Tuesday March 16, 2010
Austell Business Association Lunch Meeting
By: Six Cities

 I arrived at the City of Austell’s Threadmill Complex at 11:35a.m. I walked into the Complex Mall and immediately noticed the pleasant seating area surrounding the water falls. I proceeded to suite 105, which was an old restaurant, straight ahead upon entering the mall. I was greeted by Keith Queen with Ink and Toner USA. I talked to Keith for a few minutes, paid my guest fee and entered the room. I recognized Joe Turner, the magician. We spoke for a few more minutes then I set my belongings at my place setting and started a conversation with LeaEllen Rich, Association Secretary, from Bank of America and Felicia Jones, Association President, with ServPro as well as Roberto Valenzuela from Bank of America. Shortly we were instructed to proceed to the serving table to get our lunch. On the menu was Corn Beef & Cabbage, Red potatoes and a dinner roll.  Peach Cobbler was for dessert. Sweet and Unsweet iced tea were available. Lunch was provided by Kata’s Tasty Catering and was excellent.

Reverend Brett DeHart gave the blessing of our food.  Matt Lawson, Association Vice President, led the meeting beginning with announcements. He spoke about Cobb Clean and Beautiful’s ‘Battery Collection’ being held at the local Austell library. He also discussed the two annual events presented by the Association: Easter Egg Hunt and Concert in the Park.  This year the Easter Egg Hunt will be held on April 3^rd at 9:00 a.m. You are asked to arrive by 8:30 a.m. There will be 3 groups; 1-3yr/ 4-10yr/ 11-up.

Due to the flood of 2009, the annual Concert in the Park featuring ‘Rambunctious’ had to be cancelled. This year’s Concert will be held on May 15^th from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m at Collar Park. 

Matt introduced Joe Turner with Turner Magic as the guest speaker. Joe discussed the possibilities of deception in business. Joe performed a rope trick which represented the lure of selling other products and services that might deceive your current business model. He discussed his magic in comparison to deception in the real world. He performed several magic tricks while delivering his message.

Matt noted that Roberto Valenzuela from Bank of America was a first time visitor and signed up for membership. Roberto gave a brief elevator speech about Bank of America. Matt thanked Roberto for joining the Association and the group for coming. The group applauded and the meeting was adjourned. I stayed around to network after the meeting was over. The format of the meeting was productive. The group was very small and would have liked to have seen more businesses at this meeting. The facility was very impressive for hosting the meeting and a great place to have a meeting following the lunch.  It’s a shame that more businesses in the area did not attend this meeting.