Rebekah Anderson Archives - Business RadioX ®

GNFCC Strategic Leadership Visit 2025: Scottsdale and Mesa

November 20, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

GNFCC Strategic Leadership Visit 2025: Scottsdale and Mesa

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GNFCC Strategic Leadership Visit 2025: Scottsdale and Mesa Through North Fulton Eyes (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 110)

On this edition of the GNFCC 400 Insider, host Rebekah Anderson recaps the Strategic Leadership Visit 2025 to Scottsdale and Mesa, Arizona, through the eyes of two key North Fulton leaders, Chris Burnett of the City of Sandy Springs and Kristin Winzeler of True North 400. Each year, the Chamber convenes elected officials, business leaders, and civic partners for an in-depth look at another high-performing region, then brings those lessons home for North Fulton. Chris and Kristin share why trips like SLV matter for long-term economic competitiveness, relationship building, and a shared vision across city and county lines.

The conversation walks listeners through highlights of the Arizona visit, including Mesa’s approach to incubators and entrepreneurship support, higher education and workforce partnerships, library and mall redevelopments, and the role of intentional placemaking in creating vibrant districts. They also explore how sports-anchored assets such as spring training facilities can drive tourism, community identity, and volunteer engagement, and which ideas might translate most directly to North Fulton.

Chris and Kristin talk about the sessions that surprised them, the off-agenda moments that helped North Fulton leaders build relationships with each other, and what they learned most from seeing Scottsdale and Mesa up close. They close by updating listeners on current economic development priorities in Sandy Springs and major mobility and infrastructure projects along the Georgia 400 corridor and how regional collaboration can turn SLV insights into concrete wins for North Fulton.

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®.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

The importance of the GNFCC Strategic Leadership Visit in fostering relationships and a shared vision among North Fulton civic and business leaders cannot be overstated.
Mesa’s business incubators and education partnerships offer valuable insights that could guide talent and entrepreneurship initiatives in North Fulton.
The redevelopment of SkySong’s dead mall serves as a model for innovative mixed-use projects and has a significant long-term economic impact.
The insights from Scottsdale’s placemaking and the Chicago Cubs spring training complex shed light on tourism, volunteer engagement, and community identity.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

0:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast
00:28 Annual Strategic Leadership Visit (SLV) Overview
01:13 Meet the Guests: Chris Burnett and Kristin Winzeler
01:34 Understanding Economic Development and Community Improvement Districts
04:35 Insights from the SLV Trip to Scottsdale and Mesa, Arizona
07:37 Mesa Business Builder and Economic Impact
10:27 SkySong Innovation Center and Regional Collaboration
15:32 Arts and Culture: A Surprising Economic Driver
22:02 North Fulton’s Entertainment Scene
22:30 Strengthening Relationships on the SLV Trip
23:49 The Value of Personal Relationships
25:15 Organic Moments and Key Takeaways
26:24 Fanboy Experience and Baseball Stories
28:09 The Importance of SLV Trips
32:53 Economic Development in Sandy Springs
35:13 Exciting Developments in North Fulton
38:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Kristin Winzeler, Executive Director, True North 400

Kristin Winzeler is the Executive Director of True North 400, an organization dedicated to enhancing the North Fulton business district that includes Alpharetta, Roswell, and Milton. She originally joined the organization in 2012 and has played a pivotal role in its growth and rebranding from the North Fulton Community Improvement District to True North 400 in 2023. As Deputy Executive Director, she helped generate more than $30 million in infrastructure improvements that spurred over $217 million in new investments throughout the district. Winzeler manages and oversees both small and large projects, focusing on increasing area investment and improving mobility and access in the North Fulton region.

Her deep commitment to sustaining organizational growth and advancing regional development marks Winzeler’s leadership. She resides in Woodstock, Georgia, with her husband and three daughters. Her extensive experience in managing civic improvement projects and community economic development makes her an influential steward for True North 400’s vision of fostering a vibrant and accessible business environment in the North Fulton area. Kristin is known for her hands-on approach and strategic vision, which continue to benefit the region’s ongoing development and prosperity.

Website | LinkedIn

Chris Burnett, Director of Economic Development, City of Sandy Springs

**Chris Burnett, City of Sandy Springs**

Chris Burnett is the Director of Economic Development for the City of Sandy Springs, appointed in 2024. With over 40 years of experience in community banking, he has served as President and CEO of multiple Atlanta-area banks, including founding the Bank of Sandy Springs in 2013. Burnett has played a key role in the city’s economic growth initiatives, focusing on redevelopment projects such as the North End and City Springs Phase II. He previously served on the Sandy Springs City Council from 2016 to 2021 and remains actively involved in local organizations like the Sandy Springs/Perimeter Chamber of Commerce and Special Olympics of Georgia. A longtime resident, he brings extensive knowledge of the community’s business environment and a strong commitment to its continued prosperity.

Before joining city government, Burnett dedicated decades to building and leading financial institutions, leveraging his expertise to foster business development and support local entrepreneurs and real estate ventures. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Georgia State University and completed graduate banking studies at Louisiana State University. His leadership combines financial acumen with community engagement, aiming to enhance Sandy Springs’ economic vitality and quality of life through strategic planning and collaborative initiatives with businesses and local stakeholders. Burnett’s blend of banking experience and civic service uniquely positions him to advance the city’s economic development goals.

Website | LinkedIn

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast

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.

Artisan Design Studio, Walk Your Plans Atlanta Win GNFCC Honors

October 30, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Artisan Design Studio, Walk Your Plans Atlanta Win GNFCC Honors

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Artisan Design Studio, Walk Your Plans Atlanta Win GNFCC Honors (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 109)

This edition of the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast features two entrepreneurs who are changing what “seeing the plan” means for homeowners and builders in our region. Ryan Williams, owner of Artisan Design Studio, shares how a small design firm can grow without losing its soul. She discusses pricing for outcomes, opening a retail studio to create community touchpoints, and why disciplined books and a good CPA are growth tools, not afterthoughts.

Mary Atchley, co-owner of Walk Your Plans Atlanta and co-founder of Design & Build XR, explains how clients make better decisions when they can literally walk their floor plans at full scale. Then she layers in extended reality to preview kitchens, baths, and additions on-site or in their studio, reducing rework and surprises.

Together, Mary and Ryan trade practical lessons: how to decide when to expand, where to invest first, what metrics to watch, and how to balance momentum with margin. They also highlight their shared work with Sunshine on a Ranney Day, creating accessible spaces for families who need them most. If you’re building, renovating, or growing a design-related business, this conversation is a blueprint for smarter decisions and happier clients.

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®.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

XR goes beyond 2D: Walk Your Plans Atlanta launched Design & Build XR to layer AR/VR and on-site visualization so clients understand unbuilt spaces and reduce surprises.
Category creation is hard work: Educating a successful industry to try a new modality takes daily consistency and clear value stories.
Boutique by design: Artisan Design Studio grew from a home office to a retail studio after past lessons on scaling, prioritizing process and the craft of design.
Community at the center: Both Artisan Design Studio and Walk Your Plans Atlanta volunteer with Sunshine on a Ranney Day, creating accessible bedrooms, baths, and therapy spaces for kids and families.
Make it easy to connect: Artisan’s Roswell storefront hosts events, while Walk Your Plans Atlanta invites prospects to see work online and on social.
Mindset for year one: Guard time, choose communities wisely, and keep showing up. Consistency compounds.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast
00:26 Celebrating Small Business Award Winners
01:06 Meet two of the Award Winners: Artisan Design Studio and Walk Your Plans Atlanta
02:15 Journey of Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Inspirations
05:05 Innovations and Expansions in Business
12:28 Community Involvement and Giving Back
20:00 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
27:06 Connecting with the Businesses
28:59 Conclusion and Farewell

Ryan Morgan Williams, Artisan Design Studio

**Ryan Williams, Artisan Design Studios**

Principal designer Ryan Williams owns Artisan Design Studio. Williams has been practicing interior design for twenty years and has been a business owner for more than 15 of those.

With utmost attention given to learning about her clients and their families, Williams prioritizes making sure she is not only creating breathtaking spaces for them but also improving their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. As a member of a custom home-building family in Atlanta, Williams advocates for her clients through building and remodeling, as well as full furnishings projects. She prides herself on being the expert in the room but also a friend at the table.

Williams graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Furnishings & Interiors from the University of Georgia. She is an Atlanta native and she currently lives with her husband and two children in Roswell.

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Mary Atchley, Walk Your Plans Atlanta

Mary Atchley is the owner and driving force behind Walk Your Plans Atlanta, a cutting-edge business that enables clients to experience life-sized floor plans before construction begins. Bringing over 20 years of expertise in marketing, brand strategy, and entrepreneurship, Atchley created a platform that bridges the gap between abstract blueprints and real-life spatial understanding so homeowners, architects, and commercial developers can make informed, confident decisions. Her visionary leadership and relentless focus on client service have transformed Walk Your Plans Atlanta into a destination for immersive, collaborative design walkthroughs, helping Atlanta’s building community identify issues early, optimize layouts, and minimize costly post-construction changes.

Atchley’s deep commitment to the local community matches her passion for innovation. She has ensured that Walk Your Plans Atlanta provides complimentary access to families sponsored by Sunshine on a Ranney Day, supporting ADA-compliant renovations for children with special needs. Recognized for her ability to foster lasting relationships and deliver tailored technology solutions, Mary Atchley is also active in regional leadership and professional organizations, including Leadership North Fulton and Women in Sport & Events (WISE). Her work continues to propel industry standards forward, making the design and construction process more transparent, collaborative, and client-focused throughout the greater Atlanta area.

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast

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.

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.

2025 GNFCC Nonprofit Award Winners Making a Lasting Impact: Chattahoochee Nature Center and RUMC Job Networking

June 25, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

2025 GNFCC Nonprofit Award Winners Making a Lasting Impact: Chattahoochee Nature Center and RUMC Job Networking

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2025 GNFCC Nonprofit Award Winners Making a Lasting Impact: Chattahoochee Nature Center and RUMC Job Networking (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 108)

In this special episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast, host Rebekah Anderson sits down with the 2025 Nonprofit Award Winners to explore the remarkable impact of two standout organizations: RUMC Job Networking Ministry and the Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Jay Litton shares how the job ministry at Roswell United Methodist Church has helped over 90,000 job seekers find meaningful work, combining practical support with faith and community. David Miles of the Chattahoochee Nature Center discusses how the center’s environmental education, volunteer-driven gardens, and legacy partnerships serve over 150,000 visitors each year—fostering stewardship for the Chattahoochee River and beyond.

Whether you’re passionate about workforce development, environmental education, or volunteerism, this episode celebrates the power of nonprofit leadership to create lasting change.

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®.

Key Takeaways from this Episode

Helping People Find Work is Helping Them Find Themselves – RUMC’s job networking ministry has supported over 90,000 individuals, helping restore identity, confidence, and community.

Nature and Nourishment Go Hand in Hand – CNC’s Unity Garden delivers 10,000 pounds of fresh produce annually to North Fulton Community Charities—all maintained by volunteers.

Legacy Built on Generosity and Longevity – With nearly 50 years of service, both nonprofits continue to innovate and expand—through tech tools like AI at RUMC Job Networking and major capital investment at CNC.

Volunteers Make the Mission Possible – Both organizations thrive because of their dedicated volunteers, many of whom are former beneficiaries of their services.

Education is Everywhere – CNC impacts 52,000+ students annually and offers immersive learning—from canoeing to conservation—on-site and in schools.

The River Connects Us All – The Chattahoochee River, source of 70% of Atlanta’s drinking water, is a vital thread in CNC’s mission to educate, protect, and connect.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to GNFCC 400 Insider
00:55 Meet the Nonprofit Award Winners
01:30 RUMC Job Networking Overview
03:53 Chattahoochee Nature Center Insights
05:15 Impact and Community Involvement
07:25 Volunteer Contributions and Sustainability
16:02 Getting Involved with Roswell UMC Job Networking
17:27 Navigating the Job Networking Ministry
18:08 Employer Engagement and Job Fairs
19:15 Volunteer Opportunities at the Nature Center
21:37 Success Stories from Job Networking
24:25 Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Achievements
27:48 Future Plans and AI Integration
31:39 The Importance of the Chattahoochee River
33:58 Getting Involved and Final Thoughts

The Chattahoochee Nature Center

**David Mills, Senior Director of Resource Development**

The Chattahoochee Nature Center is a private, non-profit environmental education facility located on 127 acres of forest, wetland, and river habitat adjacent to the Chattahoochee River in Roswell, Georgia. Its mission is to connect people with nature through immersive experiences, educational programs, and hands-on exhibits focused on the local ecosystem and the Chattahoochee River watershed.

Visitors can explore well-marked walking trails, a river boardwalk, beautiful butterfly gardens, and native plant displays, while observing rehabilitated birds of prey and other wildlife up close. The center features a Discovery Center with interactive exhibits, a high-definition theater, and a Nature Exchange for educational trading. Additional highlights include a wildlife rehabilitation clinic, sustainable community gardening in the Unity Garden, and popular seasonal camps for children. The Chattahoochee Nature Center is a destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning about Georgia’s native plants, animals, and conservation efforts

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

RUMC Job Networking

RUMC Job Networking is a volunteer ministry at Roswell United Methodist Church in Roswell, Georgia, offering support to individuals navigating job transitions or seeking employment. Established over 35 years ago, the ministry brings together job seekers, industry professionals, and volunteers for regular meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, excluding major holidays. Participants benefit from workshops on resume writing, interviewing, LinkedIn optimization, and other job search strategies, as well as one-on-one resume reviews with experienced recruiters and HR professionals.

The program is known for its welcoming and collaborative environment, providing both practical resources and emotional encouragement. Through initiatives like the Industry Guides, job seekers can connect with volunteers from various fields for targeted networking. Supported by a large network of volunteers and community sponsors, RUMC Job Networking also maintains an active online presence for sharing job leads and networking opportunities, helping participants stay motivated and connected throughout their job search journey.

Website

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast

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.

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.

GNFCC 2024 BOLD Award Winners: Kathy Swahn, The Drake House, and Natalie DeLancey, City Springs Theatre Company

March 26, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

GNFCC 2024 BOLD Award Winners: Kathy Swahn, The Drake House, and Natalie DeLancey, City Springs Theatre Company

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GNFCC 2024 BOLD Award Winners: Kathy Swahn, The Drake House, and Natalie DeLancey, City Springs Theatre Company

This edition of the GNFCC 400 Insider showcases the contributions of two Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce BOLD Award recipients for 2024. Kathy Swahn received GNFCC’s BOLD Businesswoman Legacy Award, and Natalie DeLancey was named GNFCC’s 2024 BOLD Businesswoman Dedicated to Good. Kathy and Natalie, along with several other individuals and companies, were named BOLD Award winners during a luncheon held on March 20, 2024. Kathy Swahn, formerly of the Drake House, discussed her work with single mothers and children, highlighting the importance of community support and affordable housing. Natalie DeLancey of City Springs Theatre shared how the arts enrich the community by offering high-quality performances and educational programs. Both guests explored their leadership journeys, the impact of their organizations, and the vital role of community engagement and women’s leadership in fostering a vibrant, supportive environment. Rebekah Anderson was the host for this episode.

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

What is BOLD?

The mission of Businesswomen Organizing for Leadership and Development is to connect businesswomen to build outstanding networks and spheres of influence, to collaborate amongst themselves and with their partner organizations to develop their businesses, and to celebrate and recognize the women of North Fulton. Sarabeth Stein is the 2024 BOLD Committee Chair.

Kathy Swahn, President Emeritus, The Drake House

**Kathy Swahn, The Drake House, 2024 BOLD Businesswoman Legacy Award**

Kathy Swahn was named GNFCC’s 2024 BOLD Businesswoman Legacy Award.

Kathy has resided in the North Fulton area for almost 45 years. She has watched the community evolve from what was “unincorporated Fulton County” to a six city bustling suburban community. Her history has been surrounded by a focus on children: a stay-at-home mom raising two daughters, years of leadership in Girl Scouting and school PTAs, the National Charity League, chairing the North Fulton Council of PTAs, and chairing the Superintendent’s Advisory Council.

Kathy transitioned back to work by jumping into the non-profit world. She joined the team at North Fulton Community Charities, running their Holiday Program, becoming Development Director and successfully managing the $3M capital campaign for their Elkins Road location. Along the way, she also served on the DFACS Board and chaired the board of the Fulton County Continuum of Care for four years.

**Kathy Swahn, President Emeritus, The Drake House**

After having the opportunity to join in the GNFCC Leadership Program, Kathy was surrounded with a dynamic group of folks who worked to create The Drake House. Since 2004, she served as board chair for the first four years, executive director for nine years, and is now retired. Over those years, The Drake House served over 500 single mothers with over 1,000 children and grew the assets of the organization to over $4M.

She continues to serve TDH on the Advocacy Committee, and for the past ten years, she has served as a volunteer for the North Fulton Improvement Network. This is a think-tank of civic leaders studying the need for “missing middle” housing answers for first-time home buyers, senior housing for those who wish to downsize, as well workforce housing for essential workers in the healthcare, education, safety and hospitality industries.

She spends much of her time traveling to the DC area, where her children and grandchildren reside.

The Drake House

The Drake House is a 501(c)3 organization that works to respond to the growing number of women and children experiencing homelessness in North Fulton. They involve members of our community in the effort to keep single mothers and their children united under one roof as they work toward self-sufficiency.

The Drake House helps women with children overcome the circumstances of homelessness with dignity while keeping their families intact. In response to the changes in our post-COVID world, The Drake House has adapted its programming to help the families we serve acquire housing and achieve financial self-sufficiency.

Graduates of their program work, pay taxes, rent apartments, purchase groceries, attend faith-based organizations, and hopefully, one day, become homeowners. They are equipped to be good employees, tenants, and neighbors. When given the opportunity, some even use their story to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and take advantage of all the services The Drake House has to offer them. As they continue their work to improve their program and campus, The Drake House does so with the expectation that the results will lead to more graduates, more resilient children and teens, and ultimately, a stronger community.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Natalie DeLancey, Executive Director, City Springs Theatre Company

**Natalie DeLancey, City Springs Theater Company, 2024 BOLD Businesswoman Dedicated to Good**

Natalie DeLancey is GNFCC’s 2024 BOLD Businesswoman Dedicated to Good.

Natalie became the Executive Director of City Springs Theatre Company (CSTC) in 2021 after previously helping to form the company as the Managing Director beginning in 2017. She is responsible for overseeing overall operations, fundraising, and artistic vision for CSTC, including raising over $2 million annually for the organization and serving roughly 50,000 patrons and students each season.

Before City Springs Theatre Company, Natalie was the Director of Arts Education & Community Outreach for ArtsBridge Foundation, the arts education outreach arm of Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Natalie managed four types of programs including: Field Trips, Master Classes, Family Performance Series & the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards – Shuler Hensley Awards. In addition, Natalie produced and directed the annual competition for the Shuler Awards and she received the program’s first-ever Southeast Regional Emmy Award for her 2017 Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards production.

**Natalie DeLancey, Executive Director, City Springs Theatre Company**

Prior to ArtsBridge, Natalie served as the Artist Partnerships Manager at Young Audiences, Woodruff Arts Center. Before joining Woodruff, she served as the Manager on Duty at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre in the Cobb County Civic Center complex. Natalie has a performance background in musical theatre and received a BA in Theatre & Performance Studies from Kennesaw State University’s College of the Arts.

Natalie was a member of Leadership Cobb’s Class of 2016, selected for the inaugural 30 Under 30 program with the International Association of Venue Managers in 2015 and a member of the 2014 Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta class. Natalie was also the recipient of the 2016 Ernest Barrett Award from the Cobb Chamber for her commitment to excellence. She currently serves as the Chair-Elect of the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is a member of the 2024 Leadership Perimeter class.

Natalie is passionate about high-quality entertainment and arts education, and she is thrilled to be in a community that fully supports those initiatives!

City Springs Theatre Company

City Springs Theatre Company is dedicated to entertaining, educating, and enriching lives by creating world-class theatre experiences and innovative arts education programs that drive cultural richness and economic vitality.

City Springs Theatre Company (CSTC) was formed in 2017 by Sandy Springs residents Jan Collins, Steven Hauser, and Peggy and Jerry Stapleton in response to the needs and desires for high-quality musical theatre produced locally and highlighting regional talent. As a Presenting Partner of the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, City Springs Theatre is committed to artistic excellence, community engagement, and educational initiatives for all ages.

City Springs Theatre Company would not have become a reality without the generous support of Ken and Trish Byers and the Sandy Springs Foundation.

Led by Executive Director Natalie DeLancey and Tony Award winner and Atlanta native Shuler Hensley as Artistic Director, CSTC has served over 174,000 patrons and 135,000 students through mainstage musicals and educational programs.

City Springs Theatre Company, launched a Conservatory program in 2018 dedicated to training the next generation of performers and technicians in musical theatre. The Conservatory offers private lessons, a pre-professional company, summer musicals for high and middle school students, and participates in the Junior Theatre Festival. The Conservatory’s pre-professional company is a unique training program dedicated to students age 12-18 who are looking to pursue a career in the performing arts.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to the GNFCC 400 Insider!
00:29 Introducing Our Esteemed Guests
01:17 Celebrating Leadership and Achievements
02:01 Inspirational Journeys: Kathy Swahn’s Story
03:23 Natalie DeLancey: A Pillar in the Arts Community
05:21 The Significance of the Bold Recognition Award
07:09 Challenges and Triumphs in Supporting Women
14:37 Empowering the Next Generation
19:30 Retirement? Not Quite! Kathy’s Continued Advocacy
21:55 Exciting Upcoming Productions at City Springs Theatre
23:15 How You Can Support Our Guests’ Organizations
24:59 Wrapping Up: The Impact of Leadership and Community Support

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) is the sponsor of the GNFCC 400 Insider, and Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC, is the show’s host.

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.

LIVE from the GNFCC 2023 Women’s Leadership Summit: Rebekah Anderson, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

December 9, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC 2023 Women's Leadership Summit: Rebekah Anderson, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

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LIVE from the GNFCC 2023 Women’s Leadership Summit: Rebekah Anderson, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 729)

Rebekah Anderson of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce sat down to reflect on the 2023 GNFCC Women’s Leadership Summit with host John Ray. In a live interview from the Summit, Rebekah talked about how the event aimed to empower professional women in the North Fulton area. She shared that the Chamber adopted a new approach by featuring three keynotes instead of breakout groups with speakers, a change that resonated with attendees. Rebekah also discussed intentional networking, goal-setting for the coming year, and the importance of maintaining a diverse and committed participatory committee dedicated to female leadership and career growth.

This show was originally broadcast live from the 2023 GNFCC Women’s Leadership Summit held at The Commons at Phase in Alpharetta, Georgia.

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

Rebekah Anderson, Vice President, Member Growth & Engagement, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

Rebekah Anderson is Vice President, Member Growth & Engagement, with the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

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.

Connect with Rebekah: LinkedIn

Connect with GNFCC: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

00:05 Introduction to the Women’s Leadership Summit

00:38 Discussion with Rebekah Anderson

01:15 Reflections on the Summit’s Keynotes and Keynote Speakers

04:17 The Importance of Intentional Networking

06:14 The Timing and Impact of the Summit

07:21 The Role of Women in the Greater North Fulton Chamber

08:42 Looking Forward to 2024

09:05 Invitation to Join the Committee

10:01 Closing Remarks and Appreciation

2023 GNFCC Women’s Leadership Summit, presented by the Women INfluencing Business Committee

The 2023 Women’s Leadership Summit, organized by the Women INfluencing Business Committee of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, was held on November 28, 2023, at the Commons at Phase in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Powered by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), the Women INfluencing Business Committee strives to engage female leaders and enhance the standing of professional women within the community. Its annual awards program recognizes women with exceptional vision who have implemented innovative ideas in both the workplace and community and who inspire others.

Website

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, and many 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.

2023 NextGen Connects Mentor Match Program

August 4, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

2023 NextGen Connects Mentor Match Program

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2023 NextGen Connects Mentor Match Program (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 87)

This episode of GNFCC 400 Insider focuses on the 2023 NextGen Connects Mentor Match Program. Two participants, mentor Paula Fine, Client Relations Director, Trinity Life at Home, and her mentee Fabiola Clermont, Events Supervisor, Chattahoochee Nature Center, shared with host Rebekah Anderson, Vice President at the Greater North Fulton Chamber, their experience getting to know each other, the impact the program has had on their life and career, their advice for future participants, a few cool wildlife facts, 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®.

Paula Fine, Client Relations Director, Trinity Life at Home

Paula Fine, Client Relations Director, has been working for Trinity for several years. She came to Trinity with years of special event planning, marketing and working directly with clients in health care environments as well as nonprofit organizations. She loves the senior population and has also begun to provide saxophone and music engagement to residents in several assisted and memory communities.

You can learn more at the Trinity Life at Home website or call 678-731-0831.

Fabiola Clermont, Events Supervisor,

Fabiola Clermont is the Events Supervisor at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. She graduated from University of Georgia with a BS in Wildlife Biology in 2017. Fabiola did research and field work before dipping her toes into the events world at CNC while waiting to become a naturalist. She discovered that she enjoyed event planning and has been doing so at CNC for the last 3 years.

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