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Curated Collection Of The Best Interviews From Our Sandy Springs Studio





Interviews with Al Meyers from TEDx Peachtree, Author Jim Beach, Party in Pink’s Marianne Baker and Cobb Chamber’s Demming Bass and Slade Gulledge

Today we opened the show with local entrepreneur Al Meyers with TEDxPeachtree. This November 4 will be the 3rd annual TEDxPeachtree Conference at Zoo Atlanta’s Coca-Cola World Studio. This is a local, self-organized program that is part of TED, which is a non-profit organization that is devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. This conference is full but you can watch all the great speakers live via webcast by going to their website on the day of the event

Next up we had on  School for Startups author Jim Beach. Jim’s book can show the most risk averse budding entrepreneur how to start their own business for less than $5000. He even gave out an idea that anyone who wanted to make an $1000 a month could do today without much effort.

Next we had on our good friend from the Concourse Athletic Club’s Marianne Baker. Marianne is the Group Exercise Director and she is making sure that everyone comes out to participate in the Party in Pink Zumbathon charity event that is going on at the club on Saturday October 29. All proceeds go to the Susan G Komen Foundation.

We closed the show with Slade Gulledge and Demming Bass from the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce. They gave us their update from their recent 2011 Washington Fly-in – which is one of the Cobb Chamber’s leading legislative events. The Cobb Chamber focuses on economic development, advocacy and member services. To learn more about how to get involved with one of the most active Chambers of Commerce in the country please go to their website

A special shout out to our sponsor – the Business Marketing Association – Atlanta Chapter.  Please go to their website to register for their monthly events www.bmaatlanta.com/events/.

Also . . . if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about, please email Amy Otto at Amy@ atlantabusinessradio.com and we’ll invite them to appear on the show.

 

Atlanta Business Radio Interviews Marcel Crudele with Soket, Dean Trevelino with Trevelino Keller and Maja Ebiary and Derek Van Dam with Swipe for Change

Today we opened up with Marcel Crudele with Soket, a digital marketing “command center.” He brought with him Dean Trevelino with Trevelino/Keller Communications Group a PR, social, branding firm. They talked about some of the challenges local organizations face in navigating a changing communication landscape. They also shared some insights about how to develop a strategy to effectively reach your audience without breaking the bank.

We closed the show with Maja Ebiary and Derek Van Dam with Swipe for Change. Their company is a national merchant service provider that helps businesses get involved in their community and help keep non profit organizations up and running.  With every swipe of a credit card their business clients are also helping non profit groups and charities that are close to their hearts. And at the same time they are helping non profit groups raise the vital funds they need to do their work.

A special shout out to our sponsor – the Business Marketing Association – Atlanta Chapter.  Please go to their website to register for their monthly events www.bmaatlanta.com/events/.

Also . . . if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about, please email Amy Otto at Amy@ atlantabusinessradio.com and we’ll invite them to appear on the show.

 

Nurun Senior Director Nancy Bistritz Describes Rising Expectations In The Marketing World And Dale DeSena Gets Us Ready For 2011 Taste Of Atlanta

Nurun’s Nancy Bistritz says, “The world has definitely changed for today’s consumer; he’s become much more saavy; much more demanding; and less tolerant. In a nutshell: Expectations have never been greater with marketers and agencies alike struggling to keep up the pace.”

As senior director (United States) for Nurun, Nancy is responsible for managing the company’s marketing, communications, and business development efforts in the United States. A part of the leadership team in Atlanta, she also works on international activities related to Nurun’s internal and external communications; public relations outreach, including media relations and executive visibility; and marketing and business development strategies. She is also an integral part of Nurun’s worldwide communications team, which includes professionals in Canada, France, Italy, Spain, and Asia.

Ms. Bistritz joined Nurun in 2005 as director of marketing/communications with more than 10 years of communications experience, including agency public relations experience, corporate public relations experience, marketing experience, and editorial leadership experience. She is a former editor-in-chief and has extensive experience in the telecom industry, financial services industry, and commercial real estate industry.

Prior to her role at Nurun, Ms. Bistritz was a senior account executive with Calysto Communications, where she spearheaded public relations initiatives for a number of telecommunications organizations, including: Tellabs, BroadSoft, and Cbeyond. Her strengths included media relations, industry analyst relations, writing, and strategic communications planning. She is a former editor-in-chief for Atlanta-based Catalyst Magazine; was the interim founding editor-in-chief for Atlanta Woman Magazine in Atlanta; and is a previous managing editor for National Real Estate Investor Magazine.

In 1996, Nancy worked for Pringle Dixon Pringle public relations and advertising agency, where she supported Xerox Corp., specifically with its 100 Golden Olympians initiative prior to and during the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Nancy is a former board member for Atlanta Woman in Communication; is a previous board member for the Atlanta Interactive Marketing Association (AiMA); and is an active volunteer for the Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter. She is a 1994 graduate of Auburn University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and is the 1993 recipient of the Lynn Hopkins Scholarship for Journalism Dedication.

 

For its 10th anniversary, Taste of Atlanta brings the culinary creativity to a new level. Featuring city favorites, novel newcomers and global eateries, the street festival welcomes more than 80 of Atlanta’s favorite dining destinations Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23 in Tech Square. With gourmet grub from the city’s most renowned restaurateurs, live cooking demos and more, Taste of Atlanta is the ultimate ticket to palate-pleasing fun this fall.

As President and Founder of Taste of Atlanta, Dale DeSena has over 25 years of experience in marketing, advertising and festival production. She is the visionary behind the city of Atlanta’s premier food festival and has been instrumental in bringing together national celebrity chefs such as Emeril Lagasse, Sara Moulton, Iron Chef Morimoto, Rocco DiSpirito and local Atlanta chefs such as Kevin Rathbun, Linton Hopkins and Richard Blais to showcase the thriving Atlanta restaurant scene.

With a passion for food and the hospitality industry, Dale created Taste of Atlanta to fill the city’s need for a food festival truly representing the best the city has to offer. The weekend-long food experience has earned numerous Kaleidoscope Awards, been named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society, selected Best Food Event in Atlanta by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Jezebel magazine, as well as being named by Oprah Magazine as a “Top Festival Worth the Trip.” Taste ofAtlanta’s successes earns national recognition each year, including coverage by the New York Times, People Magazine and The Today Show on NBC.

Prior to launching Taste of Atlanta, Dale gained experience working for a top Atlanta ad agency and in magazine publishing. Establishing herself as an integral member of the vibrant event industry in Atlanta led her to start her first company, DG Publishing & Event Sponsorships. Working with Concert Southern Promotions/Chastain Park, Dale was an instrumental part of Music Midtown, which rapidly grew to be one of the top music festivals in the country. In addition, Dale has worked with the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Atlanta Jazz Festival, the Atlanta Opera, the Alliance Theater, the Atlanta Arts Festival and others. Her commitment to excellence has strongly contributed to the success of these properties.

Dale is active in the culinary community and is a board member of the Georgia Restaurant Association, member of Les Damesd’ Escoffier, American Culinary Federation, Georgia Organics, the American Institute of Wine & Food and the International Festivals & Events Association. She has held board positions with the American Jewish Committee and the Jewish NationalFund.

ProWIN Special Featuring Kelly Beard, Linda Zuk, Christy Hewatt and Laura Biering

Today Dana Barrett and I shined the Atlanta Business RadioX spotlight on some of the members of the professional women’s networking group ProWin.

Dana, Host of the Midtown Review and I opened up with ProWIN founder Kelly Beard with Kelly Beard Law. Kelly founded ProWIN – the Professional Women’s Information Network – over 10 years ago to help women grow their business network  and also grow personally as well. Kelly practices employment discrimination law and she shared some of the ways ProWIN has helped her in her career.

Next up we spoke with Linda Zuk with Fast Forward Process. Linda is a registered corporate coach who helps her clients accomplish their business goals.  She also facilitates great team building retreats.

Then Christy Hewatt with Gross Collins Certified Public Accounts and Consultants joined us and shared how her company helps their clients with their accounting and other business needs.

And we closed the show with Laura Biering with True Voices. Laura has a new book out titled The RiskADay Journal: 28 Days to Being You Out Loud with Courage, Creativity and Confidence.

A special shout out to our new sponsor – the Business Marketing Association – Atlanta Chapter.  Please go to their website to register for their monthly events www.bmaatlanta.com/events/.

Also . . . if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about, please email Amy Otto at Amy@ atlantabusinessradio.com and we’ll invite them to appear on the show.

 

Marianne Baker From Concourse Athletic Club Invites You To A Party in Pink Zumbathon to Benefit Susan G Komen Foundation

Today we talked to Marianne Baker, Group Exercise Director with the Concourse Athletic Club. Marianne invited all our listeners to the Party in Pink Zumbathon charity event that benefits the Susan G Komen Foundation which will occur on Saturday October 29. This two hour Zumba master class is run by superstar instructor Eric Santana. So if you are into the Latin music infused group exercise sensation Zumba check out this great event. Space is limited so sign up soon.

A special shout out to our new sponsor – the Business Marketing Association – Atlanta Chapter.  Please go to their website to register for their monthly events www.bmaatlanta.com/events/.

Also . . . if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about, please email Amy Otto at Amy@ atlantabusinessradio.com and we’ll invite them to appear on the show.

 

Jason Jones with CresaPartners. Paula Fowler with TechAmerica Georgia

Today we shined the light on Jason Jones with CresaPartners. Jason explained that right now Atlanta is a “Tenant’s Market.” He said that companies have an opportunity to save money on their existing lease and/or find better deals in the market if they know the right questions to ask.

We were also joined by his colleague Paula Fowler. Paula is very active in the technology community and she is on the advisory board for TechAmerica Georgia – this group is a great educational and business resource for high tech firms of all sizes. Paula talked about the 9th Annual Spirit of Endeavor Awards ceremony which is being held on December 9 2011 at the Twelve Hotel in Atlantic Station. This event benefits the TAG Education Collaborative and spotlights Outstanding Leadership, Technology Entrepreneur, Emerging Business, Technology Innovation and Cool Technology in Georgia. You still have time to nominate a client (or yourself) for this great award that honors the most innovative tech company and their people.

A special shout out to our new sponsor – the Business Marketing Association – Atlanta Chapter.  Please go to their website to register for their monthly events www.bmaatlanta.com/events/.

Also . . . if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about, please email Amy Otto at Amy@ atlantabusinessradio.com and we’ll invite them to appear on the show.

 

Interview with Award-Winning Public Relations Consultant Debbie Fitzgerald

Today we shined the light on Debbie Fitzgerald with Fitzgerald PR. Debbie explained the benefits of working with an award-winning Public Relations consultant like herself. She shared practical PR tips for creating events and building media relations with the influential journalists in your industry. She also explained how the role of a PR professional has changed over the last 10 years.

A special shout out to our new sponsor – the Business Marketing Association – Atlanta Chapter.  Please go to their website to register for their monthly events www.bmaatlanta.com/events/.

Also . . . if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about, please email Amy Otto at Amy@ atlantabusinessradio.com and we’ll invite them to appear on the show.

 

Atlanta Business Radio Interviews Lisa Robinson Of Ace Loans And Harmonix CEO Danny Rinaldi

Today we shined the light on Lisa Robinson with ACE Loans. Then we talked with Danny Rinaldi, CEO of Harmonix.

Lisa Robinson works with Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) as a BusinessDevelopment Officer, responsible for marketing and underwriting their Georgia GreenLoans and Microloan programs for metro-Atlanta small businesses.

Prior to ACE, she worked as a program manager for Regions Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta and an educational consultant and lecturer at Addis Ababa Commercial College in Ethiopia.  She moved to Atlanta from North Carolina where she worked as a commercial lender with Self- Help Credit Union and as a small business consultant for the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development.

Lisa brings 18 years of experience in financial management, community economic development, and program administration in both non-profit and for-profit sectors. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University and a MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.   She is also a certified Economic Development Finance Professional.

 

A multi-million dollar sales executive and entrepreneur, Danny Rinaldi had just gotten back from a trip to China –and he couldn’t fall asleep. He knew the symptoms of jet-lag and now he’d flown half-way around the world.  Add to that the stress of his job, selling toys he’d manufactured to some of the biggest retail chains in the world, and you can understand why Rinaldi couldn’t simply lie down in bed and nod off.

More than half of all Americans report that they are insomniacs or have trouble falling asleep on a regular basis.  Just bring up the subject once when you’re having dinner with friends.   35 million people take prescription drugs, paying over $5 billion for relief from the tossing and turning or waking in the middle of the night that robs them of a restful, restorative sleep.   The rest of the county turns to over-the-counter remedies or take nothing at all, and suffer the consequences.

In China, Rinaldi was taking a medication similar to Ambien, which was available without a prescription. He even brought some home with him to help him after the trip. He figured he’d slowly cut down as he adjusted to being home and then stop taking the drug with its serious side-effects.   But it wasn’t that easy . . .

 

A special shout out to our new sponsor – the Business Marketing Association – Atlanta Chapter.  Please go to their website to register for their monthly events www.bmaatlanta.com/events/.

Also . . . if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about, please email Amy Otto at Amy@ atlantabusinessradio.com and we’ll invite them to appear on the show.

 

Senior Services Special with Jeff Whitehouse, Dara McMillan, Johnna Gardner and Jonathan St Clair

Today we shined the light on a bunch of the leaders in Senior Services in the metro Atlanta area.

We opened the show with Jeff Whitehouse from Homewatch CareGivers (Atlanta-East). He helps the rapidly expanding senior population as well as special needs youth and adults, new mothers and people of all ages recovering from illness or accidents stay in their home. He is on the steering committee for Alzheimer’s Memory Walk which is scheduled for October 8 in Atlantic Station.

Next Dara McMillan from My Accessable Home joined us. Dara specializes in supporting seniors with being able to age in place. She helps adapt her clients homes for optimal safety and accessibility.

Then we talked with Johnna Gardner with JG Options. Johnna has a Masters Degree in Social Work and she helps provide professional guidance and counseling support for aging or chronically mentally ill individuals and their caregivers in order to deal with life’s changes, physical losses, cognitive impairment, emotional distress and end of life issues.

And we closed the show with attorney Jonathan St Clair with Collier & St Clair, LLP, who explained what elder care encompasses. He helped explain some of the topics families face as they and their loved ones begin to deal with aging parents. He had some great tips for Veterans and their families.

A special shout out to our new sponsor – the Business Marketing Association – Atlanta Chapter.  Please go to their website to register for their monthly events www.bmaatlanta.com/events/.

Also . . . if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about, please email Amy Otto at Amy@ atlantabusinessradio.com and we’ll invite them to appear on the show.

 

Interview with Joe Blumberg Executive Director of the Mens Health and Wellness Center

Today we shined the light on Joe Blumberg, Executive Director of the Mens Health and Wellness Center

The Men’s Health and Wellness Center is presenting its 4th annual fundraiser moMENtum on September 24 at the Dunwoody Country Club. The theme is Denim and Diamonds and there are great items to bid on in the silent auction like tickets to the Master’s, sport memorabilia, wine, restaurant dining experiences and much more. All the money raised goes to support this great organization that helps educate and  screenings to help men over 40 and their loved ones lead healthier lives.

Joe also shared the importance of all men to know their numbers. When you check your blood pressure, cholesterol, PSA, blood glucose each year you will learn quickly if there is a problenm then you can take action to prevent a health issue before it is too late.

If you would like to get involved with this group, donate or learn more about the gala please go to their website www.menshealthandwellness.org.

A special shout out to our new sponsor – the Business Marketing Association – Atlanta Chapter.  Please go to their website to register for their monthly events www.bmaatlanta.com/events/.

Also . . . if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about, please email Amy Otto at Amy@ atlantabusinessradio.com and we’ll invite them to appear on the show.