President ' s Message Atlanta: A Global Connector for
EMILY C. WARD Continuum Legal Group LLP eward @ continuumlg. com
A
People, Business, and Ideas
s a longtime Atlanta resident, I have had the privilege of witnessing the incredible diversity, innovation, global connections, and cultural power that make Atlanta a standout global city. However, my near obsession with Atlanta has matured as a business owner and lawyer because I’ ve had a front-row seat to see, learn, and experience how Atlanta is more than just a thriving city in the Southeastern United States. It is also a global hub that attracts businesses, conventions, and visitors from across the world, and the great diversity of people in Atlanta enriches our cultural fabric and drives our economic growth. Perhaps most importantly, as President of the Atlanta Bar Association, I’ ve come to understand how the Atlanta legal community – often led by members of the Atlanta Bar Association – has a national and global reputation of power and influence built upon the good works of the thousands of lawyers who have proudly called themselves members.
A Diverse Population and Economy Well Suited to Global Influence
Atlanta’ s population is a microcosm of the world with ample statistics detailing an incredible variety of races, cultures, nationalities, and languages spoken by Atlanta’ s residents. But this diversity is not just a statistic; it is a living, breathing part of Atlanta’ s identity, economy, and justice system.
The city is home to 31 Fortune 1000 companies, including multinational giants like The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, UPS, and Mercedez-Benz USA. The fact that these corporate behemoths chose Atlanta as their home exemplifies Atlanta’ s role as a gateway to the South, to America, and an integral part of the global economy.
Atlanta’ s business landscape also thrives with support from over 70 foreign consulates, trade offices, and international chambers of commerce. Georgia’ s elected representatives and Governor regularly make international visits to strategic markets to strengthen Georgia’ s influence and connections throughout the world. These connections not only foster international diplomacy and global commerce, but solidify the importance of including a wide range of people in all aspects and echelons of Atlanta’ s many businesses, sectors, and communities.
As an avid concert goer and sports fan, I know Atlanta’ s cultural scene is a diverse and dynamic driver of Atlanta’ s global powerhouse status. Each year, hundreds of international artists ensure their tours include an
4 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024