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BUSINESS THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17-23, 2019 • Page 13 Taylor leaves DeKalb Chamber, looks forward to new challenges BY KATHY MITCHELL FREELANCE REPORTER After seven years with the Dekalb Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO Katerina Taylor has announced that she has resigned to accept a position with the city of Atlanta, where she will be involved with economic development and workforce development. Oct. 16 was her last day with the chamber. Taylor said that although her position changes, she still will be working to support the area’s growth. “Atlanta is a robust hub for businesses. I have had the opportunity to learn from great business leaders, watch them from a distance, and spend a moment with them to receive great advice and counsel on the matters of people and business, and ultimately how we move them both forward together,” she said. “I have lived in Atlanta for 16 years and have worked at SunTrust Bank and the DeKalb Chamber. I have enjoyed every minute,” Taylor continued. “I’ve learned a lot and have been exposed to a lot. My capacity and expertise have grown, and I wanted the opportunity to expand my leadership impacts. Finally, [accepting the position with the city of Atlanta is] just a good business decision for me.” Taylor said she has had an interest in business since she was a child. “My father was a grocery store owner and he said there were two reasons he chose to go into this business: to feed and employ the community. There are many impediments to employment especially for many under resourced communities. I want to help families across Atlanta get the proper access to job training, livable wages and sustainable workforce opportunities. I also want to support the city and Invest Atlanta in our recruitment efforts of major organizations to the city,” she said. “The future workforce Katerina Taylor said she is proud of her accomplishments as president and CEO of DeKalb Chamber. will be employed by small businesses,” according to Taylor, who added, “I want to ensure that we are offering small businesses capacity and capital building opportunities. I also wanted to see that land swap between DeKalb County and Blackhall Studios get executed. Ryan Millsap’s plans for DeKalb will be great for job growth, entertainment industry workforce opportunities, and tourism.” Taylor said she is proud of her accomplishments at the DeKalb Chamber, noting that even businesses that never joined the chamber benefit from its work. “Through our advocacy, all businesses in DeKalb have been impacted by the work we do. Things I’m proud to have accomplished include rebranding the chamber, breaking consecutive records for attendance and budget on our annual programs, delivering my first State of Women in Business speech, advocating with Congresswoman [Lucy] McBath to increase appropriations around funding for CDFIs and ultimately creating more access to capital for small businesses, hiring a dynamic staff, and, getting the chamber through some of its most turbulent times.” Looking back at her years with the chamber, Taylor commented, “Most things are never as you expect it, and in this industry, there are surprises every day. I’m extremely grateful for all of it. It kept me up at night with my wheels turning, and sometimes I felt defeated but that was fleeting as I always remembered why I was here. “I enjoyed meeting the people. They have shared their goals and challenges with me. I was able to laugh with them and create great memories. It’s been great to see our members mix fun with business and participate in the ugly sweater contest at our holiday business- after-hours; they have all been a part of our legacy of leadership. I especially remember all the little girls I have met throughout the years who have told me that they want to be like me when they grow up. I still keep a box of thank you cards and congratulatory notes that I received over the last five years.” The DeKalb business community is moving in the right direction, according to Taylor, who observed, “DeKalb has heart, vision and guts. We’ve faced some challenges, but we continue to build business and people and help them thrive here. Passing SPLOSTin2017 helped create and fund a roadmap for DeKalb. We’ll continue to see the impact of SPLOST for years to come and by addressing the infrastructure and transportation challenges, it’ll make DeKalb a more attractive and competitive county.” The ideal candidate to succeed her should have an economic development background, according to Taylor, who added “and a background in fund development helps. I’d like to think I have the personality and demeanor for this kind of work, and I think that’s important, but most important he/she should have the heart for people and business.” Taylor said she would like her successor to know “DeKalb is as unique as its people, politics, assets, and resources and said whoever fills her shoes should “appreciate all of it. Learn from it and partner with as many people as you can,” she advised. “All parts of DeKalb are stronger together. By the way, DCTV is one of the best resources in DeKalb. Farewells are never easy, but this will be my most satisfying yet, as I am very proud of what has been accomplished thus far.” CITY OF BROOKHAVEN FY2020 BUDGET REVIEW, PUBLIC HEARINGS, AND ADOPTION The proposed FY 2020 City of Brookhaven Budget will be presented to Mayor and Council by the City Manager on October 22, 2019 at the regularly scheduled Council Meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. The City of Brookhaven will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY 2020 Budget at the regularly scheduled Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Another public hearing will be held during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Following the public hearing on November 26, 2019, the City Council will vote to adopt the FY 2020 Budget. The FY 2020 Budget will be available for public inspection at City Hall, 4362 Peachtree Road, and on the website www.brookhavenga.gov October 22, 2020. Frosted Flake (ID# 42232139) Frosted Flake is a five-star pup! Maybe it's his floppy ears or his puppy dog eyes, but this boy has quickly turned into a volunteer favorite. Frosted Flake has a sweet personality and has many doggie friends whom he loves going out in the play yard and romping around with. His excellent manners and playful but calm demeanor only add to this boy's list of great qualities. Come meet Frosted Flake....he's more than good. He's GGGRRREAT! If you would like to expand your family by 4 furry little feet; ask to meet Frosted Flake and have a loving friend forever. All adoptions include your new pet's spay or neuter, vaccinations, microchip and more! For more information about Frosted Flake please call (404) 294-2165 or email adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com. All potential adopters will be screened to ensure Frosted Flake goes to a good home. Hours: Mon- Fri; 11am-7pm / Sat-Sun; 11am-6pm
