the Chamber's twice monthly e-newsletter

President's Message

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

In this edition, join us on a virtual trip to Asia with a Chamber delegation of 20 business leaders and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. The daily Web trip updates will give you the highlights of this economic development mission as metro Atlanta builds ties to one of the fastest-growing regions of the world.

Also, celebrate the region’s economic success. For the sixth year in a row, Atlanta ranks third in the nation among cities with the most Fortune 500 headquarters, according to Fortune magazine rankings released April 16.

Finally, read about how the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce continues to work in the state capitol to keep metro Atlanta the best place in the nation to do business. As the 2007 session of the Georgia General Assembly came to a close, we were pleased to report significant progress on key legislation that includes transportation, Georgia retiree benefits, better access to capital for Georgia companies, high school graduation coaches and water management tools.

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

Experience Asia From the Comfort of Your Desk

Atlanta Ranks Third in the Nation on the Fortune 500 List

Atlanta ranks third in the nation among cities with the most Fortune 500 headquarters, behind New York and Houston , according to the Fortune magazine online ranking released April 16. Fifteen Georgia companies made the Fortune 500 list for 2007, 13 of which are located in metro Atlanta.

“For the sixth year in a row, Atlanta has ranked third on the Fortune 500 list. Even during a slow national period, metro Atlanta has made a strong showing on every measure of economic health – job growth, population growth and housing starts,” said Sam A. Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. “ Atlanta 's robust and diverse economy gives our region a strength that continues to attract new business and talent.”

The metro region accounts for about two-thirds of Georgia 's economy, 72 percent of the state's job growth and 72 percent of its population growth. In the last 20 years alone, the population has doubled and Atlanta has become one of the top job producers in the nation.

In 2006, metro Atlanta created more than 60,000 jobs and in 2005 created 70,000 new jobs, making metro Atlanta No. 3 in the country for job creation. Recently relocated corporate headquarters include Merial, Mueller Water, Exide Technologies, Arby's, Novelis, Newell Rubbermaid and Spectrum Brands. Metro Atlanta also continues to see home-grown companies such as The Home Depot, Turner Broadcasting, Scientific-Atlanta and Coca-Cola thrive as household names around the world.

Williams said Metro Atlanta is a magnet for attracting talented people and fast-growing companies. “ Atlanta 's international airport offers companies access to the world. The state's ports, rails and highways are first-class. Our research universities are on the cutting edge. And our quality of life is second to none,” Williams said. “Combine that with the fact that the Southeast as a whole is the fastest growing region of the country, and the benefits of living and doing business in metro Atlanta -- the nerve center of it all -- are clear.”

The Fortune 500 ranking of the nation's largest companies is compiled by Fortune magazine on the basis of 2006 revenue.

Top cities with the most Fortune 500 Headquarters

Gold Dome Special Report: "Sine Die" Alert

As the 2007 session of the Georgia General Assembly came to a close, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce was pleased to report significant progress this session on key legislation that would:

• allow regions to raise money for critical transportation projects
• give Georgia retirees better returns on their retirement dollars and give Georgia companies better access to capital
• provide $18 million for high school graduation coaches
• and protect water management tools for metro North Georgia

Thanks for your continued support of the Metro Atlanta Chamber as we work to keep metro Atlanta the best region in the nation to do business.

Click here for a brief recap.

Campaign Corner

The 2007 Chairman's Committee Fundraising Campaign kicked off with the theme "All Roads Lead to Atlanta." Scott Fisher, Atlanta regional president of Wachovia Bank, is leading 200 corporate volunteers from 20 companies in the metro Atlanta region for the Chairman's Campaign.

The Chairman's Campaign is one of the primary sources of revenue for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, funding new and existing Chamber programs and initiatives. Volunteers from our corporate partners in metro Atlanta will sell memberships, advertising and sponsorships from April through August to finish at the $2.9 million goal.

The Campaign is currently at $744,000 towards the $2.9 million dollar goal. Below are the first week's results.

Top 5 Teams 1. Wachovia Bank 2. Georgia Power 3. SunTrust Bank 4. The Coca-Cola Company 5. AT&T
Top 5 Producers 1. Frank Boyd , Georgia Power 2. Brian Hannon, AGL Resources 3. Joe Chandler, AT&T 4. Angela Reach, SunTrust Bank 5. Ron Keller, SunTrust Bank

The top five producers this week have almost 60 years of combined service working on the Chairman's Campaign.

Scott Fisher, Atlanta regional president of Wachovia Bank and 2007 Campaign chairman, will not yield until the goal is met.	Scott Fisher (center) congratulates Wachovia team captains, Dan Denton and Stephanie Plousis, on an outstanding first week, leading their team to No. 1.
There is no standing around during the Chairman’s Campaign.	Pam Simon, team captain for RBC Centura Bank, and Gary Dowell, (right) Chamber Board Member and Georgia President, RBC Centura Bank, map out the team’s route to success.

Special thanks to VIPGift.com for their generous support of the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

Regional Education Committee Hears New Ideas for Education Funding Formula

Bringing the region's leaders together to improve public education throughout the region continues to be a top priority of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

On April 18, the Chamber's Regional Education Policy Committee heard from the top official leading a panel created by Gov. Sonny Perdue to study education funding.

Dean Alford, president and CEO of Allied and chair of the Governor's Education Finance Task Force, talked about a new business-model approach to education funding that could replace the current system, and asked business leaders for their input.

The current formula, known as the “Quality Based Education” formula, has been used since the 1980s to fund Georgia 's K-12 education system, said Jeffrey Williams, Finance Analyst, Consortium for Adequate School Funding in Georgia.

Under Alford's leadership, the governor's task force is analyzing a new approach based on local control and flexibility, school accountability and consequences for a school's failure to meet state student achievement milestones. The Education Finance Task Force will be working on this proposal and making its recommendations to Gov. Perdue by the end of the summer. Legislation to implement task force recommendations is expected in January 2008.

In the next several months, Alford will be asking members of the Regional Education Policy Committee for additional feedback about the state and local partnership contemplated in the proposal. Alford is scheduled to present to superintendents in the metro Atlanta region at a May 11 “Conversation with Superintendents ” to be held at the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

Janie Maddox (left), senior vice president of Post Properties, Inc., and chair of the Regional Education Policy Committee; Jeffrey Williams, finance analyst of Consortium for Adequate School Funding in Georgia; and Dean Alford, president and CEO of Allied.

Chamber & Mayor Join Forces to Find Summer Internships for Students

www.ajcjobs.com/nextstepinterns

For the second year in a row, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin are calling on metro Atlanta companies to provide summer internships for this year's class of graduating seniors in Atlanta Public Schools.

The internship project -- which helped place more than 500 students last year at more than 100 organizations in the public and private sectors -- is in partnership with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and ajcjobs.

“We had a great year last year, and I'm calling on the community to step up again this year,” said Mayor Franklin. “My youth program is designed to provide students first-hand assistance in planning for their dreams, whether it's college, technical school, military or the workforce. Internships help keep these dreams alive.”

Internships would run from June 4 through July 27. Companies are asked to provide 35-40 hours of work per week and pay $8 to $12 per hour. Companies that cannot host an intern can still become involved by sponsoring an intern at another company.

“Nothing is more important to the future of our region than a well-educated, well-trained workforce,” said Tom Hough, Area Managing Partner for Ernst & Young LLP and chair of the Chamber's Atlanta Public Schools Education Committee. “ Atlanta companies have an opportunity to directly affect the lives of our students and the prosperity of Atlanta by offering first-rate internships for graduating seniors.”

Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Beverly Hall said internships offer students the real-world experience and career connections they need to succeed.

“Atlanta Public Schools has always been able to count on the strong support of the business community,” she added.  “Business leaders continue to get engaged in real and tangible ways that make a difference. A good internship can literally change a student's life and encourage them to keep dreaming and keep achieving.”

This internship initiative is part of the mayor's youth program, which helps Atlanta Public Schools graduating seniors map out a plan for success after high school. The mayor's youth program is administered out of the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA). AWDA assists students with unmet needs that may hinder their entrance to the training and/or institution of their choice. The Chamber has been involved with public schools for decades through the Atlanta Partners for Education, a joint venture of the Chamber and Atlanta Public Schools.

Companies interested in supplying internships are asked to consider whether their location is conducive to students who rely on public transportation for their commute. The structure of the internship is determined by the hiring company, but should include exposure to an office environment. All eligible students have been pre-screened and accepted to two-or four-year colleges or technical schools this fall.

For more information and/or to register for this program, go to www.ajcjobs.com/nextstepinterns or contact Philippa Brown, Special Assistant to the Mayor on Education, 404.230.1600 or PBBrown@AtlantaGa.gov.

Global Vehicles, U.S.A., Displays the First Indian Manufactured Autos to be Sold in U.S.

The exclusive U.S. importer of Mahindra vehicles, Atlanta-based Global Vehicles, U.S.A. , displayed five Mahindra vehicles covering three models to its nationwide dealer groups last week. The event marked the first glimpse on U.S. soil of the Indian-manufactured Mahindra line of vehicles.

The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Department of Economic Development worked together to bring the headquarters for Global Vehicles, U.S.A., to Alpharetta, Ga., in 2006.

Mark Your Calendars for June 8

2007 Small Business Person of the Year to be Announced

Join us for the 21st Annual Small Business Person of the Year Awards luncheon on Friday, June 8, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in the newly re-opened Imperial Ballroom from noon - 1:30 p.m.

Since 1986, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Business Chronicle have honored one outstanding small business professional at the annual Small Business Person of the Year Awards. Arnold Silverman, President of Silverman Construction Program Management, was named Atlanta 's 2006 Small Business Person of the Year as the Annual Small Business Person of the Year Awards celebrated its 20th year.

Small businesses are a critical sector. Of the more than 130,000 total businesses in metro Atlanta, nearly 95 percent employ fewer than 50 people.

Past award winners have included: Bryan Kujawski, President, 360i.com; Michael Kogon, CEO, Definition 6; Oscar Harris, Chairman and Founder, Turner Associates Architects & Planners; Claire Arnold, CEO, Leapfrog Services and Dan O'Leary, President, O'Leary Partners.

To qualify, nominees are required to be a primary owner or a major shareholder of a business that has been locally established for at least three years with gross annual revenues not exceeding $40 million. They are also required to be a member in good standing of the Chamber and an active member of the community.

This year's sponsors include AirTran Airways, AT&T, WABE-FM 90.1, IBM and Exact Target. Tickets are available for Metro Atlanta Chamber members for $45 and can be purchased by emailing Beth Goette at events@macoc.com or by calling 404.586.8429.

Sports Corner

NCAA Head Coaches and Celebrities Tee It Up for Scholarships In Chick-fil-A Bowl Alma Mater at Reynolds Plantation

Chan Gailey, Mark Richt, Nick Saban and Tommy Tuberville will lead a “who's who” list of head coach and celebrity twosomes in the Chick-fil-A Bowl Alma Mater – a one-of-a-kind golf event at Reynolds Plantation April 30 – May 1.

The Chick-fil-A Bowl Alma Mater at Reynolds Plantation will feature pairings that include a university head coach and a celebrity alumnus from the same school. Other coaches and celebrities expected to participate include Herschel Walker, Wake Forest 's Jim Grobe, basketball analyst Billy Packer, SMU's Matt Doherty, former NFL great Eric Dickerson, Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer, Maryland 's Ralph Friedgen and others. Teams will compete in a scramble format for $275,000 in scholarship money for their universities. At least $100,000 of the proceeds will be donated to Chick-fil-A's WinShape Homes and the Reynolds Plantation Foundation.

The celebrity round on May 1 will be taped for broadcast and aired nationally by CBS from 2 – 4 p.m. (ET) on Christmas Day. The made-for-TV portion is being produced by Savlov Consulting, Inc.

“This event is gearing up to be one of the most exciting golf tournaments in Reynolds Plantation history, and there's no better location than The Oconee Course for both its setting and design,” said Bob Mauragas, vice president of golf operations. “We're anticipating some high-profile players from the sports, collegiate and entertainment worlds, and encourage all Reynolds Plantation members and area residents to attend and cheer on their favorite team or college alumni.”

The Chick-fil-A Bowl Alma Mater at Reynolds Plantation is free and open to the public on May 1. Fans can park in the Publix lot at the corner of Lake Oconee Parkway and Linger Longer Road and ride a free shuttle to the course entrance. Take I-20 east to exit 130 then go right for seven miles to the parking lot.

“What a great atmosphere this will be!” added Gary Stokan , Chick-fil-A Bowl president. “When you can come out and root for your favorite coach or celebrity in a relaxed atmosphere and really watch them up close, it'll make for an outstanding day on the golf course. This event is a meaningful way for us to continue our legacy of significant charitable and scholarship contributions in our community and beyond.”

For more information on the Chick-fil-A Bowl Alma Mater, visit www.Chick-fil-ABowlAlmaMater.com.

Chamber Events

May

2 Wednesday
Member Orientation
Members are invited to this monthly session to learn the ways to get the most out of their Chamber investment.
Time: 10:15 a.m. Registration/Networking
10:45 a.m. Program
Lunch Sponsor: Honey Baked Ham
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
235 Andrew Young International Blvd, Board Room
RSVP Required

Small Business Matters Presents: The Art of Being Unforgettable
May 10, 2007 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
Board Room

Tana Goertz is an entrepreneur, leader, project manager, speaker, author, coach and mom! She is internationally best known as the second finalist in the popular reality show “The Apprentice 3.” Tana combines a can-do attitude, spirit and energy with vision and execution to propel businesses to multibillion- dollar entities.

Tana’s belief in the importance of thinking big and following one’s dreams inspired her to write and publish a children’s book, “I’m Bigger Than This.” She has also been published in “Lessons from the Apprentice and Suite Success.” Today Tana Goertz is a sought-after motivational speaker and enthusiastic spokesperson for such companies as BeDazzler, and the new internet site Bozang, based in Atlanta, Ga. Click here for more information

16 Wednesday
Member Reception
Members are invited to join our board of director members as they host business-to-business networking at its best.
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Hosted by: Robert Hays, Chairman, King & Spalding
Non-members: $50
Location: 1180 Peachtree Street, 16th floor, Atlanta, Ga. 30309
RSVP Required

Community Events

Business Growth Expo

If you're serious about growing your business, you don't want to miss this exciting event! Join us Thursday, Nov. 8, from 7 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. as the Atlanta Business Chronicle and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce present the Third Annual Atlanta Business Growth Expo at Cobb Galleria Centre.

Place your ticket order now ($49) and receive a second ticket free! Why not bring your client or co-worker to the best business event of the year? Please call 404.249.1065 to take advantage of this limited offer.

“The Best Medicine: Consumer Driven Health Care”

Most citizens are aware of the dire state of health care in America today. They see their health care costs continue to rise, doctors going out of business, and most importantly, they see the immense need for a grand overhaul of the entire system. They are not willing to compromise their doctor-patient relationships, the status of their coverage or an increase in their taxes in order to do so. So what can be done? Can we find a remedy to the problem without the painful side-effects?

Members of the Atlanta Committee for The Heritage Foundation believe that we can. They are providing an opportunity for area business leaders, medical professionals, insurance executives and hospital administrators to come together and learn more about the future of health care coverage in America.

May 30, 2007
Location: The Four Seasons
6 – 8 p.m.
There is no charge for this event.  

Panelists:

• The Honorable Tom Price, United State House of Representatives
• The Honorable Judson H. Hill, Georgia State Senate
• Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, Chairman , Georgia Public Policy Foundation Board of Governors