Spotlight On: Carmenlita Scott, President & CEO, ATL Airport Chamber (TAAC)
August 2025 — In an interview with Focus:, Carmenlita Scott, president and CEO of the ATL Airport Chamber (TAAC), discussed the organization’s transformative year and its role in fostering regional economic growth. “We hit the ground running with over 25 high-impact community and business engagement events that really moved the needle,” she said.
Reflecting on the past year, what have been some of the main highlights and key milestones for the ATL Airport Chamber (TAAC)?
This past year marked a pivotal chapter in the continued growth and impact of The ATL Airport Chamber (TAAC). With more than 25 high-impact events focused on community engagement, economic development, and business advocacy, we have deepened our role as a convener, connector, and champion for the airport region.
One of our signature events, Stuff the Plane, made an incredible impact, providing 350 backpacks filled with 52 essential school supplies to students in need. One local school referred over 100 students, underscoring the importance of our community-focused mission.
Our Landing at Six networking series, in partnership with the Kimpton Overland Hotel, quickly became a go-to hub for professionals and business leaders, fostering meaningful connections and new opportunities. We also introduced a fully restructured membership model, offering expanded benefits and accessibility. These enhancements have resulted in increased engagement and retention, especially among small and minority-owned businesses.
The debut of New Heights Magazine gave us a powerful platform to elevate member success stories and spotlight the regional growth shaping the airport corridor. Our Economic Development Institute (EDI) has emerged as a vital resource, delivering workforce and business development programming aligned with the needs of today’s entrepreneurs and corporate partners. Meanwhile, our Wednesday Wisdom webinar series continues to bring timely insights and expert strategies directly to our members.
Equally important has been our strategic focus on partnership. Over the past year, we have cultivated collaborations with local government leaders, educational institutions, regional chambers, and international partners — including consulate generals from India, Jamaica, and Belgium. These relationships are unlocking global pathways and new possibilities for our members.
As we look ahead, we are proud of the progress we have made and energized by the opportunities still to come. The momentum is real, and TAAC is just getting started.
What is your overview of the economic and business landscape in the Atlanta airport region, and what are some key trends or market dynamics?
The ATL Airport region continues to be one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving business corridors in the Southeast. What we are witnessing is a clear and growing demand for practical, actionable business support, especially among small and minority-owned enterprises seeking to scale.
One notable trend is the sharp rise in interest in executive-level expertise delivered through fractional C-suite services. Business owners are recognizing the value of strategic leadership without the overhead of full-time executives, and this model is gaining momentum across industries.
At the same time, access to capital remains a significant barrier. In response, TAAC has expanded its programming around financial literacy, grant readiness, and investment Strategy — ensuring our members are better equipped to pursue and secure funding.
We are also seeing increased appetite for peer learning, mentorship, and ecosystem collaboration. From business coaching workshops to targeted panel discussions, our members are looking for more than information — they want real tools, real resources, and real pathways to growth. TAAC is proud to be delivering on that promise by curating programs, partnerships, and platforms that move businesses forward.
To what extent is TAAC benefiting from the region’s strategic location as a business and logistics corridor?
TAAC’s position in the heart of one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs is more than a geographic advantage, it is a strategic asset we actively leverage to drive business growth, economic mobility, and global connectivity for our members.
Our proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport positions us at the intersection of commerce, logistics, and international trade. We have cultivated deep, high-impact partnerships with major stakeholders like Delta Air Lines, Georgia Power, and the Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance — ensuring that our members have access to the region’s most influential networks and emerging opportunities.
Our collaboration with regional government and economic development leaders, such as Clayton.South Fulton, and Fayette Counties, allows us to align chamber programming with infrastructure investments and strategic growth priorities. We are also strengthening global ties through meaningful engagement with international consulates. When the Consulate General of India invited TAAC to participate in their International Women’s Day celebration, it was more than a symbolic gesture — it reflected our growing reputation as a serious player in the global business community. These relationships often translate into tangible partnerships and business expansion opportunities for our members.
Beyond logistics, we are intentionally bridging the gap between traditional industries and the innovation economy. As technology and logistics increasingly converge, TAAC ensures our members are prepared not only to adapt, but to lead. Our inverted job fair, where skilled talent hosts the tables and employers engage directly, demonstrates how we are reimagining workforce pipelines in a rapidly changing environment.
Our region’s strategic location is a catalyst. TAAC’s role is to turn that advantage into access, alignment, and acceleration for the businesses we serve.
What programs and initiatives is TAAC implementing to promote workforce development in the region?
Workforce development is not just part of TAAC’s mission, it is a driving force behind everything we do. We recognize that a thriving regional economy depends on a prepared, adaptable workforce, and our programming is designed to meet that need head-on.
Our Economic Development Institute (EDI) delivers industry-aligned training to address critical skill gaps in sectors such as aviation, supply chain logistics, healthcare technology, and green energy. These programs are tailored to meet both employer demand and the career advancement goals of our members.
Our Wednesday Wisdom webinar series is another core component of our workforce Strategy — providing accessible, expert-led sessions on topics ranging from financial literacy and digital marketing to leadership and business continuity. These virtual programs are complemented by in-person opportunities like our Monthly Lunch & Learn sessions and Quarterly Roundtable Breakfasts, which promote peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and relationship-building.
A signature initiative we are especially proud of is the Elevate ATL: South Metro Leadership Academy — a premier leadership development pipeline that is already shaping the future of the region. Our alumni include rising changemakers like State Representative Eric Bell II, tech industry leader Janet Allison of CBI International, and senior professionals at companies like Amazon. The Academy equips emerging leaders with the tools, networks, and confidence to lead with purpose and impact.
TAAC also works hand-in-hand with regional technical colleges, universities, and public workforce agencies. Many of these partners serve on our Board of Directors, helping us maintain strong alignment with education and training systems. We are proud participants in collaborative initiatives such as the Aerotropolis Atlanta Workforce Collective, where we contribute to regional strategies focused on job creation, talent development, and upward mobility.
By combining strategic partnerships, real-world training, and leadership development, TAAC is not just preparing workers — we are cultivating the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of the airport region and beyond.
What are the primary challenges facing the Atlanta region, and how is TAAC working to address these challenges in its sphere of influence?
The ATL airport region, like many fast-growing economic corridors, is navigating a complex landscape of challenges — from rising inflation and workforce shortages to rapidly shifting policy
environments and evolving technology demands. At TAAC, we view these challenges not as barriers, but as opportunities to lead with innovation, collaboration, and advocacy.
Inflation continues to squeeze small and minority-owned businesses, especially those already operating on thin margins. At the same time, critical industries are struggling with labor shortages and the accelerating need for upskilling and reskilling as automation and AI redefine workforce expectations. The pace of change, particularly at the policy level, often leaves small businesses vulnerable and without the time or resources to adapt quickly.
In response, TAAC has implemented a multifaceted strategy:
- Financial Empowerment: Through partnerships with organizations like Operation HOPE and the SBA, we are delivering financial literacy and grant-readiness programming to help entrepreneurs build resilience and access capital.
- Policy Advocacy: TAAC is a consistent voice in local and regional policy conversations, advocating for initiatives that prioritize small business growth, workforce equity, and inclusive economic development.
- Workforce Solutions: We are addressing labor gaps through programs like our Economic Development Institute, which aligns training with in-demand industries, and through collaborative initiatives like the Aerotropolis Workforce Collective.
- Peer Learning Networks: Recognizing the power of shared experience, we are expanding our cross-industry roundtables — bringing together voices from tech, logistics, hospitality, real estate, healthcare, and even nonprofit sectors focused on issues like human trafficking prevention. These sessions facilitate honest dialogue, innovation-sharing, and collective problem-solving.
- Future-Proofing Businesses: From our Wednesday Wisdom webinars to leadership programs like Elevate ATL, we are helping business owners and professionals build transferable skills, adaptive strategies, and sustainable business models that can thrive amid uncertainty.
TAAC’s strength lies in our ability to convene, connect, and catalyze action. We are committed to ensuring that every business in our region, regardless of size or sector, has access to the tools, resources, and support systems they need to succeed in today’s evolving economic climate.
Why should businesses join the chamber?
Joining TAAC is not just a membership, it is a strategic move to elevate your business within one of the most globally connected regions in the world. As a gateway to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, TAAC offers access to an expansive and growing network that spans 27 states, four countries, and Puerto Rico. But our real strength lies in how we activate those connections to create opportunities.
TAAC is more than networking — we are a connector, a catalyst, and a champion for business success.
We are forging powerful alliances with international chambers and consulates to open global trade and investment pathways for our members. Whether through our growing collaboration with the Indian American International Chamber of Commerce in D.C., or our partnerships with consulates from India, Jamaica, Belgium, France, and beyond, TAAC is helping members tap into cross-border markets with confidence.
Our signature programs, like Glass Ceilings to Glass Skies, our global women’s leadership summit, bring international perspectives to local leadership conversations. These events are more than inspirational, they are built to foster business development, cross-sector collaboration, and global insight.
As stewards of the airport region’s economic engine, we also champion the growth of Hartsfield-Jackson’s global logistics ecosystem. TAAC is positioning itself and our members as leaders in international business engagement and innovation. When you join TAAC, you are not just plugging into a chamber. You are stepping into a community that is intentionally built to help you grow — locally, regionally, and globally.
What is your outlook for TAAC in the next two to three years, and what will be your top priorities and goals moving forward?
The next chapter for TAAC is one of bold growth, strategic expansion, and intentional inclusion.
As the airport region continues to emerge as a global gateway for commerce and innovation, TAAC is positioning itself as a leading force in shaping what that future looks like — locally and internationally.
Supporting transportation advocacy will be a top priority. As the region grows, we must ensure that our infrastructure evolves alongside it, supporting efficient logistics, workforce mobility, and sustainable development. We will continue to champion policies and partnerships that keep transportation a competitive advantage for our members and the broader business community.
We are also preparing to launch an additional workforce development programming, designed to help high-potential companies scale more quickly and sustainably. From access to capital and executive mentorship to tailored training and technical support, this program will be a cornerstone of our economic development strategy.
International expansion is another key area of focus. We are deepening our relationships with markets like India, Belgium, and key European partners to establish TAAC as a trusted hub for cross-border collaboration and global trade. By strengthening our ties with international chambers and consulates, we are unlocking new opportunities for our members to expand their reach.
Internally, we are collaborating with other successful chambers to integrate best practices in governance, programming, and member engagement, while preserving what makes TAAC uniquely positioned to serve the airport region’s diverse and dynamic business ecosystem. But perhaps our most important priority is ensuring inclusive economic growth. As the region accelerates, we are committed to making sure that growth is equitable and accessible. That means championing small and minority-owned businesses, building pathways to procurement and capital, and expanding leadership development through programs like Elevate ATL: South Metro Leadership Academy.
In the next two to three years, we want the world to see Atlanta not just as a transportation powerhouse — but as the premier destination to do business, with TAAC members leading the way in innovation, influence, and impact.
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