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Beta Gamma Sigma - Past Event Information and Photos

Please click on the date for more Event Details

 

2009/2010 Events

November 16, 2010

October 19, 2010

September 21, 2010

August 17, 2010

July 20, 2010

June 15, 2010

May 18, 2010

April 20, 2010

March 16, 2010

February 16, 2010

January 19, 2010

December 15, 2009

November 17, 2009

October 20, 2009

September 15, 2009

August 18, 2009

July 21, 2009

June 16, 2009

May 19, 2009

April 21, 2009

March 24, 2009

February 17, 2009

January 27, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 16, 2010

 

On November 16, 2010 we spent an evening with Leonard Witt, Robert D. Fowler Distinguished Chair in Communication, Executive Director, Center for Sustainable Journalism, Kennesaw State University, who presened, “The State Of Local Journalism: Seeking New Business Models So It Has A Future.”

 

The Center for Sustainable Journalism at Kennesaw State is finding ways to ensure that high quality, ethically sound journalism has a place in the future of our democracy. More than 80 percent of the revenues needed to support journalism came from advertising which is gone. With the future of journalism uncertain CSJ is actively experimenting with projects including; Juvenile Justice Information Exchange (JJIE.org) and GreenBuildingChronicle.com.
 

Supporting Presenters:

Ellen Miller
Juvenile Justice Information Exchange (JJIE.org)
Nonprofit community supported journalism can play in important niche markets.

Ken Edelstein
GreenBuildingChronicle.com
A joint owned for-profit enterprise testing in the Atlanta Metro marketplace.

Harold Lewis
Business Development
The economic realities in this turbulent marketplace where disruptive innovation require new ideas for a new media era.

 

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October 19, 2010

 

On October 19, 2010 we spent an evening with John Ulzheimer, Nationally Recognized Credit Expert, as he presented "The CARD Act - The Good, The Bad and The Meaningless - A summary of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act."

John Ulzheimer is a nationally recognized expert on credit reporting, credit scoring and identity theft. In addition to his expertise in personal finance and consumer credit, John is the only recognized credit expert who actually comes from the credit industry. He has been an expert witness in 63 cases to date and teaches a course to credit professionals on how to leverage their knowledge and become expert witnesses in credit litigation.

John has 19+ years of experience in the consumer credit industry including positions with Equifax Credit Information Services and Fair Isaac (inventors of the FICO® credit scoring system). He has authored or created numerous educational materials on the subject including:

You’re Nothing but a Number
The consumer handbook, Surviving Identity Theft.
The White Paper,
Common Mistakes Made by Ineffective Credit Expert Witnesses

John has appeared numerous times on CNBC, FOX, CNN, CBS Evening News and Oprah’s “Oprah and Friends” XM Satellite Radio show. He has contributed to CNBC’s “On The Money” and “The Millionaire Inside”, Freddie Mac’s "Know Your Score" campaign, Oprah’s “Debt Diet” series and The Suze Orman Show. He is also a frequent commentator on credit-related issues in various outlets including CNBC, Associated Press, USA TODAY, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, CNN.com, Washington Post, American Banker, Wall Street Journal, SmartMoney.com, Money Magazine, Bankrate.com, and other regional business and consumer media.

In his hometown of Atlanta, John teaches an ongoing course of credit reporting and credit scoring, when offered, at The Emory University Center for Lifelong Learning and was named by the students the Top Personal Finance and Investments Instructor for the 2005/2006 term. He is also a regular guest lecturer at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, The Walker School in Marietta, GA and the University of Georgia in Athens.

John Ulzheimer Biography

President, Consumer Education for Credit.com
President, The Ulzheimer Group, LLC
Founder, www.CreditExpertWitness.com
Weekly Guest, The Willis Report, FOX Business Network
Microblogger, New York Times Credit Score Page
Microblogger, New York Times Identity Theft Page
Featured Expert Credit Blogger, Mint.com

Credit Contributor for Mint.com
Advisory Board, Identity Theft 911
Former Contributor, CNBC
Former Credit Contributor, Oprah and Friends with Jean Chatzky
Editorial Advisory Board, Bottom Line Publications
Author, You’re Nothing but a Number
Developer of Credit.com’s Credit Report Card, Winner of Best In Show at Finovate 2009
Expert Witness - Admitted in both Federal and State courts as a credit expert and qualified by the court to testify in credit litigation

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September 21, 2010

 

On September 21, 2010 we spent an evening with John G. Rice, Vice Chairman of the General Electric Company

John G. Rice, 53, is Vice Chairman of GE and President & CEO of GE Technology Infrastructure. This business segment includes Aviation, Healthcare, and Transportation. Immediately prior to his current position, Rice served as Vice Chairman of GE and President & CEO of GE Infrastructure, and from 2005-2006 as Vice Chairman of GE and President & CEO of GE Industrial.

Rice began his General Electric career in 1978 as a member of the Financial Management Program, moving to the GE Corporate Audit Staff in 1981. Following various operating assignments in GE's Appliance business starting in 1984, he became Vice President of the Corporate Audit Staff in 1994.

In 1995 Rice relocated to Singapore as President of GE's Plastics business for Asia/Pacific. In 1997 he was appointed President & CEO of GE Transportation Systems in Erie, Pennsylvania. Rice became President and CEO of GE Energy in November of 2000 and served in this capacity through June of 2005.

Rice earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, and currently serves on the Board of Trustees there. Rice is also a trustee of Emory University, and serves on several boards including the International Advisory Board of King Fahd University in Saudi Arabia, and the Board of the CDC Foundation. He serves as Chairman of the Atlanta Education Fund, and is a past chairman of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife Cammie have four sons and reside in Roswell. Georgia.

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August 17, 2010

 

On August 17, 2010 we spent an evening with Paige Lillard, VP of Business Excellence, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc, as she presented "Building an Organization for Agility and High Performance."

 

Paige Lillard is the Vice President of Business Excellence with Turner Broadcasting System, Inc where she is responsible for the development and attainment of organizational strategies within sixteen business units worldwide. Paige pioneered the Business Excellence approach within Turner and leads a team of internal experts whose mission is to improve business performance and organizational culture at Turner. Results are achieved through the development of dynamic systems that enable high performance including, leadership, strategy development, customer and market focus, process excellence, workforce focus, and measurements aligned with business strategy.

Paige has extensive experience with the Malcolm Baldrige Framework for Performance Excellence and is a three-year veteran of the Board of Examiners governed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the US Secretary of Commerce.

Paige holds an MBA from Kennesaw State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Radio and Television Communications from Hofstra University, and is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma national honor society of business schools. She is also a Senior Member of the American Society for Quality. She was selected to participate in Harvard University’s Women’s Leadership Forum on International Business Expansion and Change Leadership and recently graduated from the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute, a highly esteemed executive leadership program led by the Center for Creative Leadership in conjunction with Women in Cable and Telecommunications.

Paige’s volunteer efforts have included her work as a founding member and President of the Georgia Center for Performance Excellence, Co-chair of Kennesaw State University’s Executive MBA Advisory Board, KSU Executive MBA program team coach and student mentor, and tutor in Time Warner’s Time to Read program.

 

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July 20, 2010

 

On July 20, 2010 we spent an evening with Kevin Hanville, as he presented "Sell or Die: Without sales, nothing else matters!"

 

No matter your profession, everyone is in sales. Discover why most sales training does not work. How to become more effective by determining wants versus needs, and what's wrong with today's sales reps and how to learn from their mistakes.
 
Kevin Hanville is an author, national speaker, and an award-winning business coach and consultant.  His new book is titled “Change or Go Broke, Straight Talk about Small Business”.  Change or Go Broke cuts through the hype and fads to bring a reality check about running a small business.  It blasts some of the commonly accepted platitudes and principles pertaining to entrepreneurship, sales, employees, finance, and leadership.  In addition to taking on some of the "sacred cows" of small business, the book also gives you real world strategies and ideas for your business.  
 
Kevin has over 25 years of sales and management experience.  He has started three companies, is a former franchise owner, and has been a VP of sales in corporate America.  He is a national speaker and creator of a workshop program that was presented in over 20 cities.
 
Currently, Kevin is the founder and CEO of Quadrant Group, a consulting firm that offers business transformation services for small businesses across the country, focusing on increasing sales and profits, and training business owners to become more effective leaders.  Hanville and his team have helped hundreds of companies improve their organizational operations, saved companies from bankruptcy, and assisted others in achieving double-digit growth. 
 
Kevin uses a direct approach and no-nonsense style in his seminars that appeals to business owners.  Thousands have come away from his seminars and engagements with a fresh perspective on how to make positive changes within their organizations. Kevin serves on the Advisory Board of the Assistance League of Atlanta and is also the facilitator of an Executive Roundtable with the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.

 

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On June 15, 2010 we spent an evening with Claudia Coplon and Steve Clements of Executive Speak/Write as they presented "The Importance of Communications and Building Relationships."

From cavemen grunts to Blackberries, communications tools may have changed, but the importance remains the same.  Appropriate writing and effective speaking are mandatory in building pivotal business relationships, particularly in our increasingly competitive society.

Nor is technology the answer.  In fact, technology reduces the quality of the relationships.  Add to that the elimination of middle management, and fewer people to get the job done, and we must be even more interactive.  Not with our thumbs tapping, but with our communications skills, one on one and in groups.   

Join Steve Clements and Claudia Coplon of www.executivespeakwrite.com, experts in oral and written communications skills improvement, for informative, entertaining tips that ensure your oral and written communications skills make your point, create relationships and build business! 

Steve translates nearly 40 years as professor and award-winning Hollywood producer, writer and director in network broadcast, video, industry and academia into public speaking, presentation and media training for executives.  As producer of over 3,000 national television broadcasts (detailed in his media book, Show Runner), Steve has trained experts to greet national audiences, including world renowned cardiologist and best selling author Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld, chef and entrepreneur Wolfgang Puck, fitness guru Richard Simmons, and talk show hosts Bob Goen {“Entertainment Tonight”}, Gary Collins {“Hour Magazine”}, and Pat Sajak {“Wheel of Fortune”}. 

Now Steve enables professionals from sales managers and directors to CEOs in all industries to maximize their oral presentation skills, as well as serves as Distinguished Professor of Television & Communications at Augusta State University (University System of Georgia).

Claudia uses expertise gained as a writer and public relations consultant to train professionals in generating concise, relationship-building written communications. When teaching writing skills, Claudia makes clients comfortable within the style and verbiage essential to their particular industry and helps instill confidence.  From correctional officers in Alaska’s prisons to CEOs in Atlanta boardrooms, Claudia has helped employees, managers and executives overcome writing phobias, declutter the written word and attract reader attention.  Her non-threatening, humorous corporate training programs have already improved business writing skills for Georgia Power, AT&T, the Southern Company, Coca-Cola, BBDO, LexisNexis, Atlanta Development Authority, University of Georgia and many others.  

 

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May 18, 2010

 

On May 18, 2010 we spent an evening with Brownell Landrum, Founder of DrawSuccess, as she presented "Three Critical Components for Results - An interactive program with a proven process that accelerates results through the intelligence of teams."

This was an interactive session where we:

bulletLearned about the three critical components to accelerate results
bulletExplored a process that produces insight into the motivations and behavior of employees
bulletWent through activities to develop ideas and solutions for increasing productivity through improved team performance, motivation and engagement

Brownell Landrum is a nationally recognized speaker, author, founder of the DrawSuccess Company, inventor of the DrawSuccess Game, and co-creator of the DrawSuccess Program, a patented process to accelerate results through the intelligence of teams.  Brownell has worked on teams in marketing, sales, project management, planning, and many others, for over 20 years, with companies of all kinds, including The Coca-Cola Company, Eastman Kodak, Siemens Energy & Automation, The Bloom Agency, Chattem Consumer Products, Long John Silver's, and several others, as well as a two-year study group while getting her Masters in Business Administration at one of the leading EMBA schools in the U.S.

 

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April 20, 2010

 

On April 20, 2010 we spent an evening with Christopher Hanks, Terry College of Business Entrepreneurship Program, University of Georgia, as he presented "Could Entrepreneurship be Your Next Career??"

 

The changing economy is increasing opportunities for entrepreneurship. Perhaps you are already in business and considering how to revamp your business model or ready to move on. Or, the economy
has put your corporate management position in flux and you aren’t sure if there is another one around the corner.

Chris Hanks will share his thoughts on why there is no better time to be an entrepreneur. Learn the process of lowering the risk of entrepreneurship, discover opportunities and possibilities, and
alternative ways to look at financing. He’ll also share his thoughts on how to go from being and intrapreneur to an entrepreneur.

Christopher C. Hanks is an entrepreneur and lecturer at the University of Georgia where he teaches the entrepreneurship curriculum at the Terry College of Business. He also serves as the director of the Terry College of Business Entrepreneurship Program, the only entrepreneurship program focused exclusively on the launch of successful ventures. He owns multiple businesses, including service, e-commerce, and publishing ventures. Certified as a business appraiser, Hanks provides expert witness testimony regarding the value of privately held businesses. He also serves as a developer for a private equity fund focused on social entrepreneurship and is active in the franchise industry. Prior to joining UGA, Hanks taught entrepreneurship at Georgia State University and conducted seminars for entrepreneurs at the Herman J. Russell, Sr. International Center for Entrepreneurship. He earned a BBA in risk management from the University of Georgia and an MBA in finance from San Jose State University. Before launching his first business, Hanks held corporate risk management positions in the pharmaceutical and beverage industries.

 

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March 16, 2010

 

On March 16, 2010 we spent an evening with Mike Muetzel, Author and Management Consultant.

Mike Muetzel, a nationally recognized author and management consultant has been featured in the national media including, The Associated Press, Bloomberg Television, Boardroom Magazine, The Manager’s Intelligence Report, and The Boston Globe to name a few. He is often referenced as a national expert on the unique characteristics of today’s employees.

He has an extensive corporate background including his tenure at Yamaha Motor Corporation where he sat on the Executive Committee. His prestigious clients include Fed Ex Freight, Motorola, Toro, Hilton, Yamaha, IGM, Wyndham, ASAE, Leadership Atlanta, The Association for the Advancement of College Schools of Business Purdue Calumet School of Management and The Federal Aviation Administration among others.

As you will see Mike’s enthusiasm for improving Human Capital Management and keeping organizations ahead of the curve has become a passion.

In the words of Best Selling Author Ken Blanchard, “Mike has a keen understanding of what will make companies tick in the future, it’s about maximizing the potential of your people, and it’s about winning.” Following hundreds of interviews with young managers, Mike Muetzel brings a new perspective as an expert in changing traditional leadership paradigms.

Mike has been featured in the national media as a contemporary management resource by The Associated Press, The Boston Globe, Opportunity World, Boardroom Magazine, Selling Power Magazine, Succeed Magazine, The Manager’s Intelligence Report, CBS Sportsline.com, Insight Magazine, The Arizona Republic, Careerbuilder.com, Pennsylvania Business Central, Canadian Manager Magazine, and Certified Management Accountants Magazine among others. He has had numerous articles published regarding evolving leadership techniques. In addition, he has been interviewed by Bloomberg Television (NY), Jim Blasingame, The IBM Small Business Advocate, The Geoff Metcalf Show, The Michael Dresser Show, and numerous network affiliates tapping into his solutions regarding the new generation of Human Capital Management. Mike is also the author of a Monthly Management Newsletter.

His prestigious client list includes, Motorola, the Federal Aviation Administration, Toro U, Hilton Hotels, Fed Ex Freight, Keebler, Georgia Department of Labor, Yamaha Motor Corporation, Society of Human Resource Management, GCSAA, Silverton Bank, The Association for the Advancement of College Schools of Business, Purdue University Calumet School of Management, Leadership Atlanta, LPGA, Champions Tour, Kennesaw State University, Martin Marietta, CES Inc, IGM, Club Managers Association of America, Wyndham Hotels & Vacation Ownership, Georgia Bankers Association, Citizens Trust Bank, ITODA, Georgia Society of CPAs, AGSA, MPI, Vistage, and the National Golf Course Owners Association. Mike has also conducted National Webinars for the American Society of Association Executive’s Center for Association Leadership and The HR Audio Hub.

Mike has completed a national book signing tour, and is the only author in the United States with a senior corporate background to specifically address Generation X Managers and employee retention/productivity in his book, They’re Not Aloof…Just Generation X, Unlock the Mysteries to Today’s Human Capital Management (Steel Bay Publishing).

Mike received his undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University in 1979, and his MBA from Kent State University in 1988, where he has been utilized as a speaker for incoming MBA students. Mike’s senior management experience includes sitting on the Executive Committee at Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation. He was recognized with the national Don Rossi Award by National Golf Course Owners Association and is a former member of the faculty at Clayton College and State University, School of Business in Atlanta, as well as a guest lecturer at Kennesaw State University and Georgia State University

 

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February 16, 2010

 

On February 16, 2010 we spent an evening with Alvin C. Miles, MBA, Director, Executive MBA Programs, Coles College of Business, Kennesaw State University.

 

Alvin C. Miles is a native of Lake Charles, La, and he recently retired from AT&T with over 30 years of business experience. Effective June 1, 2009; His assignment is the Director of the Executive MBA Program and Instructor of Management in the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University. His home academic department will be the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship.

As the Vice-President for EMBARK; the alumni association for KSU’s EMBA program, his leadership ensured the development of the annual EMBARK Golf Classic whose proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Most of his efforts have been focused around coaching. His KSU coaching commitments include being a team and individual coach and serving on the Coaching Advisory Board. Alvin is also an Adjunct Professor and currently teaches Introduction to Teaming, Introduction to Team Constitutions & High Performance Teams in the Coles College of Business.

In his career with BellSouth and AT&T, Alvin held a series of diverse strategic and tactical roles. These roles included leading customer-facing field forces in the Network Organization, Project Management for BellSouth’s bid to enter long distance, the Director of a Maintenance Call Center for the Southeast and Product Ideation & Lifecycle Product Development in Marketing for Operator Services.

Alvin received a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management with honors from Morris Brown College, a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from George Washington University and he received his Masters Degree in Business Administration with honors in 2005 from the Michael J. Coles School of Business. He recently earned his Managerial Coaching Certification and he will complete his Doctoral education in 2012.

Alvin has a strong commitment to family, community and personal development. He’s the proud father of Alicia, Alexandria and Amanda. As a past Finance Council member, a current lector and a Fourth-Degree Knight of St Peter Claver – he maintains leadership roles in the ministries of his church. His hobbies include life-long learning, home improvement projects & any activities that allow him to enjoy the company of family and friends.

 

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January 19, 2010

 

On January 29, 2010 we spent an evening with Brian Cork, Principal of brian cork Human Capital™ who discussed "Bad business is good for everyone else.  But, good business works best for me!".

 

Our guest speaker this month is Brian Cork. Mr. Cork has been a highly successful executive and entrepreneur; is a popular speaker; Professional Athlete; and, an accomplished Executive and Business Coach.


Brian Cork was named to London's prestigious "Ol Man Society" for his contributions as a businessman and philanthropist - and, his well-balanced approach to life. In addition, Brian has been selected by Catalyst Magazine as both a "Top 50 Entrepreneur" and a "Top 25 Entrepreneur", and Great Britain's G2 economics as a "Coalition Member of the Year". He has also been recognized as one of the most influential Entrepreneurs in the Southeast.


Click here to see Mr. Cork's complete biography.

 

 

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December 15, 2009

 

On December 15, 2009 we spent an evening with Joey Asher, President of Speechworks, who discussed "How to Look and Sound Like a Leader, Organize a Message that Will Connect with Listeners and Deliver the Message in a way that will inspire confidence".

 

Joey Asher is a professional communication and selling skills coach who has worked with executives, managers, and salespeople at dozens of firms including The Home Depot, Georgia Pacific, Global Payments, The Weather Channel, UPS, Kimberly-Clark, Alston & Bird, PricewaterhouseCoopers, AMVESCAP, Verizon, Scientific-Atlanta and Kurt Salmon Associates.

Joey has written three books on presentation skills and selling. Joey’s latest book “How To Win a Pitch: The Five Fundamentals That Will Distinguish You from the Competition,” is available now on Amazon and at www.howtowinapitch.com . His first book, “Even a Geek Can Speak: Low-Tech Presentation Skills For High-Tech People,” was published by Longstreet Press in 2001 and is in its third printing (2008) by Persuasive Speaker Press. His book “Selling and Communication Skills for Lawyers” was released in 2005 by American Lawyer Media.

Joey’s background is both as an attorney and as a newspaper reporter. He worked as an adjunct professor of law at Emory University School of law and was an attorney at Troutman Sanders L.L.P in Atlanta. Prior to law school, he worked as a newspaper reporter for the Gannett newspaper chain in Georgia and New York. Joey graduated from Cornell University and Emory University Law School.

 

 

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November 17, 2009

 

On November 17, 2009 we spent an evening with Mary Norwood, Atlanta City Councilwoman, as she discussed "Why the City of Atlanta Matters.'"

 

The Metro Region has expanded to more than 5 million people in more than 15 counties. So, why should the City of Atlanta with just 500,000 be so important to everyone in the metro Atlanta Area? Come meet Councilwoman Mary Norwood and learn why we all have an interest in the City. Mary Norwood is a long time resident, passionate about the City of Atlanta and has a broad and deep record of hands on involvement and commitment to civic improvement. She personally brings strong business credentials, energy and integrity to her current role on the Atlanta City Council. Through more than a decade of community activism, Mary has developed expertise in environmental, preservation, zoning, traffic, public safety, housing and homeless issues. In her years as an activist prior to her election to Atlanta City Council, citywide, she lobbied for over 60 issues and had a 98% track record of success.

As a city councilmember she has worked on numerous issues, including:

-Public Safety: Court System and GA State Patrol

-Community Development: Infill and Mortgage Fraud & Foreclosure, Homeownership/Affordable Housing and Homelessness

-Water and Sewer: Nancy Creek Tunnel

 

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October 20, 2009

 

On October 20, 2009 we spent an evening with Dr. Raymond Hill, Assistant Professor in the Practice of Finance, Goizueta Business School, Emory University, for "An Economist Tries to Make Sense Out of the Health Care 'Discussion.'"

 

Raymond Hill joined Goizueta Business School in 2003 and teaches managerial economics and finance. Hill began his academic career by teaching economics at Princeton University, before leaving in 1982 to become an investment banker with Lehman Brothers. His work at Lehman included a seven year stay in Hong Kong as managing director of its investment banking business in Asia outside of Japan. Hill returned to his native Georgia in 1993 and worked for ten years at Mirant Corporation and its predecessor, a subsidiary of Southern Company. During that time he served as the company’s chief financial officer, except for an eighteen month stint as a CEO of one of the largest independent power companies in Asia, which was owned by Southern.

Hill earned his undergraduate degree at Princeton and his PhD in economics from MIT. He also studied at the Institut de Hautes Etudes Internationales in Geneva under the Fulbright Fellowship program.

See Dr. Hill’s publications and full biography at: http://www.goizueta.emory.edu/Faculty/RayHill/#bg

 

Some useful reading on the “big” health care issues.

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“Who needs the public option?” Uwe Reinhardt http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/21/who-needs-the-public-option/

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“Why we must ration health care” Peter Singer http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/19/magazine/19healthcare-t.html

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“Rationing by any other name” Megan McArdle http://meganmcardle.theatlantic.com/archives/2009/08/rationing_by_any_other_name.php

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“US Health Care Spending in an International Context”, Reinhardt, Hussey, Anderson in Health Affairs, May/June 2004, Vol. 23, no.3

 

 

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September 15, 2009

 

On September 15, 2009 we spent an evening with Michael Young, President & Chief Executive Officer, Grady Health System, as he discussed, "What you need to know about the reform that has been taking place at Grady Hospital."

 

Michael A. Young brings more than 25 years of health-care industry leadership to Grady Health System where he joined the health system as President/CEO on Sept. 2, 2008.

Young began his career at Lancaster General Hospital & Health System in Lancaster, Penn. During his tenure there, Young built a new Women’s Hospital, Orthopaedic Hospital and cutting-edge ambulatory services program. Most recently, Young was President and CEO of Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, New York. He was a key player in turning around ECMC’s historical operating losses - to its first ever operating gain in 2006, a $32 million turnaround in two years. ECMC is recognized for its clinical expertise, its unusually high case mix index and unique services in burn, trauma, adolescent psychiatry, CPEP and many other services.

A native of Pennsylvania, Young received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh in 1978, a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Pittsburgh in 1979, and an Executive MBA from the Harvard Business School (Advanced Management Program) in 1998.

Young has been a fellow in the American College of Hospital Administrators since 1994 and has produced numerous CEOs under his tutelage throughout the United States.

Young has served on numerous boards of directors throughout his career providing leadership and philanthropic support.

Young is married and has two sons.

 

 

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August 18, 2009

 

On August 18, 2009 we spent an evening with Dr. Paul J. Voss, President of Ethikos, Associate Professor at Georgia State University, and a lecturer in the UGA's Terry College of Business's Leadership Development Series as he presented Leadership Essentials.

Leadership does not exist in a vacuum. Leadership requires action, business judgment, integrity, and consistency. Today, more than ever, the current business climate will require such attributes in leaders of all types, and at all levels. This workshop will examine the core concepts of leadership and examine the way leaders, past and present, shape culture and organizational success. Dr. Paul Voss will lead a highly interactive discussion on what some of the greatest thinkers in history (Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, Dante, Shakespeare) said about leadership, and how their insights relate to leadership today. Participants will examine the five levels of thinking and relating—and the five possible ways we can demonstrate leadership. Participants will also be asked to debate Machiavelli's famous question: “Is it better to be loved or feared?”

Dr. Paul J. Voss is President of Ethikos and an Associate Professor at Georgia State University. A gifted public speaker and award-winning teacher, Dr. Voss teaches courses on Shakespeare, Dante, Machiavelli, Business Ethics, Renaissance Literature, and the History of the Book. He publishes on a wide variety of topics (for both academic audiences and for the popular press) and regularly appears on television and radio programs.

His work on business ethics, sustainable development, and corporate stewardship builds on 2500 years of intellectual history. His dynamic seminars, coupled with a compelling and thought-provoking curriculum, receive among the highest evaluations in the industry.

His clients include the FBI Labs, General Electric Energy, ASCLD, British Petroleum, the Home Depot, PotashCorp, the Federal Railroad Administration, Carlson School of Management, Georgia Institute of Technology, Fairmount Minerals, Galls Uniforms, and many others. He is currently completing his next book, Loved or Feared: Paradigm Shifts and the Rejection of Machiavelli. Professor Voss, his wife Mary, and their five children live in suburban Atlanta.

 

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July 21, 2009

 

On July 21, 2009 we spent an evening with Harsha V. Agadi and Church’s Chicken.

Mr. Agadi is President & Chief Executive Officer of Church’s Chicken in Atlanta, Georgia. His focus over the last 20 years has been in the restaurant industry with Private Equity Partnerships.

Mr. Agadi has 20 years experience across several companies including Domino’s Pizza, Pepsi, Kraft General Foods and Little Caesars Enterprises. He has managed a $2.0 billion restaurant chain with 4,500 locations across 22 countries. He was highly successful in introducing global brands to several overseas markets through direct investment and master franchising. Mr. Agadi was also responsible for opening over 2,000 stores for two competing brands in the last 10 years, in over 50 countries. He has also been an industrial partner at Ripplewood Holdings, LLC for 5 years.

Mr. Agadi received an MBA from Duke University and a B. Com from the University of Bombay.

Mr. Agadi serves on the Board of Directors of Church’s Chicken, Inc., Board of Visitors of Fuqua School of Business – Duke University and the Board of Trustees of the Agadi College of Engineering.

 

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June 16, 2009

 

On June 16, 2009 we spent an evening with Tim Blumentritt, Assistant Professor of Management at Kennesaw State University and Director of the Coles College MBA Programs, as he presented "Advance Degrees Advance Your Career: How your MBA/Business Education Really Does Make You SMARTER!"  Please click here to download the presentation.

 

Tim Blumentritt is an Assistant Professor of Management at Kennesaw State University and Director of the Coles College MBA Programs. He has also served as the Director of the Coles College International Center and Director of Coles College Online Programs. His has a Ph.D. in International Business from the University of South Carolina, a MBA in Finance from the University of Minnesota, and a B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Prof. Blumentritt's recent research concentrates on strategic management of family businesses. His work has been published in leading journals and presented at international conferences. Prof. Blumentritt has also taught at Marquette University (for six years) and the International Management Center in Budapest, Hungary (for six months). He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the CFA Institute. He is active in the community, volunteering as a coach the sports his sons’ are interested in and serving on the Board of Junior Achievement of Georgia, the Finance Committee of Transfiguration Catholic Church (Marietta, GA) and as Vice President of his neighborhood association.

 

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May 19, 2009

 

On May 19, 2009 we spent an evening with Wendy Kinney, as she shared research on the difference between making a sale and generating a referral.

 

This was a special event with referral marketing expert Wendy Kinney as she explored the effectiveness of different client generating strategies and explained how referral-based marketing systems are different and why that difference delivers such powerful and profitable results.

 

For more than a decade, Wendy Kinney has given sales people and entrepreneurs the tools they need to build their businesses through referral-based marketing.

 

In 1995, she opened the Atlanta office of PowerCore, the most effective referral network in America. Today, PowerCore Atlanta has 44 teams and over 700 members who understand the power of referral marketing and use it to their advantage.

 

She is passionate about referral-based marketing, because she knows it works. Wendy delivers customized training courses, facilitates work sessions, and presents keynote addresses for meeting planners who want to add more interactivity to their events. Some of her clients include Philips Lifeline, ChoicePoint, Regions Bank, Barfield, Murphy, Shank and Smith, Project Management Institute, and Smartwork|Network.

 

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April 21, 2009

 

On April 21, 2009 we spent an evening with Roger K. Quillen, Chairman & Managing Partner of Fisher & Phillips LLP as he discussed “2009 Ushers in Many Important Changes to Workplace Laws - Are You Ready for the Changes and Challenges?"

2009 brings important changes to labor and employment laws and regulations. Join Roger Quillen as he discusses why employers must be prepared to deal with the New Family and Medical Leave Act Regulations, the potential passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, along with other "Big Labor" initiatives, the RESPECT Act, the Fair Pay Act, and the amended Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act. Roger will address these issues along with other important workplace legislative initiatives.

About the Speaker

Roger K. Quillen is the chairman and managing partner of Fisher & Phillips LLP a law firm representing employers nationally in labor, employment, civil rights, employee benefits, and immigration matters. With headquarters in Atlanta, the firm has 225 attorneys in 21 offices. Click here for website.

Roger’s practice involves litigation covering a wide range of employment discrimination issues, employee welfare benefit plans, the Railway Labor Act and issues arising before the NLRB and the EEOC. His special emphasis is in federal appellate litigation. He has received repeat recognition as a "Georgia Super Lawyer," a member of Georgia's "Legal Elite" and is listed in “The Best Lawyers in America.”

Roger earned his law degree from The Ohio State University College of Law. He holds an M.S. from Purdue University and a B.S. and a B.A. from Ohio State.

 

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March 24, 2009

 

On March 24, 2009 we spent an evening with Brandon Smith of Core Growth Partners, LLC as he discussed “Personal Growth and the Meaningful Life… in Uncertain Times.”

In today’s turbulent environment, it is more important than ever to remain focused on growth and on defining your “highest and best” use.  Join Brandon Smith as he will discuss how those objectives can be achieved today despite the pressures to settle for what is easy or safe.  Brandon will share his experiences with clients ranging from high potentials to senior executives and the secrets they have discovered as they have struggled to answer some of life’s most challenging questions.   In addition, participants will leave equipped with frameworks and processes to assist in defining their growth plan as well as tactics that can be employed in today’s challenging environment. 

About the Speaker

Brandon Smith is a cofounder of Core Growth Partners, LLC, an executive coaching and strategy consulting firm.  Brandon has worked with clients representing such notable organizations as: Chick-fil-A, The Coca-Cola Company, McKinsey & Co., The Home Depot, Goldman Sachs, Procter & Gamble, Morgan Stanley, Emory University, IBM, and Bank of America.  Prior to forming Core Growth Partners, Brandon worked for AEGON (NYSE: AEG), a global insurance and financial services provider.  While at AEGON, Brandon managed the training and business development arm for North American financial institution clients.

Brandon received an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University with a concentration in communications and team dynamics.  His graduate work includes an M.S. in counseling from Georgia State University as well as an M.B.A. from Emory University's Goizueta Business School.  Brandon also serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Practice of Management Communications at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. 

 

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February 17, 2009

 

On Tuesday February 17, 2009 we spent an evening with Mike Esposito, Director of Associate Relations, The Home Depot, as he discussed, “Why you Can, and Should, Become a Connector.”  The meeting handouts are available for download: presentation notes and the article "Do You Know Any Recruiters".

Mike Esposito, Director of Associate Relations for The Home Depot’s Northern Division, discussed career planning and networking from a hiring executive’s perspective during these challenging economic times.

Based on his experiences and by incorporating some of the current literature (e.g., by Keith Ferrazzi, Malcolm Gladwell), Mike will discuss how and why every professional can and should become a "connector." The attendees will come to appreciate the importance of connecting with others in and outside their profession and the imperative of doing so within the context of helping others. Mike will share the lessons learned from his career, starting in Human Resources with Exxon Corporation and taking them on his journey through HR, private legal practice, unemployment, a ministry of helping others in transition….all the while developing and utilizing some powerful tools and learnings along the way.

Michael Esposito is a native of East Rockaway, New York, having moved to Marietta, GA, from Coral Springs, FL, with his wife Ann (a Registered Yoga Teacher) and two teenage children.  He moved to Georgia to join The Home Depot’s Northern Division as its Director of Associate Relations in 2005.

Michael’s career started in Human Resources and then migrated to law after he earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Seton Hall University School of Law.  He worked in private legal practice and in-house as a labor/employment attorney before serving as the Chief HR Officer for two multi-billion dollar organizations.  Michael’s current job allows him to integrate his legal and HR experience to promote positive employee relations to drive performance for a Company generating $25B in sales and boasting of over 700 stores and 100,000 employees.

He currently serves on the Alumni Board of The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business and chairs its Networking Committee.  He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Knights of Columbus, Council 10362, for Transfiguration Church in Marietta. To learn more about Mike please check him out on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldesposito

 

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January 27, 2009

 

On Tuesday January 29, 2009 we spent an evening with Dr. Joan Curtis as she presented "Keep that Job! - Communicate Your Way out of Conflict."  (Please click here to download a copy of the presentation)

Today’s uncertain economy changes the way we look at everything, including our jobs.  Last year we might have thought if things didn’t go well in this job, we’d find another.  Or, if we didn’t get our anticipated bonuses, we’d just leave.  Or, if people didn’t appreciate our work, we’d simply find a job where we’re more appreciated.

With unemployment numbers soaring and stable, secure businesses going belly up, our jobs are becoming more valuable.  Those of us with jobs are considered the lucky ones.  In this environment, how do you keep that job when last year it didn’t seem worth keeping?

One way is to deal more effectively with the little annoyances we face daily at work.  In essence, today’s economy forces us to look at conflict differently.  We can no longer ignore it or run from it, we must deal with it directly. 

This presentation will introduce you to a way to communicate your way out of conflict.  You will gain a new or renewed understanding of how hard it is to keep your job satisfying.  You will also learn a practical approach to conflict using the, the Say It Just Right™ Model that will enable you to deal with conflict in a way that keeps your integrity intact and gets you out of the hot seat. 

Dr. Joan Curtis is a nationally known communications coach.  She has over 20 years experience as a trainer and educator. She has taught communication skills and presentation skills to leadership groups throughout the country.  With a doctorate in Adult Education and a Master's in Journalism, she has a strong knowledge of what it takes to communicate successfully.

She is known as an energetic speaker whose knowledge spans strategic interviewing, dealing with sticky situations, developing powerful presentations, business etiquette and networking, high performance coaching, skills for speaking with confidence, image making, conflict resolution, developing high performance teams, and facilitation skills.

Her clients include major corporations as well as colleges and universities throughout North America.

Dr. Curtis’s new book:  Managing Sticky Situations at Work:  Communication Secrets for Success in the Workplace will be released by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt early in 2009 and debuts her proprietary communication model:  Say It Just Right. 

Her landmark text book, Strategic Interviewing:  Skills and Tactics for Savvy Executives, provides a communication process for interviewing called POINT.  She teaches groups how to interview strategically in order to find the best candidates for their companies. 

T+D Magazine published her article titled, Engage Me, Please: Readiness Factor in Training Design in November 2008.  This is the professional magazine of the American Society of Training and Development. 

Licensed to administer the Center for Creative Leadership 360’s Dr. Curtis has access to that internationally recognized organization’s vast resources.   

Dr. Curtis produces a monthly e-zine: The Savvy Communicator and posts regularly on the Say It Just Right blog http://www.TotalCommunicationsCoach.com/blog 

Her website is http://www.TotalCommunicationsCoach.com

 

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