Friday, Febraury 13, 2004

South Fulton Chamber honors two leaders at annual meeting

Members, guests and friends of the South Fulton Chamber enjoyed an informal annual meeting that featured international cuisine, a luxury car and a who’s who of the political power structure at the Georgia International Convention Center January 29.

About 200 guests stood and applauded as Jim Price, member of the South Fulton Chamber’s board of directors, was awarded recognition as the 2003 “Board Member of the Year.” Price, who was obviously surprised at his selection, is the executive director of the GMC Community College in Union City. His work as Education Committee chairman and exceptional support of chamber activities was the source of his honor.

Charlie Nelson, President of Print Graphics Services, Inc., was recognized as the 2003 “Partner of the Year” for his contributions as publisher of the Annual Membership Directory and Annual Guide, and for publishing a quarterly Airport Area Marketing Guide that helps bring tourists and conventions to the GICC and area hotels and restaurants.

Retiring board members Harold Bevis (Delta Air Lines), Jim Droskinis (The Ginn Group), Preston Robinson (Atlanta Coca-Cola Bottling Co.), Andrea Wynn (A&W Realty/ Wynn-Works, Inc.) and Myrna White (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport) were honored and presented with gifts of appreciation for their three-years of service as South Fulton Chamber directors.

Bill Davenport, Georgia Power Company’s Metro South Regional manager, recounted the achievements of the chamber during his year of leadership. With his wife, parents and other family in attendance, Davenport listed the completion of the “Emerging South Fulton” economic development study as being the centerpiece of the Chamber’s year. This study, which was presented in its final form at the February Business Forum at the GICC, catalogued the over $1 million worth of studies done in the last four years into a single document which is intended to provide implementation and direction for a comprehensive economic development strategy for south Fulton County.

Transferring his chairman’s gavel to Tim Williams, Vice President for Corporate Affairs for GreyStone Power Corporation, Davenport joked that he now possessed the most coveted of chamber positions, that of Immediate Past Chairman.

After presenting Davenport with a parting gift of appreciation, Williams went on to outline his goals for 2004. These included further development and implementation of the “Emerging South Fulton” program, reinstituting the Leadership South Fulton program, last done by the Chamber in the early ‘90s, and focusing on education improvements in south Fulton County. Williams also presented plans for the South Fulton and the Greater North Fulton Chambers of Commerce joint marketing campaign to promote Fulton County in its entirety to expanding and relocating businesses.

Politicians were out in force for the event, as well. U.S. Congressman and U.S. Senatorial Candidate Mac Collins and his wife, Julie, were guests, as was State Senator Kasim Reed, and State Representatives Sharon Beasley-Teague and Roger Bruce. Fulton County Commissioner William “Bill” Edwards and Fulton Chair Karen Handel, Mayors Patsy Jo Hilliard, East Point, and Ralph Moore, Union City and East Point Councilwoman Ann Douglas also attended. Fulton County Commissioner Robb Pitts sent representatives as did College Park Mayor Jack Longino.

Of course, what South Fulton Chamber annual meeting would be complete without a gift drawing? Winner of two round trip tickets on Delta Air Lines was Mona Williams (Shamrock Realty). Myrna White (Hartsfield-Jackson Airport) won the Valentine’s Day Lover’s Weekend package of dinner at Oscar’s Restaurant, weekend stay at the Sheraton-Gateway Hotel and usage of a new 2004 BMW, compliments of Hank Aaron BMW in Union City.

Winner of a $100 automotive detailing at Bigg Duke’s Automotive Detailing was Kimberly Barber (Clayton County Chamber of Commerce) and the lucky winner of a solace facial and dozen silk and satin roses, compliments of Sabbatical Day Care and Wellness Center, Webley Enterprises LLC and DesignerRose, was Mary Colbert of Lucent Technologies and Bill Davenport’s sister.