Radio Disney AM 590 Atlanta and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Announce Winners of the 'Get Active Get Fit!' School Challenge

/PRNewswire/ -- Radio Disney AM 590 Atlanta, part of the number one radio network for kids, tweens and families, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) announce the winners of the "Get Active Get Fit!" School Challenge. The 20 Georgia schools with the highest percentage of participation in the program have won a special dance party hosted by Radio Disney AM 590. In addition, five schools were awarded new gym equipment valued at $500 for being the first to sign up and complete the program.

The "Get Active Get Fit!" School Challenge was designed to motivate kids and families to achieve fitness together by engaging in fun activities. The program has been implemented in more than 150 elementary schools in 127 districts throughout the Fall 2010, furthering a commitment to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle among 61,000 of Georgia's school-age children.

The winning schools with the highest percentage of participation are:

Adrian School of Performing Arts	Emanuel County
Bacon County Elementary	Bacon County
Brookview Elementary	Fulton County
Burnette Elementary	Gwinnett County
Cusseta Road Elementary	Muscogee County
Edgewood Elementary	Muscogee County
Glen Haven Elementary	Dekalb County
Hannah Academy	Muscogee County
Hubbard Elementary	Monroe County
Lake Oconee Academy	Greene County
Lamar County Primary School	Lamar County
Marlow Elementary	Effingham County
Social Circle Elementary	Social Circle City
Social Circle Primary	Social Circle City
South Dodge Elementary	Dodge County
Stonewall Tell Elementary	Fulton County
Tolbert Elementary	Gordon County
Venetian Hills Elementary	Atl Public Schools
Whitesburg Elementary	Carroll County
Whitlow Elementary	Forsyth County

The schools awarded new gym equipment are:

Lamar County Primary School	Lamar County
Social Circle Primary	Social Circle City
South Dodge Elementary	Dodge County
Stonewall Tell Elementary	Fulton County
Venetian Hills Elementary	Atl Public Schools

"It is truly amazing to see how many schools participated in this challenge," said Morgan Kendrick, President, BCBSGa. "They are all winners and we couldn't be more thrilled with the incredible success that Radio Disney's 'Get Active Get Fit!' program has experienced in engaging Georgia's children in healthy fitness activities."

Nearly 500,000 students nationwide signed up to participate in the "Get Active Get Fit!" School Challenge in states including California, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri, Upstate New York, Virginia, and Wisconsin. For Radio Disney, the network's involvement in the program demonstrates its commitment to inspiring healthier lifestyles for kids and families supporting Disney's Magic of Healthy Living effort.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG @FayetteFP

The Top 20 Most Frugal Cities of 2010 Revealed

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Attention, shoppers: Atlanta residents are saving more money than you are. When it comes to whittling down that grocery bill and tackling rising food prices, Atlantans are doing it best by using coupons.

“Especially in the South and Midwest, shoppers know how to keep their pennies in their pockets, racking up substantial savings throughout the year.”

For the second year in a row, Atlanta takes the top spot on the ‘Most Frugal U.S. Cities’ list, according to the 2010 Savings Index1 released today by Coupons.com, the premiere Web destination for coupons and savings. On average, regular users of Coupons.com in Atlanta printed more than $1000.00 dollars in coupon savings from the site in 2010. That is almost twice as much as during 2009, when they printed $531 in savings.

Tampa cashed in with coupons and maintained its position as the city with the second most savings. On average, regular users of Coupons.com in Tampa printed $863.00 in savings. Following on the savings heels of Atlanta and Tampa are, in order, Cincinnati, Saint Louis and Minneapolis, according to the Index.

“Across the country Americans are incorporating couponing into their shopping routine to alleviate rising food costs and keep their grocery bill in check,” said Jeanette Pavini, Coupons.com household savings expert. “Especially in the South and Midwest, shoppers know how to keep their pennies in their pockets, racking up substantial savings throughout the year.”

The South is a mega-saver: more than one-third of the top 20 frugal cities are in the Southern region of the United States. In addition to Atlanta and Tampa, other Southland cities on the list include Charlotte (#6), Nashville (#7), Raleigh (#10), Oklahoma City (#13), Miami (#13) and Dallas (#14).

Once again, Ohio is the country’s most frugal state. The Buckeye state is represented three times on the ‘Most Frugal U.S. Cities’ list – Cincinnati (#3), Cleveland (#8) and Columbus (#19).

North Carolina is Ohio’s biggest challenger, climbing the penny-pinching ladder with two cities in the top 10: Charlotte and Raleigh.

For the first time it was raining green in the Pacific Northwest as Seattle (#18) joined the list. Seattle is the only city on the West Coast that made the cut.

In 2010, regular users of Coupons.com hailing from the top 20 most frugal cities printed or added more than $1023.00 in savings to their store loyalty cards, which is almost twice the amount from 2009 of $535.00. Nationwide, more than $1.2 billion in savings was printed or saved to loyalty cards from Coupons.com and the Coupons.com network during 2009.

The Top 20 couponing cities are below.

2010 Rank			Change Since 2009			City			State			Savings Index
1			—			Atlanta			GA			997
2			—			Tampa			FL			569
3			—			Cincinnati			OH			497
4			—			Saint Louis			MO			420
5			—			Minneapolis			MN			329
6			↑ 1			Charlotte			NC			303
7			↓ 1			Nashville			TN			291
8			—			Cleveland			OH			289
9			—			Pittsburgh			PA			250
10			↑ 1			Raleigh			NC			235
11			↓ 1			Kansas City			MO			233
12			↑ 3			Washington			DC			207
13			↓ 1			Miami			FL			202
14			↑ 4			Dallas			TX			198
15			↓ 2			Oklahoma City			OK			198
16			↓ 4			Boston			MA			192
17			—			Denver			CO			170
18			↑ 5			Seattle			WA			153
19			↑ 1			Columbus			OH			147
20			↓ 1			Wichita			KS			146

Table 1: Top 20 Frugal U.S. Cities

Most On-the-Go Frugal U.S. Cities

Super-savers are tapping into savings via mobile apps for their cell phones, including Coupons.com’s Grocery iQ and the Coupons.com mobile apps.

When it comes to saving on-the-go, the citizens of Atlanta have the most frugal fingertips, based on use of the Coupons.com apps according to the Index2, which is reflected in the city’s top position on the Most On-the-Go Frugal Cities list in Table 2. The rest of the South is also smart when it comes to cellular savings. In fact, the South is home to 10 cities represented on the top 20 cities using mobile apps to access, browse, print and save coupons.

“More and more, people are taking advantage of coupons using mobile devices,” comments Pavini. “People are not just clicking for coupons from their computer, they are accessing them on-the-go and even at the supermarket.”

Some cities have a higher propensity to access coupons via mobile phones. For instance, savers in Oklahoma City, New Orleans, Las Vegas and Philadelphia are quick to look to their mobile device to maximize savings and advance on the On-the-Go list relative to their position on the ‘Most Frugal U.S. Cities’ list.

While they’re on the couponing wagon, Minneapolis, Cleveland and Seattle missed the mobile train: these cities ranked high on ‘Most Frugal U.S. Cities’ list, but each moved down several pegs on the On-the-Go list.

Top 20 Most On-the-Go Frugal Coupon Cities are below.

2010 Rank			City			State			Savings Index
1			Atlanta			GA			906
2			Tampa			FL			531
3			Saint Louis			MO			490
4			Cincinnati			OH			374
5			Oklahoma City			OK			363
6			Dallas			TX			282
7			Charlotte			NC			280
8			Pittsburgh			PA			246
9			Tulsa			OK			241
10			Miami			FL			238
11			Minneapolis			MN			235
12			Washington			DC			232
13			Nashville			TN			226
14			Raleigh			NC			222
15			Wichita			KS			219
16			Kansas City			MO			214
17			New Orleans			LA			198
18			Cleveland			OH			196
19			Denver			CO			177
20			Memphis			TN			165

Table 2: Top Frugal U.S. Cities - Mobile

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG @FayetteFP

GeoVax Labs CSO Dr. Harriet L. Robinson to be Honored at 2011 Georgia Bio (GaBio) Community Awards Ceremony

/PRNewswire/ -- Harriet L. Robinson, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at GeoVax Labs, Inc. (OTCQB/OTC Bulletin Board: GOVX), a biotechnology company that creates, develops and tests innovative HIV/AIDS vaccines, is one of three recipients of the 2011 Georgia Bio (GaBio) Community Awards. Dr. Robinson will be honored at the GaBio Annual Awards Dinner to be held Thursday, January 20 at Atlanta's Fox Theater.

Dr. Robinson is the developer of GeoVax's HIV-1 AIDS vaccine technology. One of the world's leaders in AIDS vaccine research, she was Chief of the Division of Microbiology and Immunology at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and the Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Emory University before joining GeoVax, of which she is a co-founder.

Dr. Robinson's early work with HIV vaccines demonstrated that DNA alone would likely not be sufficient to raise protective immunity for HIV. She combined DNA with protein boosters or live viral-vectored boosters to show that effective control might be achieved through a combination of DNA prime and viral-vectored boosters. It is these vaccines that GeoVax licensed for commercial development and now has in Phase 2 clinical trials. Dr. Robinson received her B.A. from Swarthmore College and her PhD in Microbiology from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Commenting on the award, Robert T. McNally, Ph.D., President and CEO of GeoVax, said, "We are delighted that Georgia Bio has seen fit to honor Harriet this year. We at GeoVax have long been aware of her extraordinary talents, and we are lucky to have her on staff as we continue to pursue the development of our preventative and therapeutic HIV vaccines."

Each year, Georgia Bio recognizes individuals, companies or institutions for significant contributions to Georgia's life sciences industry with its GaBio Community Awards. Georgia Bio (www.gabio.org) is a private, non-profit association representing nearly 300 pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies, medical centers, universities, research institutes, medical centers, government groups and other business organizations involved in the development of products that improve health and well-being of people animals and the environment.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG @FayetteFP

Channel 2 WSB-TV Announces Angel Poventud as Atlanta's 2010 Cox Conserves Hero

/PRNewswire/ -- Channel 2 WSB-TV and The Trust for Public Land (TPL) have announced that Angel Poventud is Atlanta's 2010 Cox Conserves Hero. He was nominated for the program, selected as a finalist by local environmental leaders and ultimately named as the Hero after receiving the most votes in an online public poll. Poventud has selected Trees Atlanta to receive the $5,000 award.

He was nominated for his volunteer work within Atlanta's environmental community. Poventud's weekends are spent planting and mulching with Trees Atlanta. He also frequently volunteers for BeltLine clean-up projects and helps the group convert abandoned rail corridors into parks.

"I started volunteering to plant trees, and I quickly realized it's the most rewarding thing I can do in the city," said Poventud. "It's important to utilize vacant lots. When you do, trees start getting planted and birds start chirping. Before you know it, nature happens."

Poventud was named Atlanta's 2010 Cox Conserves Hero at a reception held at and sponsored by the Hotel Palomar. Each of the other four finalists received $1,250 to donate to their environmental nonprofits of choice:

* Bryan Holloway (Revive Atlanta)
* James King (Keeping It Wild)
* Bruce Morton (Park Pride)
* Kit Sutherland (Historic Fourth Ward Park Conservancy)


This is the second year Cox Conserves Heroes has taken place in Atlanta. Don Wells - an advocate for conserving and enjoying the open spaces of the North Georgia Mountains – was named Atlanta's 2009 Cox Conserves Hero. As Wells' environmental nonprofit of choice, Mountain Stewards received $5,000 that was used to build new public trails and connect students with nature through outdoor classrooms.

The Cox Conserves Heroes program was created through a partnership between The Trust for Public Land and Cox Enterprises, the parent company of Channel 2 WSB-TV, to honor everyday conservationists. The program also runs in New Orleans, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. For more information, visit www.CoxConservesHeroes.com or find us on Facebook.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Emory University Hospital Named Consumer Choice Winner for 13th Straight Year

For the 13th straight year, Emory University Hospital has been recognized as one of the nation's top hospitals by the National Research Corporation's (NRC) Consumer Choice Awards.

The award identifies hospitals chosen by healthcare consumers as having the highest quality and image in more than 300 markets throughout the U.S. This is the 15th year NRC has awarded hospitals whose consumers have recognized them for providing the highest quality healthcare.

“Having an opportunity to once again share this tremendous honor with the men and women who care for our patients and visitors each day is certainly a special and rewarding part of my job,” says Robert Bachman, Emory University Hospital chief operating officer. “Being recognized for what you do – and how well you do it – by the very consumers you are in the business of serving each day is an accolade that cannot be topped. I want to thank our entire team of physicians, nurses, support and business staff, volunteers and vast network of stakeholders and donors who strive to make Emory University Hospital a great center for care and discovery. Our customers have again spoken, and we will use this award as motivation to continue improving service in a safe, patient- and family-centered environment of care.”

Ginny Martin, president of NRC's Ticker Division, says winners are determined by consumer perceptions on multiple quality and image ratings collected in the company's Ticker study. Of the 3,200 hospitals named by consumers in the study, the winning facilities rank highest in their Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Ticker study surveyed over 250,000 households representing over 450,000 consumers in the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia.

"Healthcare has become an increasingly important issue across the country and empowered consumers are making decisions for themselves and their families when selecting their healthcare facilities and services," Martin says. "As care options multiply and financial challenges remain strong, consumer perception of quality continues to grow in importance. Dedication to providing high quality healthcare has become essential for all hospitals. In the face of adversity, these Consumer Choice award winners exemplify the dedication it takes to provide quality healthcare to their communities, and we are pleased to honor them through the eyes of their patients."

This year, Emory University Hospital for the 20th time, joined the prestigious ranks of America's top medical institutions in the annual U.S. News & World Report guide to "America's Best Hospitals." The hospital is at the heart of one of the nation's leading university-based health systems, with nationally and internationally recognized faculty physicians in a broad range of specialty areas. The 573-bed adult, tertiary care facility is a component of Emory Healthcare -- the largest and most comprehensive health system in Georgia. The hospital is staffed by more than 950 practicing physicians who are also faculty members of the Emory School of Medicine.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Georgia Natural Gas Honored by Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta for Dedication to Community Service

/PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Natural Gas (GNG), the state's leading natural gas provider and a nationally recognized leader in corporate volunteerism, is the 2010 recipient of the IMPACT Award for Excellence in Corporate Community Engagement presented by the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta (CVC). The award is in the medium to small category of companies, which includes companies with up to 500 employees. The IMPACT Award is the highest award given by the CVC.

"We are thrilled to honor Georgia Natural Gas as the winner of this year's IMPACT Award for medium to small business. Their exemplary volunteer program is truly part of their business culture and demonstrates their deep dedication to the Atlanta community, their customers and employees," said Lea Rolfes, CVC executive director.

In the eight years since GNG implemented its community service program, the company's employees have made a tremendous difference in the lives of Georgia citizens through volunteerism and philanthropy. In 2009 and 2010 the company's employees volunteered at numerous nonprofits throughout the metro Atlanta area. For the past six years, GNG volunteers have tutored at Centennial Place Elementary School.

In addition to their volunteer efforts, GNG employees have supported nonprofit organizations that offer services and programs to deserving Georgians, particularly children and seniors. For example, the company's employee volunteers, whose motto is "Working Together ... Serving Together," raised funds this summer for local charities such as Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, Senior Connections, and the Centennial Place School Foundation.

"We are so honored to be recognized by the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta for our employees' dedication to giving back to the communities we serve," said Mike Braswell, GNG president and CEO. "All of the credit for this honor goes to our generous volunteers who prove day after day that a relatively small group of people can make a big difference in the community."

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Spelman College Students Win 2010 AT&T Big Mobile on Campus Challenge(SM)

/PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* is pleased to announce that Jonecia Keels and Jazmine Miller of Spelman College, a historically black liberal arts college for women, have won the 2010 AT&T Big Mobile on Campus Challenge(SM) with their next generation e-learning mobile application, HBCU Buddy.

HBCU Buddy is a mobile application created to educate and inform users, including both prospective and current college students, about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) across the United States. It is a fully-fledged mobile service application that provides detailed information about each and every HBCU in the nation and integrates all facets of college life.

The application opens with a directory profiling each HBCU with information on academics, admissions, research, student life, alumni, among other details. After selecting a school, students can navigate through the school – literally – by accessing virtual tours of buildings, on-campus videos, and local GPS and directions.

HBCU Buddy can also provide students with customizable social networking features to connect with each other, their school and community. The application connects to social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, and integrates tools such as chat and calendar to help students stay informed. Students can use the application to follow the latest on school club and campus happenings, local events, hot spots around the community, and more.

Jonecia Keels and Jazmine Miller were recognized and awarded a $10,000 scholarship (divided between them) and a mobile device of their choice each at the Higher Ed Board of Advisors Meeting in Miami, Florida, on October 7, 2010. The pair will be demonstrating their HBCU Buddy application in the AT&T booth #1433 at the EduCause National Convention in Anaheim, California, on October 12-14, 2010. Additionally, they will be invited to participate on the judging committee for the 2011 AT&T Big Mobile on Campus Challenge.

"HBCU Buddy is an outstanding mobile application, embodying everything this contest is about: providing a platform for higher education students to develop their innovative ideas into practical and useful e-learning mobile applications," said Chris Hill, Vice President, Advanced Enterprise Mobility Solutions, AT&T Business Solutions (ABS).

"No one can indentify higher education opportunities and needs better than the students themselves. Jonecia Keels and Jazmine Miller of Spelman College saw a need and created an application that truly enhances the college experience for HBCU students. The application provides students with access to the most relevant information in real-time."

AT&T Big Mobile on Campus Challenge for full-time college students was established in 2008 to recognize innovative and creative mobile applications that enhance the educational process for higher education students. For more information, please visit http://bigmobileoncampus.wireless.att.com.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc. 

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Let's Go Play!: Non-Profit Organization KaBOOM! Announces List of 118 'Playful City USA' Communities

Editor's Note:  Kudos to the following Georgia communities for being a great place to play!
Albany
Atlanta
College Park
East Point
Richmond Hill
Savannah


A super kudos to Atlanta for being a four-time honoree!

/PRNewswire/ -- To ensure children in their communities are active and healthy, 118 cities and towns across the country earned recognition as 2010 Playful City USA communities despite difficult budgetary decisions and Park and Recreation department funding at its lowest levels in decades.

A recent National Recreation and Parks Association survey found that 55% of its members suffered budget cuts in 2010 and 60% expect more in 2011. These funding cutbacks persist despite findings from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey that only 20% of homes across the country have parks within a half mile.

Counteracting these issues, First Lady Michelle Obama announced the launch of the Let's Move campaign in 2010, which is geared toward solving the childhood obesity issue within a generation through a variety of ways, including unstructured play.

This massive undertaking coincides with objectives of Playful City USA - a national recognition program honoring cities and towns determined to prioritize play and ensure that children are healthy by providing the time and space for play. KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to saving play, recognized 118 cities across the country as Playful City USA communities.

Hailing from 36 states and ranging in size from San Francisco and Atlanta, to Ottawa, Kan. and Shirley, Mass., these Playful City USA communities are making a commitment to play and physical activity by developing unique local action plans to increase the quantity and quality of play in their community. In doing so, some of the most innovative ideas and cost-effective programs are being developed in Playful City USA communities - proving that parks and play are more important than ever.

Each of the 2010 Playful City USA communities demonstrated creative commitments to the cause of play. Playful City USA celebrates and highlights these unique initiatives developed by communities across the country. A primary goal of Playful City USA is to encourage cities and towns to share creative ideas, concepts and programs in an effort to increase play opportunities for children.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business Announces 2010 Bergeron Scholarship Recipients

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business today announced the recipients of the 2010 Bergeron Women in Technology Leadership Scholarship:

“The fund established by Sandra and Doug Bergeron enables us to make awards that will help these future leaders take full advantage of the resources available through Robinson College”

* Gayathri Kunapuli—a graduate student from Hyderabad, India, pursuing a Master of Science in Information Systems
* Natalia Long—a senior from Sao Paulo, Brazil, majoring in Computer Information Systems and Finance
* Lubna A. R. Memon—a graduate student from Mumbai, India, pursuing a Master of Science in Information Systems
* Rossita Presley—a rising senior from Riga, Latvia, majoring in Computer Information Systems and Business Economics
* Shavonne Verdree—a rising junior from Decatur, GA, majoring in Computer Information Systems
* Catherine Waquespack—a rising senior from Atlanta, GA, majoring in Computer Information Systems

The Bergeron Women in Technology Leadership Fund was funded with a $1 million endowment from Sandra and Douglas Bergeron and is awarded annually to female undergraduate or graduate students who have expressed or demonstrated high potential for leadership careers in technology. Since 2006, 21 women have been named Bergeron Scholars.

“These young women have great potential to advance into leadership positions in technology and we’re delighted to provide them with professional mentors and financial assistance to help them achieve their aspirations,” said Sandra Bergeron, a graduate of Georgia State University and chair of the mentorship committee.

The college’s Computer Information Systems Department is ranked in the top 10 for both undergraduate and graduate offerings by US News & World Report’s annual listings of best colleges and best graduate schools. This past year, the department partnered with the Atlanta-based Women in Technology (WIT) organization to recruit information technology executives to mentor Bergeron Scholars.

“If there is one consistent theme among our most successful women in technology, it is the impact of mentoring,” said WIT Executive Director Heather Rocker. “WIT is pleased to support the Bergeron Scholars program by connecting these students with the female technology leaders in our community - providing both a powerful mentoring experience and meaningful volunteer opportunity.”

The Bergeron Scholarship program rewards significant academic achievement and is the largest dollar award available to students in the Robinson College of Business.

“The fund established by Sandra and Doug Bergeron enables us to make awards that will help these future leaders take full advantage of the resources available through Robinson College,” said Robinson College Dean H. Fenwick Huss. “The mentoring program promotes diversity in the technology industry and will help the students prepare to exploit their leadership qualities in the professional world.”

Sandra Bergeron is one of the most highly regarded female technology leaders in Silicon Valley. She is a Venture Partner with Trident Capital. She is also chairman of the board of TraceSecurity Inc. and serves on the boards of ArcSight Inc. (NASDAQ: ARST), Qualys Inc. and TriCipher Inc.

Douglas Bergeron is CEO and largest individual shareholder of VeriFone Systems, Inc. (NYSE: PAY). He also is a member of the Listed Company Advisory Committee of NYSE Euronext. VeriFone, based in San Jose, California, is the world's largest provider of electronic payments systems and employs more than 300 high-technology professionals in Georgia.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

President Honors Georgia School for the Deaf Parent with 2010 Citizens Medal

On August 4, President Obama awarded Kimberly McGuiness, a Georgia School for the Deaf (GSD) parent, and 12 others with the 2010 Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor.

“What unites these citizens – what makes them special – is the determination they share to find a wrong and right it; to see a need and meet it; to recognize when others are suffering and take it upon themselves to make a difference,” said President Obama. “These honorees’ lives stand as shining examples of what it means to be an American. And today, we have an opportunity to tell their stories; to say thank you; and to offer them a small token of our appreciation.”

The Citizens Medal was established in 1969 to recognize American citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. This year, President Obama chose to use the 2010 Citizens Medal to recognize Americans whose work has had a significant impact on their communities but may not have garnered national attention. In a video message in January, the President called on members of the public to nominate people in their lives who have performed exemplary deeds of service, including:
• individuals who have a demonstrated commitment to service in their own community,
• who have helped their country or their fellow citizens through one or more extraordinary acts,
• whose service relates to a long-term or persistent problem, and/or
• whose service has had a sustained impact on others’ lives and provided inspiration for others to serve.

GSD director Lee Shiver was eager to nominate Ms. McGuiness.

"Kimberly McGuiness has been a true champion for deaf students," said Shiver. "Her persistent letters, phone calls, and visits to state legislators helped spur the passage of the Deaf Child's Bill of Rights in Georgia."

McGuiness has led workshops, counseled parents, and changed lives by raising awareness and support for deaf education. McGuiness received the Citizens Medal for demonstrating the results one citizen can achieve for an entire community.

"I am grateful for Kimberly's advocacy for deaf students," said Superintendent Brad Bryant. "Her involvement and influence have helped make GSD a school of choice for deaf and hard of hearing students."

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Youth Organization Founder Wins 38th Annual World Open Speed Chess Competition to Inspire Youth to Be Someone

/PRNewswire/ -- Atlanta Be Someone founder Orrin Checkmate Hudson celebrated Independence Day by taking first place in the 5-Minute Blitz Chess Championship at the 38th Annual World Open International Chess Tournament in King of Prussia, PA. Hudson, the creator of the award-winning leadership chess program for kids and parents, also finished first place last year in the 10-Minute Blitz. These important wins prove Hudson's message is correct when he tells his students, "Nature is neutral. If you make the right moves you get the right results." Be Someone is a nationally acclaimed crime prevention program that uses chess to teach at-risk youth self-esteem, as well as responsibility and analytical thinking.

"Winning two consecutive years in a row where the best in the world compete is the greatest feeling in the world. I am living my dream. If I can do it, anyone can. It was exciting to win in both the 10-minute and 5-minute speed categories. These high-profile victories enable me to show the youth of America that making the right choices can make you a champion at life and at chess," said Hudson. "I've devoted more than a decade of my life to teaching children to play the game of chess and apply the same rules to the game of life."

Hudson uses similar quick-response techniques when he teaches chess to large audiences of kids, often in at-risk communities. Repeating catchy phrases such as, "Think it out, don't shoot it out" and "Push pawns, not drugs," Hudson teaches kids that the game is a metaphor for making good decisions and taking charge of their education and lives. Through Be Someone, he inspires communities to start their own chess programs to give young students a stimulating and healthy after-school activity.

"Orrin is a real champion because he is giving our children the greatest gift they could receive, the ability to think, act, and solve problems. It was a great honor to award someone who is truly making a difference," said Brenda Goichberg of Continental Chess, the organization that organized the tournament, which brought together more than 1,200 players from 25 countries. Hudson took honors in the side event G/5 Blitz Under 1800 section.

A former state trooper and Air Force veteran, Hudson turned his focus from detention to prevention. He started using the game of chess as an educational tool after he learned of an incident in which seven Wendy's employees were shot -- five of whom died -- for a mere $2,400. This tragic incident compelled Hudson to start Be Someone because children need to understand that the life we save is our own. Be Someone also offers inspirational programs for corporations and parents, designed to foster teamwork and encourage participation in the lives of children.

Today, Hudson is an internationally recognized speaker and advocate for helping at-risk youth. He travels the globe teaching children to value KASH - Knowledge, Attitude, Skills and Habits - over cash. Since its founding, Be Someone has touched the lives of over 20,000 students internationally. Hudson's mission is to positively impact the lives of one million young people.

"I am very encouraged and excited," says Hudson. "I had some discussions with the Mayor's office in Philadelphia, and Mayor Nutter will be participating in the 2011 World Open at the Sheraton Hotel, downtown Philadelphia, June 30-July 4."

Continental Chess has organized chess tournaments in America, including the World Open, for more than 40 years. For more information, please visit http://www.chesstour.com/

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Grady Hospital's Avon Breast Center Earns National Accreditation

/PRNewswire/ -- Grady's Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center has been granted a full accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons. According to the NAPBC, accreditation is granted only to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of breast care and undergo a rigorous evaluation and review of their performance. During the survey process, the center must demonstrate compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease. The standards include proficiency in the areas of: center leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education, and quality improvement. A breast center that achieves NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease.

The Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center is a key component of the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady Health System. The Center is a multi-disciplinary breast care program, offering a full spectrum of clinical and support services, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivor care. The patient care team, comprised of Emory & Morehouse physicians and Grady personnel, include specialists in medical, radiation and surgical oncology, breast imaging, pathology, nursing, pharmacy, social work, mental health services, nutrition, community outreach and navigation, palliative care and other specialties. The Center has treated more than 1,000 newly diagnosed women since opening in 2003 and has increased its mammography services by more than 60 percent.

"The team at the Avon Breast Center works tirelessly to ensure our patients obtain the best possible care and services," said Sheryl Gabram, MD, director, Avon Comprehensive Breast Center at Grady and professor of surgery, Emory University School of Medicine. "It is because of their dedication and hard work the Center was awarded this recognition. The accreditation will benefit our patients, our community and our collaborative efforts in the future."

The American Cancer Society estimates that 5,370 women in Georgia were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Receiving care at an NAPBC-accredited center ensures that a patient will have access to:

-- Comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art
services
-- A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment
options
-- Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options
-- Quality breast health care close to home.


"The Avon Breast Center at Grady provides cutting edge care and as a result has decreased breast cancer outcome disparities for women treated at Grady," Gabram added. "It is because of the extensive support from The Avon Foundation that we are able to accomplish this and make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of women."

About Grady Health System

Grady Health System is one of the largest public health systems in the United States. Grady consists of the 953-bed Grady Memorial Hospital, nine neighborhood health centers, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation Center - and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, which is operated as a Children's affiliate.

With its nationally acclaimed Emergency Care Center and Burn Unit, Grady Health System has the only level I trauma center in the region and serves as the ambulance provider for the city of Atlanta. The state's only Poison Center is housed at Grady, as well.

The Diabetes Detection & Control Center, Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Primary Stroke Center and Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center are also notable components of the health system. Moreover, Grady's Infectious Disease Program was named one of the top three HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics in the country.

Other exceptional medical services include Grady's Regional Perinatal Center and its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Primary Care Center, a dedicated 60 Plus service line for older adults, Teen Services, the Rape Crisis Center and a 24-hour Advice Nurse Line.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Brian D. Lamkin Named Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Atlanta Division

Director Robert S. Mueller, III has named Brian D. Lamkin special agent in charge (SAC) of the FBI’s Atlanta Division. Mr. Lamkin, a 23-year veteran of the FBI, most recently served as assistant director (AD) of the FBI's Training Division in Quantico, Virginia.

Mr. Lamkin entered on duty as a special agent with the FBI in February 1987. Upon completion of training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, he was assigned to investigate white collar crime in the Norfolk Division and was a member of the Norfolk Division’s SWAT team. In July 1990, he was transferred to the Dallas Division, where he was part of the Dallas Bank Fraud Task Force, which addressed the largest savings and loan failure crisis in U.S. history. During his tenure in Dallas, Mr. Lamkin refined his skills and expertise in white collar crime investigations.

Mr. Lamkin was promoted to supervisory special agent in the Financial Institution Fraud Unit at FBI Headquarters in May 1997, where he was a national program manager for bank fraud investigations. During his time there, he developed and instructed on financial crime matters, including the FBI's international course module on financial crime investigations used by the International Law Enforcement Academy in Bangkok, Thailand. In May 1999, Mr. Lamkin was transferred to the Baltimore Division, where he served as the coordinator for the White Collar Crime Program and supervised the White Collar Crime Squad in the Maryland Metropolitan Office in Calverton.

In September 2002, Mr. Lamkin was appointed assistant special agent in charge of the Louisville Division, where he was responsible for national security and criminal investigations as well as the day-to-day operations of the FBI in Kentucky. In December 2003, Mr. Lamkin was appointed to the ranks of the FBI’s Senior Executive Service as the chief of the Financial Crimes Section in the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI Headquarters. In that role, he was responsible for the White Collar Crime Program and provided senior leadership to the Financial Crimes Program, where he oversaw numerous high-profile cases involving corporate fraud, health care fraud, and international economic crime matters. He served as co-chair of the Department of Justice's (DOJ) National Bank Fraud Working Group and was a senior member of the DOJ Corporate Fraud Task Force and the DOJ/Health and Human Services Health Care Fraud Working Group.

In August 2005, Mr. Lamkin was appointed SAC of the Columbia Division. As SAC, he led a number of high-profile investigations, including violent gang disruptions, public corruption cases, and national security incidents in South Carolina. In August 2007, he was named AD of the FBI's Training Division in Quantico, Virginia, where he was responsible for developing and delivering high-quality training programs to the entire FBI workforce. During his tenure, Mr. Lamkin oversaw the expansion of training facilities at the FBI Academy, the expansion of new agent and intelligence analyst training programs, and the introduction of cutting-edge technology into the FBI’s varied training programs. He also led the world-renowned National Academy, which provides executive development and leadership training to federal, state, local, and international police executives.

Mr. Lamkin is an active instructor and lecturer to law enforcement, non-government groups, and corporations. He has conducted domestic and international training on a variety of white collar crime topics, major case management, and intellectual property crimes, and is an FBI certified firearms and general police instructor. Mr. Lamkin has written articles for the ABA Banking Journal (1994) on advance loan fee schemes and Butterworth's Journal of International Banking and Financial Law (1995) on the criminal exploitation of emerging banking systems in Eastern European countries. In November 2004, he was featured in the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Journal for his leadership of the FBI's White Collar Crime Program. Mr. Lamkin is a current member of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation board and a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Education and Training Committee.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Georgia Governor Issues Commendation Recognizing InVasc Founder and Board Member, Dr. Bobby V. Khan

(BUSINESS WIRE)--InVasc Therapeutics, Inc. yesterday announced that in a ceremony held at the Georgia State Capital, Governor Sonny Perdue, presented a Commendation to Dr. Bobby V. Khan, a cardiologist, founder and member of the Board of Directors of InVasc. The Commendation states: “WHEREAS: Dr. Khan is a great asset for our state and has worked tirelessly in his duties as a physician, researcher and educator. The citizens of Georgia are thankful for his ongoing contributions to the health and betterment of our state; now THEREFORE: I, Sonny Perdue, Governor of the state of Georgia, do hereby commend Bobby V. Khan.”

William Johnston, Ph.D., the chief executive officer of InVasc stated: “Dr. Khan, a Fulbright Scholar, who also chairs our Clinical Advisory Board, has and continues to make significant contributions for his patients, medical research and the business community and is an acknowledged leader in the field of cardiometabolic medicine. As a Company, we join with the Governor in this recognition and acknowledge Dr. Khan’s ongoing leadership within InVasc and the medical community.”

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage

Georgia State professor to chair Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau

Professor Ken Bernhardt of Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business was named chairman of the board of directors for the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) for 2010.

Bernhardt, the Taylor E. Little Jr. professor of marketing and special assistant to the dean for corporate and community relations in the Robinson College, has served on the ACVB board of directors since 1991. He is a past chair of ACVB’s marketing, strategic planning, and research committees and has been heavily involved in the organization’s cultural tourism initiative. In 2000, Bernhardt received the ACVB President’s Award for outstanding service to the marketing of Atlanta.

“Ken’s experience in marketing research and measurement will optimize ACVB’s marketing programs in an environment where every dollar counts,” said William Pate, ACVB president and chief executive officer. “Under his leadership, we will continue to position Atlanta as a top destination for business and leisure travel.”

Former chair of Robinson’s department of marketing, Bernhardt has served as chairman of the board of the American Marketing Association, president of the Association for Consumer Research and chairman of the board of trustees of the American Marketing Association Foundation. He is a former chair of the U.S. Census Bureau Marketing Advisory Committee.

In addition to his ACVB duties, Bernhardt also serves on the boards of area organizations including Leadership Atlanta, Junior Achievement of Georgia, Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, Alliance Theatre, and the Metro Atlanta Arts & Culture Coalition.

The chairman of the ACVB is selected by the board of directors following nominations by the organization’s executive committee. Established in 1913, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, nonprofit organization created to favorably impact the Atlanta economy through conventions and tourism.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage

Zoo Atlanta’s President and CEO Takes Position in Washington D.C.

Zoo Atlanta’s President and CEO Dennis Kelly has been named Director of Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., effective February 15, 2010. After a nationwide search Dennis Kelly will leave Zoo Atlanta to oversee operations for a 163-acre facility in Rock Creek Park and a 3,200-acre Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Virginia.

"This is a bittersweet announcement for me," said Mickey Brown, Chairman of Zoo Atlanta’s Board of Directors. "It’s been an honor to work with Dennis, his talent, business acumen and foresight has helped Zoo Atlanta become a world class zoo."

Since his tenure at Zoo Atlanta, Dennis Kelly has spearheaded groundbreaking projects such as the 25- year master plan, renegotiation of a new giant panda agreement (the details of the new agreement will be released in the upcoming weeks pending the close of the Give So They Stay campaign and final approvals in China), state of the art capital improvement projects, as well as the creation of a fiscally sound zoological institution. He raised more than $40 million in both public and private funds for Zoo Atlanta during his six-year tenure.

As president of Zoo Atlanta for the past six years, Kelly enhanced the institution’s scientific and animal welfare programs and visitor experience and rebuilt its marketing, government relations and fundraising capabilities. Kelly also provided the environment and resources for important scientific and conservation work by the Zoo’s staff, including collaboration with National Zoo scientists on giant panda breeding and conservation. Under his leadership, Zoo Atlanta strengthened its education programs and assisted in developing education departments in dozens of zoos in China.

"I am excited about Dennis’ new position with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo," said Brad Benton, incoming Chairman of Zoo Atlanta’s Board of Directors. "This is a testament to the talent and expertise of one of the nation’s top zoos. He has left an indelible mark not only on Zoo Atlanta but also the City of Atlanta."

Zoo Atlanta’s master plan will continue as planned. The talented members of the senior leadership team will oversee the day to day operations of the organization while the Board of Directors implements a nationwide search.

Kelly earned a bachelor’s degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University. After serving in the military, Kelly held positions with Procter & Gamble and Touche Ross & Co. He worked at The Coca-Cola Co. in Atlanta from 1982 to 1999, serving in various positions. In 1997, Kelly was appointed chief marketing officer for Coca-Cola Europe, overseeing marketing efforts for flagship and local brands in those markets. In 1999, Kelly joined Green Mountain Energy Co. as president and soon after was named CEO. During his tenure, the company’s annual sales grew from $60,000 to $250 million.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

FBI 2009 Director’s Community Leadership Award for Atlanta

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Gregory Jones, FBI Atlanta, presented today the Director’s Award for Community Leadership for 2009 to WAGA Fox 5 News for its “Georgia’s Most Wanted” program. Awards were also presented to that production’s reporter, Doug Evans, its photographer Gustavo Valdes, and it’s Executive Producer Leslie Duffield.

WAGA FOX 5 News initiated its “Georgia’s Most Wanted” program in 1997. WAGA Reporter/Anchor Doug Evans took over the project in early 2005. The program was designed to give a more in depth look at some of Georgia’s more heinous crimes, to include the victim’s perspective on the crime, in order to not only report the crime, but to elicit tips for law enforcement in an effort to further the justice process and, in the process, make the community in which they serve a better, safer place. “Georgia’s Most Wanted” has featured hundreds of unsolved crimes over the years, including many cold cases. Many of the victims and their families have expressed gratitude for having their stories told.

Some highlights:

* At least 14 fugitives featured on “Georgia’s Most Wanted” have been arrested since '05. These fugitives include murderers, bank robbers and child molesters.
* Reports on high profile cases including double murder suspect Derrick Yancey and Atlanta's Standard Bar robbery and the murder of bartender John Henderson. As part of his coverage on this story, WAGA’s Doug Evans traveled to Baltimore to interview John's father.
* Georgia’s Most Wanted was the first to report that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was taking a fresh look at evidence in the 1997 Levi Frady murder case, a tragic but unsolved child abduction case. For the story, Doug Evans interviewed for the first time, Levi's boyhood friend and the last person to see him alive.

WAGA’s approach to the production of “Georgia’s Most Wanted” is one of partnership with the many law enforcement agencies throughout the metropolitan Atlanta area and throughout the State of Georgia. WAGA willingly provides the much needed platform to disseminate to the public the case information, the law enforcement officer’s perspective on the crime, as well as the victim’s perspective, all of which are critical in eliciting information and tips on behalf of law enforcement. WAGA, being the local Fox affiliate, works closely with Fox TV’s “America’s Most Wanted” and has often been an advocate for getting Atlanta area cases presented to a national audience.

With the production of “Georgia’s Most Wanted”, WAGA Fox 5 News has certainly demonstrated that it is a community leader by not only reporting the crime but by being an advocate for the victim and a conduit for law enforcement.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page