Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Archives - Page 5 of 13

D.C. Fly-In Recap, with Jim Teel, Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, and Tim Perry, North American Properties Atlanta

October 19, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

D.C. Fly-In Recap, with Jim Teel, Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, and Tim Perry, North American Properties Atlanta

00:00 /

D.C. Fly-In Recap, with Jim Teel, Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, and Tim Perry, North American Properties Atlanta (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 89)

Jim Teel, Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood and the 2024 Board Chair for GNFCC, and Tim Perry, North American Properties Atlanta and Chair of the True North 400 CID Board of Directors, were the guests on this episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider. They were two of the attendees of the annual Washington, D.C. fly-in organized by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

Jim and Tim talked about the importance of the fly-in, their advocacy efforts, and the meetings they had with elected officials. They also covered various initiatives and priorities discussed during the trip, such as community involvement, workforce development, advocacy for businesses, real estate, and criminal justice reform. They emphasized the significance of the trip in building relationships, advocating for the region’s interests, shaping the Chamber’s future advocacy agenda, and more.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood

Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) is one of the largest architecture and engineering firms in the Southeast. Whether designing schools, parks, hospitals and other commercial developments, or providing clean water, safe streets and restoring resilient environments, GMC takes great pride in serving our communities through the transformative work they do.

Every project is guided by the foundational concept that communities are built by people, not companies, and they strive to serve their communities with quality, integrity, creativity and care. One of the Southeast’s most comprehensive multi-disciplined firms, GMC is equipped to provide all the services associated with architecture, interior design, civil engineering, environmental services, landscape architecture, planning, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, electrical engineering, surveying and disaster recovery.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Jim Teel, Regional Vice President, Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, and 2024 Chairman of the Board, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

**Jim Teel, Regional Vice President, Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood (GMC), and Incoming Chairman of the Board, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce**

As Regional Vice President for Georgia, Jim leads business development and marketing efforts as well as coordinates employee development initiatives for all of GMC’s Georgia offices. Jim is passionate about encouraging personal leadership and growth and providing opportunities for employees to lead and thrive.

An active member of the community, Jim is engaged in many organizations including being named the Greater North Fulton Chamber Board Member of the Year and a Regional Leadership Institute Class of 2019 graduate. He is also a member of the Junior Achievement of Georgia Board of Directors, Economic Development Association of Georgia, Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, Georgia Municipal Association, Georgia Rural Water Association, Georgia Association of Water Professionals and Association for Learning Environments.

He graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, master’s degree in building construction and a minor in community planning.

North American Properties Atlanta

Since North American Properties’ inception almost 70 years ago, they have developed, managed, and invested in a diverse array of real estate projects so communities can thrive. This is the core of who they are and what they do.

More recently, North American Properties has diversified by investing in and partnering with portfolio companies, often from their inception.

Their real estate expertise, backed by deep operational experience, allows them to dream a little bit bolder through the investment they make in their projects.

They believe in what they do and know they have what it takes to succeed. Though they have many institutional partners, they always lead with capital first.

Courageous visions demand strong execution. They anticipate obstacles and find creative solutions, resulting in positive outcomes for the communities they serve.

Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

Tim Perry, Managing Partner, North American Properties Atlanta and Chairman of the True North 400 CID Board of Directors

Tim Perry is passionate about the power of community building and all the ingredients needed to create a great place: walkability, connectivity, hospitality, street-level energy, events and the right mix of uses. He deeply believes that fixing high-potential-but-challenged mixed-use developments or bringing new experience through additional neighborhood density is the best way North American Properties can give communities the great places they deserve.

As Managing Partner, Tim is responsible for advancing North American Properties’ value-add acquisitions and redevelopment program and adding to the firm’s portfolio of commercial properties.

Tim Perry has driven North American Properties’ acquisition strategy for over a decade ultimately serving as North American Properties’ Vice President of Acquisitions in 2009, Director of Investments in 2012 and Chief Investment Officer in 2015. He previously led the acquisition, due diligence, capitalization and disposition teams for landmark communities Atlantic Station, Colony Square, Newport on the Levee, and Avalon; capitalization of the transformational development of Stadium Centre in Tallahassee; and the debt/venture capitalization of over 35 projects in excess of $2.5 billion of total value.

Tim holds a degree in Business Administration from Rhodes College. He is a licensed real estate Broker in Georgia, a member of Urban Land Institute, and a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers. In addition, Tim is on the Board of Directors for the North Fulton Community Improvement Districts, the Advisory Board for Rehabilitation Enables Dreams (RED), and several committees encouraging smart development and increased public transit. He resides in Johns Creek, Georgia, with his wife and children.

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

**Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC**

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) and is hosted by Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC. The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

The GNFCC promotes the interests of our members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on GNFCC events, follow this link.

For the complete show archive of GNFCC 400 Insider, go to GNFCC400Insider.com. The GNFCC 400 Insider is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

2023 NextGen Connects Mentor Match Program

August 4, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

2023 NextGen Connects Mentor Match Program

00:00 /

2023 NextGen Connects Mentor Match Program (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 87)

This episode of GNFCC 400 Insider focuses on the 2023 NextGen Connects Mentor Match Program. Two participants, mentor Paula Fine, Client Relations Director, Trinity Life at Home, and her mentee Fabiola Clermont, Events Supervisor, Chattahoochee Nature Center, shared with host Rebekah Anderson, Vice President at the Greater North Fulton Chamber, their experience getting to know each other, the impact the program has had on their life and career, their advice for future participants, a few cool wildlife facts, and much more.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Paula Fine, Client Relations Director, Trinity Life at Home

Paula Fine, Client Relations Director, has been working for Trinity for several years. She came to Trinity with years of special event planning, marketing and working directly with clients in health care environments as well as nonprofit organizations. She loves the senior population and has also begun to provide saxophone and music engagement to residents in several assisted and memory communities.

You can learn more at the Trinity Life at Home website or call 678-731-0831.

Fabiola Clermont, Events Supervisor,

Fabiola Clermont is the Events Supervisor at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. She graduated from University of Georgia with a BS in Wildlife Biology in 2017. Fabiola did research and field work before dipping her toes into the events world at CNC while waiting to become a naturalist. She discovered that she enjoyed event planning and has been doing so at CNC for the last 3 years.

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events such as this North Fulton Mayors Appreciation Lunch, follow this link.

For the complete show archive of GNFCC 400 Insider, go to GNFCC400Insider.com. The GNFCC 400 Insider is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

GNFCC 2023 Nonprofit of the Year Award Winner, STAR House Foundation

June 29, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

GNFCC 2023 Nonprofit of the Year Award Winner, STAR House Foundation

00:00 /

GNFCC 2023 Nonprofit of the Year Award Winner, STAR House Foundation (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 86)

GNFCC celebrates the 2023 Nonprofit of the Year Award Winner, STAR House Foundation. STAR House was honored at the GNFCC Monthly Luncheon on June 27th, 2023.

Stephanie Christiansen, Executive Director of STAR House Foundation, and Katha Stuart, Board Chair, joined host Kali Boatright on this episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider to share the needs of at-risk children in North Fulton and how STAR House is working to meet those needs. They talked about the challenges and changes brought about during the pandemic, the challenges faced by both the children and the STAR staff who work with them, STAR House’s biggest needs right now, and much more.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

STAR House Foundation

Stephanie Christiansen is Executive Director and Katha Stuart is the Board Chair for STAR House Foundation.

STAR House Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Roswell, Georgia.

We provide after-school tutoring and mentoring for at-risk children throughout North Fulton County. We currently serve children within three North Fulton schools, with a growing unmet need. Our summer camp is an extension of our after-school program, bridging the gap for elementary students by focusing on academic retention to combat summer learning loss. Providing this strong foundation gives local kids in need the opportunity to shoot for the stars!

STAR House Foundation enriches the community by promoting academic success and empowering lifelong achievement for children in need.

**Stephanie Christiansen accepting the award from Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC, and Linda Coyle, 2023 Chair of the GNFCC Non-Profit Awards Committee on June 27, 2023**

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

For the complete show archive of GNFCC 400 Insider, go to GNFCC400Insider.com. The GNFCC 400 Insider is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

GNFCC 2023 Women of Excellence Award Winners: Toseima Jiles, CAI Business Group, and Freda Hardage, Northside Hospital

May 25, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

GNFCC 2023 Women of Excellence Award Winners: Toseima Jiles, CAI Business Group, and Freda Hardage, Northside Hospital

00:00 /

GNFCC 2023 Women of Excellence Award Winners: Toseima Jiles, CAI Business Group, and Freda Hardage, Northside Hospital (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 85)

This episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider celebrates two of the Women of Excellence Award winners: Toseima Jiles owner of CAI Business Group and Freda Hardage, Community Liaison for Northside Hospital.

They each talked about their path to their chosen fields, some of the challenges they encountered, the ways they empower and encourage other women, lessons they would pass along, and much more. Congratulations to these Women of Excellence award winners!

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Woman of Excellence – Rising Star Award

Toseima Jiles, Founder and Owner, CAI Business Group

Toseima Jiles is a Consultant with CAI Business Group; the parent company of multiple business entities since 1991. Toseima has dedicated her life to the love of the arts and alongside the pursuit of that passion, business and arts consulting have comfortably landed as her metaphoric equivalent of superstar ‘Beyonce’ and ‘Sasha Fierce’. In other words, Toseima has accepted the fact that providing the experience of both has afforded a great opportunity to impact the lives of people in an authentic and unique way.

Knitting together the benefit of literary, visual, and performing arts to effectively teach life skills to children and offer creative solutions for business owners and management teams to increase profits is essential.

Hundreds of companies over the years have been helped, consulted, and inspired to produce more tangible results within their goals! We are proud to recognize the unique aspects of CAI Business Group within a diverse path that offers valuable perspective and insight for our clients. To uplift, edify, and inspire people is a humbling underlying goal.

Choose CAI Business Group because they are passionate about results!

Company website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Woman of Excellence – Living Legacy

Freda Hardage, Community Liaison, Northside Hospital

Freda Hardage has been a successful presence in Johns Creek for many years. Her accomplishments through service projects, community leadership, and her 41-year career at Northside Hospital have reached throughout the region.

For the past 21 years, Hardage managed the Alpharetta Campus for Northside Hospital’s outpatient services. As former Director, Foundation Services and Alpharetta Medical Campus, she oversaw the hospital’s philanthropy and community initiatives as well as managed the Alpharetta campus.

She continues to set the tone for giving back with her involvement in the community, serving on the boards of MARTA, The Drake House, and the Greater North Fulton Chamber.

Company website | LinkedIn

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

For the complete show archive of GNFCC 400 Insider, go to GNFCC400Insider.com. The GNFCC 400 Insider is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition: An Interview with 2022 Chair James Holmes and 2023 Chair Danielle Cheung

January 25, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition: An Interview with 2022 Chair James Holmes and 2023 Chair Danielle Cheung

00:00 /

GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition: An Interview with 2022 Chair James Holmes and 2023 Chair Danielle Cheung (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 82)

This episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider welcomed Danielle Cheung as the 2023 GNFCC Board Chair and offered gratitude to James Holmes for his service as the 2022 Chair. Along with host Kali Boatright, James and Danielle discussed the Chamber’s achievements for 2022, including the GACOC Award as Georgia Certified Chamber, 2023 goals established from strategic planning in 2022, the Chamber’s growth during the last year, and much more.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Danielle Cheung, 2023 GNFCC Chair, and Business Banking Atlanta Metro Market Executive, Bank of America

Danielle Cheung is Senior Vice President and Market Executive for Atlanta Metro Business Banking at Bank of America, which focuses on delivering financial solutions to middle market companies. She is accountable for business strategy/execution, sales performance and revenue growth. Danielle was recognized as a national Pinnacle Club winner in 2019 for market sales performance.

Danielle joined Bank of America in 2016 with over two decades of experience in commercial banking at JPMorgan Chase Bank. After completing a formal management training program in credit, she spent sixteen years as a senior relationship manager focused on the non-profit healthcare industry. Danielle also managed new hire training and campus recruiting nationally for commercial banking, after which she relocated from New York to Atlanta to run middle market business development in Georgia and Alabama.

Danielle is a member of Bank of America’s Atlanta Market Leadership team, which focuses on setting business and community engagement strategies across Metro Atlanta. In that capacity, she co-leads efforts around cross line of business client acquisition strategies. Danielle is Executive Sponsor for LEAD for Women, a network dedicated to promoting professional women’s development and has maintained a leadership role in the Business Banking Diversity & Inclusion Council.

Giving back to her community is a priority for Danielle. She currently serves as the Chair of the board of directors of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and sits on the Board of Directors of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (Chair Elect, 2023). Danielle mentors transitioning veterans and their families through American Corporate Partners and assists unemployed parishioners at her church with job search techniques and resume assistance.

Danielle has been heard on local radio and in print discussing the challenges of entrepreneurs and the Bank’s Atlanta market priorities. She was named the 2019 March of Dimes Woman of Distinction for achievement in the financial services sector and received the 2019 and 2020 President’s Volunteer Service Award from Points of Light for her contribution to the community. Danielle is also part of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2022.

Danielle holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management Science and Mathematics and a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from Pace University in New York. She resides in Johns Creek, Georgia with her husband Kamond and their three children (Elizabeth, 20; Gregory, 16; and Zachary, 13)

Company website | LinkedIn

James Holmes, 2022 GNFCC Chair, and SVP & North Fulton Market President, Truist

James Holmes serves as the Market President for Northeast Atlanta encompassing Gwinnett, North Fulton & Forsyth Counties. James is responsible for overseeing the commercial banking team and integration of all other lines of business such as Wealth Management, Institutional Services, Insurance, Retail, & Capital Markets into the Northeast Atlanta Commercial Banking Group.

His focus is helping privately held corporations and non-profits with annual revenues of $5,000,000 – $75,000,000; by aiding them in areas of Capital Formation, Payment Solutions, and Risk Management. James is experienced in real estate transactions, asset-based lending, equipment financing, and leveraged financing transactions.

BB&T and SunTrust formed Truist with a shared purpose—to inspire and build better lives and communities. With our combined resources, collective passion, and commitment to innovation, we’re creating a better financial experience to help people and businesses achieve more. With 275 years of combined BB&T and SunTrust history,

Truist serves approximately 12 million households with leading market share in many high-growth markets in the country. The company offers a wide range of services including retail, small business and commercial banking; asset management; capital markets; commercial real estate; corporate and institutional banking; insurance; mortgage; payments; specialized lending; and wealth management.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist is the sixth-largest commercial bank in the U.S.

Company website | LinkedIn

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

For the complete show archive of GNFCC 400 Insider, go to GNFCC400Insider.com. The GNFCC 400 Insider is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

A Fulton County Schools Update, with Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney

November 15, 2022 by John Ray

All Things Fulton County Schools with Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney

North Fulton Studio

A Fulton County Schools Update, with Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney

00:00 /

A Fulton County Schools Update, with Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 81)

Fulton County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Mike Looney joined host Kali Boatright to discuss school safety, redistricting changes, retaining and recruiting teachers, changes to the school board, preparing students for the future, and much more.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Fulton County Schools

Fulton County Schools is the fourth largest school system in Georgia with nearly 11,000 full- and part-time employees, and nearly 7,000 teachers and other certified personnel spread out throughout the county. These incredible individuals support nearly 90,000 students this year who are attending classes in 59 elementary schools, 19 middle schools, 19 high schools, 10 start-up charter organizations, and 1 full-time virtual school.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Dr. Mike Looney, Superintendent, Fulton County Schools

Dr. Mike Looney has served as the Superintendent for the Fulton County School District (FCS) in Georgia since June 2019. In the middle of his first year on the job, he became the first school leader in the state to be faced with reacting to the unknown – a confirmed, positive case of COVID-19. He immediately jumped into action, calling upon his 28 years as an educator, 15 years of previous experience as a school superintendent in Tennessee and Alabama, as a retired marine, father and community leader to guide the district through two years of COVID-19 protocols and safety measures, all while maintaining a focus on the mission of educating students.

Despite the pandemic, his goals remained consistent. He continued with a focused set of key priorities including dropout prevention, literacy for all, CTAE expansion, STEAM programs, middle school reform, leadership development, and solid financial management. He also led the development of the Bridge to Success plan, the district’s three-year comprehensive strategy and transformational investment to help students recover from learning loss resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure student achievement, growth and success.

As the superintendent of the AAA-rated school district, Looney is passionate about ensuring academic excellence and paving the way to post-graduate success for the district’s more than 89,000 students who attend 108 schools. He is deeply committed to the school board’s mission to educate every student to be a responsible, productive citizen.

Beginning his educational career as a substitute teacher, while working on an MBA, Looney rose to becoming an award-winning national speaker on education, including being named Tennessee Superintendent of the Year in 2015. Dr. Looney received his Educational Specialist degree and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama and his bachelor’s degree in Business Management and master’s degree in Education from Jacksonville State University in Alabama.

Looney currently serves as a member of the Governor’s Advisory Board, Board of Directors for the Development Authority of Fulton County, Board of Directors of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and a member at North Point Community Church.

Looney is the proud father of four adult children, grandfather of two, and husband to Jennifer Looney. A successful business owner and professional skydiver, he recently added becoming a trained Wing Walker to his list of accomplishments.

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

For the complete show archive of GNFCC 400 Insider, go to GNFCC400Insider.com. The GNFCC 400 Insider is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Electric Vehicles in Georgia, with Frank Morris, Clean Cities Georgia

November 1, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Electric Vehicles in Georgia, with Frank Morris, Clean Cities Georgia

00:00 /

Electric Vehicles in Georgia with Frank Morris, Clean Cities Georgia (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 80)

Frank Morris, Executive Director of Clean Cities Georgia, joined host Kali Boatright to discuss the growth of electric vehicles and their increasing adoption in the state of Georgia. Frank shared his own long-time experience with EVs, tax breaks for EV purchasers, infrastructure to support EVs, and much more.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Clean Cities Georgia

The Clean Cities Program is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and focuses on strategies to reduce petroleum consumption in transportation.

There are nearly 100 Clean Cities Coalitions across the country and Clean Cities–Georgia holds the distinction of being the first coalition. DOE officially designated the coalition in 1993.

Clean Cities–Georgia (a program under Partnership for Clean Transportation, a 501(C)3 nonprofit) is the central coordinating point for alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) activities in the state of Georgia. Our shared mission with the national Clean Cities Program is to:

Advance the energy, economic, and environmental security of the United States by supporting local actions to reduce petroleum use in transportation.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Frank Morris, Executive Director, Clean Cities Georgia

Frank retired from UPS as Vice President Corporate Public Affairs managing the State, City, and Municipal Government relations for UPS in the Southeast, including Georgia, and established himself as an effective lobbyist, protecting and advancing the interests of a Fortune 500 Corporation. He has been asked to speak on transportation issues on behalf of UPS throughout the Southeast focusing on congestion and curbside access issues and the challenges of providing excellent delivery service while supporting the efforts of cities to improve congestion on surface roads.

Frank has extensive experience working with outside stakeholders, having served as a board member of the State Trucking Associations in several states as well as a board member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Sandy Springs Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia Charter School Association, and the Georgia Transportation Alliance.

Since retiring from UPS after 35 years of service, Frank has established a government affairs consulting firm representing the Georgia Charter Schools Association, UPS, and other clients.

Frank has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah. Frank and his wife Debbie, reside in Milton, Georgia. They have three adult children.

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

For the complete show archive of GNFCC 400 Insider, go to GNFCC400Insider.com. The GNFCC 400 Insider is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Jerry Orlans, BIS Benefits, and Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial

September 12, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Jerry Orlans, BIS Benefits, and Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial

00:00 /

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Jerry Orlans, BIS Benefits, and Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 516)

Two Greater North Fulton Chamber Diplomats, Jerry Orlans of BIS Benefits and Anthony Chen of Lighthouse Financial, sat down with host John Ray LIVE at the Grand Opening Celebration of GNFCC’s new offices at Avalon. Jerry and Anthony discussed their respective businesses, the work they do as Diplomats to orient new Chamber members, and more.

This show was originally broadcast live from the Grand Opening celebration and ribbon cutting of the new offices of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce at the 10000 Building at Avalon in Alpharetta, Georgia, on August 18, 2022.

North Fulton Business Radio is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

BIS Benefits

Employee benefits and insurance for your business or non-profit organization can be a maze—especially with healthcare reform and compliance. You need a trusted advisor.

One with the experience and knowledge to structure a strategic insurance and employee benefit plan that’s cost-effective yet works to keep your employees healthy, productive and satisfied. Instead of cookie-cutter offerings, you want customized options. A team of benefits experts providing the latest technology solutions to help you save time and increase communication with your employees. Your search has led you to the right place: BIS Benefits.

Company website

Jerry Orlans, Consultant, BIS Benefits

Jerry is President of RBC Benefits, Inc., and a recognized expert in employee benefits administration for small to mid-sized companies. He has over 35 years of industry experience and attributes his continued success to placing his clients’ needs first and foremost.

In 2013 Jerry connected with Ray Bachman and BIS Benefits, Inc., in a strategic partnership for the benefit of their clients. Jerry is now a consultant working with BIS Benefits. Jerry and Ray offer almost 80 years of combined experience in the Employee Benefits arena.

Prior to starting RBC Benefits, Inc., he served as Regional Director for a National Brokerage and Consulting firm and as a Regional Sales Manager for two major national insurance companies. He has supported small, medium and large employers by consulting in all areas of employee benefits. His expertise covers health care, including self-funded health plans, dental and vision benefits, long-and-short term disability and 401(k) retirement and profit sharing plans.

Jerry is currently serving his fifth term as an elected City Councilman in Roswell, Georgia. He served nine years on the Board of Directors of North Fulton Regional Hospital and rotated off in January of 2011. He has previously served on the Boards of North Fulton Community Foundation, the Rotary Club of Roswell, and the North Fulton YMCA. He is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters and keeps abreast of legislative issues impacting his clients. Additionally, he is actively involved in the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and the Roswell Rotary Club. In recognition of his leadership in the community, he was invited by the Atlanta Regional Commission to participate in the Regional Leadership program in 1997.

Jerry graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan with a degree in Finance. He obtained the designation of FLMI (Fellow Life Management Institute) from LOMA. LOMA (Life Office Management Association) has set the standard in Insurance education for over 70 years.

Lighthouse Financial Network

Lighthouse Financial Network is affiliated with Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. The firm is located in Melville, NY and has an additional 14 affiliated offices located throughout the nation. They provide financial guidance to clients across the country, each with unique financial needs.

Lighthouse is comprised of a dedicated group of professionals, with high core values and extensive experience in finance, insurance, and money management. Many of its advisors have attained advanced degrees and professional designations to enhance their ability to best represent you to make certain that they meet your needs effectively. Their advisors are responsible for understanding your financial picture, applying a comprehensive strategy, and providing the appropriate resources to help meet your goals and objectives.

Company website | LinkedIn

Anthony Chen, Investment Advisor Representative, Lighthouse Financial Network, and Host of Family Business Radio

Anthony Chen started his career in financial services with MetLife in Buffalo, NY in 2008. Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, he considers himself a full-blooded New Yorker while now enjoying his Atlanta, GA home. Specializing in family businesses and their owners, Anthony works to protect what is most important to them. From preserving to creating wealth, Anthony partners with CPAs and attorneys to help address all of the concerns and help clients achieve their goals. By using a combination of financial products ranging from life, disability, and long-term care insurance to many investment options through Royal Alliance.

Anthony is also the host of Family Business Radio. His show features family business owners and the advisors who assist them in their journey. The show archive can be found here.

Anthony looks to be the eyes and ears for his client’s financial foundation. In his spare time, Anthony is an avid long-distance runner.

Questions and Topics in the Interview:

Jerry’s work at BIS Benefits
Anthony Chen’s work as a Financial Advisor
GNFCC Chamber Diplomats

North Fulton Business Radio is hosted by John Ray and broadcast and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Special thanks to A&S Culinary Concepts for their support of this edition of North Fulton Business Radio. A&S Culinary Concepts, based in Johns Creek, is an award-winning culinary studio, celebrated for corporate catering, corporate team building, Big Green Egg Boot Camps, and private group events. They also provide oven-ready, cooked-from-scratch meals to go they call “Let Us Cook for You.” To see their menus and events, go to their website or call 678-336-9196.

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Andy Kalajian, Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting

August 30, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Andy Kalajian, Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting

00:00 /

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 508)

Andy Kalajian, founder of Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting is deeply involved in GNFCC as a Chamber Diplomat, a Chairman’s Circle member, and several other capacities. Andy sat down with host John Ray during the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration to talk about Fort Leadership, Andy’s approach to sales and relationships, why he’s so involved with GNFCC, and much more.

North Fulton Business Radio is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting, LLC is a Professional and Personal Development company that creates healthy corporate cultures by developing the personal and professional leadership capacity of the person. Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting, LLC believes that a healthy Corporate Culture benefits the business leader and the employee alike, and it enhances the customer experience.

The culture on the inside of a company is what the customer experiences on the outside of the company. That is the customer experience. But if this is true, why do so many employees feel that their corporate culture is not where it needs to be? Why do some employees describe their corporate culture as dysfunctional or even toxic? How does this dysfunction impact the customer experience? Furthermore, why do some business leaders when asked “how many employees work for you?” respond by saying, “about 1/2”!
Demographic studies indicate that in 5 years up to 75% of the employees will be millennials. That means that for a business leader to be able to attract and retain the best talent from the biggest pool of talent, the business leader must have a healthy corporate culture.

But if a healthy corporate culture is what the employer and the employee are looking for, what does a healthy corporate culture look like? How is a healthy corporate culture created? The answer is Leadership! Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting creates healthy corporate cultures through Leadership Development. Leadership development is all about Character. After all, when we talk about corporate culture, what we are really talking about is corporate character. Corporations are made up of people. And people bring their character to work. So, it only stands to reason that when a collection of people brings their collective characters to work, a corporate character or a corporate culture is created.

Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting, LLC is creating healthy corporate cultures.

Company website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Andy Kalajian, Founder, Fort Leadership & Sales Consulting

Andy Kalajian has been a highly sought-after public speaker for more than 25 years. He has received public acclaim for his brand, EnTheos, Latin for Spirit Within and predecessor to the word Enthusiasm. Andy enthusiastically delivers powerful talks and lessons steeped in wisdom literature and their practical application to busy lifestyles. His tagline, transformational thought in action, serves as a reminder to the participant that one can, indeed, permanently change the destiny of their life by changing the nature of their thoughts and actions.

Andy was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. As a young boy he discovered his passion for serving others in medicine and his gift for public speaking. At the age of 12, Andy, at the urging of his father, began to earn his own way as a Golf Caddy. His sense of adventure also led him, along with his father, to the Boy Scouts of America where he achieved the Rank of Eagle Scout. In High School, Andy was fed books from his mother, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

While a golf caddy, Andy was awarded the prestigious Evans Scholarship, a full academic and leadership scholarship, to study at Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology. In 1985, he coupled his lifelong passion for medicine and serving people with his gift of enthusiastic speaking and moved to Atlanta to begin his career in Medical Sales.

As a young professional, Andy’s Mom continued to fuel his desire for wisdom literature from authors/speakers Zig Ziglar, Earl Nightingale, Les Brown, Stephen Covey, and John Maxwell. Andy applied the character traits instilled in him from the Boy Scouts and the leadership skills taught to him by John Maxwell, Stephen Covey, and others to enjoy over 30 years in an award-winning medical sales career. It was during this time that Andy was asked to speak to groups as small as 4 or 5 and as large as 500+ all over the US and Puerto Rico.

Andy is very involved in the lives of his two children, Mallory and Drew. For 12 years they were engaging in monthly adventures with the YMCA Adventure Guides program where Andy volunteered in several leadership positions including Nation Chief. Andy and his wife, Sherrie, have four adult children and are active members of Pastor Andy Stanley’s congregation at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Andy enjoys time invested with his wife Sherrie, his family, and his friends. He still has a voracious appetite for reading the wisdom literature and the biographies of the American Founders. He enjoys weightlifting, aerobics, golf, and hiking the outdoors. Andy continues to have a passion for speaking, coaching, and training others to lead a life of significance.