Clifton Community Partnership

Five Questions article:
Five Questions: Leonardo McClarty, president and CEO, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
May 30, 2008
Source: Community Partnership Update/May 2008

1.This year, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 70th anniversary. How has it evolved since 1938?

The Chamber has evolved as our county has changed dramatically. In 1938, we were called 'DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture.' The term 'agriculture' was dropped as this county evolved from an agrarian base to a bedroom community, and then to an urban county.

Likewise, our services are evolving. We support the smallest 'mom and pop' businesses that need opportunities to network for services and workshops to help with business development and marketing. On the flip side, some larger businesses in the county – Georgia Power, AT&T, Emory – look to us for guidance and support on issues like land use, smart growth, development policy and business licensing.

2.What role does the Clifton community play in DeKalb County’s economic development?

Your community is pivotal. It’s a vital part of the county's economic and employment base through large institutional employers like the Centers for Disease Control and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, but also smaller businesses that support and rely on those larger institutions.

3.How does your office work with DeKalb's Office of Economic Development?

We act as facilitators between businesses that need help and come to us and the official county economic development office. Our county’s economic development team is one of the best in Georgia, and it works to help business and economic development projects navigate through the county process.

4.What are your plans for 2008?

Our goal this year is to increase paid membership to 800 and kick off a $1 million capital campaign that will allow us to increase staff support, invest in internal technology and lay the foundation for more aggressive work. To learn more, visit www.dekalbchamberofcommerce.org.

5.What brought you to your current position?

I’ve lived in metro Atlanta my entire life, worked for DeKalb’s economic development office and headed the economic development office for the City of Roswell. DeKalb is fortunate to have an educated workforce, several major colleges and universities, transportation infrastructure and county leadership that encourages economic growth. The Chamber supports DeKalb County’s competitive economic development position.