Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.....page 6
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Volume 19 Number 41
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Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed sworn in for second term ....page 5
january 11, 2014
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Looking for Study: City of Stonecrest is not viable a job? Alliance leader demands special election By Valerie J. Morgan
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By Joshua Smith
oodwill of North Georgia will host a community job fair on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Decatur Career Center, 1295 Columbia Drive, Decatur. “Putting people to work is a Goodwill mission that we are fully committed to,” said Mary Howard, manager of the career center. “Both salary and minimum wage jobs will be offered. We don’t have an age requirement. All hungry job seekers are welcomed.” Employers will conduct interviews at the job fair and will be recruiting for a wide range of jobs including sales positions, package handlers, switchboard operators, customer service positions, interpreters, hotel staff, cashiers, managers, cooks, security guards and correctional office positions. Participating employers include AARP, A.E.T.C., Inc., Allied Barton, Bobby Dodd, the Department of Juvenile Center, the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Lowes, Norred & Associates, UPS and Zaxby’s. Howard suggests that job seekers visit the Decatur center before the Jan. 15 fair to receive training and take advantage of everything the center has to offer to prepare for their job search. “We don’t want anyone to show up to the job fair unprepared. From social media and dressing for success to resume help, we can help get you ready for the job fair,” said Elaina Armstrong, director of Public Relations at Goodwill of North Georgia. “We can help you, even if you don’t have a resume. We also help you with questions you should ask employers. We really encourage job seekers to come to us and get fully prepared.” Armstrong said Goodwill has nine career centers in the state, including the Decatur center. Each center plans to hold at least one job fair monthly. Last year, eight of the centers held career fairs on the same day. Attendees should come to the job fair dressed in professional attire and be prepared to hand out copies of their resumes. To receive training or resume help prior to the Jan. 15 job fair, visit the Decatur career center on Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and on Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 1295 Columbia Drive. For more information, call 404-728-8600 or 404-420-1162.
he Stonecrest City Alliance, which had hoped to form its own city, has learned the area is not viable for incorporation. The University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government said in a 59-page feasibility study that incorporating the Stonecrest area would cost $45.4 million to operate annually compared to the $31.1 million the city would generate in revenues. The Stonecrest group was one of Jason Lary four to present cityhood proposals on Jan. 9 to the DeKalb Delegation, hoping to win support for a voter referendum in May. Stonecrest, however, was the only group that was not deemed viable. Briarcliff, Lakeside and Tucker got their feasibility studies back in December showing they would be able to generate the revenues needed to operate as cities. Now, however, the three groups are battling over Northlake Mall. All three want to include the mall within their proposed boundaries. The mall would generate more than $1 million annually in property values for the proposed cities. Meanwhile, Jason Lary, who heads the Stonecrest group, is gearing up to fight for leadership on another front. “We are in the toilet. We’re holding on to the rim of the bowl,” said Lary. “This study lets us know how badly we have been under-represented.” See Lary, page 5
The Stonecrest study area is comprised of 37.94 square miles. The area’s western boundary runs roughly along a line stretching from County Line Road along the Henry County border in the south to Rockbridge Road along the Gwinnett County border in the north. The study area excludes the existing city of Lithonia.
Stone Mountain mom receives outpouring of support for son killed in robbery attempt
Nichole Villafane
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Xavier Arnold
By Valerie J. Morgan
ichole Villafane found a little joy on her son’s birthday—the joy of knowing that he was a young man who touched many lives. Xavier Arnold, who had been an engineer in the Army National Guard reserves for three years, would have turned 22 on Jan. 8. Arnold was fatally shot walking with his girlfriend and his best friend along a bike trail in Atlanta’s Kirkwood community the day after Christmas. Arnold’s murder outraged the community because of the ages of the suspects involved in the violence. Police charged a 14-year-old boy, the suspected gunman, and a 22-year-old man, Qutravius Palmer, with murder and attempted robbery in connection with the shooting. James Arnold told reporters the fact that a 14-year-old was involved in the shooting made his son’s death even more disturbing. “I just don’t understand,” he said as he fought back tears. Arnold’s mother sought to make some sense of the shooting by confronting the 22-year-old suspect, demanding to know why he ordered the 14-year-old to shoot her son. Villafane confronted the suspect as he made his way in handcuffs with his head bowed to his first
court appearance. “I’m the mother who sat there and you told that 14-year-old to shoot my son in the head,” Villafane said. “Now that you sat and thought about it, was it worth it? Was it worth it?” Villafane said the ordeal has been tough for the whole family, but the calls, visits and prayers are helping them to cope. “It’s been amazing—the outpouring of support from his friends, the community, everyone,” said Villafane, who lives in Stone Mountain. “People have been sharing stories with me about how they have lived off of his words of encouragement, his big smile.“ After the shooting, the Kirkwood community showed its support by posting signs in their yard showing a black letter “X” on a yellow background. The “X,” short for Xavier, was Arnold’s nickname and to send a message that the community wants to stop violence. Workers from Villafane’s office sent over a catered dinner on Arnold’s birthday to remember him. Villanfane said her son was a 2010 graduate of Chamblee High School. He had moved home during Thanksgiving from Savannah, where he was enrolled in the Savannah College of Art and Design. He planned to attend classes at the Atlanta campus and spend more time with his 14-year-old brother, Villafane said. “His brother is suppressing what happened. His death has hit all of us,” Villanfane said. She said her son’s girlfriend, who was with him when he was shot, has cried a lot. She was shoved during the attack but was not seriously injured. The suspects demanded money, but Arnold had no money in his wallet and a cellphone that didn’t work. The suspects shot Arnold in the head and his friend in the leg. Both men were transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, but Arnold did not survive his injuries. “We’ve cried together. We’ve laughed together. It’s been one day at a time,” Villafane said of her son’s girlfriend. Palmer, who is being held in the DeKalb County Jail, is scheduled for a court hearing on Jan. 21.
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january 11, 2014
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Community News
January 11, 2014 Volume 19, NO. 41 EDITOR/Publisher Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com Staff Writer Joshua Smith joshsmith@ocgnews.com
Judge Nancy Bills
Advertising Manager Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com About Us
On Common Ground News is published twice a month on the 1st and 15th by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.
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Pastor Aldren Sadler offers words of encouragement to the latest graduates of Rockdale’s DUI Supervised Treatment Program.
Rockdale DUI graduation helps residents “turn the next chapter in life” By Joshua Smith
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hey’ve been through ups and downs. Whether it was unemployment, family issues or personal stress that led them to excess drinking in the past, graduates at the Jan. 8 Rockdale County DUI Supervised Treatment Program graduation ceremony are ready to move on from those trying times. “This is a milestone in your life. Life is like a book. Many times that book can
have many, many chapters. At this point, you are about ready to turn the page to the next chapter in life,” said keynote speaker Aldren Sadler, pastor of the Church of New Beginnings in Conyers. “This will be a slow, gradual, but rewarding process. Continue with your discipline that you used to get through this program. Make sure you set goals for yourself through this process. When you make those goals, reward yourself with something that’s not a drink and continue to use all your strength to move on.”
Tag officials remind car owners of “title tax” deadline By Valerie J. Morgan
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Norma Manning
he last day for eligible car owners in Georgia to opt in to the state’s new “title tax” is Feb. 28. Those who take advantage of the Title Ad Valorem Tax, or TAVT, will only pay the $20 tag fee to renew their registrations, far less than they paid under the annual “birthday” tax system. Those who purchased a vehicle from a dealership between Jan. 1, 2012 and March 1, 2013 are eligible to opt in to the TAVT system. Tag officials say whether a person should opt in depends on several factors, including the value of the car, how much tax they have already paid and how long they intend to keep the vehicle. “If a person is eligible to opt in, it is definitely something worth looking into,” said Rockdale Tax Commissioner RJ Hadley. “In most cases, the sales tax they’ve already paid covers any tax they may owe this year, and those citizens have only had to pay the $20 tag fee. Needless to say, we’ve had some very happy people leave our office.” Under House Bill 386, which became effective March 2013, car owners will pay a one-time title ad valorem tax on newlypurchased vehicles. In 2013, the ad valorem tax was 6.5 percent of the value of the vehicle. This year’s ad valorem tax is 6.75 percent of the value. The dealership pays the title tax on behalf of the buyer, or the buyer pays the tax office directly if the purchase is made from an individual. The cost to renew thereafter is $20. Those who have vehicles they’ve owned for years are ineligible for the title tax system. They will continue paying the annual “birthday tax” until they buy another car. Once they purchase another car, they will be eligible for the title tax system.
Here’s Help: Eligible car buyers who opt in to the title tax system need: • An original bill of sale and valid Georgia Driver’s License or Georgia Identification Card. The vehicle owner must be present to opt in. • If you purchase a vehicle from a dealer, the dealer is required to pay the title tax to the tag agent in the county where you reside. If you purchase a vehicle from an individual, the title tax is due when you apply for a title in your name. The new title tax is not due every year but each time the vehicle is sold and titled. • For new vehicles, the title tax is based on the sales price. • For used vehicles, the title tax is based on the fair market value. • If you moved to Georgia and purchased a vehicle within the opt-in eligibility period (January 1, 2012 February 28, 2013) and the vehicle title was transferred to Georgia during this period, you can opt in. All ad valorem taxes must be paid prior to opting-in. • All other existing annual vehicle registration requirements, including annual tag renewal fees, decals and emission tests (if applicable), remain in effect for all vehicle owners. The Georgia Department of Revenue has an online calculator at www.newtitletax.com that can help residents decide what option is best. For more information, visit your tax commissioner’s office.
Norma Manning, a previous graduate of the program, joined Sadler in encouraging the six graduates at the program’s 10th graduation ceremony. “This program really saved my life. It’s only by the grace of God and this DUI program that I am here today,” said Manning as she fought back tears. Manning was arrested for three DUIs in 2010. Manning now works with the program to help graduates stay sober. “Trust me. Everyday, with every step, it gets a little easier. I have been sober three years and three and a half months today. Embrace this program for the salvation that it is and if things ever get too tough remember, we are always here for you.” Rockdale’s DUI program has had 72 successful graduates since it was launched in 2007. Rockdale County’s State Court Judge Nancy Bills oversees the program and says Sheriff’s deputies routinely
visit program participants to collect urine samples, as well as conduct breath and saliva testing in order to make sure participants are on the right path to recovery. “Surveillance is a big part of the program. Our staff works together, hands on, in a collaborative approach to comprehensively treat, motivate and rehabilitate participants,” said Bills. “ We also have an alumni association here to help our graduates to stay on the right road.” Bills said while the program has a minimum of 12 months, she said it usually takes about 18 to 24 months to complete because most people who come into court have at least a 24-month probation. The program is voluntary and participants do pay a fee to join. For more information about the Rockdale County DUI Court Supervised Treatment program, call 770278-7720 or email duicourt@ rockdalecounty.org.
Pictured L-R: Husnia Kemale, Iman Ali, Candace Conaway, Noah Jackson, Rita Bahta and Sheneka Kirlew.
Gateway allows high school students to graduate with college degree DECATUR—The Gateway to Graduation Academy held commencement exercises recently for six of its students who attended high school and college simultaneously. Gateway, a unique collaboration between Georgia Perimeter College and DeKalb Public Schools, re-channels high school dropouts and other students who aren’t thriving in traditional high schools. The program offers them a chance to attain a high school diploma and accrue college credit at the same time.
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january 11, 2014
Coming Up
Atlanta
Free concert at DeKalb’s Porter Sanford Jazz artist Francine Reed and the “Jez Graham Trio” will perform a free concert at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, on Sunday, Jan. 12, 3 p.m. Organizers say Reed will bring to the stage an eclectic blend of jazz, blues, and R&B. She has performed as the opening act for headliners such as Miles Davis, Etta James and Smokey Robinson. Reed was nominated for the W.C. Handy Award, Blues Song of the Year and Soul/Blues Female Artist of the year in 1997. The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra will accompany Reed for the performance. DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May, the County Board of Commissioners and DeKalb deaprtments parks and cultural affairs and convention and visitors bureau, is sponsoring the event. 678-891-3565.
DeKalb Healthcare enrollment forum rescheduled in Scottdale State Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) and DeKalb County Commissioner Kathie Gannon will host an Affordable Care Act enrollment event on Jan. 21, 6 - 8:30 p.m., at Robert Shaw Elementary School, 385 Glendale Road, Scottdale. The event was rescheduled due to inclement weather. Health insurance enrollees should bring their Social Security Numbers, employer and income information, policy numbers for any current health insurance plans and completed employer coverage tools, which are available at www.healthcare. gov. Licensed navigators will be available to assist with enrollment.
Library’s senior advisory board recruiting members Senior Advisory Board is recruiting members on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur. Become a member of the DeKalb County Public Library Senior Advisory Board and assist in planning programs for and about seniors. The Senior Advisory Board is your opportunity to be heard. For more information, call 404-370-8450, ext. 2257.
Traveling Abroad 101 class set Are you interested in traveling to foreign countries, but don’t want to go with a tour group? Attend the Independent Foreign Travel workshop on Saturday, Jan. 25, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Redan-Trotti Library, 1569 Wellborn Road, Lithonia. Learn some of the basics of planning and taking a trip: which guidebooks are useful, good websites to browse, what to pack, what luggage to use and more. New and experienced travelers are welcome. For more information, call 770-482-3821.
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Annual Trumpet awards set The 22nd Annual Trumpet Awards returns to the city on Saturday, Jan. 25, 4 p.m. at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. The 22nd Annual Trumpet Awards black-tie ceremony will be hosted by Melissa De Sousa, known for her performances in The Best Man, The Best Man Holiday, and The Ron Clark Story; and Laz Alonso, known for his starring performances in Fast and the Furious and Jump the Broom. The Red Carpet ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. and the awards show begins at 4 p.m. Other events leading up to the awards ceremony include a prayer breakfast, on Thursday, Jan. 23, 8:30 a.m. The breakfast will be followed by a “High Tea with High Heels,” at 12:30 p.m. Events conclude on that day with the “Race Relations Symposium” at 6 p.m. The awards will also host a “Civil Rights Walk of Fame” ceremony on Friday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, National Park Service, 450 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta. Admission tickets vary for the awards program. Most events preceding the awards program are free. For more information or to register, call 404-878-6738.
Gwinnett “Reading with Ringling Brothers” comes to Grayson The Gwinnett County Public Library System’s Grayson branch, 700 Grayson Parkway, Grayson, will host “Reading with Ringling Brothers,” on Friday, Jan. 17, 10:30 a.m. Library staff is inviting the community to join them for a “zany” story time featuring clowns from the circus. The clowns are often referred to as the “Ambassadors of Laughter” clowns. Hear a story and watch magic happen when you read with your imagination. 770-978-5154.
Rockdale CEO Richard Oden to deliver 2014 State of the County Rockdale County Chairman and CEO Richard A. Oden will deliver the State of the County address on Thursday, Jan.16, at 6:30 p.m. in the Rockdale County Auditorium, 903 Main St., Conyers. The public is welcome to attend this free event. With the theme, “Continuing to Move Forward by Uniting, Building and Energizing,” city officials say Chairman Oden will review successes Rockdale achieved this year, as well as share his plans and goals for Rockdale in 2014. Much of what CEO Oden will cover will be outlined in an illustrative booklet he will provide to the audience as part of the event to reference throughout the year. The winner of the Charles P. Cole Citizen Involvement Award will be announced at the event as well.
january 11, 2014 PAGE 5
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed sworn in for second term
K
asim Reed was sworn into office Monday, Jan. 6, to serve his second term as the 59th Mayor of the City of Atlanta. At the ceremony, Reed delivered his second inaugural address emphasizing his commitment to public safety, infrastructure improvements and a comprehensive plan to support Atlanta’s youth. The inauguration ceremony, attended by more than 500 residents and dignitaries, took place at the Atlanta Civic Center. “I am honored to have the privilege of serving the people of Atlanta for a second term,” said Reed. “People have always believed in Atlanta as a place where anything is possible, and our challenge is to continue to create a place where families and innovators and entrepreneurs actually come to make those dreams a reality. With the help
of our partners on the Atlanta City Council, we will continue to move our city forward.” Reed also pledged to work with the Atlanta School Board and Superintendent, issuing the “Atlanta Challenge,” saying “we should make it our goal that in this decade that any child who graduates from an Atlanta Public School with the grades to go to college should not be denied the opportunity to go because they can’t afford it.” Reed also announced his goal to retain 75 percent of tech graduates in order to invest in Atlanta’s reputation as the technology hub of the southeast. Reed highlighted major accomplishments of his first four years in office, which included: •C losing a $48 million dollar budget gap in one year and growing city reserves from $7.4 million to more
than $127 million; • Passing a comprehensive pension reform that will save the city $500 million over the next 30 years; • Balancing four consecutive budgets without raising property taxes; • Reducing the crime rate by 18 percent over the past four years; • Hiring more than 800 police officers to bring the current police force to 2,000 officers; • Re-opening the city’s 33 recreation centers and opened 10 Centers of Hope. “Over the next four years, I believe we have the opportunity to address some of our city’s most pressing issues,” said Mayor Reed. “The challenges we need to solve are no less complex than the requirements of our past, but overcoming them is required to achieve our success as a city and a region.”
Clarkston swears in new mayor, celebrates world of cultures
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By Joshua Smith
he City of Clarkston, a cultural melting pot, celebrated the Jan. 7 inauguration of its new mayor, Ted Terry, in a way that only Clarkston could. The city, located about 10 miles east of Atlanta, is populated with refugees representing 50 countries. So it was fitting that Clarkston marked Terry’s inauguration with an Asian song by Pan Ei San; a traditional Zulu dance and djembe drum performance by “Aviva and Simon;” a Sunkoshi dance by members of the Bhutanese Artists of Georgia; an acoustic guitar performance by Diane Durrett and a bongo drum performance by Fred Kelly and Mark Poret. More than 100 people braved 6-degree weather that night to pack the Clarkston Community Center to congratulate Terry on his new position. After dancing with Somalian Clarkston refugees and other supporters, Terry took to the stage to address the crowd as the official mayor of Clarkston. “Clarkston is a city like no other. We boast an amazing array of diverse cultures, businesses and people. We are a neighborly city, and we know that in order to create the best community we can, we need to work together,” said Terry, who danced with his fiancé, Andrea Cervone. “To the citizens, residents and new Americans here in Clarkston, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you.” Terry also took the time to retire his shoes—a red pair of tennis shoes that are coming a part at the seams. He wore the shoes to knock on more than 1,000
Clarkston’s inaugural ceremony celebrated cultures from around the world and included an African drum performance by Fred Kelly and Mark Poret and a traditional Sunkoshi performance from members of the Bhutanese Artists of Georgia.
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
Mayor Ted Terry (center) is sworn into his new office by Judge Stephen Nicholas with his fiancé, Andrea Cervone, by his side.
doors during a successful grassroots campaign. As Terry relentlessly pounded the pavement, he also communicated his campaign on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. “I was inspired and motivated by the folks I met everyday. Whether it was the young kid in the Casa Woods neighborhood who wanted help printing up fliers for his lawn mowing service, or the newly-arrived Bhutanese mother at Clarkston Station Apartments who just wanted to have a cup of sweet coffee and practice her English with the next Mayor. I found a spirit of relentless optimism in our town,” said Terry, who was sworn into his new office by
Municipal Court of Clarkston Judge Stephen Nicholas. “It doesn’t matter if you have lived here for 45 years or newly arrived from a far off land 45 days ago. All are welcome in our city.” People in attendance said they are excited to see Terry govern the city of about 8,000 people. “Ted really understands the issues Clarkston is facing. He wants to build a better Clarkston to eat, live, work and play in. He wants what we all want,” said Clarkston resident Betty Ann Cook, who supported Terry on the campaign trail and along with Rupert Fike, shared some original poems at the inauguration celebration. “Ted handles the diversity
Lary says Alliance will revisit Stonecrest study continued from page 1
Lary has submitted a letter to Gov. Nathan Deal demanding a special election to fill the Commission District 5 seat vacated by Lee May, who was appointed last July as Interim DeKalb CEO. The governor made the appointment after suspending Burrell Ellis, who was indicted on corruption charges. May could not be reached for comment at the newspaper’s deadline, but he has said in the past that his constituents are being served by the Super District seat held by Commissioner Stan Watson, who represents half of the county. District 5 falls within the half Watson represents. State Rep. Dar’Shun Kendrick, who is an attorney, said the special election may be a matter for the Attorney General to consider. “The governor can’t just call a special election. Some legal scholars are of the opinion that the DeKalb County charter allows him (May) to serve in a dual role,” said Kendrick. Lary, however, said he doesn’t think it’s right that the seat remain unfilled indefinitely. “The bottom line is our area is without representation right now, and we have had problems
that have built up over a number of years that must be fixed,” said Lary, pointing to declining property values in the Stonecrest area and the growing demand for police protection. According to the Stonecrest study, the high number of 9-1-1 police calls in the study area is costly. The study shows that DeKalb handled 573,547 calls placed to 9-1-1 for police services in 2012. The study projected the Stonecrest area’s share of those calls would be between 50,000 and 75,000 annually. “The way we drew the area is too big and would require a lot more police to handle all of those calls,” Lary said. “We learned that bigger is not necessarily better.” The Alliance, Lary said plans to look at reducing the size of the proposed cityhood area from 82,000 to 48,000 residents and apply for another study. “Obviously, a new study is not going to be completed in time for this Legislative session. That’s why we need the Special Election for the Board of Commissioners to get some representation for our area,” Lary said.
in Clarkston really well and we can’t wait to see him working for Clarkston in his new title as mayor.” The inauguration was well attended by elected officials as well. Some elected officials in attendance included DeKalb County Sheriff Thomas Brown, State Representatives DarShun Kendrick and Karla Drener, State Senator Steve Henson, DeKalb County State Court Judge Dax Lopez and DeKalb County Commissioners Kathie Gannon and Sharon Barnes Sutton. The Clarkston planning and Zoning meeting will be held Jan. 21, 7 p.m., at Clarkston City Hall, 3921 Church St., Clarkston. 404-296-6489.
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january 11, 2014
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. T
he 2014 King Holiday Observance will mark the 85th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the 28th Anniversary of the National Holiday in his honor. Several events are planned throughout the metro Atlanta area to celebrate and demonstrate the spirit of the slain civil rights leader. Here’s a roundup of some of the activities planned:
ATLANTA
King Center sets Salute to Greatness Dinner in memory of King The King Center will host the 2014 Salute to Greatness Award Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m. in the Hyatt Regency Atlanta’s Centennial Ballroom, 265 Peachtree Street, N.E, Atlanta. The Salute to Greatness Award is presented during the Annual Salute to Greatness Awards Dinner to outstanding individuals and organizations. The award recognizes national and/or international individuals and organizations that exemplify a commitment to the principles and philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Salute to Greatness Award was established and awarded for the first time in 1983 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Muhammad Ali, world famous boxer and philanthropist, will be honored at this year’s event.. For more information on tickets for the awards dinner, call 404-526-8900.
Piedmont Park accepting registrations for King “Drum Run” The City of Atlanta and Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive, N.E., Atlanta, will host a MLK Day 5K on Monday, Jan. 20, 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. The 5K will be held to celebrate MLK Day in the spirit of fellowship and fitness. You can walk or run the 5K. Local high school drummers will play to encourage participants. “If you’ve played on a football team or a sport you might be used to it, but most runners have never had a drum line behind them boosting them,” said event organizer Chip Owens. “We have about 300 high school drummers signed up so far. Drummers will keep the beat as your feet hit the street. We also plan to have a post race party immediately after the race.” For more information or if you would like to include your school’s drum section in the run, call Chip Owens at 404-889-1142 or email chipowens48@ hotmail.com. Registration to run is $25. You can register at any Big Peach Running Company location or online at www.active.com.
Emory invites all to help with “Day On” Emory University students and staff are inviting residents in metro Atlanta to celebrate the King holiday with “Emory’s Day On,” on Monday, Jan. 20. The project will be at more than 15 locations across Atlanta. Some service projects include the Clyde Shepard Nature Preserve, where volunteers are needed to plant native plants and provide general maintenance; the Historic Oakland Foundation, where volunteers are needed to do gardening and planting; and the Gateway Center, where volunteers are needed to paint and beautify the surrounding streets. For more information or if you would to register to volunteer, contact Daniel Kuzmanovich at dkuzman@emory.edu.
Ebenezer to host commemorative service The Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service will be held on Monday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 407 Auburn Avenue, N.E., Atlanta. The ecumenical service, which is open to the public, is the spiritual hallmark of the King Holiday Observance in Georgia. Members of various religious traditions, and state, national and international governments will participate. The keynote speaker will be Rev. Raphael G. Warnock, Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Warnock became pastor in 2005. The church was originally founded in 1886 during the Reconstruction Era. Rev Martin Luther King, Jr. his father, Martin Luther King, Sr. and Martin’s brother, Alfred Daniel “A.D.” Williams King, have all pastored the church. Seating is limited. Early arrival is suggested.
Bishop Paul S. Morton to keynote Ben Hill UMC MLK Day program
Bishop Paul S. Morton will be the keynote speaker for the Ben Hill United Methodist Church Martin Luther King Day Program on Monday, Jan. 20, at 10 a.m. “Continuing the Legacy of Faith, Hope, and Love” (1 Corinthians 13:13) is the theme of the annual MLK program that will be held in the Ben Hill UMC Sanctuary at 2099 Fairburn Rd SW Atlanta 30331. The public is invited to attend. Bishop Morton, senior pastor of Changing a Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church, is an anointed singer with six Stellar Awards to his credit. He was recently nominated for a 2014 Grammy Award. He is the founding President of
the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship International. Born in Ontario, Canada, he relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana in 1972. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Bishop Morton relocated to Atlanta to open his current church. He co-pastors with his wife, Debra Morton, the Greater St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church in New Orleans, a church where he was senior pastor for 33 years. The Ben Hill Visual Arts Ministry will host “MLK Freedom Café” an evening of art, spoken word on Saturday, Jan. 18, 5-8 p.m., in the church Fellowship Hall. The suggested donation is $5 per person. Light refreshments will be served. The Visual Arts Ministry’s MLK Artist Showcase will continue through Monday, Jan. 20, with the art gallery on display in he Ben Hill United Methodist Church fellowship hall.
DEKALB
DeKalb CSB registering volunteers for MLK Jr. Day of Service The DeKalb County Service Board is accepting registration for the MLK Jr. Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at different sites in Tucker and Lithonia. DeKalb CSB will have three sites for volunteer projects that include painting and landscaping. Come and help out as an individual or get a group together from your job, neighborhood, civic group or place of worship. “Make it a day on, not a day off.” In Tucker, volunteers will assemble benches and picnic tables, rake mulch, plant flowers, as well as clean up and paint the inside of a developmental disability group home. In Lithonia, volunteers will do the same types of tasks at an area group home. The minimum age to volunteer is 18. If you would like to sign up for a project, email info@dekcsb.org or call 404-508-7875.
NAACP ready for annual King Parade The DeKalb County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will host the group’s 12th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Rally,” on Monday, Jan. 20, 10:30 a.m. at Green Pastures Christian Ministries Inc., 5455 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. The NAACP’s annual event honors the late civil rights activist, who fought to end racial segregation and discrimination. “This is a great opportunity to celebrate the ideals of a leader in the 1960s civil rights movement,” said Sarah Copelin-Wood, chair of the group’s parade and rally committee. “We are encouraging everyone to participate and/or attend our annual celebration of one of the world’s greatest heroes.” The parade kicks off from the parking lot of Green Pastures Christian Ministries. Participants will march from Green Pastures Christian Ministries to MLK Jr. High School, 3991 Snapfinger Road, Lithonia. The annual rally will be held at the school immediately after the parade. Some of the school marching bands that have already signed up for the parade include the MLK Lions, the Stone Mountain Pirates, the Towers Titans, and the Ronald E. McNair Mustangs. For more information, contact Sarah Copelin-Wood at 404-371-1490 or schoolsandcommunity@yahoo.com.
New Bethel to present 13th Annual MLK Drum Major Awards Pastor Richard Allen Washington, Sr. and the New Bethel A.M.E. Church, 8350 Rockdbridge Road, Lithonia will celebrate its 13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award Celebration on Monday, Jan. 20, 2 p.m. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Continuing the Dream: The Fight for Justice.” The keynote speaker for the celebration will be State Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan, District 39. The Drum Major Award will be presented to Stephen Green, National Youth & College Director for the Empowerment Movement. The New Bethel Pillar of Strength awardees are the Rev. Jonathan and Mrs. Michele Williams, for their many years of service to the New Bethel Church. The Ruby Bridges Dreamer awardee is Crystal A. Nurse, leader of the Youth Liturgical Dance Group. The Community Service Honoree is Michael Thurmond, Superintendent of the DeKalb County Public School System, along with special recognition also will be given to the educators who are members of New Bethel. The guest choir is Shiloh High School Concert Choir. The annual celebration acknowledges the work and life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., along with recognizing unsung foot soldiers in the local community who continue to carry the torch and fulfill the dream. This event is sponsored by the Lay Organization of New Bethel AME Church. The president is Judy Fultz and Zelma Smith is the chairperson of the MLK Planning Committee. The event is free and open to the community. For more information or directions, contact the church at 770-484-3350 or visit www.newbethelame.org.
january 11, 2014 PAGE 7
GWINNETT
United Ebony Society ready for Annual MLK Day Parade The United Ebony Society of Gwinnett County, Inc. will host its 14th Annual MLK Day Parade on Monday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan Street, Lawrenceville. The theme of the parade is “Strengthening our Community, Nation and World.” Organizers say the parade will remind participants of the importance of knowledge, empowerment and wellness. The parade concludes at Moore Middle School, 1221 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville. A free health fair will take place at Moore Middle School. Free health screenings and information will be provided such as heart disease, stroke, blood pressure, breast cancer, domestic violence awareness, vision and dental screenings, help for the homeless, sickle cell, and the Affordable Healthcare Act. 678227-3190.
Deltas to conduct roadside cleanup The Gwinnett County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta is hosting a community roadside cleanup on Monday, Jan. 20, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Breakfast will be provided to volunteers from 8 – 8:30 a.m. The sorority will conduct the cleanup at 1404 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, Lawrenceville. A voter registration drive also will be held. The minimum age to volunteer is 16. If you would like to volunteer or need a community service letter, contact Dr. Saye Floyd at secondvp@ gwinnettdst.org or call 770-367-3122.
ROCKDALE
AKA’s to assist health center on King Day
“I HAVE A __________” How you fill in the blank is up to you. Because Dr. King had a dream, our options are infinite. There’s no greater testament to his life and work, than using this holiday to pursue them. Please visit our Facebook page to view pictures of community service projects posted by Georgia Power, or to upload your own. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
The Chi Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha will be improving the appearance of the Westbury Health and Rehabilitation Center, 1420 Milstead Road, N.E., Conyers on Monday, Jan. 20, 10:30 a.m. Members of the sorority will assist center staff, as well as provide beautification at the center. You can also talk to and meet patients. If you would like to assist the group in the service project, call 678-6580252.
Rockdale Chamber, NAACP set benefit breakfast The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and the Rockdale branch of the NAACP will co-host a benefit breakfast on Monday, Jan. 20, commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event will be held at 7:45 a.m. at Longhorn Steakhouse, located on Iris Drive near I-20 and West Avenue. The keynote speaker for the event will be the Douglas R. Hooker, executive director of the Atlanta Regional Commission. “We are excited about this year’s celebration and expecting a large turnout,” said Fred Boscarino, president of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce. “This is our ninth year hosting the event with the Rockdale NAACP, and it has become a community tradition for many of our residents and business owners who want to appropriately observe MLK Day and honor this great American.” The cost to attend the breakfast is $10. Limited seating will be available for those who want to attend the program but do not want to purchase breakfast. Proceeds will benefit the local branch of the United Way. Advanced tickets may be purchased from the Chamber of Commerce, located at 936 Green St., S.W., Conyers. 770-483-7049.
georgiapower.com
PAGE 8
january 11, 2014
Ellis attorneys’ new motion: D.A. on “unrestrained witch hunt”
Burrell Ellis
Robert James
Lee May
By Valerie J. Morgan
Attorneys for suspended DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis filed motions Jan. 9 requesting that the District Attorney’s Office dismiss the indictment against him and the case be referred to the Georgia Attorney General’s Office. The 22-page document outlines new information described as “profoundly disturbing” actions by
District Attorney Robert James “on an unrestrained witch hunt” to remove Ellis from office. The document accuses prosecutors of using Kelvin Walton, the county’s purchasing director, to secretly videotape Ellis with a “super spy” wristwatch and spy writing pen. “District Attorney James directed that Walton wear his super spy video watch recorder to meetings with CEO Ellis in non-public areas and unlawfully captured video images of CEO Ellis without CEO Ellis’ knowledge or consent and without a court order,” the motion says. Lee May, who was on the DeKalb Board of Commissioners at the time, is accused of winning approval from the board for $150,000 from the county’s operating budget to buy the spy ware the DA used in its investigation. May could not be reached for comment about the new motion. Erik Burton, a spokesman for the District
Attorney’s Office, said James will not comment on the pending court case. Ellis’ attorneys, Craig A. Gillen and Dwight Thomas, also declined to comment, other than to say they are preparing for DeKalb Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson to hear several motions, including the new one, on Jan. 23 and Jan. 24. Ellis was indicted last June on 14 felonies including extortion, conspiracy and theft for using county workers during work hours to solicit campaign contributions. Ellis allegedly threatened to withhold contracts from county vendors who did not donate to his political campaign. Ellis’ attorneys have said the DA did the same thing. They accused James and May of using county workers to solicit contributions from a list of county vendors to host a senior ball on June 8, 2013. James and Lee jointly hosted the event at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta hotel. The ball was funded with $25,500 in contributions from the county’s list of vendors.
Walk by Faith More than 50 people bundled up from head to toe and came together to walk in the cold weather and raise food for the hungry at the third annual Walk By Faith event in Conyers. The Jan. 4 walk drew churches, government officials, non-profits and local residents. The 1.1 mile-walk started at the Salem Gate Plaza parking lot in Conyers and concluded at Springfield Baptist Church. Rockdale County Chairman Richard Oden, County Commissioner JaNice Van Ness, Pastor Eric W. Lee of Springfield Baptist Church, Rockdale Sheriff Eric Levett and Pastor Aldren Sadler of the Church of New Beginnings, were among the Rockdale participants in the walk. Oden said he organized the first walk in 2008 with a group of concerned citizens. The annual walk benefits the Rockdale Emergency Relief food bank. Participants brought both, dry and canned goods to the event. The Ray Davis Middle School marching band played music while leading the walk to Springfield. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
DeKalb School Board retains Johnson, McMahan as chairs District expects positive SACS report this month By Valerie J. Morgan
Dr. Melvin Johnson, District 6, and James “Jim” McMahan, District 4, will continue serving respectively as chair and vice chair of the DeKalb County School Board. For the past year, both men have guided the reconstituted board, which includes six new Governor appointees. The nine-member board held elections for the chairs during its first meeting of 2014 on Jan. 6. “I believe that we have provided good leadership. We plan to continue doing that,” Johnson said with regard to his and McMahan’s reappointments. Johnson said the board expects this month to receive positive news from the school district’s accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The agency, which placed the district on probation in December 2012, gave the district one year to change its course. The district was placed on
probation after SACS released a scathing report outlining a number of problems including financial mismanagement, nepotism and the board’s inability to get along. Last year, Gov. Nathan Deal removed six board members— those serving the longest—and appointed new members to replace them. Former Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond also was hired as interim schools chief after Cheryl Atkinson resigned as superintendent a year and a half early in the midst of the SACS turmoil. In October 2013, Thurmond was officially elected by the school board as superintendent to serve through 2015. Under Thurmond’s leadership, the district has addressed SACS’ concerns and taken steps for completing a strategic plan that will be implemented to complete reaccreditation. The SACS review team visited the district in December to check on the district’s progress. “We anticipate that the report will be positive to the degree that we will not be on probation,” Johnson said. “We have exceeded most of the actions they asked us to review and implement.”
Georgia benefits recipients can now check notices online ATLANTA - Families receiving food stamps, Medicaid, and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) can now view notices regarding their benefits online by logging in to their “My COMPASS” accounts. The online service is aimed at increasing the level of access families have to the status of their benefits and keep them informed of any information necessary to complete the renewal of their benefits. Through the “View My Notices” tab on www.compass.ga.gov, families are now able to view their last 10 notices in PDF format online. The “View My Notices” option on Compass is the latest enhancement to online services for Department of Family and Children’s Services clients. Future enhancements will allow clients to opt to receive electronic updates on the status of their accounts. In addition to the new accessibility options, individuals can also use the Compass website to apply for benefits, submit renewal applications, check the status of their benefits and report changes to their accounts. For more information on the View My Notices feature, visit www.compass.ga.gov.
january 11, 2014 PAGE 9 To Contact Us
By Phone: 678-526-1910 By Fax: 678-526-1909 By E-mail: editor@ocgnews.com Visit Online: www.ocgnews.com
Business News
Georgia Labor Commissioner
Lack of ‘soft skills’ hurting job seekers Watch what you tweet, post on Facebook By Joshua Smith
CONYERS—Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said job seekers aren’t getting the jobs these days because they don’t exist. He said they’re not winning the nod of approval from employers because they lack “soft skills.” Butler said the lack of “soft skills”—dressing appropriately, showing up on time, using time wisely, getting along with co-workers and making appropriate posts on social media—are stopping job hopefuls from getting in the door and hindering new hires. “We might have referred to them as common sense or just being brought up right, but now they are considered soft skills,” said Butler. “We did a study that showed us about 67 percent of employers said because of a lack of soft skills, or the lack of the ability to express their technical skills, job seekers never got past the first interview.” Butler made his remarks as the keynote speaker at a luncheon hosted by the DeKalb-Rockdale Employer Committee on Jan. 8 at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library in Conyers. The meeting had to be held at the
Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler tells attendees how to grow jobs in the state on Jan. 8 in Conyers.
library after the cold weather caused the water pipes to burst at the original meeting place, the Rockdale Democratic Party office on Parker Road. While guests avoided the mess, they didn’t escape the cold. The heat malfunctioned at the library and people had to sit through the meeting bundled in their coats, scarves and gloves. Butler took advantage of the chilly weather with his own icebreaker. “They wanted me to speak behind the podium, but I’m going to walk around to get more personal and to try to stay warm,” Butler said jokingly. Butler told the audience of about 30 business and community leaders that it’s a different job world today. “Georgia has changed a lot since the beginning of the recession until now. The kind of companies that we have
here and the kinds we are attracting now need a totally different set of talents than what Georgia’s old employers needed,” he said. “Job seekers need to know about the importance of machine mechanics, information technology and advanced technology manufacturing, as some IT and computer programming jobs are returning to the U.S. from overseas.” Butler said the Georgia Department of Labor is utilizing its Special Workforce Assistance Team (SWAT) to tackle high unemployment. SWAT hosts skill-building workshops through local nonprofits and colleges. The program helps job seekers learn how to market themselves through resumes, social media and in-person interviews, navigate job fairs and even find grants to go back to school for more training.
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
Butler, who has worked with his family’s small business in Carrolton as a real estate appraiser for more than 20 years, said he is committed to promoting business growth and development across Georgia. He issued a clarion call to small business owners to get involved with the Department of Labor’s Georgia BEST Program (Business Ethics Student Training). Georgia BEST is a high school program that trains students before they hit the workforce. In the program, students write resumes, build portfolios, do mock interviews and get internships, Butler said. The program is now in more than 190 schools, and businesses are asking for a similar program for professional workplaces. The Georgia Department of Labor can be reached at 404-232-3540 or by visiting www.dol.state.ga.us.
Chamber offers vacations in China, Germany, Australia and Azores Islands
T
here’s still time to sign up to travel to the Far East with the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce in April. This will be the Chamber’s fourth excursion to China. Registrations are under way now and end on Monday, Jan. 13. Final payments must be made in total by Monday, Feb. 3. The organization is encouraging anyone who wants to go—even those who live outside of Rockdale—to sign up, said Chamber President Fred Boscarino. Last year, travelers from Georgia, New York, New Jersey and even California took the trip with the Chamber. DeKalb County resident Harold Roberts was one who made the trip. Roberts had traveled to Asia before, but the circumstances were much different. Roberts said China’s sightseeing and shopping was phenomenal. “I fought in the Vietnam war in 1971. Before our trip, I hadn’t seen Vietnam, Thailand or the Far East since then. When I saw the opportunity in the paper (On Common Ground News) to visit China for such an unbeatable price, I jumped on it,” said Roberts, who served in the U.S. Army as a transportation officer. “I would encourage anyone to go, especially with the Chamber. They had people in the perfect position to assist us and guide us through the trip.” The organization is making the nine-day trip available through steeply discounted rates it receives as a Chamber. The trip, scheduled April 7 – 15, includes round-trip airfare from JFK in New York, five-star hotels, lunch and dinner on select days and tours with English-speaking guides. The cost is
$2,649 per person, double occupancy. Single rooms are available for an additional $495. You’ll even get the chance to get up close and personal with the famous Terracotta Warriors and the 4,000-mile long, 2,000-year-old Great Wall of China. Boscarino describes China as “the trip of a lifetime.” “We always have a big beautiful group that travels with us, usually 60 or more people. This really is a great way to take an international vacation,” said Boscarino. “There will be planned activities and plenty of free time for sightseeing and shopping. The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber also is traveling to Austria and Germany, which features Oktoberfest, Sept. 19 – 27. The nine-day trip, at a cost of $3,049 per person, showcases more than 160 restaurants, cafes and bars, offering traditional Tyrolean and other specialties, as well as international dishes. Travelers will also visit the world famous Oktoberfest. The Chamber has planned a trip to the South Pacific, in particular, Australia and New Zealand with an option of visiting Fiji, Oct. 13 – Oct. 27. The 15-day trip, at a cost of $6,499, includes sights such as the Great
Barrier Reef, Sydney and the Mount Cook National Park. The Chamber’s final trip will be to the Azores Islands, Nov. 4 – 11. The eight-day trip, at a cost of $2,249, features stunning vistas and blue lakes bordered by flowers and dazzling views
of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as great indigenous food specialties. All trips include round trip airfare out of Atlanta. For more information on China or the other trips, call the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce at 770-483-7049.
PAGE 10
january 11, 2014
BUSINESS calendar
SDBA sets scholarship appreciation breakfast The South DeKalb Business Association will host its Scholarship Appreciation Breakfast on Thursday, Jan. 30, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at the Conference Center at Georgia Piedmont College, 495 N. Indian Creek Road, Clarkston. The purpose of this event is to assist in the growth and sustainability of students at Georgia Piedmont College by providing scholarships. The organization will also recognize businesses, corporations, government entities and individuals who have been instrumental in assisting the SDBA. Individual tickets are $35. For sponsorship and other information, call: 678-743-5032 or 404-642-8168 or e-mail SDBA President Loylene JeffersonShaw: Info@SDBA-inc.org.
Gwinnett Chamber hosts ‘Business After Hours’ for relaxed networking The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, and the 1818 Club, will host “Business After Hours” on Thursday, Jan. 16, 5 – 7 p.m. One of Gwinnett’s largest monthly networking events, the After Hours gathering provides a way to meet new people, gather business leads and network with more than 300 Chamber members in a relaxed, after-work setting. The cost to attend is $15. Participants meet on the third floor. Contact Kim Jones at 770-232-8805 or kim@gwinnettchamber.org for more information or to register.
GAACC wrapping up registration for annual prayer breakfast Registration is still open for the Georgia African-American Chamber of Commerce’s 16th Annual Legislative Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 18, 8:30 a.m., at the Marriott Courtyard Decatur Conference Center, 130 Clairemont Ave., Decatur. Held annually on the Saturday before the opening of the Georgia General Assembly, the GAACC breakfast brings together Georgia’s political, business and civic leaders for a report on business opportunities in the state, as well as a legislative update and business retention strategies. This year’s breakfast also will honor Theresa Walker, GAACC’s late co-founder and previous executive director. Keynote speakers at the breakfast will be Gov. Nathan Deal, two-time Emmy nominated Judge Glenda A. Hatchett and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. Some invited guests include Congressmen Hank Johnson and David Scott, DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May and DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson. The cost to attend is $50. For more information or to register, call 770-8270947 or visit http://gablackchamber.org.
Dunwoody Chamber welcomes Ruth King for “Kick Up Your Heels & Connect” The Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce will welcome Ruth King, Atlanta entrepreneur and profitability master, on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at McKendrick’s Steak House, 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. King, a seasoned entrepreneur, will explain how to become and stay profitable in less than 30 minutes a month—a system she has developed for her nationwide clients. King has been using this system for the past 30 years. Her mission is to ensure that all business owners understand profitability, which is the key to success. The cost to attend is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Ruth King Admission includes lunch and a beverage. Brining business cards is suggested. For more information or to register, call 678-244-9700.
May to deliver State of the County address DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May will present his outlook for 2014 during the State of the County Address for business leaders on Thursday, Jan. 23. May will address the business community from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Emory Conference Center, 1615 Clifton Road, Atlanta. The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and the Council for Quality Growth are hosting the business event. Registration is required. The cost is $40 per person. To register, visit www.councilforqualitygrowth.org. Lee May May will address the community at large at 7 p.m., Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. The event is free and open to the public.
MAC to host “Power Networking Luncheon” The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce will host a Power Networking Luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, 267 Marietta St., Atlanta. This monthly event allows you to introduce yourself and promote your company openly. The cost to attend is $50. For more information or to register, call 404-8809000.
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