The Metro Atlanta Chamber unveiled its new brand identity and honored both the outgoing and incoming executive committee at its 2016 Annual Meeting. Over 1,300 regional business leaders attended the event, which included guest speakers such as Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Glenn Lurie, president and CEO at AT&T Mobility and Consumer Operations; Russell Stokes, president and CEO at GE Energy Connections; and Carol Tomé, chief financial officer and executive vice president of corporate services at The Home Depot.

“Throughout 2016, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, in collaboration with our partners at the state and local levels, has assisted multiple companies, like Anthem, General Electric, Honeywell, and NCR with their location or expansion needs, further advancing Atlanta’s position as a digital hub,” said Hala Moddelmog, MAC’s president and CEO. “These companies and many others are creating 10,489 jobs and generating over $5 billion in investment in our region. To continue propelling metro Atlanta’s growth, we’ve developed both a fresh brand identity and key strategic pillars that align with our globally competitive focus areas.”

The three pillars are as follows:

GROW: Georgia continues to be the #1 state for doing business. Therefore, recruiting new companies, retaining the current roster of businesses, and helping existing businesses expand are a part of MAC’s strategy to continue to grow the region into a global competitor, particularly in key focus areas, including FinTech, cybersecurity, IoT, Smart Cities, and global health.

ADVOCATE: MAC will continue our efforts to ensure metro Atlanta can attract a 21st century workforce, foster a high quality of life, lift those in need, and ultimately move our region forward. MAC will also continue to support organizations like Georgia Prospers and oppose legislation that does not cultivate a business-friendly climate.

PROMOTE: Metro Atlanta has many unique stories to tell. Through initiatives like ChooseATL, social enterprises, sporting events, and lifestyle branding (including the region’s rich diversity of neighborhoods), MAC is marketing those distinct stories to attract and retain talent to define Atlanta as a global market and top tier competitor.
In addition to the three pillars, MAC also unveiled a new logo, which continues to feature the image of the mythical phoenix, and includes 29 distinct feathers that represent the unique personality and identity of metro Atlanta’s 29-country region.

“In less than two weeks, MAC will be relocating its offices to 191 Peachtree Tower, opening the way for the Centennial Olympic Park expansion and shifting MAC into a new phase as we continue our work to move metro Atlanta forward,” said Jenner Wood, 2016 MAC chair and corporate executive vice president at SunTrust Banks, Inc. “I have been honored to serve as MAC chair during this year of growth and strategic planning, and I am amazed at what this community and our business leaders are accomplishing together.”

“As chairman I look forward to contributing to the momentum that is propelling our region’s economy forward, as well as advocating for new business opportunities that will help continue to grow and succeed,” said Jeffrey Sprecher, 2017 MAC chair-elect, chairman and CEO of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc., and chairman of the New York Stock Exchange. “Along with the rest of the MAC leadership team, I am committed to this region and passionate about supporting efforts that enable Atlanta to remain a top-tier global competitor.”