Kali Boatright Archives - Page 5 of 9

GNFCC is Moving! – An Interview with CEO Kali Boatright, Chair Lindsey Petrini and Treasurer Jim Teel, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

October 21, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

GNFCC is Moving! - An Interview with CEO Kali Boatright, Chair Lindsey Petrini and Treasurer Jim Teel, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

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GNFCC is Moving! – An Interview with CEO Kali Boatright, Chair Lindsey Petrini and Treasurer Jim Teel, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 400)

The Greater North Fulton Chamber (GNFCC) just announced an early 2022 move to the 10000 Building at Avalon. Lindsey Petrini, GNFCC’s 2021 Chair, Jim Teel, 2021 Treasurer, and GNFCC CEO Kali Boatright joined host John Ray to discuss the move, how it positions the Chamber to continue its record growth, the valued association with the North Fulton CID, and much more. North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from 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

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.

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

**Lindsey Petrini, Chairman, GNFCC 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.

Jim Teel, 2021 GNFCC Treasurer and Regional VP, Georgia, Goodwyn Mills Cawood

**Jim Teel, Treasurer, GNFCC and Regional VP, Georgia, Goodwyn Mills Cawood**

Jim spent the early years of his career on the construction side of the industry, managing more than $120 million worth of construction projects and $150 million worth of pre-construction services. He shifted from construction to the design sector of the industry upon joining GMC as part of the business development team. His ability to develop relationships and fully grasp clients’ needs enables him to utilize GMC’s broad range of services to find the best possible solution to achieve their vision.

Jim is also well versed in community planning and economic development and has been involved with numerous utility improvement, downtown redevelopment, commercial district development, new/renovated schools and planned industrial park projects.

He is involved in a number of professional and civic organizations, including the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, Georgia Municipal Association, Economic Development Association of Georgia, Georgia Rural Water Association, Georgia Association of Water Professionals, Southern Economic Development Council, Association for Learning Environments (formerly CEFPI), Economic Development Partners of Alabama, American Planning Association, Auburn University Building Science Graduate School Advisory Committee and others. In addition, he has served on the Lee County Young Leaders Board; Auburn Chamber of Commerce, diplomat; Opelika Chamber of Commerce; Opelika Rotary Club; Alabama Golf Association Board of Directors and First Baptist Church, Royal Ambassador Leader.

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.

2021 GNFCC Small Business of the Year Award: IBEX IT Business Experts, with Tracey Grace, Founder and CEO

September 30, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

2021 GNFCC Small Business of the Year Award: IBEX IT Business Experts, with Tracey Grace, Founder and CEO

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2021 GNFCC Small Business of the Year Award: IBEX IT Business Experts, with Tracey Grace, Founder and CEO (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 67)

IBEX IT Business Experts was recently named the 2021 GNFCC Small Business of the Year. Tracey Grace, Founder and CEO, joined host Kali Boatright to share the story behind her founding the company, the path which has led to the company’s inclusion on the Inc. 5000 list of Top Private Companies, her company’s launch of Certifiably Diverse, supplier diversity management software service which helps companies find qualified minority-owned vendors, 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®.

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

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

IBEX Experts — **Tracey Grace, 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.

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

“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®.

John Herbert and Linda Coyle, Milton Business Council

August 26, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

John Herbert and Linda Coyle, Milton Business Council

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John Herbert and Linda Coyle, Milton Business Council (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 66)

After the merger of the former Milton Business Alliance into the Greater North Fulton Chamber, the resulting Milton Business Council has now completed an incredible inaugural year. John Herbert, 2021 Chair, and Linda Coyle, Incoming Chair for 2022, joined host Kali Boatright to offer their takeaways from the past year, why they are so passionate about MBC, plans for the rest of 2021 and next year, and 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®.

John Herbert, 2021 Chair, Milton Business Council, and Principal at Herbert Legal Group

John Herbert has been practicing law since 1994. In 2013 he decided to transform my practice and the way legal services are delivered to small and medium-sized businesses.

He realized that he was missing out on opportunities because people were afraid to call out of fear that the clock would be running, and they would be hit with a huge bill for his time. At the same time, companies were missing critical legal services out of fear.

From the smallest start-up to the industry giant, legal solutions are no longer a luxury. Whether it is that one incident that requires intense legal representation or simply issues that arise naturally in the day-to-day business context, companies need a law firm that is on their side.

Herbert Legal Group wants to be an integral member of your business team. Nothing splits up a team more than that unexplained, surprise invoice for services clients were not expecting, did not approve of, or did not understand. Time-based billing creates a wall of separation between team members which can hamper even the best working relationship. So Herbert Legal Group delivers solutions, not minutes.

Their biggest competition is not other law firms. Their biggest competition is business owners doing nothing. Herbert Legal will take that call. They will take that meeting. If they cannot offer you a solution during that time, then that time is on them. At least you will trust them enough to call them next time.

They are business owners just like you and understand the opportunities and challenges of building something lasting and important. HLG cannot commit to open-ended invoicing from their service providers either. They measure their resources and employ them in a way that creates value for the clients first and the company second. Sound familiar? They treat you the way you want to be treated.

Company website | LinkedIn

Linda Coyle, Incoming 2022 Chair, Milton Business Council, and Business Development Officer, LGE Community Credit Union

**Linda Coyle, Business Development Officer, LGE Community Credit Union**

Linda Coyle started as a teacher and moved from education to business development. She has been in that role with LGE Community Credit Union since 2016.

In 1951, seven Lockheed Georgia employees dreamed of a better way to bank and LGE Community Credit Union was born. Today they serve communities in Northwest Georgia as a not-for-profit financial institution. Unlike a bank, whose profits go to its shareholders, their profits go to their members in the form of better rates and lower fees. They are guided by a strong commitment to provide a better financial future for our members.

Everyone who lives or works in Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Fulton, and Paulding counties is eligible to apply for membership, as are employees of many companies. Family members of existing members are also eligible.

Since 2010, LGE has invested over $1.45 million in the lives of those in the community including children, homeless, abuse victims, and those that fall on hard times. Not only is there a monetary contribution but LGE staff members volunteer over 2,600 hours in the community annually. Additionally, we partner with schools in the local communities through our Partners in Education platform. Continued efforts show why LGE Community Credit Union continues to be a fabric of the community.

Company website | LinkedIn

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

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®.

Brandon Beach, North Fulton CID

June 30, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Brandon Beach, North Fulton CID

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Brandon Beach, North Fulton CID (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 63)

North Fulton CID Executive Director Brandon Beach joined host Kali Boatright to discuss his career journey, the history of the North Fulton CID, infrastructure improvements the organization has funded, wider transportation projects which are improving the quality of life in North Fulton, 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 North Fulton Community Improvement District (NFCID)

The North Fulton Community Improvement District (NFCID) is a self-taxing district that was formed in 2003 by a group of business leaders committed to maintaining and enhancing the North Fulton community. With the goal of investing in a more vibrant and sustainable North Fulton, the CID advances infrastructure projects that enhance the livability, walkability and drivability of the entire community. The NFCID spans from Mansell Road north to McGinnis Ferry Road, serving as a catalyst for transportation planning, investment and improvement.

Commercial property owners within the District’s boundaries pay a voluntary tax, which funds the NFCID’s efforts. The CID’s mission is to work continuously to improve the economic viability of its district. This includes the development of efficient transportation services, with an emphasis on access, mobility, diversification and modernization.

The NFCID partners with the three cities that fall within its boundaries – Alpharetta, Milton and Roswell – to design and implement projects that improve the community of North Fulton. The NFCID regularly solicits input from its members for new projects and any member can submit requests to the NFCID for consideration.

Since its inception, the NFCID has leveraged more than $22 million to advance more than $116 million worth of transportation and infrastructure improvements. The North Fulton CID is committed to further enhancing the community and improving the quality of life for the nearly 400 property owners along the Georgia Highway 400 corridor and North Fulton’s more than 270,000 employees.

Website

Brandon Beach, Executive Director, North Fulton Community Improvement District

Brandon Beach was named Executive Director of the North Fulton Community Improvement District (CID) in January 2018. Previously, he was President of the North Fulton CID and President & CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. Under his leadership, the North Fulton CID has invested more than $20 million to help bring more than $100 million in new infrastructure for the District area.

Beach was also elected to the State Senate in 2013. He represents District 21 which includes portions of Cherokee and Fulton counties. Senator Beach is the Chairman of the Transportation Committee. He is also a member of the Economic Development, Higher Education and Science and Technology committees. Senator Beach served as the Chairman of the Public Private Partnership Committee (P3 Committee). Under his leadership, the P3 Committee was able to acquire key local transportation projects approved for Cherokee and North Fulton.

In 2001, Governor Sonny Perdue appointed Sen. Beach to the board of Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA). In 2008, he was selected to chair one of GRTA’s most important committees — The Land Development Committee. In this role, Sen. Beach is responsible for leading a review of every significant development brought before the 16-county area that GRTA serves. Sen. Beach was elected to the Board of the GDOT by state legislators from the 6th Congressional District in 2008. Senator Beach is a member of numerous community boards including the Regional Business Coalition, Grady Hospital Board of Visitors, the Greater Metro Atlanta American Heart Association, the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Encore Park and the Historic Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Senator Beach received an undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and a Masters in Business Administration degree from Centenary College. He is also a graduate of the Regional Leadership Institute and a former member of the Alpharetta City Council and the Alpharetta Planning and Zoning Commission.

He and his wife, Shuntel, have two children and have lived in Alpharetta for the past 24 years.

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

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®.

All Things Johns Creek, with Chris Cannon, Director of Economic Development, and Stacey Gross, Johns Creek CVB

April 30, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

All Things Johns Creek, with Chris Cannon, Director of Economic Development, and Stacey Gross, Johns Creek CVB

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All Things Johns Creek, with Chris Cannon, Director of Economic Development, and Stacey Gross, Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 62)

Stacey Gross and Chris Cannon joined host Kali Boatright to share the city’s vibrant qualities which attract new business and residents, exciting developments such as the Town Center Master Plan, 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®.

Chris Cannon, Director of Economic Development, City of Johns Creek

Johns Creek has become the 10th largest city in Georgia through well-planned growth. Not the biggest city in the state, but tactically one of the most inviting, 2016 marked the tenth anniversary of incorporation and cityhood. In such a short span, the city has continued to strengthen its foundation and reputation with its exceptional and highly ranked school system, highly acclaimed medical facilities and a large, diverse international population. Public Safety delivers the highest level of quality service to more than 80,000 residents and nearly 2,000 businesses.

Johns Creek is meeting its mission of being an exceptional city, not only in Georgia but in the entire country.

City website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Chris Cannon LinkedIn

Stacey Gross, Executive Director, Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau

**Stacey Gross, Executive Dir., Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau**

The Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau (JCCVB) is the official destination marketing organization of Johns Creek, Georgia. Their mission is to serve as an economic catalyst by marketing the city as a destination for business and leisure travel.

The JCCVB is a501(c)(6) nonprofit, enacted on January 22, 2008 by Resolution 2008-01-05 by the Mayor and Council to promote tourism in the city.

Check-out 2020 JCCVB Tourism Fact Sheet for more information about how JCCVB is funded and how tourism is economic development for Johns Creek.

The JCCVB is governed by a Board of Directors, comprised fully of volunteers who work or live in Johns Creek and have expertise in hospitality, arts, marketing and business.

Company website | Stacey Gross LinkedIn

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

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: COVID-19 Vaccine Update from the Centers for Disease Control

April 1, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Wellstar Chamber Luncheon Series: COVID-19 Vaccine Update from the Centers for Disease Control

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Wellstar Chamber Luncheon Series: COVID-19 Vaccine Update with the CDC, with Amanda Cohn, MD, and Michelle Wilson, Centers for Disease Control (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 59)

CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Amanda Cohn offered an update on the Covid-19 vaccine rollout and CDC Senior Advisor Michelle Wilson joined the call as well. Today’s program was sponsored by The City of Alpharetta and Logic Speak. 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.

Amanda Cohn, MD, Chief Medical Officer, COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Dr. Amanda Cohn currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of the National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) and Executive Secretary of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. She previously served as the Deputy Director of NCIRD’s Immunization Services Division. Dr. Cohn came to the CDC in 2004 as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer and joined the Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch in 2006, where she focused on prevention and control of meningococcal disease, both domestically and internationally. She is board certified in Pediatrics and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

She obtained her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine and completed a residency in pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital and Boston Medical Center in Massachusetts.

CDC website | Amanda Cohn LinkedIn

Michelle Wilson, Senior Advisor, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

**Michelle Wilson, Senior Advisor, CDC**

Michelle Wilson is a Senior Advisor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Office of the Chief Operating Officer. Her work focuses on strategic external relations as she directs CDC’s Georgia Relations work. Michelle has worked at CDC for 20 years, including the past seven years in the Office of Appropriations, most recently serving as Congressional Team Lead – leading activities related to the Agency’s appropriations outreach strategy with Congress.

During her CDC tenure, Michelle has worked in policy at all levels of the Agency, including time in Washington, D.C. – focusing on government relations, budget, appropriations, and non-federal partnerships. Prior to coming to CDC in 2001 as a Presidential Management Intern, Michelle worked at several large health related non-profits and practiced front-line social work in California in Los Angeles and Yolo Counties.

She is a graduate of the University of California at Davis and received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California.

CDC Website | Michelle Wilson LinkedIn

Lindsey Petrini, Board Chair, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

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.

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

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

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®.

Workforce Development Taskforce, with Misty Fernandez, Georgia Power, and Samir Abdullahi, Select Fulton

March 1, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Workforce Development Taskforce, with Misty Fernandez, Georgia Power, and Samir Abdullahi, Select Fulton

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Workforce Development Taskforce (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 58)

The Greater North Fulton Chamber’s Economic Recovery Task Force was created to connect businesses and jobseekers to much-needed resources. Misty Fernandez, North Fulton Area Manager for Georgia Power serves as the Chair of the Chamber’s Workforce Committee. Samir Abdullahi is the Deputy Director of Economic Development for Select Fulton and also serves on the Workforce Committee.

Misty and Samir joined the host of “The GNFCC 400 Insider,” GNFCC CEO Kali Boatright, on this edition of The GNFCC 400 Insider, 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.

Samir Adbullahi, Deputy Director, Select Fulton

Samir Abdullahi is Deputy Director of Economic Development at Select Fulton. It is Fulton County, Georgia’s economic and workforce development initiative that drives collaboration among public and private partners in order to generate inclusive growth, opportunities, and prosperity for the Metro Atlanta region.

Select Fulton does this by fostering the creation of middle and high-skill jobs in our key industries, preparing our residents for those opportunities, and accelerating the growth of connected and sustainable commercial development. Additionally, Select Fulton provides collaborative economic development leadership to promote a globally competitive, prosperous, and growing Fulton County economy to improve the wellbeing of our residents and communities.

Company website, LinkedIn

Misty Fernandez, Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation’s largest generators of electricity. The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility, serving 2.3 million customers in 155 of 159 counties in Georgia. Georgia Power’s rates remain well below the national average.

Misty Fernandez is an energy industry professional with 20+ years of experience across the customer service, environmental compliance, and charitable giving arenas. As an Area Manager for Georgia Power Company, she collaborates with business and community leaders in lifting and growing the communities where they live, work, and serve.

Company website, Select Georgia website, LinkedIn

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

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: Esports Industry Impact, with Todd Harris, Skillshot Media and Brennen Dicker, Creative Media Industries Institute at GSU

February 23, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Wellstar Chamber Luncheon Series: Esports Industry Impact, with Todd Harris, Skillshot Media and Brennen Dicker, Creative Media Industries Institute at GSU

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Wellstar Chamber Luncheon Series: Esports Industry Impact, with Todd Harris, Skillshot Media and Brennen Dicker, Creative Media Industries Institute at GSU (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 57)

Metro Atlanta–and North Fulton specifically–are home to a thriving esports industry, and all the necessary ingredients are in place for continued growth, according to panelists speaking at this GNFCC Wellstar Chamber Luncheon series. Todd Harris, founder of Skillshot Media, and Brennen Dicker of Creative Media Industries Institute, joined moderator Asante Bradford, Georgia Department of Economic Development, to discuss the dynamics of the region’s esports industry and why its future is bright.

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.

Asante Bradford, Moderator

**Asante Bradford, Georgia Department of Economic Development**

Asante Bradford is Project Manager for Digital Entertainment and Emerging Media for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the sales, and marketing arm for the State of Georgia.

The Global Commerce Division conducts extensive business development, sales, marketing, and promotional activities in order to attract entertainment projects and businesses to the state. The division’s team also assists the local, national and international entertainment industries with information, expertise, and resources.

Asante helps promote the growth of the digital media industry as well as identify initiatives that will help grow businesses for the state of Georgia in interactive entertainment and eSports. He also helps educate potential prospects and provides clients with information about the Georgia Entertainment Industry Incentives Act.

His area of concentration with the Global Commerce office is to increase the impact of interactive entertainment for the State of Georgia as well as being a dedicated liaison to assist with promotions, logistics, and business development for attracting digital media companies outside the state to relocate in Georgia.

Esports is becoming an economic driver for Atlanta with Fortune 500 companies, a thriving tech center, film, TV, and videogame tax incentives all play into the mix. Georgia esports is also a sanctioned activity at the local high school level with a focus on STEM exposure.

Company website

Todd Harris, Founder and CEO of Skillshot Media

Todd Harris (@toddalanharris) is an accomplished entrepreneur who has been leading video game and esports businesses for 15 years and involved with technology product startups for 25 years. Todd co-founded Hi-Rez Studios, one of the largest video game studios in the Southeast and is currently Founder & CEO of Skillshot Media, a leading esports infrastructure and production company, President of the North American Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF), and co-owner of esports professional team Ghost Gaming.

Skillshot connects leading brands to engaged esports fans. The company has hosted thousands of esports tournaments, paid out over $10M in prizing for competitive video games, and delivered over 1 billion views of esports content. Skillshot also powers the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) competition with member universities awarding over $16M in esports scholarships.

Ghost Gaming is an Atlanta-based professional esports team and gaming lifestyle brand that has won 13 tournament championships and cultivated a fan base of over 5 million.

NASEF is the leading scholastic esports solution for high school students, providing opportunities for all students to use esports as a platform to acquire critical communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Throughout his career, Todd has garnered industry recognition including “2019 Most Admired CEO” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as he works with partners toward advancing the esports industry.

Company website

Brennen Dicker, Executive Director, Creative Media Industries Institute

**Brennen Dicker, Creative Media Industries Institute**

Brennen Dicker, a film and television professional with 25 years of experience, is Executive Director of the Creative Media Industries Institute at Georgia State University. Before joining Georgia State, Brennen was the General Manager for SIM International (Post) Atlanta. SIM provides production and post-production services for many episodic television series and feature film productions, including; “Stranger Things”, “Watchmen”, “The Gifted”, “Dynasty”, “Good Girls”, “True Detective” S3, as well as the blockbuster “Get Out”.

Brennen previously served as Director of Post Production Sales at Crawford Media Services, has broad experience in all aspects of film and television production, and deep ties to Atlanta’s production community. He worked with networks – National Geographic, HGTV, and Discovery and also with series “The Walking Dead” and “Vampire Diaries” while at Crawford. Earlier in his career, he was executive producer and principal of American Mongrel Productions (Chicago). He was the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Fellowship Recipient in 2001, and 2018 inaugural Women in Film and Television ( WIFTA – Atlanta) Gallantry Award winner.

Brennen is a current member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Screen Coalition Committee and is on the board for the Atlanta Esports Association (AEA). He chairs the CMII Working Group which is comprised of leaders in film, television, gaming, and music for the state of Georgia. He also serves on the Board of Directors for The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival.

He has served as Chair of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Atlanta Advisory Council, and as Chair of Gov. Relations with the Georgia Production Partnership (GPP) board, and was the Chair for the 2018 and 2019 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. He has also served on the board as Vice Chair for The Frazer Center and served on the Executive Board for the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce.

Institute website

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

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: 2021 Economic Outlook with Professor Rajeev Dhawan, Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University

January 26, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Wellstar Chamber Luncheon Series: 2021 Economic Outlook with Professor Rajeev Dhawan, Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University

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Wellstar Chamber Luncheon Series: 2021 Economic Outlook with Professor Rajeev Dhawan, Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 55)

Georgia State University’s Dr. Rajeev Dhawan joined this GNFCC WellStar Chamber Luncheon to offer his perspective on the metro Atlanta, Georgia, and national economies. He also commented on singular advantages which North Fulton possesses which aid in recovery, and why he believes a national recovery will not begin in earnest until 2022.

Professor Rajeev Dhawan, Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University

**Professor Rajeev Dhawan, Georgia State University**

Professor Rajeev Dhawan wears a dual hat as holder of the Zwerner Chair of Economic Forecasting and as Director of the Economic Forecasting Center at the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.

As director of one of the country’s premiere forecasting centers, Dhawan develops forecasts for the U.S., Southeast regional and local metro Atlanta economies. These forecasts are regularly published and presented to business executives and the media at the Center’s popular, well-respected quarterly forecasting conferences.

Dr. Rajeev Dhawan has served as an advisor to several local and state government agencies and numerous publicly-held companies such as Coca-Cola, Georgia Power, Raymond James and Turner Broadcasting, among others. He currently serves as the chair of the advisory committee for regional growth for the Atlanta Regional Commission and is also a member of the Georgia Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors since 2003.

Dr. Dhawan’s academic research analyzes U.S. business cycles with a special emphasis on the role of credit markets on growth and survival of small firms.

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

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®.