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
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