the Chamber's twice monthly e-newsletter

President's Message

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

In this edition, read an article from Forbes Magazine. It lists Atlanta as one of the worst cities for commuters, which underscores our region's need for a transportation funding solution. Log on to www.GetGeorgiaMoving.com to become a member of the coalition and send a message to your legislators.

In addition, read about the 18th Annual A+ Awards on May 14, honoring the top teachers, business and community partners who are making Atlanta Public Schools stronger.

And meet the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce's new Director of Research, Kelly Sydney.

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

Forbes Magazine Ranks Best and Worst Cities For Commuters
Editor's Note: The story below is posted online at www.Forbes.com. It lists Atlanta as one of the worst cities for commuters, which underscores our region's need for a transportation funding solution.

The perfect commute is easy, inexpensive and reliable.

In cities boasting such factors, like Buffalo, N.Y., Salt Lake City and Milwaukee, the trip to work is a breeze. But for commuters in Atlanta, Detroit and Miami, the daily grind is just that, thanks to bad traffic, insufficient infrastructure and drivers who resist carpools and public transportation.

To find them and others, Forbes.com looked at the 75 largest metro areas in the U.S. and evaluated them based on traffic delays, travel times and how efficiently commuters use existing infrastructure, based on data from the Texas Transportation Institute and the U.S. Census Bureau's 2006 American Community Survey. The worst commutes were those that ate up the most hours and were the least reliable. The best commutes were in cities with short, dependable treks to the office, where fellow commuters efficiently use transit options
to reduce congestion. Click here for entire article.

Log onto www.GetGeorgiaMoving.com to become a member of the coalition and send a message to your legislators.

2008 A+ Awards to Honor Top Teachers, Business and Community Partners With Help From Notable Atlanta Public School Alumni

Once again this year, the Metro Atlanta Chamber's A+ Awards will honor the top teachers, business and community partners who are making Atlanta Public Schools stronger. This year's A+ Awards luncheon will also honor the past, present and future of Atlanta Public Schools by having notable Atlanta Public School alumni serve as presenters.

The luncheon will be held in the Thomas B. Murphy Ballroom of the Georgia World Congress Center on May 14, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Chamber Names Kelly Sydney as New Director of Research  

The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce has named Kelly Sydney, former client services manager for Grubb & Ellis, as its new director of research.

“Kelly will be an instrumental team member in her role as the Chamber's director of research,” said Hans Gant, senior vice president of Economic Development for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber's research department plays an important role in the Chamber's efforts to market metro Atlanta across the world and recruiting companies and jobs.”

As director of the Chamber's research department, Sydney will be responsible for collecting and analyzing information, developing and publishing a wide range of economic development research documents and marketing materials, and responding to companies who are actively evaluating metro Atlanta as a location option. She will also be responsible for doing specific research for target sector companies the Chamber is focused on recruiting – headquarters, international, technology and logistics.
Click here to read entire release.

Small Business Keeps Economy Strong
Editor's Note: In recognition of national Small Business Week, the Atlanta Business Chronicle printed this column on May 2 by Arnie Silverman underscoring the importance of small businesses to metro Atlanta 's economy.

People already know that metro Atlanta is a great place for major corporations.

But did you know that it's also a great place for small businesses?

As we celebrate national Small Business Week, you should know that of the 143,000 businesses in metro Atlanta, about 95 percent of them have fewer than 50 employees.

And here's the real stunner: Two-thirds of new job growth in metro Atlanta is from small business.

This is not just a local phenomenon. It mirrors a national trend.
Click here to read entire column.

Member Testimonials

Chair Covers and Linens

I've gotten to know more localized businesses and have increased my customer base.

pDouglass Leaptrotte
Chair Covers and Linens
www.chaircoversonline.com

Direct Marketing Group

As a new member, my membership has already had 100% ROI. The atmosphere of the Chamber is welcoming and nurturing for new members and the programs are focused on areas where we need help.

Anne Kelley
Direct Marketing Group
www.directmarketinggroupusa.com

BE THE FIRST TO KNOW ...
The 2008 Small Business Person of the Year

You are invited to join us as we announce the 2008 Small Business Person of the Year Award Winner. The 22nd annual luncheon, co-hosted by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Business Chronicle, will be held on Friday, June 6, at The Ballroom at
TWELVE – Atlantic Station from noon - 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are available for Metro Atlanta Chamber members for $50 and can be purchased by emailing Katie Grosshans at events@macoc.com or by calling 404.586.8534. For more detailed information click here: http://www.metroatlantachamber.com/fm_sbpoty.html

Special thanks to this year's sponsors: AirTran Airways, AT&T, Bank of America, WABE-FM 90.1, Exact Target and IBM.

Sports Corner

South Carolina Wins 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl Alma Mater
Steve Spurrier and Sterling Sharpe Take $120,000 First-Place Scholarships Check

The University of South Carolina's Steve Spurrier and Sterling Sharpe carded a 12-under-par 60 to earn a five-stroke victory in the 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl Alma Mater at Reynolds Plantation
April 29. The team took home the $120,000 first-place scholarship donation.

“Coach Spurrier and Sterling Sharpe really brought their ‘A' games today in winning the championship among such a great field of competitors,” said Gary Stokan, Chick-fil-A Bowl President. “Our congratulations go out to the team from South Carolina and our thanks to all the teams who came out today to enjoy a great day on the golf course, some good competition and a lot of laughs.”
Click here to read entire release.

Chick-fil-A Bowl President Gary Stokan (center) presents the champions trophy to Sterling Sharpe (left), former NFL star; and Steve Spurrier (right), head coach at The University of South Carolina, after their victory in the Chick-fil-A Bowl Alma Mater
at Reynolds Plantation, on April 29.

Chamber Events

Community Events

Invest One Hour and Save Three Days

When disaster strikes, there's no time to prepare. With that in mind, it's critical to invest time and money now that will save you in the long run.

The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping its members and sincerely wants them to be prepared in the worst cases.

That's why we encourage you to turn to the Ready Georgia campaign for emergency supply lists and pertinent preparedness information today. Remember, taking the right steps now can save hardship in a disaster situation. Get ready today!

To find out more about emergency preparedness in Georgia and get a full list of suggested emergency supplies, visit the Ready Georgia Web site at www.ready.ga.gov.