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Taking Flight – July 2020

Message from the Dean

Barring something unforeseen, this will be the last of my columns focused on classic articles from the academic business literature. Today, I’m discussing one of my all-time favorites. It’s called, “Prospect Theory: An Analysis of Decision Under Risk.” Published in 1979 in the prestigious journal, Econometrica, this one is a true classic. The first author, Daniel Kahneman, won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2002; that award was actually based on ideas contained in this classic 1979 publication.

What was so impactful? What was the idea for which Kahneman won the Nobel Prize and still has me ruminating on this article 41 years after its publication? Put simply, it was the notion that objective values are strangely disconnected from actual human decision making. In other words, $1,000 can mean different things to different people. More importantly, $1,000 may actually mean different things at different times, to even the same person, depending upon the circumstances. It’s a complicated idea, so let me illustrate with a sports example.

Suppose you were asked, “Would 7 wins be a good football season?” Well, if you’re at Georgia Southern, which has an all-time winning percentage of 70%, 2 FCS national championships (6 all-time) and 11 conference championships in 25 years, a 7-win season might seem a bit pedestrian, even disappointing; however, if you’re at Georgia State, which has an all-time winning percentage of 30%, and no national or conference championships, a 7-win season might seem a spectacular season. So, the same number of wins, objectively, can produce very different reactions in the minds of two different decision makers.

But, let’s try a different example. Suppose you were offered the ability to choose one of two envelopes; in the first, there’s a 100% chance you’ll find $1,000, and in the second, there is a 50% chance you’ll find either $2,500 or absolutely nothing. Do you pick the first or the second envelope? After running this experiment many thousands of times, we’ve learned that more than 80% of people will choose the first option, which is the sure thing. What is so interesting, though, is that the objective value of the second option is actually the higher of the two (50% X $2,500 = $1,250). But, even knowing this, the majority of people will still choose the guaranteed outcome, accepting the lower objective value, in favor of the sure thing. And, all the while, proclaiming that their choice was in fact the better one!

Now, prospect theory is more than just these examples. What interests me, however, is the principle. Specifically, the way human beings think about and process decisions is heavily influenced by their context. Even in the business world where decisions are made with data and rational analysis, prospect theory tells us that things are never quite so cut and dried as they would seem, objectively. How we value and weigh various outcomes, whether in terms of wins, dollars or some other currency, depends upon a complex set of situational conditions.

So, why does that matter? Well, we expect Parker College graduates to be competent and sophisticated by the time they enter the workforce. And, we want to be equally adept as we make decisions and manage the College. In both cases, though, doing a great job means understanding some complex realities, such as the complexity of how human beings make decisions. So, that’s a little peek behind the curtain of academic research and how we use it in the work we do. I share it with you so that you will be assured we’re putting in the time and effort, as necessary, to keep the Parker College on the cutting edge!

Alumni Spotlight – Walt Mathews

Walt Mathews (FINC, 2016) joined Colony Bank as a management associate after graduation from Georgia Southern. In this role, he observed and learned the many facets of banking from teller through regional credit officer. Currently, Walt is a commercial banker with Colony. He focuses on creating and servicing banking relationships to serve the loan or deposit needs of the bank’s customers. Walt especially loves building lasting relationships and helping local businesses grow through Colony’s services. This is the reason he chose a career in banking in the first place.

While at Georgia Southern, Walt found that the Parker College of Business offered classes with many career applications. His favorite classes were personal finance and bank management, which prepared him for his career in banking. Walt says that Parker’s professors made it easy to connect what they were teaching to his life after college. A member of Kappa Alpha Order, Walt also has fond memories of tailgating and attending Eagles’ football games. He watched Georgia Southern “Drain the Swamp” in Gainesville and beat App State at home the first year the Eagles joined the FBS and will cherish those memories all his life.

According to Walt, the biggest challenge in his career so far has been the effect of the fall-out from the COVID-19 virus. The outbreak has caused many small businesses to close and has changed how business will be conducted in the future. Thankfully, through the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), Walt was able to help local businesses in Georgia continue to pay their employees while the state was shut down from March–May 2020.

In his spare time, Walt enjoys spending time in the outdoors. He enjoys boating, shooting sporting clays and exercising; being outside allows him to recharge and get ready for the next day’s challenges. In the future, Walt plans to continue his career in banking and hopes, eventually to become a market president.

Parker’s Named 2020 Convenience Store Chain of the Year by CStore Decisions, Earning Industry’s Top Honor

by Allison Hersh, Capricorn Communications

Parker’s, an award-winning, nationally acclaimed convenience store company and food service leader, was recently named the CStore Decisions 2020 Convenience Store Chain of the Year, earning the convenience store industry’s top award. This annual award recognizes a convenience store or petroleum chain that has established itself as a superior retailer, innovator and market leader. Parker’s is the 31st winner of this prestigious award and will be honored at The NACS Show in Las Vegas in October 2020.

“For many years, the entire team at Parker’s has been recognized as one of the hardest working groups in the industry,” said John Lofstock, vice president and editor-in-chief of CStore Decisions. “Their dedication to detail, outstanding customer service programs and constant evolution as a convenience retailer make them the perfect choice to join the elite list of Chain of the Year honorees. Coupled with its outstanding leadership team that begins with founder and CEO Greg Parker, Parker’s has earned a reputation as a special company that cares for its team members, customers and the communities it serves. For its commitment to convenience retailing, customers and its team members, Parker’s exemplifies the spirit of the Chain of the Year Award, and we are proud to recognize them with this coveted honor.”

Previous Chain of the Year award winners include Wawa, Sheetz, RaceTrac, QuikTrip, QuickChek and Maverik.

Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Savannah, Ga., Parker’s is one of America’s most respected convenience store brands with the cleanest retail stores in the industry. The company currently operates 66 stores in coastal Georgia and South Carolina and recently announced plans to build 60 new retail locations in 60 months.

“Being named the 2020 CStore Decisions Chain of the Year is an incredible honor that validates our team’s hard work and ongoing commitment to serving Parker’s customers and giving back to every community where we operate stores,” said Parker’s founder and CEO Greg Parker. “Since our founding in 1976, we’ve been focused on delivering the ultimate customer experience. In recent years, we’ve strategically expanded our commitment to high-quality food service, cutting-edge technology, charitable giving and customer loyalty. We deeply appreciate this recognition and will continue to set the bar even higher in the future.”

Over the past two years, Parker’s has expanded into the metro Charleston, S.C., market, opening eight new stores and announcing plans to build 32 more stores over the next four years. The company has also expanded its focus on foodservice and operates 42 Parker’s Kitchen locations serving freshly prepared, Southern-inspired food. Food and Wine recently named Parker’s one of America’s Best Convenience Stores, and The Shelby Report honored Parker’s as the 2019 Southeast Retailer of the Year. Convenience Store News previously recognized the company as the Convenience Foodservice Leader of the Year.

Over the past several years, Parker’s has also implemented cutting-edge technology designed to enhance the customer experience and to digitize operations. Highlights include expanded food-ordering kiosks, self-checkout lanes, a new Parker’s Rewards mobile app and investing in “smart applications” to increase operational efficiencies.

Parker’s also gives back to every community where it does business through the Fueling the Community charitable giving program, which donates a portion of gas sold at all Parker’s locations on the first Wednesday of the month to area schools, healthcare facilities and other important causes. To date, the company has given more than $7 million in local charitable donations.

Parker’s has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of the Fastest Growing Companies in America for five years. The company employs 1,200 individuals throughout the region and completes more than 125,000 transactions daily.

ABOUT PARKER’S

Known as America’s cleanest convenience store company, Parker’s is strategically redefining the nation’s convenience store industry, offering customers high-quality products, freshly prepared food and superior customer service at retail stores throughout southeast Georgia and South Carolina. Headquartered in Savannah, Ga., Parker’s has a commitment to exceeding customer expectations and has repeatedly been recognized as one of the nation’s leading convenience store and food service companies. Parker’s Kitchen, the new food-centric brand under the Parker’s umbrella, serves world-famous hand-breaded Southern Fried Chicken Tenders as well as made-from-scratch mac ‘n’ cheese, a breakfast bar and daily specials. The company’s popular Parker’s Rewards loyalty program, which includes more than 150,000 members, has saved Parker’s customers more than $10 million to date. Learn more: parkerskitchen.com.

RECENT AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

2020 Convenience Store Chain of the Year – CStore Decisions
America’s Best Convenience Stores – Food and Wine
2019 Southeast Retailer of the Year – The Shelby Report
2019 Fastest Growing Companies in America – Inc. 5000
2018 Convenience Foodservice Leader of the Year – Convenience Store News
Top 10 U.S. Gas Station Brands – Gas Buddy
50 Most Influential People in Convenience Store History – Convenience Store News
Best Convenience Store – Savannah Morning News Readers’ Choice Awards
Best Convenience Store – Savannah Magazine Best of Savannah Awards
Best Convenience Store – Statesboro Herald “Best in the ‘Boro” Awards
Best Convenience Store – Bryan County Now “Best of Bryan” Awards
Regional Economic Impact Award – Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce
Best Convenience Store – Island Packet
Most Fab Convenience Store – Effingham Herald
Most Fabulous Gas Station – Effingham Living
Wayne County’s Favorite Convenience Store – Jesup Press-Sentinel
Citizen of the Year Award – Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club

Twelve Questions with Men’s Basketball’s Eito Yuminami

from https://gseagles.com/news/2020/5/5/twelve-questions-with-mens-basketballs-eito-yuminami.aspx

Time to get to know some Georgia Southern student-athletes a little better with 12 Questions, presented by Case iH Agriculture, Tidewater and Morris Bank. Next on the docket is Eito Yuminami, a junior guard for the Eagle men’s basketball team and management major.

1. What is your pregame ritual?
I always go out to get shots up before the other team gets on the court because I believe preparation is key to win. More time to prepare than the other team = Key to win

2. What is your definition of a good teammate?
One who communicates and cares about everyone including staff and managers.

3. Do you think there’s life on other planets, and, if so, do they hoop?
I believe there is, but I doubt they hoop since you cannot dribble or put the ball in a basket without gravity lol.

4. What has been your favorite show to binge during the quarantine?
Terrace House (Netflix)

5. What is your hype song before a game?
Alright by Kendrick Lamar

6. Favorite basketball-related moment at Georgia Southern?
When Quan Jackson hit the buzzer-beater against ULM (2019) since it happened right in front of me.

7. How old were you when you started playing basketball, and what drew you to the sport?
When I was three because my dad was an elementary school girls’ basketball coach. (In Japan, there’s school team even in elementary school.)

8. Outside of your parents, who is your role model and why?
Since I want to be a D1 coach, I have to go with Brad Stevens (Boston Celtics HC). His coaching style and creativeness is just awe-inspiring. His plays aren’t complicated but execute really well and that’s because he looks at stats really closely to find the opponent’s weak spot. I know every coach at this level does it, but he was the first college coach to hire someone who only focuses on stats (Drew Cannon).

9. What is the most useful thing you own?
My phone is everything to me

10. If you had to eat the same meal for the next 30 days, what would it be?
STEAK STEAK STEAK (Ribeye) (:

11. What is your pet peeve?
When people don’t clean up after themselves

12. What is your favorite pizza topping combo?
Real authentic Mozzarella cheese with prosciutto

Parker’s Chief of Staff Kate Smith Honored by Convenience Store News as One of the Industry’s Top Women in Convenience

from Savannah Business Journal Staff Report, July 2, 2020

Parker’s recently announced that the company’s Chief of Staff Kate Smith has been named one of the Top Women in Convenience by industry-leading publication Convenience Store News. She is one of 53 female industry professionals who will be honored at the National Association of Convenience Stores’ Show, the largest annual gathering of the convenience store industry, on Oct. 12 in Las Vegas.

Smith was named to the seventh annual class of Convenience Store News’s Top Women in Convenience, which is the first and only convenience store industry awards program that recognizes women making outstanding contributions to their companies and the industry. Smith was honored for her strategic leadership and executive management of the company’s regional growth, community outreach and philanthropic efforts.

The honorees are divided into four categories, ranging from Rising Stars and Mentors to Senior Level Leaders and Women of the Year. After reviewing a record number of nominations, Smith was one of 21 professionals honored in the Senior Level Leaders category, which recognizes director-level executives who have transformed their business in a positive manner.

“In my opinion, Kate has set a new standard for executive leaders in the c-store industry,” said Parker’s founder and CEO Greg Parker. “She is a stellar example of the talented women in the convenience store industry who are making a positive impact each and every day. Her perspective, experience and talents contribute to the success of Parker’s and to the industry as a whole.”

In her role as chief of staff at Parker’s, Smith is responsible for leading strategic, high priority projects and working with the staff members, from top level executives to team leaders at each of Parker’s 66 retail stores throughout coastal Georgia and South Carolina. She also represents Parker’s in community affairs and outreach initiatives, including managing the company’s long-standing Fueling the Community charitable giving program, which donates more than $200,000 per year to area schools, and managing the relationship between Parker’s and the Parker College of Business at Georgia Southern University. Smith has also been instrumental in the company’s strategic growth and expansion into the metro Charleston, S.C. market.

Before joining Parker’s, Smith worked as a litigation attorney at HunterMaclean in Savannah, Ga., where she represented and advised clients in legal matters. An active community leader, Smith previously served as a member of the Savannah Bar Association Executive Committee and as president of the Savannah Young Lawyers Division and the Live Oak Public Library Foundation.

Founded in 1976, Parker’s is one of America’s most respected convenience store brands and is known for having the cleanest stores in the industry. The company was recently named the 2020 Convenience Store Chain of the Year by CStore Decisions and has been honored as the Food Service Leader of the Year by Convenience Store News.

Parker College of Business Announces Faculty Appointments

by Kristen Connell, PR Intern

The Parker College of Business has appointed Britton McKay, Ph.D., professor of accounting, as the new associate dean of Students and External Affairs, effective July 1.

In her new position, McKay will focus on recruiting, introducing prospective students to the College’s academic offerings, overseeing the College’s academic advising center, overseeing undergraduate scholarships by serving as the committee chair and reviewing scholarship applicants for general scholarships, and coordinating accreditation efforts for AACSB and SACS. She will also maintain each business discipline’s proposed rotation of classes and review offerings each semester to ensure that classes are being offered on a variety of days and times; and she will serve on the Parker College of Business Undergraduate Committee to provide input and guidance on the impact that proposed course and program changes may have on undergraduate students.

“I want to increase efficiencies in reporting and assessment while continuing the tradition of excellence in student affairs,” said McKay. “I want to help facilitate strong relationships between students, faculty and outside professionals while continuing to advocate for students, and be a helpful, approachable member of the administrative team.”

Axel Grossmann, Ph.D., professor of finance, was named the Freeman Chair of Free Enterprise.

The Freeman Chair of Free Enterprise was established by Georgia Southern alumnus William A. Freeman as an expression of support and commitment to the growth and academic excellence of the Parker College of Business. It provides support to an outstanding faculty member whose work focuses on the promotion of free enterprise among students and colleagues, as well as to the professional and business communities.

“I feel extremely honored, blessed and humbled being appointed the Freeman Chair of Free Enterprise,” said Grossmann. “I am honored because this appointment constituted the highest academic award conferred to me as a faculty member.”

Stephanie Hairston, Ph.D., associate professor of accounting, has been named the coordinator for graduate accounting programs.

As the coordinator for graduate accounting programs, Hairston will be responsible for the overall recruitment of students, admissions, student services and program operations for the Master of Accounting (MAcc) and the online WebMAcc.

“As I step into this position, I have very large shoes to fill. Going forward, I plan to continue the growth of the MAcc program at [the Parker College of Business]. It is also my intention to continue placing our students at top accounting firms and improve CPA exam pass rates among first-time test takers,” stated Hairston.

Hairston has taught many classes since joining the Parker College faculty including two graduate-level financial accounting courses. She assisted with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) course offered in Spring 2020 and served as advisor and co-advisor to Beta Alpha Psi and the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA).

Parker’s CFO Brian Prevatt Honored as a “Future Leader of Convenience” by Convenience Store News

from http://savannahceo.com/features/2020/07/parkers-cfo-brian-prevatt-honored-future-leader-convenience-convenience-store-news/

Parker’s – an award-winning, nationally acclaimed convenience store company and food service leader known for having the cleanest stores in the industry – is delighted to announce that Chief Financial Officer Brian Prevatt, CPA, has been named a “Future Leader of Convenience” by Convenience Store News for his impressive professional achievements. Prevatt is one of 20 industry professionals age 35 and younger who will be honored at the 2020 CSNews Future Leaders in Convenience Summit on Nov. 4 in Savannah, Ga.

“Brian is a respected chief strategist at Parker’s and a brilliant member of our executive leadership team,” said Parker’s founder and CEO Greg Parker. “His wisdom, data and insight guide our most strategic corporate decisions. By any measure, Brian is a rising star in the convenience store industry with a bright future ahead.”

Prevatt was named to the third annual class of Convenience Store News’ Future Leaders in Convenience, an honor that celebrates the next generation of convenience industry leaders and provides a forum for talented young professionals to develop their leadership skills.

At Parker’s, Prevatt is responsible for managing financial and tax strategy, asset utilization, value creation and return on capital. He masterminds long-term strategic and financial plans that are helping Parker’s expand its corporate footprint, open new retail stores and grow the company’s charitable giving programs.

Before joining Parker’s in 2016, Prevatt spent nearly a decade as a tax manager with Hancock Askew & Co., LLP in Savannah, Ga., where he designed long-term strategic and financial plans for companies across diverse industries.

Over the several years, Prevatt has been honored with a Generation Next/Rising Stars Award, which identifies top business leaders in Savannah, Ga. under the age of 40, and has been recognized as a Georgia Southern University 40 Under 40 Alumni award winner.

Prevatt is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Society of CPAs. He earned a B.B.A. in Accounting and a Master of Accountancy from Georgia Southern University and currently resides in Savannah.

Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Savannah, Ga., Parker’s was recently named the CStore Decisions 2020 Convenience Store Chain of the Year, earning the convenience store industry’s top award. Food and Wine also named Parker’s one of America’s Best Convenience Stores, and The Shelby Report honored Parker’s as the 2019 Southeast Retailer of the Year. Convenience Store News previously recognized the company as the Convenience Foodservice Leader of the Year.

Parker’s is one of America’s most respected convenience store brands with the cleanest retail stores in the industry. The company currently operates 66 stores in coastal Georgia and South Carolina and recently announced plans to build 60 new retail locations in 60 months.

Barron Named Male Student-Athlete of the Month, presented by Georgia Army National Guard

from https://gseagles.com/news/2020/6/30/womens-golf-barron-named-male-student-athlete-of-the-month-presented-by-georgia-army-national-guard.aspx

Each month, the Georgia Southern Student-Athlete Services Department hands out its Student-Athlete of the Month, presented by Georgia Army National Guard, which recognizes students who are working just as hard in the classroom as they are on the field of competition. The male winner for the month of June was Brett Barron of the golf team. Let’s get to know Brett!

Name: Brett Barron
Hometown: Suwanee Ga
Sport: Men’s Golf
Major: Finance

What is the best way for you to balance your academic and athletic lifestyle?
With golf being a sport you can only play during the day, I tried to make sure all my classes were done by 12 p.m. every day so I could practice or play and be done by 5 p.m. so I would be able to study at night.

Why did you choose Georgia Southern University to further your education?
Growing up, I didn’t know much about Georgia Southern, but I was recruited by Carter Collins and he showed me how awesome it would be to be an Eagle. After seeing the facilities and classrooms, along with meeting some of the guys, I knew there wasn’t anywhere else I wanted to go.

What are your career aspirations?
For a career, I would love to be fortunate enough to play professional golf. As a backup plan, I want to work in commercial real estate.

When it comes to striving to do your best in the classroom, who is the biggest motivator in your life?
I think I am my biggest motivator because I want to be the best in everything I do and set a good example while doing it. My parents have a lot of influence in what I do, but in the end it’s me motivating myself to get it done.

What are your pre-game/competition rituals if you have any?
I am not a big ritual person. I warm up about 45 minutes before my tee time just like most of us and head to the first tee ready to show out for Georgia Southern.

Favorite pre game/competition meal?
Chick-fil-A “chicken egg and cheese biscuit” is my go to when we get breakfast before events.

Parker College of Business Offers Interdisciplinary Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Management

by Kristen Connell. PR Intern

Beginning this fall, students at Georgia Southern University will have the opportunity to earn a certificate in hospitality and tourism management to bolster their degrees and résumés.

The Parker College of Business will offer the Interdisciplinary Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Management, which will foster cross-training between hospitality management and tourism students to better prepare students for success in their studies and in the industry.

The faculty members who teach hospitality and tourism courses recognize the importance of this certificate and the power it has to help new students who are approaching the job market.

“Students graduating with a degree in Management and this certificate will find that they have an edge up on their competition as they apply for jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry,” stated Charles Marvil, lecturer of hospitality management.

The certificate will be offered to students who complete a series of approved courses as well as an industry-related internship. Students must take 18 credit hours of study in hospitality management and tourism earning a B or better in each course. They must also complete at least one industry certification, such as ServSafe or CVent, which are both offered at Georgia Southern.

Supply Chain Management Program Moves Up in Ranking

by Jerry Burke, Ph.D., professor and department chair, Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Georgia Southern University’s undergraduate program in supply chain management has climbed to #27 in the nation on the Gartner, Inc. ranking.

Gartner, Inc. conducts a survey of university programs and industry managers every two years to compile rankings of academic programs with specializations in supply chain management. The 2020 survey received input from 59 schools with undergraduate supply chain programs. Georgia Southern tied for the third-highest score in the performance categories of program scope and program size.

Gartner’s analysts, Dana Stiffler and Caroline Chumakov, noted, “The great breadth of coursework and opportunities to practice problem solving in global supply chain contexts were big positives for Georgia Southern University’s program.”

Our program at Georgia Southern continues to provide a great educational value proposition to students and supply chain organizations in the region. We truly appreciate all of the support from logistics and supply chain stakeholders which makes our program not just one to watch, but one to be a part of.

Business Innovation Group, City of Statesboro Select Local Businesses for COVID-19 Relief Funds

Georgia Southern University’s Business Innovation Group (BIG) recently helped the city of Statesboro choose 14 local businesses to benefit from the “Love Ur City” campaign, a fundraising initiative to help small businesses that have been impacted financially by COVID-19.

BIG selected recipients through a multi-step process that included an online application and documentation demonstrating the impact of COVID-19 on their business. More than 100 donors helped raise the award funds through the “Love Ur City” campaign sponsored by the city of Statesboro in May to provide relief to businesses and families in Statesboro and Bulloch County that that were hurt financially by the pandemic.

“We received applications from several great Statesboro businesses and wish we could have helped them all,” said Dominique Halaby, D.P.A., director of BIG. “That said, we are very grateful to those who contributed to this effort and honored to help allocate the available support to local small businesses impacted by the pandemic.”

The award amounts varied based on need with six businesses receiving a $1,500 award, two businesses receiving $2,000 and six businesses receiving $2,500. The businesses spanned multiple industries from wellness to manufacturing. The average annual revenue for the recipient businesses was $76,832 with an average number of 3.5 employees.

“We used a holistic approach to determine the final number of recipients and their eventual amount of funding,” said Halaby. “Some of the factors considered included demonstrable revenue loss, the number of jobs impacted, stated use of funds related to combating the pandemic and industry type. All applicants were ranked on the reviewed factors and placed in brackets with recommended funding levels.”

The “Love Ur City” campaign raised more than $42,000 during May to benefit two funds: the Statesboro COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund and the Statesboro COVID-19 Family Relief Fund. BIG managed and administered the small business fund, while local nonprofit United Way of Southeast Georgia managed the family fund applications and grants.

“I never questioned if our community would come together to support our neighbors in need,” said Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar. “To raise $42,000 in just two weeks speaks volumes to how far our community is willing to go to help each other. I would especially like to thank the Business Innovation Group and United Way of Southeast Georgia for stepping up to help our families and businesses that have been most affected by COVID-19. This project would not have been possible without the help and experience of our gracious partners.”

BIG Partners with Savannah SCORE to offer “Business Launchpad” Series

The series will take place the first three Saturdays in August via Zoom.

The first session in this series is the “Nuts &Bolts” of running a business.

At this informative and enjoyable FREE live webinar presented by certified Savannah SCORE Mentors, you will learn the realities and myths about becoming a business owner as well as what you need to do to establish, manage and grow a successful business.

SATURDAY
August 1, 2020
9:00–11:30 a.m.

What You Will Learn

The traits of successful entrepreneurs
The difference between a good business idea and a bad one
What is an elevator pitch and why is it important to have one?
Key questions you need to ask yourself (and answer) before you start a business
Business myths vs. business realities
Reasons why businesses fail
The importance of having a good “BAIL” team
The positive impact of working with SCORE mentor

Class Notes

Brett Bennett (MBA, ’11), Clyo, principal of Laurel Street Consulting LLC and interim city manager of Guyton, is the new secretary/treasurer for the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce.

Jaroslava Epps (MBA, ’12), Bluffton, SC, joined Chris Hervochon, CPA, CVA LLC, as a staff accountant providing outsourced accounting and tax preparation for small businesses and individuals.

Claire Randall (MKTG, ’15), Jacksonville, FL, is engaged to marry Jack McIver on August 29 in Jacksonville.

James Souter, IV (FINC, ’09), Martinsville, VA, is the new executive director of King’s Grant Retirement Community and will begin his new role in early August.

In Memoriam

Ronald Thomas Gay (GEN BUS, ’75), Ludowici, passed away on June 26, 2020.

Faculty/Staff News

Kwabena Boakye, Ph.D., associate professor of enterprise systems and analytics, recently had his article, “A Correlated Uniqueness Model of Service Quality Measurement Among Users of Cloud-Based Service Platforms,” published in the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services. To view the article, visit https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969698919308537. Congratulations, Kwabena!

Steve Charlier, Ph.D., department chair and professor of management, was recently quoted in, “The New Leaders of Our Virtual Workspaces are Emerging,” on forbes.com. To view the article, visit https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattng/2020/06/30/the-new-leaders-of-our-virtual-workspaces-are-emerging/#3b468e8a4616. He was also quoted in “Introverts May Have a Key Advantage in Zoom Meetings, New Study Finds” posted on Theladders.com. To view the article, visit https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/introverts-may-have-a-key-advantage-in-zoom-meetings-new-study-finds.

Michael Toma, Ph.D., professor of economics, had his article, “Economy & Finances: The Local Impact of a Global Pandemic,” published in the June issue, The Great Pause issue, of the Savannah Morning News Beacon. Toma was also mentioned and quoted in the article, “Report: States Whose Unemployment Numbers Have Recovered the Quickest,” in the Minden Press-Herald (https://press-herald.com/report-states-whose-unemployment-numbers-have-recovered-the-quickest/).

Jackie Eastman, Ph.D., professor of marketing, has been invited and accepted to serve on the editorial review board for the Journal of Public Affairs. Congratulations, Jackie!

Thomas Buckhoff, Ph.D., associate professor of accounting, was featured in WalletHub‘s piece about credit cards for fair credit. To read the article, visit https://wallethub.com/credit-cards/fair-credit/#expert=Thomas_Buckhoff.

Hyunju Shin, Ph.D., associate professor of marketing, has been appointed to serve on the editorial review board for the Journal of Consumer Behaviour. Congratulations, Hyunju!

Last updated: 3/12/2022