Ryan Millsap, Chairman and CEO of Blackhall Studios, will serve as the keynote speaker for the DeKalb Chamber 81^st Annual Meeting & Business Luncheon and share the magic behind Georgia’s film and entertainment industry.

The meeting will take place on Monday, March 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort, 4021 Lakeview Drive, Stone Mountain.

“We are grateful to have Mr. Millsap speak to our business members so they may learn more about this growing industry in our very own backyard,” said Katerina Taylor, President & CEO of DeKalb Chamber. “To better shape our school curriculums and strengthen our workforce, we hope this keynote will open a dialogue on how we can best support the film and entertainment industry.”

During the prefunction reception, guests will experience the celebrity treatment with a free professional headshot and star in their own mini videos. Guests will also explore the Chamber’s history exhibit and see how the Chamber has helped shape DeKalb County.

Board Chair Brenda Reid, Media and Community Relations Manager at Publix Super Markets, will share her vision for 2019. Select companies and individuals will be honored for their exemplary contribution to DeKalb County and support of the Chamber. In addition, the Chamber will recognize new company appointees to the Board of Directors, including: 

• Virgil Fluud, Assistant General Manager, External Affairs, MARTA

• Dr. Tavarez Holston, President, Georgia Piedmont Technical College

• Deana Levett, Vice President, Director of Marketing & Advertising, Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home

• Rukiya Thomas, Vice President, Sr. Regional Business Development & Strategy Director, Atkins

• And, Fabian Wilson, Vice President, Commercial Banking Relationship Manager, BB&T.

Tickets to the event are $150 for members and $175 for nonmembers. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information and to register, please visit bit.ly/dcoc81am. 

Blackhall Studios is the largest purpose-built studio in metro Atlanta. It offers nine sound stages and more than 575,000 sq. ft. of space for millwork, special effects and storage. Blackhall recently added a 35-acre backlot for land sets and wooded area. 

The film and entertainment industry has contributed a $9.5 billion economic impact in Georgia, with $2.7 billion direct production spending in Georgia. The industry has also contributed more than 92,000 jobs in Georgia.