MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

Cobb Galleria Centre is celebrating its 13th year of operations, and as we wrap up our second quarter here at the convention center we can without hesitation say that it’s been a productive and busy six months having hosted nearly 600 events since October 1st. Our continued growth and success would not be possible without the loyalty of our long-time clients and the hard work and dedication of our staff. A very special welcome to our newest clients: Product Development Association, Kruse International, Stark Carpet International, National Parks & Recreation Association and American Craft Council.

Our redevelopment plans for Galleria Specialty Shops continue to evolve with enhancements to existing storefronts and the addition of new restaurant and retail establishments. The next time you are in the Cumberland Galleria area, come by and check out our exciting new shops: Design Faze, an eclectic women’s boutique; and Art Modern Creative, a contemporary art gallery.

Excitement is building and staff is gearing up for the opening of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, the newest venue in our portfolio. Strategically located adjacent to I-75 next to the Galleria Complex, it’s the perfect complement to our existing conference and meeting spaces. The home to The Atlanta Opera, touring Broadway, ballet, concerts and corporate events, the Cobb Energy Centre will have all the amenities you have become accustomed to at Cobb Galleria Centre.

Cobb Galleria Centre. Exceeding expectations - once again.

The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority recently appointed four members to the board of the Cobb County Convention & Visitors Bureau: Debbie Butler of Chattahoochee Technical College, Mike Knowles of Northwest Bank & Trust, Jim Rhoden of Futren Corporation and Debbie Karcanes of Renaissance Waverly Hotel. Karcanes is the 2007 Chairman of the Board. The appointees will serve a two-year term.

From volunteering, to hosting an event, to seeing your name on a brick outside the venue, there are many ways to become a part of the action at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, on schedule for a September 15 opening.

Bricks and pavers are on sale now at www.cobbenergycentre.com. They will be placed in the plaza in front of the Centre and can be permanently inscribed. For $100 you may purchase a 4x8-inch brick, or for a donation of $350 you will receive a 12x12-inch paver. Named seats in the theatre also are available, starting at $1,000. All gifts to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Foundation are tax deductible.

Thank you to everyone who has expressed an interest in volunteering at the Cobb Energy Centre. In order to find the best fit for each volunteer, please complete an application by clicking here. In the next few months, more information will follow about next steps in the application process.

The Cobb Energy Centre is now accepting rental inquiries for both the 2,750-seat John A. Williams Theatre and the Ballroom. Make your next special event a spectacular one in the 10,000-square-foot ballroom with full-service catering. Call 770-989-5035 or email info@cobbenergycentre.com today to check dates and availability.

Executive Sous Chef Greg Maddox recently brought home a big award from the American Culinary Federation. Maddox was the recipient of a bronze medal in the Hot Food Competition, part of the Sysco Spring Food Show in Atlanta.

Maddox’s Parmesan Seared Salmon dish went up against the finest chefs from restaurants, hotels and convention centers across the Southeast. The American Culinary Federation, which judged the competition, gave Maddox honors from two of its master chefs.

In addition to the Parmesan Seared Salmon, Maddox’s dish included shrimp and wild mushroom polenta in an artichoke cream sauce with sautéed fennel and red pepper brunoise. Maddox doesn’t advise trying to make his recipe at home, so you’ll have to come to the Cobb Galleria Centre to have a taste!

When you enter the rotunda of the Cobb Galleria Centre, Concierge Joan Mayer may be the first person you encounter. Realizing that first impressions are important, Mayer strives to make guests feel welcome and answer any questions they may have.

Mayer has been a concierge at Cobb Galleria Centre for four years, and she absolutely loves her job. “I’ve met people from all over the world at Cobb Galleria Centre,” she said. “I love engaging people in conversation. It’s just so interesting to come to work every day. You never know who is going to walk through the door.”

In addition to greeting guests, Mayer also offers directions, keeps an eye out for safety, calls taxis and recommends restaurants and leisure activities. “And I tell everyone about the new Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre,” she said.

Mayer, a Marietta resident, moved to Atlanta in 1993 after being a stay-at-home mom to three children. Even though she now has two grandchildren, she doesn’t have her eyes set on retirement just yet. “I just enjoy working,” she said. “I enjoy the challenge of trying to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome.”

After a $65 million renovation at Cumberland Mall, anchor store Macy’s is now undergoing a renovation of its own.

The $8 million renovation, which includes an upgrade to a “best” grade of merchandise, renovated entrances and new flooring, lighting and cosmetic bays, is expected to be completed by November. The Cumberland Mall store also will introduce several new lines of clothing, accessories, home merchandise and cosmetics.

COBB GALLERIA CENTRE HOSTS ELEGANT GALA
EVENTS

The Cobb Galleria Centre once again was host to some of the finest who’s-who events in Atlanta during this gala season. From the Cobb Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner in January to the American Heart Association’s Cobb Heart Ball and The Center for Family Resources’ Oscar Night America Party in February, the Cobb Galleria Centre was the place to see and be seen.

More than 6,000 experts in military aviation along with military personnel will be at the Cobb Galleria Centre April 17-19 for the Aviation Week MRO (Maintenance Repair Operations) Conference and Exhibition.

MRO 2007 will highlight essential business, technology and marketing information for the smallest MRO operators and suppliers up to the biggest multi-national MRO companies. During two days of cutting-edge sessions and workshops, industry leaders will share their insights on how to cut expenses while maximizing safety and efficiency. From actual case studies to the latest results of industry-wide surveys, MRO 2007 attendees will come away with must-have information for anyone who wants a competitive edge in the MRO industry.

Most recently at the Cobb Galleria Centre in 2004, Aviation Week decided to return to the Centre in 2007. “We’ve been very satisfied with the facility, its service and its proximity to a major airline and maintenance hub,” said Al Wyss, assistant director of Aviation Week Conferences & Exhibitions.