FY2015R E P O R T

ANNUAL

Leading Business in the Right Direction

Our DeKalb Chamber is embarking on our 79th year

advancing our county’s economic viability through job

creation, workforce development, and educational

excellence.

As we begin a new year, we should pause to reflect on

the programs and activities in 2015 that brought us to

this point.

DeKalb County is a diverse and dynamic community

second to none in volunteerism and the willingness of

our citizens to become involved for the greater good of

our community. Like other counties, ours has endured

changes, both positive and negative. But our residents

remain determined to make DeKalb the best place to live

and work in Georgia.

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce believes in our

strong and vibrant county. We believe that it is our

shared vision and our ability to come together that

makes DeKalb one of the best places to call home.

As we look back over the past year, we are thankful for a

grocer, aided by members of the community, whose

forward thinking ideas resulted in today's DeKalb

Farmer's Market that employs over 800 people. We are

excited to see the progress of the Perimeter CID, which

has raised $40 million over 15 years and leveraged those

funds into more than $1.2 billion in construction and

development. We are heartened by the idea of

expanding transit in DeKalb. We are rolling up our

sleeves to focus on the Conley Business District as it

develops a Community Improvement District (CID). This

CID will grow an underutilized logistics corridor that sits

behind the landfill off Moreland Avenue, east of I-285

and south of I-20.

As we look to the year ahead, we will focus on aligning

regional supply chain resources to support economic

development growth and quality of life in South DeKalb.

This includes entrepreneurial opportunities to support

development of the Memorial Drive and the surrounding

corridors.

We believe these projects and scores of others will provide

our citizens greater opportunities, whether it's through job

creation for those who are underemployed, or relief from

time spent in traffic that would otherwise allow a parent

to help a child with homework.

The DeKalb Chamber stands ready to move DeKalb

County forward and we invite our community partners to

join our 600+business members in reclaiming our

opportunities. As our businesses prosper so will our

communities and families.

It has been my great pleasure to serve as your chairman in

2015 and look forward to supporting a new leadership

team working together to build the best county in

Georgia.

AlE D W A R D S

2 0 1 5 C h a i r

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KaterinaT A Y L O R

P r e s i d e n t & C E O

In my first year as Chamber president, little gave me greater pleasure than to have convened public and private partnerships to move DeKalb forward.

The mission of DeKalb Chamber is to focus on the business community by engaging, organizing, and advocating in our four core competencies: Education and Workforce, Public Policy, Economic Development, and Membership Services. In 2015, our success was largely due to strong partnerships.

As a premier partner with Decide DeKalb Development Authority, we solidified this partnership by naming the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee as the Authority’s Business Alliance Council. The Council is responsible for reviewing and approving all development projects in the amount of $75 million or more.

Just days after the 2015 Georgia General Assembly ended, we partnered with the Georgia Chamber to host their president and CEO, Chris Clark. He shared updates, results and impacts of the 2015 legislative session.

In other collaborations the Chamber partnered with DeKalb County Schools to host the official Welcome Reception of Dr. R. Stephen Green, our new school Superintendent. In addition, we hosted Dr. Green at our quarterly General Membership Meeting and Luncheon to share his strategy on improving our school system.

This year, the Chamber hosted its inaugural Women In leadership Lunch led by our affinity group Women Executive Leaders of DeKalb (WELD). With more than 100 women and men in attendance, we addressed how to lead multicultural and multigenerational organizations. Executive women from AT&T, Georgia Institute of Technology, Telemundo and the Atlanta Hawks, all shared their advice on how to lead and be successful in an ever evolving workforce.

Despite one of the worst economic setbacks during the last decade, a recovering economy spurred global growth. The DeKalb Chamber led the way in helping shape the conversation on how best to meet the needs and demands of local, regional and state business. In a proactive approach to further those conversations the Chamber hosted Dennis Lockhart, president and CEO, of the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta who provided an economic outlook for 2016.

As I look back over 2015, it was not a year without challenges. There were many successes and opportunities to improve along with but it was an opportunity to renew our commit-ment to look at DeKalb County and imagine what’s possible.

Cheers to our partners and stakeholders for their willingness to collaborate. Let’s do it again in 2016!

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Economic Development — Works with County partners to help recruit and retain industry. Its mission is to advocate, partner, and engage to ensure a vibrant business community in DeKalb County.

Education and Workforce — Develops partnerships with educational institutions in DeKalb County and Georgia to strengthen educational opportunities for the region and helps build a stronger workforce thus making DeKalb County an attractive location for thriving businesses and industry.

Governmental Affairs (Public Policy) — Represents the business interests in DeKalb County thru effective communication between the Chamber and local and state officials. The mission is to ensure that DeKalb County is a place that is competitive locally and statewide.

Membership Engagement — Encourages the engagement and involvement of new and existing members in using the benefits included with a Chamber membership. This important committee serves as an extension of the Chamber by collecting member feedback to ensure a productive and good return on their membership investment.

Small Business — Assists the Chamber with recruiting, educating and mentoring small businesses. The focus is to create and identify opportunities for growth in the public and private sector as well as, facilitates partnerships to improve small business programs.

Women Executive Leaders of DeKalb (W.E.L.D.) — Exists to share and deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that impact women executives, emerging leaders, and women business owners in metro Atlanta through chamber programming and events.

Young Professionals (YP) — Provides DeKalb young professionals with an opportunity to develop leadership skills, give back to the community and provide a forum for local executives and city leaders to educate and promote the growth of DeKalb County. YP is open to those 25 to 40 years of age that are interested in professional development, community issues, mentoring and networking.

The DeKalb Chamber through

committee structure facilitated

solutions to community and

business development

challenges. These solutions

required collaboration between

leadership, economic

development interests, elected

officials, education advocates,

and communities in DeKalb

County, Georgia.

• Economic Development

• Education and Workforce

• Governmental Affairs

• Membership Engagement

• Small Business

• W.E.L.D.

• Young Professionals

Chamber Committees

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Sondra Brooks* — Children's Healthcare of AtlantaVincent Bucci — Hyatt Regency Atlanta PerimeterChris Chavez — DeVry University/Keller Graduate School of ManagementDelores Crowell — AT&TTed Cummings — Onyx Media ServicesFrederick Daniels Jr. — Citizens Trust BankPatrick Desamours — Edward Jones InvestmentsAlan Dishman — Wells FargoAl Edwards — Corporate Environmental Risk Management LLCPhyllis Edwards — City Schools of DecaturAngela L. Graham* — Graham & Associates, Inc.Roshonda Coleman — Gas South, LLCVaughn Irons* — Decide DeKalb Development AuthorityTrey Ragsdale* — Kaiser PermanenteLarry Johnson — DeKalb County Board of CommissionersTharon Johnson — Greenberg TraurigJeremy Berry — DentonsJohn Kelley — Georgia PowerGregory B. Levett, Sr. — Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral HomeMonica Maldonado — Interprint CommunicationsLee May — DeKalb County Board of CommissionersCornell McBride, Jr. — McBride Research Labs

Diane McClearen — Oglethorpe Power CorporationRyland McClendon — MARTARusty McKellar — Pattillo ConstructionBetsy Mercier — CDC Federal Credit UnionJim Monacell — Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLPCorreggio Peagler, Sr. — Brown and CaldwellPatrick Putman — The Private Bank & Trust CompanyTrevor Quander — Atlanta Gas LightBrenda Reid* — Publix Super MarketsKelsi Robinson* — EGM Services, Inc.JaKathryn Ross — Georgia-PacificDavid Scott* — Integral Gude Program ManagementJohn Shelton — DeKalb Medical Matthew Shepherd* — Delta Community Credit UnionArnold “Arnie” Silverman — Silverman Construction Program ManagementDr. Jabari Simama — Georgia Piedmont Technical CollegeBarbara Touchette — St. Vincent de PaulDr. R. Stephen Green — DeKalb County School DistrictJames Tsismanakis — DeKalb Convention & Visitors BureauEarl Walker — Image360 TuckerPat Wheeler — City of Stone MountainBetty Willis — Emory UniversityTaylor Wright — Atkins

E X E C U T I V EC O M M I T T E E

B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S

Albert Edwards, ChairDiane McClearen, Vice-ChairFrederick Daniels, Jr. 2nd Vice-ChairKaterina Taylor, SecretaryPatrick Putman, FinanceJohn Shelton, Immediate Past Chair 2014Arnie Silverman, Past Chair 2013John Kelley, Past Chair 2012

*Denotes Committee Chair 5

MembershipAs a membership organization, we rely on our members consisting of various business industries in DeKalb County to help set the tone for our work. Working alongside our Membership Engagement Committee, our goal is to ensure our members are receiving a return on their investment. The following charts illustrate our membership trends in 2015 (left) and our incremental growth over the last four years (right).

550560570580590600610620630640

1 Qtr 2 Qtr 3 Qtr 4 Qtr

MEMBERSHIP TRENDS

2014 2015500520540560580600620640660

YE 2012 YE 2013 YE 2014 YE 2015

MEMBERSHIP GROWTH(4 Year Period)

24%

Business & Professional Services

22%

Finance & Insurance14%

Real Estate, Moving &Storage

10%

8%

10%

12%

Construction Equipment & Contractors

Health Care

TOP MEMBERSHIP INUSTRIES

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Restaurants, Food & Beverages

Government, Education & Individuals

FinancialsOur goal is to have a fiscally healthy Chamber. In 2015, the Chamber was thoughtful about how our member investment dollars were utilized. We examined our financial processes to ensure efficient and appropriate financial practices, increased our net income, and decreased expenses. Our results are the efforts of our committed board members and dedicated staff.

0%20%40%60%80%

100%120%140%160%

MembershipInvestments

New

MembershipInvestmentsRenewals

Board MemberInvestmentsRenewals

ProgramRevenue

93%

71%

100%

157%

Investment and Program Revenue Percentage to 2015 Budget

2014

2015

0

10000

20000

30000

$3,794.46

$27,489.38

Chamber Net Income 2015 vs. 2014

Net Income Increase over

2014

624%

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8

Arcadis

Atkins Global

Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort

Atlanta Gas Light Company

Atlanta United FC

Branch Banking & Trust Co. (BB&T)

CDC Federal Credit Union

CH2M Hill

Citizens Trust Bank

Comcast

Corporate Environmental Risk Management LLC

Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta

Decatur Atlanta Printing

Decatur Downtown Emory

DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau

DeKalb County School District

Delta Community Credit Union

Dentons

Edward Jones Investments

EGM Services, Inc.

Emory University

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Google

Graham & Associates, Inc

Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home

Hartsfield Jackson International Airport

Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter

Integral Gude

Intown Doula, LLC

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

MARTA

McBride Research Labs

Morris, Manning & Martin LLP

Pattillo Construction

PNC Bank - Financial Services Group

Reeves & Associates Consulting and Training, Inc.

Silverman Construction Program Management

Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP

State Farm Insurance Companies (Corporate)

SunTrust Bank

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Champion Newspaper

The Private Bank

Wells Fargo

Zaxby's (McDreams Enterprises, Inc.)

Top InvestorsThe DeKalb Chamber’s investment structure is designed so that any business can afford to be a member. Our investor levels are Partner, Executive, Corporate and Board. The following companies invested at our Corporate Level or above in 2015.

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InvestorsO f D i s t i n c t i o nFor many years the DeKalb Chamber has attracted major companies that are

headquartered or do business in DeKalb. These organizations are critical to our success and make up our Investors of Distinction which recognizes stakeholders that give a significant dollar investment.

CollaborativeP a r t n e r s h i p s

Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionOver the course of 2015, 150+ new and prospective members learned about their membership with DeKalb Chamber at our New Member Orientation. AJC presented two Technology Symposiums where businesses were able to learn how to incorporate technology into their online presence and enhance their industries.

The Champion Newspaper DeKalb Chamber works with The Champion Newspaper to share monthly news and produce an annual Newcomers Guide and DeKalb Chamber Membership Directory. The Chamber shares information on economic development, public policy, education and member service for the business community.

Council for Quality GrowthFor many years, the Council for Quality Growth has been an enthusiastic partner with the DeKalb Chamber. As a result of our cooperative venture, along with DeKalb County Government we plan annually the State of the County Address. In 2015 this signature DeKalb event attracted record attendees.

Decide DeKalb Development Authority DeKalb Chamber strengthened our relationship with Decide DeKalb Development Authority by becoming the Authority’s Business Alliance Council which consists of the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee. The Business Alliance Council is responsible for reviewing $75 million economic development projects coming to DeKalb.

DeKalb Business RadioXA new partnership in 2015, DeKalb Business Radio X helps DeKalb business leaders share positive stories about what their business is doing in the community and joins us in our efforts to highlight the work we do in the county. Over 100 DeKalb Chamber members took advantage of this partnership and appeared on one of the weekly shows.

The mission of DeKalb Chamber is to serve the business community by promoting and sustaining business and economic development in DeKalb County.

To support this mission, DeKalb Chamber provides its members with access to information, resources and engagement opportunities. DeKalb Chamber advocates for a pro-business environment by providing leadership around key issues that impact the business community, and by working with state and local leaders to pass legislation that simplify the process of doing business in the county.

DeKalb Chamber relies on the collaboration of strong, committed partners who share the same vision for DeKalb County. The success of our community rides on a thriving business community. DeKalb Chamber will continue to work with partners and members alike to progress and transform our community.

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CollaborativeP a r t n e r s h i p s

DeKalb County Board of HealthKeep DeKalb Healthy was an initiative to keep the county and business community informed on how to live healthy.

DeKalb County School District DeKalb Chamber partnered with the school district to host the Official Welcome Reception for Superintendent Dr. R. Stephen Green.

DeKalb MedicalFor Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, DeKalb Chamber held a month long supply drive to benefit the cancer patients receiving treatment at DeKalb Medical.

Human Trafficking - D.A.T.E. WATCHPartnership with the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office D.A.T.E. Watch (DeKalb Anti-Trafficking and Exploitation) Multi-Disciplinary Taskforce to work on best practices and real world solutions that help combat the heinous crime of human trafficking.

Shark TankAn exciting new collaborative partner emerged in 2015. Mr. Rodney Sampson, founder of Opportunity Hub and long time business advocate, invited the Chamber to join them in hosting Shark Tank. Hundreds of business applied but only 100 pitched to a panel of sharks. In the end Tisa Washington of Milk & Brookies got the opportunity to pitch on ABC’s Shark Tank Season 7.

WE DeKalb Workforce Enhancement InitiativePartnered with Decide DeKalb Development Authority to bring the WE DeKalb housing initiative, a program that provides homeownership opportunitifes for DeKalb’s workforce.

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Partnered with the Council for Quality Growth, co-hosted the State of the County delivered by DeKalb County Interim CEO LEE MAY. More than 400 people attended to hear his administration’s work at progressing DeKalb forward.

Partnered with Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation and DeKalb County Schools to present the PAGE STAR Awards that honored 28 high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development.

MAR

FEB

JAN

CHRIS CLARK, President & CEO, Georgia Chamber General Membership Meeting welcomed 150+ to hear his insights on post legislative decisions that would impact Georgians.

APR

MAY

Partnered with AJC to present Technology Symposium - A Digital Roundtable that taught businesses how to have a mobile-friendly website that provides users with an easy-to-use experience.

JUN

APEX Business Awards with Panelists H. J. RUSSELL & MICHAEL RUSSELL and moderated by T. Dallas Smith recognized the contributions of DeKalb businesses in the categories of Business of the Year and Community Workforce Development.

77th Annual Meeting & Business Luncheon with keynote speaker EGBERT PERRY, Chairman and CEO of the Integral Group, LLC, welcomed more than 400 attendees as he presented plans for the GM Redevelopment Project.

Chamber P r o g r a m s & E v e n t s

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Partnered with DeKalb County School District to present a Welcome Reception for DR. R. STEPHEN GREEN, new DeKalb County School Superintendant

SEPT

AUG

JUL

OCT

NOV

General Membership Meeting with DENNIS LOCKHART, President & CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, who gave an economic outlook update on our nation.

Legislative Preview DeKalb delegates shared a pre-legislative update on restructuring the County form of government, MARTA half-penny tax, cityhood and other hot topics.

WELD-hosted branding workshop “Brand U” where women leaders learned how to develop their personal and professional brand.

Technology Symposium presented by Atlanta Journal-Constition teaching businesses how to leverage new technologies to help their business grow.

DECW.E.L.D. General Membership Meeting

featuing all-women panel discussion on Women Leadership in Today’s Multigenerational Workforce with Beth Shiroishi of AT&T, Susan Sim Oh of Telemundo Atlanta, Nzinga Shaw of Atlanta Hawks & Philips Arena and Lynn Durham of Georgia Tech.

General Membership Meetingwith DR. R. STEPHEN GREEN who shared his plans of working with the DeKalb business community

Although a rainy morning, our 11th Annual Golf Tournament was an opportunity for Chamber members, business representatives and guests to relax and play golf. For the second year, we held a Women’s Golf Clinic for more than 30 women.

Chamber P r o g r a m s & E v e n t s

The Breakfast Club2015 Breakfast Club sponsors SAM’S CLUB 6409 and FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES LITHONIA gave members and prospective members the opportunity to enjoy free networking and jump start their business development as they learned about ways to interact with the local business community while enjoying a continental breakfast.

Business After Hours Chamber members and business partners SOUTHBOUND, PETITE AUBERGE, STARS N STRIKES, MARLOW’S TAVERN, HOLIDAY INN ATLANTA-NORTHLAKE, and IBERIAN PIG hosted the Chamber’s Business After Hours. An average attendance of 50 members, non-members, Board members and other business professionals came together for an evening of networking, making new contacts, and hearing updates of the Chamber’s valuable programs.

New Member OrientationDuring our New Member Orientation, 150+ new and prospective members were welcomed to the Chamber. Over lunch, attendees were able to hear how to maximize their membership and growth their business by engaging in affinity programs, attending Chamber events, and cultivating new relationships.

Ribbon Cuttings In 2015, we invited our members to celebrate with us the grand opening and re-grand openings of the following businesses: WAL-MART (N. Decatur Road), Georgia State University, Holiday Inn Atlanta Northlake, Bornelus Agency, The Little Clinic, The Krystal Company, DeKalb County Mountain Industrial Lift Station, Earth Fare @ Emory Point, Camper's Inn of Atlanta - Stone Mountain, East Metro DeKalb CID Beautification Project, Georgia Piedmont Technical College South DeKalb Campus, Thomas Eye Group, Nextstar Communications, Harken Health Decatur, and more.

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Member Zone

Chamber Staff

In 2015, #ThisIsMyDeKalb showcased the people and businesses that make DeKalb the place to live, work and play. Many DeKalb businesses, communities, and residents shared photos of the places where they work, shop, and spend their free time. All of this activity demonstrated our collective contributions to propelling DeKalb’s economic activity.

Social Media#ThisIsMyDeKalb