the Chamber's twice monthly e-newsletter

President's Message

Fighting traffic gridlock continues to be our No. 1 priority of the legislative session.

In this issue, hear about the progress of a transportation proposal that would allow voters in any region in Georgia to raise funds for transportation improvements and fund local projects.

The bill is supported by Rep. Jon Burns (R-Effingham), Rep. Stephanie Benfield (D-DeKalb) and Rep. Virgil Fludd (D-Fulton), among others. The plan is also supported by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, 15 individual chambers of commerce, the Regional Business Coalition, the Livable Communities Coalition and the Technology Leadership Coalition.

Hear how Troutman Sanders LLP is opening an office in Shanghai, making it the only Atlanta-based law firm in mainland China.

You’ll also learn about the 2007 A+ Awards luncheon that will honor the top teachers, business and community partners who are making Atlanta public schools stronger.

I hope you’ll also enjoy reading the Chamber’s newsletter for site-selection decision makers.

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

Sincerely,

Sam A. Williams
President
Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

Hot Topics

Traffic-Fighting Bill That Puts Power in the People’s Hands Across Georgia Introduced

Rep. Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta) and Rep. Richard Royal (R-Camilla) recently introduced bipartisan legislation (H.B. 434) that would allow any region in the state to raise funds to fight traffic gridlock through a voter referendum.

“This bill puts the power in the hands of the people,” said Rep. Martin. “It simply says that if any region’s voters want to voluntarily raise funds for local transportation improvements, they can do so. Frustration is mounting and we should untie the hands of the people to do something about this growing problem.”

The bill is supported by Rep. Jon Burns (R-Effingham), Rep. Stephanie Benfield (D-DeKalb) and Rep. Virgil Fludd (D-Fulton), among others. The plan is also supported by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, 15 individual chambers of commerce, the Regional Business Coalition, the Livable Communities Coalition and the Technology Leadership Coalition.

Learn about H.B. 434, and how you can get involved in fighting traffic.

Send this letter to lawmakers
2/14 Press Release: Bill Intro'd
2/26 Press Release: First Hearing
Atlanta Fact Sheet
Bill Summary and FAQ
Executive Summary: H.B. 434
Support for H.B. 434

Troutman Sanders LLP Blazes Trail to Fastest Growing Economy

Troutman Sanders LLP recently announced the opening of an office in Shanghai, making it the only Atlanta-based law firm with an office in mainland China, the world's fastest-growing economy.

"China's economy is booming, and many of our global clients are working in or planning to expand into this growing region," said Robert W. Webb Jr., chairman and managing partner of Troutman Sanders, during a press conference at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

Webb joined Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin last fall on the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce's trade mission to China. The mission will help Atlanta to achieve our long-term goals in China—a consulate, direct air routes and new business.

Click here for the Troutman Sanders LLP release

A+ Awards 2007 to Honor Top Teachers, Business Partners

Once again this year, the Chamber's A+ Awards will honor the top teachers and business and community partners who are making Atlanta public schools stronger.

The 17th annual A+ Awards will be held in the Thomas B. Murphy Ballroom of the Georgia World Congress Center on April 11. Last year the event drew a crowd of more than 1,000, and we're lining up another terrific luncheon this year.

The event is hosted by the Atlanta Partners for Education, a joint venture between the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Public Schools and Monica Pearson, WSB-TV news anchor, will serve as the mistress of ceremonies.

Atlanta Economic Briefing: A Newsletter for Site Selection Decision Makers

Metro Atlanta continues to be one of the hotspots in the nation for companies to relocate and grow their business. On Feb. 1, the Chamber released the 2006 fourth-quarter edition of the e-newsletter for site selection consultants that captures the "need-to-know" facts about companies selecting Atlanta for relocation, rankings and recent news and statistics on development within the metro Atlanta region. The e-newsletter is published twice a year.

Click here for the 2006 fourth-quarter newsletter.

Helene Lollis Named New Chair for the Small to Mid-Size Business Council

Helene Lollis of Pathbuilders, Inc., has been named the new chair of the Small to Mid-size Business Council. Lollis was named at the SMBC meeting on Jan. 30.

At the meeting, Lollis recognized the accomplishments of the council over the past year through the leadership of Michael Kogon of Definition 6, and awarded him with a framed photo of the Chamber building and surrounding area.

The new committee chairs of the SMBC include the following:

• Michael Williams, Making Projects Work, Resources Committee
• Damali Edwards, Edwards Consulting, Engagement Committee
• Debra Kline, Business Wise, Programming Committee
• Raj Pai, Planet Synergy, Ambassadors Committee
• Michael DiLonardo, GV Financial Services, Member Retention Committee
• Erica Stephens, E.M. Stephens, Networking/Leads Committee
• Sharon Quaintance, LawDocs Xpress, CEO Action Groups Committee

The Small to Mid-size Business Council provides a collective voice to ensure that small business members are served by the Metro Atlanta Chamber in various ways. It offers programs of relevance to small business at different stages of maturity, generates new business development opportunities, provides access to information and services to direct benefit to small business and sustains awareness of small business perspectives as they relate to the broader Metro Atlanta Chamber mission.

All members interested in small to mid-size business are invited to become involved in the council. Contact Glen Gould ggould@macoc.com for further details.

Chamber Partners with Skabelon Design for New E-mail Signature

The Chamber recently partnered with Board of Advisor members SkabelonDesignAmericas LLC, a visual identity and presentation software company that chose Atlanta as its U.S. headquarters, to implement a new e-signature corporate identity look for the Chamber.

SkabelonDesignAmericas is a new international business to metro Atlanta, and worked through the Chamber’s economic development division to secure their headquarters. As a new company to the area, they were looking to successfully network, connect and represent their brand immediately. Paulo Ramirez, Skabelon’s president, agreed to the U.S. inaugural partnership to showcase their Corporate Signature Software (CSS) product through the Chamber. Skabelon specializes in the implementation, utilization and maintenance of visual identity and presentations.

For further information about SkabelonDesignAmericas LLC, Paulo Ramirez, President, 770.906.3909 and Morgan Cederblom, CEO, 404.771.0809 can be found on the web at www.skabelondesign.com.

Chamber Events

Hold your next special event in the J.B. Fuqua Rooftop Pavilion

The J. B. Fuqua Rooftop Pavilion overlooking the Atlanta skyline and Centennial Olympic Park is offered to Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce members for a special discounted rate.

March

7 Wednesday
Member Orientation
Time: 10:15 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Summary:Membership has its privileges. All members are invited to learn about Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce benefits and network with current members.
10:15 a.m. Registration/Networking
10:45 a.m. Program
Noon Lunch/Networking
Lunch Sponsor: Divine Events
Sponsored by: Office Depot
Location:Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
Please RSVP 24-hours in advance

8 Thursday
Small Business Matters
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Summary: New program for 2007 relating to specific issues of interest to Small to Mid-sized businesses with a focus on learning how to do business with big business. The speaker will be Kat Collum, Principal, The Growth Coach.
Lunch will be served.
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
RSVP Required

13 Tuesday
Leads to Business
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Summary: Come introduce yourself and your business to fellow chamber members in the open networking and leads generating program. Two regular attendees will present a five minute session highlighting their products and/or services. Closed networking groups are created through attending these sessions.
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
RSVP

14 Wednesday
Power Networking Luncheon
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Summary: Join Metro Atlanta 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.
No need to pay in advance. Simply bring $12 the day of the event.
Location: TBD
RSVP Required

14 Wednesday
GE Energy hosts Member Reception Business-to-Business networking at its best!
Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Summary: Business-to-Business networking at its best! Hosted by: John Krenicki,
Location: 4200 Wildwood Parkway, Auditorium
Members ONLY.
RSVP is required.

Community Events

Atlanta Press Club hosts Sam A. Williams
The Atlanta Press Club will host Sam A. Williams, President of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, at a Newsmaker Luncheon on Thursday, April 12, at The Commerce Club. He will discuss “Metro Atlanta 2030 — Challenges & Opportunities.”

This luncheon is open to the public. APC members may purchase individual tickets for $28 each or tables of 10 for $280, which includes signage. The nonmember prices are $35 for individual tickets and $350 for tables of 10 with signage. The $6 parking fee is not included in the ticket price. Tickets and tables may be purchased at www.atlantapressclub.org or by calling 404-577-7377. No tickets will be sold after noon on Wednesday, April 11. Payment must accompany reservations, and there is a 48-hour cancellation policy.