Better Business Bureau® of Central Georgia & the CSRA, Inc.
We would like to thank the following for their
participation at the 2012 Torch Award ceremony and luncheon:
Bruce Goddard, Keynote Speaker
Portia Lake, NewsCentral FOX24 WGXA
BBB Celebrates the Central Georgia
Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics
The mission of your Better Business Bureau is to
be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. In
this spirit, your BBB conducted the Torch Awards
for Marketplace Ethics to recognize businesses that maintain a
solid commitment to conducting
their business practices in an
ethical fashion.
1
Platinum Sponsors
Georgia Power
OrthoGeorgia
On June 19, 2012, the BBB serving Central Georgia announced
the recipients of the Torch
Awards for Marketplace Ethics.
Out of the 38 companies nominated, three companies were
presented with Torch Award trophies.
These nominations were made in recognition of the company’s dedication to
conducting each aspect of their business in an ethical manner.
The winners were selected by a panel
of judges in three categories.
Category 1-1 to 10 employees,
Category 2 - 11 to 99 employees, and Category 3 - 100 or
more employees.
Torch Award recipients were:
Category One - Southern
Safety Supply
Category Two - SERVPRO of
Macon
Category Three - Home Instead
Senior Care
July 2012
The Torch Awards for the CSRA will be held on
September 20, 2012, at West Lake Country
Club. To nominate a company, or your own,
email Kelly Chambliss at [email protected].
We would also like to extend a very special
thank you to the following for their sponsorship of the 2012 Torch Award ceremony and
luncheon. It is only with your support that we
can provide services to Central Georgia.
Gold Sponsors
Champion Window Company of Macon
Standard Technology, Inc.
2
3
Silver Sponsors
BB&T
Buzzell Plumbing, Heating and A/C
Harrison’s Body & Glass Shop, Inc.
MidCountry Financial Corp.
Raffield Tire Masters, Inc.
Riverside Ford-Lincoln
Robins Federal Credit Union
Shred-cycle, Inc.
The Methodist Home for Children & Youth
The Telegraph
Bronze Sponsors
Aflac - Lynn Sims
Bibb Home Improvement Service
Carlyle Place
Exovations of Middle Georgia
Home Instead Senior Care
Hudson & Marshall Auction Marketing
MaconPower, Inc.
Middle Georgia Technical College
MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union
Panaprint
SCANA Energy
SERVPRO of Macon
Stroud Enterprises
The Medical Center of Central Georgia
Trooper’s Collision Center
Pictured: 1. Home Instead Senior Care
2. Southern Safety Supply 3. SERVPRO of Macon
Better Business Bureau of
Central Georgia and the CSRA, Inc.
Corporate Office
277 Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd.
Suite 102
Macon, GA 31201
478.742.1401 (phone)
478.742.8191 (fax)
[email protected] (e-mail)
CSRA Office
1227 Augusta West Parkway
Suite 3
Augusta, GA 30909
706.210.7617 (phone)
706.210.2765 (fax)
[email protected] (e-mail)
www.bbb.org
BBB Staff
Kelvin Collins, President/CEO
Wallace Barron
Kinya Brown
Kelly Chambliss
Debi Collier
Virginia Milliken
Richard Stembridge
Gigi Turner
Board of Directors
Helen Stembridge, Chair
Dr. Ivan Allen, Vice Chair
Pat Boisclair, Treasurer
Terry Tiller, Secretary
Mark Alison
Tiffany Andrews
Chip Battle
Pat Blanchard
Barbara Brown
Rette Collins
David Danzie
Richie Jones
Clay Lee
Mark McCranie
Harry Nix
Carroll Proctor
Deborah Sinclair
Michael Taylor
Stewart Vernon
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE
Looking to Hire an Outside Consultant? Know Where to Look and Who
to Pick
More and more businesses are hiring consultants and contractors to fill vacant positions or
to perform specific tasks within the company,
and some of them are never actually present
in the office but spend the majority of their
time working remotely. The BBB is advising
businesses that are looking to grow their workforce, whether through remote consultants or in-house
contractors, to consider a few simple tips to finding the consultant who’s right for the business’s
needs.
Both in-house and remote contractors can be a great business strategy to augment permanent staff
or get one-time projects completed. Technology is on our side when it comes to having consultants
work remotely, but it’s important to take the time in the hiring process to ensure that you don’t waste
your business’s resources on a contractor who doesn’t live up to your expectations.
The BBB suggests the following tips to help find consultants who are right for your business:
The key to picking the right consultant is to be certain that your company needs one. Take
the time to lay out the specifics of the problem you face, the exact objective you want to accomplish,
and a time frame for doing so. Consider whether your immediate “problem” is a symptom of a larger
issue or simply due to a lack of internal manpower. By carefully thinking things through, you may
discover that you do not need an outsider to identify the true problem. Maybe one of your employees
has the ability and the desire to do the job.
Ask around. Your business network is a great place to start. Check websites like LinkedIn to find
people you may know. Ask people you trust for referrals to qualified consulting firms or sole practitioners. Contact each referral with a brief letter, email or phone call describing the project, your industry
conditions and your management style.
Schedule an introductory meeting with three or more of your best prospects. This will allow
you the opportunity, by asking pointed questions, to verify that the consultant has experience with
the specific problem or project, and your industry.
Check references thoroughly. Reputable consultants should be able to provide references readily,
while would-be-consultants will have few, if any, to offer. Also check to see if the consultant is accredited by a national association. Some associations do extensive background checks and their
members usually must be in business for at least five years. They may also hold members to professional codes of conduct.
Get a written proposal. Reliable consultants will provide a written, detailed proposal before the
contract is signed. Without specifics you could end up losing valuable time and money.
Clearly spell out all fees. Consultants can charge a fixed fee, an hourly rate or a monthly retainer.
Hourly rates could raise your costs substantially, so ask the consultant to put a ceiling on the job to
cap your expenses…and make sure the consultant knows who is authorized to assign them additional tasks that are not spelled out in the contract. Also beware of the consultant who asks for all of
the money up-front. Depending upon the industry, it can be customary to pay as much as one-third
to one-half in advance, with the rest due on specific dates or upon completion of the project.
Keep good records. For each consultant you hire, establish a file, which should contain the consultant’s contract, invoices, copies of 1099 forms and any other information that shows the worker is
operating an independent business. This may include the consultant’s business card and stationery.
This is important to establish that the consultant is not working as an employee and that you are not
required to deduct payroll taxes, pay a portion of his or her Social Security, etc. This is especially
important if the consultant ever works on-site at your facility.
Consultants can be a great addition to your team and can really help you when your internal resources are stretched. Hire contractors as carefully and selectively as you would employees and you
can write your own happy ending! For more business tips, go to www.bbb.org/ and click on For Businesses.
Senior Expo 2012 - A Great Success!
The Better Business Bureau along with presenting sponsor Home Instead Senior Care, held Senior Expo 2012
on Friday, June 29, 2012, at the Anderson Conference
Center in Macon.
The expo provided seniors with the opportunity to meet
exhibitors who are dedicated to improving quality of life,
promoting independence, health and dignity for older
adults.
Our program featured Sandra Stone, Cancer WellFit
Coordinator; Angela Boyd, Psychiatric Pavilion, Medical Center of Central Georgia; Marilyn Halaska, North
Central Health District; Dance Centre International; Lt.
George Meadow, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office; Warren Selby, Macon Regional Crimestoppers; Greg Winters, Bibb County District Attorney, and Kelvin
Collins, President of the BBB.
Visitors to the expo had the chance to win door prizes
from exhibitors, enjoy refreshments and entertainment. Thanks to the generosity of our vendors, we were
able to offer free admission to all attendees.
Thank you to the sponsors of Senior Expo 2012!
Presenting Sponsor Home Instead Senior Care
Platinum Sponsor - The Oaks at Peake
Gold Sponsors - Alzheimer’s Association, Carlyle Place, Visiting Angels
Bronze Sponsors - AAA Auto Club Group, AARP, ADT Home Health
Services, Amedisys Home Health, Antebellum Grove Assisted Living,
Bibb County District Attorney’s Office, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office,
Bolingreen Health & Rehabilitation, Chaplinwood Health & Rehabilitation, Cleveland’s Training Center, Coliseum Northside Hospital, Dance
Centre´ International, Evercare Hospice & Palliative Care, Fort Valley
Healthcare, GEL Senior Services, Golden Opportunities, Goodwill Industries, Government Benefit Advisors, Gray Health & Rehabilitation,
Heart and Hands of Macon, Heartland Hospice, Heritage Healthcare of
Forsyth, Heritage Healthcare of Macon, Heritage Healthcare of Monroe, Heritage Healthcare of Toomsboro, Hospice Advantage, Hospice
Care Options, Humana, Ignite (Independent Associates), Jeffersonville
Nursing & Rehabilitation, LegalShield, Lokey Chiropractic, Lynn Haven
Health and Rehabilitation, Macon Regional Crimestoppers, Magnolia
Manor, Middle Georgia Regional Commission/Area Agency on Aging,
Morningside of Macon, National Active & Retired Federal Employees,
North Central Health District, Psychiatric Pavilion-The Medical Center
of Central Georgia, ResCare HomeCare, Robins Federal Credit Union,
SilverSneakers Fitness Program, Social Security Administration, Southeast Community Care, SouthernCare Hospice, State Bank & Trust,
State Triad of Georgia, StoneBrooke Suites, Summer’s Landing of
Warner Robins, The Smith Law Firm, P.C., Tranquillity Home Care,
United Hospice of Macon, Warner Robins Rehabilitation Center, Willow
Creek Assisted Living
Augusta, GA
Auto Dealers - Used Cars
Arrington’s Auto Sales
Gail Arrington
2801 Deans Bridge Rd., Augusta, GA 30906
706.771.9036 | www.arringtonautosales.com
Tire Dealers
Byron Tire Company, Inc.
Chris Hodges
299 New Dunbar Rd., Byron, GA 31008
478.956.3551 | www.byrontirecompany.net
Bathroom Remodeling
Bath Fitter
Matt Wentzell
1255 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901
855.298.2284 | www.bathfitter.com
Dublin, GA
Burglar Alarm Systems—Dealers, Monitoring &
Service
SecureWatch
Matthew Thompson
2815 Wylds Rd. Ext, Augusta, GA 30909
706.504.9343 | www.securewatch.net
Heating & Air Conditioning
Done Right Services
James Hughes
3413 Cannongate Dr., Augusta, GA 30907
706.373.1080
Uniforms
International Uniforms, Inc.
Fred Daitch
1216 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901
706.722.4653 | www.internationaluniform.com
Bolingbroke, GA
Child Care Centers
Little Angels Daycare & Learning Center
Sarah Eidson
8197 Rivoli Rd., Bolingbroke, GA 31004
478.994.9933
Byron, GA
Building Materials
Advance Home Specialty
Stacey Brewer
106 Industrial Way, Byron, GA 31008
478.956.7215 | www.advancehomespecialty.com
Attorneys
Edward B. Claxton III, LLC
Edward Claxton, III
904-A Hillcrest Pkwy., Dublin, GA 31021
478.272.9965
Recycling - Computers & Other Electronics
Computer Solutions Management Group
Samuel Jackson
311 W. Gaines St., Dublin, GA 31021
478.275.4594 | www.csmg.info
Evans, GA
Auto Service - Window Tinting
Tint Masters, LLC
Jay Wilson
4460 Washington Rd. Ste.13, Evans, GA 30809
706.922.3131 | www.tintmastersevans.com
Home Builders
North Star Home Builders
Joel Chitty
492 Knob Hill Ct. W., Evans, GA 30809
706.533.5671 | www.northstarhomebuilders.com
Tents - Rentals
Ranco Tents
Jim Dalton
697 Commerce Ct., Evans, GA 30809
706.210.8110 | www.rancotents.com
Gray, GA
Gutters & Downspouts
Plantation Gutters & Electrical Services
Marty Griffin
PO Box 1512, Gray, GA 31032
478.456.9911
Real Estate
Conn Realty, Inc.
John Conn
3386 Gray Hwy., Gray, GA 31032
478.746.1421 | www.connrealty.com
Landscape Designers
Southern Legacy Gardens
Darrell Floyd
5462 New Forsyth Rd., Macon, GA 31210
478.994.5788
Grovetown, GA
Lighting Fixtures - Retail
American Specialties Company, Inc.
Ronnie Davidson
4408 Columbus Rd., Macon, GA 31206
478.474.0074 | www.americanspecialtiesco.com
Heating & Air Conditioning
Emergency Maintenance Heating & Cooling
Roger Martin
1424 Sawmill Tr., Grovetown, GA 30813
706.364.0962
Hephzibah, GA
Construction & Remodeling Services
Excel Remodeling & Construction
Spencer Hill
4048 Bridle Path Dr., Hephzibah, GA 30815
706.592.2548
Jackson, GA
Electricians
Eagle Eye Electric, LLC
Wes Robbie
230 Red Berry Rd., Jackson, GA 30233
770.233.8832 | www.eagleeyegeorgia.com
Macon, GA
Banks
CertusBank (9 locations)
Mattie Lundy
1701 Bass Rd., Macon, GA 31210
478.33.5821 | www.certusbank.com
Cleaning Services
Burris Cleaning Service, LLC
Shiquila Burris
Macon, GA 31210
478.254.5292
Floor Laying, Refinishing & Resurfacing
Suttles Hardwood Floors, Inc.
Todd Suttles
3013 Vineville Ave., Macon, GA 31204
478.743.5667 | www.suttleshardwoodfloors.com
Physicians & Surgeons - Medical-M.D.
Dr. Keith Martin/Dr. Thomas Woodyard
Dr. Keith Martin
330 Hospital Dr., Ste. 315, Macon, GA 31217
478.750.8606
Printers
Sphinx, Inc.
Jim Maddox
7400 Airport Dr., Macon, GA 31216
478.788.7171 | www.sphinxinc.com
Towing - Automotive
Heart of Georgia Towing & Portable Buildings
Carole Lumley
2400 Emery Hwy., Macon, GA 31217
478.755.9000
Martinez, GA
Auto Service - Window Tinting
BE Cool Window Tinting
Steven Ray
3837 Martinez Blvd. Ste. 4, Martinez, GA 30907
706.364.0026
Pest Control Services
Borden Pest Control
Richard Borden
4486 Columbia Rd., Martinez, GA 30907
706.868.1070 | www.bordenpestcontrol.com
Milledgeville, GA
Auto Parts & Supplies - New
Discount Starter and Alternator
Chris Gates
221 E. Charlton St., Milledgeville, GA 31061
800.796.9394 | www.discountstarterandalternator.com
Auto Repair & Service
Pittman’s Automotive & Towing
Owen Pittman
1421 W Hancock St., Milledgeville, GA 31061
478.452.1812
Perry, GA
Medical Billing Services
Medical Business Solutions
Rhonda Ballinger
PO Box 629, Perry, GA 31069
478.929.0036 | www.mbsga.com
Warner Robins, GA
Fire & Water Damage Restoration
First Response Services
Dale Richmond
2276 Moody Rd. Ste. C, Warner Robins, GA 31088
478.923.5777 | www.frsga.com
Wrightsville, GA
Banks
Community Bank of Johnson County
Franklin Pate
2498 W Elm St., Wrightsville, GA 31096
478.864.3326 |www.cbjc.com
Aiken, SC
Carpet & Rug Dealers—New
Aiken Flooring
Dallas Barnes
2645 Whiskey Rd., Ste. 103, Aiken, SC 29803
803.643.3643
The Buyer’s Alert lists firms which have not responded to one
or more complaints/advertising matters, or have taken an inordinate length of time in responding. When responses are made
by the firms listed, their names will be removed from the list and
the company’s Business Review will indicate that a response
has been made. Please call your BBB at 800.763.4222 ext. 9 or
visit the BBB’s web site at www.bbb.org for a report on any
company with which you are interested in doing business.
Augusta, GA
All Service One Enterprises, Inc.
Danny’s Auto Services
Jay Bonilla-Contractor
Olive Garden #1102
One Hour Cleanerizing
Quiet Storm Automotive
Tomberline Product Group
Bonaire, GA
Jachin LG Investments, LLC
Eastman, GA
Family Eye Center
Eatonton, GA
Plantation Cablevision
Gray, GA
Buice Roofing & Repairs
Haddock, GA
Central Georgia Paving
Macon, GA
A-1 Ace Fence & Construction
Company
Asplundh
Compliance Services
Jab Systems, LLC
P & L Financial Tax Services, Inc.
Quality Landscape
North Augusta, SC
All Prime Paintball
Barnes Used Cars of the CSRA,
Inc.
Perry, GA
Lasting Image Photography
Warner Robins, GA
A & J Auto Service and Nurseries
Precision Tune Auto Care
Williston, SC
3d Auto Sales
Zebulon, GA
Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner Sales
Better Business Bureau Integrity Golf Classic
presented by Standard Technology, Inc.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Idle Hour Country Club · Macon, GA
11:30 am registration/lunch · 1:00 pm shotgun start
Putting Contest—Chance to win $10,000
RESERVE YOUR TEAM TODAY!
Sponsorships Available
double eagle sponsor - $1,500 · eagle sponsor - $1,000
team sponsor - $500 · birdie sponsor - $500
tent sponsor - $250 · hole/tee sponsor - $200
For more information contact Kelly Chambliss at 478.742.9331 ext. 2
or [email protected]
We wish to recognize the following Accredited Businesses who renewed their accreditation in June 2012 and express our sincere appreciation for their continued support of the BBB’s Standards For Trust.
Accredited Business Since 1990
Beckham’s Used Cars
Accredited Business Since 1992
S&S Cafeteria
Accredited Business Since 1993
Shawn G. Scott, DDS, LLC
Accredited Business Since 1994
Harris Service & Equipment Company
Kitchens Garage
Accredited Business Since 1995
B.L. Bennett, Inc.
Hall, Bloch, Garland & Meyer, LLP
Rite-Way Quality Homes, Inc.
Rogers Gutters & Windows
Vision Savers
Accredited Business Since 1996
Safeway Security Systems, Inc.
Accredited Business Since 1997
A.C. White Transfer & Storage
Flint Energies
Pamlico Pools
Payne’s Telfair Service Station
Accredited Business Since 1998
AA Action Fence
Copper by Carl
Middle Georgia Electric, Inc.
Accredited Business Since 1999
K & K Enterprises
Middle Georgia Chimney Sweeps, LLC
Accredited Business Since 2000
Coliseum Park Professional Pharmacy
Accredited Business Since 2002
Lancaster Tire
Accredited Business Since 2003
247 Auto Sales
Dublin Nissan-Chevrolet-Buick-GMC
Federalgraphics, LLC
Georgia Market House
Jeff Smith Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Kia
Lester Miller/Doye Green, Jr., Attorneys
MGTS, Inc.
Accredited Business Since 2004
Grimes Diversified Services
RCI Collision
Wheeler’s Nursery, Inc.
Wright Heating, Cooling & Electrical
Accredited Business Since 2005
Allstate-The Dickson/Shearhouse
Agency
Bubba’s Tire Center
Jones Roofing, Windows & Siding
Laurel Baye Healthcare of Macon, LLC
The Face Place
Accredited Business Since 2006
Bailey Retirement Group, LLC
Between the Edges Lawn Care
Enloe Residential Company
Leverett Vinyl Siding & Construction,
Inc.
Lovelace Roofing, Siding & Window
Company
Peach Services, Inc.
The Carpet Warehouse
Walker Real Estate
Accredited Business Since 2007
America’s Home Place (CSRA)
Barton & Barton
Davis Appliance
Everett Johnson Roofing Company
Flooring Specialist
Georgia Bob’s Barbeque Company
House of Metal Roofs, Inc.
Joe’s Pool & Concrete Service, Inc.
MotorMax of Augusta, Inc.
North Macon Heating & Cooling
Pierwood Construction Company
Records Management Center
South Carolina Cremation & Burial
Society, Inc.
Thompson Chrysler Dodge Jeep
Accredited Business Since 2008
All Star Home Inspections
Ameri-Life & Health Services of Augusta, LLC
Charter Communications, Inc.
Collins Home Inspection, Inc.
Hi-Tech Power Systems, Inc.
NRG (National Reimbursement Group)
Tallent’s Construction
Accredited Business Since 2009
Aiken Discount Tire & Auto Service
American Gymnast, LLC
Audio Zoo
Augusta Medical Systems, LLC
Bragg & Associates Real Estate
Combs Home Improvement Services, LLC
Granite Marble Solutions, Inc.
Home Pro Services
Interceptor Public Safety Products, Inc.
Mister Sparky—Warner Robins
Rollins Landscape Company, Inc.
Roper Roofing
Accredited Business Since 2010
Advanced Services—Home Care Division
CAOTTI
Grey Goose Players Club
Raff, Inc.
Larry’s Appliance Repair
Little Lambs Daycare & Learning Center,
Inc.
Moser Landscaping, Inc.
My Granite Man
R & B Metal Structures
Rainbow of Columbia County
Robins Eye Care, LLC
Safe Money Group, LLC
Saucy Shallot Personal Chef Service
Top Grill, LLC
Virginia College—Macon Campus
Accredited Business Since 2011
Alan Norman Electric, Inc.
ASP of Lake Oconee
Bluewater Engineering Services
Business Breakthroughs
Endless Love Pet Palace, Inc.
Energy Smart Insulation Company
Fashion Boutique
Grant’s Tire & Auto, LLC
Life Alarm Services, Inc.
Metro Water Filter International, LLC
Middle Georgia Tile Company, Inc.
Ranch Park Homes
Sales Gravy, Inc.
Southern Wildlife Control, LLC
The Auto Glass Guy
UroMatrix Medical Systems
OPERATIONS STATISTICS
June 2012
Complaints
350
Accredited
Business
Complaints
300
250
Non-Accredited
Business
Complaints
200
150
100
TOTAL
COMPLAINTS
50
0
Total Inquiries and Phone Calls
Total Phone
Calls
Total
Inquiries
0
10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000
100,000
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Top 10 Type of Business (TOB) Request
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
Total
Pageviews
60,000
40,000
Visits
20,000
250
Appliances-MajorParts & Supplies
Auto Dealers New Cars
Telephone
Companies
Auto Repair &
Service
Auto Dealers Used Cars
35
BBB on the Web
80,000
0
Top 5 Type of Business (TOB) Complaints
40
Auto Repair & Service
Auto Dealers - Used Cars
Roofing Contractors
Construction & Remodeling Services
Heating & Air Conditioning
Contractors - General
Air Conditioning Contractors & Systems
Insurance Companies
Air Conditioning Supplies & Parts
Home Builders
Top 10 Accredited Business Receiving Inquiries
Central Georgia
200
400
CSRA
300
150
200
100
50
100
0
0
Birch Communications
Pro Resources
Extreme-Scooters, Inc.
Discount Starter and Alternator
Houston Auto Auction, Inc.
Outdoor Adventures Pools & Spas
BB&T
Baconsfield Chichester's Pharmacy & Homecare
John's Auto Glass, Inc.
Secure Health Plans of Georgia, LLC
Vector Marketing/CutCo Cutlery
Steelwater Gun Safes
Bonro Medical, Inc.
Electolux Major Appliances, Inc.
Medical For You
Sterling Finance Company
UroMatrix Medical Systems
TaxSlayer
Creadd Construction & Homes, LLC
Pro Resources