President’s Note
I hope that the first part of Spring has brought all of you much success and business! I know I always love this time of year and look forward to welcoming our visitors to showcase all that we have to offer.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, from time to time I want to share testimonials with you from your fellow AMTA members. If you have a story to share please email me so we can include you in a future member memo.
This time I am happy to share with you a brief testimonial from Nancy Price, Executive Director of the Peachtree City Convention & Visitors Bureau:
As a tourism entity you are faced with many choices regarding marketing and networking opportunities. Making the right choice can be a daunting task. In June 2010 Peachtree City Tourism organization was restructured and renamed the Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau. AMTA became an important initiative as we redefined our mission. I felt it was not only important for our staff to retain our AMTA membership, but also to become actively involved with the organization.
After nearly a year of pursuing that goal, and also serving on the board of directors, I can honestly say that this membership has reaped many rewards for the Peachtree City CVB. We have a greater understanding of many of the state related programs and benefits, as well as benefitting immensely from networking and the marketing co-op program. AMTA has definitely made our VIP list of trade organizations and will remain an important part of our future strategic plans.
Getting involved is the key! Make the effort to reach out and join one of our committees. If you are not sure which one suits you best call me or one of our board members and let us help you in choosing. Let’s all make AMTA the best travel association it can be!
Regards,
Beth Bailey, Clayton County CVB
AMTA President
beth@visitscarlett.com |
Membership Committee Update
We would like to welcome three new members who have joined since our April meeting:
Jeffery L. (Jeff or Dr. Love to his friends) with Mills Marketing Group is no stranger to AMTA. He served faithfully on our Board in his previous position and we are glad he’s back!
Barbara Mullin with Exceptional Hospitality-Barbara is certainly not new but her position with Exceptional Hospitality is! We welcome Exceptional Hospitality to AMTA and are happy that Barbara is back in the fold.
Tom Grogran with TownePlace by Marriott Atlanta Buckhead visited us in February and decided to join us. Welcome Tom!
I am so thankful for a wonderful membership committee. We are taking our positions very seriously but still having fun. Breaking records is our goal. Please join us by inviting a friend to our meeting in June. You get ‘em there…we’ll sign ‘em up!
Please make note of our address change: P.O. Box 392 Fayetteville, GA 30214. You might not need the address very often but please make sure your records reflect the Fayetteville Post Office address for any future correspondence. Thanks-see you in June!
Judy Renfro
AMTA Membership Chair
judyrenfroe@gmail.com
Upcoming AMTA Board of Directors Meeting
 CVB of Dunwoody
Wednesday, May 4th
9:30 am -- Networking
10:00 am -- Meeting
The CVBD is located within Digitel Corporation. When you get off the elevator on the 18th floor, look to your left and enter Digitel.
 The CVBD/Digitel is located at:
Three Ravinia Drive
Suite 1800
Atlanta, GA 30346
678-244-9801 (Katie Brenckle’s direct line)
From the West or I-75
Take I-285 East to Ashford Dunwoody Road, Exit #29. At the end of the ramp, turn left. Go to third light and turn right (just after Crowne Plaza Ravinia) on Ravinia North into the Ravinia Complex. Take the first right (immediate) and proceed down the hill. Go past Ravinia Buildings One and Two. Turn left immediately after passing the second building and park in the parking garage ahead. Bear right in the garage to access Three Ravinia. Take the elevators from the parking garage to P1. Come into the lobby and take the lobby elevators up to the 18th floor. We will validate your parking, so bring the parking ticket with you.
From the South (Downtown/ Midtown)
Take I-75/I-85 North. Keep left to take I-85 North. Keep right at Exit 87 to take Georgia 400 North toward Buckhead. Merge onto I-285 East to Ashford Dunwoody Road, Exit #29. At the end of the ramp, turn left. Go to third light and turn right (just after Crowne Plaza Ravinia) on Ravinia North into the Ravinia Complex. Take the first right (immediate) and proceed down the hill. Go past Ravinia Buildings One and Two. Turn left immediately after passing the second building and park in the parking garage ahead. Bear right in the garage to access Three Ravinia. Take the elevators from the parking garage to P1. Come into the lobby and take the lobby elevators up to the 18th floor. We will validate your parking, so bring the parking ticket with you.
From the East or I-85
Take I-285 West to Ashford-Dunwoody Road, Exit #29. At the end of the ramp, turn right. Go to the second light and turn right (just after Crowne Plaza Ravinia) on Ravinia North into the Ravinia Complex. Take the first right (immediate) and proceed down the hill. Go past Ravinia Buildings One and Two. Turn left immediately after passing the second building and park in the parking garage ahead. Bear right in the garage to access Three Ravinia. Take the elevators from the parking garage to P1. Come into the lobby and take the lobby elevators up to the 18th floor. We will validate your parking, so bring the parking ticket with you.
From North (Alpharetta)
Take 400 South to I-285 East. Exit at Ashford-Dunwoody Road, Exit #29. At the end of the ramp, turn left. Go to third light and turn right (just after Crowne Plaza Ravinia) on Ravinia North into the Ravinia Complex. Take the first right (immediate) and proceed down the hill. Go past Ravinia Buildings One and Two. Bear right in the garage to access Three Ravinia. Take the elevators from the parking garage to P1. Come into the lobby and take the lobby elevators up to the 18th floor. We will validate your parking, so bring the parking ticket with you.
Upcoming AMTA Membership Meeting
AMTA General Membership Meeting
DATE: Wednesday, June 1, 2011
TIME: 9:30 a.m. – Networking; 10:00 a.m. – Meeting
LOCATION: Johns Creek Welcome Center, 11030 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 30097
MEETING HOST: Heather Blanchard, Johns Creek Convention & Visitors Bureau
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
- How Rick Anderson, PGA Master Professional and Director of Golf at the prestigious Atlanta Athletic Club, and the Club secured the prestigious PGA Championship for August 8-14, 2011.
- What the expected economic impact will be on the local community as well as on other areas around Metro Atlanta.
- What other businesses will get a boost from this event and how they can get in front of this audience.
- What you need to do now to prepare.
- What it takes to host an event of this magnitude, in terms of staff and volunteers.
- How the Johns Creek CVB and the City of Johns Creek will take advantage of a one week world-wide event and turn it into a two and a half month attraction.
- How you can get a “sneak peek” at the PGA History Exhibit collection that tracks the event’s history from the first PGA Championship in 1916 through 2010 and includes on display the coveted Wanamaker Trophy.
- Most importantly -- Why you should care that this event is being hosted in Metro Atlanta, even if you are well outside the Johns Creek area.
From South Atlanta (I-85N)
Take I-85 North to Exit 95 (I-285 West toward Chattanooga). Drive 2.4 miles. Exit 31B (Peachtree Industrial Blvd./Hwy. 141 North). *See directions below from Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Exit.
From Northeast Atlanta (I-85S)
Take I-85 South to I-285 West toward Chattanooga. Take I-285 to Exit 31B (Peachtree Industrial Blvd./Hwy. 141 North). *See directions below from Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Exit.
From Northwest Atlanta (I-75S)
Take I-75 South to I-285 East. Take I-285 East to Exit 31B (Peachtree Industrial Blvd./Hwy. 141 North). Stay left to merge onto Peachtree Industrial Blvd./Hwy. 141 North. *See directions below from Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Exit.
*From I-285 and Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Blvd./Hwy. 141 North (11.8 total miles from here to meeting)
From I-285 drive north on Peachtree Industrial Blvd./Hwy. 141 North. At 3.7 miles bear left at fork to stay on Hwy. 141 North to Cumming/Dahlonega. 4.8 miles later you will see the Atlanta Athletic Club on the right, site of the 2011 PGA Championship. Continue on Hwy. 141/Peachtree Parkway. Peachtree Parkway will become Medlock Bridge. Continue straight crossing State Bridge Road. The next big intersection is Abbots Bridge Road/GA-120 where there is a Shell gas station and a BP gas station on the right side of the intersection. When you approach the gas stations get into the left lane to turn at next road after Abbots Bridge. Continue straight across Abbotts Bridge Road. At the next light, turn left on Bell Road into JOHNS CREEK WALK shopping center. Turn right at the first driveway —the Welcome Center and PGA History Exhibit will be on the left. 11030 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 30097
Attention Members: Please remember to log online at www.visitmetroatlanta.com and read the April meeting minutes before attending the May general membership meeting.
PRESS ROOM
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 Pick Your Own Strawberries
Mid April - Mid May
Southern Belle Farm
Southern Belle Farm is looking forward to opening is Strawberry patch up to the public for their third season growing strawberries! The Pick Your Own Strawberry patch will be open through mid-May (based on berry availability). Following the strawberry crop will be blackberries that will produce into the summer months and allow folks to come to the farm for berry picking.
HUDGENS CENTER FOR THE ARTS:
THE FOLK ART OF CARLTON ELONZO GARRETT
May 3-7th, 10-14th, 17-21st
www.thehudgens.org
 Location: Duluth
Phone: 770-623-6002
Carlton Elonzo Garrett is a folk artist known for his ingenious wood carvings of human and animal figures. Come see his artwork on Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. The cost is $3-$5 for adults and children 2 and under get in free.
Stroll Through the Arts in Marietta
The burgeoning, eclectic art scene in Marietta is the perfect  backdrop for an artful stroll. Held the first Friday of the month, March-October, First Friday Art Walk is a free, self-guided tour to Marietta’s diverse art scene. Art galleries, museum, cultural venues, restaurants and boutiques host artists within their stores and are open 5pm-9pm. The next Art Walk will be held May 6.
Admission is free. For more information, call the Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau at 770-429-1115 or visit www.artwalkmarietta.com
Open Mic Night at “The Fred”!
Saturday, May 7
www.amphitheater.com
Phone: 770.631.0630
 20 local performers and bands have been selected to showcase their talents on Saturday, May 7th at Open Mic Night at “The Fred”. The gates will open at 6:30 and the show starts at 7:00. All of the acts will be judged and the winner will have the chance to open for an upcoming concert. Seating is general admission. Wristbands are $5 in advance, $10 day of show.
Scott Rigsby Foundation Alliance Ride
to Support Wounded Soldiers
Saturday May 7, 7:30 AM
 www.allianceride.com
Location: Jackson Healthcare
2655 Northwinds Parkway, Alpharetta, GA
Phone: 770-634-9004
The Scott Rigsby Foundation and Jackson Healthcare have teamed up for the second year to host the Alliance Ride, a 25 and 50-mile cycling event to raise funds for the Scott Rigsby Foundation and its effort to support our wounded soldiers as they rehabilitate from injuries received in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. All proceeds from the Alliance Ride will fund Wounded Warrior Family Retreats hosted by Camp Twin Lakes and the Roosevelt Rehabilitation Center in Warm Spring.
Kids Fishing Festival
May 7, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Panola Mountain State Park
Phone: 770-389-7801
Kids 15 and younger are invited to hook a catfish or bluegill while learning about aquatic habitats, fish identification and fishing skills. An archery range, fly-fishing, tree climbing, wildlife encounters and more will be available. Bring your own bait and rods. $5 parking.
Dunwoody Art Festival
Mother’s Day Weekend, May 7-8
www.DunwoodyArtFestival.com
 Location: Dunwoody Village – Mt. Vernon and Chamblee Dunwoody Roads
Named 2010 Best New Event by Southeast Festivals and Events, the Dunwoody Art Festival features artists from across the country on Mother's Day Weekend. Join us for beautiful and eclectic artwork, kids activities, food, entertainment and more! Free admission. Pet-Friendly festival!
Global BMW Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge
May 8
www.sandyspringschallenge.org.
Location: Heritage Green - 6110 Bluestone,
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
 Phone: 678-428-7442
Speed Week brings together some of the best criterium cyclists in the world to compete in seven cities across the South. The race begins with the Athens Twilight Criterium and ends in the heart of Sandy Springs at “Mt. Sandy Springs” at Heritage Green on May 8. Come cheer on the best athletes as they race to the finish in Sandy Springs! Enjoy an action-packed day of fast-paced racing action followed by fun and refreshments. Don’t miss the Awards Presentation and Concert held after the race. |
Guinness Book of World Records Largest Dessert Party
May 12 - 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Tanger Outlet Center
On May 12, as Tanger Outlet Centers celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the company at the NYSE, an attempt will be made to set the Guinness Book of World Records for the World’s Largest Dessert Party. Guests will sample delicious local desserts and help make history! The event will be closed once capacity is reached. Reservations are not necessary.
Taste of Alpharetta
Thursday May 12, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
 Location: Wills Park
1825 Old Milton Parkway,
Alpharetta, GA
Phone:
678- 297- 6000
The largest “Taste of” event in the South celebrates its 21st year in 2011! Dine at over 60 restaurants in one unforgettable night that’s become an annual tradition for 50,000 families, foodies and festival-goers. Sample delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts, experience chef’s competition, cooking demonstrations and exhibits. Bring a blanket to competitions at the Culinary Arts & Music Stage. Play at the Fun Zone and party with metro radio stations. Free admission, parking and free shuttle.
 Symphony Socials
Friday, May 13
Location: 1280 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: 404-733-4848
Come join the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for the final Symphony Social of the 2010-11 season! Enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres at the pre-concert networking at the Four Seasons Hotel, followed by a performance by the Grammy-award winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Tickets only $20 per person.
Creedence Clearwater Revisited at “The Fred” Amphitheater!
Saturday, May 14
www.amphitheater.com
Phone: 770.631.0630
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rhythm section from the legendary group Creedence Clearwater Revival launched the Creedence Clearwater Revisited project in 1995 to once again perform live Creedence Clearwater Revival hits-touchstones of a generation. The gates open at 7:00 and the show starts at 8:00 on Saturday, May 14th. Tickets are on sale.
15th Annual Mayor’s Challenge Road Race
Saturday May 14, 7:15 AM
http://tinyurl.com/mayorschallenge
Location: Wills Park Pool
1825 Old Milton Parkway
Alpharetta, GA
Phone: 678-795-0115
Join the Alpharetta Rotary Club and the City of Alpharetta for the 15th Annual Mayor’s Challenge. The race is a 10K Peachtree Qualifier for the serious runner as well as a 5K Run and a 1 mile Run/Walk for the whole family. A runner’s pancake breakfast will be offered at the race finish from 7:30-9:30AM. All participants will receive a T-Shirt! 7:15AM 5K & 10K races begin at Wills Park Pool, and at 8:30AM the Fun Run/Walk begins.
ARTSSpring – Sandy Springs annual city-wide celebration of the arts
Through May 15th
www.visitsandysprings.org and www.artsandysprings.org
Location: Throughout the City of Sandy Springs
Phone: 770-206-1447
The creative spirit is in full bloom for this month-long event that presents the finest arts exhibits, concerts, and theatre and dance performances for both visitors and residents to enjoy. These diverse arts events fill our galleries, schools, theatres and parks. Please stop by the Sandy Springs Welcome Center (5920 Roswell Road – call 770-206-1447 for directions) to pick up our newsletter featuring the full ARTSSprings events listings and locations. Please visit our website www.visitsandysprings.org for a complete ARTSSpring calendar of events.
GWINNETT BRAVES VS. LEHIGH VALLEY
AT COOLRAY FIELD
June 1-2nd
www.gwinnettbraves.com
Location: Lawrenceville
 Phone: 1-800-745-3000
See the AAA affiliate to the Atlanta Braves play baseball in their 10,000-seat stadium named Coolray Field in Lawrenceville. It is less than 5 minutes from the Mall of Georgia and I-85. Game starts at 7:05 pm and tickets are $6-$16. |
