the Chamber's twice monthly e-newsletter

President's Message

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

In this issue, read how the Chamber is leading a 14-state campaign mobilizing businesses, elected officials and residents in the Southeast to support Delta Air Lines' bid for Atlanta-Shanghai passenger service.

You'll also learn about the draft recommendations that the Greater Grady Task Force released in their effort to strengthen Grady Memorial Hospital.

Lastly, read how Atlanta was chosen for the third time to host hundreds of corporate executives meeting here June 25-27 for the annual “Third-Party Logistics” (3PL) Summit.

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 Teams with Southeastern Chambers in 14-State Campaign to Help Delta Become “Next Gateway to China”

As the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) officially opened its route case for additional U.S. flights to China on June 21, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce announced it is leading a 14-state campaign mobilizing businesses, elected officials and residents in the Southeast to support Delta Air Lines’ bid for Atlanta-Shanghai passenger service.

“Direct air routes are essential to building global commerce, and China is one of the most significant trading partners for the Southeastern United States,” said Sam A. Williams, President of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. “Delta is well-positioned to compete for the designation to serve China, and I believe Atlanta is without a doubt the best choice for this new service. That’s why leaders across the Southeast have joined forces to support Delta’s bid.” Click here to read entire release.

Greater Grady Task Force Recommends Nonprofit Structure, Operations Overhaul, New Funding Sources

The Greater Grady Task Force today released draft recommendations on June 25 for how to strengthen Grady Hospital – including restructuring the way it is governed, overhauling its operations, and acquiring new sources of short- and long-term funding.

The task force, which was formed to address the issues that threaten Grady Health System’s long-term viability, will incorporate feedback and release a final report on July 13 in a meeting at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to read entire release.

Logistics Industry Leaders Met June 25-27 in Atlanta for Third Consecutive Year
“Third-Party Logistics” Summit Shows Atlanta's Status as a Logistics Gateway Continues to Grow

Hundreds of corporate executives met in Atlanta June 25-27 for the annual “Third-Party Logistics” (3PL) Summit. This is the third consecutive year that summit organizers chose Atlanta to host the event, which focuses on logistics management.

The summit took place at the InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead in the Ballroom. For more information, visit the www.eyefortransport.com /3PL2007 Web Site. For more information on the work of the Metro Atlanta Chamber's Logistics Innovation Council, visit www.logisticsatlanta.com .

The Metro Atlanta Chamber and members of the Logistics Council sponsored a reception at the 3PL summit on June 26.

Picture highlights from the June 27 “Salute to Delta Air Lines" and CEO Gerald Grinstein

Spurgeon Richardson, president and CEO of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau; and Sam A. Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce; at the podium for the Salute to Delta Air Lines and CEO Gerald Grinstein event on June 27.	John Mellott, publisher, Atlanta Journal-Constitution; Sam A. Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber; and Spurgeon Richardson, president and CEO of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau; present Gerald Grinstein, CEO of Delta Air Lines, with a drawing from Pulitzer prize-winning cartoonist Mike Luckovich.
Mayor Shirley Franklin presents Delta Air Lines CEO Gerald Grinstein with the City of Atlanta Phoenix Award. It is the highest mayoral award.	Gerald Grinstein, CEO of Delta Air Lines; his wife Lyn Grinstein; Sam A. Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce; and Spurgeon Richardson, president and CEO of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau; present Grinstein with a photograph taken by Atlanta photographer Sandy Bartkowski.

Georgia House and Senate Kick off Joint Study Committee on Transportation Funding

This year's legislative session created the Joint Study Committee on Transportation Funding, which held its first meeting on Thursday, June 28. Co-chaired by the House and Senate Transportation Committee Chairmen, Rep. Vance Smith and Sen. Jeff Mullis, the committee is tasked with identifying new sources and methods of funding transportation projects that are needed to allow the transportation systems in Georgia to keep up with the needs of the population.

The need for additional transportation infrastructure in Georgia is dire. Over the past decade, Georgia's population has increased over 40 percent but new infrastructure has increased less than 10 percent. Without action, metro Atlanta – the single fastest-growing urban area in the country – is projected to surpass San Francisco for the second-worst traffic congestion in the country by 2020. Other areas of Georgia are struggling with similar challenges. This Chamber is eager for action, and we will participate in the next study committee meeting, which is scheduled for July 10 and 11 in Savannah .

The Metro Atlanta Chamber joined 22 chambers of commerce and other organizations – including the Georgia Chamber – in introducing this past session's “STARTS Proposal,” or House Bill 434. H.B. 434 allows two or more counties to voluntarily create a transportation region, craft a list of transportation projects, and take the list along with a sales tax proposal to the voters for approval. This bill, along with a separate statewide proposal, will be center stage as the study committee deliberates throughout the balance of the year.

The Metro Atlanta Chamber – and its ever-increasing list of partners – will be working closely with the study committee throughout the year. Our emerging coalition is already building toward the 2008 legislative session and putting our collective voices behind a proposal that will deliver the congestion-relieving projects metro Atlanta and the state so desperately need.

For more information, check out the study's Web Site at www.gatransfunding.com .

Metro Atlanta Chamber Partners with Local Chambers and Businesses to Offer Special Program to Educators

Educators to Receive Purchase Discounts and Special Offers from Merchants and Retailers Through Special Sparkfly Program

The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with other local chambers, is spearheading a special employee incentive program for the area’s educators. Working with Atlanta-based direct marketer Sparkfly (www.sparkfly.com), the Metro Chamber will provide school system employees with access to discounts and exclusive offers from leading merchants.

“The business community understands the link between education and economic development,” said Sam A. Williams, President of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. “Our business leaders are always working on initiatives to support improvements in education. We know that teacher quality is critical to student achievement, and it’s important that metro Atlanta is able to attract and retain skilled educators.”
Click here to read entire release.

German Software Company Opens First U.S. Office in Atlanta

Mangold International to add 15-20 high tech jobs over next five years

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced June 27 that German software company Mangold International is establishing a U.S. subsidiary in Atlanta . Governor Perdue met with officials from the company today as part of his European mission.

“This is another example of metro Atlanta 's growing strength as a high-tech leader,” said Hans Gant, senior vice president of Economic Development for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. “We were able to attract Mangold because we have what they need – potential clients for their research software among the region's many research centers and easy access to their U.S. and international clients through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.”

Click here to read entire release.

Campaign Corner

The 2007 Chairman's Committee Fundraising Campaign is in full swing with the theme "All Roads Lead to Atlanta." Scott Fisher, national sales manager, Wachovia Mortgage, is leading more than 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.

Top Teams and Team Captains for the week 1. AT&T, Joe Chandler 3. Wachovia Bank, Dan Denton & Stephanie Plousis 4. Bank of America , Ron Spratt 5. Private Bank of Buckhead, Brent Adams
Top Producers for the week 1. Joe Chandler, AT&T 2. Rick Maurer, Georgia Power 3. Michael Fields, AT&T 4. Melissa Queen, Georgia Power 5. Charlie Crawford, Private Bank of Buckhead

Chamber President Sam A. Williams congratulates team captains Rick Maurer (Georgia Power) and Angela Reach (SunTrust) for their ability to keep their teams motivated throughout the Campaign.	Vicki Church with VIPgift.com presents team captain Stephanie Plousis with Wachovia’s gift cards.	Dick Anderson, Chamber chairman, congratulates Private Bank of Buckhead’s Charlie Crawford and Brent Adams for being the first team to reach their goal.

Chamber Events

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.