Writer: Gabriela Enamorado
2 min read September 2023— Atlanta’s opportunity for immense growth as the greater region continues to diversify its economy and become a more inclusive environment was discussed on Thursday afternoon at the Focus: Atlanta 2022-2023 official launch conference at Embassy Suite Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park.
More than 150 guests from across metro Atlanta’s business community attended the conference to hear local leaders’ insights about the state of the region. Attendees also took advantage of the networking connections and other business development opportunities happening at the event.
In her opening remarks, Capital Analytics’ President & CEO Abby Melone highlighted the immense upward economic trajectory that the region has been experiencing, noting that metro Atlanta is positioned to weather any economic downturn. From Atlanta’s diverse business environment, diverse populations and diverse educational opportunities, Melone said the region has the ingredients for economic success.
The first panel, “Past, present, future: How the last five years of economic development have shaped Atlanta and its future,” assessed how the last five years have shaped Atlanta and what the next steps are looking ahead. The panel was moderated by Melone, with panelists including Gerald McDowell, executive director of ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts, Invest Atlanta President & CEO Eloisa Klementich, Jai Ferrell, deputy general manager and CMO of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Bennett Thrasher Managing Partner Jeff Call. Speakers discussed how the market has changed over the past several years and what tools are needed to continue the acceleration of economic development in the metro area.
Other talking points throughout the first panel were the challenges that the business community has been facing such as aging infrastructure, transportation and labor concerns and how leaders are taking initiatives to tackle those obstacles head on.
The second and closing panel, “Driving force: Why Diversity, Equity & Inclusion have become and will remain essential factors in the modern economy,” was presented by Bryan Palmer, CEO of Georgia & Alabama, UnitedHealthcare and was moderated by City of Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett. The speakers that were featured were Kim Rousseau, principal, corporate interiors firmwide practice chair at Perkins&Will – Atlanta, Michael J. Baptiste, vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion for Metro Atlanta Chamber and Oglethorpe University Interim President Kathryn McClymond.
This panel took a look at the importance of DEI initiatives to employees and businesses. Speakers discussed how they have observed Atlanta become a more inclusive community, what still needs to be done and how leaders hope to see the region leverage the growing economy to improve DEI efforts in the near future.
For a copy of the digital Focus: Atlanta 2022-2023 publication, click here to register.
To watch individual panel discussions from the launch conference, please visit our Youtube Channel.
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About Capital Analytics & Focus: Atlanta 2022-2023
Capital Analytics is an integrated media platform that produces in-depth business intelligence through its annual print and digital economic reviews, high-impact conferences and events and top-level interviews via its video platform, Invest:Insights.
Focus: Atlanta 2022-2023 is an in-depth economic review of the key issues facing the region’s economy, featuring the exclusive insights of prominent regional leaders. Focus: Atlanta 2022-2023 is produced with two goals in mind: 1) to provide comprehensive investment knowledge on the Atlanta metro area and the greater region for local, national and international investors, and 2) to promote Atlanta and the greater region as a place to invest and do business.
The report conducts a deep dive into the top economic sectors in the region, including real estate, construction, infrastructure, banking and finance, legal, healthcare, education and tourism. The publication is compiled from insights collected from more than 200 economic leaders, sector insiders, political leaders and heads of important institutions. It analyzes the leading challenges facing the market and uncovers emerging opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs and innovators.
For more information, contact:
Max Crampton-Thomas
Regional Editor
305-523-9708 Ext: 233
