7/19/10
Atlanta Business Chronicle--Transportation funding campaign starts early
Representatives of the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Atlanta Regional Commission promised an organized and inclusive effort to convince metro voters to approve a penny sales tax to pay for needed highway and transit projects.
AJC--Campaign kicks off for 2012 transportation referendum
Metro Atlanta Chamber Chairman Bill Linginfelter asked attendees at the gathering in Midtown to give money for the campaign, and to sign up to help. “You’re going to have to be involved,” he said
Saporta Report--Metro Atlanta transportation sales tax campaign needs to focus on transit projects
But then on Friday morning, metro Atlanta leaders launched a campaign to build a “big tent coalition” to support a regional sales tax for transportation. They unveiled a plan to raise millions of dollars for the campaign to convince people to vote in favor of the sales tax.
AJC--Bias claims against panel unfounded – By Ann Cramer
Members of a 15-member blue-ribbon commission — representing a diverse group of business and civic leaders as well as concerned parents — have been working around the clock for months with some of the nation’s top independent test security and audit experts. Their report is due soon, and they are focused on making sure it is accurate and thorough.
GlobalAtlanta--UPS Presents Global Trade Seminar July 27
The seminar will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Metro Atlanta Chamber, 235 Andrew Young International Blvd. in downtown Atlanta.
The Augusta Chronicle--Governor hopefuls oppose interbasin transfers
Such transfers have existed for decades in metro Atlanta area counties and rivers, but discussions of using the Savannah River for Atlanta's benefit have only recently surfaced as options studied by Gov. Sonny Perdue's Water Contingency Task Force.
7/16/10
Business Wire--UPS Presents Global Trade Seminar for Atlanta Businesses
Facilitated by TheEntrepreneurSchool.com, Seminars will Help Local Small- and Medium-Sized Companies Break Trade Barriers
The first seminar will be held at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce on July 27, 2010. The session will begin at 8:30 a.m. and last until 12:30 p.m. Jim Beach and Chris Hanks, Atlanta-based small business experts and founders of TheEntrepreneurSchool.com, will facilitate the Growth through Global Trade seminar series.
7/15/10
GlobalAtlanta--Brazil Wants Olympic Help From Atlanta, Ambassador Says
Brazil and Atlanta have many links, Sam Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, told the group, pointing out that Atlanta is seeking to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.
"We're anxiously watching Brazil," said Mr. Williams. "Being an Olympic City, we want to share our experience with you."
7/14/10
AJC--Atlanta notches a renewable-energy coup
AJC exclusive: 300 jobs envisioned for hydrogen company
“They represent a new alternative-energy platform. There are no commercially [viable] companies that I know of in the Southeast that will manufacture hydroelectric batteries,” said David Hartnett, a Metro Atlanta Chamber vice president who began recruiting HydroPhi more than a year ago. “We are becoming a magnet for the intellect to support and commercialize these types of technologies.”
Saporta Report--Committee for a Better Atlanta ranks candidates for Fulton County Commission
The Committee for a Better Atlanta has weighed in on the candidates running for the Fulton County Commission, and most of the ones interviewed received scores of either well qualified or excellent.
Neighbor Newspapers--Growth through adversity
Roswell businesswoman wins metro chamber award
Earlier this year, Ms. Shapiro was named the 2010 Small Business Person of the Year by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
7/13/10
The Irish Emigrant--Cowen to visit New York and Atlanta this week
Mr. Cowen will name the new consul general at a luncheon hosted by the local chapter of the Ireland Chamber of Commerce United States and the Metro Atlanta Chamber at the Ritz-Carlton hotel downtown, according to an e-mail to local reporters by chamber President Kevin Conboy.
Atlanta Progessive News--Progressive, State Senator Fort, Faces Corporate-Funded Opponent
Fort tells Atlanta Progressive News he believes the business community has united behind Balch's candidacy not only to unseat Fort in and of itself, but to send a message to other progressive elected officials that they should think twice before protesting the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce on anything it wants.
7/9/10
AJC--Atlanta schools face sanctions if misses new report deadline
A blue-ribbon commission, a 15-person task force that consists of business and civic leaders and was commissioned by the Atlanta school board, will hand over a report involving possible district impropriety by 58 district schools involving the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests. The panel has chosen two firms to conduct data analysis, interviews and other tasks.
Gwinnett Business Journal--Is Georgia's Innovation Crescent the new Triangle?
New bio tech region a brilliant future for economic development
Containing more than 95 percent of Georgia's life science assets, Innovation Crescent was conceived by regional leaders from chambers of commerce and economic development organizations including Georgia Bio Organization, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Atlanta Development Authority, Athens-Clarke County, Barrow County, Clayton County, Cobb County, DeKalb County, north Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Jackson County, Madison County, Morgan County, Oconee County, Ogelthorpe County and Walton County.
7/8/10
AJC--80 educators could face discipline in CRCT investigation
In the Atlanta school system, a blue-ribbon commission independent of the system has taken the lead on the investigation.
Creative Loafing--Vincent Fort, Graham Balch face off in Senate District 39 election
Veteran Dem faces first opponent in 12 years
Since beginning his campaign last year, Balch has picked up considerable support from across the district. But the names that stand out on Balch's contribution disclosure forms are those in the business community who wrangled with Fort in the effort to privatize Grady Memorial Hospital: Metro Chamber of Commerce President Sam Williams; former Atlanta City Council President and current Grady Foundation President Lisa Borders; former Cousins Properties CEO Tom Bell; and former Georgia-Pacific CEO Pete Correll.
7/6/10
Atlanta Progressive News--Progressive, State Senator Fort, Faces Corporate-Funded Opponent
Fort tells Atlanta Progressive News he believes the business community has united behind Balch's candidacy not only to unseat Fort in and of itself, but to send a message to other progressive elected officials that they should think twice before protesting the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce on anything it wants.
7/2/10
Atlanta Business Chronicle--Atlanta’s running out of water, and time
A task force of business, political and environmentalist leaders formed by Perdue has put some reliable numbers on a water-supply issue previously dominated by rhetoric, Brantley said.
6/30/10
Atlanta Political Buzz Examiner--Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls bash Georgia GOP
Three Democratic gubernatorial candidates, Attorney General Thurbert Baker, former governor Roy Barnes and House Minority Leader DuBose Porter, spoke very harshly about current Republican leadership in Georgia at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce forum on Tuesday.
6/29/10
AJC--Barnes says Georgia needs to change its image to attract jobs
Former Gov. Roy Barnes told a Metro Chamber of Commerce crowd this morning that the state needs to improve schools and infrastructure to attract companies to Georgia.
Metro Chamber of Commerce members met with three Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls: Barnes, Baker and House Minority Leader DuBose Porter. The chamber had a similar get-together with Republican gubernatorial candidates earlier in the month.
Associated Press--Ga. Democrats: Ruling Gop Has Hurt Job Creation
Baker, Barnes and Porter met at a forum Tuesday sponsored by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. They are three of seven Democrats running in Georgia's July 20 primary.
The Augusta Chronicle--No candidate stands out in Georgia governor's race
OXENDINE'S ANSWER puzzled those in the audience at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce forum. The chamber, after all, was the most strident advocate for transportation funding, and candidates wanting the chamber vote would be expected to promise to work for ratification of the constitutional amendment next year to make it happen. Johnson, Deal and Handel did exactly that.
GlobalAtlanta--A Day of Chinese Business at Atlantic Station
Rushing to both events was a good problem to have, said Jorge Fernandez, vice president of global commerce for the Metro Atlanta Chamber. After some big announcements a few years ago, momentum for Chinese investment in Georgia has slowed.
6/28/10
GlobalAtlanta--Stewart Takes Last Overseas Trip as Economic Development Chief
Accompanying Mr. Stewart will be Mark Lytle, the Georgia economic development department's director of foreign investment; Stella Sixing Xu, a China project manager for the department; Emily Fu, an Atlanta realtor and state envoy for China; Jorge Fernandez, vice president for global commerce at the Metro Atlanta Chamber; Kevin Fletcher, vice president for economic development at Georgia Power; Guanming Fang, an attorney leading the China initiative at Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice PLLC and Jia Yan, a partner in the corporate practice at Paul Hastings LLP's Shanghai office.
6/23/10
AJC--CRCT scores analyzed after new cheating tips
We know how important [the report] is,” said Gary Price, the panel’s chairman and a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers. “We are committed to getting this done as quickly as we can” without sacrificing accuracy, Price said.
6/22/10
AJC--Atlanta test cheating report delayed again
Gary Price, chairman of the independent panel formed to look into irregularities on state standardized tests at city schools, said last week the committee would release major findings and recommendations Tuesday, although he said then that the full report would not be complete by today. But on Monday, a statement from Price indicated that even the summary isn't ready.
The Augusta Chronicle--Handel makes river water an issue
Gubernatorial Karen Handel tossed a little river mud, of sorts, at two of her GOP opponents Monday for their refusal to support a blanket prohibition on transfers of water from one river drainage area to another.
Handel picked up on recent editorials in the Savannah Morning News and Augusta Chronicle critical of positions taken by Nathan Deal and Eric Johnson in refusing to block the interbasin transfers. Both men separately told members of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce last week that they would not prohibit transfers when as many as 90 counties in the state straddle multiple basins.
The Brunswick News--Many questions arise about state water issue
The two who are leaning this way are former state Sen. Eric Johnson and former U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal. They told members of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce as much during a forum in the capital city last week.
Ledger-Enquirer--Turning all taps toward Atlanta
At individual meetings Tuesday with members of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce — you might want to pause for a moment and think about what agendas are in play there, vis-à-vis water access — GOP candidates Nathan Deal, Karen Handel, Eric Johnson and John Oxendine were asked about adequate water for business and residential growth.
6/21/10
Savannah Morning News--Savannah River: Hands off
Last week, gubernatorial candidates Eric Johnson and Nathan Deal told the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce they're willing to consider interbasin water transfers to help Atlanta. John Oxendine said he opposed it, although he appeared wishy-washy when his campaign manager said later that this doesn't constitute blanket opposition. Karen Handel took a similar line as Mr. Oxendine.
The Augusta Chronicle--Candidates' stance is all wet
Favoring interbasin transfers shouldn't get you elected governor
Deal's and Johnson's new embrace of interbasin transfers was served up last Tuesday to a crowd with an appetite for that kind of red meat -- members of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. They have long pressed for water transfers as a solution -- at least for their problems.
Telegram.com--Freight rail key to Atlanta growth; economic spinoff includes jobs
When Worcester City Manager Michael V. O'Brien and state Rep. Vincent A. Pedone, D-Worcester, sat down with Bob Pertierra, vice president of supply chain development for the Metro Atlanta Chamber last Wednesday to talk, their eyes widened as Mr. Pertierra described the benefits.
Intermodal freight transportation “is one of the strategic industries of metro Atlanta,” Mr. Pertierra said during a meeting at the Metro Atlanta Chamber's downtown offices near the 1996 Olympic stadium.
“Even in a really tough year, we continue to attract big companies, cargo carriers and distribution centers,” Mr. Pertierra continued, reeling off a string of companies that had recently established major presences here, including General Mills, Colgate-Palmolive, Kraft and Dick's Sporting Goods.
6/18/10
AJC--100 Atlanta school employees implicated in test cheating scandal
AJC exclusive: Respect earned by APS, superintendent in jeopardy
Gary Price, chairman of the independent panel that was formed to investigate irregularities on state standardized tests at city schools, did not detail the violations, which could range from inadvertently violating test security rules to outright cheating. Price’s committee will release the key findings and recommendations from its exhaustive three-month inquiry on Tuesday.
"I'm outraged, primarily because I think about 50,000 kids in this system," said Price. He has also declined to name the schools where these employees work, although school names will be included in the findings, he said. "If [students] don't perform well on these tests, if we've been passing people along through the system, that's the important issue."
Effinghan Herald--State economic leaders thank lawmakers for productive session
Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, George Israel, president of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and Sam A. Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, expressed their commitment and that of the economic development community as a whole to continue working to identify investment opportunities, increase jobs, and maintain programs and assets that will attract new business to the state.
6/17/10
AJC--Georgia recruits businesses -- and hope
Stewart, Sam Williams (Metro Atlanta Chamber) and George Israel (Georgia Chamber) ticked off some high-profile relocations within the last year that have cushioned the state’s economic slide. NCR, for example, added hundreds of jobs in Duluth, Peachtree City and Columbus. Mitsubishi Power Systems promises 500 jobs outside Savannah.
“I remember the Southern expression: The uglier the bride, the bigger the dowry. Some states are passing $500-million incentives funds,” Williams said. “But we’re not anywhere near the incentives our competitors issue and our incentives have been very targeted. We look at specific industries like entertainment, where the payback is very big.”
6/16/10
WSB Radio--Sunday Conversation with Scott Slade and MAC President Sam A. Williams
AJC--Oxendine won't commit to backing transportation sales tax
John Oxendine, the leading contender for the Republican nomination as governor, told the Metro Atlanta Chamber on Tuesday that he will likely vote in favor of raising the state sales tax to fund transportation projects, but he won't commit to using the governor's bully pulpit to encourage others to do the same.
Rome News-Tribune--Leading GOP candidates tell Atlanta Chamber their stance on interbasin transfers
Two of the leading Republican candidates for governor told the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Tuesday they're willing to consider interbasin water transfers from one river drainage area to another as a way to address Atlanta's water shortage while two opposed.
Savannah Morning News--Governor hopefuls don't rule out Savannah water drain
Eric Johnson and Nathan Deal - two of the leading Republican candidates for governor - say they're willing to consider interbasin water transfers from one river drainage area to another as a way to address Atlanta's water shortage.
The statements came when the two, along with GOP gubernatorial hopefuls Karen Handel and John Oxendine, met individually with members of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday.
Washington Examiner--Oxendine unsure if he'd push transportation plan
"I'm going to have a million things on my plate," Oxendine told about 100 business leaders at a GOP candidate forum sponsored by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. "I don't know exactly how active I will be in 2012."
Atlanta Business Chronicle--Atlanta Sports Council veteran's role grows
An Atlanta Sports Council veteran is now in charge of new business development. Ken Chin, who has run the Atlanta Sports Council's events department since 2006, is now heading up new business development as well, the council said Wednesday.
Chamber’s new small business chief
Atlanta Business Chronicle - 6/15/10
Patrick “Pat” Gartland thinks big when he thinks small.
Gartland is the new vice president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s Small Business Growth Council and wants to connect small-business owners in metro Atlanta with as many resources and programs as he can.
Lt. Gov. Applauds Launch of Bioscience Commercialization Center
PR-USA.net - 6/15/10
Lt. Governor Casey Cagle today joined Georgia Bio, the Georgia Research Alliance, the Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Innovation Crescent business community in announcing the launch of the Georgia Bioscience Commercialization Center (GBCC), which will act as a start-up catalyst and resource center for bioscience entrepreneurs in Georgia.
Sunday Conversation: Sam Williams of the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Scott Slade (mp3 audio file)
WSB radio - 6/13/10
CRCT failures rise at schools suspected of cheating
AJC - 6/8/10
But this year, talk is of the district’s cheating investigation, led by a task force largely composed of civic and business leaders who say they have identified a dozen schools where employees are suspected of test-tampering. The group has not identified the schools or employees.
Tom Bell elected U.S. Chamber chairman
Atlanta Business Chronicle 6/7/10
Bell is a member of the boards of Grady Memorial Hospital Corp., Emory University, the Regal Entertainment Group, AGL Resources Inc. (NYSE: AGL), Norfolk Southern Corp. and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. He served as the 2005 chairman of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and as chairman of the chamber’s Quality Growth Task Force.
New water law: Slight change in local regulations
Times-Georgian - 6/7/10
The legislation was based on recommendations from the Governor’s Water Contingency Task Force, a group of business, civic, government and environmental leaders who met last fall.
Showing Off Atlanta's Incentives for Global Investors
GlobalAtlanta - 6/7/10
Leaders from the local government offices of Japan, Taiwan and the Canadian province of Quebec were on hand, as were chamber and incubator officials with ties to France, Israel, the Netherlands and other countries. The Metro Atlanta Chamber and CIFAL Atlanta also were represented.
Panel chairman: Atlanta school employees are likely to be referred for testing violations
AJC - 6/7/10
The announcement came as investigators wrap up their work, which included a review of 58 city schools. A final report will be issued next week, said Gary Price, a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers and the panel's chairman, as he updated Atlanta school board members about the process.
Politics 2010: Atlanta not so bad
The Augusta Chronicle - 6/7/10
At the same time, the leaders of the Georgia and Metro Atlanta chambers of commerce have begun talking in terms of regional logistics and the need to coordinate freight traffic between Atlanta and the ports of Savannah and Brunswick while the city's real estate developers lobby for passenger rail that knits all of the state's major cities together.
How to stimulate jobs
Gwinnett Business Journal - 6/6/10
I participated in a small business round table discussion last month at the Metro Atlanta Chamber with Dennis Hightower, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Commerce.Venture Atlanta focus: health IT, energy
Atlanta Business Chronicle - 6/4/10
The IT and alternative energy sectors drew interest from companies and investors, said Hartnett, who is vice president of Bioscience Industry Development at the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
Perdue signs school governance bill
Bryan County News.net - 6/4/10
The Commission for School Board Excellence met, held hearings and conducted research to come up with recommendations for best practices in school board governance. Commission co-chairmen John Rice, Gary Price and Phil Jacobs, along with the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and other business leaders, produced recommendations making Georgia a model state going forward.
With signing, Perdue sets transportation plan into motion
AJC - 6/3/2010
Bill Linginfelter, chairman of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, said his organization would be "vigilant" in watching proposed changes to the bill that it worked hard to get passed. "We have been watching, helping, waiting, facilitating and collaborating for a long time to get to this point," he said. "We’re not about to just step away."
For now, the planning process gets rolling. The ARC will be planning central for the project list, ARC Chairman Tad Leithead said. When it comes time to sell the list to voters, backers including the Metro Atlanta Chamber will launch a massive publicity campaign, probably including radio and newspaper ads, editorials, public speeches, local lobbying and visits on the talk circuit to groups such as Rotary and Kiwanis clubs.
Perdue inks transportation funding measure
Atlanta Business Chronicle - 6/3/10
“Transportation funding has been a priority for the business community for the past four years,” said Dave Stockert, president and CEO of Post Properties Inc. (NYSE: PPS), and chairman of the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s Transportation Policy Committee. “This long effort has been rewarded with legislation that will allow metro Atlanta to begin to address our lagging transportation infrastructure. It shows companies interested in moving here that we are working to solve our transportation issues.”
Governor Perdue Signs Transportation Resource Plan
The Weekly - 6/3/10
“We are proud of the leadership shown by the Governor and the General Assembly this year,” said Dave Stockert, President & CEO of Post Properties and chair of the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s transportation policy committee. “The business community is ready to support the transportation referendum in every way possible as we move into the next phase of this process.”
Georgia gov signs transportation bill to pay for roads, solve state's traffic woes
CB Online - 6/3/10
Business leaders, who say the state's transportation spending has not kept pace with its explosive growth, had been pushing for action on a transportation plan for several years.
Ga. gov signs transportation bill to pay for roads
Bloomberg/Businessweek - 6/3/10
"This long effort has been rewarded with legislation that will allow metro Atlanta to begin to address our lagging transportation infrastructure," said Dave Stockert, chair of the Metro Atlanta Chamber's transportation policy committee, in a statement. "It shows companies interested in moving here that we are working to solve our transportation issues."
Learning Atlanta's lessons
Bipartisan effort wins state support for city's needs.
The Charlotte Observer - 6/3/10
“With strong bipartisan support from a conservative Republican governor and a liberal Democratic mayor, and with a determined Chamber of Commerce president leading the campaign, the Georgia Legislature has finally agreed to let the Atlanta region - and others around the state - vote on whether to add a penny sales tax for transportation improvements.”
“The traffic impasse became a cause celebre for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and its president, Sam Williams. He recounts how "we beat the drum for four years" to get permission for a regional transportation sales tax, enlisting aid of the Georgia State Chamber, top Atlanta corporations, county officials and mayors, plus Chamber allies in Savannah and Macon.”
Ga. governor signs water conservation measures
Associated Press 6/2/10
A task force convened by Perdue reported in December that even if Georgia conserves water, builds reservoirs and upgrades its plumbing systems, those actions would not be enough to make up for the potential loss of water from Lake Lanier.
Governor signs bullying and school board reform bills
AJC 6/2/10
The Commission for School Board Excellence met, held hearings and conducted research to come up with a set of recommendations for best practices in school board governance. The Commission for School Board Excellence Co-Chairs John Rice, Gary Price and Phil Jacobs, along with the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and other business leaders, produced strong recommendations making Georgia a model state going forward.
Georgia’s Metro Breakthrough: Self-Tax Power, Region By Region
National League of Cities 6/1/10
The traffic impasse became a cause celebre for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and its president, Sam Williams. He recounts how “we beat the drum for four years” to get permission for a regional transportation sales tax add-on, enlisting aid of the Georgia State Chamber, top Atlanta corporations, county officials and mayors, plus Chamber allies in such regions as Savannah and Macon.
Never, never, never give up’ Conversation with ... Sam Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
AJC 6/1/10
Cheerleader, strategist, man in the middle. As president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, an organization of 4,000 member companies that employ more than 700,000 workers, Sam Williams knows North Georgia’s assets and problems as well as anyone
Perdue signs school board reform bill
AJC 5/226/10
A school board reform bill that gives the state power to intervene in troubled systems was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Sonny Perdue.
Perdue inks school board governance bill
Atlanta Business Chronicle 5/26/10
Perdue signed the legislation during a ceremony at the Metro Atlanta Chamber, which formed a task force in 2008 with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce to examine the effect of school board governance on student achievement and what could be done to prevent a dysfunctional board from disrupting a school system’s educational quality.
Bill Boosts State Control Over School Boards
GPB News 5/26/10
Governor Sonny Perdue signed a bill that lets the state remove school board members of school districts in danger of losing accreditation.
The Search for a State School Superintendent; Universities and Immigration; and Guns in Airports: A Conversation with Gov. Sonny Perdue
WABE-AM 5/26/10
On Tuesday, May 25th, Gov. Sonny Perdue (R-GA) signed a bill to let the state step in when local school systems failed.
Ga. to intervene in troubled school systems
Associated Press 5/26/10
State officials will now have a hand in righting troubled local school districts under a bill Gov. Perdue has signed into law.
Georgia Reforms School Board Governance System
The Gov Monitor 5/26/10
The Commission for School Board Excellence met, held hearings and conducted research to come up with a set of recommendations for best practices in school board governance.
The Commission for School Board Excellence Co-Chairs John Rice, Gary Price and Phil Jacobs, along with the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and other business leaders, produced strong recommendations making Georgia a model state going forward.
Georgia Leads the Nation in Comprehensive School Board Reform
Georgia Education News 5/26/10
"The legislation is the culmination of 18 months of Georgia's business leaders' professional and personal time to address dysfunctional school board members causing the loss of a system's accreditation, and the accompanying economic loss to that community," said Sam A. Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
Tri-state water wars: Act now on water contingency plans
AJC 5/17/10
“Conservation is an important first and ongoing step, but the governor’s water task force is correct in pointing out that a growing area like ours also needs to look at ways to increase supply. That’s especially important given the pending chance of a 2012 slowdown of water from embattled Lake Lanier.”
Atlanta Forward / Another View: Water efficiency delivers supply at lower cost
AJC 5/17/10
“We need to invest in our water future now and build on this forward momentum by implementing more of the recommendations outlined in the Governor’s Water Contingency Task Force report. Our next steps should be to stop wasteful water system leaks.”
Testing violations found in at least five Georgia school systems as investigations continue
AJC 5/13/10
The panel on Wednesday held an hour-long executive session to discuss what Gary Price, a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers and the panel's chairman, called specific personnel matters. Price said he supported going behind closed doors because "I thought it was important and at a point that everyone know the facts." However, Price cautioned that the review is still ongoing "and very much in process." Investigators have cautioned repeatedly against drawing conclusions until their work is completed.
Venture Atlanta Conference Seeks Presenters for National VC Audience
EarthTimes.org 5/13/10
Venture Atlanta is embarking on its third successful year, and is known for connecting Georgia’s most innovative companies to tier-one investors. “Georgia companies presenting at Venture Atlanta have closed over $50 million dollars in funding since 2008,” said David Hartnett, vice president of technology development for the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “Whether companies are on the stage presenting, in the showcase, or just attending, Venture Atlanta provides an unprecedented opportunity for entrepreneurs and access to funding that will continue to fuel the growth and sustainability of Georgia’s technology industry.”
Atlanta Forward / Another View: Time for a long-term transportation solution
AJC 5/10/10
By Sam A. Williams
“Now that the General Assembly has passed a transportation funding mechanism, it’s time for us to come together as a region to prove we can make the most of this opportunity and take a bite out of our traffic congestion problems.
“Now that the transportation funding bill has passed, it’s time for this region to put our money where our mouth is. We no longer have the General Assembly to blame for not moving ahead.
Sam A. Williams is president of The Metro Atlanta Chamber.”
Transportation projects: Roads? Rail? Both? We should think big
AJC 5/10/10
“The region’s mobility transmission clunked from park into drive late last month when “The Transportation Investment Act of 2010” passed the Georgia General Assembly to the joyous surprise of long-time observers who’d seen previous efforts stall out in recent years.”
Transportation bill gives transit and MARTA the short shrift, improvements needed in 2011
Saporta Report 5/7/10
Even more distressing is how MARTA was put in a no-win corner during the heated negotiations on the transportation legislation.
At a critical point in the negotiations, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Sam Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, wanted MARTA to help them lobby for the bill.
Basically, they were asking transit agency to help pass a bill that would singularly punish MARTA. And they were upset when MARTA General Manager Beverly Scott did not show up at the state capitol (her board had asked her not to) in the last ditch effort to get votes for the bill.
Home Depot CFO follows father's legacy at Fed
AJC 5/6/10
That day she spoke to the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce in the morning, the Commerce Club at lunch, had an afternoon meeting with Home Depot investors and a Fed dinner. On top of all that, her husband had company coming to town.
Investigation Into APS Needs More Time
WABE Radio 5/6/10
The commission overseeing an investigation into the Atlanta Public Schools now has until June to present its findings to the state.
Shannon W. Russo Finalist for Small Business Person of the Year
TransWorldNews 5/6/10
The awards are hosted annually by the Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Atlanta Business Chronicle and recognize one outstanding business person for their contributions to Atlanta’s civic and business community.
State wants to squeeze more pennies from sales tax
AJC 5/6/10
You, not the government, decide whether to raise your taxes, as with the state transportation bill the Legislature passed last week: You will be asked in 2012 to approve a brand new one-cent sales tax for your region. The payoff for politicians is clear. If you want to pay for vital transportation improvements, fine. Your call. Your penny.
Political Notes: May 2010
Georgia Trend, May 2010
The Water Stewardship Act of 2010, passed by the General Assembly, has won praise from the Georgia Conservancy and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
Oberman joins Atlanta Tipoff Club
Atlanta Business Chronicle 5/5/10
The Atlanta Tipoff Club (ATOC) named Eric Oberman executive director.
Oberman will remain the Atlanta Sports Council’s vice president for communications.
The ATOC also named Rob Hollis, chief financial officer of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the organization’s secretary and treasurer.
12 Atlanta schools top priority in CRCT investigation
AJC 5/5/10
Calling those 12 its "highest priority," the panel overseeing the investigation will ask state officials Wednesday for an extension of an extra month beyond a original May 14 reporting deadline.
Gary Price, a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Atlanta panel's chairman, said Tuesday that certain criteria among students' performance on tests at the 12 schools raised multiple red flags, including number of erasures, inconsistent scoring or unusual grade increases. Investigators had moderate concerns about another 22 schools and minimal concerns about the remaining 24 schools.
Thomas K. Hamall: Built bridges as head of Metro Atlanta Chamber
AJC 5/4/10
“The Metro Atlanta Chamber has always been about bringing people together to make the right choices that help our region thrive,” said Sam Williams, president of the chamber.
Final rush being sorted after legislative session
The Augusta Chronicle-- 5/4/10
Groups such as the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce hailed the passage of water conservation legislation, a transportation sales tax and ethics measures for legislators and school board members. Others such as AARP decried the elimination of a "refund" from the low-income credit on state income tax returns that will keep an estimated 1 million poor Georgians from getting checks that average $26 to $52 per year.
Thomas K. Hamall: Built bridges as head of Metro Atlanta Chamber
AJC 5/3/10
“The Metro Atlanta Chamber has always been about bringing people together to make the right choices that help our region thrive,” said Sam Williams, president of the chamber.
Final rush being sorted after legislative session
The Augusta Chronicle 5/3/10
Groups such as the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce hailed the passage of water conservation legislation, a transportation sales tax and ethics measures for legislators and school board members. Others such as AARP decried the elimination of a "refund" from the low-income credit on state income tax returns that will keep an estimated 1 million poor Georgians from getting checks that average $26 to $52 per year.
Business finally gets transportation victory
AJC 4/29/10
For nine of the past 10 years, as president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Sam Williams failed when he and other business leaders pushed for a new source of transportation funds at the state Capitol.
“We’ve been hamstrung for at least two decades on transportation spending,” Williams said in an interview this week. “The business community is elated … this bill passed.”
For Georgia businesses, 2010 state legislative session a winner
AJC 4/29/10
Renay Blumenthal, senior vice president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, called business legislative priorities "major quality-of-life issues."
"These are things we talk to corporate prospects about" regarding relocations or expansions, she said. "If we don't keep our house in order, those are the things that might keep us off the short list."
Ga. school board reform bill gets final approval
San Francisco Examiner 4/29/10
bill that would allow Georgia's governor to oust misbehaving school board members is on its way to becoming state law.
Georgia China Alliance Names New Chairperson
Citybizlist Atlanta 4/29/10
In addition to naming its new chairwoman, the organization also announced the nomination of the following individuals to its Executive Committee: John Ray of J.P. Morgan Chase, Craig Lesser of The Pendleton Consulting Group, Matthew Patterson of Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Lei Shan of Merrill Lynch, Trae Westmoreland of Georgia Power, and Lei Fang, Ph.D, M.D. of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP.
Former MAC leader Tom Hamall dies
Atlanta Business Chronicle 4/29/10
Former Metro Atlanta Chamber Executive Vice President Tom Hamall died Thursday, the organization reported without giving a cause of death. Hamall, served as the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s executive vice president from 1974 to 1983 -- a post equivalent to today’s chamber president. Hamall was remembered by those who served with him as a progressive leader who ushered in the first African-American member and first two African-American chairmen of the chamber, and traveled around the world developing international commerce.
Water Stewardship Act a Strong First Step, More Green Steps Needed
Saporta Report 4/27/10
We worked with the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Georgia Farm Bureau, the Georgia Apartment Association, the Georgia Agri-Business Council and a host of other business leaders to draft a bill that would save millions of gallons of water a year and demonstrate to the states of Florida and Alabama that we are taking care of our downstream neighbors.
City Eyes 2nd Airport, 6th Runway
WXIA-TV 4/27/10
"From an economic development standpoint, there's no question we'll have to expand air service [through either a second airport or new runway]," said Bill Linginfelter, chairman of the Metro Atlanta Chamber and president of Regions Bank in Atlanta.
Landmark transportation bill has miles to go
AJC 4/26/10
“My friends in Salt Lake City” — where a regional transportation tax is funding road and rail projects — “told me passing the bill is the easy part,” said Metro Atlanta Chamber President Sam Williams, standing outside the Senate after the votes Wednesday night. Williams was exhausted; his lobbying team had collapsed on chairs nearby.
Transportation Bill
WXIA-TV 4/23/10
Secure Georgia's water future
The Florida Times-Union 4/23/10
We offer our joint congratulations to Gov. Sonny Perdue for successfully starting a new culture of conservation in Georgia with passage of the Water Stewardship Act.
School board governance bill clears legislature
Atlanta Business Chronicle 4/23/10
“This bill will strengthen school boards in Georgia and will help prevent future loss of accreditation,” said John Rice, CEO of GE Technology Infrastructure and co-chairman of the Commission for School Board Excellence, a partnership formed by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and Metro Atlanta Chamber.
Legislators approve school board reform bill
School board reform in Georgia is now only a signature away from becoming a reality.
Clayton Daily News 4/23/10
Final legislative approval of the measure came after an arduous process that spanned nearly two years. The State Board of Education received recommendations for reforming local school boards, in September of 2008, from its Commission for School Board Excellence, which was made up of education and business leaders in the state. Many of those recommendations ended up being included in the reform bill when it was introduced, on Gov. Perdue’s behalf, in the State Senate in February 2009.
Ga. school board reform bill gets OK
The Augusta Chronicle 4/22/10
Bill would allow Georgia's governor to oust misbehaving school board members
The bill gained final approval from the state Senate on Wednesday night and now heads to the governor's desk.
House, Senate pass transportation bill
AJC 4/22/10
"I feel exhausted. I feel ecstatic. I feel so thankful for the people who worked so hard," said Sam Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, one of the bill's key backers. That includes Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Williams said, who was instrumental in helping deliver the House. "We were afraid we were going to lose the House this afternoon," Williams said.
GE smart grid project to bring 400 jobs to Atlanta area
AJC 4/22/10
"This is not just another headquarters," said Hans Gant, senior vice president of economic development for the Metro Atlanta Chamber. "It is a headquarters for a new industry that could really position Atlanta and Georgia as a leader in that sector nationally and worldwide. "
House votes for school board ethics measure
AJC 4/22/10
Perdue’s office said it was based on recommendations of the Commission for School Board Excellence, a group of leaders from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, AdvancED and others.
Investigation of testing erasures at Atlanta schools to intensify
AJC 4/22/10
Atlanta had the most schools flagged in any state system, more than two-thirds of its public elementary and middle schools. Atlanta school board members sought outside help. That process is being overseen by the 15-member panel of city business and community leaders.
Lawmakers Tackle Atlanta's Traffic Problems
WXIA-TV 4/20/10
Lawmakers are considering steps to address Metro Atlanta's traffic problems.
Time to close the deal on Georgia transportation
By Dave Stockert and Bill Linginfelter?
AJC 4/15/10
Once again, we find ourselves in the waning days of the state legislative session with transportation funding still unresolved. On a hopeful note, our state leadership has repeatedly voiced its commitment to rectifying the decades-long underinvestment in Georgia’s vital transportation infrastructure — and to do it this year. Legislators have heard, loud and clear, that the state’s economic prosperity and its citizens’ quality of life depend on it. We know that legislators are working hard to craft and pass a transportation funding plan, and we applaud that effort.
Mayor Kasim briefs Atlanta chamber on transportation, pensions and airport bonds
Saporta Report 4/15/10
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed briefed the executive committee of the Metro Atlanta Chamber this morning on the state transportation funding bills, the city’s pension crisis and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Why Indian IT companies are outsourcing – to US
Christian Science Monitor 4/13/10
Atlanta is welcoming, too. Wipro received in February an award from the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce for being a top source of job creation in the previous year and an expected source of future growth for a city with a new emphasis on attracting Indian businesses
State tests kick into high gear this week under additional scrutiny as local investigations continue into possible cheating last year
AJC 4/12/10
In a recent presentation to a panel overseeing the city's investigation, system officials said changes this year include adopting a two-person rule for counting test answer sheets and booklets, as well as minimizing the amount of time the sheets and booklets remain in schools after testing. Answer sheets will be sealed in envelopes.
English-only driver's test bill stirs up debate
Savannah Morning News 4/12/10
The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce declined to comment on the bill.
Bumpy home stretch for transportation funding
AJC 4/7/10
Lobbyists for the Metro Atlanta Chamber have headed to the state Capitol, concerned CEOs of big Georgia companies in tow, warning of the consequences of inaction.
Water hits boiling point
Chattanooga Times Free Press 4/6/10
To meet the problem, Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue created regional water planning councils, including the Coosa-North Georgia Water Planning Council and the Georgia Water Contingency Task Force.
To the contrary — business community does support MARTA, transit – By Sam A. Williams
Saporta Report 4/5/10
For years, the Metro Atlanta Chamber and its board of top business leaders have pushed aggressively inside and outside the Capitol for transportation funding.
Atlanta tightens test security following recommendations from firm looking into CRCT results
AJC 4/2/10City school officials gave that update Friday to a panel overseeing an investigation of 58 Atlanta schools for possible cheating last year on state tests. The update follows a meeting last week at which investigators praised Atlanta for adhering to state and district exam protocol but also recommended ways to improve.
School board reform a good bet – By John Rice and Phil Jacobs
AJC 4/2/10
In 2008, the state Board of Education asked the business community — the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education and AdvancED — to create a task force to study best practices in school board governance.
Chambers see deal flow lift
Saporta Report 4/1/10
For 2010, the Metro Atlanta Chamber set a goal of recruiting 50 new companies that would employ at least 5,000 well-paid employees.
If the current pace of activity continues, the chamber is on track to reach that goal.
“We have successfully recruited 11 new businesses to the Atlanta region, and those 11 companies are expected to create 1,600 jobs,” Hans Gant, senior vice president of economic expansion for the Metro Atlanta Chamber, reported at a board meeting March 18.
Transportation funding: From fast track to iffy
AJC 3/31/10
Metro Atlanta Chamber President Sam Williams echoed Krautler. "I feel like I’ve been here before," Williams said. "But I’m also the eternal optimist that people, both chambers and the executive branch, really understand how critical this is for jobs in the future."
He also sounded a warning.
"I would not want to be running for statewide office if I waited one more year on this issue," Williams said. "I think the business community has heard so many promises on what’s going to be fixed that I don’t think they’re going to believe promises on this issue. This is the year of reckoning on this issue."
Metro biz leaders hand Handel more support
Atlanta Business Chronicle 3/22/10
Longtime Atlanta business leader Dick Anderson has agreed to join the former Georgia secretary of state’s campaign as vice chairman, beginning April 1. Anderson was previously an executive with BellSouth Corp. and 2007 chairman of the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
Woodward: Benelux focused on "green" -- By John Woodward
Atlanta Business Chronicle 3/22/10
The Metro Atlanta Chamber regularly conducts international marketing trips and missions, and strategically focuses its resources on priority targets.
Transportation funding bill may fail again
Atlanta Business Chronicle 3/19/10
“This year, because the governor actually introduced legislation himself ... we were very optimistic that we would finally get a comprehensive transportation package approved,” said Bill Linginfelter, chairman of the Metro Atlanta Chamber and area president for Regions Bank.
Atlanta Forward: What do Georgians want for Georgia?
AJC 3/22/10
As employers and groups like the Metro Atlanta Chamber labor to bring good-paying work here, their efforts will be blunted if our schools don’t provide graduates capable of mastering tomorrow’s job skills.
Investigators will visit Atlanta next week in school testing probe
AJC 3/19/10
That process is being overseen by the 15-member panel, which includes a who's who of city business and community leaders.
Gary Price, a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Atlanta panel's chairman, said he planned to reach out to Mathers to clear the air. The Atlanta panel will meet again Friday. Final investigative reports are due back to the state by May 14.
Bill targets school board standards
AJC 3/22/10
Senate Bill 84 attempts to keep boards focused on setting policy and avoiding the temptation to micromanage school superintendents.
Georgia legislature passes nation’s premier water conservation package
The Weekly 3/19/10
The state House gave final approval Thursday to Senate Bill 370, the “Water Stewardship Act of 2010,” by a vote of 153 to eight.
Jobs at heart of Ga. water transfer issue
Augusta Chronicle 3/19/10
Final passage Thursday of Gov. Sonny Perdue's water-conservation bill represented a missed opportunity for down-stream communities to safeguard the flow of water -- and ultimately jobs, according to a handful of lawmakers representing the Upper Savannah River basin.
Brazilian chamber slates new leaders
Atlanta Business Chronicle 3/15/10
The Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia (BACC-GA), has elected six new board members and named Robert West, an attorney with Greenberg & Traurig, LLP, as its new chairman.
The new board of directors now includes: Alfreda Turner, Delta Airlines, Inc.; Ricardo Hubler, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce; Gilson Horfmann, Embraco NA; Michael Johnson and Barber Johnson, Attorneys at Law; Taube N. Ponce, Georgia Department of Economic Development; Orlando Vallone, Di Santi & Vallone, Inc.; Miroslava Torres-Young, Sunrise Bank of Atlanta; Dr. David Bruce, Georgia State University; Kendall Carter, The Law Office of Kendall W. Carter, LLC; Don Williams, Princeton Healthcare, Inc.; Rosana Lima, Minas Emporium; Kevin Lovelace, Georgia Power.
State revenue collection rates worst since Depression
The Fayette Citizen 3/16/10
HB 1094, a measure aimed at comprehensively promoting water conservation in the state of Georgia. The bill passed by a vote of 166-5.
The House last week also debated SB 84, legislation aimed at improving the quality and accountability of local school board governance. The measure was introduced last year in the wake of the Clayton County school system’s loss of accreditation. Since that time another Georgia school system has lost its accreditation, Warren County.
Legislative harmony over water dwindling
AJC - 3/15/10
The Metro Atlanta Chamber "vigorously" opposes the bill, which would "severely limit access to current water supplies for numerous communities in Georgia," according to President Sam Williams.
Atlanta panel selects test security firm to lead investigation
AJC - 3/15/10
Gary Price, a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers and the panel's chairman, said the panel vetted several firms including the Educational Testing Service, which develops and administers the SAT college entrance exam. In choosing Caveon, it got a firm that uses computers to analyze tests with sometimes spectacular results.
Wipro To Boost U.S. Hiring
Information Week - 3/12/10
Last month, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce tapped Wipro for one of its Global Impact awards, which it hands to companies that help in "attracting, retaining, and expanding international business in the Atlanta are," according to the group's Web site.
Board affirms schools investigation
AJC - 3/9/10
The panel's meetings, originally expected to be closed, will instead be open to the public, according to both the board and the panel's chairman, Gary Price, a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers.
School board members could be out under bill
AJC - 3/9/10
Rep. Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody), vice chairman of the House Education Committee, said the business community was behind the bill.
House passes ethics bill for school boards
Athens Banner Herald - 3/9/10
Gov. Sonny Perdue sponsored the proposal with recommendations from a panel he picked. The original push for it came from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and other business organizations after the Clayton County School System lost its accreditation in 2008.
LEGISLATIVE NOTEBOOK: Governor’s BOE bill clears House
Macon Telegraph - 3/9/10
Senate Bill 84, which Gov. Sonny Perdue proposed, also contains new ethics requirements for school board members across the state. It passed the House 137-33 in a Monday vote.
Cousins honored for impact on Atlanta sports
AJC - 3/09/10
"[Atlanta]needed a major stadium to become a major city," Cousins said. "It was from that standpoint that we got involved. I had no idea about sports."
Kupets honored at Atlanta Sports Awards Banquet
The Red and Black - 3/9/10
Sponsored by the Atlanta Sports Council, the Atlanta Sports Awards honors the most accomplished athletes and teams at all levels throughout the metro Atlanta community
Tom Cousins gets Lifetime Achievement honor
Atlanta Business Chronicle - 3/9/10
Atlanta real estate developer and philanthropist Tom Cousins has won the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award, the Atlanta Sports Council said Wednesday.
Officials: Grady in stable condition
Once-struggling hospital has cut debt, retooled operations in recovery
AJC - 3/8/10
Several officials attributed the change to a move made in 2007 when a coalition of Atlanta business leaders and community advocates stepped in and decided to save the 118-year-old medical facility. They led an effort that transferred control of Grady to a new corporate board, secured more than $300 million in donations and replaced the hospital chief.
State limits access to tests in cheating probe
AJC - 3/8/10
The panel's chairman, Gary Price of PricewaterhouseCoopers, said in a statement Friday that the panel respects the state's guidelines and will give them to whichever firm it picks.
AJC-- Rocky start to cheating inquiry
AJC - 3/8/10
Chairman Gary Price, market managing partner for PricewaterhouseCoopers, said the group would provide regular updates, but meetings would not be public.
India companies change U.S. strategy
Atlanta Business Chronicle 3/8/10
“More and more of these companies are in acquisition mode,” said Jorge Fernandez, vice president of global commerce for the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
A small group of Chamber and local officials visited India in January, visiting key, carefully selected companies that are interested in doing business in the U.S.
Georgia bill would restrict interbasin transfers
AJC - 3/8/10
The issue attracted attention last fall, when Gov. Sonny Perdue's Water Contingency Task Force reported that transferring water from the Savannah River basin to metro Atlanta was feasible but would cost more.
The governor's task force, appointed in October, was charged with identifying the best solutions to avoid water shortages.
Panel announced to oversee Atlanta test cheating probe
AJC - 3/4/10
"The most important thing is the facts," said Gary Price, a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers and the panel's chairman. "The Atlanta school board commissioned an independent party to do the investigation. It's the right thing to do on many levels, especially for the 50,000 [students] who attend Atlanta public schools."
On Wednesday, both Price and fund President Bill McCargo stressed the panel's independence. Its 15 members were picked from suggestions by the school board, the fund, the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Price himself. They met for the first time Wednesday.
Commission to Investigate Atlanta CRCT Scandal
WXIA - 11Alive - 3/4/10
In a release, school officials say the Atlanta Board of Education requested a Blue Ribbon Commission to independently investigate
Panel Meets Over CRCT Cheating Scandal
WSBTV - 3/3/10
Atlanta Public Schools Investigation Commission Panel Named
WABE Radio - 3/3/10
Gary Price of Pricewaterhouse Coopers is the panel chair. He says diverse makeup of the panel represents a common goal to ensure a thorough investigation.
Price adds it was important the commission consist of members from the business, civic and education sector and at the same time remain independent of the Atlanta Public Schools.
Panel to be picked Tuesday; will oversee investigation into Atlanta test scores
AJC - 3/2/10
“That panel will work with the Atlanta Education Fund as well as the Metro Atlanta Chamber on what the school board said should be a "a transparent and independent investigation."
International district considered in Buckhead
Atlanta Business Chronicle - 2/19/10
Forming a centralized district for the numerous consulates across metro Atlanta is a key benefit of the concept, according to its proponents, who include leaders of Atlanta International School, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Buckhead Community Improvement District and the Buckhead Coalition.
“If there’s a problem, we’re going to fix it,” GE’s John Rice says of test scores at APS
Saporta Report - 2/19/10
John Rice, chairman of the Atlanta Education Fund and a vice chairman of GE, said the group will launch an independent investigation and review of whether cheating occurred with statewide test scores. Some of the tests had a high percentage of erasures with corrected answers, which has raised doubts on the validity of the results.
Metro Atlanta Chamber leaders pleased with progress at the state legislature
Saporta Report - 2/19/10
The executive committee of the Metro Atlanta Chamber was relatively upbeat about this year’s legislative session.
At its meeting this morning, the executive committee heard from Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and Tad Leithead, chairman of the Atlanta Regional Commission.
“The bill has been introduced,” said Bill Linginfelter, the 2010 chair of the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Regions Bank area president for Georgia and South Carolina. “The fact that we have a bill out there as good as this one is, is very good and very promising.”
Governor, legislative leaders unite behind transportation plan?
AJC - 2/12/10
Sam Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, said the joint announcement was “great news.” He wasn’t ready to pronounce judgment on how much the state controlled the project list, saying only, “That’s something that we’re going to read in the details.”
A desire for jobs can unite Atlanta and rest of state
The Saporta Report - 2/12/10
This is what has happened with the Water Contingency Planning Task Force, according to Sam Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
In that case, Gov. Sonny Perdue created a group of top business leaders who were directed to “analyze [the water] crisis as if it were a threat to their business,” according to the final report. Any action plan that causes political discomfort can be blamed on the business leaders who worked on the task force.
Novelis, Inc. expands Atlanta operations, adding 80 jobs
Rome News-Tribune - 2/12/10
“In 2005 when Novelis selected Atlanta for its world headquarters, we looked forward to seeing the company grow and increase its presence here,” said Hans Gant, senior vice of economic development for the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “This consolidation accomplishes that goal, and validates that Atlanta continues to be a great location for headquarters, in particular headquarters for multinational companies.”??
Novelis bringing North American HQ to Atlanta
Atlanta Business Chronicle - 2/12/10
The Atlanta Development Authority and the Metro Atlanta Chamber also helped in the relocation.
Gov. Perdue Releases Transportation Plan Details
WSB-TV - 2/12/10
Lawmakers analyzing water conservation bill for Lake Lanier in detail
Florida Times-Union - 2/12/10
The ideas for the bill came from some of the suggestions produced by a task force of business and environmental groups Perdue appointed last summer after a federal judge ruled cities near Atlanta had no right to withdraw water from Lake Lanier, giving them until 2012 to find other sources.
More jobs for Douglasville?
Times-Georgian - 2/12/10
Gilbert said Douglasville has several regional and statewide economic development allies and partners, including Georgia Department of Economic Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Georgia EMC and Georgia Power.
Ambassador Cites Global Demand for French Nuclear Engineers
GlobalAtlanta - 2/4/10
“Many are impressed by France’s 30 years of experience with nuclear energy,” Pierre Vimont, the French ambassador, said at a breakfast meeting at the Metro Atlanta Chamber on Jan. 28 during which several members of the board provided overviews of their companies' activities in the Southeast and elsewhere.
Perdue backs water conservation legislation, study of building new reservoirs
AJC - 2/4/10
Called the Georgia Water Stewardship Act, the bill stems from recommendations the governor’s Water Contingency Task Force announced late last year. Perdue formed the panel after a federal judge issued a stinging ruling in July against Georgia in its decades-old water rights dispute with Alabama and Florida.