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 two upcoming "Hot Topic Forums" on critical big-picture topics affecting the future of metro Atlanta – global commerce and transportation.

You’ll also learn how the Chamber teamed up with Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin to place over 500 graduating high school seniors from Atlanta Public Schools into internships at top Atlanta companies and organizations.

We’ll tell you about a new world-class performing arts center opening in metro Atlanta and about Terry Chastain's promotion to vice president of government affairs for the Chamber.

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

Hot Topic Forum: Top City, State and Business Leaders
To Discuss Strategies for Growing Global Business on Aug. 14

International business is not something new for Georgia, Atlanta, or the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

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 international strategy to expand Atlanta’s reach around the world.

Panelists include:

• The Honorable Shirley Franklin, mayor, City of Atlanta

• Craig Lesser, commissioner, Georgia Department of Economic Development

• John G. Rice, vice chairman, General Electric and chairman of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce International Task Force

• Sam A. Williams, president, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

• David Dorton, principal, McKinsey & Company

RSVP to Hatton Gravely at events@macoc.com or 404.586.8534.

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:

• Dr. Michael Meyer, professor, Georgia Institute of Technology

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)

• 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.

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre A Rising Star for the Region’s Economy

While there is much ado about the potential impact on cultural life by the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre (Cobb Energy Centre), the venue’s role in boosting economic growth won’t exactly be second fiddle.

According to estimates by KPMG, the financial services company hired by the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority to perform an economic impact study, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre will create, directly and indirectly, 1,520 area jobs during the construction period and 2,840 jobs for the state of Georgia.

“The potential economic ripple effect of the project affirms our vision of a superior entertainment and cultural venue that plays an important part in the economic growth and development of the area,” said Earl Smith, Chairman of the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority.

A performing arts centre for the area was first conceived in a feasibility study in the late 1980s. The venue’s potential long-term economic impact is equally impressive, according to KPMG. Once operational, Cobb Energy Centre’s total impact on spending is projected at $27.3 million during its first year and $38.4 million by the year 2010, KPMG said. The centre’s impact on earnings is projected to be $11.3 million its first year and $16 million by 2010.

The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre — the first major performing arts facility built in metro Atlanta in four decades—promises to be one of the most spectacular performance theaters in the country. The facility’s state-of-the-art stage systems and design features will delight performers and audiences, and support sweeping artistic programming—from Broadway productions, opera and ballet to concerts, corporate events and community theater.

For more information on the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, please visit www.cobbenergycentre.com.

Chamber Names Terry Chastain VP of Government Affairs

The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce has promoted Terry Chastain to vice president of government affairs. Chastain assumed his new title on July 17.

"Terry knows how to build consensus so people want to work with him," said John Yates, a partner with the law firm Morris, Manning & Martin LLP and chair of the Chamber's political action committee, known as MAC PAC. "That's critical because the kinds of issues the region is dealing with now require a lot of partners to work together."

Please click the following link for a story on Terry Chastain in the
Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Education

More than 500 graduating high school seniors from Atlanta Public Schools are completing internships this month at top Atlanta companies and organizations, the result of a joint effort between the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. Chamber President Sam A. Williams has lunch with Chamber interns on July 26. Pictured left to right are: Mavia Hanson, Daishell Gilles, Williams, SeMario Griffin, Teleya Kelley and Elijah T. Williams III.

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

August

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, Georgia Department 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.

15 Tuesday
Insights on Leadership with Johnny Isakson
Exclusive interview-style series featuring prominent leaders in the Georgia business community and government.
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
235 Andrew Young International Boulevard
Time: 7:15-9:30 a.m.
RSVP to events@macoc.com
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 CongestionTraffic 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 DenverMaria 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.

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

2006 ExactTarget User Conference

ExactTarget Email Solutions is bringing one of only four Regional User Conferences to Atlanta on August 31st. Join us for complimentary seminars about Permission-Email Client Success Stories, Email Marketing Best Practices and Innovative Email Solutions.
Date: August 31, 2006
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: The Westin Buckhead
To register please click the following link: http://email.exacttarget.com/ETWeb/ruc_final/index.asp