Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber of Commerce Announces 2015 Initiatives and Board Officers

The Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber of Commerce (www.sandyspringsperimeterchamber.com) held its 2015 Annual Luncheon Jan. 15 at Villa Christina in Sandy Springs. During the luncheon, the more than 200 attendees heard a presentation about future expansion and improvements at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport from Miguel Southwell, general manager of aviation for the airport. Outgoing Board Chairman James R. Kelley of Kelley Sammons Toole & Ellison, LLP, highlighted some of the organization’s accomplishments over the past year, and passed the gavel to 2015 Board Chairman Chris Burnett, market president of Bank of Sandy Springs.

Kelley noted a number of significant milestones achieved by the organization in 2014, including:

• Implementing the first year of the Chamber’s five-year Strategic Plan
• Creating the Restaurant Council, which spearheaded the successful week-long Savor Sandy Springs event
• Organizing the second Principal for a Day program in partnership with the city’s 11 public schools
• Establishing Perimeter Partners for Economic Development with Dunwoody and Brookhaven
• Launching the CEO/Leadership Roundtable
• Establishing a stronger Workforce Alliance with the Chamber’s business partners
• Providing members with a number of special events and fundraisers for the benefit of the Chamber’s membership and the city as a whole

Burnett introduced the 2015 Board officers to the group. In addition to himself, they are Daniel Diluzio, Diluzio & Henssler (Treasurer), Michael M. Sullivan, Law Offices of Michael M. Sullivan, P.C. (Secretary) and Lever Stewart, MLQ Attorney Services (Chair-Elect). A list of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Committee Chairmen may be found at www.sandyspringsperimeterchamber.com/about-us/board-directors.

Burnett thanked Jim Kelley for his service, and briefly outlined his priorities for the coming year. With the ongoing goal of building and enriching the Sandy Springs community by implementing the Chamber’s five-year strategic plan, Burnett said he would focus on workforce and economic development and promoting the city’s strong quality of life. He reminded luncheon attendees that Chamber membership offers year-round business and networking opportunities, and encouraged each member to “Step Up” their involvement in the coming year. Finally, Burnett gave a quick overview of upcoming Chamber events, including:

• The Sandys Award Gala, Feb. 21
• State of the City Breakfast, Feb. 24
• April Luncheon with Lee Thomas, commissioner for Georgia Movie and Film Production
• May Luncheon with Michael Coles, founder of the Great American Cookie Company and Caribou Coffee
• Fashion Show, June 9
• Annual Golf Tournament, Oct. 6

The Annual Luncheon was presented by BBVA Compass and sponsored by Northside Hospital and Kaiser Permanente.

About the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber was formed in 2008 to serve businesses in City of Sandy Springs and in the north Perimeter area. With leadership from an elected Board of Directors, and working in partnership with city government, the Chamber’s mission is to maximize the business success of its members, strengthen the competitiveness of the Sandy Springs business community and enhance economic prosperity of the area. Ongoing initiatives include workforce and economic development, business education, community service and networking opportunities for members. Tom Mahaffey is president of the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber of Commerce. www.sandyspringsperimeterchamber.com