BBA to Honor Businesses During Annual Luncheon

Georgia State President to give keynote address

ATLANTA, Jan. 29, 2016 — Georgia State University President Dr. Mark Becker will give the keynote address during the Buckhead Business Association’s (BBA) Annual Luncheon.

During the event, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25, at Flourish Atlanta, the civic organization will also honor local businesses for their roles in transforming the Buckhead community.

“Our Annual Luncheon gives the community an opportunity to reflect on the businesses that help make Buckhead great and also hear from a newsmaker who is helping to positively shape the community,” said David Coxon, president & CEO of Georgia Primary Bank and the BBA’s 2016 president. “We look forward to hearing from Dr. Becker about his vision for Georgia State and how it will continue to help transform the city.”

It’s been a busy few months for Becker and Georgia State administrators.

Earlier this year, the Board of Regents agreed to the consolidation of Georgia State and Georgia Perimeter College (GPC). The combined university will have more than 52,000 students,making it the largest university in the state university system, and will be fully operational when classes begin in fall 2016.

In addition, Georgia State in December won the right to redevelop Turner Field and approximately 70 acres surrounding the stadium. The school is planning to develop the property for a mix of uses, including student housing and athletic facilities, according to published reports.

In addition to hearing from Becker, the BBA will bestow its Business of the Year, Entrepreneurs of the Year and Buckhead Business Beautification awards.

Business of the Year nominees are Mountain High Outfitters, Keri Gold Salon, King+Duke, Sally B’s Skin Yummies and Seven Lamps. Buckhead Business Beautification Award nominees are Garden Hills Pool, which in 2014 unveiled an upgraded facility; Lenox Square for its renovated facade; and the Restoration Hardware that opened in 2014 on Peachtree Road.

“This past year was a great one for businesses and entrepreneurs in Buckhead,” said Smita Solanki, executive director of the BBA. “We are looking forward to celebrating these successes while also looking toward the future of the Buckhead community.”

Reporter Newspapers, publisher of The Buckhead Reporter and other community-centric newspapers, is the presenting sponsor.

Tickets for the Annual Luncheon are $80 for members or $720 for a table of 10 and $90 for nonmembers or $810 for a table of 10. For more information, visit buckheadbusiness.org/annual-luncheon.

CALENDAR LISTING: Georgia State University President Dr. Mark Becker will provide the keynote address during the Buckhead Business Association’s Annual Luncheon. The event is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25, at Flourish Atlanta.  The BBA will also honor local businesses for their roles in transforming the Buckhead community. Reporter Newspapers, publisher of The Buckhead Reporter, is the presenting sponsor. Tickets for the Annual Luncheon are $80 for members and $90 for nonmembers. For more information, visit buckheadbusiness.org/annual-luncheon.