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MAAP's monthly newsletter, featuring a letter from the Board of Directors and information about our events, members and partners.
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Letter from the Board

Joshua D. Lorenz

President & CEO
 

Happy August!

I want to take a quick second to thank our amazing lawmakers who took the time out of their busy schedules to spend some time with us last month. The panel was very informative and something we look forward to doing again.

Special thanks to:

  • Rep. Park Cannon
  • Rep. Scott Holcomb
  • Sen. Elena Parent
  • Sen. Vincent Fort
Remember the takeaway from them. ... we must get involved in the legislative process to help make change. Call your lawmakers and tell them what is important to you!

We still have some great programming coming up this year that we cannot wait to share with you, including some happy hours, speed networking and our partner open house.

While you wait for that ... plan now to join us on Aug.18 at TEN! It'll be another fantastic evening of networking.

See you soon!

Cheers,
Joshua D. Lorenz

What happened last month?

We mingled with our state lawmakers and heard their responses to our questions.  It was a fantastic panel discussion.

Photos courtesy of Lea Boulch!

Partner Spotlight

 

Creative Approach 


Richard Pope
MAAP: Tell us what services you provide. 
Richard Pope: Creative Approach offers numerous services! We can print about anything that someone may need printed: banners, business cards, books, brochures, etc. We also offer a wide selection of promotional products with thousands of vendors at our service. Graphic design services are among the most important and frequently utilized services we offer. We have designers on staff that can help compose brands, logos and put together any print media that you want. Lastly, we have a social media manager on staff who can help teach you how to get more out of your social media and even manage it if you need the help. 
 
MAAP: What's the order process? How can I purchase?
RP: Inquiries and orders can be placed by reaching out to me at Richard@mycreativeapproach.com or 404.771.2357. Walk in service and online ordering are also offered, and you can reach our webpage at www.mycreativeapproach.com 
 
MAAP: You guys are very frequent faces at our events and we appreciate your support! Why did you choose to partner with MAAP?
RP: When locating to Atlanta Creative Approach wanted to make a presence in the LGBT community. We did our research and MAAP was the organization that stood out above the rest. MAAP is among the most well put together and enjoyable networking groups we have found. It has opened up many doors for me in the business world and continues to do so. I've also made some long-lasting friendships from visitors and members that have attended MAAP meetings. 
 
MAAP: Are there any opportunities for our members to gain experience or employment with Creative Approach?
RP: Many learning opportunities and experience are offered at Creative Approach. We do monthly workshops on social media as well as host numerous events at our facility. A few job opportunities have also come up in recent months and I can name at least one MAAP member who applied and interviewed here. I would not be surprised if there are more in the future! 
 
MAAP: We know you have a location in Savannah, but how is your Atlanta experience? Why did you decide on an additional location here?
RP: Atlanta has been a great step towards growth for Creative Approach. We have spread our wings here and absolutely love Atlanta. We've immersed ourselves into the community and really gotten ourselves involved with some great organizations here! 
 
MAAP: Lastly, can I catch any Pokémon in your shop?
RP: Rumor has it that a Pikachu has been caught in our lobby area. We are also located in between two Pokestops. 
Shining the spotlight,
from Membership Director 
Dave McElroy


“I do it because at the heart of everything you are facilitating the growth of the manufacturing.”

This month we’re shining the spotlight on import specialist Miles Reliford. Miles recently made Atlanta his home to explore a new career venture. A career that allows him the opportunity to talk and meet with individuals all over the world. MAAP got a chance to learn a little bit more about the import-export business after talking with Miles, but let’s hear what he has to say. 


Miles Reliford

MAAP: What do you do for a living and why do you do it?
Miles Reliford: I am an import specialist for Green Worldwide Shipping, LLC. I work with small to midsized businesses and owners to assist and consult with the importation of goods arriving from Asia, Europe, North and South America, Africa and Australia.

I do it because at the heart of everything you are facilitating the growth of the manufacturing and consumer industries for the companies that hire us to manage the import & export logistic needs. It is exciting to witness these small business owners take their companies to new and exciting levels.

On a daily basis, I talk and meet with people all over the world. I am a people person so I love it!!!

MAAP: Where have you lived and which city was your favorite?
MR: Terre Haute, Indiana (born and raised there); Bloomington, Indiana; Indianapolis, Indiana; Arlington, Virginia; Decatur, Georgia (relocated to metro Atlanta to take on a new career change and challenge in 2014). 

The District, Maryland and Virginia will always hold a very close place to my heart and soul. Moving there at age 23 and staying until 27; those years against the backdrop of such a historical, political, cultural and extremely diverse driven city really propelled me to come into my own in my personal and professional aspects of my life with great confidence. However, I will say Atlanta and its surrounding areas have been great to me, showcasing Southern hospitality. I fit in quickly with the community.

MAAP: What do you wish everyone knew about the industry you work in?
MR: It is not an industry of just moving things from point A to B. It's about supporting people by helping them get the parts, supplies and goods to their customers.

MAAP: Knowing what you know now, what would you do differently 10 years ago?
MR: Seek out the opinion of others more for further personal and professional advice.

MAAP: What songs are you listening to now?
MR: Right now I am listening to Drake, Rihanna, Sia, James Bay, Lianne La Havas and Sam Sparro.

MAAP: What are you currently reading? 
MR: "Tar Baby" by Toni Morrison. 

MAAP: What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
MR: All the great food! As a foodie, the scene here is wonderful. 

MAAP: Favorite Atlanta hangout?
MR: Hands down it's a tie between The Music Room and MJQ, lol! 

MAAP: What’s the best advice you have ever received in life?
MR: "You truly can't love others until you love yourself."

MAAP: What are the key driver(s) in your life that have helped you get to where you are currently?
MR: My family, friends and spirituality. 

MAAP Random 3!

1. When I was in kindergarten, I turned down a producer's interest in me being in a commercial promoting a restaurant's kids’ meals selection.
 
2. During college, I auditioned for "The Real World." 
 
3. Though, I love to cook and entertain for family and friends, I find it difficult just to cook for myself. 

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August Networking Mixer

Mark your calendars for a night of networking not to be missed. Join MAAP on Aug.18 at TEN Atlanta, 990 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta 30309, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for an evening of new connections. Bring a friend, meet and get to know business professionals from in and around the metro Atlanta area and expand your professional network.

Agenda:
6:00-6:30: Open networking, cash bar, light bites
6:30-7:00: Welcome and structured networking
7:00-7:30: Open networking
7:30-8:00: Closing comments, raffle drawing and event closure

When: Aug. 18, 2015, 6-8 p.m.
Where: TEN Atlanta, 990 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

 


Connecting Atlanta


Make your lunch break a networking opportunity and connect with business professionals, small business owners, job seekers and community supporters to expand your circle of influence and grow your business at Connecting Atlanta, a networking lunch by MAAP.

Join us at Egg Harbor Café the first Tuesday of every month from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a remarkable networking lunch. There is no set price, just pay on your way out for your meal (don't forget to tip!). The event is limited to 20 participants. Please preregister by emailing Todd Cosper at tcosper@maapatl.org.

Agenda:
11:45 a.m.-noon: Open networking
Noon-12:05 p.m.: Introduction
12:05 p.m.-12:20 p.m.: 1-minute introduction – Guests to share about themselves, their business and the best referral for them.
12:20 p.m.-12:30 p.m.: 10-minute business owner spotlight
12:30 p.m.-1 p.m.: Lunch (Highlight MAAP events, discussion questions to keep everyone engaged, etc.)

When: 1st Tuesday of each month from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Egg Harbor Café, 1820 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Are you wondering where to find the kind of professionals you want to meet?

They're at the Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals. Join us to unlock member benefits like free admission to all Third Thursday events and discounts for special events. Join at https://maapatl.org
Do you have ideas about where we could meet in the future?

Or do you have contacts at locations around town that might host us? Let us know by filling out our contact form today!
Looking for a great organization to volunteer with?

MAAP can use your skills to help our great organization grow.  Apply today by filling out this short form: http://goo.gl/VlQqQW

Did you love the latest MAAP event? What do you think we could improve? Fill out our short feedback form to tell us your thoughts and comment. This is your organization; help us improve it! http://goo.gl/pKlRZe

A huge THANK YOU to our proud partners
for all they do to support MAAP!
Copyright © 2016 Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals, All rights reserved.


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