GNFCC Archives - Page 11 of 15 - Business RadioX ®

GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition: An Interview with 2020 Chair Alan Najjar and 2021 Chair Lindsey Petrini

December 17, 2020 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition: An Interview with 2020 Chair Alan Najjar and 2021 Chair Lindsey Petrini

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GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition: An Interview with 2020 Chair Alan Najjar and 2021 Chair Lindsey Petrini (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 54)

On this edition of the “GNFCC 400 Insider,” GNFCC CEO Kali Boatright is joined by Alan Najjar, GNFCC’s 2020 Chair, and Lindsey Petrini, GNFCC’s 2021 Chair. Alan and Lindsey offer a GNFCC Year in Review for 2020 and discuss their leadership transition. “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Alan Najjar, Director of Business Development, Smith & Howard

Alan Najjar has overseen the business development efforts of Smith & Howard since 2011. He started his career in banking after graduating from the University of Georgia. A veteran of the Atlanta banking and business community, Alan has held executive level leadership positions at SunTrust Bank and other Georgia financial institutions. Prior to joining Smith & Howard, he was the EVP and Chief Operating Officer of an Atlanta-based financial services company.

Alan is the outgoing Chair of the Board of Directors for The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and is a trustee emeritus for Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation and Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. He is active in numerous civic, social, and academic organizations. Alan and his wife, Donna, are long-time residents of Gwinnett County, and when away from the office, Alan most enjoys sunrises on the lake and time with his family.

Lindsey Petrini, Chief Operating Officer, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital

**Lindsey Petrini, Wellstar North Fulton**

Lindsey Petrini is the Chief Operating Officer of WellStar North Fulton Hospital. WellStar North Fulton Hospital is a 202-bed facility located in Roswell, Georgia.

The hospital is recognized for its accredited cancer program, trauma and primary stroke center designations, and for providing a continuum of services through its centers and programs, including neurosciences, pain management, cardiology, women’s services, rehabilitation, surgical services, and oncology. For more information click here.

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

**Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC**

“The GNFCC 400 Insider” is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) and is hosted by Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC. The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

The GNFCC promotes the interests of our members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events such as this North Fulton Mayors Appreciation Lunch, follow this link.

For the complete show archive of “The GNFCC 400 Insider,” go to GNFCC400Insider.com. “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Connected Vehicles, with Kerry Armstrong, Atlanta Regional Commission, Bryan Mulligan, Applied Information, and Brad Stertz, Audi America

November 18, 2020 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Connected Vehicles, with Kerry Armstrong, Atlanta Regional Commission, Bryan Mulligan, Applied Information, and Brad Stertz, Audi America

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WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Connected Vehicles, with Kerry Armstrong, Atlanta Regional Commission, Bryan Mulligan, Applied Information, and Brad Stertz, Audi America (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 52)

Guests for this GNFCC WellStar Chamber Luncheon included Kerry Armstrong of the Atlanta Regional Commission and Bryan Mulligan, Applied Information, broadcasting from the new Infrastructure Automotive Technology Laboratory. They were joined by Brad Stertz, Audi America, and the three of them discussed new safety technology connecting vehicles with their environment. These capabilities are already in Alpharetta fire trucks, are planned for school zones and school buses, and are being tested in passenger cars by Audi.

The host of “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is GNFCC CEO Kali Boatright and the show is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. John Ray and North Fulton Business RadioX served as the media sponsor for this event.

Kerry Armstrong, Chairman, Atlanta Regional Commission

**Kerry Armstrong, Atlanta Regional Commission**

Kerry Armstrong has served on the Atlanta Regional Commission since 2008, and is currently serving his second term as the ARC Board Chairman. During his tenure on the ARC Board he served on numerous Commission Committees and as Co-Chair of the Atlanta Regional Workforce Development Board.

Professionally, as a Managing Director – Development Partner with Pope & Land Real Estate, Mr. Armstrong is involved in the development, marketing, leasing, and management of commercial real estate investments. He joined Pope & Land in 2012, and his commercial real estate career spans three decades

He is also actively involved in numerous civic, educational, and charitable organizations. He is the Chairman of the North Fulton Community Improvement District, and was recently appointed by the Speaker of the House of the Georgia General Assembly to serve on the State of Georgia’s Partnership for Public Facilities and Infrastructure Act Guidelines Committee. He serves as a Director and Past Chair of the Council for Quality Growth, as a Director and Past Chair of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and is a Director for the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Armstrong also serves on the board of the Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation, The ATO Foundation and the Richmond Property Group. He is the current Chairman of the Administrative Council and serves on the Finance Committee of his church.

Bryan Mulligan, President, Applied Information, Inc.

Bryan Mulligan is the President and Founder of Applied Information, which he established in 2011 to meet the need for a technology company that can apply the new wireless, Internet-of-Things, cloud computing, and connected vehicle technologies into modern solutions for the transportation sector. Applied Information has established technologies in multiple sectors in transportation, including intersection management, connected vehicle priority/preemption systems, pedestrian safety, mobile data acquisition, parking, and ITS management.

Bryan continues to provide leadership in the US and international transportation industries through his continued chair, and leadership, of the NEMA 3TS Transportation Section. NEMA (the National Electrical Manufacturers Association) is the leading US trade association in the transportation sector, and is one of the co-owners of the NTCIP suite of standards. Bryan is also a member of the NTCIP Joint Committee and the NEMA Head of Delegation.

Applied Information is a leading developer of connected, intelligent transportation system (ITS) solutions designed to improve safety, reliability, and mobility. Applied Information’s Glance Smart City Supervisory System™ platform allows cities to manage all their traffic and ITS assets on one web-based application. This includes 5 key areas: Traffic Intersections, School Beacons, Parking Guidance System, Mobile Vehicle Assets, and ITS devices. AI’s Glance TravelSafely™ smartphone app connects drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians for a safer commute.

Brad Stertz, Director of Government Affairs, Audi America, Co-Founder and Chair, Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE)

Brad Stertz is Director of Audi America Government Affairs in the Washington D.C. office. He represents Audi interests on a range of rapidly evolving topics, including automated vehicle testing and deployment, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, connected vehicle technologies, safety, cybersecurity, emissions regulations, and trade. Notably, he has framed early public perceptions of automated driving, including the first opportunity journalists had to experience hands-free performance at highway speeds during a January 2015 test drive from Palo Alto, CA to Las Vegas. Currently, he is co-chair of Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE), a coalition of diverse innovators and mobility stakeholders uniting to better equip the public and policymakers about the transportation revolution ahead. He has been instrumental in furthering partnerships between Audi and leading technology innovators, while remaining closely aligned with the AUDI AG global government affairs and technical development teams in Ingolstadt, Germany.

In 2008, Stertz joined Audi to lead Corporate Communications. In that role, he was responsible for building awareness about the progressive strides made by Audi advanced technologies. Before joining Audi, Stertz held a variety of management, editing, and reporting positions at prominent U.S. newspapers. He was a senior manager with Tribune Company, led award-winning coverage as assistant managing editor in charge of news, Washington bureau chief, and automotive editor at The Detroit News. His extensive experience with the automotive industry began with his stint as a staff reporter in the Wall Street Journal’s Detroit bureau.

Mr. Stertz is the co-author of the best-selling book Taken for a Ride: How Daimler-Benz Drove Off With Chrysler. Fortune magazine counted this account of the ill-fated DaimlerChrysler merger among history’s 75 “Smartest Books We Know.” Mr. Stertz graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas. He lives with his family in Purcellville, VA.

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806.

For the complete show archive of “The GNFCC 400 Insider,” go to GNFCC400Insider.com. “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Getting to Know the 2020 Women INfluencing Business Award Winners

November 11, 2020 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Getting to Know the 2020 Women INfluencing Business Award Winners

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Getting to Know the 2020 Women INfluencing Business Award Winners (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 51)

GNFCC CEO Kali Boatright interviews the 2020 Women INfluencing Business Award Winners: Julie Haley of Edge Solutions, Gloria Mattei of Nothing Bundt Cakes Alpharetta, and Jennifer Cantor of Rivers Academy. “GNFCC 400 Insider” is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

What is Women INfluencing Business?

The mission of GNFCC’s Women INfluencing Business Committee is to enrich, empower, elevate, and educate women at all levels of their career through programs and events, professional development and advocacy leading to business success. The focus of this committee is to engage C-level female executives to enhance the standing of professional women in the community. The Committee collaborates on the Annual Women INfluencing Business Awards Luncheon, serves as the selection committee for award winners, assists in planning two networking breakfast events and the annual Women and Wine Social. For more information, follow this link.

Business Woman of Excellence Award- Julie Haley, CEO and Co-Founder, Edge Solutions

Julie launched Edge Solutions from her kitchen table in John’s Creek in 2008. Edge Solutions, a boutique technology solutions provider with revenues at $50M, 34 employees in the Southeast, customers all over the US and internationally, with a UK office in London, has no outside investors and no debt. Edge specializes in providing infrastructure, cloud, and automation solutions and services to enterprise-level clients. Julie, a former business and commercial litigation attorney who uses her legal
background to set strategy and protect Edge, is passionate about building and retaining Edge’s unique culture that attracts and retains the best technology consultants in the US.

Julie has been a force in the North Fulton community for 12 years. As a founding board member of TechAlpharetta, she chaired the board at a critical time: the launch of the Innovation Center, an incubator for tech entrepreneurs, which has now launched 11 successful tech companies. Based on her belief that every company needs technology to stay ahead of the competition, she helped GNFCC launch Tech400, which aims to bring high-level tech education and events to executives in every industry.

She has served on GNFCC BOD for the past 8 years, serving on the Executive Board until stepping down in June 2019.

Rising Star Award – Gloria Mattei, Owner, Nothing Bundt Cakes

Gloria Mattei is the Owner of Nothing Bundt Cakes Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell. Nothing Bundt Cakes reintroduces an old family favorite – the Bundt cake – with a light, moist taste and fresh, clean look that appeals to all ages. Each 8” and 10” Bundt cake features custom concept cake decorations that are smart, contemporary and fun to enhance any occasion, large or small, in a wide range of cake flavors and sizes. Nothing Bundt Cakes celebrates the very heart of true hospitality where all are welcome and no one is a stranger. Each thoughtful detail of the experience, from the heartfelt welcome at the door to remembering the customer’s favorite flavor, has been naturally embraced at Nothing Bundt Cakes

Nothing Bundt Cakes is not in the cake business, they are in the “joy giving” business. Their mission is to come up with unique valuable solutions to every guest celebration need.

Rising Star Award – Jennifer Cantor, Principal and Co-Owner, Rivers Academy

Jennifer has been Principal of Rivers Academy for four years. Jennifer is actively engaged with the entire staff, student body/families, and service opportunities. Throughout her educational career at Rivers Academy, she has held various positions and responsibilities including Language Arts teacher, Teacher Liaison, Admissions Director, Principal and most recently, Co-Owner.

By being experienced and involved in so many different arenas of the organization, she is readily able to relate to her staff/teachers and their unique responsibilities. Jennifer has been instrumental in implementing programs that create continuous learning opportunities, growth and engagement for the instructors. For example, she created a Professional Development program that includes teacher collaboration, real world learning applications, teacher mentor program, student mentor program, etc. As Principal, she began teacher observations with follow-ups to empower teachers with open dialogue to help them succeed.

Jennifer is extremely involved and actively engaged with the students/families of Rivers Academy. She considers it a privilege that families entrust her with the education of their child. She has implemented many programs, activities, and events that add to the Rivers Academy experience.

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

**Kali Boatright, CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce**

“The GNFCC 400 Insider” (formerly “North Atlanta’s Bizlink”) is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) and is hosted by Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC. The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806.

For the complete show archive of “The GNFCC 400 Insider,” go to GNFCC400Insider.com. “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Women INfluencing Business Awards Winners Julie Haley, Gloria Mattei, and Jennifer Cantor

October 29, 2020 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Women INfluencing Business Awards Winners Julie Haley, Gloria Mattei, and Jennifer Cantor

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WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Women INfluencing Business Awards Winners Julie Haley, Gloria Mattei, and Jennifer Cantor (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 50)

Women INfluencing Business Awards winners were announced at this GNFCC event featuring a keynote address by Marcia Miller, Founder, Mud Pie. Gloria Mattei of Nothing Bundt Cakes and Jennifer Cantor of Rivers Academy each received the Rising Star Award, and Julie Haley of Edge Solutions was awarded Business Woman of Excellence. Congratulations to these accomplished women!

Keynote Speaker – Marcia Miller, Mud Pie

As founder and CEO of Mud Pie, Marcia Miller built her business by creating one great product at a time. Today, Mud Pie’s HOME, KIDS and WOMEN’S FASHION divisions generate over $100 million in revenue by selling to thousands of specialty and independent retailers worldwide.

In 1988, after several years in sales, Miller started her first gift collection with 20 faux terracotta products and a simple catalog created at a local photo store. Today, she leads a team of talented designers who have made Mud Pie one of the top companies in the gift industry. Every major trade recognition has been awarded to Mud Pie, and Marcia has been personally recognized for her leadership and entrepreneurship. Her honors include EY Entrepreneur of the Year Southeast Program finalist, INC Magazine’s INC. 5000 list, The Atlanta Business Chronicle’s top women-owned firms in Atlanta, the Gift for Life Trailblazer award. Most recently, March of Dimes named her Atlanta’s Woman of Distinction for Community Impact.

Marcia is a native Atlantan, a graduate of UGA, a wife, a mom and a new grandmother.

Rising Star Award – Gloria Mattei, Owner, Nothing Bundt Cakes

Gloria Mattei is the Owner of Nothing Bundt Cakes Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell. Nothing Bundt Cakes reintroduces an old family favorite – the Bundt cake – with a light, moist taste and fresh, clean look that appeals to all ages. Each 8” and 10” Bundt cake features custom concept cake decorations that are smart, contemporary, and fun to enhance any occasion, large or small, in a wide range of cake flavors and sizes. Nothing Bundt Cakes celebrates the very heart of true hospitality where all are welcome and no one is a stranger. Each thoughtful detail of the experience, from the heartfelt welcome at the door to remembering the customer’s favorite flavor, has been naturally embraced at Nothing Bundt Cakes

Nothing Bundt Cakes is not in the cake business, they are in the “joy-giving” business. Their mission is to come up with unique valuable solutions to every guest celebration need.

Rising Star Award – Jennifer Cantor, Principal and Co-Owner, Rivers Academy

Jennifer has been the Principal of Rivers Academy for four years. Jennifer is actively engaged with the entire staff, student body/families, and service opportunities. Throughout her educational career at Rivers Academy, she has held various positions and responsibilities including Language Arts teacher, Teacher Liaison, Admissions Director, Principal, and most recently, Co-Owner.

By being experienced and involved in so many different arenas of the organization, she is readily able to relate to her staff/teachers and their unique responsibilities. Jennifer has been instrumental in implementing programs that create continuous learning opportunities, growth and engagement for the instructors. For example, she created a Professional Development program that includes teacher collaboration, real-world learning applications, teacher mentor programs, student mentor programs, etc. As Principal, she began teacher observations with follow-ups to empower teachers with open dialogue to help them succeed.

Jennifer is extremely involved and actively engaged with the students/families of Rivers Academy. She considers it a privilege that families entrust her with the education of their child. She has implemented many programs, activities and events that add to the Rivers Academy experience.

Business Woman of Excellence Award- Julie Haley, CEO and Co-Founder, Edge Solutions

Julie launched Edge Solutions from her kitchen table in John’s Creek in 2008. Edge Solutions, a boutique technology solutions provider with revenues at $50M, 34 employees in the Southeast, customers all over the US and internationally, with a UK office in London, has no outside investors and no debt. Edge specializes in providing infrastructure, cloud and automation solutions, and services to enterprise-level clients. Julie, a former business and commercial litigation attorney who uses her legal
background to set strategy and protect Edge, is passionate about building and retaining Edge’s unique culture that attracts and retains the best technology consultants in the US.

She has served on GNFCC BOD for the past 8 years, serving on the Executive Board until stepping down in June 2019.

What is Women INfluencing Business?

The mission of GNFCC’s Women INfluencing Business Committee is to enrich, empower, elevate, and educate women at all levels of their career through programs and events, professional development and advocacy leading to business success. The focus of this committee is to engage C-level female executives to enhance the standing of the professional women in the community. The Committee collaborates on the Annual Women INfluencing Business Awards Luncheon, serves as the selection committee for award winners, assists in planning two networking breakfast events and the annual Women and Wine Social. For more information, follow this link.

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806.

For the complete show archive of “The GNFCC 400 Insider,” go to GNFCC400Insider.com. “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

What Advice Would You Give Business Owners as They Deal with an Uncertain Business Climate? – Kali Boatright, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

October 9, 2020 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

What Advice Would You Give Business Owners as They Deal with an Uncertain Business Climate? - Kali Boatright, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

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What Advice Would You Give Business Owners as They Deal with an Uncertain Business Climate? – Kali Boatright, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

John Ray: [00:00:00] And hello again, folks, I’m John Ray again here at North Fulton Business Radio, and I’m here with Kali Boatright, and Kali is the CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. So, Kali, I ask you, what’s the one piece of advice you would give business owners right now on dealing with this current chaos?

Kali Boatright: [00:00:17] You know, mine probably is not going to be what most people would think a Chamber President would go out there with. But it’s it’s certainly what I’m seeing both with businesses and in my neighborhood, John, I’m a hugger. And so social distancing is particularly hard for those of us who really are relationship oriented. And so while we cannot touch or be huggers at this moment, I think be remembering that we have to stay connected to our family and our friends and being real with each other and making phone calls and checking in. You know, we can give virtual hugs by reminding each other why we do what we do and being supportive of one another. And I guess I could call that my virtual hug is that, you know, to remember that, you know, you love a lot of people out there. And while you may not be able to physically show them at this time, you certainly can show them by communicating.

John Ray: [00:01:12] Great advice. Thanks, Kali.

Kali Boatright: [00:01:14] My pleasure.

Kali Boatright, CEO, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

Kali Boatright joined the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce as President and CEO in 2018. As an expert in nonprofit management and a proven leader in organizational growth and strategy execution, she is most proud of her history of growing individuals on her team and collaboration with similar mission-driven organizations. Prior to taking the helm at GNFCC, she served as the CEO of the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce from 2004-2018 and before that as Chief Operating Officer of the Golden Key International Honour Society.

Boatright is a graduate of the US Chamber’s Institute for Organizational Management and is a Georgia Certified Chamber Executive. In addition, she serves as chair of the Georgia Chamber Federation on the Georgia Chamber Board of Directors, as an executive board member of the Regional Business Coalition, as a board member of Tech Alpharetta and as past Chair of the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

In 2017, Boatright was honored by the chamber industry when she received the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Legacy Award. As the association’s most prestigious award, it recognizes long-term executives who have excelled over a period of years in leading and innovatively building their Chamber. The award is based on the demonstration of excellence in areas of chamber leadership, organizational management, service to the profession, community reputation/involvement, and personal attributes.

Kali is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. She and her high school sweetheart David have recently become empty nesters with their oldest adulting ITP and only their youngest, a sophomore at Georgia Tech, remaining on payroll. David is a Chemistry Teacher at Cambridge HS in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Kali is the host of “GNFCC 400 Insider.” To find the show archive, go to GNFCC400Insider.com.

The “One Minute Interview” series is produced by John Ray and in the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Focus on Small Business Resilience and Opportunity – Ryan Pernice, RO Hospitality, Amanda Wilbanks of Southern Baked Pie Company, and Taylor Neary, Restaurant Holmes

August 25, 2020 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Focus on Small Business Resilience and Opportunity - Ryan Pernice, RO Hospitality, Amanda Wilbanks of Southern Baked Pie Company, and Taylor Neary, Restaurant Holmes

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WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Focus on Small Business Resilience and Opportunity – Ryan Pernice, RO Hospitality, Amanda Wilbanks of Southern Baked Pie Company, and Taylor Neary, Restaurant Holmes

Three outstanding entrepreneurs, Ryan Pernice of RO Hospitality, Amanda Wilbanks of Southern Baked Pie Company, and Taylor Holmes, Restaurant Holmes, share their stories on how they’ve successfully navigated the pandemic. It’s a episode which is both instructive and encouraging.

**Scott Hilton, Georgians First Commission**

Moderator: Scott Hilton, Executive Director, Georgians First Commision

Scott Hilton serves as Executive Director for the Georgians First Commission under the Office of the Governor. The Georgians First Commission is laser focused on streamlining government to make Georgia the most attractive state for small business.

Prior to this role, Scott spent a career in commercial banking at a regional financial institution, providing small businesses with the valuable capital needed to fund growth. Scott also served as a State Representative in the Georgia General Assembly. During his tenure as representative, Scott was appointed to a leadership role as deputy whip and was recognized as “Legislator of the Year” by numerous organizations, including the Georgia Charter School Association and Council of Municipal Court Judges.

Amanda Wilbanks, Southern Baked Pie Company

Amanda Wilbanks is the owner and founder of Southern Baked Pie Company, and the author of Southern Baked: Celebrating Life with Pie.

With family recipes, Southern charm and an all-butter pie dough that melts in your mouth, Amanda and her team of bakers create gourmet sweet and savory pies for all of life’s special occasions and celebrations. Southern Baked Pie Company masterfully creates a variety of decadent flavors and specialty selections utilizing seasonal fresh fruit from local Georgia farmers and businesses. They offer pies in a variety of sizes including: whole pies, petite pies, and bite-size tassies. While they’re born and baked in Georgia, Southern Baked Pie Company ships pies to corporate and individual clients nationwide.

Taylor Neary, Co-owner and Executive Chef, Restaurant Holmes

Co-owner and Executive Chef of Restaurant Holmes, Taylor Neary grew up in the Roswell-Alpharetta area and prior to opening his own restaurant, worked at several well known restaurants in metro Atlanta. Restaurant Holmes lives in The Historic Jones House (built in 1915) in downtown Alpharetta’s City Center development. Holmes opened in July of 2018 and continues to specialize in plates to share, offering local hyper seasonal vegetables and other unique chef creations – all cooked on a wood fired grill.

Ryan Pernice, Owner, RO Hospitality

Ryan Pernice and his brother Daniel, a co-owner in the restaurants, have lived in Roswell for 25+ years, both graduating from Roswell High School many years ago. RO Hospitality currently owns three restaurants: Table & Main and Osteria Mattone in Roswell and Coalition Food and Beverage in Alpharetta.

Ryan graduated from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration with distinction in 2007. Afterwards, he lived in New York City working for acclaimed restaurateur Danny Meyer at Maialino, an Italian trattoria, before moving home in 2011 to open Table & Main.

Ryan’s restaurants are currently back to full operation and trying everything under the sun to remain top-of-mind for potential guests amidst all this craziness. Early on in the pandemic, they transformed Table & Main into a soup kitchen donating meals at no charge to the newly food insecure. They are proud to have fed 9,750 people during this difficult time.

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806.

For the complete show archive of “The GNFCC 400 Insider,” go to GNFCC400Insider.com. “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Resources and Planning for North Fulton Regional Recovery: Kali Boatright, CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

August 13, 2020 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Resources and Planning for North Fulton Regional Recovery: Kali Boatright, CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

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Resources and Planning for North Fulton Regional Recovery: Kali Boatright, CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 47)

Five months into a pandemic, Kali Boatright, CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, joined the “GNFCC 400 Insider” to share what she’s learned about leadership through a pandemic, uncertain times for chambers generally, GNFCC task force committees formed to gather resources for a North Fulton regional recovery, and much more. The show is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

The “GNFCC 400 Insider” (formerly “North Atlanta’s Bizlink”) is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) and is hosted by Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC. The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals. Their North Fulton regional service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806.

For the complete show archive of “The GNFCC 400 Insider,” go to GNFCC400Insider.com. “The GNFCC 400 Insider is produced by John Ray in the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Legislative Update with Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan

July 28, 2020 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Legislative Update with Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan

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WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Legislative Update with Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan

Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan joined this month’s Wellstar Chamber Luncheon as the keynote speaker, offering a 2020 legislative review and more. The host of “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is GNFCC CEO Kali Boatright and the show is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. John Ray and North Fulton Business RadioX served as the media sponsor for this event.

Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan

A former professional baseball player and successful entrepreneur, Geoff Duncan was elected Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor in November of 2018.

Geoff graduated from Chattahoochee High School in Alpharetta where he met his wife, Brooke. Geoff and Brooke both attended the Georgia Institute of Technology where Geoff was a scholarship pitcher. After a successful career at Georgia Tech, Geoff was drafted by the Florida Marlins’ organization. Geoff spent six seasons playing baseball in the minor leagues, advancing as high as AAA before a shoulder injury forced his retirement in the early 2000s.

After retiring from baseball, Geoff and his wife Brooke started a small marketing firm in their living room. The company experienced tremendous success which allowed Geoff and Brooke to sell the business and move on to multiple other entrepreneurial ventures. Geoff most recently served as the CEO of a health technology startup.

Geoff’s faith inspired him to a life of leadership and prompted his upstart run for political office. He was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2012. During his time in office he authored several important pieces of legislation. These include HB 749-The Cargo Theft Act, HB152-Michael’s Law and most recently SB258- the Rural Hospital Tax Credit.

Geoff and Brooke are married and have three sons: Parker (17), Bayler (13), and Ryder (9). Geoff has coached 23 different youth sports teams, and also leads a weekly bible study with his wife Brooke. The Duncans attend Browns Bridge Community Church, an affiliate of North Point Community Church.

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806.

For the complete show archive of “The GNFCC 400 Insider,” go to GNFCC400Insider.com. “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Recognizing the 2020 Leadership North Fulton Class, Keynote Speaker Kevin Scott, ADDO

June 30, 2020 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Recognizing the 2020 Leadership North Fulton Class, Keynote Speaker Kevin Scott, ADDO

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WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Recognizing the 2020 Leadership North Fulton Class, Keynote Speaker Kevin Scott, ADDO (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 45)

Kevin Scott, Co-Founder of ADDO, is the keynote speaker as the Chamber recognizes the 2020 graduating class of Leadership North Fulton. The host of “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is GNFCC CEO Kali Boatright and the show is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. John Ray and Business RadioX was the media sponsor for this event.

Leadership North Fulton Class of 2020

Kimberly	Allred	Business Development, Retail and Events Specialist	Roswell Inc
Don	Barbour	Regional Director – External Affairs	AT&T Georgia
Jason	Binder	Councilman	City of Alpharetta
Tonya	Byrd	Director of Operations	WellStar Health System
Jasmine	Cockfield	Manager, Internal Communications & Special Projects	Rheem Manufacturing Company
Linda	Coyle	Business Development Officer	LGE Community Credit Union
Misty	Fernandez	Area Manager	Georgia Power Company
Kyle	Fox	Tax Senior Associate	Frazier & Deeter
Mike	Fuller	Director Digital Experience/CX/UX	State Farm
Alex	Girrbach	Director of Accounting & Operations	Greater North Fulton Chamber
Karim	Godamunne	Hospital Chief Medical Officer	Wellstar North Fulton
Brenda	Hall	Director of Admissions	The Cottage School
Kay	Howell	President	Patsy’s Closet Foundation
Staci	Hutto	Area Coordinator	Troy University
Victor	Jones	Underwriting Team Manager	State Farm Insurance Companies
Gloria	Mattei	Owner	Nothing Bundt Cakes- Alpharetta
Darwin	Newton	Head of Operations, Electrical Services	Siemens Smart Infrastructure
Frank	O’Brien	Business Development Officer	Iberiabank
Juli	Paladino	Accounting Manager	Blazej Accounting and Bookkeeping
Robyn	Rotunda
Garrett	Rowland	Assistant Branch Manager	Renasant Bank
Anne	Simpson	Financial Planner	Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors
Pabel	Troche	Battalion Chief of Special Operations and Training	City of Roswell
Darlene	Turk	Director of Volunteer Services	North Fulton Community Charities
Andrew	Walker	Manager, CPA	Brady Ware and Company
Andy	Williams	Executive Director	Visit Roswell

Kevin Paul Scott, Co-Founder, ADDO

Kevin Paul Scott has traveled to six continents and spoken to leaders from more than 100 countries. Kevin co-founded the leadership consultancy ADDO, which is Latin for “Inspire.” In addition to working with businesses and brands, ADDO has developed the national Chick-fil-A Leader Academy program, the Atlanta Braves Leadership Institute, and other leadership programs from cradle-through-career.

Kevin is the author of three books, including his latest The Lens of Leadership. In consecutive years, Kevin was named to the “40 under 40′ lists for Georgia Trend and then the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Kevin is a frequent guest on numerous media outlets, including Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC. He lives with his wife and son in Marietta, Georgia.

Find out more about ADDO at their website.

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

North Fulton Mayor's Roundtable — **Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC**

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806.

For the complete show archive of “The GNFCC 400 Insider,” go to GNFCC400Insider.com. “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.