Roger Stix is the owner and Executive Producer of Atlanta Business Video.

Before founding Atlanta Business Video in 2008, Roger had been hard at work as an executive in the banking, electronics, and finance world for over 35 years. His foresight into the world of business and passion for video inspired the revelation that affordable web video was going to be an emerging need in the upcoming years.

Jeannie Dunn, herbalist and NC native, serves as director and owner of Red Moon Herbs. After 20 years, extracts are still made in the wise woman tradition using prolific, local plants harvested and processed fresh at the peak of their season.

Red Moon Herbs is a woman-owned herbal extracts company that focuses on prolific plants harvested at the peak of their season. Red Moon Herbs was founded by Corinna Wood, director of SE Women's Herbal Conference, and Jessica Godino, acupuncturist at Four Flames Healing. Studying under Susun Weed, renowned herbalist and author, Red Moon Herbs bases its principles and foundation on the Wise Woman Tradition. Now in business 20 years, Red Moon Herbs still makes herbal medicine in this method using fresh plants from local sources in small batches. Redmoonherbs.com

www.facebook.com/redmoonherbs
jeannie@redmoonherbs.com
www.redmoonherbs.com
888-929-0777

Since its inception, the Andrew Oswald Memorial Fund has been blessed with tremendous community support, enabling the following accomplishments:

• More than $20,000 in support of teen safe driving
• $44,000 for 11 Andrew Oswald Memorial Scholarships ($4,000 over 4 years to Georgia high school student-athletes playing lacrosse in college)
• Nearly 500 lacrosse equipment rental packages to encourage new players to try the sport without initial investment in equipment
• Grants of approximately $35,000 to support lacrosse programs and individuals across the Atlanta area

AJO4LAX encourages all lacrosse players to:

• PLAY LAX
• MAKE GOOD CHOICES and
• CELEBRATE LIFE

David Epstein's pas­sion for com­mu­nity and the well being of his neigh­bors spurred the vision of Atlanta Con­tact­Point (ACP), a non­profit orga­ni­za­tion estab­lished in 2012 to engage chil­dren and adults through the power of play and support and engage the community with wellness programs such as sports, fitness, nutrition, and social responsibility.

David, known affectionately as "Mr. David", is a preschool teacher and tennis coach who loves working with people of all ages.
He has been work­ing with chil­dren at his neigh­bor­hood preschool, as well as on the fields and courts for over 8 years. "Mr. David" runs sum­mer sports pro­grams in Atlanta and directs a ten­nis pro­gram in upstate NY for 7 weeks. He enjoys play­ing ten­nis, base­ball, and roller hockey.

“Mr. David” is a grad­u­ate of Lehigh Uni­ver­sity where he received a BS in Finance. He lived and worked in NYC for 3 years before mov­ing to Atlanta in 1995, which quickly became home.

Seeking a way to transport her senses to Italy and its unique and traditional food flavors, while being far away from her, Adriana Coppola founded  A&A Alta Cucina.

Adriana enjoys developing gourmet Italian foods using recipes and traditions from her family. They use only the freshest and finest ingredients, allowing them to offer the best tasting blending seasonings, infused oils, balsamic vinegars, pestos, tomato sauces and more that you will ever experience so now you can make traditional Italian dishes easily at your in just minutes in a Italian way!

A&A Alta Cucina is a family business that was born in the US in spring 2011. They specialize in Italian gourmet food products inspired by their Italian roots recipes and traditions. Products are ALL NATURAL, without any artificial flavor, color or preservative and they only use the freshest and finest ingredients allowing them to offer the best tasting and high quality blending seasonings, salts, infused extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, pestos, tomato sauces and more.

All products are HANDMADE and HAND PACKED in an artisan way using ecofriendly materials and produced in small batches, using old traditions that allow us to put in every single product made, the passion Italians have for their traditions and food.

You can find at www.altacucinaitalia.com more information regarding the company, their products and recipes that will inspire you while cooking with their products at home.

Chuck Blethen is President and COB of NCNPA – www.NCNaturalProducts.org. He is owner of Jewel of the Blue Ridge Vineyard in Marshall NC where he specializes in propagating and growing the cold-hardy Katuah Muscadine for sale to the nutraceutical industry – www.JeweloftheBlueRidge.com. Chuck is also VP Public Relations for the French Broad Vignerons LLC, an organization that promotes viticulture as a tool for economic development in the mountain counties of western North Carolina by providing education to the public about growing grapes, making wine, and all of the 150+ value added products that can come from using grapes as a raw material – www.FrenchBroadVignerons.org.

Sarah Oram has spent the past 30 years building and expanding various non-profit organizations around Asheville and beyond.  She sees great economic potential for Western North Carolina if the Blue Ridge Naturally seal can be successfully launched and hopes her experience in marketing great ideas will carry through.

The North Carolina Natural Products Association (NCNPA) was formed over 11 years ago as a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promotion of conserving, cultivating, sustainably harvesting, and processing North Carolina grown medicinal plants. NCNPA's mission is to establish North Carolina as a key global supplier of premium-quality raw materials and plant-based value added products such as natural medicines, organic products, functional foods, and personal care products.

The Blue Ridge Naturally seal program is designed to bring international and national attention to Western North Carolina’s emerging natural products industry.  The Blue Ridge Naturally seal on products emphasizes Western North Carolina’s superior quality in locally grown ingredients and finished natural products . It announces to potential customers an assured level of product safety, tested quality in addition to affiliation with Western North Carolina, a region of distinction in the natural products industry.
I am a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania MBA program.

In 1993, Randy and Cindi Beavers realized they would one day inherit her Grandfather’s farm forcing them to choose between selling the farm to land developers or moving there and attempting to make a living. Cindi’s Grandfather had purchased the farm in 1932 and paid for it with a bale of cotton per year so the couple felt they couldn’t place a monetary value on his dedication. There was only one option, move to the farm. Little did they know how that decision would shape their lives.

Twenty years later and after a series of eight Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards from USDA and NIH/NCCAM focused on development of sustainable production and processing techniques for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Appendix II listed plant Hydrastis canadensis, aka goldenseal, Randy is considered an authority on the plant and is at the forefront of raising the bar of goldenseal product quality and reliability.

Steve Henson is a marketing professor at Western Carolina University and the Chief Marketing Officer at BotaniPharm.  He began his career working for about five years with GE Capital, then moved to a subsidiary of Ciba-Geigy, now Novartis.  Mid-career, he decided to make the switch to academics and earned his Ph.D. in Marketing from Georgia State University at the ripe young age of 40.  He is a native Appalachian and had a chance to return to the mountains at Western and jumped at it.

BotaniPharm, LLC is the only known 100% grower owned botanical product company in the US. The company specializes in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program certified production and processing of high value, forest grown medicinal plants particularly  endangered/threatened species such as Hydrastis canadensis, aka goldenseal.

The company’s leadership in the area of development of sustainable production and processing methods for endangered/threatened medicinal plants has been recognized by the USDA and the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIH/NCCAM) through a series of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards totaling more than $2 million.

Through this work the Company’s Founder developed a paradigm changing method of standardizing goldenseal products to specific levels of biological activity thus assuring repeatable potency regardless of year to year and location to location variability and opening the door to controlled clinical studies using goldenseal for the first time.

The Company currently produces research grade goldenseal products for use in NIH funded human clinical studies and markets a consumer line of dietary supplements, Goldenseal Advanced™, based on the same standardization process through their website, www.botanipharm.com.

BotaniPharm’s mission is to enhance profitability for its small farm members through pooled production, cooperative processing, and marketing under a common brand name, create safer, more reliable products for consumers, and produce a desirable environmental benefit through reduction in the need for wild collected medicinal plants to meet market demand, true “triple bottom line benefits”.

Sarah Schober is the Manager for BioNetwork at A-B Tech.  She works closely with the Center’s natural products testing and manufacturing programs and assists natural product and life science entrepreneurs with laboratory manufacturing, and regulatory practices.

BioNetwork at A-B Tech delivers education, outreach and laboratory programs that promote life sciences.  Educational topics include, but are notlimited to, current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) for dietary supplements and personal care products; basic and analytical laboratory skills; and customized industry training.  Our diverse outreach programs aim to support life science endeavors and awareness through community and educational partnerships, both outreach and education programs may be geared toward K-12 students or adult learners.  Analytical assistance for botanicals includes constituent, microbial, and pesticide detection and quantification.  Well-equipped laboratory space is available for rent to those interested in product research, testing, and development.

Amy Hamilton, herbalist, farmer and mother is living her dream of farming medicinal herbs in western NC, where she's lived for nearly 20 years.

She is a founding member of Appalachian Botanical Alliance (ABA), a cooperative of herb growers, formed in 2012 with a mission to continue the legacy of Appalachian sourced medicinal herbs. ABA is focused on cultivating western and traditional Chinese medicinal herbs of high quality and in consistent supply.  Amy's farm is Appalachian Seeds Farm & Nursery. She grows heirloom tomato seed and medicinal herbs.

Dr. Jeanine Davis is a horticulture professor with NC State University located at a research facility in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina.  For over 25 years, her program has been dedicated to helping farmers improve the profitability of their farms by growing new crops, transitioning to organic agriculture and adopting more sustainable practices.  Her current efforts are focused on woodland botanicals, Chinese herbs, hops, truffles, broccoli, and organic heirloom tomatoes.  You can learn about her program on her website at http://ncherb.org which has links to her blog, Facebook page, and Twitter account.

Ms. Alison Dressler is a Research Assistant in the NC Alternative Crops and Organics program at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center.  Her efforts are dedicated to helping grow the agricultural sector of the natural products and medicinal herb industries in western North Carolina.  She is currently involved with helping a new medicinal herb cooperative, a natural products branding effort, and a growing bloodroot for dye project.  She recently completed a 168 page report on special forest botanicals in Southern Appalachia.

Josh learned early on that success is achieved by commitment to hard work and discipline. He took this to heart when he decided to enroll at North Georgia College and State University, one of six senior military colleges in the United States. In four years at North Georgia, he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BBA in Management and Finance, held leadership positions in six activity boards, and worked part-time at a boutique financial planning firm. After spending four years helping individuals with retirement and estate planning, he realized his true calling was in providing clients with tax planning ideas and solutions to grow their businesses. He took the next two years working in a local CPA firm, going to school at J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University and fulfilling the requirements to become a CPA.

Josh remains actively involved in the community through various organizations to include the North Georgia Alumni Association, Psi Chapter Alumni Association, Pi Kappa Alpha Psi Chapter Advisory Board, Lifecycle Building Center of Greater Atlanta, Griffin Rotary Club and the Gutcheck Program of the Gainesville Jaycees.

In his spare time, Josh enjoys spending time with family, whitewater rafting, snow skiing and spending time with his Weimaraner.

Southern Fried Strings was started by three great friends who simply LOVE Lacrosse. Brothers, Zach and Sam, along with their best friend Matt began their business with a mission to offer superior lacrosse head stringing services and supplies at affordable prices. They also created a unique wax coated mesh which allows the mesh to be water resistant greatly increasing consistency and control during bad weather, a quicker "break in" period for the mesh pocket and gives more hold to the ball.

Zach specializes in stringing traditional pockets closely resembling the Native American Style.

Sam specializes in stringing goalie heads.

Matt specializes in stringing modern mesh pockets that are most commonly used today.

Check out their videos on YouTube at Southernfried Strings, or email them at southernfriedstrings@aol.com

While working at a UPS store while studying video production in college, Marisa decided that she wanted to do something "more stable" with her life.  It was then that she decided to become a small business owner.

Melissa and her father, Chuck, purchased the store at at 3162 Johnson Ferry Road in East Cobb in June, 2011.

Their UPS store offers not only shipping and packaging, but also can do all sorts of printing such as business cards, brochures, flyers, large format printing such as yard signs, banners, canvases, promotional items – hats, shirts, pens, etc.

Ken Robbins is a recognized expert in the fields of direct marketing and marketing strategy.

He is a frequent speaker to CEO groups and  conferences on the subject of marketing strategy, and how to identify the leverage points in your marketing and sales system that turn accelerate growth. He can be seen at KenRobbinsBlog.com or contacted through ResponseMine.com

Response Mine works with mid-size and large companies to help them get a lot more new customers and revenues through internet marketing. They work with national retailers, large home service providers, and healthcare organizations to generate online sales, and online leads.

GG Gibson is the owner of GG's Fine Foods.

GG learned how to cook generations-old Creole recipes through her grandmother, Ella D. Smith, who never compromised on flavor or presentation, but taking great pride and pleasure in presenting fabulous meals. This passion for food continues to inspire GG today.

GG’s Real New Orleans Creole Cuisine include Original Seafood Gumbo, Famous Crawfish Pie, Classic Creole Seasoning, Remoulade Sauce—all infused with GG’s rockin’ flavors. The cuisines can be found on www.ggsfinefood.com.

GG’s flair for culinary art developed into a career after a lifelong mission to bring people together around good food. After overcoming many hardships, GG established GG’s Fine Foods, which operates in a HAACP safety certified manufacturing facility in Woodstock, Georgia.

NODE is the worlds smartest wireless sensor platform. It makes your smartphone into a tool to measure anything, from temperature to color to carbon monoxide!

Dr. George Yu is a Georgia Tech alumni and has worked for NASA and DHS on wireless technology.

He invented the NODE platform and successfully raised money on kick starter to have the first Node’s produced. You can buy the NODE right now on NodeSensors.com

The Melanie Thornton Youth Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization, develops leadership potential in youth through arts enrichment programs and experiences throughout the Metro Atlanta area.

Lois Thornton Chisolm has over 15 years experience developing youth arts enrichment programs and instructing youth from age 2 to 18 in a large variety of arts disciplines.  While living in Europe, Lois taught performance skills, image creation and dance to performing artists. Lois also choreographed for TV shows and live concert performances while she managed their careers.  Some well known artists Lois managed include La Bouche, Melanie Thornton, C-Block, Jemini and T-One.  These artists performed in numerous countries, sold over 12 million singles and albums and have been awarded gold and platinum sales awards in more than 25 countries around the world.

Throughout the years, Lois has used her skills, knowledge and experience to teach in a way that increases student’s self esteem and gives them a genuine appreciation for art forms.  Lois has developed exciting and captivating teaching techniques that keep her students motivated as they grow more poised, graceful and confident in themselves and their expression.   She started a small scholarship fund in memory of her most famous client and sister, Melanie Thornton, in 2002 and then developed and expanded it into the Melanie Thornton Youth Arts Foundation, Inc., an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

The foundation’s mission is to develop leadership skills in youth, particularly those that are disadvantaged, by providing an opportunity to experience the arts and be inspired to do positive and creative things with their lives.  For more information go to www.foundationforyoutharts.org, The Melanie Thornton Fan Page on Facebook, Youthartsfund on Twitter and Youthartsfund Channel on Youtube.

Jay Reid began working construction in high school and has been in construction management for the last 20 years.  He was looking for a new opportunity and Great American Cookie / Pretzelmaker appealed to Jay and his wife.

Great American Cookie offers fresh baked cookies, brownies, and unflavored pretzels as well as 100% beef pretzel dogs and mini pretzel dogs.

They also offer fountain drinks, lemonade, ice products and 5 different flavors of blended fruit drinks.

Jay and his wife have been married for 25 years and have 2 children.

Ulimana is a successful company with nothing but positive energy in every handmade product, founded by single mom Theresa Green.

Theresa Green started her career with Nirvana Manna (renamed later Maca Manna) after expected success with a home recipe passed to a friend at the Natural Foods Expo 2005. Word spread, and she could only grow and expand to incorporating Ulimana. Her made-up name is semi-Huna—a Polynesian and Hawaiian science practiced by the aboriginals of those regions. It means asking the goddess Uli, the “Goddess of Serenity,” for the blessings of life force, energy, and vibrant health—“mana.”

Ulimana is one of the raw food pioneers, and very possibly the first, Organic Raw Chocolate company. Ulimana makes their own proprietary blend of the highest quality cacao (ka-kow) from Peru and Bali. Cacao in its natural, raw form has many psychotic-active ingredients that work as a natural mood elevator.

Ulimana makes raw, organic truffles that are gluten-free, dairy-free and sweetened with natural, alternative sweeteners; handmade in Asheville, NC at The Blue Ridge Food Ventures. They can be found in many of the Earth Fare stores and Whole Food stores across the region as well as NYC and California.

Josh learned early on that success is achieved by commitment to hard work and discipline. He took this to heart when he decided to enroll at North Georgia College and State University, one of six senior military colleges in the United States. In four years at North Georgia, he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BBA in Management and Finance, held leadership positions in six activity boards, and worked part-time at a boutique financial planning firm. After spending four years helping individuals with retirement and estate planning, he realized his true calling was in providing clients with tax planning ideas and solutions to grow their businesses. He took the next two years working in a local CPA firm, going to school at J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University and fulfilling the requirements to become a CPA.

Josh remains actively involved in the community through various organizations to include the North Georgia Alumni Association, Psi Chapter Alumni Association, Pi Kappa Alpha Psi Chapter Advisory Board, Lifecycle Building Center of Greater Atlanta, Griffin Rotary Club and the Gutcheck Program of the Gainesville Jaycees.

In his spare time, Josh enjoys spending time with family, whitewater rafting, snow skiing and spending time with his Weimaraner.

A Los Angeles-native, Christine’s always had a passion for fashion, art and the finer things in life. Since the tender age of 16, she’s worked at various high-end department stores – learning the day-to-day of a retail business and ultimately putting herself through college at the University of Southern California where she received a B.F.A. in Art History.

Christine maintains Accessory Business 101, her private, online, monthly membership site.  Accessory Business 101 helps designers and inventors realize their dreams of having a thriving product-based business. By coaching new and established designers on the do’s and don’ts of the fashion world, Christine is able to help her clients have a thriving company which supports their passions and dreams.

For more information, check out www.AccessoryBusiness101.com, www.Facebook.com/AccessoryBusiness101 and twitter @accessorybiz.

Mary Lou Surgi is the executive director of Blue Ridge Food Ventures in Asheville, North Carolina—the region’s largest shared-use food processing incubator. After spending about 15 years working and living overseas doing everything from being a Peace Corps Volunteer in Malaysia to running a pig re-population project in Haiti, she decided to stay home and go to culinary school. Not wanting to work in a restaurant, and wanting to combine her international food and agriculture experience with food and economic development she found her dream job with Blue Ridge Food Ventures where  she has worked with hundreds of food entrepreneurs and farmers to help them start up their food businesses.  Mary Lou holds Masters’ degrees in Public Health and Food Systems as well as a Culinary Degree.

Chris Reedy is the Program Manager of Blue Ridge food Ventures.  He attended the University of Kentucky and graduated with a degree in finance.  After graduating, Chris went on to earn a MBA with a concentration in finance from Xavier University’s Williams School of Business in Cincinnati, OH.  Immediately after receiving his degree, he joined a Kentucky based holding company and worked as a project manager & financial analyst.  In 1997, Chris founded an import company and traveled throughout Asia working with small producers to sustainably and equitably produce and market their products.  In 2009, he was a founding member of the Southern Appalachian Hops Guild and began to work with farmers throughout the region to create an emerging industry.  His current position allows him to work with and consult with farmers, food artisans and natural product producers on all aspects of their products from intake of raw materials to finished product branding.

Blue Ridge Food Ventures is an 11,000 sq. ft. shared-use kitchen incubator and natural products manufacturing facility that offers support in product development, guidance through the maze of regulations governing safe production of food products and dietary supplements, advice on packaging and label design, and much more.

We're here to help people who dream--of getting their artisan food products to market, of running a baking or catering business, or even operating their own hot dog cart! We also help individuals and small businesses that want to make natural products and herbal dietary supplements, and get them into bottles and tubes and onto store shelves.

Annice Brown, Assistant Regional Director, of the SBTDC, Asheville, NC has over 20 years experience in economic development, managing, and implementing policies and programs promoting public and private sector development in the U.S. and internationally. Prior to coming to Asheville, Annice spent 20 years in Washington, D.C. where she worked for the World Bank on environmental management projects; the French National Agency for Research and Development. She has also worked in marketing and sales for an organic cotton apparel manufacturer in Asheville. Currently, she is VP of the North Carolina Natural Products Assn.

As a part of their economic development mission, the SBTDC provides direct service to economic development organizations, government agencies, and university departments. Their team of research analysts and strategic planning specialists has facilitated the development of numerous local and regional economic strategies; managed project feasibility studies; provided technical assistance for entrepreneurial programs (such as small business incubators); crafted community economic development plans; designed business needs assessments; and conducted market analyses.

Their ability to tap the expertise and resources of our university colleagues uniquely allows the SBTDC to assist county and municipal governments; regional economic development partnerships; chambers of commerce; councils of governments; community development corporations; community colleges; and various other organizations.

Greg Cumberford, President and Co-Founder, Bent Creek Institute, Inc., is a botanical natural products industry executive. He co-founded Bent Creek Institute in 2006 to grow Western North Carolina’s role as a competitive sourcing region for medicinal plants and value-added botanical products. Prior to joining as BCI’s President in 2011, Mr. Cumberford worked as a senior manager for over 13 years with Gaia Herbs, a leading US grower and manufacturer of botanical extracts. He has BS degree from Stanford University. His avocational interests include natural horsemanship, running, and culinary travel.

Joe-Ann McCoy, PhD, serves as the director of the Bent Creek Germplasm Repository (BCGR) located at the NC Arboretum in Asheville, NC.  Joe-Ann completed her doctoral research in Plant Physiology from Clemson University which focused on the development of seed, rhizome, and in vitro propagation protocols for Actaea racemosa L. (black cohosh)and analysis of associated triterpene glycosides.  Her MS was focused on developing in vitro propagation and optimal HPLC extraction & analytical methods for Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort).  Prior to BCGR she served as medicinal plant curator for the USDA NCRPIS (North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station) and the NIH ISU Center for Research on Dietary Supplements in Ames, IA.  She has worked with various aspects of native and medicinal plant collection, cell culture, propagation, and analytical research for the past 16 years.

BCI’s mission is to grow an economic cluster in WNC rooted in reverence for our region’s unique biodiversity and botanical traditions, and expressed through scientific testing, research, strategic advisory, and horticultural collaborations. BCI helps their partners clear hurdles as they develop new natural products and grow new specialty crops in our region. The Bent Creek Germplasm Repository (BCGR) of The North Carolina Arboretum is North America’s only gene bank dedicated to archiving, conserving, and storing medicinal plants and related endophyte germplasm for medical and horticultural research. Anchored by BCGR’s botanical research and conservation activities, BCI fosters sustainable jobs growth based on validated botanical medicines and integrative healthcare solutions that serve the wellness needs of our region, our state, and our nation.

KJ McKinnon International LLC is a organization that specializes in helping everyday people achieve change their present condition and escape their comfort zone. With over twenty-five years of experience and a trail of success, KJ McKinnon International LLC energizes people to pursue personal, spiritual, and professional development. The pursuit of this development is aided by a long list of personal and professional development tools, training workshops, motivational speaking platforms, and Kinnovations. From innovation to leadership, KJ McKinnon International LLC leads the way in creating a groundswell of real development.

Kevin McKinnon, a Tifton, Georgia native, is the author of Next Level Pursuit, President of KJ McKinnon International LLC and Chief Commercial Officer for Smart House Calls, LLC. Kevin is also the Chairman of the Board for the Brighter Tomorrow’s Foundation in DeKalb County, Georgia. Prior to these experiences, Kevin was an award winning, senior leader at one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world with responsibilities up to 1,000 employees and more than a billion dollars in revenue. Last, Kevin was a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, serving in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Kevin is a graduate of Columbia  University in the City of New York and a doctor of business administration candidate. Kevin’s website address is www.kjmckinnon.com and twitter address is @KevinJMcKinnon.

Russell Holcombe is CEO of Atlanta-based investment firm, Holcombe Financial, and author of the book “You Should Only Have to Get Rich Once.” Holcombe earned his MTX (Masters in Taxation) from Georgia State University, his BBA in Finance from Southern Methodist University, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.

Holcombe challenges the conventional wisdom of the current financial planning model that has left so many disappointed.  Holcombe helps clients make decisions that increase their chance of achieving their point of financial independence.  An avid reader, writer, and outdoorsman, Holcombe welcomes the opportunity to expose clients to a better way of looking at money.

Holcombe Financial delivers a creative financial planning process to clients ready to think differently about their wealth. Holcombe Financial anticipates the challenges clients will encounter, and develops innovative, tailor-made solutions to maintain their Independence forever. For more information, please visit www.holcombefinancial.com

Donald Dunn began Dun Construction in 1984, with a vision of charting his own path for success in an industry that was a natural fit for his love of being outdoors, and of transforming land.  28 years into his business, Donald works hard to find time to enjoy hunting, fishing, and spending time with family.  He is also a Master Cattleman and has a 120 acre farm in Alabama where he runs a cow-calf operation.  He has three children and lives with his wife and young son in Cumming, Georgia.

Dunn Construction began in 1984 as one entrepreneur, with one piece of equipment.  The company started out doing light grading work primarily for multi-family apartment developers and gradually expanded to include concrete structural work, larger and more complex sitework projects, retaining walls, demolition, and hard-scapes.  28 years later, the company resume boasts work on several major college campuses in Georgia such as Emory University, university of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State University, and Wesleyan College to name a few.  We also have earned a reputation for design-assistance in addition to the install of custom, high-end, hard-scapes for private clients.  At its peak, Dunn Construction employed well over 30 carpenters, equipment operators, concrete finishers and laborers.

Ross Perloe CFP®, CLU®, CLTC  moved to the Atlanta area in 1976 after graduating from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Currently residing in Sandy Springs, GA with his wife, Michele, and daughter, Sydney, he began his Financial Services career in 1994.

His passion in business is to help his clients make informed decisions as it relates to their financial planning so as to protect their families and businesses from unnecessary risks.

For over 10 years Ross served as an officer of a large Home Owners Association and currently is the President of the Riverwood High School Foundation.   He can be contacted at 404-252-7965, or the web at www.myltc.com or via email at rperloe@gmail.com

Diane Pfeifer has been writing and self-publishing cookbooks since 1987 with over 700,000 books sold. She invented Grits Bits gourmet cheese crackers and specializes in Georgia welcome gifts for gift shops and events.

She has been a chemist, a Capitol recording artist, a songwriter with two Top 15 hits for Debby Boone, acted in commercials, and recorded wrong number messages for the phone company. She has been self-employed since 1973.

Adell Henderson has worked in music, television and film as an editor, producer and marketing consultant for a variety of pop culture influencers. His philanthropy work began through community service and as a public speaker for students ranging from grade school to college.  In 2006, as President of his Los Angeles based Karma Foundation, he focused primarily on at-risk youth projects that included participation and partnerships with talent and organizations such as Snoop dogg, Plaxico Buress, Andre Dirrell, Mateen Cleaves, NBA Development League, Los Angeles Unified School District and Boys & Girls Club of America, Xbox, Under Armour and 2K Sports.

Prefessional U is a multimedia career development organization that provides impressionable youth, ages 14-24, with a plethora of information and resources needed to excel in one’s favored profession.

This unique consulting institution exposes these individuals to a variety of success stories and career opportunities through its non-traditional lesson plans including interactive learning, college preparation, internship opportunities, access to a distinguished array of professionals and job placement.

While encouraging critical thinking, time management and individualized custom planning, the principles that Prefessional U teaches will help students understand how to obtain professional success from both technical and political aspects. Participants enrolled in Prefessional U will be exposed to the pros and cons of choosing their potential career paths. Prefessional U is the preferred place where careers are born.

Russell Holcombe is CEO of Atlanta-based investment firm, Holcombe Financial, and author of the book “You Should Only Have to Get Rich Once.” Holcombe earned his MTX (Masters in Taxation) from Georgia State University, his BBA in Finance from Southern Methodist University, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.

Holcombe challenges the conventional wisdom of the current financial planning model that has left so many disappointed.  Holcombe helps clients make decisions that increase their chance of achieving their point of financial independence.  An avid reader, writer, and outdoorsman, Holcombe welcomes the opportunity to expose clients to a better way of looking at money.

Holcombe Financial delivers a creative financial planning process to clients ready to think differently about their wealth. Holcombe Financial anticipates the challenges clients will encounter, and develops innovative, tailor-made solutions to maintain their Independence forever. For more information, please visit www.holcombefinancial.com

Byron is the Founder and Executive Director of VISION 9:38. He was born and raised in Cartersville, GA and is 1990 graduate of the University of West Georgia. He is currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity at Reformed Theological Seminary.

Byron has spent 21 years as a missionary to college students on various campuses - ​Alabama State University, Tuskegee University, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Huntingdon College, and Auburn University Montgomery. He has raised nearly $2 million in his fund raising efforts over the past 21 years.

Byron is married to Kim for 19 years.  They have five children - Kelsey, James Byron II, Kaitlyn, Jordan, and Jonathan.

Do you know of any African-American missionaries? Statistics tell us that less than 1% of all missionaries are African-American. Why? Have you ever wondered why there are so few African-American missionaries?  There are many challenges that they are facing, but the biggest barrier is funding. How do we overcome this funding difficulty?

VISION 9:38 desires to stand in the gap. VISION 9:38’s committed to empowering and equipping minority missionaries to enable them to labor effectively in the harvest for a lifetime of kingdom impact by providing funding for deserving and qualified minority missionaries, training them in how to raise and maintain funding, and finding innovative fundraising solutions to create a sustainable model.

Tom Scales is Chairman of the Board of Directors and a Co-Founder of The Innocence Revolution.  He previously was the Executive Director of VOICE Today Inc.

Tom is a survivor of child sexual abuse and the author of “Terrible Things Happened to Me: A True Story of Violence and Victory.”

He was the recipient of the 2012 Georgia Author of the Year Award In the category for Inspirational Books presented by the Georgia Writers Association.  He also was the recipient of the 2012 Unsung Hero Award, presented by Save Our Children and Families.

Russell Holcombe is CEO of Atlanta-based investment firm, Holcombe Financial, and author of the book “You Should Only Have to Get Rich Once.” Holcombe earned his MTX (Masters in Taxation) from Georgia State University, his BBA in Finance from Southern Methodist University, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.

Holcombe challenges the conventional wisdom of the current financial planning model that has left so many disappointed.  Holcombe helps clients make decisions that increase their chance of achieving their point of financial independence.  An avid reader, writer, and outdoorsman, Holcombe welcomes the opportunity to expose clients to a better way of looking at money.

Holcombe Financial delivers a creative financial planning process to clients ready to think differently about their wealth. Holcombe Financial anticipates the challenges clients will encounter, and develops innovative, tailor-made solutions to maintain their Independence forever. For more information, please visit www.holcombefinancial.com

With a firm commitment to his faith, his wife, and five children, John Rogers strives to do the very best for every customer he comes in contact with.

After growing up in Montgomery, Alabama, John began his first career in the restaurant business. Working for TGI Friday's as a manager and Applebee's as a General Manager, he learned the skills necessary for managing multiple people and tasks at the same time. Directing upwards of one hundred combined employees, managers, and vendors, he learned the daunting task of managing people and leveraging their abilities to provide a consistent product for the customer while being mindful of the need for profitability.

John began his work in the construction field with a broom in hand, and he doesn't mind saying it was a bit humbling. As he transitioned from restaurants to construction, John worked for a commercial construction company that built restaurants. During his short time in their employment, he found that he had a natural gift for construction and that his experience in the restaurant business gave him a propensity for being sensitive to the customer's needs. This is very unique to the construction industry. John ventured out on his own with two weeks of work and a desire to provide a quality product in a timely manner as well as provide superior customer satisfaction. Thirteen years and over one thousand completed projects later, he continues to do it the same as in the beginning, only better. See pictures of his fabulous work at jrrenovations.com

Breathe new life into your home with a quality renovation from the design/build professionals at John Rogers Renovations, winner of four 2012 and 2011 NARI Atlanta Contractor of the Year awards.

Specializing in the North Atlanta area, John Rogers Renovations has an outstanding reputation for executing detailed craftsmanship, staying on budget and on schedule, maintaining a clean worksite, and managing your project to precision. By emphasizing constant and clear communications, John Rogers Renovations ensures the highest-quality results and gives you a fabulous remodeling experience.

Kimberly Sellars-Bates is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. She was born at Grady Memorial Hospital and is a product of the Atlanta Public and Fulton County School systems. Upon graduating from Alabama State University with a B.A. in Psychology in 1990, she returned to her hometown and began working at Spelman College.  It was there where she was introduced to the world of development.

A research and grant writing professional, Kimberly is president of her own development consulting firm, KSTB Enterprises, LLC.  Founded in 2007, KSTB analyzes and implements action plans for all ongoing fundraising initiatives including: individual, corporate, and foundation prospect research, annual fund appeals, grant proposal writing and Board solicitation and training. KSTB also works with the organization’s Program Managers and Board of Directors to ensure successful fundraising efforts including signature fundraisers.  Her company is currently responsible for over $13mill in grants and contracts.

Kimberly is certified by NeighborWorks America, a national nonprofit organization created by Congress to provide financial support, technical assistance, and training for community-based revitalization efforts. She is also a grant reviewer for The Educational Foundation of America and Georgia Department of Education Federal Charter Schools.

Her organizational affiliations include active membership in the Pi Alpha Omega Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Order of the Eastern Star (Peace Chapter #146), the Metro Atlanta Alabama State University Alumni Association (Secretary), Board Member of the Atlanta Nonprofit Professionals, Association for Professional Researchers in Advancement (APRA), and the Fulton County Task Force for the Aging.  She is President of the PTSA and Communications Chair for Sandtown Middle School.

Realizing the importance of philanthropy, Mrs. Sellars-Bates is the Advisor for her children’s foundation- The T&T Project. Their foundation helps all children who have been affected by tragedy and/or misfortune.

Mrs. Sellars-Bates is married to her college sweetheart, TaDarol Bates, and they have two children – Taylor Cimone, age 19, and TaDarol Christopher II, age 14. The Bates family are active members of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA.

Rachael Bregman is the Rabbi for Open Jewish Project which strives to enrich and invigorate young Jewish Atlanta one relationship at a time.  She is also one of the rabbis at The Temple, Atlanta’s oldest and largest Synagogue.  When not developing community engagement models for Jewish Atlanta and beyond, she is ardently working to add the Jewish voice to the outcry against human trafficking and other issues concerning basic human rights.  Originally a Boston native, she currently lives in Virginia Highlands in a converted factory loft condo on the beltline, an urban revitalization project with her partner, Dan, his daughter Alyssa and their puppy, Safi.

Open Jewish Project is the next generation of Jewish Americans.

Vision
We envision a world where younger/youngish Jews in Atlanta identify with Judaism as meaningful and relevant.

Mission
Housed within The Temple, Atlanta’s oldest and largest congregation, yet serving the whole Atlanta younger/youngish Jewish adult community, we are driven to enrich and invigorate the lives of post college-pre-preschool Jews in Atlanta by cultivating a deeper self-knowledge and a stronger relationship to Judaism, Jews, the Divine and the larger world resulting in meaningful Jewish living one relationship at a time.

We aspire to function as a concierge service to young Jewish Atlantans in partnership with other organizations which serve them through personal, one on one attention, peer to peer connection, community creation and skills/tools building in order to DO and BE Jewish.

We are not membership drivers, we are Jewish life validators.  If you are looking to find a synagogue, we will help you find the right match even if it is not at the Temple, Open Jewish Project's base of operations.  They know that not everyone does Jewish the same way-they merely care that your Jewish life is rich and meaningful wherever you choose to express it.

Values
We value growth and evolution through open conversation, feedback, shared ownership, respect for the opinions of others, non-coercive learning and inclusion, equality, and struggle (We are after all, the children of Israel which means one who wrestles with the Jewish stuff).

Clark Harris is the founder and owner of Innovative Construction. Originally from Cincinnati Ohio, Clark later moved with his family to Higham, MA. While growing up in Massachusetts, Clark was initially exposed to the construction industry by working on job sites in the summers and holidays while going to college.

Upon Graduating from St. Lawrence University with a degree in history /education, Clark moved south to Atlanta, GA. He continued his career in construction by working for a company that specialized in finishing and restoration. After working in this genre of construction for four years, Clark decided to start his own business that specialized in renovation and restoration. In 2000, Innovative Construction was established.

Innovative construction operates strictly on the following ideals:

» We treat our customers and subcontractors as we like to be treated

» We don’t pick and choose when to have morals

» We are only as good as our subcontractors

» All of our subcontractors are educated in remodeling NOT new construction

» We would not put a person in someone’s home that we would not put it our own

» We believe in making each job and customer experience the best it can be and let the business grow organically; we are not motivated by the bottom line.

» When you are a customer, you are a customer for life. We stand behind all our projects and guarantee the quality of work

» We grow our business through client relationships, not through advertising.

» We appreciate every job, whether it is a three hour job or a 5 month project.

» We stress cleanliness on our job sites

When not at work, Clark likes to be with his family playing sports, camping, fishing,and watching the Braves.

Russell Holcombe is CEO of Atlanta-based investment firm, Holcombe Financial, and author of the book “You Should Only Have to Get Rich Once.” Holcombe earned his MTX (Masters in Taxation) from Georgia State University, his BBA in Finance from Southern Methodist University, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.

Holcombe challenges the conventional wisdom of the current financial planning model that has left so many disappointed.  Holcombe helps clients make decisions that increase their chance of achieving their point of financial independence.  An avid reader, writer, and outdoorsman, Holcombe welcomes the opportunity to expose clients to a better way of looking at money.

Holcombe Financial delivers a creative financial planning process to clients ready to think differently about their wealth. Holcombe Financial anticipates the challenges clients will encounter, and develops innovative, tailor-made solutions to maintain their Independence forever. For more information, please visit www.holcombefinancial.com

Scott Bianculli is one of the Partners at BAKED and RED SKY TAPAS -  www.bakeithappen.com and www.redskytapas.com

These are two “mom and pop” restaurant concepts that have originated in the East Cobb portion of Marietta, Georgia.

Baked is “comfort food” and Red Sky is a tapas concept and entertainment venue.

As a small town boy gone city, Scott hopes that Baked will remind you of good-ole fashioned living, while meeting the challenges of today’s hectic schedules.

CEO Chonchol Gupta, earned his M.B.A. and Master of Global Management at Tulane University, where he researched international banking for the World Trade Center of New Orleans. Chonchol is excited about the enthusiasm the Rebirth Financial platform has received. "When I started out I thought that it would be people in California lending to people in Texas, but it’s not that at all," says Gupta. "It’s people looking for positive community impact and a good investments in their own backyard."

Rebirth Financial was founded in February 2010. With origins in New Orleans, the Rebirth Financial team understands the importance of small business in a community. The team has also witnessed the economic support individual lenders can provide a small business. Rebirth Financial streamlines the loan review process allowing individual and institutional lenders to easily and securely take investments off of Wall Street and invest them in profitable community businesses. Rebirth Financial’s platform and JAS rating system allow lenders to diversify their portfolio and contribute to their community.

Tara Roberts co-founded Girltank, a social enterprise designed to connect, inspire and fund female social entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world. Tara served as the Senior Editor for CosmoGirl magazine and the Lifestyle Editor for Ebony, Essence and Heart & Soul magazines. She published her own internationally distributed magazine, Fierce, which was nominated as best new independent magazine in 2003 by Utne magazine. And she has edited critically-acclaimed books for girls: Am I the last Virgin? Ten African American Reflections on Sex & Love and What Your Mama Never Told You: True Stories About Sex & Love. Tara is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College and the Founder Institute Santiago.

Girltank is a community hub and crowdfunding platform designed to help women and girl changemakers grow and scale their bold and daring social enterprises.

Girltank's vision is a world in which powerful women with disruptive ideas - hailing from every region of the planet - are challenging the status quo, pushing forward transformative ideas and inspiring a new understanding of women and girls as leaders, as entrepreneurs, as innovators. We see this empowered generation of female changemakers working together to usher in a dynamic world leadership that is nurtured on principles of collaboration, compassion, empathy and bold action.

We aim to inspire, connect and fund female social entrepreneurs and changemakers.

Girltank won a $15K grant from Free Range Studios in 2011 to start Girltank, a $40K fellowship from Start-Up Chile in 2011 to grow our community and the Mothers of Invention award from Newsweek, the Daily Beast and Toyota in 2013 to launch our courses and workshops. Currently, Girltank has a network of approximately 1,500 women and girl changemakers from over 100 countries.

Girltank showcases the stories of female changemakers in our dynamic multimedia library; we offer a capacity-building course and local funding workshops in our think tank; and we provide a crowdfunding platform for women social entrepreneurs and changemakers to share their inspiring work with the world and for donors and investors to easily find and support their projects.

I believe with good design your personality shows through in your space, and it is inspiring and functional…I like to use pops of color, repurpose unique pieces and mix old with new to create and enhance character.  You should love where you live and have fun creating your space.

I have always loved art and wanted to be an artist since I was a little girl.  I attended the University of Georgia and worked in media and radio for years – doing design work on the side.  After my 2nd child was born, I decided to create my company and haven’t looked back since.  It has been amazing!

Mark Peterson is the owner and founder of Paraline, a Veteran Owned Small Business in Atlanta, Georgia.

Paraline is a facilitator of opportunity. They partner with their clients to empower them during
the design process helping them unlock their creative potential while crafting a design
which best represents their organization's brand identity.

Mr. Peterson is a Registered Architect with more than nine years of experience working
closely with governmental, commercial and non-profit clients on a diverse range of
sustainable projects. Before graduating from Auburn University's School of Architecture
with honors Mr. Peterson served six years in the US Air Force.

Adoption Discovery is a program that educates and equips people to adopt any child available for adoption. We show people how to adopt children for $0 in 9 months or less.

Bridgette Bradley was a volunteer for CASA, a court appointed special advocate when she realized there were so many children available for adoption and millions of people trying to adopt. She founded Adoption Discovery to solve the problems people encountered when attempting adoption. Families all over the U.S. now experience adoption made easier and children find forever families.

Angela Williams is the founder of VOICE Today, a passionate child advocate and voice for survivors. She is an international speaker, author, and survivor of 14 years of child sexual abuse. Visit www.voicetoday.org to learn how you can get involved in THE VOICE MOVEMENT to save the next generation of children and help a survivor heal. Please link with us on twitter @avoicetoday and Facebook/VoiceToday.

VOICE Today, Inc. is breaking the silence and cycle of child sexual abuse worldwide through awareness, prevention and healing programs worldwide. We change the social norms by removing the stigma of child sexual abuse from the victim and placing it on the abuser and placing responsibility on adults to be trained and vigilant to protect children from child sexual abuse. We want to bring prevention and healing programs into community.

Laurie Prentice is the owner of LINDEN In Woodstock GA.

LINDEN provides their community with the following: European Antiques, Wedding Design, Garden Design (container), Fairy Gardening and Interior Design work.

Laurie's background is in horticulture and her love of old joined with gardening, plantings and antiques to create Linden. She travels frequently to Europe, where she used to live, to rekindle and find inspiration.

Well known for his innovative vision and engaging presence, Jason inspires his audiences to identify the forces that impact their lives and businesses.  Also known as “The Guy” who Makes the Paper Talk, with business plans garnering millions in capital for clients, Jason has the dynamic ability to communicate vision.  Audiences are guaranteed to learn and laugh with Jason’s real-world approach to execute their goals and strategies with total confidence.

With more than 20 years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, Jason has owned, operated, and sold various businesses including franchises (Edible Arrangements, Quiznos). To his credit, he consults entrepreneurs through Bass Business Plans and Development, and has recently launched TriScion Web Videos, at a time when internet video is poised to dominate the web as a way to do business.

Book Jason:
Phone:             678-615-8509
E-mail:             JasonBass@BassBusinessPlans.com

Websites:        www.BizBlogCast.com
www.BassBusinessPlans.com
www.TSWebVideos.com

Dr. Courthney Russell and Chris Johnson began a non-profit named A2H2. A2H2 focuses on health literacy and education as well as being a resource for the indigent population. A2H2 is a mobile health and outreach that seeks to meet the needs of the homeless on the streets of Atlanta.

Courthney Fitzgerald Russell, Jr. was born to proud immigrant parents on July 24, 1979 at a military base in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He is married to Emily with one son, Courthney Russell, III. Dr. Russell is a recent graduate of medical school and is now preparing for residency in 2014. He has had many jobs and will soon be a resident; however, he says no job will ever be as amazing as the ones where he can work primarily with “my people”.

Carrie started Neatsmart after 15 years in the corporate world training on salesforce automation software, selling high end luxury goods, implementing and training compliance  software applications, and managing client relationships. I had been helping friends and family with organizing their homes for years but never thought I could do it for a living. Then one day, not too long ago, I had my epiphany: I was working from home and I had scheduled a lunch break from conference calls and client work to organize and set up my husband’s new office. I couldn’t wait to work on that project and knew then that I needed to pursue this passion full time.

Neatsmart helps busy people clear the clutter from their homes and closets so they can function more efficiently and love their surroundings. I help people by designing and implementing an organization system that works for them and their specific needs. This could be anywhere from your home office, closet, kids’ rooms and playrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, etc.

http://neatsmart.com

Pinterest: cmpeeples

Twitter: @neatsmartcmp

Facebook: neatsmartcmp

The Mylene Sheath is co-owned and operated by Lindsay Palmer and Joel Proper. The LLC was incorporated in March of 2007 and released its first album in August of 2007 by the band, If These Trees Could Talk. To date, The Mylene Sheath now has 43 releases and 17 Artists on the label, has worldwide distribution through Redeye Distribution, and is still completely owned and operated by its founding members.

Website: www.mylenesheath.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mylenesheath

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Mylene_Sheath

Bandcamp: www.themylenesheath.bandcamp.com

The Mylene Sheath is an independent record label whose motivation in this is to make the art we love available to as many people as we can. We are not interested in just creating a product to be bought and sold for as much money as it can produce. It is more our effort to actively participate in something meaningful, to give back to something that has always filled the voids in our lives and helped us maintain a positive outlook on the future. We believe that one’s ethical standpoint does not have to collide with one’s business standpoint, and believe.

In 1999, Bart Suddereth founded Millennium Training Systems (MTS), www.millenniumtrainingsystems.com,MTS was created to assist the development and implementation of programs to improve Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, (STEM), literacy for America’s students. Bart and his copyrighted, Share, Read and Build approach to learning, have helped thousands of students across the United States gain STEM awareness.

As an Educational Consultant and Coach, Mr.Suddereth has lead the World Championship 100 Scholars Robotics Alliance (www.usfirst.org) and 100 Black Men of Atlanta’s Project Success Program since 2005.  As a Robotics Training Expert, Bart's teams have competed with teams from all over the world. They have conducted Robotics Training Workshops, throughout America that have transformed the lives of youth.

The 100 Black Men of North Metro, Inc., presented Mr. Suddereth its 2011 Mentoring Award in recognition of his contributions. He has also been featured in CNN’s Black in America programs.

As a part of initiatives to increase mentoring in S.T.E.M, Bart has been featured in productions with partnerships between FIRST (www.usfirst.org), Massachusetts Institute of Technolog, and Time Warner Cable.

Bart is currently working with numerous organizations, including McNair Achievement Programs, NASA, and FIRST, in the transformation of our culture to a greater understanding of S.T.E.M.

Meet a grassroots organization that is working to help improve the financial health of low-to-moderate income aspiring entrepreneurs, individuals and families in the Metro Atlanta area.

Urban Asset Builders is an asset building organization that is working to help empower LMI Atlantans to be financially secure and build economic stability for themselves and their families.

Venus “Ms. ABC” Lockett is an Asset Building Coach and the Founder of Urban Asset Builders.  She is on a mission to instill a mindset that credit and savings are assets and works with low-to-moderate income (LMI) aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals to build their assets in credit and savings so they may start their businesses or realize their dreams with their own skin in the game.  You can learn more about their mission on their website at www.UrbanAssetBuilders.com.  You may also follow urban Asset Builders on Facebook and twitter @ATLAssetBuilder.

Twenty or so years ago Wendy Kinney decided that she couldn’t build a business without interacting with people, and that it was okay to be uncomfortable – but it wasn’t okay to let fear stop her from achieving everything she could. She’s read over 900 books about referrals and the systems, language and techniques to generate them, and shares that knowledge through presentations, workshops, books, blog posts and tweets.

Find her at WendysDesk.com and @WendyKinney on Twitter, and on PowerCore.net.

Lori Raney is the owner and lead designer at Cherry Lane- a full service drapery and design atelier. From custom drapery and custom furniture to fabrics and hardware, Cherry Lane has everything their clients need to make their home spectacular.

Lori learned to sew at an early age and had dreams of being a fashion designer. After leaving a career in nursing, Lori opened Cherry Lane and her dream came alive again. She uses dress designer detailing on her drapery and pillows to blend the best of both worlds. She travels to Paris every year to come back with fresh inspiration for her clients.

Corey Moore, Owner at ProNetworker, LLC: http://www.pronetworker.com &

Owner, Business & Tax Advisor at Fortune Financial Group (FFG) http://www.ffgga.com

Fortune Financial Group (FFG) is a financial institution whose objective is to empower its clients through financial knowledge. FFG is a Georgia-based company, which is comprised of professionals that are dedicated to providing the necessary tools that will promote financial growth.Specialties:Individual Tax Preparation, Small Business Tax Preparation, Home-Based Business Tax Preparation, Individual Budgeting, Business Budgeting, Corporation Formation, Business Consulting,

ProNetworker is a resource center for business events; networking events, seminars, business expos, workshops, lunch & learn, etc. ProNetworker also creates and host networking events, seminars, expos, etc.

He is has a Business Management degree from Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA

Lori A. Manns is Founder and President of Live Healthy and Thrive Youth Foundation, a 501C3 non-profit organization dedicated to fostering and promoting kids health.

Live Healthy & Thrive Youth Foundation, Inc., (LHTYF) is an award winning, 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering and promoting kids' health. Established in 2010, we are committed to providing practical, healthy educational workshops and activities that will affect the lives of children for generations to come. We aim to assist children  suffering from childhood obesity, diabetes and hypertension to become healthier and happier. We also intend to assure that kids who are currently healthy, stay that way by encouraging them to have healthy habits. We educate kids from all races and backgrounds about why health is essential at an early age. The Live Healthy & Thrive Youth Foundation provides a variety of programs and events, free of charge to kids ages 6-12 who live in the metro Atlanta area.

Invest Atlanta is the official economic development authority for the City of Atlanta.  Its purpose is to strengthen Atlanta’s economy and global competitiveness in order to create increased opportunity and prosperity for the people of Atlanta. Invest Atlanta is governed by a 9 member board of directors, chaired by the Mayor of Atlanta.

Invest Atlanta’s programs and initiatives focus on developing and fostering public-private partnerships to accelerate job creation/economic growth, neighborhood revitalization/investment and innovation/entrepreneurship. Invest Atlanta’s economic tools include bond financing, revolving loan funds, housing financing, tax increment financing and tax credits.

Eloisa Klementich joined the Invest Atlanta in November, 2011 as the Director of Business Development. Her areas of focus are to oversee Invest Atlanta’s business retention, business expansion efforts and entrepreneurship growth for the City of Atlanta.

Dr. Klementich joined Invest Atlanta from the US Economic Development Administration where she was a Special Assistant for Economic Development working within the Office of the Secretary. At the EDA, she was detailed to the National Incident Command to work on the Federal response to the Gulf Oil Spill. In June 2008, she was appointed as California’s Assistant Deputy Secretary for Economic Development and Commerce by Governor Schwarzenegger. She was instrumental in forming the new Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the state’s innovation program (iHub program).
Prior to her appointment, Dr. Klementich worked as a Marketing Manager for the Economic Development Agency at the County of San Bernardino; Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Division of the League of California Cities; and the founding Director for the Mayor’s Office of International Trade under Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn.

Additionally, she served as Chief Field Deputy to Los Angeles Councilmember Alex Padilla; District Director to California State Assemblyman Tony Cardenas; Special Market Coordinator to Anheuser-Busch Sales of Sylmar; and Marketing Manager at General DataComm de Mexico in Mexico City.

Dr. Klementich also served as a consultant for Mexico’s President Vicente Fox, working closely with the President’s Special Advisor on Constituent Services, Dr. Juan Hernandez, on best practices for addressing constituent issues and requests.

Dr. Klementich received her Bachelor’s Degree from Pitzer College in Claremont.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from el Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey and two Master’s Degrees, in Urban Planning and Latin American Affairs, from University of California, Los Angeles.  She received her Doctorate in Public Administration from the University of LaVerne in 2010. Lastly, she is a Certified Economic Developer which is a national recognition denoting a mastery of principal skills in economic development.

Remington Youngblood, the founder of Change 4 Georgia (C4G), was looking for a way to help in his community.  C4G is a community service program inclusive to students that thanks our troops and veterans for their service, dedication and sacrifice in protecting our freedom and keeping our country secure.  C4G benefits our brave troops by collecting items from their "Wish List" that they need or want and that add comfort and fit in their backpacks. C4G also benefits the families of our troops and veterans by providing them with food, clothing, school supplies, personal items, furniture and appliances.  During the holidays, C4G also conducts a toy drive.

11-year-old Remington’s efforts have been highlighted in many publications.  He is recipient of numerous awards, an inspirational speaker and has over 70 local businesses supporting his efforts to help “serve those who are serving us.”

Remington is enrolled in advanced classes, is on a debate team, is the Vice-President of Builders Club, and attends church at Brown’s Bridge.

Remington makes time for friends and extracurricular activities:  he has two first-degree black belts - one in karate and one in Tae Kwon Do; and he plays flag football and basketball, rock climbs, golfs, and participates in 5k races and triathlons for a cause.

Remington’s voice and his actions are an inspiration to everyone.  He represents our children and grandchildren.  He is their voice – he is our future.  The troops have given him the call sign “Hollywood” and his nickname is “The President.”

www.change4georgia.org
https://www.facebook.com/Change4Georgia
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=216669276&trk=tab_pro
https://twitter.com/change4georgia

TJ Weigel spends his days as a front-end developer and designer. Previously, he worked with the Tampa Bay Lightning, did user experience work on Album Jacket and co-founded Two Giraffes with Toni.

Fancy Rhino launched into the merging worlds of advertisement and documentary filmmaking at the same moment in 2010. One field favored truth-finders and the other favored good liars.

Covenant College alumni Drew Belz and Isaiah Smallman were finishing degrees in English Literature and Classic Philosophy, and a perfect storm began.

Pure Sodaworks, uses the best ingredients in the world to create pure cane sugar sodas with unique and delicious flavors. All of their sodas are free from preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. Sodas are served at their fountain, The River Street Makery, at Coolidge Park and are also available in bottles.

Matt and Tiffany Rogers, founders of Pure SodaWorks have been making and selling all natural products since they started their first business, Everyday Eclectic, in 2007.They founded Pure SodaWorks in 2011, with partner Shawn Clouse. Originally, they planned to only sell sodas via their custom mobile soda fountain at various markets, festivals, and events throughout the area. However, they quickly realized that customers and restaurants were interested in having their sodas in bottle form.

Learn more at PureSodaworks.com or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

This week Tara Gentile, creative business coach, talked to The "Better You" Project about her successes and how to not get hit by the "conventional bug" but to fulfill those dreams you've always had. She found out early in life that she had skills that translated well to business and the marketplace. She stated that America is working towards a Y-O-U economy in that "we want to reclaim what is valuable to us". In her own words Tara said that "people want to invest in things that feel important and have meaningful experiences, whether it's fancy wedding invitations, weekly massages or even business coaches".

She suggests beating back self-sabotage and disbelief, and says we need more people to be engaged and on fire to have higher earning goals for themselves. For her clients she translates "true-self into true-business" by helping them realize how their own personal beliefs, values, and operating systems could allow them to create a thriving business.

This week The "Better You" Project highlights Spencer Humphrey and Neil Rollins, co-owners of Black Tie Catering in Atlanta.

They began their business based on a hobby and recently won a National Conference as being one of the top caterers in Atlanta. They told humorous stories of success and failure during their journey. You will both laugh and be inspired after you hear about the 270 turkeys they cooked or having to grill outside in Chicago in February. The owners of Black Tie Catering took risks and it has definitely paid off.

Weston Wamp is a young man in a hurry. At twenty-three years old, Weston joined forces with transportation entrepreneurs in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to launch Lamp Post Group, a privately funded venture incubator aimed at investing in young talent and disruptive ideas. Simultaneously starting his own public relations firm, Weston was widely considered an emerging political star as he began guest appearances on a local PBS political show.

In the fall of 2011, then-twenty-four-year-old Weston announced his candidacy for the Tennessee congressional district.  Weston lost in a three-way race that became the most expensive primary in America in 2012, at a total cost of $2.5 million. But his message about America’s growing generational inequity and the urgent need for cooperation in Washington resonated. He defeated the incumbent in the district’s largest county and only metropolitan area. Like his generation, Weston is ready to make the tough decisions.

Listen as Weston talks about his journey through politics and involvement with Lamp Post Group.

Campus Bellhops is the solution to the mass-moving needs of college students.  Don’t think moving company; we’re just two awesome college guys that show up to do all the work for you.  Big year in 2013: 60 Universities, 3500 Bellhops, LOTS OF HAPPY MOMS.

Listen as Cameron Doody and Stephen Vlahos share their story of building a business one move at a time.

Dr. Shelley Prevost is a co-founder and Director of Happiness at Lamp Post Group, a Venture Capital Incubator in Chattanooga, TN.There she guides founders to infuse values, meaning, and positive relationships into their company culture from the very beginning.  She also writes about psychology and startup culture for Inc.com and Nooga.com.

Reni is the conceptual designer and owner of BLISS AND TELL BRANDING COMPANY…a boutique design and branding firm located in San Diego California, with national and international clients.  Reni has successfully found a niche among the creative and hospitality industries offering design, marketing and branding services (both print and digital). Today, after 13 years in the design industry, B&T branding company is a full service creative branding house that specializes in creating complete visual style for boutique-like companies as well as grand celebrations.

Kathleen Fields is the Founder and Principal Designer of A Feathered Nest. In today's competitive real estate market, every showing is critical.  There is no second chance to make a first impression.  A Feathered Nest is a professional home staging company that will decorate your home to appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers. Listen as Kathleen shares with us how she transitioned from a fortune 500 company to a stay at home mom and then decided in her mid forties to go back to school and completely change her focus and career.

Marian Parsons, aka Miss Mustard Seed, is founder and owner of Mustard Seed Interiors.

Mustard Seed Interiors LLC is a small business that was born out of a love for antiques, decorating on a budget, and giving old pieces of furniture new life. While the primary focus of the retail business is painted and refinished furniture, MSI also carries upholstered pieces, found objects, vintage-inspired painted signs and handmade accessories for the home.  All of these products are currently available for sale on the first floor in the lobby of The Old Lucketts Store in Leesburg, VA.

Shayne Walsey, President of Urban Enterprises has been with the company her entire life!

As the daughter of the founder, Jill Brown, Walsey began her apprentice at the dinner table.  Having managed all aspects of the business from customer service to sales to client relations, Walsey has been running the business for the last 5 years.

Walsey is passionate about her family, her new baby, her hometown – Atlanta! – and growing her business!

Eric Holtzclaw and Susan McMullen interview Ari Fleischer and Aly Moler of Frozen Pints featuring beer-flavored ice cream.

Ari grew up in New York and moved to Atlanta to attend Emory University. He graduated with a degree in business in 2006. After school, he couldn’t leave the warm weather and southern hospitality, so he’s been in Atlanta ever since. Before starting Frozen Pints, Ari worked in client service with The Nielsen Company. He supported both the Georgia Pacific and Coca-Cola accounts and gained valuable experience in market research and the retail world, but his true passion has always been craft beer. He started Frozen Pints in late 2010 after a serendipitous accident involving beer and an ice cream maker. He’s worked with his partner, Aly Moler, to build the business since then. His favorite part about his current job is the “R&D” – someone has to try all the beers to make the next great flavor…

A Virginia native, Aly Moler moved to Atlanta to attend Emory University, graduated in 2009 from Goizueta’s undergraduate business program, and began her professional career in the corporate world. She worked in Global IT at Coca-Cola before securing a position with The Nielsen Company, where she consulted with clients on marketing and market research solutions. It was during this time that she met Ari, they bonded over an appreciation of good food and drink, and she joined him in developing the innovative concept. She recently left her day job to focus on Frozen Pints, and has enjoyed the challenge of pioneering a new space in the food and beverage worlds. She’s also glad that all her time spent as an aspiring foodie is paying off.

Website: www.frozenpints.com

Nicole Flint is an interior designer who put a career on hold to start and raise a family.

Still having a desire for a creative outlet, she used her love of lines and textiles to create a small custom upholstery business.

Besides creating chairs, Nicole is also a blogger and a retail shop owner.

http://nicoleflint.com

Dr. Ann Vertel inspires women 35-65 to live fearless, rich, and radiant. As a success expert, speaker, and trainer, she leads a dynamic community of women embracing who they really are by answering the call to lead others in their life and life’s work.

As a retired Naval Officer, as well as a psychologist, an entrepreneur, and the leading academic authority on the success factors of online women entrepreneurs, Ann is uniquely positioned to help women step up and lead in the entrepreneurial world.After a successful twenty-year career as a Naval Officer, Ann decided she wanted her second career to be one where she made the rules. Her mantra became, “My rules. My hours. My dress code.”

Besides loving her work-at-home lifestyle, if it involves tropical beaches, West Highland Terriers, travel, cruises, family, friends, or chocolate she’s “in!”Ann lives with her husband and daughter in sunny San Diego.

Connect with Ann at: http://AnnVertel.com

“Inspiring Women to Live Fearless, Rich, and Radiant”

Darrah Brustein is an Atlanta transplant, by way of Philadelphia and Baltimore.  She holds a BA from Emory University in Religion and Italian,  which she naturally parlayed into her first job in wholesale apparel sales.  Ready for a new challenge, Darrah and her twin brother launched Equitable Payments in 2009.  Together they work with businesses to help find them the best fit and lowest cost solution to accept credit card payments.  Seeing a need for young professionals to have an environment where they can network both socially and professionally, she launched Atlanta Under 40 in 2011 and Atlanta Lawyers Under 40 in 2012.  She also launched Finance Whiz Kids in 2012, a series of kids books that teach elementary aged children the basics of financial literacy.

When Darrah's not working, she's volunteering as Chairman of the Board for Emory's Atlanta Young Alumni chapter and board member with the College Alumni Board.  She is also amongst the inaugural class of the Forum of Global Shapers in Atlanta, a hub of the world economic forum for 'young global leaders', working to become Altanta's leading think tank for young minds assisting non-profits.  She also spends time as an ambassador at the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

Make Purpose Your Priority!

From rural Charleston, SC to the White House, ‘Q’ has an unique commitment to building communities and people.

Quinetha Frasier of Strategic Funding Group shares how her entire life has been enjoyed by helping nonprofits, individuals and organizations to obtain the resources to fund their vision.

Quinetha believes that every person was born with a gift and talent that is essential to the success of our communities. She has had the opportunity, for the past fifteen years, to help colleges, nonprofit agencies, churches, and foundations find the inspiration and resources to Fund Their Vision. Quinetha has a passion for building the sustainability of nonprofits across the country.

The "Better You" Project highlights the journey of Eric Holtzclaw, your co-host, as well as the CEO and founding partner of User Insight.

Eric is an entrepreneur, business consultant, strategic thinker, and trusted confidant. He has over 20 years of experience building companies from the ground up. Join us as we highlight his journey of success.

What can the dying teach us about living?

When you’ve compassionately aided people leave the planet for 30 years—helped them be comfortable, reduced their pain and listened to their words—what emerges is not just a way of dying, but also a way of living.

In her book, TRANSITIONS: A Nurse’s Education About Life and Death, Hawkins, who spent the heart of her career as an oncology and  hospice nurse in Oklahoma, offers 60 tenderly-rendered short recollections of those experiences that stayed with her…the one’s that touched her heart, took her breadth away and opened her to a greater wisdom. It’s that wisdom which she shares with us—how we can live better, more richly, more wisely and with greater love before we, too, transition—and look back to wonder what we missed.

Alyssa Phillips is more than just a cancer survivor, she’s a miracle.

It’s been a long road for Alyssa but by sharing her life-changing story, she hopes to empower others with what she used to turn two bone marrow transplants and a less than five percent chance of survival into a beautiful new beginning. Alyssa wants people to know that there is no such thing as “impossible” and that miracles can and do happen…she’s living proof. Alyssa encourages all of us to transcend our circumstances, physical or otherwise, by choosing to view the challenges, and even the tragedies, of our lives as veiled lessons and gifts that can break us in beautiful ways into the people we were always meant to become—if we let them. “It’s the choice that changes everything,” she says. “And it’s why I know that, no matter what it looks like, Something beautiful is happening™.”

You can also get a nice dose of inspiration from Alyssa’s uplifting blog, including all of the original “updates” she shared during her pivotal cancer journey. Alyssa continues to share her incredible story as she moves beyond her miraculous turnaround—both inside and out—to help others with what she’s learned and how she did it—including some of her favorite tips, trips and pics from along the way and even an excerpt from her upcoming book!

Eric Holtzclaw and Susan McMullen interview Lee McCracken – a writer, editor, social entrepreneur and three-year breast cancer survivor. At 50, Lee says God turned her mess into a message, and she created and trademarked Yes, Ma-am! Mammograms Are A Must®. The social enterprise makes a sassy and southern statement about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. The pink T-shirt (www.YesMaamTee.com) helps to fund annual screenings for uninsured women. The message is clear: “Get your squeeze on!” and be breast-aware to put a stop to late-stage cancer diagnosis. Lee welcomes advocates of early breast cancer detection, known as Ma’ambassadors, to join the campaign at www.Facebook.com/YesMaamMammograms and on Twitter at @YesMaamMammos.

Lee lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband of 29 years and also is a veteran writer and editor. Her book, “A Prayer and a Pink Pedicure,” which tells the story of self-discovery and spiritual preservation following loss, a cancer diagnosis and a crisis of faith, will be published in 2013.

Eric Holtzclaw and Susan McMullen interview Renea Winchester - - a mother, friend, gardening-fool and an award-winning author.

Renea is passionate about the written word and offers her advice to emerging authors who aren’t certain how to market their work. When she isn’t writing, she volunteers her time at the local library shelving books.

Anne VanDeVelder is the owner of Casabella, a 12,000 sq. ft. home décor / gift store and boutique.  Casabella carries brands such as Vera Bradley, Brighton and more and great clothing, many under $50.  You can always find a special gift and get it beautifully gift-wrapped.

Anne has been married to her husband, Tom, for 26 years.  They have 2 great daughters and 5 grandchildren.

Patrick Braswell is the co-founder of Ten Eight (teneightapp.com), an app that eliminates the need for a tour book while giving both Brokers and their Clients the ability to rate commercial buildings while on tour and founder of MOSatlanta.com a website that gives tenants advise on leasing office space in Atlanta.

Patrick is also one of two Principals of Scotland Wright Associates (scotlandwright.com) a boutique, full-service commercial real estate brokerage company based in Atlanta.

Jeanne Robertson is a professional speaker who specializes in hilarious humor based on her life experiences. Speaking to thousands of people annually, she utilizes her positively funny style to illustrate that a sense of humor is much more than a laughing matter. It is a strategy for success. Heard daily on SiriusXM.

James Ball is well known as a skilled, self-made, and counter cultural marketer among his peers in the marketing and social media space around the greater Atlanta area and beyond.  To say that James has a back story and a history like no other only begins to paint the inspiring portrait of his path toward becoming the successful entrepreneur that he is today.

James has a heart for small business and for the past several years he has strived to help them to understand and integrate social media into their marketing efforts through his blog, NotEasyToForget.com. The title itself is one more insight into the personality and experiences that make James’s story both exciting and inspiring. James lives in the North Georgia Mountains with his wife and daughter and 2 Boston Terriers.

Ginger Ackerman - 30+ years in sales and sales management.   Ackerman worked with large and small organizations such as Baxter Healthcare, Caremark and NDC Health.  She joined RPM as VP of Sales and was instrumental in the growth and sale of the company.  She has also started and sold a small successful business.

Josette Fleszar - 25+ years management experience in healthcare.  Founder and President of Receivable Process Management (RPM), founded in 2000.  In 2004, named 5th faster growing companies in Atlanta by Atlanta Business Chronicle, 2nd fastest growing women owned company in Georgia and top 50 entrepreneurs.  Sold RPM in 2004.  It sold again in 2005 and today is owned by a division of United Healthcare.

Ms. Hester is the CEO of LAN Systems, which provides IT solutions in the Greater Metro Atlanta Area.  LAN Systems is dedicated to providing business technology that works for people.

In 2004, Mary founded Intelligent System Solutions, Inc. (ISS) which provides high-tech consulting, sales and service to utility customers. Mary brings extensive experience managing a support and service group renowned for its “Best in the Industry” rating and standards.  She is an expert in customer loyalty and retention.  She has designed and delivered numerous training courses and workshops on a variety of topics.

Prior to founding ISS, Mary worked as the Support and Services Department Head for Advanced Control Systems providing assistance to customers on a wide-range of topics. Ms. Hester has a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MBA from the University of Georgia at Athens. In addition to working with utilities on security and other topics, she is very active in the industry and serves on several committees that address security concerns for public utilities.

Mary volunteers for several not-for-profit organizations that promote engineering education and careers to young people. She is active in promoting engineering as a career to young women.  Mary serves on the Board of Utility Technology Associates, a not-for-profit dedicated to the advancement of education and training for electric power utilities which conducts the Southeastern Meter School and the Distribution Apparatus School.

Judi is the founder and chief of New Tricks, a company dedicated to helping small businesses to create branded WordPress websites. Judi also helps her clients use Social Media to grow their businesses.  She brings a wealth of experience into her work with a background that includes: a Ph.D. in Psychology, CEO of a medical records software company, and real estate developer doing design, build and restoration of special properties.

In addition to working with clients at New Tricks, Judi is the organizer of the Atlanta WordPress Users Group with over 900 members, is a frequent national speaker and blogger and publishes Just a Digital Minute, a popular weekly newsletter with easy social media tips.  Judi’s motto at New Tricks, is  “It’s Never too Late” …to start a new business, to have a great website, or learn to use new technologies to grow your business. Sign up for the Just a Digital Minute and visit New Tricks for more info.

Born in Oakland, California, Glenda’s drive and passion to make a difference with her music fueled this fire and light to go beyond touring the US, Asia and into Europe. Her talents range from songwriter, producer, philanthropist, music designer, healer and business owner to powerful vocalist and entertainer. She combines unique musical styles – blending sounds from the Middle East, Pakistan, Latin percussion from South America and even a driving grunge guitar to sell and point. With her soulful voice, she invites us to expand the boundaries of our minds, open our hearts and enliven our spirits.

Rhoda is a thrifting diva who frequented second hand shops long before it was cool! She loves repurposing and sharing her trash to treasure inspiration, as well as cooking and fun excursions, with others and does so daily on her blog, Southern Hospitality. Considered a veteran in her niche, Rhoda began blogging in early 2007 and has successfully turned her hobby into a full-time business. Rhoda’s passion exudes as she encourages others by instilling in them creativity and confidence that they, too, can achieve a beautiful home on any budget. Finding inspiration and sharing creativity at blog conferences is something that Rhoda loves to experience with other like minded DIY/home bloggers; therefore, she was motivated to get the ball rolling for Haven 2012!

Voicework on Demand, Inc. President and CEO, Sandy Weaver Carman, has over 30 years of on-air experience. Over the span of her radio career, Sandy has also written, voiced and produced radio commercials. Listen as Sandy discusses repurposing work you’ve already done to make more money for you, Listen as Sandy gives advice on how timeless strategies lead to success even decades after you’re learned them.