Ampersand: August2005Page 3

Jenny and Carlton Clients and employees are being greeted by a new face and voice at the Blacksburg reception desk. Jenny Akers joined Anderson & Associates as an Administrative Assistant, replacing Dotti Foreman who held the position for over 25 years.

"Anderson & Associates was attractive to me because it seems like a nice, homey place to work," Jenny said. She hopes to remain with A&A long-term and is eager to get settled in at her new post in the Blacksburg office lobby.

Before joining A&A, Jenny graduated from ECPI Technical College with an associate’s degree in Business Systems Administration. She maintained employment in retail while pursuing her degree.

While quick to join the daily routine, Jenny admits she’s had a bit of trouble matching names and faces. She’s been utilizing a feature called The Faces Page of the A&A Intranet that features employee photos, with names, job descriptions, educational background, and interests. Jenny said, "I still pull up the faces page every day!"

Jenny said other employees have been very patient and helpful as she learns who is responsible for what. She also said the rest of the Administrative Team has been eager to help her when the lobby gets busy.

The youngest of four children, and the only girl, Jenny enjoys walking, swimming, and reading. As she plans her October wedding to Carlton Fraley, she’s finding less time for her other interests as she and Carlton select invitations, call caterers, consider floral arrangements, and keep their families up to date with all the latest news and excitement. &

Focus on ESOP: Chris Kaknis

Survey Manager Chris Kaknis has been with Anderson & Associates for twenty years and thought it was time for him to become active in the decision making process at A&A. "With the recent buy-out, this is a time that really matters," Chris said. With this idea in mind, Chris ran for the ESOP Advisory Committee and was elected for a three year term.

Chris hopes to see the committee continue its service to all A&A employees. He would like to see the committee continuing to encourage employees to bring their concerns, suggestions, and support to them so they can be discussed and presented to the Board of Directors if necessary.

Chris believes the role of the ESOP Advisory Committee will remain the same but that the committee and company will become stronger as the majority casting votes changes. Chris said, "The bottom line is that our voting process will become more democratic. We’re excited about this."

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