U.K.-based Metal Products Supplier to Open Facility in Liberty County

Company’s Georgia expansion to create more than 200 jobs

Governor Sonny Perdue today announced the expansion of Firth Rixson Limited, a United Kingdom-based provider of highly engineered forged metal products, to Midway in Liberty County. The 200,000-square-foot facility will serve as a closed die forging operation providing components for the aerospace industry. Once fully operational, the company’s Georgia facility will create at least 200 local jobs.

“The aerospace sector is a targeted industry for Georgia,” said Governor Perdue. “With the opening of its new operation in Liberty County, Firth Rixson Limited strengthens our leadership position in the sector and brings welcome news to the county and state as we begin the new year.”

Firth Rixson’s Midway operation will be known as Firth Rixson Forgings LLC, and will represent the company’s largest greenfield investment. The new facility will also become Firth Rixson’s fourth closed die forging facility. The majority of the more than 200 anticipated jobs will be hired from the local workforce, with hiring for human resources positions beginning immediately.

“Firth Rixson Forgings LLC represents the continuation of Firth Rixson’s strategic initiatives and growth plans. Our management and technical development approach consistently results in products that provide satisfaction to our customers, and operational results that satisfy our owners,” said David C. Mortimer, CEO of Firth Rixson. “We will leverage the synergy with our current closed die operations in the United Kingdom to offer our products and service to a broadened market. We are extremely pleased to expand our business in the United States.”

With its new Midway location in close proximity to Savannah, Firth Rixon Forgings will have convenient access to the pipeline of talent at Georgia Tech’s Savannah campus. As one of the nation’s leading engineering schools, Georgia Tech is an active partner to aerospace and other industries, and has a record of being a key factor to the success of companies in Georgia by providing industry expertise and helping them compete in the global marketplace.

“We are very pleased Firth Rixson has selected our environmentally sensitive and well designed Tradeport East Business Center as the location for its new facility,” stated Allen Brown, chairman of the Liberty County Development Authority. “Firth Rixson joins an already robust existing industry base in Liberty County where approximately 70 percent of our current employment is tied to companies headquartered abroad. Companies like Firth Rixson have found Liberty County to be a place where they can grow globally.”

The aerospace industry plays a significant role in Georgia’s economy, and provides more than 80,000 jobs for aircraft manufacturers and aerospace suppliers. Companies in this industry in Georgia can take advantage of the state’s well-trained workforce through the nationally recognized Georgia Quick Start workforce training program.

“As a global leader in manufacturing components for the aerospace industry, Firth Rixson will be in good company among other leaders in this industry that successfully do business in Georgia,” said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Georgia is pleased to be a part of Firth Rixson’s expanded operations in North America.”

About Firth Rixson Limited
Headquartered in Sheffield, UK, Firth Rixson serves customers worldwide in market sectors such as aerospace, defense, power generation, transportation, petrochemical, medical and general industrial. Firth Rixson owns 11 operating facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. Firth Rixson Limited (www.firthrixson.com) is owned by Oak Hill Capital Partners (www.oakhillcapital.com).

About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.
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Community One Associates Wins Management of Spire

Expands Intown Presence with Iconic High Rise Condo Tower

Community One Associates announced that it was awarded the management and front desk concierge services at Spire, one of Atlanta’s signature high rise condominiums located in the heart of Midtown at 860 Peachtree Street. Community One assumed management of the Residential and Master Condominium Associations from Novare Management, a subsidiary of Novare, which developed the 29-story mixed-use tower.

In addition to Spire, the full service management company has expanded dramatically into Atlanta’s intown submarkets by adding other condominium developments which include Ansley Above the Park, MidCity Lofts, Colony Park, Carrington Park, Heritage and others.

“Managing this enormous asset is a trust we take very seriously,” said Steve Weibel, Chief Executive Officer of Community One Associates. “Spire is an iconic property that deserves the highest level of service, care and attention that we can possibly give it. We bring to it a national platform, buying power and best practices of the nation’s leading management company.”

Community One is recognized by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of the top five full service management companies, responsible for both residential and commercial property owners associations, high rise condominiums, mixed use/retail developments, active adult and master planned neighborhoods.

It is the Georgia Partner of FirstService Residential (www.firstservice.com), the largest manager of residential communities in North America responsible for over 1 million units in 3,700 communities throughout the United States.

For more information, visit www.communityoneassociates.com or call (404) 308-3188.
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Nation’s First All-digital Production Facility Locates in Georgia

Meddin Studios opens doors, creates jobs in Savannah

Meddin Studios, LLC, is opening in Savannah with a $5.5 million investment in advanced digital media technology. The new studio, which will be the nation’s first fully digital production facility, will create up to 10 new jobs. Its completely digital workflow will stretch from pre-production to post-production, including distribution and asset management. Capitalizing on Georgia’s 2008 Entertainment Industry Investment Act, which offers up to a 30 percent tax credit for qualified productions, Meddin will foster innovation in digital film and video production and distribution.

“Meddin Studios’ decision to open in Savannah demonstrates that Georgia is leading the way in digital technology,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Ken Stewart. “What’s more, it reflects the strength of the growing film and entertainment industry, a result of Georgia’s strategic investments over 37 years.”

One of Meddin Studios’ unique offerings is asset management: the organization, conversion and preservation of content in a digital format. Aging film and tape formats, deteriorating photos and new digital media formats are the types of assets for which Meddin Studios can develop and implement a preservation plan. At its simplest, this means a visual, searchable catalog of media from years past. Film companies especially require more complex preservation plans, as old tape libraries are converted to a more accessible format.

"Meddin Studios is excited to fill an infrastructure void locally, regionally and nationally for the film, television and media industry. Four sound stages, production equipment rentals such as camera, lighting and grip, full post-production capabilities and digital asset management are just a few of the many offerings Meddin Studios is bringing to the area, said Nick Gant, company president, along with Jon Foster, CEO of Meddin.

The new studio is located in Savannah’s historic Meddin Brothers meat-packing facility, built in 1917. The 22,000-square-foot facility is located on 2.5 acres, three miles from downtown Savannah. At full operating capacity the studio will feature four 2,500-square-foot sound stages, two of which can be combined for a total 5,000 square feet of space; a full post-production facility; a fully-equipped 1,600-square-foot Pro Tools audio suite; and 4,000 square feet dedicated to camera and equipment rental.

“We are very impressed and proud that Nick Gant, Jon Foster and their management team made this happen – it’s no small feat! And we are thrilled they chose Savannah as the location. SEDA worked with The Creative Coast Alliance to support Meddin's start-up by introducing them to as many people and resources as we could – from potential clients to potential investors,” said Lynn Pitts, Sr. Vice President of the Savannah Economic Development Authority. “Savannah is eager to embrace and nurture these types of operations, and Meddin Studios will lead the way.”

Tonya Cooper, project manager for GDEcD, also assisted the company with this project.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. For more information, visit www.georgia.org
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Governor Perdue Lauds Coca-Cola Expansion

Governor Sonny Perdue today praised The Coca-Cola Company for its continued effort to grow its business presence and invest in Georgia, as the Company prepares to open a $100 million-plus expansion to its Atlanta production facilities.

“Coca-Cola is a very important part of Georgia's economy,” Governor Perdue said. “I am thrilled that after more than a century of doing business in Georgia, Coca-Cola continues to see this state as a great place for new investment in facilities and jobs.”

The plant expansion will contain production facilities for the concentrated ingredients used in the new Coca-Cola Freestyle™ fountain dispenser. Coca-Cola Freestyle™ is the brand name for the “fountain of the future” from The Coca-Cola Company that uses microdosing technology to dispense more than 100 sparkling and still beverage brands from a single freestanding unit.
“The future looks bright for Coca-Cola Freestyle,” said Sandy Douglas, President Coca-Cola North America. “And that creates the potential for even more growth in our facilities and capabilities in Atlanta.”

The new facility will preserve jobs in the Atlanta syrup plant and could lead to job growth in the future. The Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Development Authority of Fulton County worked together to aid Coca-Cola in the plant expansion.
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Al Calhoun Rejoins Hodges Ward Elliott as Senior Managing Director, Select Service Division

Hodges Ward Elliott, Inc. (HWE), the nation’s premier hotel brokerage and investment banking firm, today announced that Al Calhoun has rejoined the firm as senior managing director, select service division.

“Our relationship with Al goes back nearly two decades, and it is a delight to welcome him back to our firm after a nine-year sabbatical,” said Mark Elliott, principal of Hodges Ward Elliott. “His experience in the select service segment is unparalleled, and he adds tremendous depth to our 10-person select service team. Combined with our full-service and Europe divisions, we now have the deepest and most experienced hotel transaction team in the industry.”

In his new role, he will be responsible for leading and growing HWE’s select service division, including brokerage, investment and advisory services. He will work closely with Anthony Falor, who will remain managing director of the select service division. HWE has closed more than $2 billion in select service transactions in the past five years. Select service currently represents approximately 30 percent of HWE’s transaction volume.

Calhoun has nearly 30 years experience in the hotel industry. He began his career in hotel development and held corporate positions with both Marriott International, Inc. and Choice Hotels International. He joined HWE in 1991 as a select service hotel specialist and left to form Thompson Calhoun Fair in 2000, which was subsequently acquired by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels in 2005.

An expert in both single asset and portfolio transactions and advisement, Calhoun has personally been involved in more than 500 hotel transactions. In his career, he has represented the vast majority of major hotel ownership groups in their select service hotel transactions.

“Select service transactions, especially those under $10 million, are getting done and financing is available,” Calhoun said. “However, transactions have to be more solidly structured, and pre-existing relationships with lenders are critical. HWE has long-standing relationships with everyone from local and regional banks to institutional lenders, which greatly assists us in completing transactions.

“We expect to see a steady rise in select service transactions over the next 12 to 36 months with portfolios coming to market at a much faster pace than in the past two years,” he noted. “Based on previous cycle experience and the amount of valuation inquiries we are receiving, deal flow is beginning to gain momentum.”

Calhoun is a member of the CCIM Institute and the American Hotel and Lodging Association. He is a graduate of Georgia State University and has published post graduate research.

Hodges Ward Elliott is world renowned for representing hotel asset and real estate investment opportunities spanning all categories and markets. HWE is consistently ranked the leading hotel brokerage and investment firm with greater than 30 percent market share of hotel transactions, according to independent outside sources. Since 1990, HWE has structured the sale of more than 1,500 hotels, totaling over 300,000 rooms and $33 billion of lodging transactions.
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Nomination Guidelines for SBA 2010 Awards

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is seeking nominations for the 2010 Georgia Small Business Person of the Year and Small Business Champion awards.

Each year since 1963, the President of the United States has designated a National Small Business Week. The highlight of Small Business Week activities is the presentation of awards at the state and national levels. The 2010 Small Business Week celebration next year will honor the small business community's many contributions to the American economy and society. National Small Business Week will be observed May 23 – 29, 2010.

“You can be part of this celebration by nominating an outstanding small business owner or small business champion in your community for one of these awards,” said SBA Georgia District Director Terri Denison.

In Georgia, the SBA District Office selects the state’s 2010 Small Business Person of the Year. That individual will attend the national celebration in Washington, DC to compete for the National Small Business Person of the Year award. At this celebration, a national winner is selected from all the winners from across the country. Scott Blackstock, President of Tidal Wave Auto Spa of Thomaston, won the honor in 2009.

Small Business Champions of the Year award categories are for those who promote small business, including volunteering time and services to small business interests and groups. Champions may or may not be small business owners. Award categories include:

Minority Small Business Champion
Veteran Small Business Champion
Financial Services Champion
Home-Based Business Champion
Women in Business Champion
Small Business Exporter of the Year
Jeffrey Butland Award for Family-Owned Small Business of the Year
SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Nomination packages must be received at the Georgia District Office in Atlanta on or before Friday, November 13, 2009. To find nomination guidelines and information for these and other awards visit the SBA Georgia web site: www.sba.gov/ga. Look under “Spotlight.”

Nominations may be mailed to Jim Hightower, Public Affairs, SBA Georgia District Office, 233 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 1900, Atlanta, GA 30303.
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HBCU Alum and Branding Guru Selected to Appear on Tom Joyner Morning Show

LaVon Lewis to Speak on Benefit of Attending an HBCU for Building His Business

Branding guru and Chief Cre8ive Officer of Pencilworx Design Group, LaVon Lewis, will appear on the nationally-syndicated radio program, the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Twenty-nine year old Lewis was invited on the program as part of the show’s tribute to historically black colleges and universities (HBCU). Lewis will speak on how his decision to attend the HBCU, Alabama A&M, has played a role in his success as an entrepreneur today.

“I’m privileged to have been selected by Alabama A&M to represent the university as a distinguished alumnus on the Tom Joyner Morning Show,” said Lewis. “I started my business in my college dorm room at A&M and even landed my first client on that campus. It’s quite an honor that my accomplishments thus far as an entrepreneur can be a source of inspiration and an example of what an HBCU can offer young people.”

Lewis has won over 40 awards for his work in the marketing and graphic design industry. Recently he was named the Atlanta Regional Minority Technology Firm of the Year by the U.S Department of Commerce. He frequently hosts seminars based on tips from his how-to book on small business branding, “Today is a Great Day for a WOW Image.” Over the years Lewis has accumulated a prestigious roster of clients including Focus Brands (Cinnabon, Schlotzkys Deli, etc.) Atlanta mega church Newbirth, gospel musician Marvin Winans Jr., InterContinental Hotel Group, and many more.

The Tom Joyner Morning Show features hosts Tom Joyner, Sybil Wilkes, J. Anthony Brown, Ms. Dupre and Myra J. for four hours of news, comedy, music and more every weekday morning. The program weaves together an upbeat, energetic and laugh-filled show with the celebrity guest appearances (among them: Bill Clinton, Spike Lee, Wesley Snipes, Babyface, Seal and Oprah Winfrey), a radio soap opera (It's Your World) and the frequent call-ins from listeners.
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Shaw Expansion Brings Up to 200 New Jobs to Calhoun

Longtime Georgia manufacturer to re-commission idled facility

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Shaw Industries Group, Inc., will expand its manufacturing operations in Calhoun, creating up to 200 new jobs.
“It’s great news for Georgia that one of our longtime manufacturers is planning for future growth in the state,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “It is a testament to the strength of our workforce and infrastructure that, even during this economic downturn, Shaw still finds Georgia the best place to invest in its future.”

Shaw plans an overall expansion of operations within its carpet division and will occupy its formerly idled facility in Calhoun, investing in equipment and infrastructure to increase the company’s capacity to process filament yarn, which is used in residential carpet products. Shaw expects the facility’s expansion to be completed by mid-2010, in time to meet customer demand and to allow for future growth in this segment of its business.

“Our commitment to our customers and future growth drives our long-range planning,” said Vance Bell, Shaw Industries CEO. "This expansion of operations, which is located in a community and state we’ve had great experiences with, will give us the best competitive advantage and position for the long term.”

Georgia’s top-ranked Quick Start program will provide customized workforce training as a key part of the state’s support for Shaw’s expansion. Since 1967, Georgia Quick Start has delivered nearly 6,000 training projects helping qualified companies assess, select and train employees for successful startups and expansions.

Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Regional Project Manager Brooks Mathis assisted the company with its location, as did the Development Authority of Gordon County.

“We appreciate the investment and the large number of jobs that will be created in our community. The team effort put together by our local representatives, the State of Georgia and Shaw Industries has made this project possible. The future is bright because of the partnership we have with Shaw,” said Larry Roye, Chairman of the Development Authority of Gordon County.

Previous Shaw employees in the community who have been displaced over the past few months due to economic conditions will be given the first opportunity to fill the new positions.

About Shaw Industries Group

Shaw Industries Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., is the world’s largest carpet manufacturer and a leading floor covering provider with $5 billion in annual sales and approximately 26,000 associates. Headquartered in Dalton, Ga., the company manufactures and distributes carpeting, rugs, hardwood, laminate and ceramic tile for residential and commercial applications worldwide. A recognized leader in environmental stewardship, Shaw has implemented hundreds of sustainability initiatives and cradle to cradle design solutions, collectively termed the Shaw Green Edge. For more information, visit www.shawfloors.com.
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72 Stites & Harbison Attorneys Honored in “Best Lawyers in America"

Two honored from Atlanta office

Stites & Harbison announced today that 72 of its attorneys were recently selected by their peers for their work in 33 areas of practice in The Best Lawyers in America® 2010. Two of the attorneys honored are based in the Atlanta office. Those two attorneys, with their practice areas, include:

R. Daniel Douglass
Construction Law

J. D. Humphries, III
Construction Law

“The recognition we have received from Best Lawyers validates our firm-wide commitment to providing the best level of service possible to our clients,” said Kennedy Helm III, managing partner of Stites & Harbison, PLLC.

The Best Lawyers in America® is a nationally recognized referral guide to the legal profession that has been published biennially since 1983. Attorneys selected for the publication are reviewed by professional peers through an extensive survey.

About Stites & Harbison
Stites & Harbison, PLLC, is a regional business and litigation firm with attorneys in Atlanta; Alexandria, Va.; Jeffersonville, Ind.; Louisville, Frankfort and Lexington, Ky.; and Nashville and Franklin, Tenn. Tracing its origins to 1832, Stites & Harbison is one of the oldest law practices in the nation and among the largest law firms in the Southeast. Our attorneys are consistently recognized by their peers in the following leading legal directories: Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory®, The Best Lawyers in America®, Chambers USA and Super Lawyers magazine. Recent firm honors include being named: one of the 50 Best Overall Law Firms in America (Global Research), one of the Leading Law Firms in America (The American Lawyer), a Go-To Law Firm® (Corporate Counsel), one of the Top 100 Law Firms for Diversity (MultiCultural Law Magazine) and a Top 10 Growth Firm (National Law Journal).
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Hunter Realty Associates, Inc. Names Gary C. Mills Vice President

Will Oversee Brokerage Operations of Newly Opened Dallas Office

Officials from Hunter Realty Associates, Inc., a leading national hotel investment services firm, today announced that Gary C. Mills has joined the company as vice president. A Dallas, Texas resident, he will oversee the brokerage operations of the firm’s new Dallas office.

“As our brokerage service continues to grow, we continue to seek out the best talent in key markets to help establish our expertise in new locations,” said Teague Hunter, president of Hunter Realty Associates, Inc. “Gary brings with him more than three decades of hospitality industry experience in numerous markets across multiple segments. Particularly with his longstanding local reputation and knowledge, he is an ideal choice to spearhead our planned growth in the Southwest.”

Mills spent more than 18 years with Hilton Hotels leading their development efforts in the Southwest U.S. With over thirty years experience in the hotel industry, he has orchestrated strategies to develop, own, acquire, improve and dispose of hotel assets. Additional industry experience includes founding a hotel development company, as well as holding senior management positions at Westmont Hospitality, John Q Hammons, Holiday Inn, Laventhol & Horwath and Compri Hotels. Mills received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pa.

About Hunter Realty Associates, Inc.
Hunter Realty Associates, Inc., founded in 1978, has offices in Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and Minneapolis, Minn. The firm’s exclusive focus is in hotel brokerage and financing. For more information or to view current listings, please visit www.hunterhotels.net or contact the company at 770-916-0300 in Atlanta, 301-215-7507 in Washington, D.C. or 952-837-6207 in Minneapolis.
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Seven Georgia Counties Reach Certified Work Ready Community Status

Creating skilled workforce, improving public high school graduation rates

Governor Sonny Perdue today announced seven new Certified Work Ready Communities, a designation showing the county has the skilled workforce businesses demand and the educational infrastructure to drive economic growth and prosperity.

“By becoming Work Ready these communities are positioning themselves for future growth,” said Governor Perdue. “The communities are building the skilled workforce that employers rely on to succeed and grow.”

Barrow, Bleckley, Catoosa, McDuffie, Pike and Ware counties were named Certified Work Ready Communities of Excellence. Brooks County has been named a Certified Work Ready Community. These counties represent the sixth group to complete their Work Ready Certificate goals and have successfully met at least the required minimum increase in their county’s public high school graduation rate.

The new Certified Work Ready Communities achieved the following:

- Barrow County: 866 Work Ready Certificates earned (33 percent above goal); increased high school graduation rate from 69 percent to 75.5 percent
- Bleckley County: 533 Work Ready Certificates earned (118 percent above goal); increased high school graduation rate from 72.1 percent to 82.6 percent
- Brooks County: 424 Work Ready Certificates earned (95 percent above goal); increased high school graduation rate from 50.5 percent to 63.3 percent
- Catoosa County: 860 Work Ready Certificates earned (25 percent above goal); increased high school graduation rate from 70.9 percent to 76.2 percent
- McDuffie County: 869 Work Ready Certificates earned (164 percent above goal); increased high school graduation rate from 72.7 percent to 77.6 percent
- Pike County: 507 Work Ready Certificates earned (121 percent above goal); increased high school graduation rate from 76.4 percent to 80.2 percent
- Ware County: 1,147 Work Ready Certificates earned (102 percent above goal); increased high school graduation rate from 62.6 percent to 76.6 percent

To earn the Certified Work Ready Community designation, counties must demonstrate a commitment to improving public high school graduation rates through a measurable increase, and show a specified percentage of the available and current workforce have obtained Work Ready Certificates.

Each community created a team of economic development, government and education partners to meet the certification criteria. Counties are given three years to reach the goals necessary to earn the designation. One additional county – Berrien County – has met its Work Ready Certificate goal and continues to work to improve it high school graduation rate.

To date, 19 counties have earned the Certified Work Ready Community designation and 120 others are working toward their individual goals.

Once counties attain their Certified Work Ready Community goals, they are able to maintain their status by ensuring a small percent of their available workforce continue to earn Work Ready Certificates, engage local businesses to recognize and use Work Ready, and continue to increase their public high school graduation rate until they reach a threshold of 75 percent. Once they reach 75 percent, they must maintain that graduation rate to maintain their certification status.

To continue their work, each county will receive a $10,000 grant. Their Work Ready Community teams will also receive a two-year membership to their local chamber of commerce and a budget for additional Work Ready outreach materials. Counties that are fully certified receive road signs and a seal denoting the year they achieved certification.

Georgia’s Work Ready initiative is based on a skills assessment and certification for job seekers and a job profiling system for businesses. By identifying both the needs of business and the available skills of Georgia’s workforce, the state can more effectively generate the right talent for the right jobs. The Certified Work Ready Community initiative builds on the assessments and job profiling system to create opportunities for greater economic development.

For more information on the Work Ready initiative please visit the Web site at www.gaworkready.org .
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Accounting Resources’ Alice Reeves Completes QuickBooks Certification to Help Local Small Businesses Better Manage Their Finances

Georgia Resident is Latest Accounting Professional to Join Nationally-recognized Group of Intuit QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisors

Fayette County-based businesses looking for help with Intuit QuickBooks® accounting software can now get assistance from a local accounting professional. Alice Reeves of Accounting Resources in Fayetteville has completed Intuit’s coursework and examination and is now accredited as an official QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor® for QuickBooks 2008 & 2009. Intuit is a leading provider of business and financial management solutions for small businesses, consumers and accounting professionals.

Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors are independent accounting professionals and consultants who work with small businesses that have completed a comprehensive training curriculum developed by Intuit. Alice Reeves is now available to help local small businesses better manage their finances and prepare for tax reporting with specialized training, software installation and customization, as well as recommendations on QuickBooks add-ons that can benefit their businesses.

“Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors represent those professionals who have demonstrated not only their expertise in QuickBooks, but also their commitment to excellence,” said Jody Weir, Intuit’s manager of the QuickBooks ProAdvisor program.

“Our aim is to provide a level of service that goes beyond financial reporting,” says Alice Reeves. “We offer a combination of accounting and software expertise, along with the personal understanding that comes from being a part of the business community ourselves.”

About Accounting Resources
Accounting Resources is unique in their approach to accounting, offering individualized services. In additional to support and training for QuickBooks® they provide monthly write-up, check writing, payroll processing, preparation of sales tax returns and individual and corporate tax returns. Accounting Resources provides quality services at a fair price and in a timely manner. Contact them at 770-632-5562.
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Governor Announces First Data to Relocate Headquarters to Atlanta

Global leader in electronic commerce and payment processing will create up to 1,000 jobs over the next three years

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Fortune 500 electronic commerce and payment processing firm First Data Corp. plans to relocate its global headquarters to Atlanta. First Data plans to hire new positions to support the business and product development that they anticipate will be needed in the coming years. They expect to hire up to 1,000 employees in Atlanta over the next three years.

“Georgia is continuing to attract headquarters relocations of innovative technology companies such as First Data,” said Governor Perdue. “Our state’s educated workforce, business-friendly environment and ease of access to key markets make it an ideal choice for growing technology companies.”

With this investment, First Data plans to consolidate its Atlanta activities, operations and technology support, sales and marketing, and product development. The company plans to expand its 180,000 square foot facility on the Glenridge Connector in Fulton County. Salaries at First Data are above the average wage for the metro Atlanta area.

“Atlanta is well-known for being a major hub for the payments industry and First Data already had a significant presence here,” said Michael Capellas, chairman and CEO of First Data. “Atlanta allowed us to consolidate operations, be closer to our customers, and continue to recruit from great talent pool.”

“On behalf of the mayor and city council members of Sandy Springs, I am delighted and excited the global headquarters for First Data consolidated to Glenridge Highlands Two. It is encouraging in these economic times that a major corporation in the payments processing industry would make such a move,” said Sandy Springs City Councilman Rusty Paul. “We appreciate the work that was expended on behalf of Sandy Springs, and we thank the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Development Authority of Fulton County for their efforts.”

“First Data Corporation’s decision to move to Atlanta demonstrates that our metropolitan region and Georgia continue to provide the business assets that corporate headquarters and financial service companies need to succeed in a global business environment -- including the best international airport in the world; a young, diverse and educated workforce; a competitive cost of doing business environment and an excellent quality of life,” said Hans Gant, senior vice president of economic development for the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “We welcome Fortune 500 company First Data to Atlanta”.

Blair Lewis, project manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, assisted the company in its location.
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Fayette Chamber Presents Speed Networking Aug 25

The Fayette County Chamber is hosting a Speed Networking event on Tuesday, August 25, 7:30 am – 9:00 am at the Chamber.

Speed Networking is a fun, effective way to make a lot of business connections in a short, structured period of time Networking guru, Wendy Kinney of Ready Set Go Make Money will facilitate the event and provide tips and feedback. Chamber members and non-members are welcome to attend at no cost – registration is required. Online registration is available at www.FayetteChamber.org.

The Fayette Chamber is comprised of diverse member businesses and organizations working together to strengthen our local economy. Their mission is to provide businesses with tools, resources and visionary leadership which will positively impact community sustainability. Through Chamber networking events like Business After Hours, Business to Business Luncheons, and the new Speed Networking opportunity, valuable relationships can be built that will help businesses grow and prosper.

For information on other Chamber programs, contact the office at 770.461.9983. The Chamber is located on the 1st floor of the old courthouse building at 200 Courthouse Square, Fayetteville.
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PKF Hospitality Research: More Guests in 2010 --- With a Catch...

PKF Hospitality Research (PKF-HR) today announced that, according to an advance release of the September 2009 edition of Hotel Horizons®, nine consecutive quarters of declining lodging demand will come to an end in the second quarter of 2010.

“With the budgeting process underway at hotels around the U.S., the recovery of lodging demand is an important milestone that will be reached in the year ahead,” said R. Mark Woodworth, president of PKF Hospitality Research. “The catch; however, is that the practice of price discounting has firmly taken hold, and, as a result, room rates are expected to decline once again in 2010.”

Hotels that operate in the luxury, upscale, and midscale without Food & Beverage segments are expected to more customers beginning to re-appear in the fourth quarter of 2009. “While the price paid for the room will remain the most important criteria for most travelers in 2010, the value received will once again factor into the buying decision” Woodworth noted. “Higher-priced hotels have suffered the greatest erosion in pricing power during this protracted contraction and, as a result, offer an abnormally strong value proposition as the industry begins to turn the corner mid-way through 2010. We also believe that those property types that were the best performers before the recession are going to be those leading us out.” The two chain scales lagging the U.S. demand recovery will be midscale with Food & Beverage and economy, which will not see improved performance until the third quarter of 2010.

“Of the 50 markets monitored by PKF-HR, 45 will experience stronger demand in 2010 than in 2009,” Woodworth added. “It is important to note, however that supply increases are still an issue for hoteliers across the U.S., as 25 of our 50 markets will report further declines in occupancy, even with 20 of those 25 experiencing demand increases.” The five lagging markets are Fort Lauderdale, Indianapolis, Miami, Tampa, and Washington, D.C.


Budgeting Accuracy – What We Learned In 2002 & 2003

“During the two budgeting seasons following the post-9/11 period, every forecast and prediction had the business environment improving in the ‘next’ quarter, regardless of whether that next quarter was the second quarter of 2002, third quarter of 2002, or the fourth quarter of 2003. This optimism led to budget shortfalls, which continued until 2005,” Woodworth recounted. “Like times in our recent past, successful hotel owners and operators must be prepared to anticipate additional declines in certain metrics for 2010, which can be extremely difficult without guidance. Hotel Horizons® can help by bringing some clarity to the future outlook.”

Hotel Horizons® is a series of econometrically derived forecast reports developed by PKF Hospitality Research. The reports cover 50 of the largest U.S. hotel markets as well as the nation as a whole, and six chain scales. Economic forecasts by Moody’s Economy.com and historic hotel performance data and future supply pipeline information from Smith Travel Research are used to construct the industry’s most comprehensive forecasts of U.S. lodging market behavior.

Introducing: myShareSM

Since it is budget season, owners and operators are thinking about how their hotel will perform in 2010. Historically, the movement in a hotel’s occupancy and average daily rate from year to year can be largely explained by the movement of the overall market in which the property sits. “Our research over the past 10 years reveals that seventy-five to eighty percent of a hotel’s performance is systematically a function of changes in the larger market in which the property is located,” notes John B. (Jack) Corgel Ph.D., Senior Advisor to PKF Hospitality Research and the Robert C. Baker Professor of Real Estate, Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. “And who is better at knowing that remaining twenty to twenty-five percent than the local property owner or operator? The person in charge of the hotel knows when rooms will come in and out of service, when renovations occur, and when competitors open across the street.”

PKF Hospitality Research is introducing a new tool called myShareSM which helps managers incorporate the current PKF-HR forecast for their market into an estimate of the future performance of any submarket, competitive set, or their hotel. Included as a complimentary addition to all single market Hotel Horizons® reports, the myShareSM tool is an Excel-based application that comes pre-loaded with the respective Hotel Horizons® forecasts for all hotels, upper priced, and lower priced properties within a defined geographic market, as well as historic
submarket data from which to assist the user in calibrating penetrations. For more information, as well as a video demonstration of myShareSM, go to www.pkfmyshare.com

To purchase Hotel Horizons® forecast reports for the United States, or one of 50 individual markets, please visit the firm’s online store at www.HotelHorizons.com, or call (866) 842-8754.

* * *

PKF Hospitality Research (PKF-HR), headquartered in Atlanta, is the research affiliate of PKF Consulting, a consulting and real estate firm specializing in the hospitality industry. PKF Consulting has offices in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Atlanta, Miami, Indianapolis, Houston, Dallas, Bozeman, Sacramento, Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Forecast Change in Key Metrics, U.S. Lodging Industry

Year Occupancy ADR RevPAR Supply Demand
2009 -9.0% -10.4% -18.5% 3.0% -6.3%
2010 0.4% -3.1% -2.7% 1.2% 1.6%

Source: PKF Hospitality Research, September-November 2009 Edition of Hotel Horizons®
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Governor Announces Dendreon Corporation Signs Lease for Biotech Manufacturing Facility in Union City

Cancer therapeutics company plans $70 million investment in South Fulton

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Dendreon Corporation, a Seattle-based biotechnology company, will locate a new $70 million manufacturing facility in Union City. The company expects to manufacture PROVENGE® (sipuleucel-T) for patients with advanced prostate cancer. PROVENGE is currently under review by the FDA, and should the product receive approval, the manufacturing plant could generate several hundred new biotechnology jobs in the Atlanta region.

“Hosting the 2009 BIO International Convention in May introduced biotechnology companies like Dendreon Corporation to Georgia’s business assets,” said Governor Perdue. “Our state’s world-class healthcare institutions and hospitals enable companies like Dendreon to conduct clinical research and engage in product development while benefiting from the vast scientific resources that Georgia has to offer.”

Dendreon plans to locate in a 160,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at the Majestic Airport Center in South Fulton County. Pending FDA approval, the company will produce PROVENGE, a new treatment for men with advanced prostate cancer, at the facility. Dendreon plans to launch PROVENGE from its existing facility in Morris Plains, N.J. and ramp up manufacturing capacity at its facilities in Union City and in California.

“We are pleased to announce that we are expanding our manufacturing capacity with the addition of two new facilities in Atlanta and Los Angeles,” said Mitchell H. Gold, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Dendreon. “We have particularly enjoyed partnering with the state of Georgia, Fulton County officials and the local community during this process and are grateful for their partnership and support as we prepare to commercialize PROVENGE to help the many patients with advanced prostate cancer who currently have few appealing treatment options.”

"It is exciting news for Atlanta that Dendreon is locating its manufacturing facility here as it will help to attract other cancer research and production facilities to Georgia," said Otis W. Brawley, M.D., chief medical officer, American Cancer Society.

“We are pleased to welcome Dendreon to Union City, and we have done a lot to prepare our community for economic development,” said Union City Mayor Ralph Moore. “Union City is poised, with its Opportunity Zone and strategic location on Interstate 85, to be a key player in the Southeast as well as the United States. “

“Dendreon is the type of innovative company that is increasingly finding a home in Fulton County,” said Fulton County Commission Chair John Eaves. “In today’s knowledge-based economy, it’s important to cultivate high-paying jobs for our citizens and we have the perfect environment for growth in South Fulton.”

Carol Henderson and Annie Marie Baxter, project managers with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, assisted the company in its location.

About the company

Dendreon Corporation is a biotechnology company whose mission is to target cancer and transform lives through the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics. The Company applies its expertise in antigen identification, engineering and cell processing to produce active cellular immunotherapy product candidates designed to stimulate an immune response. Dendreon is also developing an orally-available small molecule that targets TRPM8 that could be applicable to multiple types of cancer as well as benign prostatic hyperplasia. The Company has its headquarters in Seattle, Washington and is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol DNDN. For more information about the Company and its programs, visit www.dendreon.com.
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Brock Clay Joins The RAP Index Team

Government and Public Affairs Firm to Serve As RAP Advisor

Brock Clay Government and Public Affairs, led by Charles Clay, Brian Noyes, Seth Millican and Joshua Mackey, has teamed with The RAP Index®, the proprietary public affairs software solution created by The Felkel Group, Inc. Collectively, Brock Clay’s leadership team will serve in a business development role as part of the group’s RAP Advisors team and will assist the firm in marketing The RAP Index®, which identifies stakeholders’ relationships with over 28,000 policy makers at the local, state and federal level.

“Brock Clay is thrilled to join the RAP Advisors team,” said Brian Noyes, CEO. “The RAP Index® is absolutely unique. Nothing else supports personal advocacy like this. Nothing even comes close."

Brock Clay, located in Marietta, Georgia, provides comprehensive solutions to public policy challenges. Their approach integrates lobbying, grassroots and community affairs and is tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. Their professionals have a proven record of success dealing with the challenges and opportunities that arise at the intersection of business and government.

Brock Clay's professionals have the personal knowledge of legislative and government processes that can only be gained from public service. Their team has been involved in elected and appointed positions at the county, state and federal levels. Through their experiences in these positions, they have not only developed an expert knowledge of government, but also personal relationships, and trust, with leaders throughout the state. They have the strategic capabilities and relationships that can help steer clients through the complicated processes of the General Assembly and state agencies; or work with them to initiate changes in the cities or counties across Georgia.

“We are very eager to work with the Brock Clay team,” said Hollis “Chip” Felkel, CEO. “With their personal knowledge and expertise, we hope to bring more awareness to this dynamic tool.” Earlier this year, TFG released The RAP Index® 2.0, a unique approach that mines and identifies key stakeholder relationships in the public policy arena, while also objectively assessing the stakeholder’s willingness, ability, interest and aptitude for leveraging their relationships or engaging on issues. “The RAP Index® makes it possible for an organization to use its best possible assets, its own people, as it deals with public policy,” says Felkel. “It’s about finding the right messengers, and those are the people who have the relationships to begin with.” To learn more, visit www.therapindex.com or www.felkegroup.com.
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Lodgian Provides Further Update on Remaining Maturing Mortgage Debt

Obtains 60-day extension on mortgage pool, continues negotiations for longer-term solution

Lodgian, Inc. (NYSE Alternext US:LGN), one of the nation’s largest independent hotel owners and operators, today announced that the company has obtained a further extension of the maturity date for the Merrill Lynch Fixed Rate Pool #3 (“Pool #3”). As of July 1, 2009, the principal amount of Pool #3 was $45.7 million. The company and the special servicer for Pool #3 have entered into an extension agreement to extend the maturity date of this indebtedness until October 1, 2009. Given the extension of the maturity date, the company is not in default of the original loan. The 60-day extension is intended to provide the parties an opportunity to reach an agreement on a longer-term maturity extension.

The company and the special servicer are currently negotiating a longer-term maturity extension for Pool #3; however, the company can provide no assurances that the parties will reach such an agreement. In the event that the company is unable to achieve a long-term extension of Pool #3, the company expects that anticipated cash flow from the hotels securing
Pool #3 may not be sufficient to meet the related debt service obligations and it may be necessary to transfer the properties securing this indebtedness to the lender in satisfaction of the company’s obligations.

A schedule indicating the principal balance of Pool #3, as of July 1, 2009, as well as a listing of the hotels that serve as collateral under Pool #3, is attached as an exhibit to this press release.

About Lodgian
Lodgian is one of the nation’s largest independent hotel owners and operators. The company currently owns and/or manages a portfolio of 38 hotels with 7,078 rooms located in 22 states. Of the company’s 38-hotel portfolio, 18 are InterContinental Hotels Group brands (Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Select and Holiday Inn Express), 12 are Marriott brands (Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Fairfield Inn by Marriott), two are Hilton brands, and five are affiliated with other nationally recognized franchisors including Starwood, Wyndham and Carlson. One hotel is an independent, unbranded property, which is currently closed and held for sale. For more information about Lodgian, visit the company's website: www.lodgian.com.
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Fayette Chamber Collaborates with SCORE to Help Small Businesses

Fayette businesses have a new option for help with everything from writing a business plan to locating available resources to face-to-face counseling. The Fayette Chamber is opening its office to a new SCORE chapter to provide mentoring to new and existing small businesses. And the best news is that the SCORE services are FREE!

SCORE is a national organization of almost 11,000 volunteers in 375 chapters serving over 500,000 clients yearly. The Atlanta Chapter alone has over 75 counselors in 15 offices throughout the metro area. The new Fayette chapter is offering services to Fayette and Coweta businesses.

SCORE counselors will schedule appointments on Fridays from 11 am to 1 pm. Appointments can be made by registering online at www.scoreatlanta.org.

The Chamber’s collaboration with SCORE is part of an on-going effort to provide Fayette businesses with the tools and resources they need to succeed. If you would like more information, contact the Chamber at 770.461.9983 or visit www.FayetteChamber.org.
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Stites & Harbison Welcomes David Janet

Stites & Harbison welcomed attorney David M. Janet to the Atlanta office recently. Mr. Janet joined the firm as counsel.

He is a member of both the Business & Finance and the Intellectual Property & Technology Service Groups. His practice focuses on licensing and transactional matters in the technology, telecommunications, software, life sciences, financial services and entertainment business sectors.

Prior to joining Stites & Harbison (www.stites.com), Mr. Janet’s practice included work for law firms in Virginia, D.C., California and Georgia. He also worked as general counsel for an established technology services and data mining company in Virginia.

Mr. Janet received his J.D., with High Honors, from Duke University Law School, Durham, N.C., in 1992, and his B.A. in Economics, summa cum laude, from the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Va., in 1989. He is admitted to practice in Georgia, Virginia, the District of Columbia and Pennsylvania.

About Stites & Harbison
Stites & Harbison, PLLC, is a regional business and litigation firm with attorneys in Atlanta; Alexandria, Va.; Jeffersonville, Ind.; Louisville, Frankfort and Lexington, Ky.; and Nashville and Franklin, Tenn. Tracing its origins to 1832, Stites & Harbison is one of the oldest law practices in the nation and among the largest law firms in the Southeast. Our attorneys are consistently recognized by their peers in the following leading legal directories: Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory®, The Best Lawyers in America®, Chambers USA and Super Lawyers magazine. Recent firm honors include being named: one of the 50 Best Overall Law Firms in America (Global Research), one of the Leading Law Firms in America (The American Lawyer), a Go-To Law Firm® (Corporate Counsel), one of the Top 100 Law Firms for Diversity (MultiCultural Law Magazine) and a Top 10 Growth Firm (National Law Journal).
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