Celebrate Earth Day at Repast With Intro of the Green Plate

Repast Restaurant is celebrating Earth Day with the introduction of the “Green Plate Special”.

Put aside your woes from the “New Economy”, the singing-the-money blues and your search for the best blue plate special on date night. Now you can enjoy a relaxed evening out at one of Atlanta’s most celebrated local eateries.

Supporting Georgia farmers by using select organic foods from local farms, Chef Joe Truex and Chef Mihoko Obunai have created the Green Plate Special that will delight your taste buds! The $15 special available Monday through Thursday will include a wedge salad, the evening’s entrée offering and a sweet morsel to top off your meal. A special wine list of 8 selections offered at $30 a bottle will allow you to dine in a manner foreshadowing the good times to come.

The entrée selections grant you access to the collaborative food creations of Chef Joe’s Creole and Southern style combined with Chef Mihoko’s Japanese and French delights.

The weekly Green Plate Special schedule includes:

Monday – Chef Joe’s Crossroads Gumbo
Tuesday – Chef Mihoko’s Japanese Fish & Chips
Wednesday – Georgian Shrimp & Grits
Thursday – the return of the All-American Hamburger (voted Atlanta’s Best in 2007)

The husband and wife chefs understand the wants and needs of a special evening out with your significant other. Enjoy time together in a unique environment where the innovation is not limited to the food and décor.

Repast Restaurant is located in the Old Fourth Ward at the corner of North Avenue and Glen Iris Boulevard across from the City Hall East building. Open for dinner Monday through Thursday from 5:30 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Call (404) 870-8707 for reservations (preferred but not required) or visit www.repastrestaurant.com to book your reservation online.

EXCLUSIVE: Munson International Makes Moving Simple

Editor's note: As part of our look at local businesses, today's Monday Movers features a visit with Jim Munson, co-founder of Munson International, a global moving and relocation business. In part one of our interview with Munson (http://goatlanta-ga.blogspot.com/2009/02/exclusive-munson-international-on-move.html), we looked at moves for residents. Today's piece looks at corporate moves. If you have an Atlanta area business you would like featured, email: cpodber@echaincommunity.com .

Founded by 30-year industry veteran Munson and his wife, Elizabeth, Munson International minimizes the disruption and anxiety faced during a move by managing physical as well as cultural needs. Not only does the global mobility specialist pack and transport a clients’ household belongings - Munson International also provides an array of services such as: intercultural training and relocation counseling, orientation tours, school information, spousal career and social assistance, child and elderly care, transportation, temporary accommodations, home searches, mortgage and real estate services, community integration and many other personal and professional special needs.

Munson has managed moves for Fortune 500 Global companies such as Hyatt Corp., British Telecom, Equitable Life, MCI WorldCom, Williams Company, GTS (Russia), Lucas Automotive (England), Bosch (Germany), Novatel (Monaco), as well as hundreds of small businesses and individuals.

GOATLANTA: What are we seeing today as far as corporate moves given the tight economy we are in?

JIM MUNSON: We are seeing a downturn with corporate relocations with most companies, however, recently many of the more progressive companies have decided that some of the best people are now on the market and have decided to go after them if they can help their bottom line and they can get them for less money than they could before. We are actually working with some very progressive companies that see this as a chance to go after some of the great talent that they could not get in boom times. Now they are making them offers to move to the southeast and they are jumping at the chance.

GA: What advice would you have for a business owner that is contemplating move to maybe a better area for its business, moving to save money for its business, etc?

JM: Many companies are giving lump sums to their employees and the families which is really the wrong thing to do since it puts the burden on the family to make all of the choices rather than giving them a hand when they need it most. We actually have worked out a program that can help with lump sum programs that will save the company money and gives the employee one point of contact. It has been working really well and gets away from the family sitting on a home at origin for months because the listing agent has priced the house too high.

GA: Is now a good time to move a business or should an owner wait for the economy to settle down?

JM: There is no good answer to that one. We are seeing a good number of international companies moving into the southeast, and at the same time, small companies are starting up all the time with great results because they are not stuck with the same old management ideas and lack of imagination. Quite frankly, that has nothing to do with age or ability, it has more to do with imagination and your relationships with customers. Do people and companies want to buy what you are selling? If the answer is YES, you will do fine. If NO, then you are in trouble regardless of the timing.

GA: For business owners with companies in the Atlanta area, how is the economy locally going to impact whether they move or not? If they do choose to move, any areas in Georgia that are doing well now to relocate a business to?

JM: The whole state of Georgia is still in great position; we have the great airport, the great port of Savannah and all of the labor that is willing to work in between. One of the programs that is just starting up is a new business called IBIS (International Business Incubator South). This group, which is teaming up with almost all of the international chambers of commerce, is going to be a big boost for the city of Atlanta. They will provide office space, destination services, and marketing services for each of the chambers that belong. It is my understanding that so far they have the French, Swedish, Swiss, Russian, Polish, and Belgium chambers, and are talking to several others. This is the kind of program that the city and Georgia has needed for a long time.

For further information, visit www.munsoninternational.com

EXCLUSIVE: On the Go with Mini Cities

Editor's note: In our continuing look at Atlanta-area businesses, today's Thursday Travels piece looks at Mini Cities, which serves as a community resource for numerous neighborhoods, including a number of cities in Georgia.

Mini Cities was founded on the understanding that people who live in beautiful suburban communities want to live, work, eat, play - basically everything - in those communities. The problem was that so often finding information about your neighborhood businesses was impossible – sure you could find businesses in the big city, or scattered all across town. Mini Cities brings you information about your local businesses and events.

Along with business listings, Mini Cities sites also offer free business listings including free coupons, free event promotion, free TXT to Mobile on your business listing and much much more. They also offer very low cost advertising.

GOATLANTA recently caught up with Mini Cities representative Katherine Fein to discuss what they do, how they can help area residents and businesses, and their future goals.

GOATLANTA: Talk a little bit about your business, how it got started, how long serving the Atlanta area.

KATHERINE FEIN: We have been in business for three years. We have grown 700 percent in the past six months and are a great asset to the communities that we are in. The families love us because they can get coupons, find things to do in our event section, and rate businesses in our reviews sections. Businesses love us because it is a very low-cost way of marketing; they can quickly build a reputation in their communities as they distribute their coupons to their target market and we will get them naturally ranked in Google within a few weeks.

GA: Is there a lot of competition for the business you are in? If so, how does Mini Cities set itself apart from others?

KF: Some companies do some of the things that we do. No company does everything that we do. We are the one-stop shop for businesses as well as residents of the communities that we serve.

GA: What kind of feedback have you received from Atlanta area residents and businesses?

KF: They love us. We get businesses on the first page of Google naturally, so their customers find them when they are looking for them and seeking them out.

GA: Have the current tough economic times impacted your business?

KF: We have grown 700 percent in the last six months. Everyone wants low-cost marketing.

GA: Where do you see the company a year from now?

KF: Our current plans are to expand or reach to several other areas in Atlanta, and throughout the country as well. Our current sites include:www.SandySpringsCommunity.comwww.AboutBuckhead.comwww.DunwoodyDirectory.comwww.AboutMarietta.comwww.AboutRoswellGa.comwww.AlpharettaSearch.com

For more information on Mini Cities, visit www.mini-cities.com .

EXCLUSIVE: Getting a Dose of Yoga Atlanta Style

Editor's note: In our continuing look at Atlanta-area businesses, today's Wednesday Wellness looks at local residents Lara Falberg and Nicole Jurovics, who are helping shape up Atlanta through yoga.

GOATLANTA: Talk a little bit about your business, how long in Atlanta, etc?

LARA FALBERG: Nicole and I have put an instructional DVD called Yoga Dose out there so people can enjoy a virtual class experience at home, and have the option of two entirely different sequences by different teachers. We believe in that variety/spice mentality. We also figured having students doing various modifications on postures in the DVD with both of us participating as students, and providing hands-on adjustments to the students on the DVD would be the most helpful things to offer to a person doing yoga on their own at home/hotel/tour bus/etc. The DVD came out in August 2008. We are both long-time residents of Atlanta, and both moved here in 1994, and met one another in 1995. We've been friends since the moment we met and it's been so fantastic to explore yoga together.

GA: Are we seeing more people getting involved with yoga?

LF: More people are doing yoga. People are seeking the various forms of yoga out for stress-relief, pain or soreness in their bodies, and because there are vast health benefits to all of the major systems and muscle groups. There are also vast benefits to learning how to simply utilize the breath to calm the central nervous system and to cope with anxiety, depression, difficulty focusing and relaxing, and various other internal conflicts. Anyone can do it, and there are so many styles and levels out there that it is truly a way to move the body that is accessible to anyone no matter their age or ability.

GA: Has the economy impacted your business goals at all?

LF: In relationship to the economy, Yoga Dose DVD is the perfect thing for those wanting to try yoga out in the privacy of their own home, and on their own time table. It's also an excellent supplement to those who already have a regular practice and attend classes at a studio, but perhaps right now can't afford to go to quite as many classes as they wish due to a necessity to be more frugal. Yoga Dose is very affordable ($21.95 on yogadose.net and free s/h), and it's a one-time purchase which is actually less expensive than attending just two studio classes.

GA: For someone interested in starting yoga, what are some steps they should take?

LF: Both Nicole and I started with a DVD at home. Our DVD is perfect for beginners because of the various modifications our students demonstrate in a the postures in our classes. A beginner can see where they can start based on who is doing the simpler modification in the DVD and where they can progress to in observing either Nicole or I or the student who is doing the more challenging version of the posture. It was extremely important to us to make this something everyone can enjoy. There are also beginner classes at every studio, and working with a nurturing and experienced teacher whom you connect with is key.

GA: Where do you see your business a year from now?
LF: We'd love to see Yoga Dose available in some major retail stores such as Whole Foods and Target. Our goal is to reach as many people as we can, and give them a really different DVD experience, and to keep them from getting bored. We had a blast putting this DVD together, and we think it's a great offering for now. We have lots of ideas for more to come. For more information on Yoga Dose and for yoga class schedules in Atlanta, visit: http://www.yogadose.net/.

EXCLUSIVE: Staying Productive, Healthy in the Work Place

Editor's note: In our continuing look at Atlanta-area businesses, today's Wednesday Wellness looks at local resident Cynthia Dunsky and her pursuit of offering healthier lives for individuals.

Dunsky's business is really two fold. She works with a global product brokerage company to bring products to people and people to products. The company is similar to Amazon.com but triple in size with over 35 million products with its partner stores and including 2,500 exclusive proprietary products that their customers can only purchase through an exclusive distributors and web portal. Their proprietary products are top of the line in health, nutrition, anti-aging, weight management, skin care and cosmetics. Dunsky has been in Atlanta for 12 years and after working and supporting other people's dreams, she decided to work for her future and her dreams.

GOATLANTA Marketing Director Carrie Podber, founder of www.echaincommunity.com, recently spoke with Dunsky about people being more productive, staying healthy in the work place, and the primary benefits of using Isotonix OPC-3.

GOATLANTA: They say statistically speaking that people are more productive if they are healthy. What are some of the things that contribute to productivity?

CYNTHIA DUNSKY: Exercise, eating habits, and supplementation all contribute to productivity in the work place. People are more alert which leads to being more productive. Between the toxins, antibiotics, mercury etc. we ingest we are losing valuable nutrients in our food.

GA: How do we stay healthy and productive in the work place?

CD: We need supplements to counteract lose of valuable nutrients. My recommendation is an Antioxidant, Isotonix® OPC-3®.

GA: What are the primary benefits of using OPC-3®?

CD: The primary benefits of OPC-3® include: Combats free radicals; Demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity; Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels; Helps maintain healthy circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins; Helps maintain joint flexibility; Helps promote/support cardiovascular health; Helps reduce mild menstrual cramping and abdominal pain; Helps support visual health/visual acuity; Potent free radical scavenger; Promotes/Supports healthy blood vessel dilation; Promotes/Supports healthy nitric oxide levels; Supports a healthy complexion; Supports healthy blood glucose levels; Supports healthy platelet activity; Supports healthy sperm quality.

GA: What makes this product unique?

CD: A free radical is an atomic structure with an unpaired electron in its outermost shell. These unpaired electrons tend to be highly reactive, resulting in chemical reactions such as oxidation. Because they have one or more unpaired electrons, free radicals are highly unstable. They scavenge the body to grab or donate electrons, causing damage to cells, proteins and DNA. Free radicals are naturally occurring; however, air pollution, stress, smoking, heavy exercising and aging all contribute to the creation of harmful free radicals. Free radicals can cause oxidative damage to the body, potentially leading to serious health problems. Normally the body is able to protect itself from the damaging effects of free radicals, but if antioxidants are unavailable, or if free radical production becomes excessive, damage can occur.

Antioxidants are natural cell protectors, neutralizing free radicals by pairing an electron to the outermost shell of radical oxygen molecules, rendering them harmless. Antioxidants are nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, and enzymes that are capable of counteracting the damaging, but normal, effects of the physiological process of oxidation in bodily tissues. Antioxidants work in two ways, chain breaking and prevention. A chain-breaking antioxidant such as vitamins A, C and E, stabilize free radicals or cause them to decay into harmless atomic structures. A preventative antioxidant prevents the oxidation process by scavenging free radicals.

Isotonix® OPC-3® is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed, red wine, pine bark extracts and citrus extract bioflavonoids, all found to be potent antioxidants. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are bioflavonoids (complex organic plant compounds) found in fruits, vegetables and certain tree barks that provide exceptional nutritional benefits to the human body.

Studies have shown OPCs to be up to 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E in neutralizing free radicals. Isotonix OPC-3 contains the only isotonic form of Pycnogenol® in the world. Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, and the most clinically researched and potent bioflavonoid.

Isotonic, which means “same pressure,” bears the same chemical resemblance of the body’s blood, plasma and tears. All fluids in the body have a certain concentration, referred to as osmotic pressure. The body’s common osmotic pressure, which is isotonic, allows a consistent maintenance of body tissues. In order for a substance to be absorbed and used in the body’s metabolism, it must be transported in an isotonic state.

Isotonix® dietary supplements are delivered in an isotonic solution. This means that the body has less work to do to obtain maximum absorption. The isotonic state of the suspension allows nutrients to pass directly into the small intestine and be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. With Isotonix products, little nutritive value is lost, making the absorption of nutrients highly efficient while delivering maximum results.

GA: Where can one go to purchase OPC-3®?

CD: You can purchase the product directly through my Web site at: www.healthaccessgroup.com.

EXCLUSIVE: A Taste of New York Right Here in Atlanta

Editor's note: In our continuing look at Atlanta area businesses, today's Monday Movers piece looks at the New Yorker Market Place & Delicatessen in Buckhead.

Since first opening as Harold’s Butcher Shop in 1967, the New Yorker Market Place & Delicatessen has been committed to providing Atlantans the highest quality in food and service. In 1995 the Delicatessen was added to the Butcher shop.

Their tasty, award-winning sandwiches include Turkey Rachel, smoked Salmon, NY Cheesesteak, NewYorker Reuben, Don’s Peachtree Pastrami, Shrimp Po Boy & Noe’s Fishwich – just to name a few. Homemade soups & desserts and a variety of garden fresh salads are also available. Breakfast offerings include create-your-own-omelet’s, bagel & lox and egg sandwiches. Full catering is available. The New Yorker is a crowd pleaser second to none.

GOATLANTA Marketing Director Carrie Podber, founder of echaincommunity.com, spoke with owner/operator Doug Scharff recently about the business, its roots, and how it is surviving in these challenging economic times.

GOATLANTA: Talk a little bit about your business, how long in Atlanta, etc.

DOUG SCHARFF: As a native from Georgia, I always had a passion for entrepreneurship and when the original owners were looking to relocate, I seized the opportunity to purchase the Pharr Road New Yorker Market Place & Delicatessen in 2003. The deli is located in the center of Buckhead and survived while the surrounding businesses were being torn down. Because of its location, we draw a big breakfast and lunch crowd from the business community and non-stop on Saturday from the general community. Our business regulars often bring in their families. In addition to our breakfast and sandwich menu, a portion of our business still remains from the Butcher and seafood side. We have a separate catering menu and can handle anything from business meetings to large parties.

GA: Despite the tough economic times, how is your business making a go of it?

DS: We’ve all been hit by the tough economic times but what keeps us afloat is our consistent quality, prices and location, location, location. With the Buckhead remodel, we are one of the few independent places left and we have maintained our steady customers.

GA: Where do you see your business a year from now?

DS: We anticipate increasing the catering portion of the business. Other than that, we will continue to see our regulars and look forward to meeting our soon to be regulars.

According to Carrie, her favorites are the Turkey Carrie (Turkey, Swiss, Kraut, Spicy Mustard) and her recent fav, the East Coast Roast (minus the ham). And of course a big Chocolate Chip Cookie to go. All echain members get a 20% discount at The New Yorker Market Place & Delicatessen. Contact Carrie at: www.echaincommunity.com for details.

To visit the New Yorker Market Place & Delicatessen, stop by at 322 Pharr Road (Buckhead), Atlanta. For further information, call (404) 240-0260.

EXCLUSIVE: Southern Lending Solutions is the One-Stop Source

Editor's note: In our continuing look at Atlanta area businesses, today's Friday Finances piece looks at Southern Lending Solutions LLC.

Southern Lending Solutions is a one-stop source for all business lending needs including: Equipment Leasing, Commercial Loans, and other Non-Traditional Financing. They offer a consultative approach with all of their clients. The company's philosophy is based upon matching each individual business with the lending program that best suits them.

GOATLANTA spoke with Stu Lustman, vice president of business development, for Southern Lending Solutions.

GOATLANTA: Talk a little bit about Southern Lending Solutions, what it offers,
how long in Atlanta, etc.

STU LUSTMAN: Southern Lending Solutions is a leader in the equipment leasing/financing industry. Equipment to us is anything considered mission critical or essential use to the client being able to do their business. We offer programs for vendors to offer to their clients as well as working with startups, established businesses, credit challenged companies, those who cannot obtain conventional financing and those that understand the benefits of leasing their equipment and technology. We have been in business for 3 years and one of our biggest markets happens to be Technology (Computer Hardware, Software, Networking gear and the like). Our clients' favorite program is Application Only, where most businesses with a need of $75-100k or less of equipment can qualify just on an application, credit check and purchase order from the vendor of their choice describing the type and amount of equipment involved. No financials necessary.

GA: Given the current economy, how is Southern Lending Solutions meeting these challenges?

SL: In the last six months, we have seen many companies in my field go out of business entirely. Everyone else has tightened up their standards, which is to be expected. However, there are still alot of deals being done. We are continuing or increasing our networking activities as well as always interviewing new resources to fund the leases we write. We currently have 21 companies that fund our leases. Also, we are doing alot of more work with companies who have a little better financial positions who know they will get on the other side of this recession and are preparing for what happens next.

GA: What advice do you have for small business owners in Atlanta right now who are looking for loans, etc. to either keep their businesses afloat or open a new business? In relation to that, is now a good time to open a small business in the Atlanta area?

SL: My number one piece of advice is have more money saved (or more revenue/income) than you think you need as this environment means deals take longer to do and more savings are required. The last thing a business owner wants is to have a great idea, good execution, and run out of money. It's the most common small business mistake I see. Next, get to know your banker. Most banks aren't making many business loans but get to know them anyway. As your accounts age with them, they can be an invaluable resource to the growing business. Alot of people think its smart to work with different banks for different things. However, a community banker (the best kind) isn't going to work with a business they don't have a deposit relationship with. Now is a great time to start a business if you feel like you have something valuable to offer to the marketplace and have money set aside in case what was supposed to take six months takes 12 months.

GA: What advice do you have for individuals looking for non-business loans, lines of credit, etc. right now in these tough times?

SL: I'd say try to work on your personal credit score to try to improve it. Every small closely held company we work with gets their personal credit run and its used as a factor in the approval and pricing processes. Do what you can to shore up your personal credit and you will have many more financial options available for your business. Get know your community banker for credit lines. The most credit worthy are those that have access to credit but use it responsibly so everyone looks at the revolving credit available. That is a percentage amount on your credit report that says how much of your revolving credit (CC, credit lines, trade lines, .is available to use. The higher this number, the better risk you are to any lender.

GA: Where do you see Southern Lending Solutions a year from now?

SL: A year from now we will be continuing to do our small ticket and middle market leases and we will be holding some of those leases ourselves in our own portfolio. That's the goal especially for firms with good cash flow but have credit issues, which are many companies these days.

For further information, visit www.southernlendingsolutions.com. The company is located at 2484 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Ste. 22322 in Atlanta.

EXCLUSIVE: LITKitchen Cooking in 2009

Editor's note: In our continuing look at area businesses, today's Thursday Travels piece takes us to Atlanta-based LITKitchen.

LITKitchen specializes in planning and hosting private parties and culinary events for businesses, organizations, associations, and private groups.

The business offers a wide variety of hand's-on, interactive events and services designed to educate, entertain and demonstrate the Art of Culinary Excellence. LITKitchen provides an atmosphere where participants learn more than just the preparation of fine cuisine, they attain the fundamental skills and knowledge of the true Culinary Art.

GOATLANTA spoke recently with LITKitchen President Brad Lev about the history of the company, what they offer, and where they are headed.

GOATLANTA: Talk a little bit about the business, what you offer, how long in Atlanta.

BRAD LEV: I moved to Atlanta in 1996 from San Francisco; it was a whirlwind and when I got here I didn’t know anyone. I got a job at Jocks & jills and started my life in Atlanta. I always had a passion for food and in 2000, I came up with an idea to start a business that focused on hosting interactive culinary events, cooking classes and dinner parties. This was before all the rage and before the Food Network even existed. However, I had no idea how to start a business or run a business, so I pushed it away. I got into the IT industry as a network administrator and forgot about the biz. A year later, I would think about it again and again and would push it away. In 2004, after being laid off several times, I got to the point where I had to either go for it or drop it…so I decided to go for it. I started LITKitchen llc which stands for Learning Innovative techniques in the Kitchen and the rest is history.

GA: Given today's economy, have you seen a drop in business in recent months? If so, what is the company doing to deal with that?

BL: For sure, after opening my business in March of '07 a huge percentage of my business was corporate, ranging from cocktail parties to team building exercises that focused on the culinary world. Its tough but the main things that we are going to do are the following:

(A) We are going to start a lunch service; this is going to be a walk in lunch service where you can come in and order lunch, sit down and enjoy yourself. We are also going to start to offer off-site lunch catering for businesses with in the immediate area. (B) The second thing we are doing is moving away from the private functions such as weddings, birthdays and corporate functions to doing more public events such as cooking classes, networking events, happy hours, and out specialty events that fall under the umbrella: "Get LIT @ Sunset" These are my specialty events that combine entertainment, education and the culinary world such as tango and tapas, swinging sushi and Salsa Y Salsa.

GA: How competitive is the business you are in and what does the company do to make the business stand out among the competition?

BL: The event business is very competitive. There are many event spaces all over Atlanta and they all specialize or market to specific areas. We try to market to anyone looking to book specific events. The main things that we have that no other event space has is ouR Kitchen. Our kitchen faces the main ball room area which allows us to host very unique culinary events such as chef wars, recipe throw downs, etc… It also gives an unique experience for our guests where they get to see the food prepared in front of them.

GA: What is the one thing you want would people in the Atlanta area to know about your business that they may not know when viewing your Web site?

BL: The first is that we are going to start to offer off-site catering and a walk-in lunch service. The other are the very unique projects that we are working on such as our “Get LIT under the SunSet” events, as well as something that we are just starting called “so you think you can cook” which is going to be a cooking competition for the home chefs. In the next few months, we are going to host a very unique opportunity for all of those individuals who think they can cook…its going to be a live cooking competition for the Home Chef... stay tuned to LITKitchen for more details.

GA: Where do you see your company a year from now?

BL: I see LITKitchen aka “LIT” as being a market leader in several different areas. One… the private event space for those who want a unique space to host their event; two…a space that hosts a wide variety of events that not only educate you but give you a wide variety of skills and knowledge that you will take home with you; three… a force to reckon with. I have so many unique ideas that have never been done before such as swinging sushi, disco bingo and the ultimate supper club… we will be a place that continually offers unique events to the public so that on a Friday night instead of going to your typical restaurant or bar, you will head to LIT for an amazing experience where you will experience all kinds of different types of things.

For further information on LITKitchen, visit www.litkitchen.com or stop by at: 433c Bishop St., Atlanta, Ga., 30318. You can also call (404) 249-4300 for more information.

EXCLUSIVE: Atlanta Woman Takes People's Health Seriously

Editor's note: In our continuing look at Atlanta-area businesses, today's Wednesday Wellness feature looks at local resident Cynthia Dunsky and her pursuit of offering healthier lives for individuals.

GOATLANTA: Talk a little bit about your business, how long in Atlanta, the goal of your company.

CYNTHIA DUNSKY: My business is really two fold. I work with a global product brokerage company to bring products to people and people to products. We are similar to Amazon.com but triple in size with over 35 million products with our partner stores and including 2,500 exclusive proprietary products that our customers can only purchase through our exclusive distributors and our web portal. Our proprietary products are top of the line in health, nutrition, anti-aging, weight management, skin care and cosmetics. I've been in Atlanta for 12 years and after working and supporting other people's dreams, I decided to work for my future and my dreams.

The goal of my company is to help people from all walks of life to take their health seriously, to help motivate and educate and to make a difference in their lives & the lives of their families. To help people live a more quality of life, to live happier and to live longer and to expand my business throughout Atlanta and other major U.S. cities in the near future.

GA: What are some of the popular items/trends right now in the U.S. when it comes to health and wellness, anti-aging products etc?

CD: A few of the most popular trends, as I see it, in health and wellness are: anti-aging, custom nutrition, weight management and enlightenment.

Anti-aging: One of the most popular trends is all about anti-aging. And the number one supplement we’re hearing about in the news today is Resveratrol. The following is some helpful information on Resveratrol.

Resveratrol: a natural substance found in the skin of grapes. Resveratrol is making headlines because it appears to slow down aging and even increase the lifespan of human cells. It reduces oxidative stress damage to the cardiovascular system by neutralizing free radicals, and helps support the body’s natural defenses. Resveratrol is also unique among antioxidants because it can cross the blood-brain barrier to help protect the brain and nervous system, and studies show that its benefits are wide reaching, including: Protecting the cells from free radical damage; Inhibiting the spread of cancer, especially prostate cancer; Lowering the blood pressure; Keeping the heart healthy and improving elasticity in the blood vessels; Normalizing the anti-inflammatory response; Helping to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. We carry one of the most easily absorbed forms of Resveratrol, called Isotonic Resveratrol. The reason that our Resveratrol is unique is due the way the supplement is delivered to the body.

What is an ISOTONIC Delivery system?

The two most important factors when searching for the best nutritional supplements are absorption and potency. Being in powder form, isotonic formulas are unparalleled in these areas. When mixed with the proper amount of water, these supplements have the same pressure as some of the body's fluids such as blood, sweat & tears. These products experience minimal dilution in the GI tract, which allows for superior delivery and maximum absorption of the most potent formulations through this unique delivery system. Isotonic solutions offer the fastest and most efficient delivery of all oral forms of nutritional supplements. This means a faster and more efficient absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. Cost conscious consumers maximize their dollars by choosing isotonic formulas. Isotonic-capable supplements are simple to use and easily fit into even the most active lifestyles.

“To maximize efficacy and use of macro and micronutrients, it is recommended that the nutrient supplements be administered in an isotonic form. As a means of delivering nutrients to the body, an isotonic-capable nutritional supplement is the most natural of all supplements.” said Jim Wilmer, PhD and chief science officer.

Another trend we’re seeing is Custom Nutrition. As not everyone needs the same supplements and in the same quantities, people are looking for a more customized approach to their health & wellness and designing a custom nutrition formula based on our client’s lifestyle and DNA, or Nutrigenomics (a laser approach to customization) is one of the most desirable methods in achieving this customization.

Weight Management is certainly in the forefront of our society. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over the past three decades the childhood obesity rate has more than doubled for preschool children aged 2-5 years and adolescents aged 12-19 years, and it has more than tripled for children aged 6-11 years. ("Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Children and Adolescents: United States, 1999-2002"; Oct. 6, 2004) Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. This increases to 80 percent if one or more parent is overweight or obese. (United States Department of Health and Human Services)

These figures are staggering! People need to be educated in the most simple, realistic way so they can start taking control of their weight and incorporate this into their lives as a lifestyle and not just a diet and exercise plan. It comes down to a few basics and the rest is up to the individuals and their desire to be healthy and well. What we teach is to eat a well balanced low glycemic* diet, exercise (and that doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym…it can be taking a walk with your dog, take a bike ride with your kids or something to just get yourself moving), get enough sleep and de-stress as much as you can. That’s a big one for a lot of people.

A vast majority of people are not familiar with the Glycemic Index*. “This is a ranking system of foods containing carbohydrates and depending on the number in the index, indicates how quickly a food triggers a rise in blood sugar. Foods with a low GI ranking breakdown slowly during digestion, resulting in a gradual release of sugar into the bloodstream. It’s important because the regular consumption of high-glycemic foods leads to a greater chance of developing a number of serious health problems, including insulin resistance, type II diabetes, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. A primarily low glycemic diet is helpful in lowering blood cholesterol levels, controlling weight, maintaining energy, and promoting overall good health.,” said Dr. Shari Lieberman, research scientist, clinician and a presenter, Vitamin Research Products, clinical nutritionist.

Enlightenment: By this I mean more and more people are taking control of their spiritual wellness. It’s all connected, mind, body and spirit. And, I’m not talking about religion. I meet more and more people who are connecting to a higher power, whatever or whoever that is to them. I believe people are feeling the stress and negativity in our communities, our country and around the world whether it be the state of our economy, the rise in crime or the devastation in other parts of the world. People are seeking peace and happiness in whatever form and whatever way works for them. Yoga classes, meditation, retreats, finding alternative ways to de stress and be connected to themselves, in a more positive light are just a few.

GA: Are people starting at a younger age to take more care of themselves from what you have seen or do we need to start earlier than we currently are?

CD: People are starting at a younger age to take better care of themselves as they are eating more of an organic diet and seeing the benefits of exercise as well. Parents are recognizing the need for their children to be on nutritional supplements due to their awareness of antibiotics, pesticides and mercury in the foods we eat and because of toxins in the environment.

GA: If someone wants to start a program or buy products to help them with their health, age better, etc. where do they start?

CD: If someone would like to start a program of wellness, I’m now offering a complimentary nutritional analysis by going to my web portal at www.healthaccessgroup.com, sign in as a customer (no cost to you) and scroll down on the left hand side of the page under Services, and click on and take the “Nutriphysical”. I will get your analysis and contact you. They can also contact me at cynthiadunsky@healthaccessgroup.com or 404-309-2177.

GA: Where do you see the business a year from now?

CD: A year from now, I see my business tripled in size and having an enormous impact on the longevity and quality of people’s lives as well as an impact on obesity, type 2 diabetes, and nutrition globally.

EXCLUSIVE: Ashford Capital Partners On the Money in 2009

Editor's Note: In our continuing look at area businesses, today in the Tuesday Times piece we look at Ashford Capital Partners.

Matthew Riedemann founded Ashford Capital Partners Inc. after more than 17 years in the real estate industry. Ashford Capital Partners Inc. is a metro Atlanta-based real estate company that invests in low risk, high return, development-grade real estate assets in the Southeastern United States while emphasizing within Georgia.

Riedemann has more than 17 years in the real estate industry, providing the experience necessary to successfully identify strategically-placed, undervalued lots and tracts of land that can be acquired and resold for profit by Ashford’s private investor network. Riedemann has been involved with more than $250 million in real estate transactions with approximately $150 million in land transactions in the last six years. The projected length of Ashford’s deals range from 1 to 5 years. The variables in determining the projected deal length depend upon the scope, surrounding growth patterns, market conditions, available utilities, and zoning.

The goal of Ashford is always to maximize the investors' return on investment while creating a synergistic relationship within the communities it serves. Ashford aims to build long-term relationships with investors by offering a preferred annual rate of return plus profit sharing. Ashford Capital represents an ideal investment vehicle for investors because of limited downside risk that is typically associated with stocks, bonds, or other equity investments.

GOATLANTA: Given the tough economy right now, how can individual’s best invest their money?

ASHFORD CAPITAL PARTNERS: Given the tough economy right now, Ashford believes that it is more imperative than ever for investors to evaluate their entire portfolio to ensure that each dollar is working overtime and is achieving the highest possible return for the investor while minimizing the overall risk. Where can individual’s best invest their money? There are several areas of the economy that have taken hits from the recent economic downturn, but perhaps not more than the real estate industry. Real estate in 2009 is the new “Gold Rush”. Now is the best time that many have seen in generations to acquire high quality real estate assets for very significant discounts. Many of the future generations’ wealth will be created thru real estate that will be acquired in this downturn. It is very important that you investigate any potential acquisitions thoroughly to ensure that the asset(s) is what you expect it to be.

GA: For business owners looking to expand or open a business, what are some good areas of investment?

ACP: With the soft real estate market (both sales and leases) - business owners looking to expand their business haven’t had a better time in decades to negotiate great terms on buying or leasing their present or new space or building. Take advantage of this. You may want or need additional space for your business in a year or two, but the time to secure that building or space is over the next six to 12 months.

Other areas of investment that will pay dividends in the long run are the systems that run your business. Take the time now to streamline and invest in your business systems that make your business unique and run profitably. Make sure that you capitalize on all the incentives that are available to you now as they won’t be “On Sale” forever.

GA: Do you expect the proposed stimulus package to help investors? If so, how will it assist?

ACP: The stimulus package should help investors in multiple ways. One of the most important ways that the stimulus package will help investors is with the new Financial Stability Plan that was released and is still a work in progress from the Treasury Department. This should help to ease the banks liquidity crises and get the dollars flowing again. From the increased transparency and disclosure that the banks will be required to have (those that take funds from the Treasury) to the Public/Private Investment Fund that will be set up ($500 million – $1 billion) Ashford believes that lending should see a substantial increase in the coming quarters.

GA: Where do you see Ashford Capital a year from now?

ACP: Ashford will have positioned itself to benefit from the present market conditions – remarkable conditions that have not been seen by the present generation and will have acquired tens of millions of significant institutional grade real estate assets through thru its strategic partnerships with its private investor network. The portfolio will be a mixture of short, medium, and long term plays.

For further information on Ashford Capital Partners Inc., contact Matthew Riedemann - founder, president, & managing partner at (678) 881-0830 Office (678) 231-4579 Cell Matt@AshfordCP.com. The company is located at 125 TownPark Drive, Suite 300, Kennesaw, Ga. 30144.