Georgia revenews [Vol. 36 [i.e. 41], no. 1 (Sept. 1999)]

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Vol.}6,No.l

September 1999 il

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"RECOGNIZE AND REWARD" WINNERS

FETED AT EMPIRE ROOM
On July 30th at the Empire Room in the West Tower, the Department of Revenue held a luncheon in honor of 1999's first and second quarter "Recognize and Reward Program" winners.
This is the second year of the program which consists of three separate categories: Outstanding Performance Award - Manager; Outstanding Performance Award - Employee; Special Achievement Award. The program was instituted with the goal of recognizing outstanding performance by employees and the valuable contribution that they make to the Department's day-to-day success.
What gives "Recognize and Reward" added meaning is that nominations are submitted by fellow employees - one's peers. The program is conducted quarterly, with all winners selected by the Recognize and Reward Committee.
The winners who were feted on July 30th as a result ofbeing nominated by a fellow employee and chosen by the committee were: Outstanding Performance Award - Manager: Beverly Beacham, Income Tax (1 st quarter), Andrew Goziah, Motor Vehicle (2nd quarter). Outstanding Performance Award - Employee: Deborah Boone, In-

Income Tax's Carol Cantrell (I.) and Director Bobby Goolsby (r.) flank First Quarter award winner Beverly Beacham (Outstanding Performance - Manager).

Commissioner T. Jerry Jackson presents Katherine Richardson ofthe Columbus R.O. with her Special AchievementAward.
come Tax (1 st quarter), Steven McBrayer, Alcohol & Tobacco (2nd quarter). Special Achievement Award: Bill Armstrong, ISD (1 st quarter), Katherine Richardson, Alcohol & Tobacco (2nd quarter).
Edward M. Many, chairman ofthe "R & R" Committee, said that the program and awards luncheon, "Is important because it helps foster an increased degree of camaraderie among all employees in the Department. It is heartening for those of us on the committee to review the quarterly nominations that we receive. Typically, those selected as "R & R" winners are employees who do not seek recognition for themselves. That is why the luncheon is so important: it provides the winners with an occasion to take their brief bow in the spotlight."
A twenty-eight-year veteran of the Department, Beverly (Continued on page 3)

Published by and for employees and retirees of the Georgia Department of Revenue.

Commissioner's Corner

Johnny Adams Named Special Assistant

As you may recall, KPMG Peat Marwick's "Blueprint for Modernization" included several recommendations concerning the Department's organizational structure. Most of the Motor Vehicle and Information Technology recommendations have already been implemented. Concerning tax administration, the Blueprint recommended an organizational structure based upon the major functional areas of returns processing, taxpayer services, and compliance. The study also recommended that tax policy be centralized into a single unit. Although we recognized at once the value ofthese recommendations, for the past two years all of us in the Department have been concentrating on our Year 2000 remediation efforts. As a result, much ofthe proposed organizational change has had to take a "backseat" until we could see the way clear to begin this process. I believe that time is now.
Therefore, I am pleased to announce that, effective July I, Ed Many will head up the Department's new Compliance Division. The reorganization of Central Audit and Field Services into this new Compliance Division is a logical first step in this process. The combination ofall of the Department's audit and collection functions into a single Compliance Division will enable the Department to better focus and manage these valuable resources and, long-term, will provide a structure that will more easily enable some or all of the desk audit functions to be included as well. This reorganization will also allow the Department to give organizational structure and emphasis to our commitment to provide better taxpayer assistance.
While on paper the reorganization of these two divisions may appear to be an easy first step, long-term, I believe that this will be a multi-year process that will see certain milestones accomplished in a slow, deliberate, and carefully planned manner. I ask all of you to give Ed Many your support in accomplishing this important step in continuing the implementation of our new organizational structure.
I would like to close by thanking all of the employees in both Field Services and Central Audit for all ofthe excellent work that you have performed for this State - and particularly for its taxpayers. I want you to know that I very much appreciate your dedication and hard work. I ask for your support in making this a smooth and successful transition.

On August I, Mr. Johnny Adams joined the Department as Commissioner T. Jerry Jackson's Special Assistant for Local Government Affairs. The appointment was announced by Commissioner Jackson in mid-July.

Mr. Adams is currently Chairman ofthe Board ofCommissioners of Heard County and prior to that was Heard County Tax Commissioner for twenty years. He is a past president of the Georgia Association ofTax Officials (GATO) and also served as President of the County Officers Association ofGeorgia.

"In recent years, the Department's partnering role with local governments has increased dramatically. As our state grows, the basic role played by our Property Tax Division and our Motor Vehicle Division working with counties has become even more
important," Commissioner

Jackson said. "With the passage of the Local Option Sales Tax, the intensity of our involvement with local governing authorities and school boards also dramatically increased.

"With this growing involvement

with local governments, the Depart-

ment has increased its focus on this

Johnny Adams

vital partner," the Commissioner

continued. "This appointment will

add to that focus and will enhance the fine work being done by

our Property Tax, Motor Vehicle, and Sales Tax Divisions in work-

ing with local governments. Because ofhis broad experience of

not only being a county commissioner, but also a former tax

commissioner, Johnny's help will be invaluable. With the imple-

mentation ofthe GRATIS system in our Motor Vehicle Division,

the implementation ofthe Governor's Taxpayer Bill ofRights this

coming year, and our work with the local Government Advisory

Council on Sales Tax and other local issues, Johnny Adams'

experience brings a valuable resource to our Department."

Mr. Adams and his wife, Jane, reside in Franklin, Georgia. They are the parents of a son, Jimmy, a daughter, Cynthia, and have five grandchildren. In his leisure time, Mr. Adams enjoys playing golf and tending to his vegetable garden.
Please extend a warm Department ofRevenue welcome to Mr. Adams.

Page 2

"R & R" PROGRAM SALUTES WINNERS

Ed Many, Director ofthe Compliance Division, and Chairman of the "R & R" Council, offers welcoming remarks at the Empire Room.
Commissioner Jackson offers congratulations to second quarter recipient Andrew Goziah ofthe Motor Vehicle Division (Outstanding Performance - Manager).
HAVE A SUGGESTION? ..

(Continued from page 1) Beacham has spent eighteen ofthem in Income Tax (seventeen in the Corporate Income Tax section). Notification that she had won a Performance Award as Outstanding Manager for the first quarter was "A real surprise. I first found out about it from an Emall I received; it's always nice to be recognized by your coworkers, ofcourse."
In his luncheon remarks at the podium, Commissioner T. Jerry Jackson said that he was most pleased "To honor all ofour award winners for everything that you do for the Department. You have obviously impressed your peers with your dedication and hard work, and I am happy to have the opportunity to add my thanks and appreciation to all of you. Both your fellow employees and the citizens ofGeorgia benefit from your efforts."
Another surprised recipient was Katherine Richardson of the Alcohol & Tobacco Division in the Columbus Regional Office. Now serving her second stint with the Department, she "felt more surprised (about her Special Achievement Award) than anything else. It was a nice surprise ... but I was definitely a bit nervous, too, at the Empire Room." Richardson's first "tour of duty" was spent in Field Services. She said that she enjoys working for Howard Tyler (who nominated her) and Steve McBrayer. "I love my job and feel fortunate to have it," Richardson said.
The Recognize and Reward Committee would like to remind all employees that the deadline for submission ofthird quarter nominations is September 30, 1999. And so that as broad a crosssection of winners and divisions as possible can be represented during both the nominating stage and award presentations, ALL employees are encouraged to submit nominations to their Chairperson/Division Director. The Divisional winners are then forwarded to the ten-member "R & R" Council who then select a winner in each ofthe three categories. The ten-member "R & R" Council members are: Ed Many, chairman (Compliance), John Brady (Training), Travis Robinson (Sales Tax - Motor Fuel), Marsha Donald (Compliance - Field Services), Bobbie Gibbs (Taxpayer Accounting), Bonnie Kaplan (Personnel), Gilbert Lyons (Alcohol & Tobacco), Jeannette Mickel (Internal Administration), Danny Peterman (Property Tax), and Dana Wiggins (ISD).
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ByTOMYUNG The Department is launching a new Employee Suggestion Program that will be monitored regularly by the Commissioner's Office. Employees are inJited and encouraged to submit suggestions for improving either their immediate work area or any aspect of the Department. Everyone is invited, with confidentiality guaranteed, to use the Employee Suggestion Boxes to inform the Commissioner directly regarding any irregularities or other activities that you think he should know about.
Please include in any written correspondence enough details

through." By providing your name and phone number, you will receive a reply, and your identity will be held in strictest confidence unless you agree otherwise. Simply deposit your ideas/suggestions in the Department suggestion boxes located in the Trinity-Washington Building - or have them forwarded via Inter-office mail from your Regional Office to the T/W Building for placement in the boxes.
Clearly, the best ideas are virtually always those generated by you - the most important "stakeholder" in the success of the Department. Thank you for your continued support.

so that all suggestions/ideas can receive appropriate "followPage 3 Tom Yung is the Director ofInternal Audit.

AROUND THE DIVISIONS

TAXPAYERACCOUNTING A special "thank you" for the exceptional work of our Refund Inquiry temporary employees during this tax filing season. They are Trina Arnold, Sherita Bebe, Requaya Bryant, Antoinette Clear, Howard Farmer, Ramona Gordon, Charmain Henderson, Brandi Holcomb, Tabitha Lynch, Beverly Madison, Brenda Meadows, Ratavious Moody, Rolanda Robinson, Louise Stegall, Frances Strozier, and Amanda Willis. Also, a special thank you for ajob well done to the employees in the Taxpayer Services I Section. They are: Dennis Hallman, Donese Ghani, Linda McColley, Olivia Jordan, Mary Banks, Austin Harper, Joyce Bolton, Linda Gober, Geneva Williams, Tameka Proctor, Marilyn Ivey, and Earnestine Nunley. Congratulations to Mary, Marilyn and Donese on their well-deserved promotions.
Our CTA Control Section has been a little "crippled" lately. Cheryl Clark-Wynne has had two surgeries this summer and Ronald Cudger had to have surgery for a broken heel. You have probably noticed Ron hobbling around on his crutches. Get well soon, Cheryl. Pat Toney was -finally- able to take a little vacation and went to Florida. Bobbie Brock recently bought a new home.
Welcome to Kenya Douglas, Robert Mathen and Tonijah Neely, all new employees in our Account Maintenance Section. Congratulations to Eric Robinson, Kathy Armistead and Carolyn Walker on their promotions. Also, special congratulations to Nancy Gaglio Ricke and Bernice Menefee Davis on their recent marriages. WORDS OF WISDOM FROM CTR: "A handful ofpatience is better than a bushel of brains." From the files of Centralized Taxpayer Registration, here's a recap on what has been happening: Alfreda Woolfork has a talented 12-year-old son, DonFre', who is a published author. He wrote a book about the "Tazmanian Devil" character that can be found on the playstation. Look out for him. He's a part of a gifted program that he has attended since the 3rd grade. Alfreda also has two talented daughters and a niece. They are Ansley, age 10, Marquesha, age 15, and niece Morgan Berry, age 8. All three are members of the Children in Dance Ministries. They recently performed at a ministry in North Carolina. They all attend World Harvest Christian Center in Fairburn, Georgia. Lena Clark's son, Jerald Parks, has left state government to defend the Lithonia area. He was highly recommended for a position as a police officer. He will be missed, BUT Lithonia will be safe....Carolyn Jackson's 12-year-old daughter, Druniece, was honored with the Hank Aaron Scholarship "Chasing the Dream" Award. Carolyn's 15-year-old daughter, Chase, is a Varsity Cheerleader and attends Clark Atlanta University's Upward Bound Program.... Brenda Davidson, from the IFTA Section, has a graduate. Her daughter, Tesha, has graduated from Pre-K. Congratulations, Tesha! ... Our fearless leader, Chip Groseclose, visited Italy with his lovely wife, Pam. He also took two students from his wife's school on a Disney cruise.... Darlene Bozard took a cruise to Jamaica and visited the islands.... Yvette Clark went with her daugh-

ter and son-in-law, Tanya and Felton Thornton, on a trip to Disney World. Accompanying them was her granddaughter, Tyanna Renee Thornton. A special welcome to the following new employees in CTR: Carolyn Jackson, Greg Ganzy, Farrah Bridges, Sondra Walker, Carmen Miller, Chartisce Miller and Tina Polk. And a very special welcome to Jean Jackson who comes to us from Motor Fuel ... and a welcome back to Casey Kelly. Catherine Lawson attended the CVISN (Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks) Scope Workshop in Lexington, Kentucky, in July. CVISN is a group ofFederal, State, and Commercial Carriers working together to create the first phase of the State Architectural System Design for CVISN. The system will develop an interface between state systems and the IRP and 1FTA Clearinghouse, and also will develop interfaces for other agencies and the trucking industry to provide better customer service. Catherine's granddaughter, Shonte Lawson, graduated from Lithia Springs H.S. with six honors. She will attend the University ofGeorgia in Athens this fall. Congratulations Shonte! -by Bobbie Gibbs
PROPERTY TAX Congratulations and best wishes for a bright and happy future
Hail To The
ON THE LINKS: A bunch of real "swingers" -the most evergathered for the 17th Annual Douglas (Regional) Office GolfTournament on April 26 at Beaver Kreek Golf & Country Club in Douglas. Ten teams and thirty-seven players whacked, chipped, and putted for the coveted trophy. And wouldn't you know that it came down to a riveting Sudden Death Playoff! ... whereupon the team of Tim Webb, Sr., Bob Davis and A.J. Simon emerged victorious thanks to Davis (a retired auditor from the former Central Audit Division) cooly sinking a putt in excess of eight feet on the second playoff hole for the margin of victory. Talk about pressure! ... Second place went to the team of Tim Webb, Jr., Thad Burgess
Capturing first-place honors at Beaver Kreek Golf& Country Club were, I to r, Bob Davis, A.J. Simon and Tim Webb, Sr.
Page 4

together are extended to our division programmer, Felicia Perry, who has announced her engagement and upcoming marriage on October 23 .... Field Appraiser Steve Baugh has announced that he will be retiring on December 31, 1999. Just think -he is going to start the New Millennium in the best possible way! All our best, Steve, for a long and happy retirement. We will miss you.. .. Field Auditor Gabe Martin is recuperating from mid-July knee surgery. Get well wishes from everyone, Gabe. Hope that you are "up and about" soon! ... Another of our Field Appraisers, Ron Kicklighter, was the subject ofa recent article in the Macon Telegraph. Ron was the recipient ofthe Sam Burke Award for his service in working with his local high school in Peach County as a statistician. He enters all game "stats" into his computer and generates statistics for both the team and individual players. He also performs broadcasting chores for local high school basketball games in the Fort Valley area. Ron is to be commended for his dedicated work with teenagers and their extra-curricular sports activities. Our hats are off to you, Ron. Keep up the good work! -by Teresa Lovin
lNCOMETAX We extend a warm welcome to John Foster who is our new Indi-
Champions!
and Tommy Thompson. Two teams tied for third place. They were, respectively, Tim Jones-Cheryl Griggs-Justin GriggsMarcus Hines and Bud Smith-Jaron Guess-Chuck ChanceyMarion Ralph.
The "Long Drive Contest" was won by Jaron Guess thanks to a B-O-O-M-I-N-G 345-yard "howitzer" offthe tee! The "Closest-tothe-Pin Contest" was won by Bennie "Boom Boom" Butler who demonstrated touch and versatility by feathering his tee shot to within 3-feet, 2-inches of a magical "ace" (hole-in-one). Six Regional Offices were represented in the tournament this year, and as always, a GREAT time was had by al1.-by Mike Forsyth
A bunch of "real swingers" gathers to record for posterity their participation in the 17th Annual Douglas (Regional) Office Golf Tournament

vidual Income Tax Conferee. Hejoins us from the (former) Central Audit Division. Welcome aboard, John! As well, he and wife, Sue, are extended our best congratulations on the July 2 birth of a son, Ryan Michael, who came into the world tipping the scales at 9Ibs., 12 oz., and was 22 inches long....Additional congratulations, too, are in order for Beverly Beacham, on her promotion ro Manager ofthe Corporate Operations Unit. -by Vickie Stewart
COMPLIANCE Greetings from the "new" Compliance Division! Comprising the former Central Audit and Field Services Divisions, we are now the Department's largest Division with over 450 employees. Following is the latest news from all comers of the Division... SCHOLARS DEPT.: Congratulations to Matthew White, son of Fred White and wife, Gai1. Matt graduated Magna Cum Laude from Oglethorpe University.... Sarah Rich's daughter, Amy, received her M.A. (Masters degree) from Georgia Southwestern and is teaching kindergarten in Warner Robins... Debra Qualls' husband, Willie, graduated from Albany State with a degree in Criminal Justice. Debra's son, Antonio, also graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. A second son, Ryan, graduated from Valdosta State with a degree in Music.... Beth Stensland, daughter of Becky Stensland, made the Dean's List at Georgia Tech. She has a 3.89 GPA. Bravo Beth! .... David Smith's daughter, Janet, graduated from high school with a 3.7 GPA. She will attend Gainesville College this fall on a music scholarship.... On June 12, Terrie Adams' daughter, Trasie, graduated with honors from Georgia Tech. She earned a B.S. degree in Industrial Design.... Kudos to Michael Alexander, son ofBetty Alexander. He graduated from Benjamin E. Banneker High School and has enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He left to formally join the service on August 9.. .. Congrats to Jodie Black, daughter of Dorothy Black. She graduated from Dunwoody High School and will attend Georgia Southern this fal1. ... Tiffinay Williams, daughter of Veronica Williams, graduated from middle school and will be a high school freshman this fall. ...Montisa Beck and Rashaunda Moultrie, daughters of Usa Moultrie, received year-round honor roll and academic achievement awards throughout the school year. ... Jasmine Johnson, daughter of Beverly Johnson, received an honor roll award as well as several science awards this year. KIDDIE KORNER: John Bradshaw's son, John Carter Bradshaw, recently "graduated" from kindergarten.... Derenda Brock is proud to announce that her grandson, Jonathan, has been selected to the Lee County All-Star Baseball Team.... Tereion Coates, daughter of Theresa Usher, went to Universal Studios to perform with her dance group, the Bubbling Brown Sugars. Tereion also graduated from Pre-K and will be entering kindergarten this fal1. ....Aliscia Johnson, granddaughter of Paula Heard, graduated from G.W. Northcutt Elementary. Aliscia received certificates in music, academic excellence, and the "Sweetest Kid in the Class" Award....Antoine Armstrong, son of Cassandra Powell, received year-round honor roll and academic achievement awards throughout the year. ... Congratulations to Justin and Jeremy Brantley, sons of Gary Brantley, on a very successful summer ofbaseball. Each oftheir team's went to substate. Someday soon we're likely to see each of their smiling

Page 5

faces adorning their own baseball trading card's! ENGAGEMENTS: Congratulations to Amy Jane Stokes, daugh-
ter ofJuliette Stokes (Albany Regional Office), on her engagement to Arthur S. Teller ofSeattle, Washington. A fall wedding is planned.... By the time this issue sees the light of print, Shelly Ann Black, daughter ofDorothy Black, will have married Garrett Williams on July 31. BIRTHS: Tiffany Mackey gave birth to a bouncing baby girl on May 29. Kysheria Myelle weighed in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces. Congratulations Tiff.... Carl Brown and wife, Debbie, were blessed with a fme baby girl on May 25. Caroline Elizabeth tipped the scales -literally!- at a whopping 9 pounds, 3 ounces.... Mary Grimsley recently became a grandmother. Her son, Bill, and wife, Sheila, blessed Mary with a granddaughter, Haylee... Beverly Johnson became a "new mom" for the third time when Nikaela JaDe' came to town on February 18 weighing 7 pounds, 15 ounces.
APPOINTMENTS: We have two new Regional Managers. Christy Archer was named Manager ofthe Morrow Office, and Dorothy Black is the new Manager at Lithia Springs. Congratulations! lRAVEL AND LEISURE (T & L) DEPT.: We work hard and we play hard... Jim Jennings and his wife, Brenda, recently returned from a trip to Hawaii.... Bennie Butler (Albany Regional Manager) and wife, Judy, traveled to St. Augustine, Florida, to babysit their grandson, Chip, while mom and dad attended a business meeting.... Phyllis Cox's son, Norm, works for Princess Cruise Lines and returned recently from Alaska. Norm is currently training Chinese dancers to entertain on the cruise ships Sun and Princess.
OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Joycelyn Smith, daughter of Beverly Ryals, was crowned Ms. North Clayton High School. She was also voted Student Council President, is a member of the Marching Band, Beta Club, Chorus, Sceme, Girl Scouts of America, and "Who's Who'.' among U.S. High School Students. And let's not forget her eleven-year Perfect Attendance record. Way to go Joycelyn! .... A.J. Simon and wife, Gladys, are seeing to it that their children receive the best education possible. Son Derek is one course away from completing a degree in Chemistry, son Delvin is attending Albany Tech in preparation for a career in Electrical Engineering, and daughter Dallori is a pre-med student at Georgia Southwestern. Wow! Finally ... Welcome to our

New Employees: Stephanie Davis, Pam Spahos, Chanal Lindsey, Darek Birton, Ken Ebel, Teresa Kinnett, Henrietta Young, Po Chu Mak, Rosemary Taylor, Michelle Tuttle, Anita Alexander, Linda Harris, William Ball, Tremayne Green, Lavona Hopkinson, Jacquelyn Jones, Chris Lewis, Matthew Wallack and Dick McIntosh. -by Beverly Johnson
The Morrow Regional Office would like to congratulate Tim Jones for being named Outstanding Manager for 1998's fourth quarter. It was an honor to work with you, Tim, during the few months that you were with us. We appreciate everything that you did, and we thank God for your time here ... Wedding Bells!: Congratulations to April Renee Baker Titshaw who was married in Las Vegas to Mr. James "Buddy" Titshaw on March 17. We heard that you were very lucky in the casino. We wish the happy couple the Best ofLuck and lifetime ofhappiness! ... A great big Welcome to Beverly Ryals, DTC. We are glad to have you back with us.... And finally, farewell to Jim Hester, auditor, whose last day was March 15 after 25 years with Field Services. Jim left to go to the Central Audit Division -so now, as you read this, he is, ofcourse, now part ofour one big Compliance Division.... So long, too, to Shanna Thurman, Field Agent, whose final day was March 31 after seven years with us (she also moved over to the former Central Audit Division). Best ofLuck to both ofthem! -by Jennifer Campbell
ALCOHOL & TOBACCO The Division would like to say Welcome Home to William Carroll from The Few, The Proud, The Brave ... The Marines. He is the son ofRC. Carroll. District #2 Enforcement would like to welcome and say "thank you" to Temporary Clerk/Typist Katherine Richardson in the Columbus Regional Office. She has done an outstanding job since joining the Department in November 1998.... Congratulations are in order for Special Agent Sabrina Brown for successfully completing the challenging and time-consuming Peace Officers Standards and Training's Basic Law Enforcement Instructor Course.... We also congratulate Special Agent Leigh Rounds for being selected the 1998 "Employee of the Year" by the Department's "Recognize and Reward" Program. Greatjob, Leigh! -by April Calloway

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RetireDlents

From I to r; Jeanette Adams (Field Services) retires after 19 years of service; Jerry Roberts (Income Tax) after 34 years, and Julia Campbell (Motor Vehicle) after 26 years.

The Income Tax Division lost to retirement Eveline Dukes (left) with 34 years as of service, and Frankie Stamey with 20 years.

Off to retirement are the Motor Vehicle Division's Sue Johnson (I.) after 27 years of service, and Neva Loner with 34 years.

Smiling retirees from left to right, Jiminy Edenfield (ISD) after 34 years, Juanice Griffm (Sales Tax), 34 years, and Gladys Dean (Motor Vehicle) with 31 years of service.

Page 7

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CTR-

WHATEVER YOU STAND FOR!

By ALICE MAGNAN, CTR

Back in April, CTR -Centralized Taxpayer Registration- cel- Rapidly," or (I'm partial to this one), it's taken the "Centipede

ebrated its 10th Anniversary! Can you believe it?

Travel Route."

I always think of this unit as a child, a mere "baby"; "brain All throughout these elegant growing pains of ours, the busi-

child" of the Department of Revenue. So while we celebrate an ness community could not get the hang of "central registra-

"anniversary" for CTR - as well as a "birth-

tion," and when we thought they'd finally

day"- I would like to propose some new names or mottoes for "CTR."

"gotten it," they insisted that registering with us for withholding tax automatically

When I first joined the Department, I

registered them with the Department of

was told that the State of Virginia tried to start a centralized registration unit, but abandoned the idea as "unworkable." So

Labor for workers' compensation! We couldn't win! But then, those were the good old days when Georgia had fewer

it was that the Georgia Department of Rev-

businesses (compared to today) and we

enue decided to show Virginia it could be

actually had "slow time" occurring be-

done. And so they came ... a few from here,

tween renewal periods when we could breathe, clean, and do all of the neces-

a few from there. A Director of Field Ser-

sary but low priority chores we'd put aside.

vices, a department manager, and two su-

Actually, this was CTR's "toddling time,"

pervisors. One of the first obstacles was the lack of a telephone section. Not bud-

when we proved how adaptable we were - we've had two directors: Mr. White and

geted for more permanent positions, we hired our first "temporary" personnel,

now Biff; six people in the Manager's chair (between empty stretches): Ivelyn Haynie

some of whom would remain for years in temporary status - UNLESS you just

(who retired), Joe Tillman (acting manager), Jerene Patrick (who retired), Ron

happened to be a temporary on the day that Mr. White had to come in and fire all the temporary personnel on the spot be-

Lowell W. (Biff) Umbarger, Director, TAD, at his post.

Sievers, Carla Batiste, Yvette (who sat there awhile), and now Chip Groseclose. We lost Brenda Herring to retirement,

cause the budget had run out ... or the

Rachel Rich and Robin Crawford to the

time the Department decided that "temps" should actually BE temporary (so each one had to take a "layoff day" which took them off the payroll for a day). I guess our motto then should have been "Can't Temporaries Return"?

Morrow RIO, Barbara (at that time Eicoff, now) Olszeski to Sales Tax Contracting, and others to CTA. And just as a family mourns a departed family member, we lost Angela Crowder to her eternal life.
Along the way, we've gained/

Once CTR started functioning, no one knew quite what to do with

lost allotted positions; gained/ lost copiers and fax machines.

it. BUT ... revenuers from out of

So we've been through A LOT

state would come and be given tours while we were working. So the next name, appropriately, for

together, and just as a M*A*S*H unit is "mobile," so CTR's code word was to be "changeable."

consideration might be "Commu-

We've occupied Rooms 304 and

nity Testing Room." All this time, of course, new applications were

305, with 330, and then with 325. Room 211, and now rooms 203

coming in, we were learning what

and 207. Some of us even left

"boundaries" for changes each tax type had, and had "clean up" to

the building altogether during the 1996 Olympics to go to the Re-

be done for individual divisions to

gional Offices! But at least now

get businesses converted to

they've moved us down a floor

GRITS. Application processing during this period, depending upon

(into a room with rugs and plexiglass-sealed windows) and

the tax type involved, could cause

we don't have wires hanging from

the unit to be called: "Chamber of

Tentative Requests," "Chase Thru CTR's very own Falcon cheerleaders "get in the spirit."

Page 8

the ceiling. (All this so that we don't inadvertently commit our being centralized, the divisions WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT

suicide; we just get electrical shocks from our desks from static couldn't adjust as we sometimes could not make the changes

electricity.) So now I ask you: Does that make us "Confined, they ordered due to restrictions caused by other tax types on

Til Recognized"?

the same STI's.

As for workload, we've added

The Result: We were criticized A LOT.

withholding for nonresidents;

Thus, our motto coulda, shoulda, woulda

name discrepancies; and lottery

been, "CombatTraining Required." Well,

clearances. We even went from

with Carla, and now with Chip, we all

having "data entry" personnel to

feel a definite improvement in the way

having a unit of "reviewers." Yes,

we feel about CTR compared to, say,

we've had our good times and sor-

five years ago.

rowful ones, as changeable as

So ... the CTR "child" is now age 10

being told to do something one

and growing up. So guess what? Now

way, and then the next month,

it's headed for Adolescence and Puberty!

week, or even DAY, being told to

(And if we thought we were having fun

do it another way. We've gotten

before ... at least it's not falling on its

confused and befuddled; we've

bottom anymore.)

had brain teasers, fried brains, and

It is still a child that we can be proud of

brain fatigue. When it comes

nurturing - and most of all, we can be

down to it, working in CTR has

proud of ourselves. So the last name

been a "trip" - it's no wonder Bar- Helping taxpayers is CTR's always-busy claim to fame. for CTR that I submit for your consider-

bara Eicoff would wear red as a

ation embodies all we've ever wanted

code to be left alone!

-to be "Consistently Treated with Re-

Then ... to help with the workload, Tax Field Agents were spect."

given CTR computer clearance, and our motto could have now You know what? We've done well. Happy 1Oth Anniversary

been "Can't Teach Revenuers" (ha, ha)! But for ourselves, in- CTR. Whatever you stand for!!

stead of"Centralized Taxpayer Registration" we could have been

called: "Considerably Touched Recently." Or even "Comedy Alice Magnan has been with the Department for over 9 1/2

Team Room," or (one I'm partial to even now) "Crazy Taxpayers years.

Rampant." Then, once the public finally started to understand

Page 9

Georgia Department ofRevenue Administrative Division, Room 424 270 Washington Street Atlanta, GA 30334