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North Fulton Studio

GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition, with 2024 Chair Jim Teel and 2025 Chair Dean Collins

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GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition, with 2024 Chair Jim Teel and 2025 Chair Dean Collins (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 102)

In this episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider, hosted by Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, the discussion centers on reviewing the successful 2024 Chamber year and introducing exciting plans for 2025. Special guests include Jim Teel, the 2024 Chair and Regional Vice President at Goodwyn Mills Cawood, and Dean Collins, the incoming 2025 Chair and Senior Partner at Axis Companies. Topics covered include the significant accomplishments of the past year, the introduction of tiered dues, and the launch of the North Fulton Economic Alliance. The conversation also delves into the regional branding efforts, workforce development, and economic development initiatives aimed at enhancing the North Fulton community.

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

Dean Collins, 2025 GNFCC Chair, Founder & President, Axis Companies

Dean Collins is the Founder and President of Axis Companies, a firm he established in 2016 to address critical needs in the transportation and site development industries. With over 25 years of experience, Dean has cultivated a deep understanding of the complexities involved in land development projects, positioning Axis as a leader in the field. Under his leadership, Axis Companies has developed a comprehensive “Development Suite” that offers tailored services in land development, project management, and construction management, enabling clients to choose between individual services or complete turnkey solutions.

Before founding Axis, Dean served as Vice President and Director of Facilities at TYLIN International for nearly 23 years. In this role, he successfully led business development and design efforts for vertical projects across the Americas, managing a diverse team of architects, engineers, and construction managers. His extensive background in project management and design has been instrumental in shaping Axis Companies’ innovative approach.

Dean holds an Associates degree in Engineering from the State University of New York at Delhi and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Jim Teel, 2024 GNFCC Chair, and Regional Vice President, Goodwyn Mills Cawood

As Regional Vice President for Georgia, Jim leads business development and marketing efforts as well as coordinates employee development initiatives for all of GMC’s Georgia offices. Jim is passionate about encouraging personal leadership and growth and providing opportunities for employees to lead and thrive.

An active member of the community, Jim is engaged in many organizations, including being named the Greater North Fulton Chamber Board Member of the Year and a Regional Leadership Institute Class of 2019 graduate. He is also a member of the Junior Achievement of Georgia Board of Directors, the Economic Development Association of Georgia, the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, the Georgia Municipal Association, the Georgia Rural Water Association, the Georgia Association of Water Professionals, and the Association for Learning Environments.

Jim graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, a master’s degree in building construction, and a minor in community planning.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider
00:38 Meet the 2024 and 2025 GNFCC Chairs
01:48 Jim Teel’s Journey and GMC’s Growth
03:48 Dean Collins’ Background and Business Success
05:15 Reflecting on 2024 Accomplishments
10:23 Looking Ahead to 2025 Goals
13:40 The Importance of Regional Branding
18:46 Recruiting Talent in North Fulton
20:29 Advice for the Incoming Chair
24:28 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) — **Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce**

The GNFCC 400 Insider is sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), and the host of the show is 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 1,400 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.

As a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.

GNFCC promotes the interests of their 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, follow this link.

North Fulton Studio

GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition: An Interview with 2022 Chair James Holmes and 2023 Chair Danielle Cheung

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GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition: An Interview with 2022 Chair James Holmes and 2023 Chair Danielle Cheung (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 82)

This episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider welcomed Danielle Cheung as the 2023 GNFCC Board Chair and offered gratitude to James Holmes for his service as the 2022 Chair. Along with host Kali Boatright, James and Danielle discussed the Chamber’s achievements for 2022, including the GACOC Award as Georgia Certified Chamber, 2023 goals established from strategic planning in 2022, the Chamber’s growth during the last year, 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®.

Danielle Cheung, 2023 GNFCC Chair, and Business Banking Atlanta Metro Market Executive, Bank of America

Danielle Cheung is Senior Vice President and Market Executive for Atlanta Metro Business Banking at Bank of America, which focuses on delivering financial solutions to middle market companies. She is accountable for business strategy/execution, sales performance and revenue growth. Danielle was recognized as a national Pinnacle Club winner in 2019 for market sales performance.

Danielle joined Bank of America in 2016 with over two decades of experience in commercial banking at JPMorgan Chase Bank. After completing a formal management training program in credit, she spent sixteen years as a senior relationship manager focused on the non-profit healthcare industry. Danielle also managed new hire training and campus recruiting nationally for commercial banking, after which she relocated from New York to Atlanta to run middle market business development in Georgia and Alabama.

Danielle is a member of Bank of America’s Atlanta Market Leadership team, which focuses on setting business and community engagement strategies across Metro Atlanta. In that capacity, she co-leads efforts around cross line of business client acquisition strategies. Danielle is Executive Sponsor for LEAD for Women, a network dedicated to promoting professional women’s development and has maintained a leadership role in the Business Banking Diversity & Inclusion Council.

Giving back to her community is a priority for Danielle. She currently serves as the Chair of the board of directors of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and sits on the Board of Directors of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (Chair Elect, 2023). Danielle mentors transitioning veterans and their families through American Corporate Partners and assists unemployed parishioners at her church with job search techniques and resume assistance.

Danielle has been heard on local radio and in print discussing the challenges of entrepreneurs and the Bank’s Atlanta market priorities. She was named the 2019 March of Dimes Woman of Distinction for achievement in the financial services sector and received the 2019 and 2020 President’s Volunteer Service Award from Points of Light for her contribution to the community. Danielle is also part of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2022.

Danielle holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management Science and Mathematics and a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from Pace University in New York. She resides in Johns Creek, Georgia with her husband Kamond and their three children (Elizabeth, 20; Gregory, 16; and Zachary, 13)

Company website | LinkedIn

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

**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®.