Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Archives - Page 6 of 13

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Jerry Orlans, BIS Benefits, and Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial

September 12, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Jerry Orlans, BIS Benefits, and Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial

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LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Jerry Orlans, BIS Benefits, and Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 516)

Two Greater North Fulton Chamber Diplomats, Jerry Orlans of BIS Benefits and Anthony Chen of Lighthouse Financial, sat down with host John Ray LIVE at the Grand Opening Celebration of GNFCC’s new offices at Avalon. Jerry and Anthony discussed their respective businesses, the work they do as Diplomats to orient new Chamber members, and more.

This show was originally broadcast live from the Grand Opening celebration and ribbon cutting of the new offices of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce at the 10000 Building at Avalon in Alpharetta, Georgia, on August 18, 2022.

North Fulton Business Radio is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

BIS Benefits

Employee benefits and insurance for your business or non-profit organization can be a maze—especially with healthcare reform and compliance. You need a trusted advisor.

One with the experience and knowledge to structure a strategic insurance and employee benefit plan that’s cost-effective yet works to keep your employees healthy, productive and satisfied. Instead of cookie-cutter offerings, you want customized options. A team of benefits experts providing the latest technology solutions to help you save time and increase communication with your employees. Your search has led you to the right place: BIS Benefits.

Company website

Jerry Orlans, Consultant, BIS Benefits

Jerry is President of RBC Benefits, Inc., and a recognized expert in employee benefits administration for small to mid-sized companies. He has over 35 years of industry experience and attributes his continued success to placing his clients’ needs first and foremost.

In 2013 Jerry connected with Ray Bachman and BIS Benefits, Inc., in a strategic partnership for the benefit of their clients. Jerry is now a consultant working with BIS Benefits. Jerry and Ray offer almost 80 years of combined experience in the Employee Benefits arena.

Prior to starting RBC Benefits, Inc., he served as Regional Director for a National Brokerage and Consulting firm and as a Regional Sales Manager for two major national insurance companies. He has supported small, medium and large employers by consulting in all areas of employee benefits. His expertise covers health care, including self-funded health plans, dental and vision benefits, long-and-short term disability and 401(k) retirement and profit sharing plans.

Jerry is currently serving his fifth term as an elected City Councilman in Roswell, Georgia. He served nine years on the Board of Directors of North Fulton Regional Hospital and rotated off in January of 2011. He has previously served on the Boards of North Fulton Community Foundation, the Rotary Club of Roswell, and the North Fulton YMCA. He is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters and keeps abreast of legislative issues impacting his clients. Additionally, he is actively involved in the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and the Roswell Rotary Club. In recognition of his leadership in the community, he was invited by the Atlanta Regional Commission to participate in the Regional Leadership program in 1997.

Jerry graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan with a degree in Finance. He obtained the designation of FLMI (Fellow Life Management Institute) from LOMA. LOMA (Life Office Management Association) has set the standard in Insurance education for over 70 years.

Lighthouse Financial Network

Lighthouse Financial Network is affiliated with Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. The firm is located in Melville, NY and has an additional 14 affiliated offices located throughout the nation. They provide financial guidance to clients across the country, each with unique financial needs.

Lighthouse is comprised of a dedicated group of professionals, with high core values and extensive experience in finance, insurance, and money management. Many of its advisors have attained advanced degrees and professional designations to enhance their ability to best represent you to make certain that they meet your needs effectively. Their advisors are responsible for understanding your financial picture, applying a comprehensive strategy, and providing the appropriate resources to help meet your goals and objectives.

Company website | LinkedIn

Anthony Chen, Investment Advisor Representative, Lighthouse Financial Network, and Host of Family Business Radio

Anthony Chen started his career in financial services with MetLife in Buffalo, NY in 2008. Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, he considers himself a full-blooded New Yorker while now enjoying his Atlanta, GA home. Specializing in family businesses and their owners, Anthony works to protect what is most important to them. From preserving to creating wealth, Anthony partners with CPAs and attorneys to help address all of the concerns and help clients achieve their goals. By using a combination of financial products ranging from life, disability, and long-term care insurance to many investment options through Royal Alliance.

Anthony is also the host of Family Business Radio. His show features family business owners and the advisors who assist them in their journey. The show archive can be found here.

Anthony looks to be the eyes and ears for his client’s financial foundation. In his spare time, Anthony is an avid long-distance runner.

Questions and Topics in the Interview:

Jerry’s work at BIS Benefits
Anthony Chen’s work as a Financial Advisor
GNFCC Chamber Diplomats

North Fulton Business Radio is hosted by John Ray and broadcast and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

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.

Special thanks to A&S Culinary Concepts for their support of this edition of North Fulton Business Radio. A&S Culinary Concepts, based in Johns Creek, is an award-winning culinary studio, celebrated for corporate catering, corporate team building, Big Green Egg Boot Camps, and private group events. They also provide oven-ready, cooked-from-scratch meals to go they call “Let Us Cook for You.” To see their menus and events, go to their website or call 678-336-9196.

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Andy Kalajian, Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting

August 30, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Andy Kalajian, Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 508)

Andy Kalajian, founder of Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting is deeply involved in GNFCC as a Chamber Diplomat, a Chairman’s Circle member, and several other capacities. Andy sat down with host John Ray during the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration to talk about Fort Leadership, Andy’s approach to sales and relationships, why he’s so involved with GNFCC, and much more.

North Fulton Business Radio is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting, LLC is a Professional and Personal Development company that creates healthy corporate cultures by developing the personal and professional leadership capacity of the person. Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting, LLC believes that a healthy Corporate Culture benefits the business leader and the employee alike, and it enhances the customer experience.

The culture on the inside of a company is what the customer experiences on the outside of the company. That is the customer experience. But if this is true, why do so many employees feel that their corporate culture is not where it needs to be? Why do some employees describe their corporate culture as dysfunctional or even toxic? How does this dysfunction impact the customer experience? Furthermore, why do some business leaders when asked “how many employees work for you?” respond by saying, “about 1/2”!
Demographic studies indicate that in 5 years up to 75% of the employees will be millennials. That means that for a business leader to be able to attract and retain the best talent from the biggest pool of talent, the business leader must have a healthy corporate culture.

But if a healthy corporate culture is what the employer and the employee are looking for, what does a healthy corporate culture look like? How is a healthy corporate culture created? The answer is Leadership! Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting creates healthy corporate cultures through Leadership Development. Leadership development is all about Character. After all, when we talk about corporate culture, what we are really talking about is corporate character. Corporations are made up of people. And people bring their character to work. So, it only stands to reason that when a collection of people brings their collective characters to work, a corporate character or a corporate culture is created.

Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting, LLC is creating healthy corporate cultures.

Company website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Andy Kalajian, Founder, Fort Leadership & Sales Consulting

Andy Kalajian has been a highly sought-after public speaker for more than 25 years. He has received public acclaim for his brand, EnTheos, Latin for Spirit Within and predecessor to the word Enthusiasm. Andy enthusiastically delivers powerful talks and lessons steeped in wisdom literature and their practical application to busy lifestyles. His tagline, transformational thought in action, serves as a reminder to the participant that one can, indeed, permanently change the destiny of their life by changing the nature of their thoughts and actions.

Andy was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. As a young boy he discovered his passion for serving others in medicine and his gift for public speaking. At the age of 12, Andy, at the urging of his father, began to earn his own way as a Golf Caddy. His sense of adventure also led him, along with his father, to the Boy Scouts of America where he achieved the Rank of Eagle Scout. In High School, Andy was fed books from his mother, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

While a golf caddy, Andy was awarded the prestigious Evans Scholarship, a full academic and leadership scholarship, to study at Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology. In 1985, he coupled his lifelong passion for medicine and serving people with his gift of enthusiastic speaking and moved to Atlanta to begin his career in Medical Sales.

As a young professional, Andy’s Mom continued to fuel his desire for wisdom literature from authors/speakers Zig Ziglar, Earl Nightingale, Les Brown, Stephen Covey, and John Maxwell. Andy applied the character traits instilled in him from the Boy Scouts and the leadership skills taught to him by John Maxwell, Stephen Covey, and others to enjoy over 30 years in an award-winning medical sales career. It was during this time that Andy was asked to speak to groups as small as 4 or 5 and as large as 500+ all over the US and Puerto Rico.

Andy is very involved in the lives of his two children, Mallory and Drew. For 12 years they were engaging in monthly adventures with the YMCA Adventure Guides program where Andy volunteered in several leadership positions including Nation Chief. Andy and his wife, Sherrie, have four adult children and are active members of Pastor Andy Stanley’s congregation at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Andy enjoys time invested with his wife Sherrie, his family, and his friends. He still has a voracious appetite for reading the wisdom literature and the biographies of the American Founders. He enjoys weightlifting, aerobics, golf, and hiking the outdoors. Andy continues to have a passion for speaking, coaching, and training others to lead a life of significance.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

How Fort Leadership got its name
Andy’s path to leadership
Andy’s sales career
How he motivates sales professionals
Andy’s involvement with GNFCC
Advice for engaging in groups like GNFCC

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Tracey Grace, IBEX IT Business Experts

August 26, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Tracey Grace, IBEX IT Business Experts

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 504)

During the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration, Tracey Grace of IBEX IT Business Experts sat down with North Fulton Business Radio host John Ray to share her work at IBEX IT Business Experts, why she and her firm support the Chamber so strongly, her keynote address at the GNFCC Small Business Awards luncheon, and more.

North Fulton Business Radio is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

IBEX IT Business Experts

IBEX IT Business Experts (IBEX) is a Training, Technology and Consulting Services firm, laser-focused on assisting companies and government agencies to be more effective and efficient in their execution.

IBEX is a women-owned, minority-owned, SBA 8(a) certified business and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion inside and outside of the company. For the 3rd year in a row, IBEX has been named the 802nd fastest-growing privately-owned company in America by Inc. 5000 and #31 in Georgia, after having placed #1897 in 2018, #806 in 2019. In 2020, IBEX obtained ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System.

Company website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Tracey Grace, MBA, ITIL, President and CEO, IBEX IT Business Experts

Originally from New Jersey, Tracey attended the University of Pittsburgh where she obtained her BA in Economics and Spanish and was then awarded a Graduate Tuition Fellowship to fully fund her MBA in Marketing, which she completed in 11 months. Before breaking into the technology industry by founding IBEX IT Business Experts in 2012, Tracey led successful sales teams at international corporations including Learning Tree and FedEx.

At IBEX, Tracey helps organizations like NASA, CDC, and Cox Communications implement IT solutions and train workers on innovative technologies. As a minority woman founder, Tracey knows that IBEX brings value beyond technology training; IBEX also serves a major need in connecting organizations with underrepresented groups. Although her professional expertise lies in IT solutions, government contracting and best practices, she is a uniquely powerful authority on topics like diversity, networking, and leadership.

2021 marks a big year for IBEX, with the launch of Certifiably Diverse, a new supplier diversity software. Certifiably Diverse helps clients like the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) to increase their supplier diversity spend providing the smartest way to communicate, collaborate, and network with diverse suppliers. Additionally, IBEX has maintained its place on the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies for 4 years straight and won Greater North Fulton Small Business of the Year and the Georgia Fast 40 Award, given to the top 40 fastest-growing Georgia-based mid-market companies.

Tracey enjoys serving others and giving back. She serves on several non-profit boards including North Fulton Community Charities, Jane Addams Peace Association, and is Co-Chair of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council’s Minority Business Input Committee, where she assists minority businesses throughout the state.

LinkedIn | Twitter

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

IBEX Protegé
Certifiably Diverse
GNFCC Small Business Award
Tracey’s GNFCC involvement
Her keynote address at the Small Business Awards luncheon

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Kali Boatright, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

August 22, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Kali Boatright, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 503)

The Greater North Fulton Chamber (GNFCC) recently celebrated their move to 10000 Avalon with a day-long grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration. During the event, President and CEO Kali Boatright sat down with host John Ray to reflect on the process of finding the space, making the investment in their members, celebrating with the community, and much more.

North Fulton Business Radio is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

The mission of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is to be the recognized leader in its region for business growth, talent development and regional prosperity.

The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, nonprofit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,200 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Its 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.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Kali Boatright, President and CEO, GNFCC

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.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

The celebration
The process of selecting a space
Investing in the membership
Navigating the move into Avalon
What’s ahead for GNFCC

Keith Parker, Goodwill of North Georgia

July 27, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Keith Parker, Goodwill of North Georgia

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Keith Parker, Goodwill of North Georgia (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 77)

Keith Parker, President and CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia, joined host Kali Boatright to share the tremendous work his organization performs for jobseekers securing employment. Keith shared Goodwill success stories, their specific work in North Fulton, his career journey, which includes a five year stint as CEO of MARTA, and much more.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Goodwill of North Georgia

At Goodwill of North Georgia, their mission is a simple one: they put people to work.

Every day, thousands of men and women face barriers that make it difficult for them to find work and earn a paycheck to support their families. Sometimes it’s lack of training or education, limited job skills, or a disability. But with the support of donors and shoppers like you, Goodwill overcomes those barriers.

At career centers throughout North Georgia, Goodwill offers job-search resources, helps with writing a professional résumé and cover letter, provides access to employment opportunities, delivers hands-on skill training, and so much more.

They provide access to important job search resources like computers, résumé writing tools, local job listings, telephones, and photocopiers. They also host regular recruiting events, employment seminars, and even offer software training. As an extension of their career center services, they launched Career Connector powered by Goodwill of North Georgia, a site that allows you to register online and access job search resources from anywhere.

Their training programs prepare people for careers in a wide array of fields such as retail, financial services, floor technology, healthcare, traditional and green construction, forklift operations, and more.

Think about Goodwill and the good they do the next time you’re deciding what to do with your gently used goods, or even when you’re about to go treasure hunting for a bargain. If you’d like to help them improve our communities, strengthen families, and energize the economy, they welcome your donations and invite you to visit their stores.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Keith Parker, President and CEO, Goodwill of North Georgia

Keith T. Parker is president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Goodwill of North Georgia. One of the largest nonprofit organizations in the southeast, Goodwill spans a 45-county territory, operating 60 stores, 58 donation centers, and 13 career centers. Goodwill employs nearly 3,000 people, each of whom plays a direct or supporting role in the organization’s donated goods retail operations and its career services. Annually, Goodwill collects upwards of 2.5 million donations and serves more than 7 million shoppers. Through the revenue generated in its stores, the organization is able to connect tens of thousands of North Georgians to jobs each year. Parker took the helm at Goodwill of North Georgia in October 2017. Prior to transitioning into his leadership role at Goodwill, Parker has served as CEO of the largest transit systems in several cities, including San Antonio, Charlotte and most recently, Atlanta.

Throughout his career, Parker has received numerous awards and accolades for his work as an organizational leader and transportation visionary. He won Texas CEO of the Year Awards in 2011 and 2012. He was recognized as the nation’s Outstanding Public Transportation Manager by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in 2015. METRO Magazine named Parker as one of its 20 Most Influential People of the Decade. In 2016, Parker was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC). In November the same year, he was named one of eight Public Officials of the Year by Governing magazine. In August 2017, Parker was selected as one of Atlanta’s Most Admired CEOs by Atlanta Business Chronicle.

A native of Petersburg, Virginia, Parker was appointed to the Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors by Governor Terry McAuliffe in 2016. Parker received VCU’s Alumni Star Award in 2015.

Parker served on the board of directors for Goodwill of San Antonio and Goodwill of North Georgia. He remains active and engaged in civic and charitable organizations, including service on various national and local boards of directors – such as Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Advisors, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, National Infrastructure Advisory Council, The Eno Center for Transportation, Park Over Georgia 400 Steering Committee, Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors, Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems Board of Directors, Grande West Board of Directors and Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Parker holds an MBA from the University of Richmond, as well as a Master of Urban and Regional Planning and a BA in Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University.

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

2022 Legislative Wrap Up with Lauren Fralick, Fralick Bozeman Public Affairs

April 28, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

2022 Legislative Wrap Up with Lauren Fralick, Fralick Bozeman Public Affairs

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2022 Legislative Wrap Up with Lauren Fralick, Fralick Bozeman Public Affairs (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 74)

Lauren Fralick, Co-Founder of Fralick Bozeman Public Affairs, was the guest on this episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider. She and host Kali Boatright covered the 2022 Legislative Session, including how tax incentives were addressed in this year’s session, the Georgia Mental Health Parity Act, upcoming primary elections, the redistricting process and how it might affect races in this year’s elections, and much more.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Fralick Bozeman Public Affairs

At Fralick Bozeman Public Affairs, their public policy, strategic consulting, business development, and procurement work ensures that clients have their fingers on the pulse and their fingerprints on the outcomes.

For over a combined 40 years, Fralick Bozeman partners have been at the table working with decision-makers to help resolve many of Georgia’s most complex and transformational public policy initiatives.

Their successes and reputations are built on being trusted partners. They believe that every client and public sector relationship is cultivated and preserved through honesty, integrity, creativity, hard work, and resourcefulness.

Whether serving in the public sector or championing causes for the private sector, Fralick Bozeman partners have built a solid reputation by relentlessly pursuing paths that help align decision-makers to achieve positive outcomes.

Company website

Lauren Fralick, Co-Founder, Fralick Bozeman Public Affairs

Lauren W. Fralick has over 15 years of lobbying experience in Georgia. Fralick is a co-founder of Roll Call Public Affairs Consultants LLC and Fralick Bozeman Public Affairs, LLC – firms designed to bring innovation, positive disruption and best in class service to the public affairs market.

Prior to forming these ventures, Lauren was a partner for seven years at a large lobbying firm serving clients of multiple industry sectors in Georgia. Before that, she served as the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia’s leading business organization for nearly eight years. She represented the interest of the state’s business community before the Georgia General Assembly and the Constitutional Officers of Georgia on issues important to the economic competitiveness of our state.

She also oversaw the Georgia Chamber’s Political Action Committee and Independent Expenditure Committee by identifying and supporting pro-business candidates for office. Her legislative areas of focus have included agriculture, economic development, regulated industries, taxation, healthcare, transportation, workforce development, education, environment, and energy.

Before lobbying, Fralick gained political experience by working on campaigns in Georgia at the federal, state, and local levels. She was voted “Rookie Lobbyist of the Year” by her peers under the Gold Dome after her first year of lobbying. Fralick is a graduate of Leadership Georgia and serves on the Board of the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement.

Fralick is a native of Swainsboro, Georgia. She and her husband Frank have three daughters and reside in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood of Atlanta.

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

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

2022 North Fulton Economic Outlook with Ian Wyatt, Principal Economist, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

January 28, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

2022 North Fulton Economic Outlook with Ian Wyatt, Principal Economist, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

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2022 North Fulton Economic Outlook with Ian Wyatt, Principal Economist, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 71)

Ian Wyatt, Principal Economist with the Metro Atlanta Chamber, joined host Kali Boatright to cover the North Fulton economic outlook for 2022. Ian discussed the strength of North Fulton schools, inflation, housing affordability, how childcare costs affect the labor market, job growth and unemployment and much more. The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®

The Metro Atlanta Chamber

The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) is a 160-year-old organization that today represents businesses, colleges and universities, and nonprofits across the 29-county region that makes up the nation’s ninth-largest market.

MAC works to position metro Atlanta as a top-tier global region by focusing on three key areas: economic development, public policy and promotion. Its efforts build on the qualities that make Atlanta one of the nation’s most unique metros — its neighborhoods, culture, quality of life, welcoming business community and more. MAC’s economic development efforts focus on recruiting new companies to the region and retaining and growing the innovative businesses that already call the area home. In addition, MAC convenes thought leaders in supply chain, IoT, bioscience, global commerce, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship — the region’s key ecosystems.

Company website

Ian Wyatt, Vice President, Principal Economist, Metro Atlanta Chamber

Ian Wyatt is a Senior Economist with extensive experience and expertise in commercial portfolio strategy, industry analytics, macroeconomic forecasting, competitive intelligence, and risk management.

Ian currently serves as the Vice President, Principal Economist at the Metro Atlanta Chamber. In his previous role, Ian served as the Vice President/Economist, Analytics and Information Strategy, Wholesale Credit for the Bank of America.

Ian also served as Vice President/Economist, Pricing Strategy and Business Analytics, Wholesale Credit with Bank of America where he led a team that produced detailed analysis of loan yields at competitors to improve margins on $400B commercial loan portfolio. He also held the positions of Vice President/Economist, Industry Risk Group and Vice President/Economist, Industry and Country Risk Group.

Prior to joining the Bank of America, Ian served as a Senior Economist with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, where he was responsible for developing and evaluating forecasts of major macroeconomic variables, including GDP, inflation, employment, balance of trade, and monetary policy. These forecasts formed the basis of official U.S. government economic forecasts.

Ian began his career as an Economist, Occupational Outlook and Occupational Employment Statistics Division with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, where he co-developed new statistical metrics and methods in response to customer requests for information on the employment outlook for college graduates.

LinkedIn | Twitter

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

**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 more information on GNFCC events, follow this link.

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

Rachel Dangerfield, Kendra Plotkin, and Debbie Ryals, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

December 20, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Rachel Dangerfield, Kendra Plotkin, and Debbie Ryals, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

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Rachel Dangerfield, Kendra Plotkin, and Debbie Ryals, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 424)

On this edition of North Fulton Business Radio, Rachel Dangerfield, Kendra Plotkin, and Debbie Ryals of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce joined host John Ray to discuss their respective roles at the Chamber, events and opportunities for engagement, the benefits of membership, GNFCC’s recent accreditation which places it in the top 1% of chambers nationwide, and much more. North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Rachel Dangerfield, Leadership Programs Coordinator, GNFCC

**Rachel Dangerfield, Leadership Programs Coordinator, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce**

Rachel Dangerfield is the Leadership Programs Coordinator for the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. She runs Leadership North Fulton, Emerging Leaders, NextGen Young Professionals, and the Leadership North Fulton Alumni Program.

Rachel came to work at the Chamber in March 2020. She has a degree in public relations from Kennesaw State University.

Kendra Plotkin, Director of Member Engagement, GNFCC

**Kendra Plotkin, Director of Member Engagement, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce**

As Director of Member Engagement, Kendra helps members get involved, network, and make the most of their Chamber membership. Her responsibilities include Chamber 101, Ribbon Cuttings & Grand Openings, Ambassadors & Diplomats, and Small Business Seminars.

Kendra has been with GNFCC for nineteen years.

Debbie Ryals, Director of Events, GNFCC

**Debbie Ryals, Director of Events, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce**

As Director of Events, Debbie Ryals manages the Chamber’s networking events, Business After-Hours, luncheons, Annual Gala, Golf & Tennis Classic, and Women Influencing Business.

Debbie has been with the Chamber for almost fourteen years.

North Fulton Business Radio is hosted by John Ray, and broadcast and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

Special thanks to A&S Culinary Concepts for their support of this edition of North Fulton Business Radio. A&S Culinary Concepts, based in Johns Creek, is an award-winning culinary studio, celebrated for corporate catering, corporate team building, Big Green Egg Boot Camps, and private group events. They also provide oven-ready, cooked from scratch meals to go they call “Let Us Cook for You.” To see their menus and events, go to their website or call 678-336-9196.

GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition: An Interview with 2021 Chair Lindsey Petrini and 2022 Chair James Holmes

December 16, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition: An Interview with 2021 Chair Lindsey Petrini and 2022 Chair James Holmes

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GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition: An Interview with 2021 Chair Lindsey Petrini and 2022 Chair James Holmes (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 70)

Lindsey Petrini, 2021 Chair, and James Holmes, 2022 Chair, joined host Kali Boatright to reflect on GNFCC’s accomplishments and challenges of 2021, to look ahead to 2022, including the move to Avalon, and much more. The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Lindsey Petrini, 2021 GNFCC Chair, and Chief Operating Officer, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital

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.

Company website | LinkedIn

James Holmes, 2022 GNFCC Chair and SVP & North Fulton Market President, Truist

**James Holmes, 2022 GNFCC Chair and SVP & North Fulton Market President at Truist**

James Holmes serves as the Market President for Northeast Atlanta encompassing Gwinnett, North Fulton & Forsyth Counties. James is responsible for overseeing the commercial banking team and integration of all other lines of business such as Wealth Management, Institutional Services, Insurance, Retail, & Capital Markets into the Northeast Atlanta Commercial Banking Group.

His focus is helping privately held corporations and non-profits with annual revenues of $5,000,000 – $75,000,000; by aiding them in areas of Capital Formation, Payment Solutions, and Risk Management. James is experienced in real estate transactions, asset-based lending, equipment financing, and leveraged financing transactions.

BB&T and SunTrust formed Truist with a shared purpose—to inspire and build better lives and communities. With our combined resources, collective passion, and commitment to innovation, we’re creating a better financial experience to help people and businesses achieve more. With 275 years of combined BB&T and SunTrust history,

Truist serves approximately 12 million households with leading market share in many high-growth markets in the country. The company offers a wide range of services including retail, small business and commercial banking; asset management; capital markets; commercial real estate; corporate and institutional banking; insurance; mortgage; payments; specialized lending; and wealth management.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist is the sixth-largest commercial bank in the U.S.

Company website | LinkedIn

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 more information on GNFCC events, follow this link.

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