Community Events
2011 | 2010 | Upcoming Events
2011 Events
April 1-9, 2011
OPEN WORLD DELEGATION VISITS ATLANTA
In April ATSCC proudly joined with Georgia to Georgia to host a delegation of journalists from Georgia. The theme of the delegates’ visit was Accountable Governance: Transparent and Independent Media. The Georgian delegates included: Khatuna Barbakadze, General Director of Kvemo Kartli Tele-radio Company, Ketevan Berdzenishvili, Program Director for Radio Dzveli Kalaki, Khatuna Gogashvili, reporter for Hereti Broadcasting Company, Maia Ivelashvili, General Director of TV-Radio company Imperia, Tea Zibzibadze, Editor of Akhali Gazeti, and Irina Arabidze, group facilitator and Public Information Officer for the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia.
The delegates attended meetings focused on independent journalism and media practices in the United States. The meetings included a discussion with Atlanta Commissioner Robb Pitts, touring radio stations WABE and Georgia Public Broadcasting, discussing the method of political communication with constituents with the Department of Communications and the Mayor’s Office of Atlanta, meeting journalism students at the University of Georgia, discussing sustainable journalism practices at the Center for Sustainable Journalism at Kennesaw State University, exploring judicial practices through speaking to Georgia Supreme Court Justice Melton, and interviewing reporters about U.S. journalism practices at the Atlanta Journal Constitution and Global Atlanta.
Although the week was full of interesting journalism meetings, the delegates found time to explore a few cultural activities in Atlanta. The delegates were able to meet Georgian native Zaza Pachulia and cheer him on at a Hawks game, explore music and the gardens at Atlanta Botanical Gardens, and enjoy great food and conversation at an ATSCC volunteer dinner.
March 16, 2011
Gifts to the Library of International Relations of Georgia
In the framework of cooperation between the Foundation "Georgia to Georgia" (established in Atlanta, USA) and Ministry of Internal Affairs a sound number of books and textbooks were gifted to the library of International Relations Main Division on March 16, 2011. Representative of the Foundation, Mr. Matt Allen, attended the presentation and officially handed over the books to Mr. Shalva Kvinikhidze - Head of the International Relations Main Division and expressed desire to deepen future cooperation. http://www.police.ge/index.php?m=402&newsid=2232&lng=eng
February 15, 2011
First US based Law firm opening in Tbilisi, Georgia
Hall Booth Smith & Slover (HBSS), a full-service law firm headquartered in Atlanta, GA, has announced the opening of its office in Tbilisi, Georgia. Partnering with the Eristavi Law Group, HBSS will be the first U.S. law firm in Georgia.
According to the law firm’s officials, HBSS’s primary focus of practice will be in International Funding and Financing, International Arbitration and Meditation, Health Care Law, and Corporate Matters. Matthew C. Allen of Atlanta, GA will be the Managing Attorney of the Tbilisi office. Allen has extensive experience working with Georgian companies on international financing and corporate matters. HBSS has strong ties to Georgia through working with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Georgian Supreme and Appellate Courts. HBSS currently represents several Georgian and American companies conducting business within Georgia.
Chairman of the Atlanta Tbilisi Sister City Committee John E. Hall, Jr. who is a partner at HBSS traveled to Georgia for the opening festivities.
HBSS is celebrating its 21st year providing the high quality legal services to its clients and maintaining eight regional offices throughout the Southeast. HBSS has been ranked as one of Atlanta’s "Best Places to Work for 2010" by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
February 1-2, 2011
Georgian Health Care 2020 : MEDEA 2011
The first Georgia-U.S. Conference on Georgian heath care, organized by the First Lady of Georgia, the Embassy of Georgia to the United States, and the Ministry of Labour, Health, and Social Affairs, and Georgia to Georgia Foundation took place on February 1-2 2010 in Washington, D.C. Titled "Georgian Heath Care 2020: MEDEA 2011", the very successful conference included representatives from U.S. and international organizations, Georgian government officials, non-governmental organizations, and medical and public health professionals. The conference was designed to seek both ideas and investment from the Georgian and U.S. private, public, and nonprofit sectors. U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, was the keynote speaker. The conference generated awareness on the challenges faced by the health care system in Georgia and identified key strategic priorities to strengthen the existing capacities of the system. The list of participating partners in the MEDEA 2011 conference included, but are not limited to: members of the National Health Authorities and coordination bodies in Georgia, U.S. Government agencies and implementing partners (USAID, CDC), and members from Academic Institutions from Georgia and the U.S., including representatives from Emory University, Harvard University, Georgetown University, and Tbilisi State Medical University.
January 2011
Atlanta Sister Cities receives the Sustainable Development-Energy Award
Sister Cities International is pleased to announce that the Atlanta Sister Cities Commission has been selected to receive the Sustainable Development-Energy Award for a population of over 500,000 in the Sister Cities International 2011 Annual Awards Program.
Sister Cities International recognized Atlanta due to its successful conference on Economic Development Forum on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
Recognizing that energy efficiency and renewable energy are fundamental to sustainable development and a critical issue for all local governments in the future, the forum aimed to facilitate an open discussion on how governments can work in partnership with stakeholders to cooperate on research, share best practices, encourage investment and accelerate the deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy policies and practices.
"The City of Atlanta is committed to investing in clean and renewable energy," said Mayor Kasim Reed. "By focusing on sustainability, we will improve the quality of life for Atlanta residents by enhancing the environment now and for years to come."
"Atlanta’s Sister Cities conference continues to build upon Atlanta’s legacy as the place to make international business connections," said Sam A. Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. "Energy efficiency and renewable energy are vital tools needed for our city’s continued economic development and quality of life."
The Sustainable Development-Energy Award is awarded by the Department of Energy and Sister Cities International. "These awards showcase the impact sister cities programs have in their own city and around the world," said Patrick Madden, president and CEO of Sister Cities International.
Atlanta Tbilisi Sister City Committee wishes to thank its many volunteers for their tireless work efforts, contributions, and dedication that helped foster international cooperation and understanding over the past year and has helped make this award possible. For more information on Sister Cities please visit: http://www.atlantaga.gov/International/SisterCities.aspx