What You Should Know Now

Wells Fargo + AT + SB12: Model Inc.

Wells Fargo + AT + SB12: Manufacturing Success

Wells Fargo + AT SB12: Milton Kirby's Seasoned Approach

Reed Administration Grows City of Atlanta’s Reserves to $94.4 Million [up from $7.4 million]

City’s reserve fund was $7.4 million when Mayor Kasim Reed was inaugurated in January 2010.

The City of Atlanta has $94.4 million in its general fund reserves, an increase of $87 million since January 2010 when Mayor Kasim Reed was inaugurated. The audited data was released as part of the city’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. 

One of the primary goals of the Reed administration is to restore the city’s fiscal health to ensure future growth and encourage greater economic investment by local, national and global companies. Mayor Reed, in partnership with the Atlanta City Council, has passed two budgets with cash surpluses that included funds to hire more than 400 police officers and open all of the city’s recreation centers for young people. Mayor Reed’s administration also reformed the city’s pension plan, enabling the city to continue investing in critical public safety and operational priorities, while strengthening the city's fiscal position. The pension reform plan is expected to save the city more than $270 million over the next 10 years.

“By restoring the city’s fiscal strength, its leaders can focus on the safety and quality of life issues that matter most to residents and business owners,” said Mayor Reed. “I am proud that in the midst of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, the City of Atlanta has managed its finances in a manner that has led to the growth of the city’s reserve fund to $94 million from $7 million in two years. We have governed prudently, while also investing in public safety personnel and equipment, parks and recreation centers and transportation infrastructure – all without raising property taxes.”

State law requires that all general-purpose local governments publish, within six months of the close of each fiscal year, a complete set of audited financial statements, presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The city’s FY 2011 financial statements were audited by Banks, Finley, White & Co with additional support provided by Tabb & Tabb. The goal of the independent audit is to provide reasonable assurance that the city’s financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011, are free of material misstatement.

“Strong cost controls, targeted capital investments and conservative revenue projections have allowed the city to generate a general fund operating surplus,” said Jim Beard, Chief Financial Officer for the City of Atlanta. “The city is on its way to achieving the Reed administration’s goal of more than $100 million in reserves. Once this is accomplished, we look forward to addressing the city’s various capital and infrastructure needs in a fiscally prudent manner.” 

 

SB12: Karen Duckett, Preparing for the Next Level

NEW COLUMNIST: Constant Contact's e-Marketing Expert Lanelle Henderson to make her debut in our February issue

Lanelle Henderson is a marketing expert and passionate entrepreneur with more than 18 years of experience helping small businesses, nonprofits and associations apply the power of relationship marketing to grow their organization. She has worked with hundreds of Georgia entrepreneurs -- ranging from novice to seasoned marketers - on how to grow their customer or member base through sharp business practices and smart online marketing programs, including email marketing, event marketing and social media marketing. An active member of the Georgia business community, Lanelle is a popular speaker and trainer on marketing and business topics with a special interest in hospitality, community and education, and a focus on empowering women.

PHOTOS: AT's 25th Anniversary Celebration!

Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine marked its 25-year run in publishing by saluting the people, corporations, foundations and nonprofits that have made significant contributions to the advancement of minority business entrpreneurs and the Atlanta community. The gala -- sponsored by Wells Fargo, Delta Air Lines, The Coca Cola Company and Verizon Wireless -- was held at the 755 Club at Turner Field. Click the photo to view more pictures from the evening's celebration. For complete 25th Anniversary Gala coverage, pick up the February 2012 issue of Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine.

NEW COVER PREVIEW! Atlanta Tribune Celebrates 25 Years of Publishing

Seven Promising Jobs You May Not Know About in 2012

Lawyers and detectives may be the roles most commonly depicted on TV, but the jobs that get high ratings in real-life are often lesser known. According to salary research from Robert Half, demand for positions such as mobile applications developers, data warehouse analysts and user experience (UX) designers is expected to grow in the coming year as companies look to invest in their information technology (IT) infrastructure and digital presence.

“A common feature of high-demand jobs is a large degree of specialization,” said John Reed, executive director of Robert Half Technology. “Professionals with the best prospects have finely tuned abilities that enable their companies to take advantage of new technology and the increasing amount of information available to them.”

Following is an overview of seven high-potential jobs for 2012:

 

1. Mobile applications developer – As companies strive to reach consumers on smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices, they need professionals who can develop for the small screen. Starting salaries for mobile applications developers are projected to increase 9.1 percent to a range of $85,000 to $122,500 in the coming year.
2. Data warehouse analyst – Maintaining data has become an increasingly complex task, which is why companies need professionals who can collect, analyze and mine stored data, as well as offer effective storage strategies. Anticipated base compensation for these professionals is expected to climb 6.7 percent to between $88,000 and $119,000 in 2012.
3. User experience (UX) designer – Since so much customer interaction happens online, companies are looking for workers who can create positive digital experiences. The starting pay for these individuals is expected to rise 6.2 percent to a range of $71,750 to $104,000.
4. Data security analyst – Security threats are constantly changing, and firms need professionals who can analyze risk and propose solutions. Base compensation for these workers is expected to rise 6.0 percent to between $89,000 and $121,500.
5. SEO/SEM specialist – Being found online by search engines and consumers is essential to any firm looking to make its digital mark. That’s why companies seek SEO/SEM specialists who can develop strategies to optimize web projects for search and increase online visibility. Those with three or more years of experience are projected to see starting salary gains of 6.0 percent, to a range of $63,750 to $87,500.
6. Network engineer – Companies’ networks are more intricate than ever, increasing the need for those who can ensure the efficient and secure transfer of data and information. Starting salaries for network engineers are expected to rise 5.8 percent to a range of $75,000 to $107,750.
7. Web developer – Web developers are increasingly needed by companies looking to enhance their online presence. Base compensation for these professionals is projected to increase 5.4 percent to between $61,250 and $99,250.

 More information about the positions listed above can be found in the Robert Half Technology 2012 Salary Guide, which includes a wide range of IT positions, as well as The Creative Group 2012 Salary Guide, which focuses on interactive, design and marketing jobs.

Carter Brothers Partners with Morris Brown College to Improve Student and Faculty Safety

Carter Brothers, LLC (“Carter Brothers”), the largest minority provider of fire & life safety, access control and video with a specialization in project management headquartered in Atlanta, GA has partnered with Morris Brown College.  Carter Brothers will donate products, goods, and services to Morris Brown to enhance the safety of the current facilities being utilized by students and faculty. Morris Brown is an HBCU institution dedicated to academic excellence and achievement dating back to its founding in 1881. 

“After meeting with Dr. Pritchett and discussing the college’s strategic plan to build enrollment, ensure accreditation and create a safer environment for students, faculty, and all individuals who may visit the campus, my brother and I saw this as an excellent opportunity to utilize our expertise in fire and life safety to give back during this challenging economy,” said Carter Brothers CEO John F. Carter.

Through a phased approach, Carter Brothers’ initial focus will be to update, test, inspect, and provide preventive maintenance for fire & life safety systems located at four facilities on campus. This will include such items as fire alarm panels and smoke detectors followed by the integration of mass notification systems. The Carter Brothers in-kind donation is in keeping with John and Cris Carter’s commitment to education, community and philanthropy.

Carter Brothers is the fourteenth largest and the leading minority provider of fire & life safety, access control and video with a specialization in project management, as ranked by trade publication SDM Magazine. Through its unique construction–style project management delivery model, the firm has provided systems and services to campuses around the country including Georgia Institute of Technology, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine and Kennesaw State University.

“We welcome this major resource to improve the safety of our students and staff,” says President Stanley J. Pritchett, Morris Brown College.  “It is because of partnerships offered by people like John F. Carter and Carter Brothers that Morris Brown College can see our “turn-around plan” beginning to work.  The implementation of this massive notification system will not only help Morris Brown students, but students throughout the Atlanta University Center will be safer.”