the Chamber's twice monthly e-newsletter

President's Message

Welcome to the first edition of The Phoenix, the Chamber's completely revamped member newsletter. In redesigning this important communication piece, we had three goals in mind:

• to keep you updated on the issues we're working on that you care about
• to package this information in a format that's easy to read
• and to make the e-newsletter a more dynamic communication vehicle by sending it often enough that the contents are relevant and fresh.

Hot Topics

Carbon Motors Chooses Atlanta

Carbon Motors Corporation, a new American automaker, has selected Georgia for its headquarters, research & development center, production center and its First Responder retail operations center.

The company plans to develop the world's first vehicle built specifically for law enforcement.

In a joint announcement with the Georgia Department of Economic Development on March 1, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce President Sam A. Williams said: “Carbon Motors chose Atlanta because they wanted a city that could support a company's headquarters, R&D center and manufacturing plant all in one place. That's a key strength for Atlanta--made possible by our international airport, high quality of life and status as the commercial center of the Southeast. This decision also will allow Carbon to collaborate with the great minds at Georgia Tech and create the kind of high-value jobs every city wants."

Environmental Stoneworks to Add Cobb County Plant

A stone products manufacturing company in Cobb County has broken ground on a 30,000-square foot plant that will employ 65.

Environmental Stoneworks, a leading manufacturer and installer of manufactured stone products, is adding the new plant to its existing installation operations. The new state-of-the-art-facility, which is scheduled to be fully operational by December 2006, will be located off Discovery Boulevard (I-285/Veterans Memorial). It is a critical component of the company’s strategy to better serve the growing Southeast market.

“Over the last decade, stone veneer has experienced explosive growth in the Southeast, and for good reason. The product is beautiful, timeless and has all the advantages of natural stone, but at a fraction of the cost,” said Cameron Klein, President and CEO of Environmental Stoneworks. “By supplementing our existing installation business in the metro Atlanta area with manufacturing, we will be able to better serve our national and regional builder customers with faster turnaround times and an expanded product line.”

The Denver-based company designs, manufactures and installs stone veneer, brick and architectural precast for residential and commercial applications. Further information about Environmental Stoneworks is available at www.estoneworks.com.

Help Chamber and Mayor Find Summer Internships for Students

Student achievement is important to the region’s prosperity. You can play a part.

The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, ajcjobs and Mayor Shirley Franklin, has agreed to help the Atlanta Public Schools find summer internships for graduating high school seniors. Internships would run from June 5 through July 28. Your company would have the satisfaction of helping talented students glimpse the excellent career opportunities they have in their own backyard.

For more information and/or to register for this program, go to www.ajcjobs.com/nextstepinterns.

Please encourage your customers and suppliers to participate, as well.

For further information contact Brooke Havice at the Metro Atlanta Chamber, 404.586.8429 or bhavice@macoc.com.

A+ Awards 2006 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 16th annual
A+ Awards will be held in the Georgia Ballroom of the Georgia World Congress Center
on April 13.

Last year the event drew a crowd of more than 1,000, and we’re lining up another terrific luncheon this year. Jocelyn Dorsey, host of WSB-TV's "People to People" and Director of Public Affairs at WSB-TV, will serve as the mistress of ceremonies. Awards will be presented in the categories of: community achievement, innovation, mentoring, rookie achievement, team, tutoring and summa cum laude. 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. Special thanks to this year’s event sponsors: AirTran Airways, GE Energy, AJC, WSB, UPS, Coca-Cola, Georgia-Pacific Corp., Georgia Power, Troutman Sanders, Speakeasy, Emory University, Publix, Turner Broadcasting System, Georgia Natural Gas, Marriott Marquis, Portman Holdings, Kroger, Your Event Solutions, Wachovia, 11-Alive WXIA, and Longhorn Steakhouse. Location: Georgia World Congress Center Time: 11:30a.m.- 1:30 p.m. To RSVP and for more information contact Carolyn Lloyd at 404.586.8519 or clloyd@macoc.com. Cost: $50

(click photo to enlarge) The 2005 A+ Awards drew more than 1,000. We expect another great event on April 13.

Chamber Works to Assist 15 Metro School Systems

Because the 15-county metro Atlanta region is home to almost half of the state’s students, the Chamber looks for ways to work with state-level policy makers to improve the region’s schools.

In a recent example, about 80 members of the seven state education boards attended a barbecue dinner March 7 sponsored by the Chamber’s Regional Education Committee and the Georgia Partnership for Education. State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox, University System of Georgia Chancellor Errol B. Davis Jr. and the heads of each of the state’s education agencies turned out. The event, hosted by the Office of Governor Sonny Perdue, was intended to be the first of many opportunities to bring board members together to find ways to strengthen our schools.

At the March 7 dinner, Governor Perdue’s education policy advisor, Jennifer Rippner, said the Chamber’s ability to identify top education priorities and take action is making a positive difference in the quality of metro Atlanta schools. This year’s committee agenda -- based on input from the 15 superintendents and State Superintendent Cox – is focused on four specific areas: teacher recruitment, high school graduation, local board governance and workforce preparation.

Additional partners include the Department of Education, the Department of Technical and Adult Education, the University System of Georgia and the Professional Standards Commission.

For more information, visit http://www.metroatlantachamber.com/macoc/initiatives/education_new.shtml.

Gold Dome Update

The Metro Atlanta Chamber is actively engaged at the Georgia General Assembly.

Our focus every year is on economic development incentives that attract quality jobs, education policies that promote positive results and accountability, transportation measures targeted to fight congestion and move people and products efficiently, and policies that will encourage smart, sustainable growth for years to come.

In recent weeks, the Chamber:

• has been working proactively to encourage biotechnology innovation and investment in Georgia through several legislative initiatives
  
  
• backed legislation that would allow state retirement funds to invest a small amount in private equities to support venture capital projects
  
  
• supported state funding for the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, biotechnology research, and transportation planning
  
  
• and worked successfully in partnership with the Georgia Municipal Association and metro Atlanta government leaders to stop four bills that would have severely limited the ability of local governments to function properly.

We will continue to be a strong voice in the capitol in support of the Chamber’s mission to make our region the best in the country to live, work and play. For more information about specific legislation, please see 2006 Session Reports on our governmental affairs Web site.

Sports Corner

NASCAR Officials Interviewed at Motorsports Luncheon

(click photo to enlarge)

NASCAR President Mike Helton (left) and Jeff Burton, driver of the No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet (center) are interviewed by Fox Sports Net’s Bob Fiscella at the Atlanta Sports Council’s annual Motorsports Luncheon March 16 at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel. Speedway Motorsports CEO O. Bruton Smith and NASCAR on Fox analyst Larry McReynolds were also on hand to preview the Golden Corral 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Atlanta Sports Awards Honors City’s Best

Leaders and celebrities within the Atlanta sports community gathered Feb. 27 in the historic Fox Theatre to honor the highest in athletic achievement over the last year at the inaugural Atlanta Sports Awards. Celebrity presenters such as Vince Dooley, Dale Murphy, Phil Niekro, Steve Bartkowski and Patrick Kearney helped recognize 11 local athletes, coaches and teams for their accomplishments in the world of sports.

(click photo to enlarge) University of Georgia quarterback D.J. Shockley (left) is interviewed by ESPN NFL analyst Chris Mortensen after winning the award for Collegiate Athlete of the Year at the inaugural Atlanta Sports Awards.

The black-tie event – created by the Atlanta Sports Council and presented by Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar – celebrated recipients in the categories of athlete of the year, coach of the year, team of the year and a lifetime achievement award from all levels of competition from high school to amateur to professional.    more >>

Former Pentagon Spokeswoman Shares Insights

Former Pentagon Spokeswoman Victoria “Torie” Clarke drew a standing-room-only crowd on March 8 as the featured speaker at the Chamber’s popular “Insights on Leadership” series.

Clarke shared her stories of managing communications during some of the most historic events in recent U.S. history, including 9/11 and the invasion of Iraq. Clarke served as Pentagon spokeswoman during the Iraq invasion and as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs under Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. She is currently a senior advisor to Comcast and on-air contributor for CNN.

During the discussion, Clarke talked about straightforward communication and her recently released book, Lipstick on a Pig: Winning in the No-Spin Era by Someone Who Knows the Game.    

Upcoming Events

Could You Be the Next “Small Business Person of the Year"?
Do you know people like this?

Bryan Kujawski, President, 360i.com; Michael Kogon, co-founder & CEO, Definition 6; Oscar Harris, Chairman & Founder, Turner Associates, Architects & Planners, Inc.; Claire Arnold, CEO, Leapfrog Services; and Charles Brewer, Founder, MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. They are all winners of the Small Business Person of the Year Award. We are looking for the 2006 nominees. Please take a moment to consider your customers, clients and vendors who could win the 2006 award. The process is simple. Send their name, company name and email address to Brooke Havice at bhavice@macoc.com and we'll handle the rest. Special thanks to this year’s sponsors: AirTran Airways, Bank of America, BellSouth, Public Broadcasting Atlanta, and Exact Target.

Help the Georgia Cancer Coalition
Check a Box and Give a Buck (Or More!)
The Georgia Cancer Coalition is proud to announce that Georgians again have a unique opportunity to contribute to the fight against cancer - through filling out your state income tax return. By increasing the amount of tax that you owe by as little as $1, or decreasing your refund by as little as $1, you can contribute to the Georgia Cancer Research Fund on the appropriate line of your state tax return. This fund is managed by the Coalition and supports life-saving research into the causes, treatments, and cures of breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers. For more information on the Georgia Cancer Coalition or the state income tax program, please visit www.georgiacancer.org.

March

29 Wednesday
Is your business at risk? Strengthen your defense against cyber crime. Members are invited to join this breakfast hosted by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and IBM to discuss current and emerging challenges and solutions for tackling virtual security issues.
Location: MACOC 235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
Time: 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
RSVP required.

30 Thursday
The practice of motivational leadership: no employee, no client, and no leader left behind. Members are invited to join this breakfast presentation lead by Marty Zimmerman, Author of In Their Presence: Best Practices and Stories of Role Models, and to learn useful practices shown to repeatedly encourage and inspire others.
Location: MACOC 235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
Time: 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
RSVP required
$50 non-members

30 Thursday
Inc. magazine will hold its 24th annual Inc. 500 Conference & Awards Ceremony in Savannah, Georgia, this year, where the most successful entrepreneurs in America will gather for three days to learn, network and celebrate. Featured guests include: former president Bill Clinton, and founder of three-time Inc. 500 company Intuit and co-founder of The Home Depot, Bernie Marcus. You’ll also get a chance to meet several other successful entrepreneurs including author John Berendt, whose Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil was based on Savannah. The conference will be held March 30, 2006 – April 2, 2006.

Reserve your place now and receive $200 off the registration fee. To receive the discounted rate of $1195, please enter “CHAMBER” when asked for the pass code. To register and for more information, please visit www.globalexec.com/inc500.

31 Friday
Join the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Newstalk 750 WSB for our 6th installment of The Best in Business Breakfast series on March 31, presented by Verizon Wireless and brought to you by Ziglar Performance Group. We are delighted to welcome talented author and speaker since 1970, Zig Ziglar. A well-known authority on the science of human potential, Mr. Ziglar has been recognized three times in the Congressional Record of the United States for his work with our country’s youth in the war on drugs, and for his dedication to America and the free enterprise system. Don’t miss this amazing event that will benefit a great cause. For more information and to register, please visit https://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/event/2079 or contact Maggie Edwards at medwards@bizjournals.com or 404.249.1756.

April

3 Monday
Business Luncheon:
Topic: “Delta Air Lines International Growth” presented by Mr. Jorge Fernandez, Vice President for International and Alliances at Delta Air Lines
Time: 12:00 – 1:30
Location Board Room, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, 235 Andrew Young International Blvd. Atlanta GA 30303
Member Fee: $35 (GACC or MACOC)
Non-member Fee: $45 RSVP
Contact Name: Sören Schmidt (or Soeren Schmidt)
Contact Phone: 404.586.6810
Contact Address: 530 Means Street Atlanta, GA 30318
Contact Email: sschmidt@gaccsouth.com

5 Wednesday
Member orientation:
10:15 a.m. Registration/Networking
10:45 a.m. Program Noon-1:00 p.m. Lunch/Networking
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce 235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
Lunch sponsor: Parsley’s Catering
Event sponsored by: Bank of America & Office Depot
RSVP required

12 Wednesday
Business development series:
Members are invited to join this breakfast program lead by Sharon Quaintance and Lawdocsxpress to learn about small business legislation and what you can do to make it work for you.
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce 235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
RSVP required
$50 non-members

12 Wednesday
Have Lunch With The Braves! Be a part of the Braves Lead-Off Luncheon to get an inside look at the upcoming 2006 season. The luncheon, held on April 12 at the 755 Club in Turner Field, is your chance to have lunch with Braves players, coaches and executives, and walk away with a special Braves premium giveaway. This year’s luncheon will celebrate the Braves 40th anniversary in Atlanta and will include members of the 1996 Braves team. All Chambers in attendance will be seated together as well as verbally recognized as a group. Visit www.atlantasportscouncil.com for more information.

13 Thursday
2006 A+ Awards Luncheon:
Atlanta Partners for Education's annual year-end celebration to salute the Teachers of the Year and acknowledge the exceptional partnerships between Atlanta Public School and the business community.
Sponsored by: AJC, WSB, AirTran, UPS, GE, Coca-Cola, Georgia Pacific, GA Power, Publix, Troutman Sanders, Emory University, Turner Broadcasting, Georgia Natural Gas, Marriott Marquis, Portman Holdings, Kroger, Your Event Solutions, Wachovia, 11-Alive WXIA, and Longhorn Steakhouse.
Location: Georgia World Congress Center
Time: 11:30a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
To RSVP and for more information contact Carolyn Lloyd at 404.586.8519 or clloyd@macoc.com
Cost: $50

19 Wednesday
McKenna Long & Aldridge hosts Member Reception:
Members are invited to join Eric Tanenblatt, Governmental Affairs for McKenna Long & Aldridge, for an evening of business-to-business networking with over 100 other Chamber members. McKenna Long & Aldridge, 303 Peachtree Street, 53rd floor.
Members ONLY.
RSVP required.