What is the primary purpose of your business? Mediation is a process by which people in conflict seek mutually acceptable solutions with the help of a trained mediator. It is an informal way for people to come together and work toward a solution to their problem. Each person will have the opportunity to speak about his or her perception of the conflict. The mediator helps each person evaluate his or her needs for reaching a solution. All solutions are made by the parties involved, NOT by a judge.

What is your business background? Our business background includes: Mediation business partners, registered mediator, college teaching and marketing and program managers.

Why did you start this particular business? To meet a continuing need in the community. In addition to voluntary mediation, the process may be required in many legal situations. North Georgia Mediation Firm is not engaged in the practice of law, nor does it provide legal advice. Instead, we help people by designing a conflict resolution process that best meets their needs and budgets by providing a qualified mediator and by coordinating the time and place that fit the parties’ schedule.

What makes your business unique? Confidentiality: Mediation allows parties to air their grievances in a private setting.

Emotional: Mediation gives parties a chance to be heard. For some people, being able to air grievances and receiving an apology or explanation may be more important than receiving a monetary settlement.

Specialized Solutions: Mediation allows the parties to create their own solution to a dispute. Parties may consider non-legal as well as legal interests.

Costs: Mediation is usually much less costly than litigation.

What do you enjoy most about your chosen profession? Working with our clients to help them solve a dispute without the stress of going to court. In many cases, clients are able to solve their own dispute without hiring an attorney. We also enjoy working with the local attorneys on court-required mediation.

What has been the biggest or most interesting challenge to overcome as small business owners? Providing mediation services to a changing environment and helping clients get an agreement they can live with.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? Compared to a lawsuit, mediation is swift, confidential, fair and less costly. North Georgia Mediation Firm will help a client settle his or her conflict out of court. This saves time and money and minimizes stress by not having to go to court. Mediation is confidential, thus avoiding public disclosure of problems. The process can be completed in less time than litigation, allowing clients to move on with their lives.

THE FACTS

Business age: Five years

Owners: Sarah Burkhalter and Gene Clark

Location: 108 W. Sixth Ave., Rome

If not original location:

How long at this location?: Two years

Previous location: 518 Avenue A, Rome

Telephone: 706-235-6770

Fax: 706-292-9439

Employees: Two

Hours: 9 a.m. until 5 p.m