Borders' New Territory

Lisa Borders, newly elected president of the Atlanta City Council, will address AEN at our September 16 meeting.

On August 16, Borders replaced Cathy Woolard, a lesbian who resigned her office to unsuccessfully pursue one of Georgia's U.S. congressional seats. Woolard spoke at AEN's July meeting, a debate focused on LGBT issues.

A senior vice president at Cousins Properties, Borders beat former City Council member Michael Bond in an August runoff.

Borders believes Mayor Shirley Franklin, who will speak at AEN in November, should punish the Druid Hills Golf Club for violating the city's non-discrimination ordinance. The club has denied spousal benefits to the partners of two of its gay members.

In addition, Borders pledged to support an Equal Benefits Ordinance that would award points to city contracts applicants that offer domestic partner benefits.

Meeting details

Thursday, September 16
Sheraton Midtown Hotel at Colony Square's Crown Room
Networking begins at 5:45 p.m. and program starts at 6:45 p.m.
Members: $10; Guests: $20; Students: Free

Have a question for Lisa Borders? Send it to questions@aen.org

Home Depot changes health benefits policy following August AEN meeting

AEN's August meeting featured a panel of diversity executives from Delta Air Lines, IBM, BellSouth and The Home Depot.

The Home Depot's Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion Gloria Johnson-Goins, the only company on the panel that did not offer domestic partner benefits, stated that she would make it her top priority. She told AEN members, "It's not a question of if, or whether; it's a question of when."

On September 2, The Home Depot confirmed that they would extend domestic partner benefits in April 2005.

LGBT leaders from The Home Depot sent the following message to AEN following the announcement:

We are very proud of The Home Depot's decision to offer domestic partner health benefits. It is especially meaningful because it is clearly the right business decision for the company, its LGBT employees and its customers.

This is a major milestone in a journey shared by employees who partnered with senior management over the course of nearly five years. It is inspiring that a small group of employees at a major corporation can make a difference, and it reminds us that we truly "must be the change we wish to see in this world."

We are so grateful to the employees who invested their time and energy in this effort. Most of all, we thank the LGBT community who remained loyal to The Home Depot during its quest to become a more inclusive company.

As orange-blooded LGBT associates, we are proud to work with leaders who ensure that The Home Depot celebrates diversity and practices inclusion.

We are excited that The Home Depot is now a Bronze Partner of AEN and for their continued support and resources. Sponsoring a LGBT organization is another significant step in our history, and AEN is an exceptional place to begin.

Kathy Mathes & Mike Horton
LGBT Leadership Team
The Home Depot, USA

Friday, September 24

Zoo Atlanta
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Admission: $10

Join AEN and the Atlanta Gay Chamber for an evening of networking at Zoo Atlanta's Gorilla Encounter.

AEN's Future Speakers and Events

AEN Night at the Alliance
Tuesday, October 5

The Color Purple

Click here to buy tickets

This event will replace our traditional October meeting.

AEN Members Only Luncheon

Wednesday, October 20
Noon at Silk Restaurant

Joan Garry
GLAAD Executive Director

LGBT media watchdog group chief to speak at AEN members-only, reservation-required luncheon. Make reservations »

The State of the City

Thursday, November 18

Shirley Franklin
Mayor of the City of Atlanta

Holiday Party

Thursday, December 9

The Red Chair

5:30-8 p.m.

Coretta!

Thursday, January 13
Special Date

Coretta Scott King

Widow of slain civil rights leader to address LGBT issues at AEN as part of the 2005 King Holiday Observance.

Luncheons galore!

One of the best ways to network your career, your business and your future. AEN offers luncheons each week at convenient locations throughout Atlanta. To reserve your space at a luncheon, follow this link.

Tuesday, September 14, 11:55 a.m.
Allen Jones
Houlihan's at Colony Square

Thursday, September 16, 11:30 a.m.
Bonnie Barton and Shelley Emerson
Roxx in Midtown

Monday, September 20, 11:55 a.m.
Glen Paul Freedman
Einstein's in Midtown

Wednesday, September 22, 11:45 a.m.
Sandy Hoke with Mark Buhrke
Cobb Galleria Waverly Hotel Atrium Restaurant

Wednesday, September 29, 11:55 a.m.
Allen Jones
Houlihan's at Colony Square

Thursday, September 30, 11:45 a.m.
Dan Lax & Stephen Julien
Villa Christina at Perimeter Summit

Friday, October 1, 11:45 a.m.
David Payne and Jacob Rothschild
Vickery's in Midtown

Tuesday, October 12, 11:55 a.m.
Allen Jones
Houlihan's at Colony Square

Tuesday, October 12, 11:55 a.m.
Allen Jones
Houlihan's at Colony Square

Wednesday, October 20, Noon
GLAAD Executive Director Joan Garry
Silk Restaurant in Midtown
Members Only. Reservations Required.

With deep gratitude...

AEN wishes to thank its partners who help make our programming possible. We encourage you support these businesses, as they have helped support us and our community.

To find out more about AEN's partnership programs, follow this link.

About AEN

Mission Statement

• Promote business contacts and friendships through networking;
• Advocate equality for lesbians, gays, bi-sexuals, and transgenders;
• Promote diversity in the business community;
• Foster leadership in business, government and the arts.

Leadership Team

Glen Paul Freedman, Executive Director
Bonnie Barton, President
Don George, Vice President; Partnerships Chair, Nominations Chair
Jamie Ensley, Treasurer
Barbara Rubin, Secretary
Drew Barton, Communications Chair
Dana Brown-Owings, Pride Chair
Stephen Julien, Diversity Committee
Carl Lange, Programming Chair
Dan Lax, Membership Chair
Jay McMinn
David Payne, Past President
Carla Corley, Community Outreach
Sandy Hoke, Partnership Co-chair, Greeters Coordinator
Jacob Rothschild
Tom Eiswerth
Teresa Joyce