2012 Ballooniversity Classes

Lunch + Learn

We know that your success in business depends on more than just being a creative designer. You must also be able to market your services, balance your books, and manage your business. This year, we are offering "Lunch and Learn" seminars from experts in marketing, social media, business law, and accounting. Here's your chance to squeeze in some valuable information while enjoying lunch!

David Hays

Chairman and CEO of Bodacious Food Company, bakers of Geraldine's® Cheese Straws and All Natural Cookies. Bodacious Food built a bakery in Jasper and relocated to Pickens County in 1998. Prior to Bodacious Food, David spent over 15 years in the advertising business, working for firms such as BBDO, Austin Kelley Advertising, Tracy-Locke and Ryan Partnership. After matriculating at Northern Arizona University, he was a radio DJ, Music Director and Program Director for 10 years, then using his entrepreneurial skills as a concert promoter and starting a sales promotion agency in Austin, Texas.

Since moving to Pickens County, David has served on the Parent Advisory board for both Pickens County Middle School and Pickens High School, Past President of Jasper Rotary Club and the Pickens High Tip-Off Club. The birth of twins resulted in the move to Georgia so that his Georgia Peach bride could be closer to her parents in Newnan, GA. When not in the bakery, David can be found on his sailboat or at the Tennis Center.

Kelly Lucas

Kelly Lucas is the Marketing and Social Media Manager for BBR Marketing based in Atlanta, Georgia. Kelly has marketing experience in the accounting, legal technology, hospitality and entertainment industries and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Georgia.

Along with her professional experience, Kelly also volunteers with Girls on the Run Atlanta, where she manages their social media accounts and blog. Her efforts were recognized by the international office of Girls on the Run for achievement in marketing with the Pace Setter award for the Atlanta council and was invited to speak at the Girls on the Run International Council Summit on social media initiatives.

Carol McDonell

Many small business owners use Quickbooks to handle their record keeping and accounting. A vast majority of users are self-taught and manage to get the job done, but often are not taking advantage of some of the Quickbooks features that can make the job easier. This program will provide tips and shortcuts for using Quickbooks more efficiently. Keyboard shortcuts, managing open windows, working in registers, and customizing the screens and reports are a few of the things you will learn.

 

 

About Carol McDonell

B.A. in Spanish, San Diego State University
M.B.A. International Business, San Diego State University Area Director in Athens

Mrs. McDonell began her business career in the computer industry. At Hewlett Packard she managed the Product Support group for the company's distribution business software. She has consulted with companies in California and Hawaii in the biotechnology and healthcare industries working on the design and implementation of their computer systems and 5 year strategic plans. Mrs. McDonell has been a business consultant with the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center since May 2001. She became the Area Director of the Athens office in July 2005. She served as the Director of the Georgia Women Entrepreneurs (GWEN) conference in 2005 and 2006. In 2011 she received her Quickbooks Pro Advisor Certification.

Tracy Moon

Protect Your Company's Assets: Compliance with Hiring, Firing, and Wage/Hour Laws

Join labor lawyer Tracy Moon as he covers some "hot topic" legal issues affecting small businesses. Learn to avoid some of the common pitfalls of employment law, as well as tips for maintaining a compliant work environment.

About Tracy L. Moon, Jr.

Tracy L. Moon, Jr., is a partner in the Atlanta office of Fisher & Phillips LLP. Since 1993, he has represented employers in successfully solving employment and labor issues arising in the workplace. He spends much of his time counseling and training employers regarding compliance with employment and labor laws, rules and regulations, how to avoid workplace problems and prevent lawsuits. In this regard, Tracy conducts on-site compliance inspections and in-house management training programs. His experience includes representation of employers before federal and state trial and appellate courts, and in arbitrations and mediations in employment and labor law matters. Tracy also represents employers in administrative proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, OSHA, OSH Review Commission, the National Labor Relations Board and other federal and state agencies. He prepares all of the documents associated with employment, including employee handbooks, employment contracts, business ethics and confidentiality agreements, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, and severance agreements. He also advises employers on both federal and state OSHA-related issues, including compliance, prevention, and accident, injury and death cases. Tracy is an OSHA General Industry Outreach Trainer authorized to conduct 10- and 30-hour General Industry training. He regularly speaks to business and professional associations and business groups, including chambers of commerce. Tracy has written numerous articles on a wide variety of employment and labor law subjects.