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Program: Luncheon - International Business in Georgia & Local Firms Working Abroad
When: 11/18/08
Registration/Networking Time: 11:30am
Event Time: 12:00 noon - 1:30pm
Where: 103 West | Map | 103 West Paces Ferry Road - Atlanta, Georgia | 404.233.5993
Registration: Register online through 123 signup
Cost: Members - $45 | Non-Members/ Walk-ins - $65
Domains: 1-Marketing Research, 2-Marketing Plan, 3-Client and BD
CEU Hours: 1.5
In a flat world with an ever changing economic environment, like today's, businesses often search for opportunities across borders, which presents a different set of benefits and challenges. Join us for a dialogue focused on legal, financial and cultural issues in working with international companies in the US and pursuing / conducting business abroad. A diverse panel of esteemed AEC professionals will share their rich individual experience, provide a comprehensive outlook and offer practical takeaways.
Speakers:
Bill Griffin
Chairman of the Board
Rosser International
Mr. Griffin joined Rosser International in 1968 and became a principal in 1977. Currently the Chairman of the Board, among many responsibilities, Mr. Griffin directs the business development activities of the firm with a focus on the engineering division, coordinates hiring and training of staff, oversees work flow and production, manages projects and provides electrical engineering design support as needed throughout the firm. He has provided direction for a number of high profile projects, including the Public Improvements associated with Philips Arena and the International Plaza developed for the Olympics.
He has served as engineering project manager for multi-discipline projects requiring electrical, heating ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing, fire suppression, security, structural and civil engineering designs. His practice has incorporated design of electrical systems for commercial buildings, research facilities, and educational, industrial, and medical facilities worldwide. He also has experience as a Building Systems Analyst.
Charles Whatley
Director of Commerce and Entrepreneurship
Atlanta Development Authority
Charles Whatley is the Director of Commerce and Entrepreneurship at the Atlanta Development Authority (“ADA”). ADA is the economic development agent for the City of Atlanta, leading the implementation of Mayor Franklin’s New Century Economic Development Plan. Charles focuses on business retention, expansion and relocation in the commercial corridors in the City. Working with public and private partners, ADA's economic development efforts center on supporting the growth of target industries, retaining the City of Atlanta's industrial base, promoting economic vitality in underserved areas, and marketing the incentives available to employers in the City.
Charles represents ADA and the City of Atlanta on the Economic Development Committee of the Georgia Biomedical Partnership, MACOC Logistics Innovation Council, MACOC Technology Industries Council, MACOC Global Commerce Council, Mayor Franklin’s Health Services CEO Forum and the Metro Atlanta Entertainment Forum. Charles is a member of the advisory boards for the MIT Enterprise Forum, Southface Energy Institute and Georgia State University’s CollabTech incubator. He is also on the Green Industries Task Force for Sustainable Atlanta.
Charles has worked extensively as a consultant to firms in a variety of industries including petroleum distribution, textiles, aviation, aquaculture, poultry, technology, and construction and engineering. Prior to joining ADA, Charles developed business and strategic plans for companies in agribusiness, manufacturing, software development, and bioscience in several countries.
Charles is a native Atlantan. He received his BA in Economics from Yale University and is writing his Master’s thesis in Economics at the Georgia Institute of Technology. 
Helen Davis Hatch, FAIA
Principal
Vice President Client Relations
Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates
Helen Davis Hatch, FAIA, is a graduate of Agnes Scott and received her Master of Architecture from Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Helen began practicing architecture at Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates (TVS) in 1973 and has had a distinguished career specializing in the design of hotels, resorts, convention and conference centers. She is currently a member of TVS Board of Directors, the Principals' Advisory Group, and is Vice President of Client Relations. She is considered the ambassador of the firm's civic responsibility and serves on many professional and community boards, including the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership and the Livable Centers Coalition.
TVS has a global practice with offices in Shanghai and Dubai, as well as Chicago and Atlanta. The firm is currently working on projects in 15 countries, including China, Vietnam, India, UAE, Caribbean and Chile. Helen is currently charged with developing and implementing the firm’s strategic plans for expansion in the Pacific Rim and India. She is a member of the ULI Global Exchange Council and serves as a Trustee of ULI. She has traveled extensively in China and was a member of the metro Atlanta trade mission to China led by Mayor Shirley Franklin. She travels frequently to the UAE and was a delegate to the ULI World Cities Forum in London. She is a member of the Anglo/American Real Property Institute and a regular participant in their real estate forums.
Richard Taylor
Partner
HLB Gross Collins
Richard Taylor is a client services principal who joined HLB Gross Collins, P.C. in 1973. He serves as the firm's liaison with a worldwide organization of accounting firms, HLB International. A cum laude graduate of Andrew College, Richard received his BBA from the University of Georgia.
Richard specializes in providing business consulting, financial planning and tax services to privately owned businesses. He focuses on planning to help companies address issues and business challenges to enhance profitability and maximize financial success. He also provides auditing, financial reporting and tax services to his clients.
Richard works in a broad range of industries with concentrations of clients in the construction, manufacturing, wholesale distribution, and service industries. He works closely with clients to formulate tax planning strategies that will maximize profits and defer tax liabilities. He has extensive experience in business acquisitions, business sales and related financing, planning and tax strategies for these transactions. In addition to his involvement with HLB International, Richard works with clients in international markets. He represents many international companies operating in the United States -- primarily in the manufacturing and distribution industries.
Richard is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Georgia Society of CPAs. He is certified in Georgia and Florida.Richard is a former president and director of Pinetree Country Club and a former director of the North Cobb Christian School. He is a director of the French-American Chamber of Commerce and HLB-USA.
Andrew Schutt
Partner
Arnall Golden Gregory
Andrew Schutt is a partner in the firm’s Corporate Practice Group. Andrew’s practice focuses on advising growing private and public companies in a variety of matters, including mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt financing (private and public) and general corporate matters, particularly in the areas of life sciences, technology and telecommunications. Andrew’s practice includes an emphasis on economic development, representing communities and companies in the negotiation of incentives packages for successful projects, and advising companies, issuers, trustees, lenders and investors in bond financings. Andrew also devotes substantial time to advising and counseling artists, athletes and their companies in the entertainment and sports arena, including work with professional athletes, music, book and film artists, and theatrical, movie and television production companies. He was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in 1996 and remains active in many professional associations throughout Georgia.
