Shaping The Future
Since 1933
• SPRING
2012 •
Diamonds In Our Community (Part III)
By Alonia Jernigan
O
ne of the greatest fallacies to ever hit the African-American community is that we don’t read.
Think I’m kidding? Consider this thought for familiarity: “If you ever want to keep something
from Black folk, simply chronicle it: write it down; put it in a book, magazine or newspaper and we’ll
miss something every time.” But thanks to the impactful longevity of
three staples in Atlanta’s media circle, this myth could not be further
from the truth. In fact, there are millions of loyal readers of The
Atlanta Daily World, The Atlanta Inquirer and The Atlanta Voice who
faithfully prove this myth’s err.
Janis Ware
Publisher
The Atlanta Voice
John B. Smith
Publisher/CEO
The Atlanta Inquirer
As we continue the “Diamonds In Our Community” series, it’s
inevitable that we highlight the media moguls that have, through their
individual yet collective vehicles, helped keep us connected, chronicled
our victories and defeats, and assured that we were well informed
about local, national and international subjects that impact our daily
lives. Where would we be without their immeasurable contributions?
Atlanta native and media maven Sheila Tenney can easily testify: “I
was a Dow Jones Newspaper Scholar while a student at Therrell High
School. As such, we had to stay on the campus of (what was then) Clark
College for a couple of weeks. They trained us in all aspects of media;
at that time it was newspaper, TV and radio. Part of our assignment
was to interview someone who worked in the field of our interest.
I was privileged, honored and humbled to have the opportunity to
interview J. Lowell Ware of The Atlanta Voice. I was totally in awe! To
interview someone of his caliber and to see his sincere concern for our
community was truly an unforgettable experience.”
Sheronde Glover, another Atlanta native adds, “The Atlanta Voice,
as well as The Atlanta Daily World and The Atlanta Inquirer are all
greatly invaluable resources. They were the only sources we had that
provided news around the city that was anywhere closely related to
our experiences. We could also count on them to provide information
that would impact our community on a positive level. Positivity has
always been important for Blacks, particularly when mainstream
media does not always accurately tell our stories.”
Table of Contents
Diamonds In Our Community
1
Invest Atlanta
2
ABL Leadership
2
Did You Know?
2
Industry Spotlight
3
ABL New Members
3
Members Making Strides
4
Meet the New Board Members
6
What People Are Saying
6
Honoring James Young
7
Partners for Corporate Growth
9
Photo Gallery
10
Each publication sprang from its own unique set of humble Membership Application
beginnings. Nonetheless, they’ve stood the test of time and remain
viable lifelines in our community. Here are more reasons why we celebrate these diamonds in our community:
Alexis Scott
Publisher/CEO
Atlanta Daily World
The Atlanta Daily World
Founded in 1928 by William Alexander Scott II, The Atlanta Daily World is the city’s oldest Black-owned
newspaper. In 1932, it became the nation’s first Black-owned daily newspaper in the 20th century. By 1944, The
Atlanta Daily World’s journalist, Harry McAlpin, had become the first Black reporter to cover the White House,
thanks to the publication and the National Newspapers Publishers Association providing press credentials. Louis
(Continued on page 8)
11
2012 ABL
Board of Directors
Atlanta Development Authority
Rebrands as Invest Atlanta
Officers
Board Chair: Thomas W. Dortch, Jr.
Chair-Elect: Mary Parker
Secretary: Daryll H. Griffin
Treasurer: Lonnie Saboor
Past Board Chair: C. David Moody
D
Vice Chairs
Tirrell Whittley, Business Opportunity
Cynthia Jones Parks, Education
Cecilia Houston Torrence, Membership
Joseph Hudson, Public Policy
Lolita B. Jackson, Public Relations
Laron Walker, Technology
Board Members
Dennis Boyden
Scarlet Pressley Brown
John Deushane
Tiffany Callaway Ferrell
Felicia Lewis
Joshua Menifee
Candy Moore
Cynthia Jones Parks
Egbert Perry
Dr. William Pickard
Erica Qualls
Charles Robinson
Kelvin Walton
Charmaine Ward
Willie Watkins
ABL Foundation Chairman
& President
Leonard Jenkins, Jr.
ABL General Counsel
Tashwanda Pinchback
President & CEO
Leona Barr-Davenport
uring the Mayor’s Annual State
of the City business breakfast
address on January 19, 2012, the City of
Atlanta’s official economic development
authority unveiled the renaming of the
agency formerly known as the Atlanta
Development Authority (ADA) to Invest
Atlanta. The change in name and brand
demonstrates the renewed focus on jobs
and competitiveness.
Invest Atlanta Logo
Headed by President and CEO Brian McGowan, Invest Atlanta better describes its mission
and objectives, which are to make economic growth and competitiveness top priority, focusing
heavily on business development, and working strategically with the city in marketing the rich
opportunities and unrivaled qualities Atlanta offers on a national and international level.
Comprised of three core departments, business development, redevelopment and housing finance,
Invest Atlanta is the official economic development authority for the City of Atlanta. Its purpose is
to strengthen Atlanta’s economy and global competitiveness in order to create increased opportunity
and prosperity for the people of Atlanta.
Invest Atlanta will focus on making the city a job growth engine again and creating an environment
to attract, create and retain jobs; helping citizens purchase homes; issuing bonds and incentives for
new development; providing small business loans; attracting new investment, international trade and
innovation and entrepreneurship; continuing neighborhood and commercial corridor revitalization;
and serving as the first point of contact for potential investors and businesses considering expansion
and/or relocation within the Atlanta area.
With outstanding people such as ABL Board Treasurer Lonnie Saboor, Director of Commercial Loans
for Invest Atlanta, the entity will offer funding and resources to new and established businesses and
provide resources to revitalize many of Atlanta’s great neighborhoods.
Did You Know? You Can....
PURCHASE: Membership Directory: Members* $25 • Non Members* $50
PURCHASE: Resource Guide to African-American Female Business Owners &
Professionals: $15
PURCHASE: 2007 - 2011 Editions of The Men of Influence Collector’s Book: $19.99
PURCHASE: Event DVD $50
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Big vision
for Growing Enterprises
By Nicholas C. Gowens
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2
ABL Shaping The Future • Spring 2012
Industry Spotlight:
By Leona Barr-Davenport
New Members
Marketing & Branding
B
randing is defined as a “name, term, sign, symbol or design, or a
combination of them intended to identify the goods and services of
one seller or group of sellers and to differentiate them from those of other
sellers.” Marketing is the process for creating, communicating, delivering,
and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners,
and society at large. In developing your company, it is important to
understand the key role that marketing plays in the growth of any business.
These marketing and branding firms below can help you cultivate your
brand image and structure your marketing strategies. Learn more about the
ABL’s marketing firms at www.atlantabusinessleague.org.
Accolades, Inc.
Daryll H. Griffin | President
AJ Production
Alpha Pro Wellness & Health
Center
Atlanta Audio Visual
Brick By Brick Industries
CH2M Hill
Clayton County Magistrate Court
Cobb County Department of
Transportation
Dee’s Grooming Gallery
Accolades, Inc. is a Marketing firm specializing in logo’d
merchandise. This merchandise is used to brand your business,
your new product launch, new service, and get the word
out about your business. We provide the Best in Branded
Merchandise Solutions.
www.accolades-inc.com
Delsarte Printmaking Studio
DMW Choice Consultants, Inc.
Enviro Agscience, Inc.
Eprock, LLC
Executive Realty Soultions
Fulton County
EBS-4U, Inc.
Kit Walker | President/CEO
Enterprise Business Solutions 4U, Inc. (EBS-4U) is a Small Disabled
Veteran Owned promotional marketing company. The company
offers full-service corporate promotional products. Our unique blend
of marketing expertise, creativity, and exceptional customer service
makes us the ultimate partner for your branding needs! We intend to
deliver the “Best Value” to our clients.
www.ebs-4u.com
Fulton County GovernmentDepartment of Purchasing &
Contract Compliance
Gas South, LLC
Golden Circle Insurance Agency
Griffin & Strong, P.C.
J.R. Crickets Sandtown Crossing
First Class, Inc.
Bunnie Jackson-Ransom | President & CEO
First Class, Inc. is full service, boutique public relations
agency founded in 1975, with a staff of four. Our specialty
is community relations (cause-related marketing); however,
we provide all the usual public relations/media relations
communications/promotional services, with an above average
reputation for media placements. www.fclassinc.com
LegalSheild
LJ Davis Enterprises, LLC
Premier Women’s Healthcare,
LLC
Preservation Management Pros
Ray of Hope Chrisitan Church
Robert W. Woodruff Library AUC, Inc.
Jones Worley Communication
Cynthia Jones Parks | President/CEO
Secure World Technical
Solutions, LLC
Jones Worley specializes in research-based branding, strategic
marketing, public relations/outreach and creative services.
The agency, led by a seasoned staff, has managed national
campaigns for corporate, transportation and nonprofit clients.
www.jonesworley.com
South-View Cemetery Association
SydMar Golf and Sports
Management, Inc.
TDC Systems Integration
Technique Concrte Construction
Continued on page 5...
Continued on page 5...
ABL Shaping The Future • Spring 2012
3
Big vision
for Growing Enterprises
Members Making Strides
Alexis Scott
Scarlet Pressley Brown
Dr. William F. Pickard
Andrew Young
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
Cindra Taylor
Mary Parker
Renee Lewis Glover
Myrna White
Big vision
for Growing Enterprises
Atlanta Daily World publisher Alexis Scott was presented the Working Diva
award at the Build Grow and Enjoy Radio’s “Keystone Leadership Awards.” The
inaugural event which took place at the Sanford Porter Center for Performing
Arts on January 29, 2012, honored individuals who have made a difference in the
communities they serve.
Delta Air Lines announced that beginning March 1, 2012, Scarlet Pressley Brown,
director for community and external affairs, is on loan to the National Center for Civil
and Human Rights as part of a loaned executive program. Mrs. Pressley Brown will be
vice president of marketing for the Center.
A partnership headed by several Real Times Media (RTM) owners, including Dr.
William F. Pickard, bought 84-year-old Atlanta Daily World for an undisclosed price.
Alexis Scott will continue as publisher of the newspaper. RTM assumed full operational
responsibility for the newspaper in March.
Former mayor and U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young was surprised and honored by the
Atlanta City Council on March 5, 2012 with a proclamation declaring the day as Andrew
Young Day in preparation for his 80th birthday on March 12.
The Hyatt Regency Atlanta presented Herman J. Russell, founder of H.J. Russell & Co.,
with the 2012 Crystal Customer Award on Monday, February 20, 2012, during the 10th
Annual Heritage Celebration. The Heritage Celebration serves two purposes—recognition
of Hyatt employees with service of 30+ years and recognition of community leaders,
supportive of the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, who have made a difference in building a stronger
and more cohesive metro Atlanta.
Since 1971, Premier Academy, Inc. has removed barriers to quality education for over
21,000 low to moderate income children in metro Atlanta. On Saturday, March 24, 2012,
under the leadership of Cindra Taylor, Premier Academy celebrated its 40th anniversary
during The Legacy Gala. The Gala recognized young adults who attended the Academy as
well as leaders committed to making a difference in the lives of children.
ABL Chair-Elect Mary Parker, president & CEO of ALL(n)1 Security Services, Inc., was
one of nine honorees recognized at the 20th anniversary of the Trumpet Awards, founded
by Xernona Clayton, for her outstanding success in business.
Habitat for Humanity International announced that Renee Lewis Glover, CEO of the
Atlanta Housing Authority, was elected as the Habitat for Humanity International
Board Vice Chair. Habitat’s 24-member board is responsible for establishing policy
and guiding the organization’s efforts to construct, rehabilitate, repair and improve
housing in partnership with low-income families in nearly 80 countries around the
world.
Myrna White, Director of Public Affairs, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Airport, was recognized by Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine and Spelman College
as one of the 2012 Superwomen during a reception on Wednesday, March 21,
2012. Since March is Women’s History Month, the Atlanta Tribune dedicates
its publication to honor executive women in metro Atlanta deemed ‘Super’ in
their pursuits and triumphs professionally and personally.
4
ABL Shaping The Future • Spring 2012
Industry Spotlight:
...Continued from page 3
Marketing & Branding
...Continued from page 3
New Members
The Cedalius Group
Lattimer Communications, Inc.
Sarah Lattimer | President
The Community Foundation for
Greater Atlanta
Lattimer Communications is a full-service advertising and
public relations agency that specializes in crafting strategically
sound marketing communications programs targeting the
African-American, particularly female, population.
www.lattimercommunications.com
The Physicians Practice S.O.S.
Group, Inc.
Learning Community
Franzelle Pertilla | Chief Marketing Officer
Learning Community is a strategic marketing communications
firm. We solve business problems for companies and diverse
communities worldwide. Learn more about how we unlock
talent, build strategy and provide performance improvement
solutions at www.learningcommunity.biz.
Liquid Soul Media
Nick Nelson | Chief Marketing Officer
Liquid Soul Media – a lifestyle marketing agency specializing
in entertainment, faith-based, corporate and sports marketing
– is the only minority-owned agency enlisted by the five major
Hollywood film studios.
www.liquidsoulmedia.com
The MarketPlace Firm (TMPF)
Cheryl Ragland | CEO
The MarketPlace Firm is a multi-level market research data
and analysis firm that provides market results to global leaders
of businesses and non-profit organizations. Our firm clearly
understands that stats are facts. Having statistical data in place
is a wise investment that can safeguard against costly business
mistakes. www.TheMarketPlaceFirm.org
V & L Research and Consulting, Inc.
Dydra Virgil | Principal
V & L Research and Consulting has 20 years’ experience
in marketing research. We offer ethnic moderators and
bilingual interviewers. Products: focus groups, surveys, mall
interviewing. Minority Certified. Call 770-908-0003.
www.vlresearch.com
ABL Shaping The Future • Spring 2012
5
Urban Light Productions, Inc.
Your SweetSpot Coaching &
Consulting, LLC
Youth Enhancement Services,
Inc.
Associates
Cheryl Barnes
Michael Bayles
William Buchanan
Cheryl Byer
Stephanie Clark
Krystal Conner
Shelia Edwards
Vaughn Harvey
Jill Luse
Rodney Moore
N’Jeri Nantambu-Bell
Reggie Pope II
Jeffery Saxby, Esq.
Kelvin Walton
Philip White
Students
Eyong Ebot
LaToya Hayden
Christina Hobbs
Amber Jacobs
Mark Johnson
Antoinette Lewis
Kim McCray
Damaris McDonald
Tara Montgomery
Alicia Woods
Big vision
for Growing Enterprises
Meet the New Board Members
ollowing the 5th Annual Congress on the State of Black Business in Metro Atlanta on
January 24, 2012, at the Leadership Center on the campus of Morehouse College, the
Atlanta Business League installed its 2012 Officers and Board of Directors. With Thomas
W. Dortch, Jr. fulfilling his second year in his two-year term as ABL Board Chair, the board
welcomed 10 new members and recognized the service and dedication of those whose terms
expired.
F
John Deushane
Dr. William F. Pickard
The installation ceremony was officiated by The Honorable Daphne M. Walker, Chief
Magistrate Judge for Clayton County Magistrate Court. The re-installed 2012 officers
including Mr. Dortch are: Chair-Elect Mary Parker, President & CEO, ALL(n)1 Security
Tiffany Callaway Ferrell Services, Inc.; Secretary Daryll H. Griffin, President, Accolades, Inc.; Treasurer Lonnie
Saboor, Director of Commercial Loans, Invest Atlanta; and Past Chair C. David Moody,
President & CEO, C.D. Moody Construction Company.
Charles Robinson
New members to the Board are John Deushane, President & CEO, The Networks of 11
Alive; Tiffany Callaway Ferrell, Director, Regional Operations, Metro Atlanta, AGL
Resources, Inc.; Felicia Lewis, SVP Small Business Banking Manager, Bank of America; Cecilia Houston Torrence
Joshua Menifee, President and Creative Director, The Joshua Menifee Company; Egbert
Perry, Chairman & CEO, The Integral Group, LLC; Dr. William F. Pickard, Chairman and
CEO of Global Automotive Alliance, LLC; Charles Robinson, President & CEO, Sadie
G. Mays Health and Rehabilitation Center; Cecilia Houston Torrence, Former Community
Involvement Officer, Federal Home Loan Bank; Kelvin Walton, Chief Procurement Officer/
Director, DeKalb County Department of Purchasing & Contracting; and Tirrell Whittley,
Kelvin Walton
CEO & Principal, Liquid Soul Media.
Felicia Lewis
Joshua Menifee
The Atlanta Business League would again like to thank those board members whose terms
expired for their dedicated service to the Atlanta Business League and its members. They
are Valerie Ferguson, Sharmen Gowens, Eric Greenwood, Sylvester Hester, Tad Hutcheson,
Yvonne Bryant Johnson, Orlando Lynch, Edward Menifee and Michael Martin.
Tirrell Whittley
Egbert Perry
“What People Are Saying”
“
“
Thank you Leona:
You are so kind to
me, I really appreciate
the plug on yesterday
[during the ABL
Congress Luncheon].
I…………. Thank you
for all of your hard
work and your staff is
simply amazing! I truly
value my membership
with the ABL and look forward to the future with
ABL.
”
Best regards,
Gretchen W. Fuller
President, Warner Fuller Consulting, LLC
Hey Leona,
Just wanted to reach out to you and the team to tell you what
an outstanding program [17th Annual Women of Vision
Breakfast] you had today. It is amazing how you are able to
out-perform yourself year after year!
Congratulations.
”
Sharmen M. Gowens
Community Relations Manager, Liquid Soul Media
“
Hi Leona. Great event [17th Annual Women of Vision
Breakfast] once again this morning. I was particularly moved
by the remarks made by Veronica Biggins. [I] Also really
enjoyed Dr. Pickard as the emcee and thought he added a lot
to the program.
”
Let us know ‘What You’re Saying’ about the Atlanta Well done and I know Belk enjoys being part of such a
Business League. Send your thoughts to
strong event.
[email protected] or
[email protected].
Tom Hughes
Senior Vice President, Hope-Beckham, Inc.
Big vision
for Growing Enterprises
6
ABL Shaping The Future • Spring 2012
Honoring the Legacy of James E. Young
James E. Young was a past chairman of the board,
member, and avid supporter of the Atlanta Business
League. His passion for the growth of African-American
business owners and economic development in the
community was unparalleled. We thank Jim for his
countless years of service and dedication to the ABL. He
will truly be missed.
James E. Young, president and CEO of Atlanta-based
Citizens Trust Bank had been the bank’s CEO for 14
years. Jim was involved in numerous civic and business
organizations, including The Atlanta Action Forum,
Central Atlanta Progress, The Commerce Club, the
Rotary Club of Atlanta, The Carter Center and 100
Black Men of America.
Mr. Young is survived by his wife Rebecca, three sons
and a daughter.
March 18, 1949 - February 27, 2012
VISIONARY
ROLE MODEL
SUPPORTER
FRIEND
ABL Shaping The Future • Spring 2012
“JIM”
7
ADVOCATE
HISTORY MAKER
LEADER
HUMORIST
Big vision
for Growing Enterprises
Diamonds in our community
...Continued from Cover
Lautier followed in 1947 and became the first Black reporter to cover the U.S. Congress with the provision of the same
credentials. In 1998, The Atlanta Daily World became the first Black-owned newspaper in the
city to use front-page color photographs in every issue. The paper became a brand in 2009 upon
partnering with the joint venture of Atlanta Retail Management and Areas to open three Atlanta
Daily World newsstands at the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. It is the first and
only Black-owned media outlet to have its name on any airport newsstand in the United States.
The Atlanta Daily World’s most recent accomplishment is its strategic alliance with Detroit-based
Real Times Media. “The Scott Family is very pleased with the marriage of The Atlanta Daily World
Atlanta Daily World
and the Real Times Family,” said William A. Scott IV. M. Alexis Scott will continue as publisher,
who remarks, “This is truly a new beginning for the paper. The resources that are now available will enable us to diversify into a
multi-media platform.”
The Atlanta Inquirer
“To Seek Out the Truth and Report it Without Fear or Favor” has been the guiding principle for The Atlanta Inquirer since its inception
in 1960. The publication evolved as a result the Atlanta Student Movement in the midst of a pivotal
time in the history of Black America. At the height of the Civil Rights Movement, The Atlanta
Inquirer established itself as a news organ to outline distinctive views of the city’s youth-young
adult population and as a credible source of information for the Black community in general.
It also claimed an undeniable measure of influence when it gave former Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen
a rude awakening. He is noted for saying, “The first thing I do every Thursday morning is read The
Atlanta Inquirer to see if I’m in trouble.” He was referring to his erecting a barricade across Peyton
The Atlanta Inquirer
Road (in southwest Atlanta) for the purpose of blocking the movement of Black residents further
south into what was then an all-white community. With the Peyton Wall being cited as a national shame, former Mayor William Hartsfield
later told him, “Never make a mistake that can be photographed.”
Standing on the shoulders of initial leadership that included Julian Bond, Herman Russell, Jesse Hill Jr. and many others, The Atlanta
Inquirer is still going strong. It counts among its most memorable chronicles the 1973 election of Maynard Jackson as the first Black Mayor
of a southern city, the Atlanta Child Murder Cases (1979-1982) and the 1996 Centennial Summer Olympic Games. John B. Smith Sr. serves
as publisher and remarks, “The Atlanta Inquirer is forever committed to serving the people and communities by ‘pleading our own cause’
by highlighting injustice anywhere-for all’s benefit—while advocating for the rise, like the phoenix, of present and future generations to
promote goodwill and brotherhood toward a Utopian society.”
The Atlanta Voice
Since its birth in 1966, the Atlanta Voice has been just what its name implies. The publication was created with a defined vision and
mission that has served as its driving force: “A People Without a Voice Cannot Be Heard.” Founded
by the legendary and politically powerful J. Lowell Ware, the enactment of the vision and mission
can best be exemplified by “improving the lot of our people; promoting the welfare of the Black
community, speaking for Black people; demanding and asking for their rights, reporting the news
as fast and as fair as possible.” Accordingly, the paper holds fast to its philosophy of operating in
honesty, integrity and truth.
Sitting at The Atlanta Voice’s helm is Janis Ware, who, for years worked alongside her father, who
The Atlanta Voice
was also the founding publisher. She took personal care to assure she learned his style, understood
his dedication to excellence and received inspiration from his passion for his people. She reflects,
“My father’s vision was to service the entire African-American community, regardless of age, income or socioeconomic status.” The
company’s printing capacity allows them to do just that. By being the only Black-owned printing press in the Southeast, they’ve
been able to broaden their reach by publishing The Athens Voice, The Macon Voice, The Tuskegee Voice and the Pensacola Voice.
And, to compliment the capabilities of the Internet, the publication also boasts of iPhone and iPad applications. The Atlanta
Voice is the largest audited circulation newspaper in Atlanta.
It has often been stated that a well-read people is an informed people. Atlanta is fortunate to have these three diamonds in our
community that keep us an informed people.
Alonia Jernigan is an accomplished Journalist, Author, Preacher/Teacher/Speaker, Entrepreneur, Encourager and Destiny
Coach. To contact her, visit online at www.AloniaJernigan.com or www.dream-2-destiny.com.
Big vision
for Growing Enterprises
8
ABL Shaping The Future • Spring 2012
Partners for Corporate Growth
Companies committed to the growth and development
of minority owned businesses.
citizens trust bank
MHR
i n t e r n a t i o n a l
ABL Shaping The Future • Spring 2012
9
Big vision
for Growing Enterprises
Photo Gallery
th
5 Annual Congress on the
State of Black Business
Public Policy Committee Chair
Joseph Hudson welcomes
the delegates of the 5th Annual
Congress on the State of Black
Business in Metro Atlanta on
January 24, 2012 at the Leadership
Center on the campus of
Morehouse College.
Board Installation Ceremony
Luncheon speaker and City
Council President Caesar Mitchell
addresses the audience of about
200 delegates at the 5th Annual
Congress on the State of Black
Business in Metro Atlanta.
Following the Congress, Judge
Daphne Walker of the Clayton
County Magistrate Court inducted
the 2012 ABL Board Officers, C.D.
Moody, Lonnie Saboor, Board
Chair Thomas Dortch, Jr., Mary
Parker and Daryll Griffin.
The 2012 ABL Officers and
Board of Directors pictured with
92-year old William Robie, Past
ABL Board Chair during the mid
1970’s, at the Board Installation
Ceremony, January 24, 2012 in the
Leadership Center on the campus
of Morehouse College.
Business Enrichment Seminar Series 17th Annual Women of Vision Breakfast
February 7 - At the BESS “Elevate
Your Brand with the Right Media
Mix” moderator Tirrell Whitley/
Liquid Soul Media, engages
panelists Wendy Williams/WCLK,
Alexis Scott/Atlanta Daily World
and Sherry Armotrading/WXIA/
WATL Television.
ABL president & CEO Leona
Barr-Davenport pose with
speakers Sherry Armotrading,
Alexis Scott, Wendy Williams and
moderator Tirrell Whitley at the
February 7, BESS on “Elevate Your
Brand with the Right Media Mix.”
March 6 - At the “Understanding the
Procurement Process within Metro
Atlanta” seminar, procurement officers
from MARTA, Fulton Cty. and DeKalb
Cty. discussed how the procurement
process works and business
opportunities within their distinct
municipalities.
Moderator Sharon Frame/Brick
By Brick Industries, Debra Benton
Brewer/DeKalb Co., Felicia StrongWhitaker/Fulton Co., Leona BarrDavenport, ABL President & CEO,
Reginald K. Diamond/MARTA &
ABL Chair-Elect Mary Parker/
ALL(n)1 Security Services.
Honorary Women of Vision
Chairman Dr. William Pickard
honors Hall of Fame Inductee J.
Veronica Biggins, along with
ABL president & CEO Leona
Barr-Davenport and Board Chair
Thomas W. Dortch, Jr.
Business Power Forum
Business Enrichment Seminar Series
Big vision
for Growing Enterprises
The 2012 Women of Influence,
Women of Influenced “Tenured”
and Hall of Fame members have
fun while wearing sun glasses
which represent the woman’s
ability to see clearly through the
glare of confusion, conflict and
crisis.
March 20 - U. S. Small Business
Administration Regional
Administrator for Region IV,
Cassius Butts, discussed the role of
the SBA in providing access to startup and expansion capital, counseling,
training and government contracting
opportunities for small businesses.
10
Program participants for the March
20, Business Power Forum (L
to R) Leona Barr-Davenport,
Joseph Hudson, Sharon Frame,
Dr. Henrie Treadwell, Cassius
Butts, Laron Walker and Michael
Griffin.
ABL Shaping The Future • Spring 2012
Atlanta
Business
Atlanta
BusinessLeague
League
931 Martin
Luther
King
Jr.,
NW
931 Martin
Luther
King
Jr.Drive
Drive, NW
Atlanta,
30314
Atlanta,Georgia
Georgia 30314
(Office)404-584-8126
404-584-8126
(Office)
(Fax)404-584-0445
404-584-0445
(Fax)
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(As it would be listed in the “Yellow Pages”)
Ownership: Minority Majority
Type of Business:
Services Retail Manufacturer Wholesaler
Government Non-Profit Other-Specify: ________________
Revenue:
$15 Million and above $5 Million-$14.9 Million $1 Million-$4.9 Million
$1-$999,999
# of Employees:
1 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 20 More than 20
Age:
17 & under  18 - 20 21 - 35 36 - 45 46 - 55 56 & older 
Method of Payment:  Check  Master Card  Visa  American Express
Account #: _____________________________________ Exp. Date: _____/_____/_____
Signature: _____________________________________

MEMBERSHIP TYPE
REVENUE
DUES
Business
Business
Business
Business
Associate/Individual
Student
$15 Million and above
$5 Million - $14.9 Million
$1 Million - $4.9 Million
$1- $999,999
N/A
N/A
$1250.00
$625.00
$350.00
$250.00
$125.00
$15.00 (with student ID)
Write the number of additional company representatives:
 - Additional company representative: $125.00 per rep.
Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Please return completed application with your check, payable to Atlanta Business League, for membership dues to:
Atlanta Business League, P.O. Box 92363 Atlanta, Georgia, 30314, Attn: Membership
Referred by: ________________________________________________________________________________________
ABL Shaping The Future • Spring 2012
11
Big vision
for Growing Enterprises
Shaping The Future is a quarterly
publication of the Atlanta Business League
(ABL) and is solely responsible for its
content except as otherwise indicated.
Publisher
Atlanta Business League
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Leona Barr-Davenport
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