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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 issue, read about the Chamber's significant involvement in the continued wave of Chinese investment with the recruitment of another major Chinese manufacturer, Sany America Inc. The company will locate an equipment assembly plant and corporate headquarters to Peachtree City—employing more than 200 people.
Additionally, read about a new and innovative program launched by Georgia-Pacific called Youth Entrepreneurs of Atlanta. This program teaches high school students how to become entrepreneurs.
Lastly, we will introduce you to Katie Kirkpatrick, the Chamber's new vice president of environmental policy.
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
China-based Sany to Bring 200 jobs to Metro Atlanta
Below is an e-mail sent out to all members on Sept. 12, by Chamber President Sam A. Williams.
Metro Atlanta strengthened its ties to China with today's news that China-based Sany Heavy Industry Co. Ltd., the largest Chinese industrial company to come to the U.S., is expected to invest $30 million and bring over 200 jobs to metro Atlanta over five years.
On the heels of the announcement of China-based General Protecht U.S. Inc. and Kingwasong LLC, and India-based Wipro doing business here, this is significant evidence of how rapidly Atlanta is attracting foreign direct investment.
For more than two years, the Chamber's economic development team worked to recruit this company in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Power Company, Fayette County Development Authority and Guanming Fang of Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice.
Click here for a full news release.
The Sany flag was proudly displayed at the Capitol during the announcement.
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Hans Gant, senior vice president of economic development for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, interviewed by the local TV, radio and print reporters. |
Atlanta Public Schools and Georgia-Pacific Announce
Entrepreneurship Program for Students
Program brings private and public sectors together
to help students succeed in the global marketplace
Atlanta Public Schools, in collaboration with Georgia-Pacific, announced on Aug. 30 the launch of Youth Entrepreneurs™ of Atlanta, a privately funded entrepreneur program for high school juniors and seniors at select Atlanta Public schools.
“Nothing is more important to our future than a well-trained, well-educated workforce that is ready to compete in the real world,” said Sam A. Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. “Atlanta Public Schools, in partnership with Georgia-Pacific Corp., is offering students a path to become future business leaders in our community and the global marketplace.”
Click here for a full news release.
Business and political leaders gathered on Aug. 29 at the 191 Club to support a new program, Youth Entrepreneurs of Atlanta. Click here for full caption.
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Chamber Names Long-Time Gold Kist Executive Katie Kirkpatrick as
Vice President of Environmental Policy
Kirkpatrick brings 12 years experience as engineer, advocate,
policy developer and spokesperson
The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce has named long-time Gold Kist, Inc., environmental engineer Katie Kirkpatrick as its new vice president of environmental policy, effective today. (Gold Kist is now Pilgrim's Pride.)
Kirkpatrick replaces Kevin Green, who served the Chamber for seven years before becoming executive director of the Clean Air Campaign. As vice president of environmental policy, Kirkpatrick will oversee the Chamber's work on water, air and quality growth issues – playing a key role in bringing the region's environmental stakeholders together to find long-term solutions to pressing sustainability issues.
Click here for a full news release.
Campaign Corner
Chairman's Fundraising Campaign Surpasses Goal
This year's revenue campaign brought in $2,901,460, exceeding the $2.9 million goal. Led by Campaign Chairman and National Sales Manager Wachovia Mortgage, Scott Fisher, 200+ volunteers sold memberships, sponsorships and advertising contracts to support the Chamber's initiatives.
Congratulations to the top five teams:
- Wachovia Bank led by Dan Denton and Stephanie Plousis
- Georgia Power led by Rick Maurer
- SunTrust Bank led by Angela Reach
- AT&T led by Joe Chandler
- AGL Resources led by Brian Hannon
And our top three producers:
- Rick Maurer, Georgia Power
- Frank Boyd, Georgia Power
- Joe Chandler, AT&T
Very special thanks to Hamid Andalib, president and CEO of VIPGift.com, who provided VIPGift cards as incentives, in addition to the many other Metro Atlanta Chamber members who provided sponsorships and gifts to motivate our volunteers.
Thank you to all who have supported the Chairman's Fundraising Campaign.
From one Campaign Chairman to another, Dick Anderson, chairman of the Metro Atlanta Chamber and 2006 campaign chair congratulates Scott Fisher, 2007 campaign chair and national sales manager of Wachovia Mortgage on a successful campaign.
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Scott Fisher stands proudly with Rick Maurer, top producer for the second year in a row! |
Strong leadership from our top teams captains. Dan Denton and Stephanie Plousis of Wachovia Bank, Angela Reach of SunTrust Bank and Rick Maurer of Georgia Power, was the key to reaching our goal. |
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2007 McAfee-Vigilar Metro Atlanta Chamber Golf Challenge
FORE! The 19th Annual Metro Atlanta Chamber Golf Challenge will be held on Monday, Oct. 15, at six of Atlanta 's premier golf courses-Atlanta National Golf Club, Bear's Best, Country Club of Roswell, Settindown Creek, Country Club of the South and Standard Club. This event is for Chamber members only.
7:30 a.m. Registration
9 a.m. Shot gun start at all six courses
Followed by the McJunkin Awards Cookouts at each course
Prizes for first, second, third place, longest drive and closest to the pin
Also, don't miss out on great silent auction items including: a one-week stay in the Abacos, Bahamas and a three-night stay at the Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico in a Casita Oceanview Room.
Member Spotlight-Capital Grille
We cordially invite you to join us at The Capital Grille.
Whether you're celebrating a special anniversary or just stopping by on any old Wednesday, expect to be wined and dined. Our dry aged steaks have earned high praise from the nation's toughest food critics and our fresh seafood is flown in daily. Our award-winning 4,000-bottle wine list is an experience in itself. You will also enjoy mouthwatering appetizers, sinful desserts and impeccable service.
We hope you will join us in one of our four private dining rooms for classically prepared fare in an atmosphere that is luxurious and relaxed. From servers who are as attentive as they are unobtrusive, to a dedicated staff that plans the flow of your event, we don't miss a thing. All so you don't miss one important moment. It would be our pleasure.
The Buckhead Room offers a penthouse view of Buckhead and seats 20-28 guests.
The Board Room can accommodate intimate gatherings up to 10 guests, with a skyline view of Atlanta.
The Wine Room can accommodate parties up to 24 overlooking Buckhead.
The Wine Cellar combines with Wine Room to seat up to 50 guests. Includes drop down AV Screen.
To plan or personalize your event, contact Andrea Johnson at andrea.johnson@tcgdine.com or 404.262.1162.
Lunch Monday – Friday 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Dinner Monday – Thursday 5–10 p.m.
Friday – Saturday 5–11 p.m.
Sunday 5–9 p.m.
The Capital Grille
255 East Paces Ferry Rd.
Atlanta, Ga 30305
404-262-1162
www.thecapitalgrille.com
Extra Credit – A message from The Clean Air Campaign
We all know that teleworking has been shown to increase productivity, reduce absenteeism and boost your bottom line, but did you know that a telework program may also help you during tax season?
Georgia is the first state in the nation to issue a telework tax credit. Employers are eligible for a one-time tax credit of up to $20,000, plus annual credits of up to $1,200 per new teleworker.
All Georgia businesses that start or expand telework programs are eligible, but you've got to act fast. Employers must submit a simple three-page application to the State Revenue Commission by Oct. 31, 2007.
If you need help, we've got you covered. Join AeA, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Business Coalition and The Clean Air Campaign for the Georgia Telework Tax Credit Info Session. Business owners, human resources staff and others are invited to attend a free, one-hour informational session from 8 to 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, at the Woodruff Arts Center.
To RSVP, email Ashlee Dunckel at adunckel@cleanaircampaign.com or call 1-877-CLEANAIR. We'll see you there!
Metro Atlanta Arts Culture Coalition
- Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta
Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta (ALMA) is a program of the Metro Atlanta Arts and Culture Coalition (MAACC) that began in 2004 and encourages leaders throughout the community to take an active role in the developments and challenges facing the region's arts and culture community. ALMA was created to bridge the gap between the arts and business communities in the metro Atlanta area, and create partnerships that will expose our leaders to ways in which business can enhance the arts, and the arts can enhance business. Since its inception, nearly 150 of Atlanta 's top arts and business executives have completed the program.
The application process – The next class of ALMA will take place November 2007. The application deadline is Monday, Oct. 1. A selection committee reviews applications carefully. Complete applications thoroughly and thoughtfully. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
If selected, you must commit to attending all five sessions. There is no fee for your participation in this program.
Please be advised that email is our primary means of communication, therefore, PLEASE include an email address that you check frequently.
If you have questions contact Adisa Nickerson at 404.230.1292 or adisanickerson@metroatlantaarts.org.
Mailing address:
Metro Atlanta Arts & Culture Coalition
Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta
50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 980
Atlanta, Ga. 30303
Fax: 404.230.1289
Chamber Events
Events for September, 2007
Community Events
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Wants to Talk With You
The CDC is interested in helping you learn more about health issues and approaches, facilitating your involvement in health issues and gaining your input on efforts to address the nation's health-related challenges. An ongoing part of CDC's mission is convening the people who need to be at the table to make decisions or to plan together. As part of that effort, CDC's senior leaders, including Dr. Julie Gerberding, the director of CDC, welcome the opportunity to speak to the Atlanta metro business community and its leaders.
If your organization is interested in hearing more about what the CDC is doing and how it is working with today's business community, please contact the CDC via email at speakersbureau@cdc.gov .
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.
This year's event will feature Gov. Sonny Perdue; John C. Maxwell, internationally recognized leadership expert and author; Jeffrey Gitomer, the ultimate “sales guru” and author; Angie Morgan & Courtney Lynch, retired Marine Corps captains, authors and respected speakers on leadership development; and an economist panel featuring expert opinions on the Economic Forecast for Atlanta 2008.
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 for Metro Atlanta Chamber members. | 
