Lifestyle

Lowcountry

JAMIS Software Corporation Hosts User Summit in Charleston, South Carolina

April 29, 2019 by 0 Comments
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SAN DIEGO, April 28, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — JAMIS Software Corporation, a world-class provider of cloud ERP software, hosted another successful annual JAMIS Summit March 24th-28th at The Belmond Charleston Place in Charleston, SC.

This year’s conference sponsors included SDL Consulting, Marcum LLP, ITB Consulting, Metis GovCon Support, Dixon Hughes Goodman, Capital Edge Consulting, FCE Benefit Administrators, and Federal Publications Seminars. The 2019 Summit sponsors were instrumental contributors to the event, which provided JAMIS’ customers, partners, and industry experts from across the U.S. the opportunity to share and exchange knowledge in an engaging atmosphere. “The event and location were superb. Our team learned a lot and enjoyed meeting all of the JAMIS staff. All of the staff were extremely helpful and friendly,” said JAMIS customer Linda Ehler, Program Control Manager at Boecore, Inc.

JAMIS was thrilled to welcome back Jon Roskill, CEO of Acumatica, as the keynote speaker for the second consecutive year. Before joining Acumatica, Mr. Jon Roskill held the position of Corporate Vice President of the Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft Corporation. Previously, Roskill served as Corporate Vice President, Business & Marketing Organization of Microsoft North America, where his teams produced all the marketing for Microsoft’s commercial products which in combination drove revenue exceeding $20b. Acumatica, one of the world’s fastest-growing cloud solution providers, recently had record attendance of more than 1,500 customers, partner, media and analyst participants at its annual Acumatica Summit in Houston, TX.

“Having Jon Roskill, CEO of Acumatica, as a keynote speaker at this year’s Summit reinforced our decision to join into partnership with Acumatica and it has been a critical decision for the success of JAMIS. They are global leaders in cloud technology development and are disruptive force in the ERP space for players all across the industry. It’s been a pleasure working with them, and we look forward to a long future of success together,” said owner and CEO Jeffrey Noolas.

One of the more exciting announcements made at the Summit was the launch of the all new JAMIS HR and Payroll suite. To the delight of the audience, John Spirig, Director of HR Product Management, highlighted the powerful new features and beautiful new user interface of the application, with full integration into Prime ERP, perfectly completing the full government contract lifecycle management suite.

JAMIS was proud to present government technology and professional services industry speaker David Berteau, the Professional Services Council’s President & CEO to give JAMIS customers and partners an industry update on legislative and regulatory issues related to government acquisition, business and technology. In addition, the Summit Panel of Experts included Deborah Nixon of Crosshair Advisors, Giacomo Apadula of BDO USA LLP, Gary McDonald of Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, and Robert Craig of Capital Edge Consulting. These industry experts gave attendees a highly informational Government Contracting Industry update and discussed recent changes to the DCAA and DCMA. In addition, speakers from BMSS CPAs, Venable LLP, and Bass, Berry, & Sims all joined JAMIS at the Summit to provide more expert content and industry insights than ever before.

At the close of the 2019 Summit, JAMIS announced that the location of the next Summit in 2020 will be in Nashville, TN. Summit Attendees received Nashville-themed gifts to announce the Summit, which will be held in October of 2020 at The Westin Nashville, situated in the epicenter of downtown Nashville, close to notable attractions such as Music City Center, Bridgestone Arena and Music Row.

The JAMIS Summit offered invaluable networking opportunities for JAMIS customers, as well as hands-on experience with government and accounting compliance products and services, all while enjoying the wonderful food and accommodations of the Belmond Charleston Place. JAMIS Customer Monica McLendon, Corporate Controller at Jefferson Consulting added, “This was a wonderful 1st-time experience. I enjoyed the classes, location, and people… I learned so much!”

SOURCE JAMIS Software Corporation

Food & Bev - Lowcountry

Charleston Wine + Food Reports Largest Economic Impact in History of Festival

April 26, 2019 by 0 Comments
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Charleston, S.C.- Charleston Wine + Food reported an economic impact of $18.6 million over the course of the five-day annual festival, up from $15.3 million in 2018. This impact number, derived by a third party study from the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis, is the largest to-date.

“We couldn’t be more happy and proud of this year’s results. We welcomed nearly 26,000 guests and generated a measured economic impact of $18.6 million,” says Gillian Zettler, Executive Director for Charleston Wine + Food. “It’s always exciting to see people respond positively to our programming and have that excitement translate into attendance and our largest economic impact to date. The results are a great achievement for our community.”

Charleston Wine + Food is renowned for offering creative, dynamic, and ever-changing programming that features top winemakers, chefs, culinary professionals, artists, and experts from around the globe that come together annually in March to produce a wine + food festival that rivals the very best of its kind. The 2019 festival was no exception, featuring 128 events across the greater Charleston area.  “Over the course of this five day festival we are able to use food to bring people together, create new memories, and offer an experience that warms your belly and your heart, says Zettler.”

Additionally, the 2019 festival saw an uptick in local ticket buyers. Approximately 57% of attendees are local to the greater Charleston area. Visitors to Charleston and the festival continue to report Charleston Wine + Food as the main reason for their visit, and indicate that they plan to return to Charleston within the next 3 years. “I think the increase in local attendance is largely attributed to the diversity of our programming + experiences and the effort the organization has made since my time here to create more accessible price points,” says Zettler. This year’s ticket prices started at $65 and nearly 30 events on the schedule were under $100.

In addition to the economic impact that Charleston Wine + Food’s annual festival creates, the organization has a multifaceted partnership with One80 Place Training and the College of Charleston.  At this year’s Opening Ceremony, two College of Charleston students were presented with multi-year scholarships and One80 Place Training with a financial contribution of $40,000. Since inception, Charleston Wine + Food has contributed more than $500,000 to organizations or persons that directly benefit the Lowcountry’s local foodway initiatives and strengthen our local community.

“As we enter our 15th year, we are already knee deep in planning the 2020 festival and we look forward to continuing to find new ways to inspire people to enjoy Charleston and our culinary + hospitality community,” says Zettler.

For more information and tickets to year-round Charleston Wine + Food events visit charlestonwineandfood.com.

####

Charleston Wine + Food is a cultural entity that champions the region’s unique foodways through world-renowned culinary experiences. Fueled by a contagious passion for the people and places that make Charleston worth celebrating, the annual festival infuses homegrown flavor with top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, artisans, and food enthusiasts from around the globe for a five-day event that spans the first full weekend each March. Charleston Wine + Food is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports Charleston and the Lowcountry’s diverse culinary + hospitality community through financial contributions to organizations or persons that directly benefit our local foodways initiatives and strengthen our local community.

MEDIA CONTACT:

  • Alyssa Maute Smith, Marketing + Communications Director
  • (843) 303-1517
  • alyssa@charlestonwineandfood.com
Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC

Mount Pleasant, SC Recognized with Prestigious Platinum, Gold Hermes Creative Awards

April 25, 2019 by 0 Comments
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MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (April 24, 2019) – The Town of Mount Pleasant’s multi-departmental creative team was recently recognized with a Platinum, four Gold and four Honorable Mentions during the 2019 Hermes Creative Awards competition. The Town competed with international brands and Fortune 500 companies to secure wins in a wide array of topics. They ranged from an annual report, a public service announcement, and a magazine, to a digital newsletter and infographic product.

The 2019 Mount Pleasant Hermes Creative Awards winners are:

Administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, the international organization consists of several thousand marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, digital media production and free-lance professionals. More than 6,000 entries, from throughout the United States and many other countries, enter the competition. Out of those, only about 15 percent of entries will win Platinum (the top award) and 20 percent will win the Gold Award. About 10 percent will gather an Honorable Mention.

Press Release Prepared by By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Communications Manager

Lowcountry

TW Cast & Recruit Will be doing the Extras Casting for OBX, filming in CHARLESTON, SC (and surrounding areas!) for new Netflix show

April 24, 2019 by 2 Comments
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Pleased to Announce Extras Casting for OBX, filming in CHARLESTON, SC (and surrounding areas!)

Filming starts WEDNESDAY, MAY 1st and goes until close to Labor Day. Below is info on how to submit a general submission along with a heads up on whats to come these next few weeks!

That said, PLEASE STILL SEND A GENERAL SUBMISSION even if you don’t fit one of the specific group casting calls (again, which will go up over the weekend.) Submitting a general submission will help us when it comes to checking availability closer to the start of filming and throughout the duration of filming!

General submissions should be sent to OBXBG@TWCastAndRecruit.com, subject line: General Submission and MUST INCLUDE ALL of the following to be considered for extra work on OBX:

1.) 2 Recent Pictures (Head Shot and Body Shot)
2.) Name
3.) Phone Number
4.) Age
5.) Location
6.) Height
7.) Weight
8.) Shirt Size
9.) Jacket Size (if applicable)
10.) Pant Size (W and L, if applicable)
11.) Dress Size (if applicable)
12.) Shoe Size
13.) Color, Make, Model (Year) of Vehicle, Brownie Points if you include a photo!
14.) List of Any Tattoos or Piercings

Official Announcement Website

Lowcountry

SignaPay LTD, Accelerates Growth with Opening of New Office in Charleston, South Carolina

April 23, 2019 by 0 Comments
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New office expansion enables SignaPay LTD to accelerate growth in payment solutions for merchants throughout the greater southeast of the United States.

CHARLESTON, S.C., April 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — SignaPay, a leading provider of payment solutions for merchants nationwide, recently opened a new state of the art office in Charleston, South Carolina to accommodate rapid growth and further leverage the company’s cash discount program, PayLo. Led by industry veteran, Christian Mauer, SignaPay Southeast will continue to enhance SignaPay’s commitment to best in class customer service and product delivery.

“PayLo is an innovative technology that allows merchants in all 50 states to offset their credit card processing costs by applying a small customer service fee to each sale they make. The PayLo Cash Discount software is installed on the payment terminal and encourages customers to pay with cash. It’s been a needed reprieve for our merchants and a major game changer for us,” stated Mauer. “We’re incredibly excited to be carrying the SignaPay brand and PayLo product.”

In addition to the corporate headquarters in Irving, Texas, the new office doubles the office footprint and supports the company’s growth strategy and values. “The Charleston office is yet another milestone for SignaPay, but it also serves as a humble reminder of the hard work and commitment to our partnerships,” added Matt Nern, Senior Vice President. “Witnessing first hand over the years, the level of commitment Christian and his staff have in delivering superior customer service to our shared PayLo merchants made this opportunity possible.”

For more information please contact SignaPay Southeast at local: 843.884.6884, toll free: 888.287.6033 or visit https://www.signapayse.com/.

About SignaPay, LTD:

SignaPay™ founded in 2007 by industry veteran John Martillo and located in Irving, Texas, offers a complete suite of payment solutions for merchants including credit card and debit card processing, gateway integration, fraud prevention, customer loyalty, analytics software as well as equipment including mobile and point of sale systems. SignaPay™ is dedicated to their partners and merchants and continually seeks ways to build relationships and grow businesses with streamlined solutions. For more information about our products and services, visit www.signapay.com.

SOURCE SignaPay

Lowcountry

What’s Going On? – Happy Earth Day: A Day of Reflection

April 22, 2019 by 0 Comments
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Now that I have your full attention, it is time we bring attention to a very delicate matter that hits many of us close to home:  the decaying of humanity

You heard me.  Many are quick to blame everyone and everything except themselves.

  • It must be corporate greed
  • No, blame Facebook for providing an isolated window from human interaction
  • Better yet, blame smartphones for allowing us to break up via text
  • We need to include GPS systems and webcams to reinforce that Big Brother is watching.
  • Who can leave out reality TV?  If every occupation and household is now a reality show, what exactly is reality?
  • AI and Machine Learning are removing the need for human thought.
  • COVID-19 has shut down the world.

I know everything is a phase or a trend, like Rubik’s Cube, Myspace and Boy Bands…Rubik’s Cube became Tetris, Myspace became Facebook and Boy Bands, well we can’t get rid of them (Thank you Marky Mark).  So if history is deemed to repeat itself with each generation, we are safe; but if the technology is slowly skewing us in the wrong direction of moral humanity and we keep repeating the same mistakes…BOOM!  What then?

For centuries, territorialism and religion have been blamed for thousands of senseless deaths.

The media; let’s talk about the media.  They glamorize looks and money and provide millions of innocent viewers with a less than perfect image of themselves which leads to depression, dangerous health habits, and for some, suicide. Let’s look even deeper into the multi-billion dollar world of gaming…Oh yes, don’t go hiding your Play Station or X Box now. Let us take a moment to dissect

Here is a list of some of the top-selling X Box games of all time courtesy of Wikipedia:

  • Halo 2 (8 million)
  • Halo: Combat Evolved (5 million)
  • Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell (3 million: 2.4 million in the US, 600,000 in Europe, 5,449 in Japan)
  • Fable (3 million – may include PC version)
  • Project Gotham Racing (2.5 million)
  • Grand Theft Auto Double Pack (1.7 million: 1.59 million in the US, 100,000 in the UK, 10,515 in Japan)
  • Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (1.58 million: 1.48 million in the US,[19] 100,000 in the UK)
  • Counter-Strike (1.5 million)
  • Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (1.46 million: 1.26 million in the US, 200,000 in the UK)
  • Need for Speed: Underground 2 (1.44 million: 1.24 million in US,[19] 200,000 in UK)
  • Call of Duty 2: Big Red One (1.39 million in the US)

Correct me if I am wrong, but I see a theme that is present in many of these titles: Violence and death.

Gender, we cannot leave out the age-old genetic dilemma that men and women are inherently different. Personality, emotions, passions, and physical make up are all unique and separate qualities. There are exceptions, but for the near future, let us accept that for the remainder of mankind we will have to learn to deal with those differences.

Music, music music. It is the soundtrack of our lives and the power of words has the ability to translate to the power of perception. Are we influenced by lyrics in rap and death metal? Perhaps that is a factor as well.

“And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming
And the sign said, “The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls”
And whispered in the sounds of silence”

Written in 1964, this classic by Simon & Garfunkel spoke of a world today; 45 years ago

The internet…The most powerful mastermind of covert activity. You can be anyone and anything you want on the internet. You can be an eighty-year-old man who can transform into an eighteen-year-old prom queen. Or a janitor becoming a CEO. The magic to transform can take on a life of its own..Be careful, do you know who you are talking to.

I was watching the news last evening and the newscaster said: “Stay tuned, this next story could very well restore your faith in humanity”. Did we lose faith in humanity at some point? That was a profound statement to an audience in the New York City area of potentially millions to assume they have lost the belief that there is good in the world. That got me thinking, am I an optimist or a pessimist? Has reality, technology, sensationalism, violence, civil unrest, death, greed, power, recession, poverty, disease, and loneliness numbed my senses and restricted my ability to feel?

I hope not. There is so much good out there, everywhere we turn.
Each spring the flowers blossom and there are colors everywhere you turn.
Each generation, children are filled with imagination and wonder.

Dreamers continue to dream and achievers teach us that there are no limits.

As we celebrate Mother Earth today, remember it is not a single day to reflect on what is good, but a 24-hour reminder that we should always focus on each and every living thing that makes this ecosystem so wonderful.

Lowcountry

Garden of Dreams – Original Poem (Happy Earth Day)

April 22, 2019 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Each flower a symbol of life; a metaphor of the journey of self discover

As the sun rises on a new day, the shadow awakes to a new shade of color above

The sweet nectar of its protector spreading its wings in a tapestry of color and spectacle

Today, a chorus of roses, lilies, tulips and daffodils with sing chants accompanied by harps and music from the clouds above. It is a theater of nature’s most talented creations.

Giving life to the ground once cold and frigid
Now, the flowers extend their hand in harmony and wrap themselves around each other in warm embrace as love is defined for another season

As the cold winter packed its bags and departed, not to look back, the young offspring peaked above the shelter of the soil and slowly began to reach for the heavens and bless us with the smell of fragrant beauty

Now the journey has reached its pinnacle
Spring is here and the ambassadors have manned their posts
Observers to love; supporting players in the creation of memories

With each new kiss, a flower smiles
It is pure; it is magical; it is the virtual of the balance of life

Basking in the vehemence of the sun, this garden is a foundation of the truth in existence
It reinforces the meaning of life and gives explanation when doubt has clouded the mind

With each smell a new flow of energy enters the body and rejuvenates

Alone a flower is fragile
Together, in a garden, it has the strength to overcome mountains

Now as I sit on this bench, an invited guest to the magical transformation of Earth’s wonders
I close my eyes and let me senses take over as the sun warms my soul and the flowers caress me with nature’s perfume

Lowcountry

Continuing the Dream at Greg Mathis Charter School

April 21, 2019 by 1 Comment
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For many students a prom is a celebratory right of passage into a new era in life. It is an experience that students of Greg Mathis Charter High School did not have until 2016. Principal, Ms. Henriques and Asst Principal, Mr. Chaplin decided it was necessary to boost the students’ morale. 

This year Joy Campbell, founder of “I Serve With Joy” returns after challenging life circumstances to take the lead in organizing a prom. As a precursor to the prom, students will have the opportunity to participate in Prince Charming Day on May 1st and Queens For a Day on May 8th. These events will consist of heart-warming scenes where influential men and women of the Lowcountry join as a united front. The group will include political leaders, attorneys, authors, musicians, entrepreneurs and church leaders who have volunteered to talk to these students about etiquette.

The students will also receive free haircuts and make-overs. The goal is for students to leave feeling empowered and honored that someone cared about them and their future. These kids, although faced with adversities; are grateful for a second chance and are working hard to become better individuals; some with dreams of being lawyers, doctors and entrepreneurs.

To learn more or make a donation: iservewithjoy.org

CURRENT EVENT SPONSORS

Inspired by Annette, Certitude Health, Coding Educators, Ash N T’s Formals, Dance Doctor, Cordell’s Cuisine and Catering, Maria’s Pink Box, Stars and Strikes, Lowcountry Blessing Box Project, Howard’s Barber and Styling College, Boys with Purpose, Lucciono’s Trucking, Lucciono’s 2x Platinum Salon, Molina Healthcare, Girl.Glow.Grow, Councilman Mike Brown, Sticky Fingers, The Spot 47, Ecox Creative, Get bossed Nails, LoLA, Charleston Good, Mt Pleasant Belk, and Restore Global.
ABOUT GREG MATHIS CHARTER SCHOOLGreg Mathis Charter School, is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that works with high-risk students and families throughout Charleston County in South Carolina.

ABOUT I SERVE WITH JOYWe are a small organization with a big heart and love to serve others as well as engaging with the community. As our reach grows we are looking for Sponsors and partners to be able to make a greater impact in the communities we serve.“I Serve with Joy” is on a mission to reach and bless countless individuals and families all year round!

Lowcountry

Saf-Gard/Vulcan Safety Shoe Company Opens Location in Charleston, SC

April 20, 2019 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C., April 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Vulcan Safety Shoes, a Division of Saf-Gard Safety Shoe Company – a leading supplier of safety toe and slip resistant footwear – is proud to announce their newest Vulcan Boot Camp location 7565 Rivers Ave in North Charleston, SC.

This store opening is part of a larger effort to update the look and feel of all Saf-Gard retail locations down the east coast – led by VP and Co-Owner, Jeff Kubis and Corporate Director of Marketing, Sheri Fording.

“The new look and feel of the Vulcan Boot Camp stores and Saf-Gard Safety Shoe stores is a collective effort from the upper management team and the marketing team to unify and update the store brand and also firmly establish the stores in the minds of the consumer as the place to go for safety shoes. We are excited to reveal this new, clean, customer friendly experience to our clients.” – Sheri Fording

Since Saf-Gard’s acquisition of Vulcan Safety Shoe Company in January 2018, Saf-Gard has worked to create a unified brand between the two companies. Like Saf-Gard, Vulcan has provided top quality safety footwear to their customers for decades and places a premium on supplying the latest comfort features and safety technologies to ensure that customers have the best footwear for their specific profession.

Saf-Gard/Vulcan will be able to service all industrial manufacturing, government municipalities, restaurant, grocery, healthcare, assisted living, hospitality and many other industries from the Charleston location.

Saf-Gard makes its own brand of slip resistant footwear called SR Max. In addition, they partner with great brands like HyTest, Wolverine, Timberland PRO, Skechers, Reebok, and Keen, just to name a few. Saf-Gard features several of these brands in their own exclusive styles with their patented SR Max MaxTrax™ outsole, combining a great mix of function and fashion.

Vice President and Co-Owner, Jeff Kubis offered the following closing statement: “Saf-Gard is looking forward to bringing nearly four decades of experience to Charleston. We are excited to provide our customers with a friendly, customer-focused shopping experience where they will be measured and fitted for the best safety shoe brands available.”

The new Charleston store is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday, and 9:00 am – 1:00 pm on Saturdays.

To learn more about the style selections and brand, please visit www.safgard.com.

About Saf-Gard/Vulcan Safety Shoe Company:

Saf-Gard/Vulcan Safety Shoe Company provides high-quality safety footwear and products to both B2B and B2C customers. Saf-Gard offers corporate programs that can be tailored to any company, large or small. Saf-Gard offers a multi-channel approach to service with websites, shoemobiles (a store on wheels), and retail locations. Saf-Gard proudly carries safety and slip resistant shoes from top brands including Wolverine, HyTest, Timberland PRO, Keen, SR Max (its personal brand) and more!

Contact:
Sheri Fording
800-221-8843

Lowcountry

Charleston Area Transportation Study Begins Certification Process Review

April 19, 2019 by 0 Comments
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PUBLIC COMMENTS INVITED

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (April 18, 2019) — The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments is holding a public meeting April 23 in its board room at 5790 Casper Padgett Way, North Charleston, beginning at 5:30 p.m., as a component of its certification review by the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration Region 4.

As the metropolitan planning organization for the Charleston region’s urbanized area, all of CHATS planning products are reviewed and approved by FHWA and FTA on a routine basis.

The period certification review, held at least every four years, allows these agencies to comprehensively assess compliance with the federal requirements of 23 USC 134(k)(5) and 49 USC 5303(k)(5), and provide advice and technical assistance to the MPO and its planning partners for enhancing the multimodal planning process, and improving the quality of transportation investment decisions.

With public participation an important component of the metropolitan planning process, the BCDCOG is offering the public an opportunity to provide input during the federal agencies’ on-site review by attending the public meeting April 23. For questions regarding the meeting please contact Kathryn Basha at (843) 529-0400.

Si usted necesita la ayuda de un traductor del idiomaespañol, por favor comuníquese con Kathryn Basha al teléfono (843) 529-0400, cuando menos 48 horasantes de la junta.

ABOUT BCDCOG:

The BCDCOG is a voluntary association of, by and for local governments, and was established to assist Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester county leaders in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit, and coordinating for sound regional development. BCDCOG’s purpose is to strengthen the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and make joint decisions. For the latest on BCDCOG, visit www.bcdcog.com, like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter.