Atlanta Ei Partner Tours

On June 9 & 10 Elemental Impact Partners traveled from across North America to participate in the Atlanta Ei Partner Tours, hosted by Pratt Industries, Novelis Inc., the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Ei Partners were treated to two action-packed tour days filled with camaraderie, fun and experiential learning.

Ei Chair Scott Seydel, Holly
& Chris Bradlee (BASF) on
Ann Arbor Tours
Picture courtesy of Scott Lutocka

Ei Partners meet three times per year in a formal setting: twice for Ei Partner Tours and once for the Annual Meeting. On the tours, Host Partners welcome fellow Partners, Strategic Allies, and Advisory Council members to their cities for two-days to share their business operations, practices and expertise. Spontaneous strategy sessions on collaborative work are common during the tours.

The first August, 2012 tours were hosted by Heritage Interactive Services in Indianapolis, IN. As documented in the IMPACT Blog article, Ei Partner Tours Launch in Indy, Interactive set a high standard for others to follow.

Additional past tours include:

• November 2012 NYC Ei Partner Tours hosted by EcoLogic Solutions & Global Enviro
• March 2013 Charlotte Ei Partner Tours hosted by Simon Property Group & HMSHost
• August 2103 Ann Arbor Ei Partner Tours hosted by BASF

Part of the Tours Group in

cardboard rolls storage area

For the first Atlanta tour day, partners met at a Buckhead hotel where they boarded a bus for the Pratt complex in Conyers, GA and the Novelis aluminum recycling plant in Greensboro. GA. Thank you Novelis for providing the comfortable bus for the tours travel. Upon arrival, each tours participant received an info packet and a bag of home baked sweet treats. Time on the bus was well spent with Ei founder Holly Elmore giving a tours overview and facilitating introductions.  

Thanks to Mary Place, Pratt Southeast sales manager, the Pratt campus tour was organized yet relaxed during the groups limited time at the Conyers headquarters. The Pratt team greeted the bus with the appropriate vests and glasses required to tour the cardboard mill. Plant managers took three groups of six participants on a personalized tour of the mill that manufactures cardboard from 100% recycled material. Depending upon the cardboard grade produced, the mill recipe consists of various proportions of mixed paper and OCC - old corrugated cardboard. While walking the mill production line, it was impressive to witness the transformation of mixed paper and OCC into a huge roll of cardboard.

Myles, Holly & Scott Jenkins
during lunch @ Pratt

With the box plant literally next door, the cardboard rolls are transported through a large doorway for storage until used in the corrugating and box cutting machines. With prominent customers like Home Depot, it was fun to see finished boxes that run the gamut from pizza to large transport boxes. Many of brands printed on the boxes were well-known and gave a clue to Pratt's global leadership role in the packaging industry.

Pratt Recycling president Myles Cohen joined the tours lunch to welcome the group and gave a Pratt Industries' overview. As the largest family-owned packaging company, Pratt is an Australian company with North American headquarters at their impressive Conyers campus. Pratt mills use 3,600 tons per day, everyday, of recovered material to produce cardboard made from 100% recycled material for the 44 U.S. box plants. Annually, Pratt recycles 1.5 million tons of material in their mills.

Daniel with Kurt Schmitz of Pratt

Ei Friend Daniel Rickenmann with First Generation Energy joined the tour group at Pratt to share exciting news on his anaerobic digester (AD) plant in the permitting process. With a Conyers site almost contiguous to the Pratt campus, there are abundant synergies at play with Pratt and First Generation. Rumor has it the permit is ready to issue soon!

After lunch the tour group loaded on the bus for the hour drive to the Novelis aluminum recycling plant. Conversation was lively on the bus with Holly updating the partners on the Ei shift-in-process. In 2013 Ei introduced three new platforms: Product Stewardship, Recycling Refinement and Water Use | Toxicity. With the past 18 months spent grounding initiatives within the platforms, Holly often says   

Ei is moving from Sustainability in Strategy to Ei's tagline Sustainability in ACTION. 

Upon arrival at the Novelis plant, the tours group was welcomed by the plant operations lead Chris Moore. After security and safety procedures were addressed, Chris and Brook Beadle - Novelis sustainability lead - gave excellent presentations that introduced aluminum recycling practices along with a Novelis business overview.

Group ready for Novelis plant tour

Novelis is the world's largest aluminum recycler with a commitment to reach 80% recycled content in Novelis Aluminum as well as zero waste-to-landfill in operations by 2020. An increase from the current 33% recycled content to 80% will remove 10 million metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually from the aluminum value chain.

In primary aluminum production, aluminum is refined from the raw material bauxite - for every ton of aluminum refined from bauxite, two tons of red mud waste are produced. As recycling reduces the use of primary aluminum, Novelis' use of scrap instead of primary prevented 2.5 million metric tons of red mud waste from being generated in the past year. When the 80% recycled content is achieved, Novelis Aluminum will prevent a stupendous amount of red mud waste and GHG emissions production along with significant other by-product impacts. 

Touring an aluminum recycling plant is an eye-opening experience! Safety is first and foremost as the process includes melting the aluminum at high temperatures. Beyond goggles and hats, guests touring the plant wear protective long coats. Guests are formally educated about safety practices prior to entering the plant area.

Ei Ptrs Tom Lembo (CleanRiver),
Louis & Matt Hupp (Keter) @ dinner
Photo courtesy of Melissa Selem

The return bus trip to Atlanta was a grand time! Louis Herrera with Hilex Poly was in-charge of the beer selection and the perfect host for the festive bus ride. In addition to the tours group, several Atlanta Ei pals joined the group for a lovely dinner at Basil's, a quaint locally owned Mediterranean restaurant. Thank you to Pratt for providing the excellent hors d'oeuvres and wine upon arrival.  

On the second day Tim Trefzer, GWCC director of sustainability, welcomed the group to the GWCC - home to the nation's fourth largest convention center, the Georgia Dome where the Atlanta Falcons play, and 20-acre Olympic Centennial Park. After introductions Holly gave further details on work-in-progress along with updates on the powerful Ei cyberspace network built.

Ei Ptrs filled the GWCC
Executive Board Room

Tim gave an excellent presentation on the GWCC sustainability successes along with current projects and future plans. As the Georgia Dome is the SFCI Event Venue Pilot, Tim has a standard slide of recent work with the SFCI Team on post-consumer food waste collection for compost. Throughout his presentation, the close Ei | GWCC working relationship was evident along with its significant impact on existing and under-development programs.

In 2013 the Georgia Dome hosted the Final Four with great success on zero waste, community involvement and overall sustainability fronts. Ei served on the Final Four sustainability committee; it was exciting to witness the lasting impact a major sporting event may have on a facility and the community. 

ATL Ei Partner Tours group
picture on the stadium field

The ZWA Blog article, Final Four green footprints continue after the games, includes a summary of the Final Four's substantial impact before, during and after the games. For in-depth details, the Final Four Sustainability Report is available for download on the Ei Resources page under the Event Recycling section. 

After the formal presentations and discussions, the group toured the GA Dome Club Level food court, intended site for a 2014 season post-consumer food waste collection pilot. In addition, the group toured the GA Dome and GWCC back-of-the-house operations to witness recycling and pre-consumer food waste collection practices in-place. As an added treat, the tours group visited the GA Dome field where the Falcons play.

Michael with Clark Seydel (Chemol

& representing Ei Chair Scott Seydel)

Lunch was provided by SFCI co-chair Doug Kunnemann with NatureWorks across the street at the CNN Center Taco Mac. During lunch, Scott Jenkins - New Falcons Stadium general manager - gave a preview of the stadium plans and how it is designed for sustainability success. The intention is for the New Falcons Stadium to continue as the SFCI Event Pilot when in opens for the 2018 season. Scott, Tim, Doug and Holly meet often to maximize synergies and potentials with the new stadium.

ATL Airport director of asset management & sustainability Michael Cheyne presented to the tours group on the airport sustainability successes, challenges and future directions. As the ATL Airport - the busiest airport in the world - serves as the SFCI Airport Pilot, Ei has a close working relationship with Michael and his team. Liza Milagro joined the airport sustainability department in early 2013 as senior sustainability planner and is a powerful driver for project implementation.

New Ei Partners Ken Fraser &

Sarah Martinez of Eco-Products

The 2011 ZWA Blog article, Atlanta Airport Makes a Bold Sustainable Statement, announced the groundbreaking contract provision requiring airport food vendors to use compostable serviceware and consumer-facing packaging under the then new concessionaire contract. With Brenda Platt of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance at the helm, the SFCI Team worked closely with the ATL Airport on the contract provision language and supporting documentation.

The Atlanta Airport Compostable Foodservice Ware Packet published to provide clear, concise information to airport food vendors on the contract provision along with guidance on how to meet the requirements. The ZWA Blog post, Compostable Packaging Info Packet, announces the packet while the Exemptions | Exclusions Added to Atlanta Airport Info Packet is an overview of a packet revision.

Liza Milagro (ATL) &

Joe Salpietra (Ellis Fibre)

A true pioneer, Michael is taking an industry leadership role in a proactive approach to Airborne Kitchen Grease (AKG), a costly by-product of cooking. Approvals are in-process for a campus-wide installation of Grease Lock Filters (GLF)  in airport concessionaires. The proactive AKG approach is staged to reduce airport water usage by an estimated 1.1 million gallons per year while concessionaires save approximately $7,300 annually per location. GLF is an Ei Partner under the Ellis Fibre umbrella.

The ZWA Blog article, Atlanta Airport Presents a Proactive Approach to Airborne Kitchen Grease, announces the American Association of Airport Executives' February | March publication Airport Magazine article, AIRBORNE KITCHEN GREASE: A New Frontier in Sustainability, A simple solution saves tremendous water use, labor and dollars, co-written by Michael and Holly.

Ei Program Administrator Melissa

Selem with Tim 

In addition to specific on-campus initiatives, Michael spoke of the ATL Airport's community commitment. The airport understands their tremendous global presence may segue into substantial local influence and contribution.

After Michael's inspiring talk, Holly gave closing remarks and planted fertile seeds for the Fall Ei Partner Tours. It was a powerful two days and partners left filled with enthusiasm for Ei's shift into ACTION mode. With the Falcons' first pre-season game on Friday, August 8 the action plan is in motion with much to accomplish over the next weeks.

The ATL Ei Partner Tours agenda, participant list along with the Novelis and GWCC PPT presentations are available for download on the Ei Partner Tours page. For the tours pictorial recap, visit the Ei FB Album, Atlanta Ei Partner Tours.

... and onward to Ei's tagline, Sustainability in ACTION!

2014 National Restaurant Association Show: a powerful, magical event

Each May the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago is a top priority in Elemental Impact's travel schedule. With the 2012 NRA purchase of the Zero Waste Zones (ZWZ), Ei maintains a close working relationship with the NRA. In addition Ei Partners, Supporters, Strategic Allies and Advisers speak in educational sessions, host booths in the Show exhibit halls and participate as Show attendees.

Magnificent Mile Tulips

Arriving days prior to the conference start, Ei founder Holly Elmore explores the glorious city in the midst of The Magnificent Mile's tulip extravaganza and meets with colleagues prior to the show commencement. 

For her fourth consecutive stay, Holly received VIP treatment at The Hotel Monaco, a Kimpton Hotel. Located on the Chicago Loop, the hotel is easy access to the lake, excellent dining and the theatre district. Each day Ei tweeted on the hotel's strong sustainability commitment - yes, the hotel's restaurant South Water Kitchen collects their food waste for composting!

A tradition, NRA senior editor, sustainability Elissa Elan and Holly enjoy dinner together upon arrival. It is a perfect time for good friends to catch-up and strategize on how to maximize "show time."  Another dining tradition is with the CleanRiver Recycling Solutions folks after their show booth is set-up.

Green Practices to Achieve
Millennial Loyalty Panel

Atlanta -  Ei's hometown - was well represented in the NRA ConServe's sustainability tract within the educational sessions. Ei Adviser and founding ZWZ Chair Laura Turner Seydel joined the impressive Green Practices To Achieve Millennial Loyalty panel.  

In addition to dining out more often than prior generations, the Millennial sector EXPECTS sustainable practices. An excellent speaker, Dr. Christian Hardigree, Director, Institute for Culinary Sustainability and Hospitality at Kennesaw State University (KSU), gave a hilarious, effective presentation on the panel.

After the panel, the room seemed like an Atlanta reunion: Frank Bragg (Radial Cafe), Tim Trefzer (Georgia World Congress Center Authority), Doug Kunnemann (NatureWorks | Sustainable Food Court Initiative (SFCI co-chair), Carolyn O'Neal (BestFoodFacts.org) and Courtney Lancaster (KSU) attended the powerful session. In addition, Ei Partners Anselm Doering of EcoLogic Solutions (ELS) and Bruce Buchan of CleanRiver were in the session audience.

Tim's slide on SFCI
projects @ GA Dome

The following day Ei Supporter Tim Trefzer - GWCC director of sustainability - presented on the Making The Business Case: ROI on Sustainability Projects ConServe educational panel. As the Georgia Dome is the SFCI Event Venue Pilot, Tim included a slide of recent work with the SFCI Team on post-consumer food waste collection for compost.

For Ei, the CleanRiver booth served as central ground for connecting with Show attendees. In fact, Ei Supporter EcoSafe Zero Waste's stop by the CleanRiver booth segued into a spontaneous encounter with Holly over much appreciated beers!  

The ELS booth was amazing with a "living wall" showcasing their ECA (Electro-Chemical Activation) technology. Immediately prior to the Show, ELS received the Green Seal certification for their cleaning solutions - a big congratulations to ELS founder Anselm Doering and his team! 

The ELS system tour 

After a lovely lunch, Ei Strategic Ally Cerise Bridges - Green Seal certification specialist - and Holly toured the recently installed ELS system at McCormick Place, the nation's largest convention center. It was impressive to witness the ingenious simplicity within the ELS system that provides toxic-free solid suds for the center's dishwashers along with all purpose cleaner, kitchen sanitizer,and bathroom disinfectant at a spray bottle fill station.

At meetings during the Show, EcoProducts accepted the invitation to join the Ei Partner Program and will join the June 9 & 10 Atlanta Ei Partner Tours. With post-consumer food waste collection a goal for the 2014 Atlanta Falcons season at the GA Dome, a strong compostable packaging partner is integral to success.

Tom Lembo & Bruce Buchan
@ CleanRiver booth

During the Show, Holly joined Ei Partner Joe Salpietra of Ellis Fibre | Grease Lock Filters for meetings at the Franke booth followed by an excellent dinner at Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse. The stage is set for tremendous impact within Ei's Airborne Kitchen Grease Initiative within the Water Use | Toxicity Platform - stay tuned!

The Ei FB album, 2014 NRA Show, is a pictorial recap of the NRA Show from Ei's perspective.

As in prior years, the 2014 NRA Show was a powerful industry gathering where business intertwined within dining, events and other social interactions, educational seminars, walking the exhibit hall and spontaneous encounters. Tangible and intangible benefits are abundant for those open to experience the magic of the prominent show that attracts 60,000 plus attendees.

Atlanta Welcomes Global Land Economics Group

ATL skyline view from
 the opening reception

The Lambda Alpha International Atlanta Chapter hosted the Spring 2014 Land Economics Weekend (LEW) April 3 - 5 attracting a global contingency eager to learn about Atlanta's history, challenges and accomplishments. With limited time, the LEW tours and presentations focused on the Downtown and Midtown business districts.

Lambda Alpha International (LAI) is an honorary society for the advancement of land economics. LAI provides a forum for the study and advancement of land economics where the "winnowing and sifting" of ideas takes place in an atmosphere of mutual respect. LAI operates through a network of chapters. A LAI Chapter provides a variety of programs and forums for its members to share information critical to understanding important land-use issues. The IMPACT Blog article, Lambda Alpha International Atlanta Chapter: growing membership, influence and impact, introduces LAI along with its designated purposes.

Twice per year chapters sponsor "Weekend Experiences" giving members an opportunity to meet and learn about land economic issues in other cities throughout the world. Open to LAI members and their guests, these meetings address wider international, national and regional issues and include project tours within the host city.

Mike Sizemore presenting
the opening reception

Atlanta LEW festivities began on Thursday evening at a lovely reception hosted by the SizemoreGroup at the Metro Atlanta Chamber reception space overlooking Olympic Centennial Park and Midtown. After introductions by LAI member Bill de St. Aubin, SizemoreGroup (SG) CEO, Mike Sizemore, SG Founding Principal and SG President Lily del Berrios, gave an excellent presentation of the Centennial Park | Luckie Street district evolution that aligned with the 1996 Summer Olympics hosted in Atlanta. The reception was a great opportunity for long-time LAI friends to reconnect and new friendships to blossom prior to the formal program.

Each of the two tour days began at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Ga Tech) conference center with informative presentations on a variety of topics, including the history underlying the tour locations planned for the day. 

Dan Reuter @ podium

 After opening remarks, LAI member Dan Reuter – Atlanta Regional Commission Community Development Division Manager – presented on the topic, Overview of the Metro Atlanta Region and the Importance of Community Improvement Districts in the Region. Dan’s presentation set the stage for the regional interplay within local impact, a theme carried through in Saturday topics.

Narrowing the focus to Midtown, Kevin Green – Midtown Alliance (MA) President – chronicled Midtown’s journey from its sordid history to a thriving metro business center where the culture | arts community plays a vital role. A strong residential coommunity, ranging from the magnificent homes in Ansley Park to new high rise condominiums, Midtown is cyclist and pedestrian-friendly with vibrant street level retail.

MA Executive Vice-President & Chief Operating Officer Shannon Powell addressed the powerful role Blueprint Midtown, a community-based master plan for Midtown, plays in the area re-development. Deep into the implementation phase, the plan includes open spaces, streetscapes, land use and transportation initiatives and is the catalyst for over $600 billion in high-density development projects. 

Shannon Powell & Steve Foster

Further narrowing the morning session focus, John Majeroni – Executive Director of the GA Tech Office of Real Estate Development and Vice-President of Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures – gave an excellent presentation on the GA Tech metamorphosis over the past decades including the new Midtown campus. It was interesting to learn the techniques used to bridge the older and new campus activities split by The Connector (joined I -75 & I – 85 interstates through the city.)  John also addressed the 1996 Olympics’ significant long-term impact on the GA Tech campus.

Following the morning presentations, the LEW group loaded onto two buses for a first-hand Midtown experience. The Fabulous Fox Theatre was the first stop. Originally the Yaarab Temple Shrine Mosque, the Shriners built the facility in 1929 as their headquarters and then sold it to movie mogul William Fox. The early financial challenges were integral to the history overview prior to the tour. 

LEW group during pre-tour
presentation @ The Fox

A forerunner, The Fox opened with indoor plumbing, flushing toilets, light bulbs in clear light fixtures and phone booths in the Men’s Salon. Dedicated to preserving its historical significance, all furniture and light fixtures are originals where possible. The tour was filled with intriguing historical facts intermingled with the Fox's deep commitment to maintaining its heritage.

Lunch was an easy walk across the street to The GeorgianTerrace, a historic hotel & event facility located across Peachtree Street from The Fox. The LEW group was treated to a southern-style buffet lunch ending with a delicious peach cobbler.

Next on the agenda was a visit to Atlantic Station, a former brownfield “cleaned-up” and transformed into a LEED certified multi-use commercial, residential and retail complex by the Jacoby Development Group. Current owners North American Properties’ strategic action created a renaissance for the troubled complex. Liz Gillespie – North American Properties Vice-President of Marketing – gave an excellent presentation on how the owners “listened,” took action to correct real or perceived challenges, and moved forward with innovative marketing using technology-based promotional vehicles.

Midtown view from
Atlantic Station

With the penthouse floor vacant in the BB&T Tower, the space is used as a reception and educational facility, a perfect venue for the Atlantic Station tour presentation. The panorama views of Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead are amazing.

Following Atlantic Station, MA associates narrated a bus tour through Midtown’s commercial and residential flagstones, including the in-town Ansley Park neighborhood showcasing the mansions and urban parks.The Ponce City Market (PCM) was the destination and final tour. Due to major construction-in-process, the presentation was staged at the park across the street from the impressive renovation project.

Originally completed in 1928, the historic Sears, Roebuck &Co. distribution center was the largest brick building in the Southeastern United States at the time. As the largest adaptive reuse project in Atlanta’s history, PCM will restore 1.1 million square feet of the Sears building into retail, office and residential space.  

Limited parking space is not a concern as PCM will provide a trolley to the close-by MARTA station during working hours. In addition, ride share programs like Zip Car are planned along with plenty of bike parking space. The project is garnering attention as a national model for adaptive re-use.

Paul Morris prior to
his impromptu "teaser"

With the Atlanta BeltLine (ABL) along the PCM backside, Paul Morris – ABL President & CEO – gave an impromptu “teaser” to his keynote presentation at the closing reception Saturday evening.

The LEW group gathered Saturday morning for another day of presentations and tours focused on Downtown Atlanta. Beginning with the big picture, Dr. Catherine Ross, GA Tech Professor and Director of the Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development, presented on Mega Regions and Regional Competitiveness. With an emphasis on water, energy and transportation, Dr. Ross gave an exciting glimpse of the incredible potential inherent within a mega region, versus a city, urban focus.

Following the big picture, A.J. Robinson – Central AtlantaProgress President – gave an overview of Downtown Atlanta. Originally founded as Terminus, Atlanta is a transportation-oriented city with roots in terminating railroad lines from the East and originating lines to the West. In modern times, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the world, serves as the transportation and economic hub for Atlanta and the region. Beyond mere transportation, the airport retail operations are some of the most frequented in the world.

 A.J. noted several prominent driving forces for Atlanta’s success:

A.J. Robinson @ podium

• City of Opportunity – many residents came to Atlanta for work; Atlanta is a relatively inexpensive city for business and living costs.
• Business Community Engagement – Atlanta corporate leaders are engaged in the city on many fronts ranging from culture | arts to public safety, naming several areas.
• Incredible Higher Education – Atlanta is home to many high profile universities including GA Tech, Emory University, Georgia State University, Agnes Scott College, Atlanta University Center, Kennesaw State University to name a few.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit, a “can do” attitude – Atlanta’s spirit nurtured the creation of CNN, Coca-Cola, Delta, Home Depot along with winning the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.
• Convention & Hospitality Industry – in addition to corporate headquarters, the convention | event industry is a powerful economic driving force. The Georgia World Congress Center is the fourth largest convention center in the nation, the Georgia Dome is home to the Atlanta Falcons and hosted the 2013 Final Four among other major events, and ample, first-class hotels are located in downtown and other districts to support visitors. 

LEW group members @
The King Center

Although Atlanta is a hub for higher education, a weakness within the city, according to A.J., is the educational infrastructure in the K - 12 realm. It seems Atlanta attracts talented young professionals rather than nurturing home grown quality students and talents within the public school system. The author notes Atlanta has a strong private school system for the K -12 realm.

After the Downtown overview, CAP associates treated the LEW group to a narrated Dynamic Downtown Tour. The National Center for Civil & Human Rights, The World of Coca-Cola, CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Park, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, National College Football Hall of Fame, Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Aquarium,  Centennial Hill, Hyatt Regency, AmericasMart, Peachtree Center, Historic Five Points, Underground Atlanta, Government Center, Georgia State Capitol, Georgia State University, Sweet Auburn Curb Market, Grady Hospital, Auburn Historic District, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, Freedom Parkway and the Carter Center were featured on the tour that covered a several mile radius.

Manuel's Tavern

The tour included a visit to The King Center before lunch at Manuel’s Tavern, an Atlanta institution founded in 1956. During lunch, the LEW group learned about the Old Fourth Ward Park, a new Atlanta public park. Owned by the City of Atlanta, funded by Watershed Management and developed by the ABL, the Fourth Ward Park serves as a storm water retention pond and city park. The Trust for Public Land assisted with acquisition of land for much of the site. A unique conjunction of circumstances and public partnerships, the park is indicative of Atlanta’s “can do attitude” and business leaders active in community affairs.

For the final tour, the LEW group visited East Lake to learn about one of Atlanta's oldest neighborhoods dating back to the 1880's. In 1908 the East Lake Country Club golf course opened and was the home club of amateur golf great Bobby Jones. By the 1960's the East Lake neighborhood slipped into a decline further fueled by the construction of East Lake Meadows, a crime ridden public housing project.

In the mid 1990's the East Lake Foundation, in partnership with the City of Atlanta, razed the public housing project and began a mixed income development that serves as a national model. Along with the neighborhood, the East Lake Foundation renovated the golf course to its previous grandeur and beyond. In 2005 East Lake Golf Club was named the permanent home for the PGA Tour Championship.

Recognition of Charter
for UAE Chapter

The Atlanta LEW closed with a wonderful dinner reception at the Loews Hotel. First on the program agenda was the Recognition of Charter for the United Arab Emirates Chapter. LAI President Tim Youmans and LAI Regional Vice-President Robert McBride presented the official UAE Chapter Charter to new chapter president Rudayna Abdo.

LAI member Paul Morris - ABL President & CEO - gave an outstanding keynote presentation, Rebuilding a City from the Inside Out. The ABL is a sustainable redevelopment project that provides a network of public parks, multi-use trails and transit along a historic 22-mile railroad corridor circling downtown and connecting 45 existing in-town neighborhoods.

Within the plan, there are 33 miles of multi-use trails, 1,300 acres of parks, 5,600 affordable housing units, public art and historic preservation. Locals take ownership of the ABL with impromptu art shows. For instance, the September 2013 ABL Lantern Parade kicked off the largest art display in Atlanta's history with over 10,000 participants. 

For the program finale, the Good bye Atlanta - Hello Madrid, 2014 was a celebration of Atlanta LEW success while building enthusiasm for the fall Madrid LEW.  In a fun ceremony, Joan Herron, LAI Atlanta Chapter President, passed her LEW Chair name tag ribbon to Emilio Gomez, LAI Madrid Chapter President. With wine still flowing, the LEW group stayed after the program end for farewells until the next encounter.

Steve Foster of GA Power
with his lovely wife Sherry

The Atlanta LEW success was the result of diligent effort by the LEW Committee led by LEW Chair Joan Herron. Steve Foster with Georgia Power provided sponsor funds along with in-house program printing. In addition, Steve orchestrated much of the two-day program and kept the group on tract while touring. The program design was spearheaded by Steve Arms of Marthasville Development. Along with the itinerary and pull-out map, the program included a nice snippet on tour destinations and sites viewed from the bus. As mentioned earlier, the SizemoreGroup sponsored the opening reception.

General sponsorship dollars were required to underwrite the LEW. Thank you to Skanska, Marthasville Development, Harrison Design Associates and University of Georgia College of Environment Design for fiscal sponsorship.

Joan completes the name
tag ribbon passing to Emilio

LEW Chair Joan Herron of Herron Consulting was the grounding force for success. As the leader, Joan motivated and organized the committee to meet deadlines and accomplish necessary tasks required for a smooth event.

A big thank you to the Midtown Alliance and Central Atlanta Progress for working with Joan and Steve on the program, presenting on their district's history and future directions, and providing associates to narrate the on-bus tours. Top executives from both organizations made the LEW a priority in their hectic schedules.

Elemental Impact founder Holly Elmore was inducted as an LAI member in December 2013 and served as a LEW photographer and author of this article. The Ei FB album, Spring 2014 Atlanta LAI LEW, is a pictorial recap of the powerful event.

For locals, the Atlanta LEW was a time of reflection and pride. Though not mentioned during the presentations, Atlanta was burned to the ground during the Civil War and later rose as a Phoenix from ashes. The spirit necessary to rise with brilliance from ashes was at the essence of Atlanta's story and the core of many of the presentations:  

Final LEW photo of two
lovely ladies - Rudayna & Joan

• Midtown's evolution from a sordid past to a vibrant economic power center
• Centennial Olympic Park's transformation from a crime ridden space to a 20-acre downtown park that claims the 1996 Summer Olympics in its birthright 
• East Lake's spiral from glory to a "scary, " destitute neighborhood and then back again to an economic powerhouse golf course named the permanent home to the PGA Tour Championship.  

Thank you A.J. Robinson for recognizing the strength inherent within Atlanta's spirit. For those of us who love this vibrant city dearly, Atlanta's spirit beats within our daily lives - what an honor!