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Spotlight on PRSA

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Stephen Michael Brown / Cohn & Wolfe Linkedin Twitter Facebook

In his role as Executive Vice President and Managing Director in the Atlanta office of Cohn & Wolfe (www.cohnwolfe.com), Stephen M. Brown, APR, is in charge of managing dynamic account teams for both corporate and consumer accounts and providing creative new approaches to reaching and impacting influencers.

He currently works on clients in the retail, restaurant, risk management, entertainment and technology industries. Drawing from an early career as a features reporter for Gannett Newspapers in the Southeast and a contributor to entertainment media, he focuses on breakthrough media relations and building influencer relationships in both traditional and digital spheres.

He co-leads the firm’s executive media training programs and has trained more than 1,000 executives in ten years, ranging from CEOs for national print and broadcast to a soft drink company’s chief scientist for a Today Show interview to a home improvement retailer’s specially-selected associates for TV appearances nationwide.

Stephen’s 20-year agency career includes work within advertising, public relations, marketing and interactive agencies on primarily consumer accounts. His clients have included Dean Foods, Coca-Cola, UPS, AT&T, IBM, Cisco, Union Pacific, Purina, InterfaceFLOR and McDonald’s.

Stephen consults on topics ranging from media relations strategy to creative brainstorming to leveraging social media to build engagements for consumer and technology product brands. He has spoken nationally about networking and maintaining long-term relationships with reporters, most recently to PRSA about “changing the beat” and harvesting new story opportunities.

Stephen has been featured in PR Week, Wall Street Journal and Marketing News, was named one of “15 to watch” by PR News and “Top 40 Under 40” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and has led teams to more than 12 national awards.

Stephen is president of PRSA Georgia and Actor’s Express boards, secretary for the Curing Kids Cancer board and the board liaison for marketing for The Center for Puppetry Arts. He has twice served as president of the Jerusalem House nonprofit for homeless men, women and children. He runs a blog – www.silverscreencapture.com – which houses his movie reviews. He is a 1995 graduate of the College of Journalism at the University of South Carolina and the South Carolina Honors College and a 2007 graduate of Leadership Atlanta.

Nicole Henderson / Selsi Enterprises Linkedin Twitter Facebook

Passionate about the art and science of public relations, Nicole I. Henderson has a creative approach to strategic communications for small and mid-size business owners, not-for-profit agencies, and corporations. With over 15 years’ experience, Nicole decided to take what she has learned over the years and offer that in her own company. As owner of Selsi Enterprises, she has found her niche in providing big business marketing and communication techniques to organizations that could not otherwise afford a seasoned public relations consultant.

 

 

Anne Marsden with Marsden and Associates, Mike Belote with Peak 10 and Ryan Freeze with Disrupt Atlanta

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Anne Marsden / Marsden and Associates Linkedin Twitter

Anne Marsden is a marketer with a technical bent. A Ga. Tech grad, Anne has walked both sides of the marketing aisle as a client and agency. Having led marketing organizations from Fortune 100s to Atlanta technology start-ups, she launched Marsden & Associates to bring a new brand of results-focused marketing services to B2B companies. Recognizing the fundamental shift in buyer behaviors spurred by new digital realities, M&A helps clients identify and develop both the the messages and the channels to engage prospects throughout their journey from discovery to evaluation to purchase to advocacy. Anne’s passion – and Marsden & Associates’ mission – is to grow each client’s business with the right mix of message, channels, frequency and content. Anne is also the author of the successful eGuide, How to Jump Start Your Inbound Marketing Program: 10 Steps to Get More Leads.

Mike Belote / Peak 10 Linkedin Twitter Facebook

Mike Belote joined Peak 10 in 2015 and as vice president and general manager he is responsible for sales, operations and the financial management of the company’s Atlanta operations. Mike brings 15 years of extensive IT sales, customer acquisition and team building expertise in the areas of colocation, managed services, cloud compute and leadership experiences to Peak 10. In his role, Mike focuses efforts on strengthening relationships with existing and future customers, the community and employees, as well as employing go-to-market and financial management strategies, delivering unparalleled IT experiences to the Atlanta market that demonstrate a deep commitment to customers. Before joining Peak 10, Mike served as general manager, colocation for an Atlanta-based web hosting company where he led all sales and business development efforts and oversaw data center operations. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University in Georgia and is an active member of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) and Atlanta Telecom Professionals.

Ryan Freeze / Disrupt Atlanta, LLC Linkedin Twitter Facebook

I love challenges and creating solutions. Have been doing this web stuff since 1995, I have been exposed to a lot of different business models.

My focus today is leveling the playing field for small business operators and the national brands who take the human element out of the transaction.

You can find me at various conferences and events. I participate in workshops, panels, seminars, and sometimes I just like to talk over a single malt whiskey. I’m either a board member, managing partner, or otherwise involved in a number of exciting businesses looking to disrupt consumer relations for good.

 

 

 

Special Edition: Cobb County

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shene

Shene Commodore/ Commodore Consulting

Ms. Commodore enjoys serving as a consultant, speaker, industry spokesperson, mentor, author and media host.

For over 20 years of Ms. Commodore has helped businesses of all sizes in the government and commercial sectors manage contracts and prepare proposals.  She founded Commodore Consulting, LLC in 2002 to provide proposal writing, strategic planning, procurement training, & acquisition assessments. In 2014, Ms. Commodore was awarded the SIA Statesman Award for her leadership contribution to address the public policy challenges impacting the electronic physical security industry.  Ms. Commodore provided expert testimony for Congress and helped draft new legislation on Acquisition Planning for TSA. As a certified professional contract manager (CPCM), she has in-depth knowledge of the FAR, advanced skills to draft and negotiate complex contract and proposal language, pricing, program management, as well as providing GSA schedule services.  She has helped win and manage more than $4 billion dollars in government contract awards in IT, healthcare, and engineering.

– See more at: http://www.onvia.com/business-resources/articles/sled-fed-7-tips-state-and-local-contractors-pursuing-federal-sales#sthash.LtJkyqOF.dpuf

sabrina

Sabrina Lowery was born and raised by a single mother in Elizabeth,NJ. She graduated from North Miami Senior High School, where she was voted “Most Likely To Succeed” by her High School classmates and graduated with Honors in the Top 10% of her Class. She has always had an Entrepreneurial spirit and worked her way through college. Sabrina has an Undergraduate degree in Computers & Information Systems from the University of Florida. She is a “Geek” for Technology (always embracing current trends in Technology for Business); and, calls herself a “Technology Evangelist” whose mission is to empower others through Technology and educate everyone on how to pursue greatness in every aspect of life. After graduating college, she relocated to Atlanta in 1996, and has called Smyrna/Vinings her home for 18 years. She has over 25 years of Professional I.T. experience in Corporate America. After a rewarding 7 year career working as a Senior Computer Programmer/Analyst for Carter’s Childrenswear in Griffin, GA. Sabrina began her Real Estate Career as an Independent Contractor/REALTOR with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in 2003. She quickly ranked among the Top Sales Agents in her office, and in 2006, she became an Associate Broker with the same firm. Sabrina’s leadership and exceptional Sales and Marketing experience has consistently generated multi­million dollar annual sales volume in her Real Estate Business. She was the Co­Founder/Partner and Qualifying Broker of Maximum One Realty & Management (a subsidiary of Maximum One Greater Atlanta Realtors) in 2011. In 2012, Sabrina founded her own Real Estate Boutique, Legacy Realty & Management, LLC, which is a full service, Residential & Commercial Real Estate Sales, Leasing & Property Management Brokerage headquartered in Vinings (Atlanta), GA. There she has trained, inspired and motivated her Team of Professional REALTORS into Sales, Leasing & Professional Property Management Businesses for themselves. She teaches accredited G.R.E.C. (Georgia Real Estate Commission) Georgia Real Estate Contracts, Leases, and How to Successfully operate a Property Management division of their Real Estate businesses. Sabrina has successfully transacted thousands of real estate sales closings (including Short Sales) generating multi­million dollar sales volume annually in her 12 year career. Sabrina has also transacted thousands of Leases, and also provides Professional, Full Service Property Management services for Residential & Commercial properties throughout the State of Georgia. Sabrina’s mission is to inspire and educate fellow REALTORS by giving them the technology tools to be productive and profitable, by embracing technology, and incorporating Social Media in their respective businesses. Sabrina’s Coaching Program “Legacy MasterMinds” is available to Realtors looking to take their businesses to the next level. Her 1st publication will debut as an eBook in the 1st quarter of 2015. Sabrina’s company’s mission at Legacy Realty & Management is to leave a legacy for every family through Home Ownership and Real Estate Investing.

 

Special Edition: NAWBO

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Jill Peck / Henderson Shapiro Peck

Jill serves as Vice President & COO for Henderson Shapiro Peck, a relationship driven, award winning marketing and business support company with 23 employees. Over the past 18 years, Jill and her partner, founder of the company, Debbi Shapiro have been instrumental in supporting women driven initiatives both personally and professionally.

She is the President of the National Association of Women’s Business Owners (NAWBO Atlanta), a member of the Certified Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBENC) and the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

Jill has volunteered for Scottish Rite known as Children’s Healthcare of America, The Girl Scouts of America, The Council on Alcohol and Drugs, The Atlanta Food Bank, The Tolerance Education Program and was the marketing chair for Emerge Scholarships for three years.

Jill graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and a minor in marketing from the College of Journalism and Communications.

Kara Cleary / Barnes & Thornburg LLP Linkedin

Kara Cleary is a senior associate in the Atlanta office of Barnes & Thornburg LLP, where she is a member of the firm’s Litigation Department. Ms. Cleary concentrates her practice on insurance coverage litigation on behalf of policyholders in various industries. Additionally, she has experience in complex commercial lawsuits. Ms. Cleary received her B.A. magna cum laude in conflict studies from DePauw University, where she was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society and DePauw’s Management Fellows program. She earned her J.D. magna cum laude from Valparaiso University School of Law.

Lissa C. Versteegh / Georgia Sales Development, Inc.

 

 

Troy Gautier with Alliances Progress and Carlos Michel with Gaites Language Services

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Troy Gautier / Alliances Progress, LLC Linkedin Twitter

Troy J Gautier is the Managing Director and Chief Alliance Officer of Alliances Progress, LLC.

Alliances Progress is a highly specialized boutique consulting firm which provides collaborative framework solutions for businesses worldwide: strategic alliances, commercial partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, etc.

Alliances Progress also manages a member firm organization connecting large and small businesses across multiple sectors to grow revenues and capabilities through an innovative network platform of local and international companies.

Troy has been designing and implementing business ecosystems for more than 30 years, first as a partner with a global big four consulting firm and more recently as an entrepreneur and business partner for small to mid-tier companies with strong growth ambitions.

Troy is on several advisory Boards and is the President of the southeast chapter of the Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals, covering eight US States and all of Latin America. He is an accomplished writer and speaker and publishes a monthly article on the evolution of business partnerships and how collaborative networks are changing the way we work and live.

Troy is a dual national, USA and European Union, lives in Alpharetta, Georgia and works internationally.

Carlos Michel / Gaites Language Services

 

 

 

Special Edition: Cobb County

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Desmond Williams and Brad Grimes / Top Scholar

Top Scholar is a learning management system for grades K-12. It is easy to use, engaging and powerful cloud based system for both teachers and students to assist in reaching new levels in education. Key features include classroom management, assignments, analytics, messaging system, calendar and pre loaded content including over 4,000 textbooks, videos and practice standardized test questions.

Desmond Williams is VP of Sales and Business Development focused on initiatives in the public and private education sector, as well as corporate partnerships targeting programs that create value in key communities. Prior to joining Top Scholar, Desmond spent thirty-four years in the technology industry in various sales, engineering and management roles with manufacturing, consulting and service provider companies.

With a background in sales and marketing, Brad Grimes advises businesses, organizations, and individuals on how to use marketing and social media to build relationships and deliver value. Brad works closely with the sales team and manages the marketing team, creating a synergistic bridge of operations.

 

 

Special Edition: Cobb County

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Joseph Malbrough / The UPS Store

Joseph Malbrough owns and operates The UPS Store Cumberland Galleria in Smyrna, Georgia. He has over 20+ years in business development roles at The Metro Atlanta Chamber, United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, Entrepreneur Advisors and Motorola Communications.

Joseph is Past President of the Smyrna Business Association and Chairs the Smyrna Business Expo. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Coalition of Cobb County Business Associations, The Campbell High IB Foundation and Chairs the Antioch Christian Entrepreneurs.

A native of Beaumont, Texas, he received a Bachelor of Communications degree from Lamar University. He and his wife Cara are active members of Antioch Baptist North and reside in Smyrna with their sons Evan and Jared.

 

 

Spotlight on TiE Atlanta

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Paul Lopez / Element Funding Linkedin

Dr. Lopez is a Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Element Funding, a residential mortgage lender with branches across Georgia, Florida and North Carolina (www.elementfunding.com) that has served over 18,000 families with $3 billion in mortgage financing since opening as a startup business in the summer of 2007 when the housing industry was not the place to be!

In his corporate career, Paul was Executive Vice President of Business Development & Sales at HomeBanc Mortgage Corporation. Prior to that, he was employed in high tech for 20 years at IBM and Xerox in field and headquarters positions, and has been a faculty member at the business schools of Kennesaw State University and California State University.

Paul is highly involved in the community, currently serving on the boards of MUST Ministries and Action Ministries, and co-chairs the TiE-Atlanta chapter’s Entrepreneurship Competition for universities across Georgia.

Dr. Lopez holds a doctorate in business administration from Louisiana Tech University, and an MBA from the Queen’s University of Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Jeff Patterson / SBDC at Georgia State University

Jeff has extensive financial industry experience that includes leadership roles in credit administration, commercial lending, operations management, regulatory compliance, and audit administration. His expertise includes loan proposal and business plan preparation, cash flow management, budgeting, and customer satisfaction. He also has brokerage and financial planning training as well as his Commercial Lending Diploma from RMA. He received his MBA from Brenau University.

 

 

Mike Farber with The ROI Shop, Dirk Ebener with Kids Business Expo, Dara Albright with Dara Albright Events and Howard Medoff with Executive Consulting Services

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Mike Farber / The ROI Shop

I have over 16 years of software sales experience working for companies like Xactly Corporation and Concur Technologies. Based on the struggles I along with my colleagues have experienced during the sales cycles we set out to create a one of a kind sales enablement tool (by a sales person for a sales person) to help in an area that most organizations struggle with…. Selling “VALUE”

We have developed a unique application that enable sales people to collaborate and build the financial justification (ROI) with their prospects in a way that has never been done before.

Our “Value” selling application will: • Reduce “NO DECISIONS” by painting a more compelling picture • Provide your “CHAMPION” a tool that will help them sell the project internally • Enable your sales people to have those critical financial discussions • Further qualify opportunities • Clearly separate you from the competition

Dirk Ebener / Kids Business Expo Twitter Facebook

Global CIF is an International Small Business Consulting firm that produces strategies to make business ideas come to life. “We’re very excited about this event,” said Ebener. “Young entrepreneurs, ages 12-18, come and meet local business owners to try to establish professional relationships at an early age. They are going to be our next business leaders.” Kids Business Expo will take place February 7, 2015 at the Cobb Galleria Center. Young entrepreneurs will learn how to create business plans, network, and understand financials. To learn more about the event, visit www.kidsbusinessexpo.com.

Dara Albright / Dara Albright Events Linkedin Twitter

Dara Albright is a recognized authority, thought provoker and frequent speaker on topics relating to market structure, private secondary transactions, next-gen IPOs, P2P and crowdfinance. Albright has held a distinguished 22 year career in IPO execution, investment banking, corporate communications, financial marketing as well as institutional and retail sales. She is a visionary who continues to introduce rising asset classes and crowd-structured financial products to the Wall Street community.

Through her NowStreet blog, Albright was one of the earliest voices covering the JOBS Act and advocating for greater democracy in the equity and credit markets. She produced the very first crowdfunding conference in January 2012 which was headlined by key JOBS Act architects: Congressman Patrick McHenry and Dave Weild. That event helped birth the crowdfinance movement and led to the founding of the industry’s trade and leadership organizations. In 2013, she co-founded LendIt which went on to become the largest and most recognized global p2p & online lending conference organization. Some of the most prominent figures in the financial industry as well as the legislature continue to participate in Albright’s events. Her leading-edge articles that have helped shape the direction of the crowdfinance industry can be found on Equities.com, Crowdfund Insider, Seeking Alpha, Investing.com and Business Insider. She has been featured in Forbes, ABA Banking Journal, Thestreet.com, Private Wealth Magazine as well as in a number of leading industry trade publications. Albright continues to help issuers, investors as well as financial service providers across the globe capitalize during this unprecedented period of financial industry disruption and regulatory reform.

Prior firms she worked for include: Unterberg Towbin, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Divine Capital and Citigate Dewe Rogerson. Albright is a proud board member of SparkMarket, the nation’s first bona fide crowdfunding portal allowing unaccredited investors to legally crowdfund via intrastate exemption. She is a graduate of the George Washington University and holds securities industry Series 7, 24, 31 and 63 licenses.

Howard Medoff / Executive Consulting Services Linkedin

Howard is engaged with Executive Consulting Services and serves on the Advisory Board for Health eSigns, a start-up company providing a digital marketing SaaS solution to promote health, wellness and safety at worksite locations. He has 15 years+ experience in sales, business development and consulting services. Howard is dedicated to innovative incubation, sales collaboration and masterful networking to gain new client relationships and expand existing ones for start-ups and Fortune 1000 companies.