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the Chamber's twice monthly e-newsletter
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President's Message
Welcome to The Phoenix, the
Chamber's e-newsletter.
In this edition, you'll learn how representatives from the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Atlanta Sports Council, Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta History Center teamed up with Billy Payne to create a number of special events designed to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Centennial Olympic Games - which put Atlanta on the international stage.
See the photos below for some of the memorable moments.
You'll also learn about an upcoming "Hot Topic Forum" where you can hear experts from other big cities talk about how they tackled traffic congestion.
We'll tell you how the Chamber is welcoming metro Atlanta's new teachers.
We'll also tell you about how Atlanta hosted its first Association of Volleyball Professionals
open event with spectacular success, furthering Atlanta's reputation as the sports capital of 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
Atlanta's Olympic Games Legacy
Ten years after the Olympic Games were held in Atlanta, the city is still being transformed by an Olympic legacy that changed the face of downtown Atlanta, strengthened the city’s position as a global commerce hub and positioned Atlanta as the sports capital of the world.
To help celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Centennial Olympic Games, representatives from the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Atlanta Sports Council, Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta History Center teamed up with Billy Payne to create a number of special events designed to honor the Games that put Atlanta on the international stage.
On July 15, the Centennial Olympic Games Museum at the Atlanta History Center opened its doors for the first time proudly displaying a tribute to the Atlanta Games. That same night, a Centennial Olympic Park celebration for Olympic volunteers and the public helped everyone remember how special those 17 days were to the emergence of our city. NBC Sports’ Bob Costas hosted the ceremonies, which included remembrances by Billy Payne, Mayor Shirley Franklin, Governor Sonny Perdue, athletes Janet Evans and Carl Lewis, a number of video tributes from the Games’ highlights and a performance by Trisha Yearwood. The evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display over the Park.
“The 1996 Olympic Games made Atlanta a household name around the world and kick-started major infrastructure investments,” said Sam A. Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. “But we didn’t let it stop there. Atlanta has never stopped leveraging our Olympic opportunity to revitalize downtown Atlanta, recruit companies from all over the world and host the biggest and best sporting events in the nation.”
Above are images from events and materials that were created in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Some highlights include a glossy brochure capturing the economic development legacy of the Games, photos of a Chamber rooftop event held July 15 overlooking the celebration in Centennial Olympic Park, and BBC News interviewing Chamber President Sam A. Williams on how Atlanta has changed since the Olympics Games.
Hot Topic Forum: Top Experts To Discuss
Georgia's Transportation Future on August 17
Traffic congestion is a major issue affecting metro Atlanta's future. To continue to attract, retain and grow companies in the region, we must address our mobility challenges.
As this region formulates its own plans to tackle our transportation challenges, come hear how other regions across the country have planned - and implemented - their own solutions.
Moderator:
Panelists include:
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Gary Gallegos, executive director, San Diego Association of Governments
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Craig Benedetto, president,
Benedetto Danon Public Relations, (Calif.)
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Clarence Marsella, GM, Regional Transportation District of Denver
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Maria Garcia Berry, CEO, CRL Associates, Inc., (Colo.)
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The Honorable Keno Hawker, Mayor, City of Mesa, Ariz. (Phoenix area)
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Kevin Olson, Partner, Steptoe & Johnson LLP, (Ariz.)
RSVP to Hatton Gravely at events@macoc.com or 404.586.8534.
RSVP Required by Aug. 11, 2006.
Education
Chamber Welcomes New
Metro Atlanta School Teachers
More than 8,000 new public school teachers in the metro Atlanta region will receive “welcome packages” from the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce during orientation sessions in July and August.
The packages include resource materials about the metro Atlanta region's resources, entertainment and dining and a teacher appreciation travel mug.
This initiative is the first of other planned efforts of the Regional Education Committee to recruit and retain teachers in the metro Atlanta region by creating a "teacher-friendly" region and branding the region as a preferred place for teachers to live, work and play.
The Chamber has been working closely with superintendents in the region on strategies to recruit teachers to the region. Superintendents identified teacher recruitment as one of their top needs as the state and the region suffers critical shortages of teachers.
More information about the Chamber’s role in regional education can be found here.
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The Chamber puts together welcome packets for new teachers in metro Atlanta. Pictured left to right: Teleya Kelley, The Chamber's Next Step...The Atlanta Promise summer intern; Janie Maddox, Chair, Regional Education Committee and Senior Vice President of Post Properties, Inc.
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Sports Corner
Atlanta Bursts onto the Pro Beach Volleyball Scene:
Thousands Turn out for the AVP Atlanta Open
Lured by perfect weather and the promise of fast-paced, hard-hitting action, thousands made their way inside Atlanta’s Atlantic Station to take part in the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) Atlanta Open pro beach volleyball event that was as much a beach party as a volleyball tournament.
The four-day competition at Atlanta’s “17th Street Beach” drew more than 13,000 spectators over six sessions of tournament action.
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“This was definitely the place to be in
Atlanta over the weekend,” said Gary Stokan, Atlanta Sports Council president. “Fans got all the sand, sunshine, great music and family entertainment they could handle … and an incredible volleyball tournament with the best players in the world as well.”
The men’s and women’s finals were sold out Sunday and the Saturday night session was one of the highest-attended on the AVP Crocs Tour this season.
On the men’s side, Stein Metzger and Mike Lambert defeated Dax Holdren and Sean Scott 21-17, 18-21, 15-13 in the finals. Rachel Wacholder and Elaine Youngs upset No. 1-seed Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh 21-16, 19-21, 15-12 for the women’s championship.
In addressing the crowd after the final match on Sunday, AVP Crocs Tour Commissioner Leonard Armato said, “Thank you all for the best first-year event in AVP history.” And the crowd promptly erupted as they had over and over again during the competition.
Stein Metzger, AVP Atlanta Open Men’s champion, said, “It was a really good crowd – it was packed. I don’t know how it can get better, and this was only the first year.”
Some of the incredible numbers from the city’s biggest beach party included: 2,000 tons of sand used for the six courts, 1,200 barbeque sandwiches from Famous Dave’s were sold, 5,870 cups of beer were downed to help beat the heat and 20,000 pounds of ice were needed to keep things cool.
Mike Lambert, the other half of the men’s championship team, said after his match, “The people of Atlanta really get it. I love the ATL and can’t wait to come back next year.”
And the new pro beach volleyball fans in Atlanta can’t wait either.
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
OfficeMax Metro Atlanta Chamber Golf Challenge Supported by HP
Golf anyone? Since 1988, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce has hosted the largest one-day golf tournament in the Southeast. More than 700 of the region's key decision makers enjoy a spectacular day of golf, making this event one of the most successful places to network.
This year's 18th Annual OfficeMax Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Golf Challenge Supported by HP is being held Monday, Oct. 16 at five of Atlanta's premier golf courses including: Bear's Best, Country Club of Roswell, Country Club of the South, Standard Club and Windermere Golf Club. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. followed by lunch and shot gun start.
After a day of golf, everyone is invited to Country Club of the South for the McJunkin Awards Reception at 6 p.m. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin for each course. And don't miss the incredible items available at the Silent Auction.
Foursomes are being reserved quickly. Don't miss out on the action!
Reserve your foursome today following this link: http://www.MetroAtlantaChamber.com/macoc/members/golf_highlights.shtml
July
26 Wednesday
PricewaterhouseCoopers Hosts Member Reception
Members are invited to come and network with other Chamber members. Be sure to bring several business cards!
Hosted by: Gary Price, Managing Partner, Pricewaterhouse Coopers
Location: The Peachtree Club
999 Peachtree Street, 28th floor
Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m.
RSVP required
August
2 Wednesday
Member Orientation
10:15 a.m. Registration/Networking
10:45 a.m. Program
Noon-1pm Lunch/Networking
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce- 235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
Lunch Sponsor: A Legendary Event
Event sponsored by Bank of America & Office Depot
RSVP required.
9 Wednesday
Business Development Series:
Financing Options for Small Business
Members are invited to join this breakfast program lead by Jonathan Freedberg of Aberdeen Funding, Inc. Freedberg will share his tips on funding for small business.
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce- 235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
Time: 7:30-9:30 a.m.
RSVP required.
$50 - Non-members
14 Monday
Global Commerce:
Expanding Atlanta's Global Reach
International business is not something new for Georgia, Atlanta, or the Metro Atlanta Chamber. Today the metro Atlanta region:
boasts more than 1,600 international companies employing more than 80,000.
has 50 foreign consulates, 31 foreign chambers of commerce and 18 sister cities.
is home to more than 5 multinational Atlanta-based companies with operations in 20 countries abroad.
In addition, the state maintains 10 trade offices overseas and exports $20 billion in goods to foreign countries every year. But we want to become an even stronger player in the global marketplace. As Atlanta strengthens its position as a global gateway, we invite you to hear about the Chamber's strategy to expand Atlanta's reach around the world.
Panelists:
The Honorable Shirley Franklin, mayor, City of Atlanta
Craig Lesser - commissioner, GA Dept of Economic Development
John G. Rice - vice chairman, General Electric
and 2007 Chamber Chairman
Sam A. Williams - president, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
David Dorton - principal, McKinsey & Company
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Board Room
235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
Time: 2 - 3:30 p.m.
RSVP required.
Seating is Limited.
16 Wednesday
Atlanta Life Financial Group
Hosts Member Reception
Members are invited to network with other Chamber members. Be sure to bring several business cards.
Hosted by: Ron Brown, president and CEO, Atlanta Life Financial Group
Location: 100 Auburn Avenue - Herndon Plaza Atrium
Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
RSVP required.
Members Only.
17 Thursday
Hot Topic Forum:
Tackling Traffic Congestion
Traffic Congestion has become metro Atlanta's single largest issue affecting our economic future. If metro Atlanta expects to continue to attract, retain, and grow companies in the region, we must address our mobility challenges. As this region formulates its own plans to tackle our transportation challenges, come hear how other regions across the country have planned - and implemented - their own solutions.
Panelists include:
Gary Gallegos, executive director, San Diego Association of Governments
Craig Benedetto, president, Benedetto Danon Public Relations, (Calif.)
Clarence Marsella, GM, Regional Transportation District of Denver
Maria Garcia Berry, CEO, CRL Associates, Inc., (Colo.)
The Honorable Keno Hawker, mayor, City of Mesa, Ariz. (Phoenix area)
Kevin Olson, partner, Steptoe & Johnson LLP, (Ariz.)
Moderator:
Dr. Michael Meyer - professor, Georgia Institute of Technology
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Board Room
235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
Time: 1:30 - 3 p.m.
RSVP to Hatton Gravely at events@macoc.com or 404.586.8534
Seating is Limited.
22 Monday
Best Business Practices:
How to Be a Successful Small Business Person
Come learn from past winners and finalists of the Small Business Person of the Year award to hear one success story after another, along with how they got through the not so successful times.
Panelists include:
Arnie Silverman - Silverman Construction Program Management (2006 winner)
Bryan Kujawski - 360i (2005 winner )
Michael Kogon - Definition 6 (2004 winner )
Tammy Cohen - InfoMart (2006 finalist)
Joe Snowden - McRae Communications (2006 finalist)
Helene Lollis - Pathbuilder's Inc. (2005 finalist)
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
235 Andrew Young International Boulevard.
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
RSVP required.
Community Events
The
Making a Difference Discovery Tour
The Making a Difference Discovery Tour will be held at The Home Depot in Marietta, Ga. from 9 a.m.-1p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21. The tour is a uniquely formatted half-day executive briefing designed to expose business leaders to powerful opportunities to tap into one of the largest pools of qualified, reliable workers in the metro Atlanta area.
Be part of a win-win solution for your company and thousands of
persons with disabilities ready, willing and able to add value to
your bottom line. Become a sponsor. Confirm your reservation. For
more information contact the Governor's Council on Developmental
Disabilities.
Valerie Meadows Suber
404-657-2122
vmsuber@dhr.state.ga.us
The First Annual Ron Clark Academy Fundraising Gala
The first annual Academy fundraising gala Tuesday, Aug. 1 at 6:30 p.m. will be full of inspiration and excitement as Atlanta welcomes the opening of The Ron Clark Academy.
Held at the Piedmont Driving Club, the event will have speakers including Disney's 2000 American Teacher of the Year Ron Clark and co-founder of the Academy Kim Bearden. The fundraising dinner will also feature clips from The Ron Clarke Story, a film about Ron Clarke's triumphs in working with inner-city youth.
Scheduled to open this fall in south Atlanta, the Academy is a cutting-edge nonprofit school serving inner city at-risk children in grades 5-8 through scholarships supported by individual donations, foundations and corporate gifts. The school includes world travel as part of its curriculum, so that by the time students reach 8th grade, they will have visited every continent including Antarctica.
RSVP for this event to Thomas Smith of A. Brown-Olmstead Associates @ 404.659.0919 or Thomas@newaboa.com
For more information about the Ron Clark Academy, visit www.ronclarkacademy.com
Congressman Lewis' Business Forum
Please join members of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce as well as Central Atlanta Progress and other businesses and business organizations as we come together to share ideas and experiences with Congressman Lewis. Come join in an open discussion regarding such topics as:
Economic Development
Transportation
Taxes/Trade
Healthcare
Education
The forum will provide an opportunity for businesses to discuss some of the key federal and regulatory challenges and to discuss potential solutions that would have a positive impact on key areas of your business.
Congressman Lewis will shed light on the current political climate in Washington and how Congress is dealing with issues that affect you and your business.
The Congressman hopes that this forum will enable you to more effectively deal with policies that affect your agency or business and give you the opportunity to advocate for policy changes. If you have concerns about how federal policies are impacting your business, or if working with Congress is part of your job, this will be a great event for you to attend.
Hosted by: U.S. Congressman John Lewis
Location: Georgia Pacific Building, Conference Room 5
Date: Monday, July 31, 2006
Time: 9 a.m.
RSVP to (404) 659-0116 or Jared.McKinley@mail.house.gov
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