market conditions and added an additional $4.60 million to the allowance for loan losses through its provision, an increase of $550,000 compared to a provision for loan losses of $4.05 million for the six month period ended September 30, 2010. For the quarter ended September 30, 2011, the Bank added an additional $2.30 million to the allowance through the provision for loan losses compared to $2.15 million in the three-month period the previous year. The allowance for loan losses represented 2.94% of total loans held for investment at September 30, 2011 compared to 2.54% at March 31, 2011.

Non-interest income for the six-months and quarter ended September 30, 2011 decreased $676,000 or 19.65% and $555,000 or 27.11%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2010 primarily as the result of decreases in the gain on sale of investments and loans.

Total assets at September 30, 2011 were $919.23 million compared to $933.54 million at March 31, 2011, a decrease of $14.31 million or 1.53% for the six-month period. Net loans receivable decreased $24.92 million or 5.14% to $459.55 million at September 30, 2011 from $484.47 million at March 31, 2011. Total deposits decreased $7.68 million or 1.11% to $682.68 million at September 30, 2011 compared to $690.36 million at March 31, 2011. Federal Home Loan Bank advances, other borrowings, convertible senior debentures and subordinated debentures decreased $10.96 million or 6.83% to $149.61 million at September 30, 2011 from $160.57 million at March 31, 2011.

Security Federal Bank has 13 full service branch locations in Aiken, Clearwater, Graniteville, Langley, Lexington, North Augusta, Wagener, Columbia and West Columbia, South Carolina and Evans, Georgia. A full range of financial services, including trust and investments, are provided by the Bank and insurance services are provided by the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiary, Security Federal Insurance, Inc.

Courtesy: Junior League of Augusta, GA Press Release

Kick off the Christmas Season at Holiday Market presented by the Junior League of Augusta November 18-20 at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center. Holiday Market will be the CSRA’s Largest Premier Shopping Event with over 40 Boutiques & Specialty Gift Vendors. Tickets are only $7 and can be purchased online at  http://jlaugusta.org/  or at the Junior League Office in Surrey Center.

In addition to the Holiday Market there will be community stage performances from numerous organizations across the CSRA. There will also be additional events going on throughout the weekend which include:

Ladies Night Out: November 18 from 7-11 pm. Cost is $30 in advance and $35 at the door. This fun event is for all ladies in the CSRA! Enjoy an evening of live music, hors d’oeuvres from various local CSRA restaurants, beverages, and exclusive shopping at the Holiday Market.

Photos with Santa: November 19 from 11 am to 3 pm. Cost is $15 in advance. Reservations are encouraged. Bring your little ones for a photo with Santa in his workshop beautifully decorated by Cudos! The photo session includes a CD with several photos for your next Christmas card or family photo album.

Every ticket purchased promotes the Junior League of Augusta, Georgia’s mission to support the community by improving the lives of women and children. Feel great about the gifts you share this holiday season knowing that a portion of that gift is making a difference in the life of someone in the Augusta community.

About The Junior League of Augusta, Georgia

Celebrating its 82nd year, the Junior League of Augusta, Georgia was founded in 1925 as the Junior Workers, and accepted into the Association of Junior Leagues International in March 1929.  The Junior League of Augusta, Georgia is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For more information about the JLA please call 706-736-0033 or visit our website at www.jlaugusta.org .

One of the Keys to real success and contentment is obtaining and keeping good balance in one’s business and personal life. But it’s often a hard thing to achieve without some help.

For example, about 10 years ago, my thinking became out of balance, and I became depressed. I felt I had very few positives in my life and had various challenges around me that were growing.

A miracle occurred! I learned about depression, and came to realize that it’s often “situational”, mostly caused by negative thinking. Thanks to some professional help and reading several books, I learned to turn my negative thinking into positive thoughts. Today, I’m happier and more content than ever.

From my experience, balance (or “being centered”) means “NOT TOO EXTREME” or “ABLE TO ADJUST RESPONSIBLY”.

In addition to how or what we think, here are some other significant human qualities that can be in or out of balance; they have a major impact on one’s overall life. I’ll give examples of extreme qualities, and suggestions that generally provide a healthier, better balance.

• RISK TAKING: Some people have a true gambler mentality, and take unnecessary wild risks, while other people are too risk-adverse. It’s normally better to be willing to take moderate risks when the payback for success is both likely and worthwhile.

• SPENDING MONEY: Some people spend too much, while others won’t spend money on things that could really help them. It’s generally much better to spend money moderately, but spend it wisely.

• TRUSTING OURSELVES: Some people don’t trust themselves at all, while others trust their judgment completely. It’s best to see ourselves accurately. Most of us are strong at certain things and weak in others. It’s best to know when we can trust ourselves and when to get help from others.

• TRUSTING OTHERS: Some people trust others too much, while others can’t seem to trust anyone. It’s best to learn how to know who to trust and WHO not to trust, as well as HOW to trust.

• SELF-CONTROL: Some people seem to do things without thinking and do things that may hurt other people, whereas other people over-think things to the point of not being able to make decisions. It’s much better to be more balanced and centered.

• CONTROLLING OTHERS: Some people try to control other people, whereas other people don’t even try to influence others. The best thing to realize is that you can’t control other people, but it’s generally good to learn how and when to try to influence people in positive ways.

• SENSE OF HUMOR: Some people seem to be serious all the time, while others seem to joke around constantly. I believe having an appropriate sense of humor can do A LOT to improve communication between people and solve problems.

IN CONCLUSION: It’s important that most of us learn to become more centered and balanced where we are too extreme. It’s best to take time to focus on ourselves from time to time, and better still, do so with the help of someone skilled in this topic.

To learn to become more balanced, come to http://www.BusinessTune-Ups.com and sign up for the free monthly newsletter.

LARRY RUDWICK This is a sponsored Business-Talk article. A lot more about this can be found on the www.BusinessTune-Ups.com website. To do an Executive Assessment requires a Word Document entitled Ten Questions That Can Improve Your Life. I would be happy to email one to you; you may request it from me at Rudwick@cox.net or calling 571-331-6102.

Summary: The economy we’re still suffering through has taken a toll on virtually all of us. The unemployment rate is still around 10% in the Augusta area.

Many people have lost their businesses or jobs, or have become underemployed. Many people are “underwater” with their homes, owing more than they are worth. Many families have $300,000 homes for sale in Columbia County and can’t sell. Whether these situations have happened to you (or others you are close to), it’s a struggle that impacts all of us. Are you feeling that life is “getting old”? That you’re getting tired or fearful that you’re merely treading water? That the future seems increasingly uncertain?

It’s Not Uncommon to Feel Down these Days: It’s no wonder that the use of antidepression medication is increasing. Even in a good economy, it’s common for some people to get depressed for periods of time, due to various situations that occur to them.

Furthermore, our minds do not always think logically. Some of the brightest and most successful people get severely depressed because they overanalyze their deficiencies. If this happens to successful people, then anyone can get depressed about his or her situations too, if we let this happen.

Some Problems with Depression: Depression can feed on itself. It can cause people to procrastinate, or not think carefully. Procrastination and poor thinking can lead to more depression, and become a vicious cycle, and this can spiral downward quickly.

Caution: Depression can even be life threatening; if you experience suicidal (or other destructive) thoughts, seek professional counseling right away! Good News About Depression! The vast majority of depression is considered “situational”, caused by events people go through, rather than a biological or genetic imbalance. Cognitions are “thoughts” and the theory of cognitive therapy is that if you keep thinking depressing thoughts, you’ll become depressed. And if you learn to have more pleasant thoughts, your depression will subside. Most people that have depression will eventually get past it.

My Own Experience: I suffered from depression a number of years ago, caused by a number of negative personal, family and business situations occurring simultaneously. I went to a counselor; he recommended I read a book called “Feeling Good – the New Mood Therapy”. This book helped me learn better thought patterns, which lead me to making better decisions, and smarter actions.

Learning how to better control your thoughts and actions can really be helpful to both yourself, and others. This was part of the reason I decided to become a business coach – to help people get through various challenges that I learned to overcome. This includes setting written goals, overcoming fears, gaining more confidence and taking smarter, yet bolder actions! I believe these steps can greatly help depression (or just the occasional “blues”) subside, too!

LARRY RUDWICK  is 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  at Can Improve Your Life. I would be happy to email one to you; you may request it from me at Rudwick@cox.net or calling 571-331-6102

Summary: What is our most important asset? It’s not money, nor the things we own. And it’s not the key people in our life, even though they ARE important.

TIME is what we all have a limited amount of, and we should use time very wisely. When we do, we can achieve more and be much more content with whatever we pursue.

The “Secrets” of Good Time Management: Being PRODUCTIVE with our time involves three interrelated keys factors. When studying people who use time well, we find they 1) do the IMPORTANT THINGS that THEY need to do, 2) work in EFFICIENT ways, and 3) DELEGATE things to others when appropriate.

It’s NOT just about Working Hard: Most of us work hard, long hours. And what do we often have to show for it? All too often, we are barely able to pay our bills. Or, even if the bills can get paid, there’s not enough left to save for a decent retirement some day. Most people can do much better than that if they commit to developing a few new habits.

Careful Planning is Critical: It’s vital to think through and plan out the three key factors. Ask yourself” 1) What ARE the important things I need to do? 2) Do I work efficiently and effectively? 3) What makes sense to delegate?

These are the key questions. But if you don’t come up with the best answers on your own, you’re “leaving money on the table”; you won’t have the best life or business possible. Consider seeking some outside assistance.

Are you Ready to Use Your Time Better? The Good News is that if you have a strong desire to do better in your pursuits, the time and effort required will pay you back many times over. After learning and practicing a few time management skills, it will become routine. And you will wish you learned them sooner!

LARRY RUDWICK This is a sponsored Business-Talk article. A lot more about this can be found on the www.BusinessTune-Ups.com website. To do an Executive Assessment requires a Word Document entitled Ten Questions That Can Improve Your Life. I would be happy to email one to you; you may request it from me at Rudwick@cox.net or calling 571-331-6102.

Click here to hear the podcast with Lisa Kolb

Lisa Kolb stops by the radio version of the BUZZ to talk to Bill and John about her virtual assistants business, what makes her business different is that she deals with real estate….

Click here to hear the podcast with Jerry Laksy

Jerry Lasky, the owner of the two CRAB KINGS stops by the radio version of the BUZZ to talk to Bill and John about the opening of the new Crab King in Aiken….

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

12:20pm – - Jerry Lasky & Richard Jones from Crab King of Aiken, will join us in the studio to chat about their new restaurant opening in the Bi-Lo shopping center. The store is owned by Richard Jones and Charleton Breland.  Hours of operation are Monday 3-7:30, Tues.-Thurs. 11-7:30PM,Fri & Sat 11-9PM, Sunday 1-6PM. Menu and pricing will be the same as Crab King I & II in Augusta and Hephizbah, GA.
12:30 – - Each day at this time we welcome in a staffing professional from either the Augusta or Aiken branch of Job Shop or Augusta/Aiken Staffing. They’ll share tips on hiring/getting hired and give us the Job Shop’s “Job of the Day”.  For more info, please visit: www.jobshopstaffing.com

12:45pm – - Lisa Kolb, Co-Owner, Augusta Virtual Assistants, will join us in the studio to chat about Augusta Virtual Assistants.  For more info, please visit their website at:www.augustavirtualassistant.com
1:20pm – - Michael Wolff, Creative Services Specialist from the “Buzz on Biz”, shares highlights of the previous week’s business happenings including ribbon cuttings and reports on which companies are going in and out of business.
1:30pm – - Laurie Lockliear is Executive Director of www.themeridianfoundation.org, a foundation dedicated to inspiring CSRA companies to give to charity without affecting their bottom line. Companies contract with Meridian to do their credit card processing and about 50% of the fees go to the charity of the companies’ choice.
1:45pm – - Dylan Bredengerd, on-line consultant for PowerServe International, joins us each Monday to do a website, branding, and social media check-up on area businesses. Please visit www.powerserve.net for more information.

Courtesy: Augusta’s Choice Press Release

Augustaʼs Choice is has launched Operation: Three Kings.

What is Operation: Three Kings? Itʼs a way for us as community to help bring some hope to those that have
had a rough go of it this year. Our mission is two fold:
1. We have a tab on the sidebar of the entire site that when clicked, opens up a form for
you to nominate a family that you feel has been affected hard this year. Whether one (or
both) parent(s) lost their job, one was deployed overseas, lost their home or any other range of misfortune that will make this coming holiday season difficult to get through, we would like their information.
2. I will be contacting various businesses, small and large alike, for donations of food, toys, clothing, gift cards and more. The more people that we have participating, the more families we can help. I will approach each business with specific needs from the families based on their situations but thatʼs not to limit what you can do. We will have
several drop off locations throughout the CSRA where you can leave your donations to go towards helping these families.
Operation: Three Kings will run all the way through until the week before Christmas.
After group shopping & a huge wrapping “party” (where everyone is invited to participate), we will deliver, as a community, a large care package to each family that was chosen 1 week before Christmas including (but not limited to) food, toys, gift cards, gas cards and more!
For more information about Operation: Three Kings, visit www.augustaschoice.com/operation-three-kings, or Tune In to our Web Show: Turn Up The AC! Each Tuesday, or call 706-339-1270. When visiting the page, feel free to “Like” it on Facebook and letʼs all band together to help bring hope, comfort, and joy this holiday season!

Courtesy: CareSouth Press Release

CareSouth Homecare Professionals today announced that 11 of its home health care divisions encompassing 33 locations and three of its managed agencies have been named to the 2011 HomeCare Elite™, a compilation of the top-performing home health agencies in the United States. CareSouth agencies have consistently ranked in the HomeCare Elite since its inception in 2005. The announcement was made by Rick Griffin, CareSouth President and Chief Executive Officer.

Three CareSouth divisions were named in the “Top 500 HomeCare Elite Agencies” which include a total of 13 locations in the Augusta, Georgia and Dothan, Alabama area markets as well as Greensboro, North Carolina. An additional 20 CareSouth locations were ranked as “Top HomeCare Elite Agencies” including agencies in the following divisions: Panama City, Florida; Lexington, North Carolina; Columbus, Gainesville and Macon, Georgia; Winchester, Tennessee; Dallas and Waxahachie, Texas. The “Top HomeCare Elite Agencies” managed by CareSouth are Crisp Regional Hospital / CareSouth in Cordele, Georgia; St. Joseph’s / Candler Home Healthcare in Brunswick, Georgia; and Lawrence Home Care of Winchester in Tuckahoe, New York. The HomeCare Elite status extends to the branches maintained within each division, which includes over 96 percent of CareSouth’s patient population. CareSouth’s HomeCare agencies cared for almost 20,000 patients in 2010. For a complete list of CareSouth locations named to HomeCare Elite visit www.caresouth.com/about-us/HCE2011.

Now in its sixth year, the HomeCare Elite identifies the top 25 percent of agencies and further highlights the top 100 and top 500 agencies overall. Winners are ranked by an analysis of performance measures in quality outcomes, process of care measures and financial performance.

“It is increasingly challenging to manage the cost/quality equation. The 2011 HomeCare Elite winners demonstrate a commitment to providing patients with the best possible care while managing their business efficiently and effectively,” said Amanda Twiss, CEO of OCS and My InnerView. “This year, we updated our methodology to reflect industry focus and, based on this rigorous analysis, we congratulate CareSouth Homecare Professionals on being one of the top home care agencies in the country.”

“We are extremely proud of our agencies,” said Griffin. “At CareSouth, we believe that exceptional customer service is the only kind of service to provide. Our patients and referral sources deserve nothing less. Furthermore, our clinicians’ dedication to providing quality care is evident in the outcomes they produce. I believe these are the reasons our agencies consistently rank among the HomeCare Elite.”

“The HomeCare Elite designation continues to gain significance given the regulatory changes and challenges that agencies face. Agencies that have earned recognition among the HomeCare Elite demonstrated that they not only can adapt to an evolving marketplace but continue to excel in both clinical and financial outcomes,” said Marci Heydt, product manager for the post-acute care business group, DecisionHealth.

The 2011 HomeCare Elite is the only performance recognition of its kind in the home health industry. The 2011 HomeCare Elite is brought to the industry by OCS HomeCare, the leading provider of homecare information, and DecisionHealth, publisher of the industry’s most respected independent newsletter Home Health Line and the Complete Home Health ICD-9-CM Diagnosis Coding Manual. The data used for this analysis were compiled from publicly available information. The entire list of the 2011 HomeCare Elite agencies can be viewed by visiting the OCS HomeCare website at www.ocshomecare.com.

About CareSouth
CareSouth Homecare Professionals provides home health care services in eight states throughout the country, offering various programs and specialized services including fall prevention, total hip and knee orthopedic rehabilitation, wound care management, pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disease management. The CareSouth Homecare Professionals work closely with each patient’s physician to ensure they are following the orders as prescribed by the physician. CareSouth is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc.