What You Should Know Now

Staples Unveils New Technology Design at Two Atlanta Stores

 
 

Staples, the world’s largest office products company, has rolled out its newest store design that emphasizes its expansive technology offerings, including computers, laptops, tablets, eReaders, networking gear, software and all of the accessories consumers and businesses need to stay productive and connected. 

Two stores in Atlanta were the latest to receive the technology center overhaul and unveiled the new design last month.

Highlights of the new design include: A bright, open floor design with an extensive selection of products available for hands-on experience. Certified EasyTech associates are positioned throughout the store to help customers determine the technology products and solutions that best meet their needs. Also the revamped stores provide technical services and solutions to ensure customers leave with everything fully operational to maximize productivity

About the New Technology at Staples

The technology destination for consumers and small business has dramatically expanded its technology products and services. It offers a broad selection of the best brands including new tablets such as the BlackBerry PlayBook, Motorola XOOM WiFi, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, Toshiba Tablet and others. Staples makes technology buying and maintenance easy, with thousands of certified EasyTech associates in nearly 1,600 U.S. stores (as well as online tools such as  Staples.com/tablets) to help businesses and consumers research, compare and make the right choice for their technology needs.

To experience this new technology visit the following Staples locations:

650 Ponce De Leon Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30308

3675 Marketplace Blvd.
East Point, GA 30344

 

 

 

Atlanta Tribune's Moving Your Business Forward Highlights

Last week Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine hosted session two of a three-part series of 2011 Moving Your Business Forward conferences. With guest speakers, Lanelle Henderson, Jeff Brathwaite, Jessica Traylor, and Technology for Business contributor, Brent Leary, attendees were taken a step further in AT's ongoing forum focusing on using technology and social networking to foster success in business.

Held at the Georgia Tech Research Institute Conference Center on July 19, 2011, the event focused on:

• Ways to make your business accessible through social networking
• New technology and gadgets to stay connected
• Google+ and other Google Services
• Cloud Computing
• And additional advice for your businesses and websites

At the start of the conference, attendees were given raffle tickets during registration for prizes and giveaways throughout the day -- including:

• A BlackBerry Playbooks from Research In Motion
• A Dell Vostro V130 Laptop
• A Samsung Nexus-S 4G Android Smartphone
• A Samsung Epic 4G Android Smartphone
• A copy of Adobe Acrobat X Professional
• Two $50 gift cards from Best Buy

 

{Jeff Brathwaite}

At the end of the event, guests took home a complimentary copy of the July technology-themed issue of Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine as well as some tips on moving their businesses forward.

Check out the upcoming August issue for more on the conference.

5 Reasons to Attend the Moving Your Business Forward Conference on July 19th

5 Reasons to Attend the Moving Your Business Forward Conference on July 19^th

                        ^{By: Brent Leary}

 
Some outside of Atlanta may not know I write a monthly column called "Technology for Business" and serve on the editorial advisory board of Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine  -- a magazine dedicated to empowering minority business professionals for the last 25 years under the direction of publisher Pat Lottier. I'm proud to say I've been on board the five years.

For the last nine years, the Tribune has put on a conference called Moving Your Business Forward, aimed specifically at helping small companies be more competitive in an ever-changing business environment. I've had the pleasure of participating in many of the conference to discuss how technology can positively impact small business efforts to compete, thrive and survive. 

Technology wasn't a focal point of the conference initially, but as time passed by, it became an integral part of the agenda. And with social technology, cloud computing and mobility driving the growth of many entrepreneurs and startups, this year, technology is not only an integral part of the day, it is the total focus of the day!

 So, if you are in the Atlanta metro area on July 19^th and want to hear how some of the latest and greatest technologies can positively impact your business, you'll want to make your way to the Georgia Tech Research Institute Conference Center for this FREE event. You can register to attend using this link.

Here are a few reasons why you'll want to be there:

• Technology Coach Jeffrey "JB" Brathwaite will show you how to "Googlefy" your business in order to take it to the next level. Googlefy is my way of saying he will show you how to use some of Google's free, cloud-based services (like Google Voice, Google Docs, Google Plus, etc.) to be more productive, save money and reach potential customers.
• Constant Contact's Lanelle Henderson will demonstrate how to maximize your online marketing initiatives with today's technology tools.
• Microsoft's Jessica Traylor will show you how to leverage mobile technology to work on Word documents, collaborate with customers and partners while on the go, and to generally do more from wherever you happen to be. Samsung's Wilbur Satterfield will also show how different kinds of mobile devices (tablets are mobile devices too!) help in this area.
• I'll pitch in to talk about the five technology trends that will make (or break) your small business, with a special assist from Sprint's Cherlisa Mitchell. You HAVE to see how Cherlisa is going to help out with this!
• If all that wasn't enough, how about the chance to win one of the following:
  • 2 FREE BlackBerry Playbooks from Research In Motion
  • A FREE Dell Vostro V130 Laptop
  • A FREE Samsung Nexus-S 4G Android Smartphone
  • A FREE Samsung Epic 4G Android Smartphone
  • A FREE copy of Adobe Acrobat X Professional
  • 2 $50 gift certificates from Best Buy

And did I mention the conference itself is FREE?!

So, do yourself a favor and check it out. Here's the basic information:

Event: Moving Your Business Forward - Technology Summit

Organized By: Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine

Date: Tuesday, July 19th

Time: 8:30 am-3 pm

Place: Georgia Tech Research Institute Conference Center

250 14th Street, NW

Atlanta, GA 30318

Registration: FREE

Use this link to register by Monday: http://atmybf-july11.eventbrite.com/

 

Hope to see you Tuesday!

The 33rd Annual National Black MBA Association Conference and Exposition to be Held in Atlanta



Mayor Kasim Reed and the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA®) announced the organization’s 33^rd Annual Conference & Exposition will be held Tuesday, October 4 through Saturday, October 8 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The nation’s largest African American business and professional conference and exposition will draw an audience of more than 12,000 executives, entrepreneurs, students, and more than 350 corporations and public sector organizations looking to hire MBA graduates, seasoned professionals, and interns for available positions across the country.

 

“Make no mistake about it. Events like the National Black MBA Association’s 33^rd Annual Conference and Exposition help make the City of Atlanta better,” said Mayor Reed. “They bring energy, creativity and the fresh ideas of future leaders to our city.”

 

He added: “Atlanta is a proven leader in economic and business development. The metro area is home to ten Fortune 500 companies. We are the leading global city in the southeast, and the opportunities here for small, urban, minority and women-owned businesses are unparalleled.”

 

Designed to promote education, leadership, and economic growth amongst its membership, the NBMBAA conference will provide the tools to ensure that individuals and business owners are uniquely prepared and positioned to capitalize on new opportunities as the U.S. begins a slow economic recovery from a devastating recession.

 

“Our most valuable assets are our members. That's why this year's conference theme, PowerUp Your Profitability, focuses on building the strengths and talents of our members so they can be even greater contributors to the global community,” said NBMBAA President and CEO Kimberly Corbin.

 

Serving as Honorary Co-Chairs for the conference are Geri Thomas, senior vice president, Global Diversity & Inclusion Executive for the Atlanta Market and Georgia State President for Bank of America and Harold Ford, Jr., managing director and senior client manager for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.

 

Stephen Covey, New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Speed of Trust, a groundbreaking and paradigm-shifting book, is set to deliver a dynamic keynote address on Wednesday, October 5. Renowned Grammy® recording artist and international philanthropist John Legend will give the keynote remarks at the Keynote Luncheon on Friday, October 7.

 

A free Town Hall, open to the public, on Thursday, October 6, will explore the impact of the entertainment industry on the next generation. 

 

Sponsors of this year’s conference and exposition include Chrysler, Dell, Deloitte, Delta, FedEx, Genentech, Humana, IBM, MassMutual, Nationwide, Pitney Bowes, State Farm, United Healthcare, Vanguard, and Wells Fargo.

 

Other highly anticipated programming will include:

 

·         Leaders of Tomorrow®--hundreds of enterprising high school students mentored through local NBMBAA chapters will meet in Atlanta to focus on excellence during this intense four-day conference, when they will             work with the country’s most accomplished personal and professional development coaches and trainers to        help them develop the habits necessary to chart a course towards their goals. In addition, students will have the opportunity to learn the secrets of success directly from the best – hearing from high-level corporate executives, public officials, and thought leaders and networking with thousands of National Black MBA Association members.

 

·         Entrepreneurial Institute– offering professional development and networking opportunities to aspiring and             current business owners, thought a series of workshops, panel discussions, and networking forums. 

 

·         Innovation Whiteboard Challenge (Institutes Breakfast)—Five people will have five minutes each to sell their business idea to a panel of venture capitalists, academic instructors and successful     entrepreneurs – using only a whiteboard and marker. The winner will receive $10,000.

 

·         Leadership Institute—an executive development program with courses for experienced managers and high potential employees taught by credentialed and experienced faculty.

 

·         Career Fair & Exposition, featuring the NBMBAA Career Success Network Center® and Employment Network®.  – job and franchise opportunities available from more than 350 Blue Chip corporations.  A must-do activity for anyone serious about succeeding in a tough and competitive environment.

 

·         NBMBAA Case Competition® – Teams of graduate business students will compete for up to $15,000 and employment opportunities.

 

National Black Arts Festival Highlights

The National Black Arts Festival will showcase many artists from the African Diaspora. Enjoy the best in artist markets, gallery crawls, music, leisure, theater and film.

2011 Festival Highlights

Legends Celebration: The O’Jays

Sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company

The O’Jays are honored as the 2011 Legends. After a string of hits over more than 50 years, the O’Jays give the world one of the most anticipated performances of their career.

July 15, 2011, 8:00 PM, Atlanta Symphony Hall

 

Interpretations: Black Visual Art – Past, Present, Future

Sponsored by Bank of America

Interpretations: Black Visual Art – Past, Present and Future remembers Romare Bearden on the 100th Anniversary of his birth and honors master artists; Elizabeth Catlett, Samella Lewis, Betye Saar, Richard Mayhew, Thornton Dial and David Driskell. July 14, 2011, 8:00 PM, Symphony Hall

 

DanceAfrica Atlanta!

Sponsored by Macy’s, Chevron and South Arts

NBAF presents DanceAfrica Atlanta! Curated by Chuck Davis, Founder and Artistic Director of the African American Dance Ensemble. DanceAfrica is a celebration of the movement, spirit and energy of cultures of Africa and the African Diaspora. Features Lesolés Dance Project, Vincent Mantsoe, Giwayen Mata and Diali Keba Cissohko.

July 16 &17, 2010, Saturday, 8:00 PM, Sun 3 PM, Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University

 

SNEAK PEEK SCREENING - FunkJazz Kafé: Diary Of A Decade

Diary of a Decade is a full-length documentary film on the FunkJazz Kafé, a music and arts movement born of Atlanta’s diverse musical heritage. Directed by Jason Orr.

Wednesday, July 13, 7:00 PM Red Carpet and Doors

 

PAN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL AT THE NATIONAL BLACK ARTS FESTIVAL

The National Black Arts Festival welcomes the curatorial expertise of long-time partners, the Pan African Film Festival again this year to present a diverse slate of films from throughout the African Diaspora. The Pan African Film Festival presents the most provocative films created by filmmakers of color throughout Africa and the African Diaspora.

July 13 & July 14, Wednesday, 10 AM – 6:30 PM; Thursday, 2:30 AM – 9:00 PM. Rialto Center for the Arts

 

Brunch and Gallery Tour with Radcliffe Bailey (sold out)

Join NBAF at Table 1280 for an intimate lunch conversation with Radcliffe Bailey prior to touring his exhibition Memory as Medicine at the High Museum of Art.

July 17, 2011, 1:00 PM, Table 1280, Woodruff Arts Center

 

NBAF Gala: A Gathering of Colors- Salute to the Silver Screen (sold out)

Sponsored by The Coca Cola Company and UPS

Discover why Atlanta is dubbed the “Hollywood of the South” as you stroll down memory lane at NBAF’s 2011 Gala: A Salute to the Silver Screen which pays homage to the achievements to African Americans in the film industry.

July 16th, 7 p.m. July 16, 2010, 7:00 PM, Ritz-Carlton Buckhead

 

International Marketplace at Centennial Olympic Park

Sponsored by American Family Insurance

From paintings, beautifully woven fabrics and clothing to skillfully handcrafted jewelry and wood carved sculptures, artists from around the world showcase their best in the Marketplace. Features: Publix Healthy Cooking Pavilion, African Ancestry, Senegalese Village and Ghanaian Trade Fair.

July 14-July 17. Thurs 5 PM-9 PM, Fri-Sat 10 AM-9 PM, Sun 12 PM-8 PM, Centennial Olympic Park

 

The Main Stage at Centennial Olympic Park

Three days of jazz, reggae, blues, soul and African rhythms! Featuring Orquesta Macuba, Rio Negro, Ras Kofi, Frankie’s Blues Mission, Chicago Bob Nelson, Sandra Hall The Empress of the Blues, Donnie, Julie Dexter, The Chronicle, Tribute to Gil Scott Heron, Kathleen Bertrand, Gregory Porter and Omar Sosa. The full line up is available at NBAF.org.

July 15-July 17, Fri 5 PM-9 PM, Sat 12 PM- 9 PM, Sun 12 PM-8 PM., Centennial Olympic Park

 

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at Ebenezer

The National Black Arts Festival and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra continue their annual partnership to present a community concert at Ebenezer Baptist Church on historic Auburn Avenue.

July 17, 2010, 7 PM, Ebenezer Baptist Church

 

Visual Arts Highlights

ACA Gallery of SCAD – Trenton Doyle Hancock – We Done All We Could and None Of It’s Good

Avisca Fine Art – Works on Paper: Freddie Styles and Lynn Marshall Linnemeier Catherine Kelleghan Gallery – A Diversity of Colors, Group Show

Chastain Arts Center – Home, curated by Fahamu Pecou

Gems of Africa Gallery – Contemporary Africa

Hagedorn Gallery – True Hip Hop – Mike Schreiber

Hagedorn Gallery – John Florio

Hammonds House Museum – Equal Rights: The Art of Michael D. Harris High Museum of Art – Memory as Medicine – Radcliffe Bailey

Mercer University – Lynn Linnemeier: Douglass’ Douglasville: A Journey Project

Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University – Susan J. Ross, Sankofa

Zucot Gallery/Premier Art – Views, Moods, Attitudes: Life Perspectives from Acclaimed Atlanta Artists

Times and dates vary

 

The Publix Healthy Cooking Pavilion at Centennial Park

Sponsored by Publix

Get on the right track to a healthier and happier you by participating in healthy cooking demonstrations, tastings and learning new cooking ideas at the Healthy Cooking Pavilion sponsored by Publix.

July 14-July 17, 2011 Thursday, 6 PM-8 PM, Fri-Sat 12 PM-8 PM, Sun 12 PM-6 PM, Centennial Olympic Park

 

Children’s Education Village

This year’s Children's Education Village features five distinct destinations with a variety of hands on experiences designed for children aged 5-12: The Boyhood Home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.(Growing the Dream); an African hands-on village (Destination Afrika); an urban ecological experience for children (Black and Green!); Partners’ Row featuring the best of Atlanta for children; and the Family Stage.

Friday, July 15, 10 AM – 4 PM, Camps and Groups by Reservation Only (Pre-registration is required). Family Days - Saturday, July 16, Noon – 4 PM, Sunday, July 17, Noon - 4 PM, Centennial Olympic Park

 

NBAF in the Community

NBAF in the Community showcases local talent to children, families, seniors and other Fulton County Residents. Artists include the James Patterson Sextet, Río Negro, Kuumba Storytellers, Kevin Spears and Marcus Hopkins-Turner. More information is available at NBAF.org.

Monday – Saturday, July 6-9, 2011

 

Jazz Around Town

Jazz at the Southwest Arts Center featuring Avery Sunshine.

Monday, July 11 at 7:30 pm, Southwest Arts Center

 
 
 

Dance Master Class

Atlanta area dancers participate in a Community Master Dance Class with choreographers Vincent Mantsoe and Lesolé Maine. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited and reserved on a first –come-first-served basis.

Saturday, July 15, 2011, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM, Ballethnic Dance Studio

 

Coretta Scott King Book Fair: Beautiful Blackbird

Presented in partnership with the Children's Department of the Atlanta Fulton Public Library System

Event includes storytelling, hands on activities, and youth workshops. This year’s featured award winning author is Ashley Bryan. The featured award winning illustrator is Bryan Collier. The Coretta Scott King Book Awards honor Mrs. King for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood. Children presenting a public library card can select a FREE Coretta Scott King Award-winning book. This event is Free, but reservations are required, please call 404 224-3464.

Wednesday, July 6, 2010, 10 AM- 2 PM, Atlanta Fulton County Public Library- Children’s Department, One Margaret Mitchell Square

 

NBAF Summer Institute

World renowned artists and scholars provide participants with an up-close and personal experience with art and culture which is supported by a selection of performances and gallery tours. Conducted in partnership with the Hammonds House Museum, will guide participants through the Contemporary Arts of the African Diaspora. Pre-registration is required, register at NBAF.org.

July 12-16, 2010, 9 AM-12 PM, Hammonds House Galleries

 

The Life and Times of Congressman Robert Smalls” Exhibition and Educator Workshop

Presented in Partnership with the Auburn Avenue Research Library and Museum

Traveling exhibition includes visual displays, three-dimensional artifacts, pictures and other memorabilia of Civil War hero, Robert Smalls, his life and his family.

July 5, 2011 – September 19, 2011, Auburn Avenue Research Library. Conducted in partnership with Auburn Avenue Research Library.

 

First Glance: Fresh Perspectives from Young Artists

Sponsored by Turner Voices, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

High school students compete against one another to win the top prize in spoken word, visual arts and film. Who will take home the honors? Come out and see for yourself.

July 14, 2011, 12:00 PM, Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University.

 

Race, Diversity & Performance Series: The Conversations
African American Art in the 21st Century with Halima Taha and Michael Harris

A conversation between Halima Taha, author of “Collecting African American Art: Works on Canvas and Paper” and visual artist Michael Harris, about African American Visual Art in the 21st century. Facilitated by visual arts curator Karen Comer Lowe.

Wednesday, July 13, 2010, Hammonds House, 1 PM

 

Race, Diversity and Performance: African American Music in the 21st Century

Join Dr. Dwight Andrews as he considers the challenges and the possibilities of African American Music in the 21st Century.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011, 4 p.m, Hammonds House Museum

 

The O’Jays: In Context

Dr. Portia K. Maultsby, Professor of Ethnomusicology at Indiana University explores the music of The O’Jays and contextualizes this legendary musical phenomenon.

Thursday, July 14, 2011, 1 PM, Hammonds House Museum

 

African Americans and the African Renaissance: A Forum on the 3rd World Festival of Black Arts and Culture, Dakar, Senegal, 2010

Reports from the 3rd edition of the World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures in Dakar, Senegal where thousands of people from Africa and the Black Diaspora engaged a new vision of the African Diaspora.

Saturday, July 16, 2011, 10 AM, Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American

 

Three Sistahs

Presented in Partnership with Horizon Theatre Company

This blues & pop musical set in 1969 is about three who gather for the third year in a row for a funeral. When they return to pack up the family home, sparks fly as they share wine, memories, dreams and secrets. Story by Janet Pryce, Book & Lyrics by Thomas W. Jones II, Music by William Hubbard, Directed by Thomas W. Jones II.

July 15 – August 28, Wed-Fri 8 PM, Sat 3 PM & 8:30 PM, Sun 5 PM, Horizon Theatre Company