the Chamber's twice monthly e-newsletter

President's Message

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

In this edition, you'll learn about the Chamber's participation in a WSB-TV special on traffic solutions, and our work on a landmark study of the economic benefits of modern, high-speed rail service.

You'll also learn about an upcoming "Hot Topic Forum" where you can hear from experts on a critical issue affecting the future of metro Atlanta -- Georgia's water supply.

We'll tell you what Georgia Tech President Wayne Clough and Emory University President Jim Wagner had to say about Georgia's higher education system in a recent visit to the Chamber, and about Atlanta being chosen to host the Sumaq Summit for the fourth consecutive year -- furthering our city's reputation as a gateway to the world.

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

Chamber Participates in WSB-TV Special
on Finding Traffic Solutions

The Chamber takes a leadership role in generating awareness about the issues that affect our region's quality of life. We are constantly seeking ways to get that message out to a wider and broader audience.

On Saturday, June 3, WSB-TV (Channel 2) will re-air a 30-minute "Traffic Solutions for Atlanta's Future" special at 12:30 p.m. following the noon news. The piece originally aired on May 13 and was rated first in its time slot. Moderated by WSB-TV reporter Sally Sears, the program takes an engaging approach to traffic issues and to possible solutions.

This program follows the success of a three-part series last year on traffic, quality growth and water that was viewed by 1.5 million adults and was inspired by the work of the Metro Atlanta Chamber's Quality Growth Task Force.

The Chamber worked closely on the traffic special with Channel 2 and we're excited about reaching a broad audience with a message about how we can all be part of traffic solutions that make our region stronger. A special thank you goes to the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts (Fulton and DeKalb PCIDs) for sponsoring the traffic special.

For video clips of the show and more information please click the following link to Channel 2's web site.

More >>

Top Experts To Discuss
Georgia's Water Future on June 22

Water is a critical issue affecting the future of Georgia and metro Atlanta.

What are the facts?

Come hear from the experts on June 22 from 8-9:30 a.m. at the Chamber. They'll talk about what we need to do to ensure clean and adequate supplies of Georgia's water, including an update on the state water plan being developed and the status of the tri-state water dispute with Alabama and Florida.

Panelists include:

• Brad Currey, Retired Chairman and CEO, Rock-Tenn. Co.

• Dr. Carol Couch, Director, Georgia Environmental Protection Division

• Patricia Barmeyer, Counsel to the Atlanta Regional Commission and metro governments in the tri-state water litigation, King & Spalding

• Jim Stokes, President, Georgia Conservancy

Please click here to RSVP for this event.

Top Transportation Experts, Business Leaders Discuss Rapid Rail

Some of the nation’s top transportation experts and business leaders from across the Southeast gathered at the Chamber on May 2 to discuss a landmark study about the economic benefits of modern, high-speed rail service.

The briefing included analysts from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Volpe Research Center, members of the Southeastern Economic Alliance and representatives from the Metro Atlanta, Greater Greenville, Spartanburg Area and Greater Greer Chambers of Commerce.

Participants talked about a study co-funded by the Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Southeastern Economic Alliance highlighting the economic benefits of modern, rapid-rail service. The results of the study are expected to be released in November.

The Metro Atlanta Chamber continues to advocate for efficient and cost-effective ways of moving business travelers between regional destinations.

For more information on the Southeastern Economic Alliance, please visit: http://www.southeastalliance.com/

Atlanta to Host Sumaq Summit
For Fourth Consecutive Year

Organizers of the Sumaq Summit have announced that the conference will return to Atlanta for the fourth consecutive year in the spring of 2007.

The two-day conference is focused on creating trade and economic development opportunities for companies that are entering the triangulated Iberoamerican marketplace (Iberian Peninsula, North and South America).

Dates for the conference will be announced later this year.

“Atlanta is already a gateway to the world. And we’re pleased that Sumaq’s organizers have affirmed that when it comes to exploring even greater opportunities for global trade and economic development, there’s no better city to host that discussion than Atlanta,” said Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce President Sam A. Williams.

“Not only do we offer international universities an opportunity to collaborate with their peers at Atlanta’s finest business schools, but we also offer a warm welcome from business and civic leaders that are committed to growing global trade and creating jobs.”

More >>

Sports Corner

Pro Beach Volleyball Headed to Atlanta

Don’t miss Atlanta’s biggest beach party, featuring over 2,000 tons of sand, as pro beach volleyball comes to Atlantic Station July 6 – 9.

The AVP Tour is comprised of the best men’s and women’s pro beach volleyball players in the United States and the world battling it out for nearly $200,000 in prize money.

Featuring more than 150 of the sport’s top competitors, the Tour includes world-class athletes such as 2004 Olympic gold medalists Kerri Walsh and Misty May as well as other Olympic medalists and professional stars like Holly McPeak and Karch Kiraly, who won the sport’s first gold medal in Atlanta. The AVP delivers to its fans the experience of an amazing athletic contest and an unforgettable beach party.

Visit www.avp.com for tickets and information.

Special Guests:

Georgia Tech President Wayne Clough and Emory University President Jim Wagner Visit the Chamber

If they were combined, Georgia Tech and Emory University would be Atlanta’s largest “business.”

That message was part of a joint presentation by Georgia Tech President Wayne Clough and Emory University President Jim Wagner at a May 18 meeting of the Chamber’s board of directors and board of advisors.

“We are a major player in the economy of Atlanta,” Clough said, noting that Georgia Tech has a $3.9 billion impact on Atlanta’s economy. “But we do more than that. We turn out first-class students.”

Wagner said Emory’s local economic impact is $4.2 billion. These figures were based, in part, on the direct and indirect impact of students, employees, research spending, invention disclosures, patents and new companies that spin off from university research.

Universities also act as a magnet to attract top talent to the metro area, Wagner said, noting Emory’s strong role in what he called “the brain gain equation.” For example, while only one-third of Emory’s MBA students are from Georgia, Wagner said, fully two-thirds stay in Atlanta to begin their careers.

Both presidents said partnerships between business and civic leaders and universities are critical to fuel the cycle of research, innovation and economic development.

“We need to be able to use these partnerships to a greater extent in the future,” Clough added.

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.

The open-aired rooftop venue is the perfect space to entertain clients or your staff in 2006. Enjoy a great night overlooking Centennial Olympic Park and the lights of downtown Atlanta as your guests enjoy breath-taking skyline views.

For more information please visit: www.MetroAtlantaChamber.com/macoc/home/rooftop.shtml

June

20th Annual Small Business Person of the Year Awards
Co-hosted by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Business Chronicle, this annual luncheon will honor one outstanding small businessperson for their contributions to Atlanta's civic and business community
Special thanks to this year's sponsors: AirTran Airways, Bank of America, BellSouth, WABE-FM 90.1, WPBA-TV 30 Public Broadcasting Atlanta, IBM and Exact Target, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Monster.com
Date: June 9, 2006
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: The Ballroom at Twelve at Atlantic Station
RSVP required
$45 members - $55 non-members
Corporate Tables available. For more information contact Brooke Havice at bhavice@macoc.com or 404.586.8429.

7 Wednesday
Member Orientation
10:15 a.m. Registration/Networking
10:45 a.m. Program
Noon-1 p.m. Lunch/Networking
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
Lunch Sponsor: Lowcountry Barbecue
Event sponsored by Bank of America and Office Depot
RSVP required

14 Wednesday
Business Development Series
Members are invited to join this breakfast program led by Debbie Davidoff, The Alternative Board, to learn How to Bring Your Business to the Next Level.
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
RSVP required
$50 non-members

21 Wednesday
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
Hosts Member Reception
Hosted by: Jack Guynn, President, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Location: Federal Reserve Building
1000 Peachtree Street - Executive Reception area (3rd floor)
Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m.
RSVP required
Members Only

22 Thursday
Hot Topic Forum: Water's Future
We are no longer in a drought, so we don’t need to worry about water, right? Wrong. Water is the single biggest issue affecting the future of metro Atlanta and Georgia. What are the facts? Come hear from the experts on what we need to do to ensure clean and adequate supplies of Georgia’s water.
Panelists include:
Brad Currey • Retired Chairman and CEO, Rock-Tenn Co.
Dr. Carol Couch • Director, Georgia Environmental Protection Division
Patricia Barmeyer • Counsel to the Atlanta Regional Commission and metro governments in the tri-state water litigation, King & Spalding
Jim Stokes • President, Georgia Conservancy
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
Time: 8 - 9:30 a.m.
RSVP required

27 Tuesday
NetWeaving with Bob Littell
Members are invited to join Bob Littell for the 2nd NetWeaving session of 2006,
and why not bring a friend?
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
RSVP required
$50 non-members