What Brands Will Succeed and What Brands Will Fail

/PRNewswire/ -- Home buying, the iPod and Las Vegas are among those that will benefit in the current economic climate, according to a predictive model developed by Stealing Share, http://www.stealingshare.com/.

Those successes are among the 25 predictions based on the Comprehensive Model for Persuasive Human Communications that examined the changing preferences of consumers in the current economic climate.

"What companies must understand is that, no matter the situation, someone will win and someone will lose," said Tom Dougherty, CEO and President of Stealing Share. "Right now, most brands are not communicating in ways that resonate with consumers in today's current economic crisis. That's one reason why most are failing and market leaders are holding their positions. But opportunity is there."

According to the model, others who will succeed are: Hewlett-Packard, Wal-Mart, Toyota, Walgreens, Wii, Bank of America, Wendy's, The New York Times Sunday edition and Verizon.

Among those who will be hurt most by the economy: the iPhone, NASCAR, airlines, office superstores, the NBA, AT&T, diet foods, Starbucks, daily newspapers, GEICO, Pepsi and Apple laptops.

The model reached those conclusions by applying the eight fundamental motivators in human behavior to see how they change depending on current and developing situations, such as today's economic climate.

The model takes into account the emotional intensities of the primary motivators - Affirmation, Leadership, Comfort, Change, Community, Desires and Scope - within any changing situation, economic or otherwise, to predict and formulate messages and offerings that will resonate most strongly with target audiences.

For example, in a healthy economy, consumers tend to look for the "best" option, which is why companies that market a better product or experience (Starbucks, GM) tend to struggle in tough times when consumers are looking for the "right" option (Wal-Mart, Campbell's Soup) that suggests a more appropriate way.

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Citizens Trust Bank President to Speak at Clayton State

The next installment in the James Wood Speaker Series at Clayton State University will feature Citizens Trust Bank President & CEO James E. Young.

Young will be speaking on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from noon to 1 p.m. in room UC 272 of the James M. Baker University Center.

Young joined Citizens Trust Bank of Atlanta on Feb. 2, 1998 as president & chief executive officer after a merger with DeKalb County’s First Southern Bank, where he was president and CEO. Under his leadership, First Southern bank grew from $22 million in assets to $58 million at the time of the merger.

As of Dec. 31, 2006, Citizens Trust Bank was one of the top five African-American owned commercial banks in the country and its assets stood at $335 million. The company was also cited by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of Georgia’s Top 100 publicly traded companies.

A native of Cleveland, Tenn., Young received his B.S. in Business from Tennessee State University in 1971. He is a member of the Board of Directors of The National Bankers Association, The Georgia Chamber of Commerce, The Commerce Club, Rock-Tenn Company, and Antioch AME Church in Stone Mountain.

James “Jim” Wood is president of Jim Wood Associates, a former owner/publisher of the Clayton News Daily, and the only original member still serving on the Board of Trustees of Clayton State University Foundation. Dr. Martha Wood, is a professor emerita of Mathematics at Clayton State and founder of the Southeastern Center for the Enhancement of Learning. Together, they have spearheaded an effort that expands the University’s speaker’s series.

The Woods, as well as their family, friends, and business associates, have donated to the School of Business to create an endowed fund for the James Wood Lecture Series, which will financially support the efforts of the School of Business to seek and obtain guest lecturers who are some of Georgia’s most celebrated business personalities. According to Dean Dr. Jacob Chacko, the School of Business sees the series as a means to forge bonds between Georgia’s business leaders and Clayton State students, while ensuring students gain insights into current business trends and corporate strategies. All lectures in the series are free and open to the public.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Delta Supports Flight Attendant Committee's Position on Seniority Integration

/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today issued the following memo from Delta Senior Vice President of In-Flight Service Joanne Smith to the airline's nearly 14,000 pre-merger Delta flight attendants in support of their flight attendant seniority integration committee's position to use a seniority date methodology when integrating the combined flight attendant workgroup.

"The pre-merger Delta In-Flight Seniority Integration Committee has announced their position for a fair and equitable seniority integration method for the combined Delta/Northwest flight attendant workgroup. Seniority integration is perhaps the biggest issue for flight attendants in a merger, and history tells us the outcome never pleases everyone, but based on the team's presentation to us we support their seniority date-based position as a fair and equitable integration method. Here's why:

-- The federal law, which mirrors Delta's policy, requires fair and equitable integration. We believe this means that neither airline should be materially advantaged over the other. Because our seniority distribution in this merger was so similar, the committee's recommendation for an In-Flight seniority date method was a near perfect solution.

-- The data shows that an In-Flight seniority date integration method keeps most pre-merger Delta and Northwest flight attendants within a percentile ranking that is equal to or closely aligned with their ranking on today's seniority lists.

-- The committee's recommendation takes into account a fair and equitable method for accounting for time spent in training.

-- As has been noted previously, the internal order of flight attendants on each pre-merger list has been preserved.

"It is our understanding that the committee also has communicated their recommendation to the AFA. As you know, up to this point the AFA has refused to authorize Northwest flight attendants to participate in this process. If the AFA supports the Delta committee's In-Flight seniority date position -- which is consistent with what the AFA has said is their required integration policy, according to their constitution and bylaws -- we will accept the In- Flight seniority date methodology for the combined workgroup and work to present both pre-merger flight attendant groups with a final, combined seniority list methodology.

"This team has worked very hard over the last two months conducting an exhaustive review of the Delta and Northwest seniority lists, analyzing a significant amount of data, and studying past mergers and arbitration decisions to reach their conclusion. I hope you will take the time to review the information they've issued, including their recommendation, other methods they studied but did not select, and where your percentile ranking is on both the current seniority list, as well as the combined list. I am confident that once you read this information you will better understand how an In-Flight seniority date approach is fair and equitable for our combined workgroup given the circumstances.

"My thanks go out to the entire committee who worked tirelessly on your behalf. We will continue to update you on this process and encourage you to visit the committee's portal page for the latest information."

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Governor Perdue Introduces Tort Reform Legislation to Improve Business Environment, Protect Landowners

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Sen. Bill Cowsert has introduced SB 101 and SB 108, to improve Georgia’s business environment. Sen. Bill Heath introduced SB 75, the Landowner’s Protection Act.

“This legislation will make plain that the threat of meritless litigation is not a viable business strategy in Georgia,” said Governor Perdue.

“Through this tort reform package, Governor Perdue is sending an important signal that Georgia is committed to maintaining a strong pro-business environment and that companies who locate here can expect a level playing field in the courts,” said Jim Snyder, chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Law & Judiciary Committee.

SB 101 will protect manufacturers and sellers of medical devices and drugs with a significant presence in Georgia from lawsuits if their product received approval from the federal Food and Drug Administration. The legislation covers defects in design, which undergo a strenuous FDA approval process, but it does not cover defects that occur in the manufacturing process.

“We will cement our position as a leader in the biotech industry by enacting laws that respect the role of the federal Food and Drug Administration as the regulator of the safety of drugs and medical devices,” Governor Perdue said.

This summer, Georgia will host more than 15,000 energy innovators at the biggest bio-life science conference in the world – BIO 2009.

“At the same time the world’s bio companies focus on our state, this legislation will show that Georgia welcomes the bio-tech industry and the high-paying jobs the industry brings,” said Sen. Cowsert. “It is an outstanding economic development tool.”

SB 108 will provide relief to individuals and companies wrongly sued. Current law provides little deterrent for unfounded lawsuits and often makes it cheaper to settle even if a company is wrongly sued. Under SB 108, in most cases if a claim is dismissed at the earliest possible stage, the litigant bringing the claim will be responsible for the prevailing party’s attorneys’ fees. And if the attorney fails to notify the client of this provision, that attorney could pay the award. Last, the bill will make sure that the costly discovery process will not begin until the legal merits of a complaint have been tested.

“SB 108 will free up our courts to pursue justice in cases with merit, protect our existing businesses that provide jobs for Georgians and attract new investment,” the Governor said.
“This legislation will allow the judiciary to sweep out unfounded lawsuits so that cases with merit can receive the court’s full attention and justice can be pursued,” said Sen. Cowsert.

The Landowner’s Protection Act will protect landowners, who allow hunters to hunt on their property, from being sued for accidents arising during a hunt except those due to gross negligence on the part of the landowner. Likewise, visitors to an agri-tourism attraction (e.g., visiting a farm to pick peaches) would not be able to win lawsuits filed against the landowner for injuries during such a visit except in cases of gross negligence.

“Georgia is a premier agri-tourism destination,” said Governor Perdue. “This legislation will make sure the threat of litigation does not prevent landowners from welcoming guests onto their property.”

“We want to encourage landowners to open their hunting property and farms to visitors to enjoy Georgia’s natural beauty as an agricultural and sportsman’s paradise,” said Sen. Heath. “The Georgia General Assembly is working to protect landowners and, again, stand up for the rights of private property owners.”
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Innovative Beverage Group Signs Deal with Clayton Distributing Co. to Distribute drank(TM) Throughout Georgia

/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Innovative Beverage Group Holdings, Inc. (Pink Sheets: IBGH) announced today that it has signed a deal with Clayton Distributing Co. to distribute its proprietary product, drank(TM), the world's first extreme relaxation beverage, in Georgia. Clayton Distributing Co. will distribute drank(TM) throughout Georgia, including the metro-Atlanta and Macon markets.

Clayton Distributing Co. successfully represents industry leaders such as Red Rock(R), Welch's(R), AriZona(R) and Crystal Springs(R) in a market known for driving trends throughout the Southeast. The company distributes to more than 3,500 large supermarkets, convenience stores and other specialty stores and venues, including college bookstores and golf courses.

"We are very excited to partner with Clayton Distributing Co. to introduce drank(TM) into this thriving beverage market," said Peter Bianchi, CEO of Innovative Beverage Group. "As one of the largest distributors in Georgia, Clayton Distributing Co. has the unparalleled capability to propel drank(TM) forward throughout this region."

"We are very selective of the products we take on," said Charles Redd, co-owner of Clayton Distributing Co. "But after watching drank(TM) develop a strong consumer base in other markets, including Memphis, New Orleans, St. Louis and Dallas, we knew we'd found a winner. Drank(TM) has quickly created a huge demand for itself and we are happy to add this popular product to our lineup of nationally-recognized brands."

"Atlanta is an important market for drank(TM). Not only is it one of the largest cities in the country and a hotspot for the beverage industry, but it is also home to a large population of celebrities and other trendsetters that are known to boost brands into the national spotlight," added Bianchi. "With strong relationships among key accounts, this distribution agreement with Clayton Distributing Co. will enhance our current distribution and drive the drank(TM) brand forward."

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UPS Making It Even Easier to Return Retail Goods

(BUSINESS WIRE)--UPS (NYSE:UPS) is piloting a new returns service with a few pre-selected retailers that allows consumers to return items shipped via UPS by placing them in their own mailboxes for pickup by the U.S. Postal Service® (USPS).

Known as UPS Returns® Flexible Access, the offering uses the USPS Parcel Return Service® combined with UPS’s own delivery network to allow retailers to provide their customers with increased convenience in returning items. Consumers in the pilot program receive special package labels that allow them to leave a UPS Returns® package in their own mailbox or other location for their postal carrier to pick up. They also can drop the package off at their local Post Office™ or in postal collection boxes.

Once a returns package arrives at the local post office, a UPS driver picks it up and transports the package back to the retailer via the UPS ground network.

The combination of USPS options with the traditional UPS access channels -- The UPS Store®, UPS drop boxes, UPS customer centers, third-party retailers (Office Depot, Staples, Authorized Shipping Outlets) and UPS drivers -- creates the most extensive network of package pickup options available to the consumer today.

“This is a potential game-changer for consumer-to-business returns,” said John Sutthoff, UPS vice president of global marketing and supply chain strategy. “UPS already offers the industry’s most extensive returns portfolio and adding the unmatched convenience of allowing consumers to use the U.S. Postal Service’s more than 160 million access points – including their own homes – creates an unparalleled returns service.”

Among retailers participating in the pilot is Buy Seasons, Inc., the world’s largest retailer and supplier of costumes, accessories, seasonal décor and party supplies on the Internet. The pilot is expected to last about five months. UPS will work closely with the pilot customers and the USPS to determine when and if the service will be made available to other retailers on a more widespread basis.

“Working with UPS on this extension of Parcel Return Service brings together the best of both companies, leveraging the Postal Service’s unparalleled reach to every address in the United States,” said Jim Cochrane, vice president of Ground Shipping for the Postal Service. “The added value of high visibility and the convenience of the most extensive network of drop-off and pick-up options available in the consumer market today make this service unbeatable.”

According to a study by Forrester Consulting commissioned by UPS, online retailers with generous returns policies have a competitive advantage over those retailers who install “gates” in their process. The study found that companies with more generous policies, in the long term, have the ability to grow sales, generate loyalty and drive incremental revenue for retailers with a web presence. In fact, 81 percent of consumers contacted for the study agreed with the statement, ‘If an online retailer makes it easier for me to return a product, I am more likely to buy from that retailer.’

UPS’s current returns portfolio offers shippers several advantages to meet their specific requirements, including:

* The industry’s most extensive returns label generation and delivery options. Last year, the company introduced international UPS Returns, allowing customers to efficiently return purchased items from 98 countries or territories around the globe. The service is available within the UPS Shipping Tool, an application program interface (API) that enables customers to integrate them into their own Web sites and enterprise applications.
* Better time-in-transit than traditional returns consolidators.
* A consistent, reliable transportation network.
* Visibility and tracking of in-transit returns for both the retailer and end-customer.

The new returns service is not the first example of UPS working with the USPS for the benefit of mutual business customers. Since 2001, UPS Mail Innovations has helped companies more efficiently and effectively move mail while achieving the maximum postage savings possible.

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Unemployment Rises, Yet Profiles International Reports Hiring in Select Sectors

/PRNewswire/ -- Profiles International, the world leader in employment evaluation and human resource management assessment tools, has identified growing job sectors despite the latest unemployment figures.

"The silver lining behind the ongoing employment clouds is that select sectors of the economy remain vibrant, with numerous unfilled positions," said Jim Sirbasku, co-founder and CEO of Profiles International. "We have clients in healthcare, transportation / logistics and financial services that continue to add to their payrolls."

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the U.S. Department of Labor, nonfarm payroll employment fell in January 2009 by 598,000 and the unemployment rate rose from 7.2 to 7.6 percent. Job loss was distributed across most major industry sectors.

However, Profiles International continues to experience demand for personnel evaluation and assessment from clients that are looking to hire. For example, credit unions are expanding as traditional financial institutions continue to shrink their workforces. Demand for skilled healthcare professionals at all levels continues to remain strong, while segments of the transportation industry have rebounded due to the drop in fuel prices, and are now expanding their workforces.

While the overall U.S. economy still has not begun its recovery, Sirbasku said preemptive layoffs will actually hurt many companies in the long run.

"A strong staff and viable workforce is the greatest asset a company can have because it's the biggest investment a company will ever make," he said. "Releasing talented workers in anticipation of an uncertain economic future is often a costly mistake that can mortgage a company's future. It is far better that companies put off capital investments, which can always be made when the economic conditions strengthen."

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JEM Restaurant Group Acquires 40 Pizza Hut Restaurants

/PRNewswire/ -- JEM Restaurant Group announced today that it has acquired 40 Pizza Hut restaurants located in the Georgia markets of Columbus and Macon, as well as the Jacksonville, Florida market. The assets purchased include real estate, leasehold interests and restaurant operating equipment. The purchase price was not disclosed.

JEM Restaurant Group, headquartered in Charleston, SC and owned by John McGrath, operates over 100 Taco Bell and Pizza Hut franchised restaurants in South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida. The 40 unit acquisition was tendered under a new operating entity, Southeastern Pizza Group, LLC.

"This is a unique opportunity in a very difficult operating environment," Mr. McGrath stated. "We believe the Pizza Hut and Taco Bell brands are well positioned in the marketplace and our parent company, YUM! Brands, has excellent leadership at its helm. Pizza Hut continues to introduce compelling new menu offerings of great quality food at attractive price points."

"JEM Restaurant Group is teaming up with the former COO of Pizza Hut, Jerry Buss, to assemble an outstanding team of restaurant operators to run the 40 Pizza Hut restaurants in Southeastern Pizza Group," added Mr. McGrath.

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SBA Holding Veterans Seminar on February 19th At Fort McPherson U.S. Army Base in South Atlanta

The U.S. Small Business Administration will present a seminar for veterans on February 19th at Fort McPherson which will cover agency programs and services for active and retired military personnel who are starting or expanding small businesses.

The free seminar will run from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Army Community Service Building, 1350 Troop Row S.W., Fort McPherson, GA 30330-1069. The forum will focus on loan programs and other assistance available from the SBA and its resource partners including the agency’s SCORE Program, the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network and the Georgia Institute of Technology Procurement Assistance Center (GTPAC).

Attendees will also be given information on the SBA Patriot Express Loan Initiative. This program offers guaranteed business loans of up to $500,000. It can be used by:

- Veterans, service-connected disabled veterans, active duty military personnel within 24 months of retirement or 12 months to transition into civilian society,

- National Guard and Reservists and the current spouse of all the aforementioned,

- The widowed spouse of a service member or veteran who died during service, or from a service-connected disability.

The seminar will also discuss service-connected disabled veteran-owned small business concerns and unique contracting opportunities with the Federal Government. The seminar will be repeated every third Thursday of the month through 2009.

Pre-registration is mandatory. To register, contact Alfonso Lewis, Employment Readiness Program manager at Alfonso.lewis@forscom.army.mil. Lewis can also be reached at 404/464-3266 or by fax at 404/464-2979.

For additional information on SBA programs for veterans, go to www.sba.gov/vets.
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Whitlock Ellis Building Completed

The new Whitlock Ellis Wealth Management office, built on the site of one of Peachtree City’s first banks, has been completed and is open for business.

The building, located at 2338 Hwy 54 in Peachtree City, is over 6500 square feet and is a two story shingle-style office building designed by Tyrone based Jefferson Browne of Design Group, LLC.

With a large open floor plan, featuring two conference rooms and six private offices, the complex houses the permanent Peachtree City location of the Whitlock Ellis Wealth Management team headed up by Barry Ellis, Managing Partner.

“Moving into this brand new building is really exciting for me, explained Barry Ellis. “I worked out of the old building for almost ten years. We are proud to have added such a landmark to Peachtree City.

The previous building located at the site, was originally built in the 1970’s. Demolition crews from the company of South –Tree Enterprises, a Tyrone based commercial builder, completely took down the old building in July of 2008.

Elizabeth Whitlock, President and partner with the practice stated, “The changes to the building site and to the area in general are incredible and we are excited about serving our clients and the community from this location. We want our clients to be comfortable, and the elegant, airy style of the building accomplishes that. Barry, Melinda and I can’t wait to see the reaction of our clients when they first come through the doors.”

Senior Vice President and Partner, Melinda Whitlock added, “It was important to us that our clients feel right at home. We believe with all our hearts that what we have built here will accomplish that goal.”

For more information about Whitlock Ellis Wealth Management, visit the website at www.whitlockellis.wbsec.com or call Peachtree City at 770-487-7979 or Fayetteville at 770-461-8188.

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