the Chamber's twice monthly e-newsletter

President's Message

Welcome to The Phoenix, the Chamber’s e-newsletter.

As the 2007 session of the Georgia General Assembly begins, we must all speak out about the most pressing issue facing our region – fighting traffic gridlock. In this issue, hear about the work of 15 Chambers around the region to back a transportation proposal that would allow voters in any region in Georgia to tax themselves for transportation improvements, keep the money at home and pick the projects.

You will also learn about the Gold Dome Report, a great way to stay up-to-date during the Legislative Session.

I hope you’ll also enjoy reading about the newly formed Technology Marketing Council. The council, under the leadership of JohnYates of Morris Manning & Martin LLP, Wayne Clough of Georgia Tech and Chris Klaus of Kaneva, is working to grow the area’s high-tech industry.

Thanks for reading. We will continue to keep you informed on the issues you care about.

Sam A. Williams
President
Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

Hot Topics:

Fighting Traffic Gridlock

We need your help.

Traffic chokes our roads, threatens the region’s ability to attract new companies and disrupts the quality of life for those already here. If we don’t act, Atlanta’s traffic is expected to increase from fourth-worst in the country today to second-worst, surpassing San Francisco.

This is NOT a statewide sales tax, but a regional solution. This proposal includes:

• local funding: Regions tax themselves through a voter referendum and keep the money at home.
• local control : Local officials pick the projects.
• sunshine and sunset : Local officials oversee a transparent process with a clear end date.

Please write or email your elected officials in the General Assembly and tell them you support this plan. For your convenience, click here  for a sample letter and addresses forkey House members in majority leadership positions, and for more information on this proposal.

News from the 2007 General Assembly

One of the many ways we serve our members is proactively representing the business community at the state capitol. As the 2007 General Assembly Session kicked off last week, the Chamber was once again there to focus on the big issues important to you.

Our efforts center on quality-of-life issues—transportation, education, environment—and on economic development policies that help bring quality jobs to this region and state. To ensure that you are kept up-to-date on all of the issues at the Capitol, the Chamber will be distributing the Gold Dome Report.

The Gold Dome Report will come to your e-mail inbox every Thursday during the session, and will provide an update on the latest happenings at the Capitol. The first edition of the Gold Dome Report included a complete copy of our legislative agenda, as well as information on the swearing in of Gov. Sonny Perdue, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and the election of Glenn Richardson as Speaker of the House.  

The next Gold Dome Report will come to you on Thursday, Jan. 25, unless there is breaking news to report in the interim. 

You can access the first report here:  Gold Dome Report, Vol. 1.

Technology Marketing Council Convenes First Meeting

The Chamber’s Technology Marketing Council, under the leadership of JohnYates of Morris Manning & Martin LLP, Wayne Clough of Georgia Tech and Chris Klaus of Kaneva, recently launched with a well-attended first meeting on Jan. 16.

The council’s goal is to grow the area’s high-tech industry through 2010. The plan includes economic development, project management, marketing and advocacy.

Specific 2007 initiatives include:

• Developing an outreach marketing plan that includes collateral material designed to help our technology community continue to grow, retain and attract high-paying technology jobs through promotion and national recognition.
• Creating an interactive Web portal to become a starting point for information about our technology community (bioscience and high-tech).
• Driving a national and international media campaign.

The meeting was attended by key community business leaders including representatives from software, hardware, telecommunications and Internet companies, service providers, state agencies and legislators, corporations, new entrepreneurial companies, development authorities and research universities.

Chamber Events

January

23 Tuesday
Quick Business Connections
Members are invited to join this breakfast networking session to make the most of their Chamber connections by “power networking” with other Chamber members and potential clients.
Time: 7:30-9:30 a.m
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
Members ONLY
RSVP required Space is limited

24 Wednesday
Power Networking Luncheon
Join Chamber members at lunch to network. This program is designed to integrate people into the Chamber. It allows people to introduce themselves and openly promote their company.
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $12.00
Non Members: $15
Location: LongHorn Steakhouse
2430 Piedmont Rd. Atlanta, GA 30324
RSVP required

24 Wednesday
Member Reception
Members are invited to join Dick Anderson, group president – Global business services, AT&T and 2007 Chamber Chairman for business-to-business networking at its best.
Time: 5:30 -7:30 p.m.
Location: 1025 Lenox Park Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30319 Multipurpose Room
RSVP required

25 Thursday
Leads to Business
Come to the Chamber to network with fellow members. This program is designed to integrate people into the Chamber. It allows people to introduce themselves and openly promote their company.
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
Non Members: $50
RSVP required

Community Events

Get Motivated Seminar Coming To Philips Arena
The Get Motivated Seminar, in its 30th year, will be at the Philips Arena on Thursday, Jan. 25, starting at 8 a.m. This year’s seminar will feature America's No. 1 motivator Zig Ziglar, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, legendary soldier-statesman General Colin Powell and the Emmy-winning broadcasting icon Larry King. Additional speakers will include the renowned CEO of Walt Disney World Michael Eisner, Atlanta Braves seven time All-Star John Smoltz, America's No. 1 authority on selling Tom Hopkins and other renowned teachers and motivators. The seminar takes place annually in approximately 30 cities across the country.

An entire office can attend this seminar for a total investment of only $49 - not per person, but per office. To take advantage of this very limited-time offer, call 1-800-501-8589. Admission at the door for individuals will be $225.

Business Forecast 2007
The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business will conduct a panel discussion, “Economic Insights for Every Day Atlanta,” with Robert Aliber as moderator, Roger Tutterow, David Haddow, and Sam Norwood as panelists.

The panel will discuss Atlanta’s economic outlook for 2007, real estate and its effect on markets and the national and international economic impact perspective.