Atlanta's LGBT business and professional network
Celebrating 10 Years of Networking Excellence
May Newsletter
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Steve
Koval, President
Newsletter
Editor Webmaster
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Throughout Mayor Franklin's campaign, as well as her first months in office, she has openly demonstrated her commitment to inclusion, including LGBT citizens. After discussions with gay business owners during her campaign, she directed Gary Cox, her then-deputy campaign manager, to look at what other cities did to promote tourism and support gay-owned businesses. Based on her determination that such endeavors would be good for the city of Atlanta, she included them in her campaign platform. After her election, Mayor Franklin was committed to finding a way to see her promise fulfilled. Given the extremely tight budgetary times at City Hall, starting new initiatives at any level was not financially feasible within the context of the current city budget. As the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau had also been exploring the possibility of such a marketing effort, their organization offered an effective and cost-efficient way to move the initiative forward. At the 10th anniversary meeting of the Atlanta Executive Network, Mayor Franklin will present the initial component of this program, which she considers to be but the first step to fulfilling her commitment to the LGBT community. Mayor Franklin's commitment to her community is exemplified by her active service on over 30 boards and committees. Currently she serves as a member of the Democratic National Committee and treasurer of the Democratic Party of Georgia. She has received numerous awards and honors during her career, including the 1995 Legacy Award from the Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, the 1996 Woman of the year Award from the YWCA, the Georgia Women's Policy Group's Outstanding Women of 2001 and awards from the League of Women Voters and the Abercrombie Lamp of Learning Award. A native of Philadelphia, Mayor Franklin earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Howard University and continued her education earning her Masters of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania. We hope you will join us in not only celebrating our 10th Anniversary, but also to hear Mayor Franklin outline her plan to promote LGBT business and commerce in Atlanta. The Atlanta Freedom Marching Band will help us celebrate the past decade. In addition, AEN founder Allen Jones will speak. The meeting is Thursday, May 16, 2002, at the Sheraton Colony Square Hotel's South Ballroon at 14th and Peachtree Streets. Networking begins at 5:45 p.m. (Notice the time change from our usual networking start) with our program beginning promptly at 7p.m.
At the upcoming 10th anniversary meeting on May 16, AEN will unveil it's new logo that was designed by AEN member, Michael Howell. As part of his creative research into the project, Michael has developed a logo that exudes a new sense of energy with AEN. Michael has worked on a number of large projects that you may be familiar with, such as the Georgia Clean Air Campaign logo and the Atlanta Gay Games logo. AEN was very pleased to work with Michael, particularly in light of the significant number of high-profile projects that he has in his portfolio. Look for more on Michael Howell shortly on the AEN Web site. If you have creative artistic needs that include a logo, please contact him directly at 404.685.9933 or at mikhow@mindspring.com.
Debbie Fleishel, AEN's in-house photographer, has announced that she is relocating to California in early June. Debbie has provided the candid photographs that you seen on the website following each meeting. For the past three years, Debbie not only takes exceptional photographs of our speakers and members, but she does it unintrusively, so that you often don't know that you were photographed -- like a true professional! Debbie will be moving to Mt. Shasta in California's upper northwest border, near Oregon. She fell in love with the area on a visit there last May, and confidently knew that she would be living there soon. Thank you again Debbie, for your great photography work, and support. We wish you the best in California!
AEN holds networking events in which members can meet in a casual environment and enjoy lunch or dinner and meet other members. Any member may host a meal in any area of town, simply contact the office to set up a time 404.724.9008 or office@aen.org. Here's the upcoming schedule of luncheons:
Annual Benefit for Chris Rainbow Home The Rainbow Home provides a safe and supportive residence for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning (GLBTQ) youth who are no longer able to live at home. It is a transitional living program for homeless and runaway sexual minority youth providing services and referrals. They connect youth with a variety of resources like counseling, medical and legal services and volunteer opportunities.
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At
its 10th anniversary celebration, AEN is honored to have as its special
guest and speaker Shirley Franklin, who became the 58th mayor of
Atlanta, winning the office in November 2001, in a crowded field of candidates
and without a runoff. Having never been an elected official, Shirley Franklin
made history, becoming Atlanta's first female Mayor and the first African-American
woman to serve as Mayor of a major Southern city. 