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The Georgia Ports Authority

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In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers "Back in the Day" Work Tips Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream" DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing Georgia Fall Fun Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Leadership Tips Georgia Felon Search Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Since 1945, Georgia's ports have served as magnets for international trade and investment, enriching the state's economy to benefit all Georgians. The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) is dedicated to providing customers with the most efficient, productive port facilities in the nation, and to creating jobs and business opportunities to benefit more than 9.1 million Georgians. The GPA is committed to maintaining its competitive edge through development of leading-edge technology, marketing and operations to move cargo faster. And, the Authority is working hard to identify what must be done today to sustain growth, performance and security for tomorrow.
Georgia's deepwater ports in Savannah and Brunswick, together with inland barge operations in Bainbridge and Columbus, are Georgia's gateways to the world. They are the critical conduits through which raw materials and finished products flow to and from destinations around the globe. In the last 15 years, Savannah has become a major East Coast transportation center, second only to the bi-state port in New York/New Jersey.
Enriching Georgia
As a gateway for business, the Georgia Ports Authority's mission is to develop, maintain and operate ocean and inland river ports within Georgia; foster international trade and new industry for state and local communities; promote Georgia's agricultural, industrial and natural resources; and maintain the natural quality of the environment.
As a quasi-state agency, a thirteen-member Board of Directors governs the activities of the GPA. The Board is appointed by the Governor, from the state at large, to serve four-year, staggered terms. A Chief Executive Officer, an experienced international transportation professional, implements policy directives, administrative duties and managerial controls.
As one of the state's largest public employers, the GPA directly employs more than 880 trained logistics professionals. The GPA, however, is responsible for generating far more employment throughout the state. GPA operations, together with private sector, port-related operations, account for more than 295,006 jobs statewide, billions of dollars in revenue, and income exceeding $10.8 billion annually.

Doug J Marchand
As Executive Director of the Georgia Ports Authority, Doug Marchand enjoys an outstanding record of leadership and accomplishment in the maritime industry. Mr. Marchand began his distinguished career in seaport management in 1970 at the Port of Galveston, Texas after graduating from Lamar University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing.
In 1986, Mr. Marchand was named General Manager and Port Director of the Port of Galveston; a position he held until joining the Georgia Ports Authority as Director of Ports in April of 1994. On January 1, 1995, Mr. Marchand was appointed Executive Director of the Georgia Ports Authority with complete managerial accountability for all seaport and inland barge terminal activities. Mr. Marchand administers a 220 million dollar annual budget and manages a 1,000-person organization from his office in Savannah.

Georgia's Ports
The Port of Savannah, home to the largest singleterminal container facility of its kind in North America, is comprised of two modern, deepwater terminals: Garden City Terminal and Ocean Terminal. Together, these facilities exemplify the GPA's exacting standards of efficiency and productivity. Garden City Terminal is the fourth largest container handling facilities in the United States, encompassing more than 1,200 acres and moving millions of tons of containerized cargo annually.
Ocean Terminal, Savannah's dedicated breakbulk and Roll-on / Roll-off facility, covers 208 acres and provides customers with more than 1.3 million square feet of covered, versatile storage.
The Port of Brunswick is comprised of three GPA-owned deepwater terminals, two of which are directly operated by the GPA. The port's well-earned reputation for productivity and efficiency is heightened by its position as one of the fastest growing auto and heavy machinery ports in North America. Today, more than 12 major auto manufacturers, supported by three auto processors, utilize the Colonel's Island Terminal. The terminal is also home to the South Atlantic's fastest growing bulk export / import operation. Agri-products from Georgia and the rich U.S. grain belt, as well as import products, flow smoothly across the Colonel's Island docks.
Brunswick's Mayor's Point Terminal facilitates the export of Georgia's valuable forest products, while Marine Port Terminals, operated by Logistec U.S.A., specializes in the handling of breakbulk and bulk commodities.
Georgia inland terminal operations, Port Bainbridge and Port Columbus, provide a strategic advantage for bulk commodities moving to and from the Southeastern United States.
The GPA maintains sales offices in strategic locations around the globe - U.S.A.:Savannah and Brunswick, Georgia, Metuchen, New Jersey;Europe: Oslo; South America: Buenos Aires; Asia: Busan, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore,Taipei, and Tokyo; Indian Subcontinent: Chennai, Mumbai, and New Delhi; Australia / New Zealand:Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
With the expansion of the Panama Canal, larger container ships will be used to access East Coast markets. These newer, larger ships, with twice the capacity of current Panamax vessels, will offer dramatically greater economies of scale and smaller environmental footprints than the older vessels they will replace. The proposed deepening of the Savannah harbor is one of the most important and productive civil works projects in the Southeast. The livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of families and the protection of our exceptional natural surroundings depend on the project being planned and completed with respect for both the economic opportunity and environmental success.
Through leadership, a desire to excel and proven success, Georgia's ports are "Redefining the Pace of Trade."

Since becoming Executive Director, Mr. Marchand has worked with state leaders and GPA's Board of Directors to turn Georgia's ports into one of the state's strongest economic engines. During his fifteen-year tenure, the number of containers, or Twenty-foot Equivalent Units, handled by the GPA has more than quadrupled. The number of auto and machinery units imported and exported by the GPA has nearly quadrupled during that same period. As a result, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Georgia's Terry School of Business, today Georgia's deepwater ports support more than 286,786 jobs throughout the state and contribute $14.9 billion in income, $55.8 billion in revenue and some $2.8 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia's bustling economy every year.
Mr. Marchand has held leadership positions in the American Association of Port Authorities and currently serves on the Board of Directors of that 125member organization. Mr. Marchand is also a Board Director for the Georgia Freight Bureau, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the South Atlantic Marine Terminal Conference, the South Atlantic Caribbean Ports Association and the International Association of Ports & Harbors. Mr. Marchand has received numerous awards and distinctions over the course of his Maritime career, including Savannah Chamber of Commerce's 2004 Industrial Person of the Year, the Journal of Commerce Leadership Roll in International Trade and Georgia Trend's 100 Most Influential Georgians.
"I have always been interested in trade and the port industry," said Marchand. "Ultimately, I have tried to develop a career that would improve economic advancement for my community, the state of Georgia and our country. I hope that I will be seen as having developed a foundation for continued economic expansion through a record of success at fulfilling the mission of the Authority."

Mr. Marchand and his wife, Brenda are the proud parents of a son and daughter. They enjoy golf, gardening, reading and volunteer work as time permits.

For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

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Friday, September 5, 2008

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Sneak A Peek at the 2009 Annual Open Enrollment Period

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In this issue:

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment
The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream"
DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing
Georgia Fall Fun
Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Leadership Tips
Georgia Felon Search
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Open Enrollment for Plan Year 2009 is rapidly approaching. This year's annual Open Enrollment is October 10 November 10, 2008. In preparation for the Open Enrollment period, here is a snap shot of some enhancements and changes to consider for selecting your benefits during Open Enrollment.
More...

New Leadership in Georgia

Robert Farris Greg Griffin

Georgia

State

Forestry Accounting

Commission Officer

Governor Sonny Perdue recently named Robert Farris as the director of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). Farris joined the GFC in 1985 and has served as interim director since 2006. Farris has served in a variety of leadership positions with the GFC and has been awarded numerous awards and accolades in those capacities.

Governor Perdue also announced Greg Griffin as the new State Accounting Officer. Previously, Griffin was employed by AT&T and its Bellsouth Corporation where he enjoyed a nearly 25-year career in various leadership positions in finance and accounting.

For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

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Friday, September 5, 2008

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In this issue:

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment
The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream"
DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing
Georgia Fall Fun
Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Leadership Tips
Georgia Felon Search
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

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Friday, September 5, 2008

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Money Matters Vocabulary

Credit The Good, Bad, and Ugly

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Humans have struggled with credit for centuries. But let's fast track from 3000 B.C., when credit was based on loans of grain by volume and loans of metal by weight, to 2008. Creditors may no longer be able to take your first born child, but bad credit can take a tremendous toll on your finances. On the other hand, the better your credit score, the easier it is for you to borrow and the higher your credit score, the better the interest rate.
Credit Scores

In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers "Back in the Day" Work Tips Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream" DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing Georgia Fall Fun Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Leadership Tips Georgia Felon Search Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

After many weekends of looking at the classified ads and visiting car dealerships, you have finally found the car that you want to purchase! Now is the time for the paperwork moment in the sales office. In your mind you are ready to roll out of the dealership in your shinny new car, but instead you are at a screeching halt when your loan request is denied based on a bad credit report. Unfortunately, scenarios similar to this happen all too often.
Your credit score is available to lenders every time you complete an application for a loan or credit. Lenders use credit scores to determine the borrower's overall dependability and financial judgment.
Your credit score changes based on your credit history, e.g. paying bills timely.
The chart below shows five categories in which your credit data can be grouped. The percentage for each category prioritizes the importance of each category in determining your score.
Credit Reporting Rights
The purpose of The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is to promote the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of information in the files of consumer reporting agencies, such as credit bureaus. Most credit bureaus gather and sell information about you to creditors and other businesses. You have certain rights under the FCRA:
s You must be told if information in your file has been used against you. s You can request to see the information in your file. s You can dispute errors found in the information. s Inaccurate information in your file must be removed or corrected. s Outdated negative information cannot be reported. s Your access to your file is limited based on a valid need. s You must give written permission for your report to be provided to your
employer. s You can remove your name from lists to prevent unsolicited credit and
insurance offers. s You can sue violators.

For a detailed summary of The Fair Credit Reporting Act click here http://www.yale. edu/hronline/careers/screening/documents/FairCreditReportingAct.pdf. To view the complete text of the Act click here http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/031224fcra.pdf .
Checking Credit Reports
By checking your credit report frequently, you will see what has been reported and also will have the opportunity to correct errors on your report. It has been reported that 79% of all credit reports contain an error. Approximately 31% of errors could reduce a credit score by 50 points!
It is wise to look at your credit report at least from the top three credit reporting agencies:

s Equifax: 1-800-685-1111 s TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800 s Experian: 1-888-397-3742

You can order a free credit file "disclosure"(commonly called a credit report), once every twelve months from Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian by visiting www. AnnualCreditReport.com or calling toll-free at (877)322-8228 or by mailing your request to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA, 30348-5281.
Avoid surprises by gaining control of your credit reports!
Sources: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Investing Like A Pro, www.marketwatch.com Jennifer Openshaw's "The 15-minute tip: Who's watching?, and http://www.yale.edu/ hronline/careers/screening/documents/FairCreditReportingAct.pdf

Money Matters (August) Unless you grow all of your food, shopping for groceries is a given. Some folks take great joy in shopping; others, wait until the very last drop of milk, last slice of bread, or last frozen food dinner is left before venturing to the local grocery store.
Money Matters July Most of us feel stressed when we have financial difficulties. However, some of us may not be aware of how much our stress negatively impacts our health. Earlier this year, the Associated Press and America Online conducted a survey to measure how debt affects people's health. Below are some of the survey findings comparing people with high financial debt with those who have low financial debt. In each area of physical problems listed, people with high stress due to debt, were impacted more negatively than people with low debt stress.
Money Matters June

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Cleveland Clements - Graphics Marcia White - Contents Editor Patrick Price - Article Submission/Writer/Distribution George Harris - Web Support Jamell Simon - Web Support/Technical Problems

In this issue:

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2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment
The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream"
DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing
Georgia Fall Fun
Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Leadership Tips
Georgia Felon Search
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

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Friday, September 5, 2008

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Vocabulary
Test your Vocabulary. Definitions selected from Dictionary. com
Vocabulary Quiz

Workforce Tips

Wellness

Lets Hear It

Helping Others

Previous Issues
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In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers "Back in the Day" Work Tips Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream" DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing Georgia Fall Fun Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Leadership Tips Georgia Felon Search Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

1. Having or showing great wisdom or sound judgment. A. Sapient B. Laconic C. Provenance D. Salubrious E. Inveigle
2. Place or source of origin. A. Moratorium B. Asperity C. Provenance D. Obeisance E. Parsimonious
3. Harshness or sharpness of tone, temper, or manner . A. Laconic B. Asperity C. Salubrious D. Defenestrate E. Parsimonious
4. Deference or homage
A. Salubrious B. Inveigle C. Sapient D. Provenance E. Obeisance
5. A suspension of activity.
A. Laconic B. Defenestrate C. Moratorium D. Sapient E. Provenance

6. Using few words; concise.

A. Obeisance B. Laconic C. Parsimonious D. Defenestrate E. Asperity
7. To throw out of a window. A. Parsimonious B. Moratorium C. Asperity D. Defenestrate E. Laconic
8. Excessively sparing or frugal. A. Parsimonious B. Sapient C. Asperity D. Obeisance E. Salubrious
9. Healthful. A. Inveigle B. Defenestrate C. Asperity D. Sapient E. Salubrious
10. To persuade or obtain by ingenuity or flattery. A. Moratorium B. Defenestrate C. Inveigle D. Parsimonious E. Asperity

Get score

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In this issue:

Social Networking
Ask any pre-teen, teenager, or young adult where they go to connect with friends on the internet and their response will likely be MySpace, Facebook, or both. In less than a decade these two social networks have exploded in popularity among those seeking to exchange personal information with friends and acquaintances. What is social networking? It is a web of online communities of people who share common interests and activities or who explore the interests and activities of others. Millions of people participate daily in one of the hundreds of social networks on the World Wide Web, with the two most popular ones in North America being MySpace and Facebook.
Social networking allows the user to create a personal profile and upload photos, videos and music. Social networks usually have privacy controls that allow the user to choose who can view their profiles or contact them.
Although MySpace and Facebook have similar eligibility requirements according to their "Terms of Use," these are not always strictly followed by their users. The sites are intended for individuals who are at least thirteen years of age or older and accounts are subject to termination if their profiles are believed to have been falsified. Even though neither MySpace nor Facebook pre-screens contents, they may refuse to post or choose to reject any information they deem offensive, illegal or violate the rights of any person or entity, or harm or threaten the safety of any person or entity.

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment
The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream"
DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing
Georgia Fall Fun
Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Leadership Tips
Georgia Felon Search
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Quick Analysis
MySpace
MySpace, the largest social network in North America, maintains a dominant position as a media site, primarily aimed at youth, giving them the opportunity to relate to brands and bands, as well as self-expression.
q More than 110 million monthly active users around the globe q 85% of MySpace users are of voting age (18 or older) q 1 in 4 Americans is on MySpace q On average 300,000 new people sign up to MySpace every day
Facebook
q More than 90 million active users q The fastest growing demographic is those 25 years old and older q Facebook is the most-trafficked social media site in the world (source:
comScore) q Facebook has been released in more than 15 languages
Social networking is a powerful medium for millions to communicate and share information and it appears that it will continue to play a major role in everyday life in the coming years of the information age.
Technology Tip (August)
Technology Tip July

For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

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Friday, September 5, 2008

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Money Matters
Vocabulary
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Technology
Procurement
Workforce Tips
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Lets Hear It
Helping Others
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In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers "Back in the Day" Work Tips Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream" DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing Georgia Fall Fun Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Leadership Tips Georgia Felon Search Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Easier Access to Statewide Contract Goods & Services
The Department of Administrative Services is proud to announce that through a competitive bid, SciQuest, will provide electronic catalog hosting and management services as part of the State's new eProcurement system known as Team Georgia Marketplace. This system will be used by state agencies to access both statewide contracts as well as agency contracts. Additionally, on a convenience basis, the services will be available to all other State of Georgia government entities, including colleges and universities, municipal governments, and local school systems.
The services include:
A seamless shopping "marketplace environment" for State of Georgia government entities. Think of accessing state contracts as if you are shopping on Amazon.com for products required for state business.
An on-line catalog hosting site for the State of Georgia preferred suppliers (Maintenance, Repairs and Operations (MRO), office supplies, computers, etc.). Preferred suppliers are those who provide products and services for statewide contracts (SWC).
Catalog enablement of all Statewide Contract preferred supplier content and other supplier content at the discretion of individual entities.
Integration of the catalog hosting site functionality with the Team Georgia Marketplace eProcurement software as well as other eProcurement systems utilized by other State of Georgia government entities (at their discretion).
An internet based application/web page that will allow State users that do not have an XML-based purchasing system like PeopleSoft to see all the statewide contract items and pricing in the marketplace (hosted catalogs and direct connects) and appropriate agency contract items and pricing.
The technological capability (integration tools and additional software) to integrate the Board of Regents PeopleSoft Systems and other state non-PeopleSoft system's functionality to the catalog hosting site functionality on a case-by-case basis.
The resources needed to sustain and promote the growth of electronic vendor catalogs for the State of Georgia.
Continual updates from suppliers to the state's catalog product, pricing, and content. For example, throughout the life of existing contracts products and pricing will change. Contracts are reduced, expanded, and contracts can be assigned to a new contractor to perform.
As previously mentioned, SciQuest is providing the above services at no additional charge to suppliers. This means that in addition to the efficiencies gained through use of the e-catalog and management services, government agencies will enjoy use of the Statewide Contract catalogs at no added cost. Agency contracts can be added at a minimal cost and will be accessible only by appropriate agency staff.
As an integral part of Team Georgia Marketplace, the functionality for catalog hosting offered by SciQuest, takes the State of Georgia one step closer to gaining efficiency and productivity improvement in our state's purchasing process. Both DHR and the Department of Corrections are participating, along with DOAS, on the initial implementation phase of the new eProcurement system. Initial deployment is scheduled for early 2009 as the project continues to be on track, according to schedule and budget. Statewide implementation of Team Georgia Marketplace will occur through the remainder of 2009 and into 2011.
To learn more about the State Purchasing Division and Team Georgia Marketplace, go to the State Purchasing Division website at http://statepurchasing.doas.georgia.gov.

Procurement August For an unprecedented 11th consecutive year, the DOAS State Purchasing Division has been awarded the Achievement of Excellence in Purchasing (AEP) award. Administered by the National Purchasing Institute, the AEP Award recognizes excellence in public sector Purchasing departments.
Procurement July

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Friday, September 5, 2008

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Money Matters
Vocabulary
Retirees
Technology
Procurement
Workforce Tips
Wellness
Lets Hear It
Helping Others
Previous Issues
Back To: Home
In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers "Back in the Day" Work Tips Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream" DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing Georgia Fall Fun Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Leadership Tips Georgia Felon Search Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Enduring Rejection While Maintaining Respect
R-E-S-P-E-C-T. FIND OUT WHAT IT MEANS TO ME. As Aretha Franklin's song goes, respect is what we all want. If you have not had to deal with negative feedback or rejection in the workplace, count yourself lucky! The odds of putting in forty plus hours a week at work and not feeling rejected at some point would be unusual.
You may miss a promotion, fail to get hired for a dream job, or have an idea that is ignored, but it is how we deal with rejection that helps us maintain our self respect.
No matter what is the cause of rejection, many employees have the basic feelings of being unwanted, undesirable, treated unfairly, and misunderstood. Rejection can be a blow to our self esteem because we tend to merge our identities with our careers.
Managing Rejection
Rejection is something that everyone must learn to deal with. So, how can we better handle unwanted criticisms and maintain our self respect? Here are some tips:
q The first instinct is to be defensive. Instead, take a deep breathe and listen to the criticism. Is the criticism accurate?
q Be professional. Choose constructive behaviors. To do otherwise could make you look petty and immature.
q Try not to take it personally. Your value as a person is not determined by others.
q Learn from your mistakes. Consider the criticism as an opportunity to improve your business skills. Ask for feedback. If you did not get that promotion, ask how you can improve your performance. Think about changes you could make to be more effective on the job.
q Remember that you are not the only employee who has and who will receive criticism. Just look at the news and you will see daily the failures of people.
So remember, you can maintain your R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Sources: http://us.deskdemon.com, www.employer-employee.com , www.flyingsolo. com
Workforce Tips (August) StrengthsFinder, an internet talent assessment tool, is based on a general model of Positive Psychology, which consists of topics related to happiness, satisfaction, optimism, etc. in the workforce. The StrengthsFinder assists an individual in identifying his or her talents for building strengths and increasing the likelihood of success.
Workforce Tips (July)

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Friday, September 5, 2008

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Money Matters
Vocabulary
Retirees
Technology
Procurement
Workforce Tips
Wellness
Lets Hear It
Helping Others
Previous Issues
Back To: Home
In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers "Back in the Day" Work Tips Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream" DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing Georgia Fall Fun Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Leadership Tips Georgia Felon Search Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Getting Better Quality Rest
Many times during a tight economy many people suffer from sleepless or restless nights. Unfortunately, rest is a primary factor with far reaching impact on an individual's concentration level, productivity at work, and overall alertness. To sleep better at night there are a number of behaviors a person can control.
q Try to minimize stress around bedtime. You have to discover ways to relax and de-stress yourself at an hour before you lay down. Create a routine to relax before bed.
q Try to minimize television close to bedtime. Create some quiet time to unwind and clear your mind. Prepare yourself mentally for rest. Still your mind by trying meditation or relaxation techniques.
q Contrary to popular belief, alcohol and tobacco products can negatively affect your rest. Avoid or limit these substances before bedtime.
q Your sleep environment matters. De clutter. Consider soft tones and accents in your bedroom. Adjust lighting and noise factors to provide calmness and peace.
q Create a sleep pattern. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day, including weekends.
q Consider when and what you eat close to bedtime. Avoid heavy meals or unhealthy snacks close to bedtime. A balanced diet can have a positive impact on your rest while an unhealthy diet often impacts you negatively.
q Include exercise in your lifestyle. Routine exercise can make a considerable difference in your sleep pattern, whether it is a leisurely stroll or a hard work out at the gym.
Wellness (August)
Wellness (July)
Wellness (June)

For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

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The Georgia Statement's "Let's Hear It"
Welcome to "Let's Hear It!"
More than a year ago we introduced the forum in the Georgia Statement print publication. Your response was enormous. Now, with the new web friendly, online format of the Georgia Statement, state employees can post comments relative to a variety of subject areas created over the last year. Whether you want to let off some steam or just let your voice be heard, let's hear it!
Guidelines
The Georgia Statement encourages open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas. Please adhere to the following guidelines when using the discussion board. The views expressed in this forum do not necessarily reflect the views of the State Personnel Administration or its employees.

q This forum is strictly for state employees q Keep it Clean

In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers "Back in the Day" Work Tips Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream" DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing Georgia Fall Fun Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Leadership Tips Georgia Felon Search Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

r Do not post any material that is obscene, defamatory, profane, libelous, threatening, harassing, abusive, hateful or embarrassing to another person or any other person or entity.
q Keep it simple
r Try to limit comments to 100 words
q Use your best judgment
r
Stay on topic
q
Add value to the discussion
q
Stay on task
q Don't let blogging take away from your primary job responsibilities!
Please help us keep this discussion board valuable by reporting any misuse to carletta. henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov
LET'S HEAR IT DISCUSSION FORUM

For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

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Helping Others
Browse Here for opportunities to Help Others
Featured Organization Georgia School for the Deaf
The Georgia School for the Deaf (GSD) located in Cave Spring, Georgia (http://www.cityofcavespring.com) was established in 1846 as the tenth school for the deaf in the United States. more...
1.Box Tops for Education http:// www.boxtops4education.com or
http://www.btfe.com
3 ways to earn:

In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers "Back in the Day" Work Tips Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream" DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing Georgia Fall Fun Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Leadership Tips Georgia Felon Search Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

q Collect Box Tops q Shop online at the
Box Tops Market Place q Order Books through the Box Tops Book Club
We can earn up to $60,000 a year in this program.
Publix Box Tops also has a website specifically for Box Tops
http://www.publixboxtops.com
2. Campbell's Labels for Education
http://www.labelsforeducation.com
*Collect UPC codes from participating products. GSD then redeems those points for instructional supplies, materials, equipment, etc.
3. Tyson Project A+
http://www.tyson.com/ projectaplus/
*Collect SUPPORT YOUR SCHOOL 123 Red Labels. Each label is worth 24 cents. Earn up to $12,000 year in this program
4. School Pop
http://www.schoolpop.com
*Click here before you do any shopping on the internet. Participating merchants give a % of your purchase directly back to GSD*
5. Kroger Earning Plus Learning
http://www. krogerearningpluslearning.com
*Please print the Kroger Letter here and present to the cashier the next time you go shopping. A % of your purchases goes directly back to GSD. *
6. My Coke Rewards
http://www.mycokerewards.com
*Send your bottle caps or cardboard cut outs bearing the mycokerewards code for us to enter in our mycokerewards account. These points are then redeemed for materials we can use for either door prizes, auctions, or awards. You may also email me the codes and save the hassle of having to mail them or send them to school with your child.
7. Target - Take Charge of Education
http://www. targettakechargeofeducation.com
*Sign up to Support GSD and a % of your purchases at Target directly benefit GSD.
8. Nestle Pure Life - Go Play Labels
http://www.goplaylabels.com
*Collect the labels, turn them into the school. We then redeem them for equipment for our Wellness and Athletic programs.
9. GoodSearch and GoodShop
http://www.goodsearch.com
*Search the internet using this search engine and earn 1 penny back for every search you perform*
*Good Shop on the Good Search website and a % of your purchases directly benefit GSD*
10. Search and Give
http://www.searchandgive.com
#1 - Search (Similar to the program 'GoodSearch' the http:// www.searchandgive.com search engine allows you to do your internet searching on their website and earn 1 penny for every search you conduct; up to 10 cents per day per registered person)
#2 - Play Scholastic Games (This part of the program allows you to play educational games that earn you tickets *similar to the paper tickets that come out of games at arcades* Each ticket is worth a penny. The best part...THERE IS NO LIMIT TO HOW MANY TICKETS YOU CAN EARN IN A DAY!

11. Phones for Good
website: http://www. phonesforgood.com

12. UPromise website: http://www.upromise.com

Featured Charity

For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

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In this issue:

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Friday, September 5, 2008

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2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates

Open Enrollment Dates: October 10 November 10, 2008

Date/Time

Location

Tuesday, September 23 4:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

BOE-Avondale Middle School Cafeteria 3131 Old Rockbridge Rd Avondale Estates

Wednesday, October 1 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.

DOL-Atlanta Suite 258 148 Andrew Young Int. Blvd. Atlanta GA 30303

Thursday, October 2 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.

DOT Cartersville Conference Room 500 Joe Frank Harris Parkway Cartersville GA 30120

Tuesday, October 7 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.

Southwest State Hospital 400 South Pinetree Blvd. Thomasville GA 31799

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment
The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream"
DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing
Georgia Fall Fun
Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Leadership Tips
Georgia Felon Search
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Thursday, October 9 10:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
Friday, October 10 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 15 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 16 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 20 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 21 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 21 8:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 23 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 23 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.

Northwest Regional Hospital Gymnasium 1305 Redmond Circle NW Rome GA 30161
Gwinnett Tech 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway Lawrenceville GA 30034
DOT Tifton (District Assembly Room) 710 West 2nd Street Tifton GA 31794
2 Peachtree Atlanta GA 30334
Dekalb Board of Health 300 Winn Way Decatur GA 30030
Towers Balcony Level 2 MLK Jr. Drive Atlanta GA3 0334
Central State Hospital Auditorium Broad Street Milledgeville GA 31062
ERS/TRS Training Room & Lobby 2 Northside 75 Suite 300 Atlanta GA 30318
Georgia Public Training Facility 1000 Indian Springs Drive Forsyth GA 31029

Tuesday, October 28 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.

Roosevelt Institute for Rehab Georgia Hall Building 6135 Roosevelt Highway Warm Springs GA 31830

Wednesday, November 5 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.

East Central Regional Hosptial Gymnasium 100 Myrtle Blvd. Bldg. 103-A Gracewood GA 30812

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Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Direct Deposit is the safest, simplest and most convenient way to receive your paycheck. Of the 145 million Americans who take advantage of Direct Deposit--that's three out of every four employees--97 percent say they are satisfied with it and it's no surprise why.

q It's safe: no risk of losing your check. q It's simple: sign up once and on payday your money is there, saving
you the time and headache of waiting in a line at the bank. q It's fast: no more waiting for checks to clear--let your money start
earning interest right away. q It's cost-effective: eliminating paper checks can save a business from
$0.50 to $1.25 per payment--and in an organization as large as Georgia state government, that adds up.

What are you waiting for? Make the switch to Direct Deposit today! Source: www.electronicpayments.org

In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers "Back in the Day" Work Tips Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream" DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing Georgia Fall Fun Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Leadership Tips Georgia Felon Search Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

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Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers
If you think about your last job interview, there probably are a few things you said that you wish you hadn't. And there probably also are a few things you didn't say that you wish you had.
Why is it that these attacks of foot-in-mouth disease always seem to occur during job interviews? Being nervous and anxious has a lot to do with it. Also being interviewed makes us overly sensitive to any minor errors we may make.
Just picture the candidate who unintentionally answers a question with information that differs slightly from her printed resume. The interviewer never even notices the difference. Meanwhile, the candidate feels herself getting flushed and starting to fumble because she's imagining that the interviewer thinks she's a deceptive moron. So the next time you have an interview, use whatever works for you - thorough preparation, visualization, role-playing, deep breathing, yoga - to get yourself calm.
Meanwhile, if you want to feel better, consider these lulus of interview boo-boos. Office Team, a staffing service for administrative professionals, with 250 offices around the country, gathers gaffes made by job candidates. The company says all took place over the last year and all are true.

In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers "Back in the Day" Work Tips Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream" DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing Georgia Fall Fun Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Leadership Tips Georgia Felon Search Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

* After arriving for an early morning interview, a job seeker asked to use the hiring manager's phone. She then faked a coughing fit as she called in sick to her boss. (At least she called.)
* When the hiring manager called the candidate, she asked him to bring several copies of his resume and three references. He called back an hour before the interview and asked to reschedule, saying his references couldn't come with him to the interview.
* The interviewer asked the candidate to describe his ideal job. His response: "I don't know...I haven't had it yet." (Duh, just parrot back what the interviewer told you about the job they're looking to fill.)
* The job seeker halted the conversation about work hours and the office environment, saying she didn't like being confined to a building. She said she would consider taking the job if she could move her desk to the courtyard outside. (Note to candidates: Dilberts stay indoors.)
* When asked about her greatest job skill, the candidate said she was most proud of her computer illiteracy. (Oh, give the poor woman a break.)
* In response to a hiring manager's offer to answer questions about the position, the job seeker replied, "What happens if I wake up in the morning and don't feel like coming to work?" (Interviews are no place for deep philosophical questions.)
* When asked what motivated him, the job seeker replied, "I've got a big house, a big car and a big credit card balance. Pay me and I'll be happy." (Brutal honesty will not get you the job.)
* When asked what he wanted to be doing in his next position, the job seeker said, "I'll tell you what I don't want to be doing - sitting in boring meetings, doing grunt work and having to be nice to people all day long." (Welcome to adulthood, buddy.)
* While filling out the employment application, the job seeker reached the part of the application asking, "Have you ever committed a crime? If yes, please explain," he responded with the following answer: "Yes -- a Mr. Meanor." (Needless to say, it was the highlight of our day.)
* When asked, "What brought you to our company?"--meaning motivation--the job seeker answered, "Oh, I drove myself."
* In reference to the employment application question, "Have you ever been convicted of a offence? If so, please state the circumstances," the job seeker looked puzzled. He turned over the application to see if there was more room to write on the back, and said, "You only want the convictions?" This was for a banking position. (Needless to say, he didn't get hired.)

###

Courtesy of www.morebusiness.com

and www.officeteam.com

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"Back in the Day" Work Tips
Ever wonder why the word "secretary" has faded from the American lexicon? It's not just a product of political correctness. Rather, with the rapid progression of technology over the past fifty years, executive assistants have evolved into just that: assistants. No longer do they spend hours dutifully clicking away on the typewriter, today's modern "secretaries," if you will, often take meeting minutes, manage budgets, make travel arrangements, and maintain web sites, among many other things. In fact, many executives prefer their assistants to have some degree of higher education.
Published in 1951, the Complete Secretary's Handbook by Lillian Doris and Besse May Miller offers some helpful--and now humorous--tips for being successful in an era before Microsoft Windows, e-mail, and Xerox machines. Some tips are still useful, but some are downright funny. Enjoy!

Smoking at your desk. In most modern offices secretaries are allowed to smoke at their desk, because they waste less time than they do going to the ladies room to smoke. If you do smoke at your desk, be discreet. When a visitor approaches your desk and you are smoking, either put out your cigarette or place it in an ash tray at one side of your desk while you are talking to the caller. Do not smoke while you are conversing with him, unless he is to remain in your office for awhile and suggests a cigarette.

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment
The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream"
DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing
Georgia Fall Fun
Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Leadership Tips
Georgia Felon Search
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Never put lighted cigarettes anywhere except in an ash tray. If you rest them on the edges of desks and cabinets, unsightly burns can result. Be careful with the ashes and do not litter your desk and your work with them.
Don't type with a cigarette hanging out of the corner of your mouth; pause in your typing to "take a puff" from the cigarette in your ash tray if you must. A secretary typing with a cigarette hanging from the corner of her mouth is as unsightly as one who chews gum and the faster she types the faster she chews.
Check back monthly for a new set of "Back in the Day" work tips!
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Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment
Phase One of the "Year-Round Electronic Enrollment" rolled out on July 15, 2008! Newly hired employees of pilot agencies began to access and enroll in their benefit selections on-line at the Team Georgia Connection, just as current employees select their benefits during the annual Open Enrollment Period.
Since implementation, over 700 new employees have been provided the opportunity to enroll on-line. The feedback from employees and agencies has been positive. Karen Glover, Benefit Representative for the Department of Juvenile Justice, shared a comment made by one of her staff members, saying she found the process to be "much easier than she thought it would be." Glover agreed, stating it was also "less work for her."
Phase Two, which went live on August 15, 2008, includes implementation for all remaining agencies. To view the newly developed Team Georgia Flexible Benefits page, click here.
The Team Georgia Connection site serves as the primary location for new hire and annual online open enrollment, including an on-line customer service center, benefit provider links, and other benefit communications for the Flexible Benefits Program.

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment
The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream"
DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing
Georgia Fall Fun
Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Leadership Tips
Georgia Felon Search
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

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For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

Government Spotlight Money Matters Vocabulary Retirees Technology Procurement Workforce Tips Wellness Lets Hear It Helping Others Previous Issues Back To: Home
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The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream"

It's becoming more of a buyer's market out there, but many Georgians are still unable to afford one of the most treasured possessions: a house. With the housing crisis near its bottom-out point, the stage is set for buyers to pounce, but in many cases, due to the weakened economy, the buyers simply aren't there. In a state that ranks 8th in foreclosures in the nation, there is a great need for home-buying assistance.
The Department of Community Affairs' initiative, the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program, has already helped more than 83,000 Georgians achieve the dream of homeownership. This program provides fixed, low-interest rate mortgages loans as well as down payment and closing costs assistance to eligible borrowers, thereby greatly reducing the out of pocket expense to the buyer.

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment
The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream"
DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing
Georgia Fall Fun
Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Leadership Tips
Georgia Felon Search
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Georgia Dream is yet another example of state government in action, serving the citizens of Georgia. To learn more about this and other initiatives of the Department of Community Affairs, click here.
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Money Matters Vocabulary Retirees Technology Procurement Workforce Tips

DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing
Effective Monday, September 8, 2008, the Department of Administrative Services Surplus Property Division's operating hours will be Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 6 pm.
Benefits:
State agencies and Donees

Wellness Lets Hear It Helping Others

q Later delivery and pick-up times available at all centers q Customer service available later in evening q Lower facilities operating costs

Previous Issues
Back To: Home
In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers "Back in the Day" Work Tips Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream" DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing Georgia Fall Fun Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Leadership Tips Georgia Felon Search Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Public Buyers
q Increased customer service availability for later time zones q Retail stores now open nightly until 6 pm
Environment
q Reduces traffic congestion (that's 36 fewer vehicles on the road one day every week)
q Reduces fuel consumption (that's over 1200 miles per week not being driven)
q Reduced electricity, natural gas and water consumption
Take full advantage of the new schedule. Call any one of the distribution centers for additional information or with any questions you may have. Thank you for your patronage.
visit www.surplusproperty.doas.georgia.gov for more information
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Friday, September 5, 2008

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Georgia Fall Fun
When the end of summer rolls around, we picture changing leaves, raking leaves, picking apples, and weekend trips to festivals and fairs.
For fun and adventure, plan a trip to Perry, Georgia and experience the 19th annual state-sponsored Georgia National Fair during October 2 12, 2008. This "Top 50 Fair", designated by the Amusement Business magazine, will showcase arts and crafts, livestock and horse competitions, circus, laser show, midway rides and games, major concerts, and much, much more. Just visit the fair's web site at www. georgianationalfair.com and you will learn all about it.
Since the Fair's beginning in 1990, it has won 78 awards from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions for its livestock and horse events, competitive exhibits, and communication programs. And in 2002, Southern Living magazine included the Fair in its "Best 202 Things About the South" feature.
For additional Georgia festivals and fairs link to http://www.southfest.com/georgia. shtml and you'll find activities to last you through the Fall.

In this issue:

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment
The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream"
DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing
Georgia Fall Fun
Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Leadership Tips
Georgia Felon Search
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

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For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

Government Spotlight Money Matters Vocabulary Retirees Technology Procurement Workforce Tips Wellness Lets Hear It Helping Others Previous Issues Back To: Home
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Friday, September 5, 2008

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Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa

With the nearby magnificent Brasstown and Southern Appalachian Wilderness Areas, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, long known as Georgia's premier mountain resort, joins an elite handful of properties in the region by featuring a full-service 7,500-foot spa facility.
Equani Spa offers high-country views from several indoor and outdoor relaxation areas including an outdoor fire pit, hot tub and sun-deck. The Spa's array of therapeutic services, from traditional massage, beauty and body treatments to holistic Native American healing and relaxation techniques, are designed to compliment the resort's natural outdoor and recreational environment.

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment
The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream"
DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing
Georgia Fall Fun
Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Leadership Tips
Georgia Felon Search
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Scheduled to open in October 2008, the $3.4 million spa facility is located adjacent to the main entrance to the resort, and is designed in the lodge-style motif reflecting the style of the main resort and guest cottages rich with their natural timber furnishings, hand-crafted decorative elements, custom millwork, and soothing fireplaces. The facility will also feature retail areas, men and women's locker rooms and efficiently designed support areas for staff and infrastructure to provide exceptional service and comfort for guests.
For the month of September, Brasstown Valley is offering a custom $165/room night stay package that includes a deluxe buffet breakfast for two in addition to the choice of a round of golf, facial or one-hour trail ride for the posted rate, receiving a second one for only $25.
Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa is located only two hours north of metro Atlanta, and offers 102 guestrooms in the main lodge, 32 guestrooms in eight lodge cabins, which feature four guestrooms each, along with championship golf, heated pool, tennis, horseback riding and hiking trails. The resort offers the full range of technology conveniences, including high-speed internet connectivity, audio-visual support for meetings and a state of the art event amphitheater. Many rooms feature fireplaces and golf or mountain views, and the resort's nearly 15,000 square feet of meeting space and two separate pavilions support functions ranging from business meetings to weddings and banquet functions.

For more information or to make reservations, please visit brasstownvalley.com or call 1-800-201-3205 and release the secret of the North Georgia Mountains. Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa is owned by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Visit their website at www.gadnr.org
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Money Matters Vocabulary Retirees

Leadership Tips
5 WAYS TO DEVELOP YOUR CHARISMA

Technology
Procurement
Workforce Tips
Wellness
Lets Hear It
Helping Others
Previous Issues
Back To: Home
In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers "Back in the Day" Work Tips Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream" DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing Georgia Fall Fun Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Leadership Tips Georgia Felon Search Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

1. SIMPLIFY YOUR POINT- Charismatic leaders turn complex ideas into simple messages. They use stories, illustrations, and symbols to help others to understand. They also avoid using business jargon. For example, 'Think outside the box': This phrase has become such a clich that it itself is in-the-box thinking. Try "be creative" instead.
2. EMBRACE RISK - Charismatic leaders get pleasure in taking calculated risks. They recognize that there is a huge difference between a calculated risk and a gamble, which is taking an action on pure chance. Where there is no risk, there is no reward.
3. CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO - Charismatic leaders are continually thinking about how to improve, grow and develop. They lead by asking questions and are very curious about why we do what we do. They also squelch these commonly heard phrases: 'That will never work" "We need to finish this initiative first." "Let's wait until the next budget cycle." "It's been done before." "It's never been done before." "We'll get back to you on this." "We're already doing it.
4. STEP INTO ANOTHER'S SHOES - Charismatic leaders see things from the other person's perspective. They constantly try to think, "If I were the team member/ customer/client, how would I feel about this? They also have developed the gift of making you feel like you're the only person in the room. (P.S. One way to do this is by never looking at your watch when you are speaking/listening with someone).
5. SPAR AND RILE WHEN NECESSARY- Charismatic leaders know what they stand for and what is important to them and will not settle for less. Their values guide their behavior every day. Sometimes it is necessary to 'turn up the heat' to get what they want. They may prod and poke others to get into the discomfort zone in order to move forward.
Courtesy of Leadership Seeds Newsletter, by Dr. Rick Bommelje (BOMB-L-J)
www.listeningleaders.com
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Friday, September 5, 2008

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Georgia Felon Search

Need a quick, convenient and affordable background check on someone who matters to your family or business?
The Georgia Technology Authority has teamed with the Georgia Crime Information Center, a division of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), to create a new online tool called the "Georgia Felon Search" to make that background check possible. Now you can get up-to-date background information on individuals straight from the GBI's database without making costlier payments to a private vendor.
Georgia Felon Search is:
Fast Instant online answers, no waiting weeks to get records
Convenient Available 24/7 with any Internet connection

In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers "Back in the Day" Work Tips Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream" DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing Georgia Fall Fun Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Leadership Tips Georgia Felon Search Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Low cost Other services cost 2 to 10 times as much Reliable Data comes directly from the official government source Easy Results are simple to interpret Pursuant to Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 35-3-35C), anyone can access criminal history records without the permission of the person whose record is requested. For a fee of $15.00 per search, one can obtain a rap sheet containing a person's name, alias(es), picture, residence, and felony convictions in the State of Georgia, among many other useful pieces of information. Don't leave your business and family decisions up to chance. Take advantage of the Georgia Felon Search by visiting www.felonsearch.ga.gov .
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Government Spotlight Friday, September 5, 2008

Search: Georgia Statement

Money Matters Vocabulary Retirees Technology Procurement Workforce Tips Wellness Lets Hear It Helping Others

Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance
"I'm too young to buy long term care insurance." "That's just for old people." Experts estimate that approximately 60% of individuals will at some point in their lives need long term care. There are a variety of reasons disability, illness, injury, terminal condition or old age.
What is Long Term Care?
Long term care is when a person, due to physical or severe cognitive impairment, requires help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, transferring, eating. The need for long term care could last from weeks to months to years. It just depends on the condition of the person needing care.
Who Needs Long Term Care?

Previous Issues
Back To: Home
In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Open Mouth, Insert Foot: Funny Stories from Job Seekers "Back in the Day" Work Tips Update: Team Georgia Connection for Electronic Enrollment The Department of Community Affairs: Helping people realize the "Georgia Dream" DOAS Surplus Property Division's hours changing Georgia Fall Fun Soothe Your September at Georgia's Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Leadership Tips Georgia Felon Search Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

s More than half of the U. S. population will need long term care at some point in their lives.
s Accidents and disease happen at any age. s One out of five Americans over the age of 50 is at risk of needing long
term care within twelve months. s For couples who are age 65 and over, there is a 75% likelihood that one
on them will need long term care. s For people over age 75, 60% will need long term care for approximately
three years.
Where do people receive long term care?
When many people think of long term care, older people in nursing homes comes to mind. Certainly nursing homes provide long term care, however, there are many other places where people receive care:
s Formal caregivers consist of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care agencies, care providers associated with a service system and many more.
s Informal caregivers consist of family, friends, neighbors and others who provide care out of love and respect for the individual.
What are the costs for long term care?
The American Association of Homes and Services for the Ageing provides the following estimated costs for care:
s The average cost for a private room in a nursing home is $77,745 annually.
s The average cost for a semi-private room in a nursing home in $68,985 annually.
s The average cost for living in an assisted living facility is $35,628 annually.
s The average cost for living in an assisted living facility that charge additional fees for Alzheimer's and dementia care is $51,240 annually.
s The average hourly rate for a certified home health aide in $32.37. s The average hourly rate for an uncertified home health aide is $19.00.
Who pays for long term care?
Some people believe that Medicare will pay for their long term care needs. However, Medicare only covers rehabilitation services after a person is discharged from the hospital, which adds up to approximately 19% of all long term care.

Medicaid, which is health care for low income individuals, pays 49% of all long term care spending. In order to qualify for Medicaid, a person has to have less than $2,000 in assets and income that is insufficient to pay the cost of care. A person has to be impoverished in order for Medicaid to pay for long term care.

Since almost 40% of long term care spending is paid by private funds, many families find themselves in a quandary as to what to do when long term care is needed.

Long Term Care Insurance

By keeping abreast of the trends regarding long term care, the State of Georgia Flexible Benefits Program began offering employees the opportunity to select the Long Term Care option in 1993. During the Annual Open Enrollment this Fall, the Long Term Care option will again be offered by the Flexible Benefits Program. The premiums are based on the Long Term Care option you choose and your benefit age. Therefore, the younger you are when you select long term care, the lower your premiums. Be sure to view your Open Enrollment materials and closely review this valuable long term care plan. Help your family by planning for care you may need.

Sources: American Association of Homes and Services for the Ageing, Long Term Care - a senior-friendly, informational web site, About Long Term Care by Thomas Day.

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For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions