Over 700 attendees gathered to network and receive insight from the regions’leading policymakers, industry experts, and corporate executives.
ATLANTA, GA (March 22, 2023) – On Wednesday, March 8, 2023, The Collaborative Firm hosted the 21st South Metro Development Outlook (SMDO) Conference at the Georgia International Convention Center. The annual summit presented this year by Amazon, attracted over 700 attendees with a vested interest to receive integral insight from the Southern Regions’ leading elected officials, government leaders, and corporate executives. This year’s featured speakers included City of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens; Collie Greenwood, General Manager & CEO of MARTA; Balram “B” Bheodari, General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and many others.
“I am very pleased with the feedback our firm received regarding SMDO2023. It was projected to be as successful and informative as our past two decades, and we delivered with a record number in attendance,” said Michael Hightower, Managing Partner of The Collaborative Firm and host of the South Metro Development Outlook. “Our powerhouse line up of speakers which included subject matter experts, professionals, and community leaders offered in-depth as well as candid discussions and strategies regarding the transformation of South Metro Atlanta and contributed to the success of this year’s conference.”
Program highlights from this year’s theme “Transforming the Future”, included Economic Forecast & Regional Growth; Exploring Georgia’s Political Landscape Today; Impact of Innovative and Emerging Technology; MARTA On the Move in South Metro; among others.
In addition to examining the current economic trajectory, SMDO2023 recognized individuals and businesses who have left an indelible impact on the industry. This year’s honorees included: Amazon, Presenting Sponsor Award; City of Stockbridge Amphitheater, Public Impact Award; Myrna White, Assistant General Manager, Office of Public & International Affairs, at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Legacy Award recipient; Chris Pumphrey, President of Elevate Douglas Economic Partnership, Economic Development Award recipient; Eldrin Bell, former Clayton County Chairman, Public Service Award recipient; Joy B. Day, former Mayor City of Jonesboro; and Cynthia Jenkins, CEO of Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity, Leadership Award recipient.
Additional key sponsors include ATL Airport CID, HNTB, and The Collaborative Firm.
Speakers List:
Mayor Andre Dickens, City of Atlanta
Teretta Rodgers, Head of Community Affairs, Atlanta Region
Tharon Johnson, Founder & CEO, Paramount Consulting Group
Phil Kent, CEO InsiderAdvantage Georgia/James Magazine
Dr. Roger Tutterow, Director of Econometric Center, Kennesaw State University
Jeff Turner, Chairman, Clayton County Board of Commissioners
Collie Greenwood, CEO & General Manager, MARTA
Darius Broughton, Vice President, HNTB
Keith Parker, President & CEO, Goodwill of North Georgia
Glenn Halliday, Electric Transportation Program Manager, Georgia Power
Dr. Georj Lewis, President, Clayton State University
T. Dallas Smith, Founder & CEO, T. Dallas Smith & Company
Veronica Maldonado-Torres, President & CEO, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Anna Roach, Executive Director, Atlanta Regional Commission
Mayor Angelyne Butler, City of Forest Park
Valencia Williamson, President & CEO, Clayton County Chamber of Commerce and MARTA Board Member
Ricky Clark, City Manager, City of Jonesboro
Dr. Victoria Seals, President Atlanta Technical College
Shannon James, President & CEO, Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance
Doug Shipman, President Atlanta City Council
Nathaniel Smith, Founder & Chief Equity Officer, Partnership for Southern Equity
Darryl Hicks, Board Chairman, Fayette County Development Authority
Sarah-Elizabeth Langford, Executive Director, Development Authority Fulton County
Larry Vincent, Executive Director, Invest Clayton
Chris Pumphrey, President of Elevate Douglas Economic Partnership,
For more than two decades, The Collaborative Firm (TCF) the largest minority-owned planning
firm in the Southeastern United States founded by Michael Hightower, has hosted SMDO to
convene some of the Southern Region’s most reputable subject matter experts, civic leaders,
and policy professionals to provide economic development forecasts, education, and innovative
initiatives on a variety of topics.
For additional conference details visit smdoconference.com.
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