Posts from January 2010

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Secretary of State Kemp Announces Support of Legislation to Encourage Increased Voting Participation by Members of Georgia’s Overseas Military Personnel

Secretary of State Kemp Announces Support of Legislation to Encourage Increased Voting Participation by Members of Georgia’s Overseas Military Personnel

 

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today testified before the Georgia House of Representatives Governmental Affairs Committee in support of legislation that would establish a pilot voting project for Georgia’s overseas and military personnel. The pilot voting project would provide overseas and military personnel alternative methods to cast their ballots and have them received by local election officials in time to be counted. Currently, Georgia’s overseas and military personnel are allowed to submit their absentee ballots only by mail.

The bill (HB 665), introduced in the House by Rep. Mark Hamilton (R-Cumming), Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee, allows the State to participate in any future pilot voting programs, so long as those programs meet certain minimum standards such as: encryption and transmission of information over a secure network; verification of the identity and eligibility of electors to vote;  protection of the privacy, anonymity, and integrity of ballots cast; prevention of tampering or illegal manipulation of the system; and ability to verify that information transmitted over the secure network is not viewed or altered before the vote is received at the vote counting destination.

“This legislation will help ensure that the men and women who fight to protect our Constitution and our freedoms can fully participate in Georgia’s elections,” Secretary Kemp told the committee. “One ballot cast by a member of our military that is not counted due to slow mail service or a missed deadline is one too many.”

“I want to thank Secretary Kemp for his early leadership and support of this issue, and his dedication and commitment to helping Georgia’s military personnel fully participate in our democratic process,” said Rep. Hamilton. “I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Kemp’s office to develop and implement this much needed resource.”

“This is yet another example of Brian Kemp putting his campaign proposals into action to benefit Georgians," said Campaign Manager Tim Fleming.  "This common sense initiative has such broad support around the state that even our primary opponent supports it.  We thank him for setting aside politics and supporting the work of Secretary Kemp and Representative Hamilton on behalf of our military personnel.”

Brian Kemp was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.

Posted by Tim Fleming in Campaign Trail on 1/27/2010

Secretary of State Kemp Announces New Website to Help Georgia Businesses Cut Red Tape

Secretary of State Kemp Announces New Website to Help Georgia Businesses Cut Red Tape

  Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today announced the launch of a new website called Cut The Red Tape, which allows Georgians to submit ideas on how their government can create opportunities for businesses to grow, create new jobs, and eliminate bureaucratic red tape. The Cut The Red Tape website can be viewed at: www.sos.ga.gov/cuttheredtape

 Secretary Kemp said, “As a small business owner and former state Senator, I am keenly aware of the challenges involved with operating and growing a business, in good economic times and bad. As Georgia’s Secretary of State, I am committed to helping businesses remove the red-tape roadblocks that impede business growth and job creation.”

  Kemp added, “This website provides an opportunity to share ideas on how government can better serve Georgia businesses. We want to help Georgia businesses grow, and your input is a valued part of this process.”

  Since taking office, Secretary Kemp has called upon his years of experience as a small business owner and state Senator to develop agency-wide plans that will achieve efficiencies through sound budget principles, budget transparency, and accountability to Georgia taxpayers.

  For example, all businesses registered with the agency’s Corporations Division can pay their annual renewal fee online, and elect to receive renewal notices and other important information via email. This tool will also prevent corporate identity theft and fraud. Individuals can also form new businesses online. These resources will save Georgia businesses countless hours of time previously spent on paperwork and bureaucratic compliance.

  Additionally, more than 35 license applications in the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division are now available online, and the agency is adding more each week.

  Brian Kemp was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.

 

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Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 1/27/2010

Secretary Kemp Warns Consumers about Potential Scams Following the Recent Disaster in Haiti

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2010
CONTACT: MATT CARROTHERS
404-656-4269
DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS

Secretary Kemp Warns Consumers about Potential Scams Following the Recent Disaster in Haiti

Atlanta—Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today offered advice to individuals planning to donate to charities in response to the recent earthquake in Haiti. Secretary Kemp serves as Georgia’s chief charities regulator.

“During a time when so many want to help provide for those in need, it is crucial to ensure the consumer’s donations are received by legitimate organizations,” Secretary Kemp said. “It is important for individuals to research a charity before donating to verify that the charity is legitimate, that it is in compliance and that their generous gifts are being used for the stated cause.”

Secretary Kemp issued the following tips for charitable giving:

It is important to research charities before you contribute. The percentage of your contribution that a charity spends on fundraising activities, employee salaries, or expenses which do not directly support the charity’s stated mission varies greatly by organization.

A number of online resources can help you research charities. The Better Business Bureau (give.org) and GuideStar (guidestar.org) provide detailed information about nonprofit organizations. Also, take time to review the organization’s own website.

In addition, many charities must register with the Georgia Secretary of State’s office. You can research charities at the Secretary of State's website (sos.georgia.gov/securities).

Be wary of telephone solicitors asking for contributions. If you are solicited by phone, ask that the individual put their request in writing and provide complete information about the charitable program. Also, ask if the person conducting the solicitation is a volunteer or a paid solicitor.

NEVER give your credit card, debit card or bank account information to a telephone solicitor. Also, be particularly cautious of couriers willing to rush out to your home or business to pick up your contribution.

If a tax deduction is important to you, make sure the organization has a tax deductible “501(c)” status with the IRS. The IRS website (irs.gov/charities) has a searchable database of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions. Make sure you get a receipt which shows the amount of your contribution and states that the contribution is tax deductible.

Many charitable solicitors ask for contributions of clothing, other household items and vehicles. IRS rules concerning valuations and receipts have changed significantly in recent years; be sure you understand them completely (irs.gov/charities/contributors).

Not all organizations with charitable sounding names are actually charities. Many organizations adopt names confusingly similar to well-known charities. Be sure you know exactly who is asking for your contribution.

Watch out for organizations that use questionable techniques such as sending unordered merchandise or invoices after you have turned them down for a donation. You are under no obligation to pay for or return items received under these circumstances.

Citizens can file a complaint against a charitable organization on the Secretary of State’s Securities and Business Regulation Division website: http://www.sos.ga.gov/securities. Anyone with questions can call the Georgia Secretary of State’s Securities and Business Regulation Division, which oversees charities, at (404) 656-3920.

Brian Kemp was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.

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Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 1/15/2010

Kemp Campaign First to Build Grassroots Organization

News Release

January 13, 2010 Contact: Tim Fleming 706.543.0188

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kemp Campaign First to Build Statewide Grassroots Organization

(Athens) – Secretary of State Brian Kemp’s campaign announced today that it has recruited a statewide grassroots organization that includes at least one grassroots leader in each of Georgia’s 159 counties. This makes the Kemp campaign the first statewide campaign from either party to have a true statewide organization for the 2010 election.

Campaign Manager Tim Fleming explained the Kemp strategy: “Over the last six months, the Kemp Campaign has been working tirelessly to build a true statewide organization of grassroots supporters. Secretary Kemp has personally travelled over 30,000 miles to every corner of the state building this organization from the ground up. Secretary Kemp’s work ethic is well known in political circles and has proven to be unmatched in this campaign.”

“The Kemp campaign is a grassroots army of hardworking, honest Georgians who have invested their time and money in Secretary Kemp’s vision of real leadership and a business approach to government. The foundation of our campaign is our grassroots team, and we will continue to build on this success all the way through election day.”

At the Richmond County GOP meeting on Saturday, Secretary Kemp was enthusiastically greeted by local grassroots Republicans. Dave Barbee, a longtime Republican activist said, “Finally, a true grassroots workhorse has risen to the top. The Republican base is proud that Brian Kemp is our new Secretary of State. We are excited about the grassroots focus he will bring to the statewide GOP ticket.”

The Kemp Means Business Grassroots Leaders

Appling – Stephen Tillman
Co-Chair – Kathy Tippins
Atkinson – Darrell Evans
Bacon – Jay Williams
Co-Chair – Gene Davis
Baker – Stanley Collins
Baldwin – Lyn Chandler
Banks – Tony and Stephanie Waldon
Barrow – Mike Pentecost
Bartow – Matt Gambil
Ben Hill – Scott Downing
Berrien – Keith Stone
Co-Chair – Eddie Owens
Bibb – Cade Joiner
Bleckley – Joe Meadows
Brantley – Ray Gillis
Brooks – Dozier Lovett
Bryan – Buddy Polk
Bulloch – Mike Anderson
Burke – Jimmy Dixon
Butts – G.S. Gator Hodges
Calhoun – Willard Dukes
Camden – David Rainer
Candler – Dean Stone
Carroll – Greg Camp
Catoosa – Alvin Worley
Charlton – Joe Hopkins
Chatham – Patrick Connell
Chattahoochee – Audrey Welker
Chattooga – Butch Eleam
Cherokee – Cindy Castello
Clarke – John Padgett
Clay – Ronnie Kuykendoll
Clayton – Judy Turpin
Clinch – Russ Goodman
Cobb – Josh Mackey
Coffee – Dominic Larricia
Colquitt – Kirk Friedlander
Columbia – Sarah Scott
Cook – Ronnie Sumner
Coweta – Jake Shepherd
Crawford – Jarred Waters
Crisp – Pam and David Dollar
Dade – Ann Brown
Dawson – Clint Bearden
Decatur – Dan Provence
Dekalb – Gary Maurice
Dodge – Brian Lowery
Dooly – Billy Sanders
Dougherty – Karen Ho
Douglas – Byron Hunt
Early – Peg Harris
Echols – Randy Courson
Effingham – Billy Dasher
Elbert – Rina Thomas
Emanuel – Chip Jackson
Evans – Peggy and John Perkins
Fannin – Steve Morris
Fayette – Warren Elwell
Floyd – Dr. Adam Clemons
Forsyth – Richard Ward
Franklin – David Phillips
Fulton – Tom Ladow
Co-Chair – Jared Thomas
Gilmer – Stacy Nicholson
Glascock – Jeffery Tucker
Glynn – Ruby Robinson
Gordon – Alvin Long
Grady – Richard Robinson
Greene – Ashley Sardella
Gwinnett – Johnny Barrett
Co-Chair – Mimi Laney
Co-Chair – Jim Nash
Co-Chair – Jeremy Brand
Habersham – Chan Caudell
Hall – Bill Frobos
Hancock – David Steed
Haralson – Danny Hutcheson
Harris – Mike Jolley
Hart – Bob Matthews
Heard – Terry Harper
Henry – Trea Pipkin
Houston – Judy Sanders
Irwin – Horace Hudgens
Jackson – Tonya Phillips
Jasper – Mary Carter
Jeff Davis – Lonnie Waters
Jefferson – John Adams
Co-Chair – Wayne Miller
Jenkins – George Parker
Johnson – Blaine Burley
Jones – Cecil Etheridge
Lamar – Nancy Thrash
Lanier – Alex Lee
Laurens – Buddy Adams
Lee – Scott Suber
Liberty – Jared Peden
Lincoln – Al Bean
Long – Ron Adams
Lowndes – Gerald Hall
Lumpkin – Melissa Dove
Macon – David Miller
Madison – Brenda Thompson
Marion – Ray Willis
McDuffie – Ned Harbeson
McIntosh – Mary Lou Forsyth
Co-Chair – Kelly Spratt
Meriwether – Courtney McCoy
Miller – Jay Wells
Co-Chair – Rhonda Wells
Mitchell – Tim Pinson
Monroe – Ruth Cole
Montgomery – Keith Hamilton
Morgan – JoAnne Parker
Murray – James Stallsworth
Muscogee – Dennis Hendrix
Newton – Delia Fleming
Oconee – Cokey Elder
Oglethorpe – Bobby Miller
Paulding – Edward Leidelmeijer
Peach – David Futral
Pickens – Mr. and Mrs. Charles McClain
Pierce – A.J. Strickland
Pike – Steve Hicks
Polk – Larry Reynolds
Pulaski – Carolyn Ragan
Putnam – Leslie Clark
Quitman – Billy Edmondson
Rabun – Kurt Cannon
Randolph – Jimmy Bradley
Richmond – Brian Epps
Rockdale – Kathleen Cominski
Schley – David Theiss
Screven – Osal Evans
Seminole – David Williams
Spalding – Eddie Freeman
Stephens – Lee Hicks
Stewart – Rossi Ross
Sumter – Jerry Battle
Talbot – Noneen Stevens
Taliaferro – Justin Brock
Tattnall – Pam Avery
Taylor – Scott Ray
Telfair – Ernest Dyal
Terrell – Wilbur “T.” Gamble
Thomas – Josh Herring
Tift – Bill Brim
Toombs – Lisa Davis
Towns – Bryan Miller
Treutlen – Gerald Hook
Troup – Buck Davis
Turner – Pat Story
Twiggs – R. Darren Mitchum
Union – George and Sue Upchurch
Upson – Jim and Jana Fletcher
Walker – Jim Powell
Walton – Rod Trahan
Ware – Carlton Corbitt
Warren – Scott Johnson
Washington – Benjie Tarbutton
Wayne – Adrienne Browning
Webster – John Downer
Wheeler – Russell Clark
White – Julie Price
Whitfield – Sonja Foster
Wilcox – Rex Bullock
Wilkes – O.A. Denard
Wilkinson – James Dean
Worth – Jack Bass

Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 1/13/2010

Secretary of State revamps Web site

Atlanta Business Chronicle
Monday, January 11, 2010, 4:01pm EST

Secretary of State revamps Web site

The Georgia Secretary of State's Office has redesigned its Corporations Division’s Web site to make it easier to register corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships in Georgia.

The new design encourages customers to renew existing corporate entities and form new corporate entities online, provide their e-mail address to receive online renewal notices and notifications related to their filing, access business resources and more.

“Small businesses are the key to Georgia’s economy and future economic growth,” Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp said, in a news release. “Filling out paperwork detracts from the time businesses can spend on growth and job creation. The online renewal and registration process removes a significant impediment to small businesses, and reduces costs to Georgia’s taxpayers.”

More than 662,000 corporate entities are registered with the Secretary of State’s Corporations Division.

Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 1/12/2010

Secretary of State’s Corporations Division Launches Redesigned Website to Ease Online Annual Renewal and Filing Process

Secretary of State’s Corporations Division Launches Redesigned Website to Ease Online Annual Renewal and Filing Process

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today announced the launch of the agency’s redesigned Corporations Division website. The new design encourages customers to renew existing corporate entities and form new corporate entities online, provide their email address to receive online renewal notices and important notifications related to their filing, access numerous business resources in a “Business Resources and Information” section and much more.

“Small businesses are the key to Georgia’s economy and future economic growth,” Kemp said. “Filling out paperwork detracts from the time businesses can spend on growth and job creation. The online renewal and registration process removes a significant impediment to small businesses, and reduces costs to Georgia’s taxpayers.”

Over 662,000 corporate entities are registered with the Secretary of State’s Corporations Division.

Georgia corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships are formed by filing with the Corporations Division. Some foreign (out of state) entities that do business in the state of Georgia are required to file with the Corporations Division. The Division serves as custodian of the filings and provides copies and/or certifications of the documents.

Brian Kemp was sworn in as Secretary of State in January, 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.


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Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 1/12/2010