SOUTH METRO OUTLOOK

2012 South Metro Development Outlook

This year, South Metro Development Outlook (SMDO) was held on Thursday, February 9, at the Georgia International Convention Center. The Conference featured the City of Atlanta and the following seven south metro counties, Clayton, Coweta, Douglas, Fayette, Henry, Spalding and South Fulton.

The general sessions included elected officials and noted speakers (link to speaker page) providing invaluable insight relevant to the changing economy and continued growth of the region. The topics included the current and future economic and development trends, regional Transportation SPLOST and the economic development opportunities presented through expansion of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Additionally, industry experts gave presentations on sustainability initiatives and the impact of higher education on growth in the South Metro.

Each year, South Metro Development Outlook continues to grow in participation and content, and has attracted more than 6,000 attendees since it was established by The Collaborative Firm, LLC in 2003. SMDO was formed for the purpose of convening professionals with an interest in fostering smart growth in the south metropolitan Atlanta region. Conference speakers have included Ed Baker, Publisher, Atlanta Business Chronicle; Eldrin Bell, Chairman, Clayton County Board of Commissioners; Mark Butler, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Labor; Chris Clark, President and Chief Executive Officer, Georgia Chamber of Commerce; Todd Long, P.E., Director of Planning, Georgia Department of Transportation; Louis Miller, Aviation General Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Michael Paris, President & Chief Executive Officer, Council for Quality Growth; Kasim Reed, Mayor, City of Atlanta; and Roger Tutterow, Ph.D., Professor of Economics, Mercer University. We hope that you will join us next year for 2013 South Metro Development Outlook!