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Bob Amick, Founder and Owner of Concentrics Restaurants

July 19, 2012 by chic perspectives

Robert Amick, award-winning restaurant entrepreneur, joins Dana and Elizabeth in the studio this week on Southern Hospitality.

Bob shares about his journey, from his career with the Peasant Restaurants, to opening ONE. MIDTOWN KITCHEN, TWO URBAN LICKS, TAP, PARISH: FOODS & GOODS, and his most recent venture, THE SPENCE with Top Chef All-Stars Winner Richard Blais in Midtown Atlanta.

Amick provides full service restaurant consulting from concept to development and spends much of his time these days traveling around the country bringing innovative food experiences to life. He has a long list of successful clients here in Atlanta and has made a huge impact on the food and wine scene in the ATL, not to mention St Louis, Orlando, Montgomery, Birmingham…

Find out more about restaurants, consulting and happenings at

www.concentricsrestaurants.com

Atlanta Entrepreneurs Access Capital, ACE, SmartFunding, Etra Advisory

July 19, 2012 by chic perspectives

This morning on Good Morning Atlanta, Dana and Elizabeth host a panel discussion on Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs.

Kevin McGee, Ron Hutcheson, and Barry Etra are in the studio to discuss where to get money to grow a business when the bank says no (or before you even bother to apply at the bank). These days without mezzanine financiers many successful, profitable, growing companies need access to growth capital, and their best source maybe somewhere they never thought to look.

First up, your business report and stay-tuned for the insiders guide to intown ATL happenings, here on Good Morning Atlanta.

Meet the guests:

Kevin McGee currently works as a Business Consultant for Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs or (ACE). ACE provides loans to small businesses who lack access to traditional forms of credit. Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs works in partnership with banks to meet “credit gaps”. The personalized underwriting, flexible terms and ongoing assistance gives businesses the support and capital they need to grow and thrive. Beyond the financial bottom line, ACE also offers “green” programs to help businesses become sustainable, operate efficiently and tap into new market opportunities.

Since 2000, ACE has loaned more than $9 million to hundreds of North Georgia businesses, helping create or retain more than 2500 jobs! Ace serves 68 counties, including metro Atlanta. Prior to that Kevin McGee served as Director of Business Development for ACCION USA, a nationally recognized leader in U.S. microfinance working with small businesses and entrepreneurs to provide financing that assists small businesses and entrepreneurs in growing and strengthening the communities they serve. ACCION USA is an affiliate of ACCION International, a global microfinance organization founded in 1961.

Kevin’s passion for helping entrepreneurs developed over the past decade as he lead the hospitality and food service contracting firm he founded in 1999, Horn of Plenty Hospitality. As President and CEO, Kevin grew this company to become a multi-faceted hospitality company with operations in food service management, single and multi-unit franchise consulting, and corporate event management with an array of corporate and institutional clients across the country.

Kevin is President of the Morehouse College National Alumni Association, the Atlanta chapter’s Alumnus of the Year, and a trustee of Morehouse College. He joined the board in 2010 and serves on the Executive, Athletics, Development and Student Affairs committees. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Morehouse School of Medicine as well.

www.aceloans.org

www.georgiagreenloans.org

Ron Hutcheson

President, Smart Funding Solutions

www.smartfundingsolutions.com

Ron and his company provide non traditional funding programs to under-served and under-capitalized small businesses. He has 7 years of experience in the non traditional lending industry and has helped small businesses obtain over $70 million in working capital. Recently, Ron partnered with private investors to develop Consultant Financing™, an exclusive alternative financing program that provides entrepreneurs capital to contract private business development services that will help grow their revenues. In addition to this program, his “Thinking Outside the Banks” seminars and “Where’s the Funding for Small Businesses” workshops are poised to educate over 10,000 entrepreneurs a year about local and national non traditional lenders. Ron and his team are currently working on a cloud based platform where business owners can upload their loan package to be viewed only by the non traditional lenders.

www.smartfundingsolutions.com

Barry Etra has over 30 years business experience, having worked in Sales and Marketing, Operations, and General Management. He has been a factory worker, salesperson, sales manager, customer service manager, VP of sales and marketing, and Chief Operating Officer. He has been in charge of sales teams, customer service groups, design departments, graphics departments, IT groups, production control, manufacturing, die rooms, purchasing and warehousing. He has a BA and an MBA from Columbia University; his MBA is in marketing and finance. Currently he runs the Etra Advisory Group; he specializes in helping companies find funding if they can’t get funded traditionally, or have been turned down by traditional sources. He serves as an active intermediary in transactions to move deals through and gets them done!

www.etraaadvisory.com

Karla Arriola of AR Heritage Group on Residential Real Estate in Atlanta

July 12, 2012 by chic perspectives

This week on Good Morning Atlanta, Real Estate Consultant, Karla Arriola, joins Dana and Elizabeth in the studio to talk about the Atlanta residential real estate market.

Karla shares what savvy buyers and sellers need to do in today’s home buying and selling world, along with the power of having a realtor to negotiate for you. We discuss how to best make a decision about where you want to live in Atlanta. Reach out to Karla at www.ARHeritageGroup.com

Dana and Elizabeth catch up on the latest headlines, and chat about Downtown Restaurant Week, Like on Facebook and splurge on dinner for 2 at downtowns finest restaurants July 21-29 with special 3-course menu s for $25 and $35. Find out which of your favorite restaurants are participating this year and go out dinning downtown.

The Ellis Hotel and Terrace Restaurant Surprise and Delight

July 12, 2012 by chic perspectives

This week on Southern Hospitality Tracey Lyon-Mercado, Director Sales & Marketing and Kim Kleisner, General Manager from

The Ellis Hotel and Terrace Restaurant came on the show. Tracey and Kim give Dana and Elizabeth a taste of the luxury experience available at 176 Peachtree Street.

Modern elegance meets a rich history at the ideal location in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Premium amenities plus and a extra special personal touch, experience service beyond the norm, The Ellis Hotel has won numerous national awards for its unparalleled guest experience and innovative forward thinking.

Kim talks about how the staff call guests by name and embrace regulars upon their arrival, you can see why those who stay at The Ellis come back here year after year. A popular ‘stay-cation’ getaway for Atlanta residents from inside and outside of the perimeter. Many enjoy a night on the town, out to the theatre, a game or show and spend the night at The Ellis.

Tracey shares about how focus group research with businesswomen led to the creation of a Woman Only Floor, the compliments the get about the beds, and that indulging in the delicious cuisine is actually good for you. The Farm-to-Table Terrace Restaurant sources food locally and keeps it fresh and natural – giving you a healthy, delicious taste of GA that your whole body will love. Check out the Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus and make a reservation to enjoy some Sustainable Nosh http://www.ellishotel.com/terrace/index.cfm

The Ellis Hotel | Let Us Surprise You.

http://www.ellishotel.com/

Andrew May, GM of Hampton Inn & Suites – Atlanta Downtown

June 28, 2012 by chic perspectives

This week on Southern Hospitality Dana and Elizabeth talk with Andrew May, CHA | General Manager Hampton Inn & Suites – Atlanta Downtown

Located at 161 Spring Street NW | Atlanta, Georgia 30303, the Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta-Downtown hotel housed in a beautifully renovated historic building. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this downtown Atlanta hotel was originally built in 1927, and provides a charming retreat with modern amenities.

Within walking distance to many attractions, Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Studio Tour at CNN Center, Attend an Atlanta Falcons football game at the Georgia Dome or Phillips Arena sporting events, concerts.

119 guestrooms and suites feature king-sized or queen-sized beds

Free high-speed internet access

161 Spring Street NW | Atlanta, Georgia 30303

404-589-1111

www.atlantadowntownsuites.hamptoninn.com

Stephanie M. Clark National Director, Project Single Moms Worldwide

June 28, 2012 by chic perspectives

Today on Good Morning Atlanta Dana and Elizabeth are joined in the studio by Stephanie Clark, National Director, Project Single Moms Worldwide, Inc.

Created in 2007 and headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Project Single Moms Worldwide, Inc. is a 501(c)3 volunteer-led national advocacy & empowerment movement designed to empower and engage single mothers in the areas of education, employment and entrepreneurship thus helping them to achieve economic self-sufficiency as well as financial security for their families. The movement strives to organize and create a unified voice for single mothers as well as to dispel negative myths and stereotypes by redefining the face and character of single mothers in America. Membership is free and open to single mothers from all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. The national movement is currently serving more than 2,700 members in 45 states and six (6) countries.

Cupcake Cause is a social enterprise created to support the mission of Project Single Moms Worldwide, Inc. Cupcake Cause provides employment and business opportunities to help single mothers (adults & teens) bake their way to economic self-sufficiency. All cupcakes are homemade and baked by the hands of single moms. Cater for any occasion (large or small) such as weddings, parties and special events across the country.

Contact Stephanie M. Clark

National Director, Project Single Moms Worldwide, Inc.

2625 Piedmont Rd., Suite 56-510

Atlanta, GA 30324

Phone: 404-537-3060

Toll Free Phone: 866-531-8611

Websites: www.projectsinglemoms.com | www.stephaniemclark.com

Skype: clark.stephaniem

Twitter: clarkstephaniem

Facebook: Stephanie M. Clark

LinkedIn: Stephanie M. Clark

Pinterest: Stephanie M. Clark

I 2008-2010 Project Working Mom National Spokesperson | 2009 Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards Best Community Leader Finalist | 2010 AOL’s Most Amazing Mom Honoree | 2011 L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth Honoree | 2011 Who’s Who in Black Atlanta Honoree | Yahoo! Remake America 2012 Small Business Coach |

Stand Up…Speak Up…Step Up…for Change!

Central Atlanta Progress, Breen Smith Advertising and Fifth Third Bank

June 20, 2012 by chic perspectives

This morning on Good Morning Atlanta, Dana and Elizabeth talk with

Dan Williams, Membership Manager at Central Atlanta Progress, Inc.

www.AtlantaDowntown.com

50 Hurt Plaza – Suite 110 • Atlanta, GA 30303

Office 404.658.5908 • Fax 404.658.1919

• Downtown Atlanta on Facebook

Tim Smith, Partner at Breen Smith Advertising

www.breensmith.com

140 Peachtree Street NW

Atlanta, GA 30303

404-352-9507

@breensmith

Antwan Floyd, Financial Center Manager at our new Georgia-Pacific Center location

GEORGIA PACIFIC DOWNTOWN

133 PEACHTREE ST. NE SUITE 310

ATLANTA, GA 30303

Phone: (404) 720-2243

www.53.com

Be on the lookout for the Margaret Mitchell Square fountains to be turned on and Grand Opening festivities at Fifth Third Bank.

Central Atlanta Progress/Atlanta Downtown Improvement District encourages you to VOTE JULY 31!

Stephanie Jolluck CEO and President of Coleccion Luna Shares Advice

June 19, 2012 by chic perspectives

After I completedÂ my degree in Latin American Literature and Anthropology andÂ my Honorâ€™s Thesis, I traveled to Guatemala to volunteer on a Mayan Indian womenâ€™s cooperative and to explore the country backpacking alone for two months.Â The 36 year Civil War, which resulted in genocide, rape, and other unimaginable atrocities had just ended.Â The indigenous women I met and worked with on the cooperative had experienced the bloody violence and where there to empower themselves after the warÂ so they could return to their villages.Â I will never forget their strength, resilience, and courage as they told us stories of the violence they experienced and their determination to rebuild their villages.Â After 3 weeks of volunteering I traveled around Guatemala became enchanted with the rich, intricate, and gorgeous textiles the women were is weaving and wearing.Â As I studied these stunning textiles and learned it was a 2000 year old tradition, I couldnâ€™t help but think what pure geniuses these women were. Â They were also some of the poorest people in Guatemala.Â This contradiction made no sense to me.Â Between the women I met volunteering and the fascinating textiles woven by those in deep poverty, this trip became the inspiration for Coleccion Luna.Â I travel to Guatemala 4-6xs a year to work directly in partnership with the Mayan Indians on a line of textiles (handbags, pillows, table runners) that are created from their reclaimed traditional clothing, as well as a line of beaded jewelry and woodcarvings using Fair Trade practices. I wholesale the goods all over the US.Â My artisans have become my family & their communities my homeâ€¦

Stephanie Jolluck, Coleccion Luna Imports Empower Guatemalan Women

June 18, 2012 by chic perspectives

This week on Chic Perspectives, Elizabeth Gordon interviews Stephanie Jolluck about her inspiring entrepreneurial journey.

Stephanie started Coleccion Luna at age 26 in 1999, to focus on empowering women, alleviating poverty, furthering sustainability, and promoting cultural diversity and understanding. While volunteering in Guatemala, she was inspired to prevent a 2,000 year old textile tradition from slowly disappearing.

Owner, designer, anthropologist, social entrepreneur and humanitarian, Stephanie has weaved social impact into a growing business and carved an entrepreneurial path with her desire to help an impoverished community share its legacy and enrich the world.

Hear about Stephanie’s travels to Guatemala to help Mayan Indians set up home-based businesses and import their handmade products, including handbags, pillows, wood carvings and vibrant, rich fabrics, enabling them to earn fair wages from their traditional skills, and to support and educate their families.

Stephanie is one of eight Atlanta entrepreneurs who will be sharing their success strategies at aÂ Womenetics symposium Â The Millennial Money Makers: Fabulous and Flourishing on Wednesday, June 20 from 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at The Retreat at Perimeter Summit. The program showcases innovative young business leaders who have harnessed the power of technology, collaboration, creativity, and knowledge of social impact to create markets, products, and services for the current times.

Aspiring and existing business owners will gain invaluable tools and strategic insights from forward-thinking for-profit and non-profit business owners who will present firsthand experience and keys to success that can be applied to any existing or startup organization.

Leading-edge industries including technology, consulting, ice cream, eco-friendly products, clothing and accessories, concierge services, social impact, and others will be represented. Â To register, go to http://www.womenetics.com/details/51-entrepreneurs-2012-the-millennial-money-makers.

Find Coleccion Luna one of a kind handbags, pillows and jewelryÂ atÂ www.coleccionluna.com available for wholesale and at area retailers in Atlanta.