Written by Jim Wilcox, general manager of WALB.

Atlanta – National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 26 through June 1, and Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens wants to remind Georgians that they should check their insurance policies to be sure they have adequate coverage.

Besides high winds, hurricanes can cause flooding, storm surges in coastal areas, and tornadoes, all potentially devastating to life and property.

“Our coastal residents face the most danger if a hurricane strikes, and the only way to ensure their safety is to evacuate,” Commissioner Hudgens said.  “However, citizens who don’t live on the coast may still face the hazards of strong winds, heavy rain and inland flooding.  To protect your home and other property from the financial impact of destructive storms, a homeowners or renters policy tailored to your particular needs is your best option.”

Hudgens suggests that homeowners discuss their insurance needs with a reputable insurance agent.  Renters should also consider a policy to cover their personal belongings; the landlord’s policy generally will not cover the loss of a tenant’s possessions.

Flooding from heavy rain or storm surge is always a possibility. Policies for mobile or manufactured homes may include coverage for flood damage, unlike standard home policies; owners of traditional site-built homes can purchase federal flood coverage in addition to their regular coverage.  Flood damage to automobiles is covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto policy.

One important factor to consider is whether you want actual cash value coverage or replacement cost coverage.  With actual cash value, you will receive only the current value of an item when you file a claim.  In other words, you’ll get only “used” prices for your furniture, TV, etc.  With replacement cost coverage, your claim amount will be enough to purchase new items.

An accurate record of your possessions will be invaluable if you need to file a claim with your insurance company, so make a list of covered items such as furniture, electronics and other valuables.  A photographic or video recording is a good idea.  Keep copies of the list or photos in a safe place outside your home, such as a safe deposit box.

Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30, with September being the month when the most powerful storms are likely to occur.

Anyone with questions about homeowners or other types of insurance can call the Department’s Consumer Services Division at 404-656-2070, or toll free at 1-800-656-2298.  Phone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Colonel McDonough said troopers will not only be patrolling the interstates but the secondary roads as well. During the 2012 Memorial Day weekend, the Georgia State Patrol investigated 326 traffic crashes that resulted in 278 injuries, and 6 traffic fatalities. Statewide last year, law enforcement officers reported 16 traffic deaths during the holiday period. “We want to make holiday travel as safe as possible,” he added. In addition to the traffic crash investigations last year, troopers arrested 301 people for driving under the influence while issuing 6,621 citations and 9,321 warnings.

Troopers report that speed, a lack of occupant protection use, and impaired drivers are the leading contributing factors in a majority of the fatal traffic crashes that they investigate. While traveling this weekend, motorists should be alert, patient, and courteous to one another to help prevent crashes. Traffic will be heavier than normal due to traffic from graduation ceremonies, festivals, and vacation travelers adding to the normal weekend traffic flow. Colonel McDonough reminds all drivers to make sure that everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seat belt, to obey the posted speed limit, and to use a designated driver if the consumption of alcoholic beverages will be in your plans. “Drunk driving is dangerous and not worth the risk of killing yourself or someone else. Remember the purpose and celebrate during the holiday period responsibly. Always keep safety at the forefront of everything you will do,” he said.

The highest number of traffic deaths on Georgia roads during the Memorial Day holiday weekend occurred in 2005 when 32 people were killed in holiday crashes. The lowest number was recorded in 1979 when 10 people were killed. The Georgia Department of Transportation Crash Reporting Unit began keeping statistics on Memorial Day travel in 1969.

ATLANTA (May 23, 2013) – The Technology Association of Georgia in collaboration with the Business and Technology Alliance of TAG (B&TA), are now accepting applications and nominations for the 2013 Excalibur Awards. These annual awards recognize Georgia companies and organizations that demonstrate the best use of technology, typically provided by a third-party, to solve complex issues and processes in business and education. Tech-enabled companies that develop their own non-commercial technology solutions to enhance their organization are also encouraged to apply.

“At TAG, we focus a lot of effort on promoting companies who are creating new technologies, but it is also important to recognize the businesses and organizations that are innovating through the use of these technologies,” said Tino Mantella, president & CEO of TAG. “We encourage Albany’s tech-enabled companies and organizations of all sizes to consider applying for the 2013 awards and we look forward to shining a spotlight on the innovative spirit inherent in Georgia’s businesses, schools and organizations.”

Applications will be accepted until August 16^th 2013, after which, Semi-Finalists will be selected by the Excalibur Judging Committee. Companies selected as semi-finalists will then be required to submit a more detailed application or they may submit a 3-minute video focused on the complexity of the problem, creativity of the solution and the return on investment (ROI)/Business Results.  Each video will be reviewed by the Judging committee which will then select finalists who will compete for the Excalibur Awards.

The winning companies will be recognized in one of five categories:

• Small Companies
• Mid-sized Companies
• Large Companies
• Educational Organizations
• Most Creative Solution

The Excalibur Awards ceremony will be held October 18, 2013 at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel located at 2450 Galleria Parkway in Atlanta.

To apply visit: http://www.tagonline.org/events/excalibur-awards/excalibur-application/.

If you would like to nominate a company, please visit: http://www.tagonline.org/events/excalibur-awards/excalibur-nomination/

Follow the conversation on Twitter by following the hashtag #TAGExcalibur. To learn more visit: http://www.tagonline.org/events/excalibur-awards/. 

About The Business and Technology Alliance of TAG
The Business and Technology Alliance of TAG is focused on addressing the challenges of today’s fast paced marketplace by bringing together business leaders and technology innovators to address key business issues. Their mission is to foster business innovation through the exploration of technological advancements and the ways in which these technologies can help corporations in all industries to solve complex problems and be more competitive. For more information, visit http://www.tagonline.org/chapters-and-societies/business-technology-alliance/. 

About The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)

The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 19,500 members and hosting over 200 events each year. TAG serves as an umbrella organization for 32 industry societies, each of which provides rich content for TAG constituents. TAG’s mission is to educate, promote, influence and unite Georgia’s technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy. The association provides members with access to networking and educational programs; recognizes and promotes Georgia’s technology leaders and companies; and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state’s economic climate for technology. Additionally, the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG’s charitable arm) focuses on helping science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education initiatives thrive. For more information visit the TAG website at www.tagonline.org or TAG’s community website atwww.TAGthink.com. To learn about the TAG-Ed Collaborative visit http://www.tagedonline.org/.

###

We need you to design a t-shirt that Middle School and High School students cannot wait to put on! Not only will kids want these shirts, but we will be distributing them to all ages across the world in promotion with our film “Submit the Documentary” which gives solutions to the growing trend of cyberbullying. This contest is ideal for aspiring graphic design students in High School or College.

The challenge: The design must emulate anti-bullying or cyberbullying. It does not need to be literal. The design can be conceptual, but must be able to make the connection that the concept is standing up to bullies. It must also relate to our cyberbullying film Submit the Documentary.
What is “Submit the Documentary”: The way we hurt each other has evolved ™. In today’s digital generation, we stay in touch with the world and our friends through our phones, tablets and laptops. Digital devices are glued to our hands. It is easy to be invisible online. Anyone can be a cyberbully. Submit features interviews from affected teens, parents of victims, educators, experts and law enforcement as they tackle this worldwide issue, while offering solutions to this complicated problem.

Prize includes contest winner’s bio and picture featured on our website and promoted on our social media networks. Have your design featured world-wide at our film screenings and film festivals.

Requirements: Please visit www.submitthedocumentary.com/antibullycontest 

Rules: Open to ages 16 and up. Open to residents in the US and Canada.

Contest:  Ends at Midnight on July 1, 2013

The top 2 designs will be put onto social media for voting www.facebook.com/submitthedoc 

Cyberbullying is truly a year-round problem and Submit the Documentary is taking action to spread awareness and we hope that you help us spread the word. Even if you are not eligible for the contest host your own private screening of Submit the Documentary to raise awareness on cyberbullying and that this growing trend #NeverQuits.

For more information, screening kits, and contest information, please visit www.submitthedocumentary.com.

A campus credit union to deposit and borrow money is the idea a team of undergraduate students in Albany State’s College of Business conceived. The students took the plan to a competition of graduate students and walked away with a sixth place finish for the concept that supports community development on the local level. The group participated in the Opportunity Funding Corporation Innovation and Entrepreneurship National Business Plan Competition held April 18-21 in Atlanta. This is the first time ASU students placed for development of a business venture. They also, received high marks for presentation and the overall written plan to operate the member-owned financial cooperative they named, the Ram Nation Federal Credit Union.

“The opportunity to participate in the OFC Entrepreneurship and Innovation weekend is a valuable experience for the business majors. Our students were able to network and have face-to-face time with real world professionals. Win, lose or draw, all of the students are winners and have gained valuable experience that will serve them well in future business endeavors,” said Thelma-Adams Johnson competition coordinator and part-time instructor.

(From left: Seung-Yean Won, senior management major,  Thelma Adams-Johnson, advisor, Kareem Ali, senior accounting  major, Paulette Webb, senior management  major, Regent Larry R. Ellis,  University System of Georgia Board of Regents, Samantha Reese, senior accounting major, Adante Adams, junior accounting major, Robert Robinson, sophomore dual marketing and mass communication major and Dr. Fidelis Ikem, Dean, ASU College Business.)

The Opportunity Funding Corporation is a not-for profit corporation which was created in 1970 to facilitate the ownership of for-profit business entities. Through the organization, a comprehensive entrepreneurship curriculum is developed to prepare students for entrepreneurship.

“Our team planned the credit union to focus on people who don’t have a sufficient understanding about banking and people who lack trust in banks. We followed basic credit union guidelines. I researched realistic expenses for computers, software, hardware, furniture, salaries, and a vault,” said senior, management major Seung Yean Won.
We had to find the comparative advantages of our credit union over Doco, [Doco Regional Federal Credit Union] and other major banks. One advantage of ours was a series of seminars to teach people more about banking and its importance,” Won added.

Won, Adante Adams, junior accounting major, Kareem Ali, senior accounting major, Samantha Reese, senior management major, Robert Robinson, sophomore dual marketing and mass communication major and Paulette Webb, senior management major also participated in seminars and networked with industry leaders from Sam’s Club, Walmart, Owens Corning and Adecco.

The University of West Indies earned first place in the competition, while Southern University came in second.

For more information contact the Albany State University Office of University Communications at (229)-430-4671.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a letter to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop (GA-02) asked the United States Postal Service to stand by its original commitment to keep postal processing facilities open until next spring. In late March, the Postal Service unilaterally decided to accelerate closure of about fifty mail processing facilities across the country.

“We urge you to recognize the disastrous impact that the elimination of overnight delivery standards and closings of Area Mail Processing Centers and other facilities across the country would have on local and national unemployment,” the bipartisan group of members wrote. “The USPS is a major employer around the country and employs over 500,000 workers. With an unacceptably high unemployment rate, it would be particularly inopportune for the USPS to close facilities.”

Forty-six Members of Congress joined Congressman Bishop in detailing the harm these closures would have on their local economies. The letter advocates a comprehensive approach to postal reform that ensures the Postal Service will stay financially solvent for many years to come.

The full text of the letter is as follows:

Patrick R. Donahoe

Postmaster General

United States Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plaza SW

Washington, DC 20260

Dear Postmaster General Donahoe,

We write to urge you to maintain operations at all mail processing facilities as originally reported to allow Congress to take action on postal reform legislation. We believe it would be imprudent of the United States Postal Service (USPS) to close or eliminate processing of mail, at any facility, ahead of schedule as installations were committed to remain intact until spring 2014.

We understand that the USPS cannot sustain itself under its current system, and we agree it is up to Congress to act. However, management’s unilateral decision to advance the closing of mail processing centers around the nation would severely limit Congress’ ability to take action.

In addition, we urge you to recognize the disastrous impact that the elimination of overnight delivery standards and closings of Area Mail Processing Centers and other facilities across the country would have on local and national unemployment. The USPS is a major employer around the country and employs over 500,000 workers. With an unacceptably high unemployment rate, it would be particularly inopportune for the USPS to close facilities.

Again, we urge you to follow through on your original time frame to allow Congress time to develop comprehensive postal reform legislation that would take meaningful steps to create a financially sound future for the USPS, while leaving intact the important services Americans rely on and expect. It is critically important the postal service not preempt Congressional action by unilaterally moving forward with elimination of overnight delivery, allowing for major shutdowns across the country of mail processing facilities.

Thank you for your consideration of this critical issue. We look forward to continuing our work to create a more stable fiscal future for the USPS while also upholding this essential service for our communities, states, and the country.

Sincerely,

Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.

Rosa L. DeLauro

Ron Barber

Earl Blumenauer

Mo Brooks

G.K. Butterfield

Tony Cárdenas

Judy Chu

Yvette D. Clarke

Steve Cohen

Peter DeFazio

Donna Edwards

Keith Ellison

Elizabeth Esty

Sam Farr

Pete P. Gallego

Raúl M. Grijalva

Janice Hahn

Alcee L. Hastings

Brian Higgins

Jim Himes

Jared Huffman

Hank Johnson

William Keating

Barbara Lee

Carolyn B. Maloney

Edward J. Markey

Betty McCollum

James P. McGovern

Michael H. Michaud

Bill Pascrell, Jr.

Donald Payne, Jr.

Gary Peters

Bobby L. Rush

Tim Ryan

Loretta Sanchez

Jan Schakowsky

Adam B. Schiff

Allyson Y. Schwartz

Robert C. “Bobby” Scott

Albio Sires

Terri Sewell

Niki Tsongas

Juan Vargas

Marc Veasey

Maxine Waters

Peter Welch

###