Georgian Educators Visit – From March 15 to 22, 2008 ATSCC hosted a delegation of Georgian educators for a visit sponsored by the Open World Program. The primary purpose of their visit was familiarization with higher education fundraising and endowment principles in the U. S.  The team visited the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Emory University, Kennesaw State University and Morehouse College. They also had the opportunity to meet Governor Sonny Purdue and The Adjutant General of Georgia, Major General Terry Nesbitt.

Georgian Lawyers Visit – April 26 through May 3, 2008 the ATSCC, together with the Hall, Booth, Smith & Slover, P.C. hosted a delegation of Georgian lawyers for another visit sponsored by the Open World Program. Georgian attorneys traveled to Atlanta, GA, to attend a jury-trial training program at Emory University. They were able to witness jury trials firsthand at the Fulton and Dekalb County courts. This event was part of an ongoing process to support legal reforms in the Country of Georgia.

Humanitarian Assistance Awareness Visit – From May 10 through 17,  2008 Mrs. Letha Nesbitt, spouse of The Adjutant General of Georgia accompanied MG Nesbitt to his annual trip to Tbilisi, Georgia.  As the Head of the ATSCC Humanitarian Affairs Sub-Committee, Mrs. Nesbitt visited local and international NGOs; secondary schools; infant homes and orphanages to discuss existing humanitarian relief efforts and possibilities for educational exchange programs.

Support Rally in Olympic Park Atlanta – On August 12, 2008 ATSCC showed its support to its Georgian friends by participating in the peaceful rally organized in front of the CNN Center in Atlanta in conjunction with the ongoing armed conflict between Russia and Georgia. The ATSCC wrote a petition and collected hundreds of signatures.

ATSCC Humanitarian Assistance Efforts – On September 17, 2008, as the need for humanitarian aid escalated as a result of war in Georgia, ATSCC coordinated individual and group relief efforts with local residents in Atlanta and the State of Georgia. The Committee engaged with Counterpart International; ACTS Georgia; Atlanta United Methodist Church and other involved agencies to identify items of immediate priority for local IDPs in Georgia. US Public Health Service and Georgia National Guard provided assistance in collecting and shipping the donated items.

A Taste of Georgian Culture Fundraiser – On September 27, 2008 ATSCC hosted its first annual “A Taste of Georgian Culture” fundraiser in the atrium of Atlanta’s City Hall. The event turned to be a huge success, drawing over 200 guests and raising nearly $16,000 to support the ongoing AID in Georgia. The fundraiser featured several special guests and samples of Georgian cuisine.  

Georgian Lawyers Visit – From  October 18 through 25,, 2008 ATSCC , together with the Hall, Booth, Smith & Slover, P.C., hosted yet another delegation of Georgian lawyers for a visit sponsored by the Open World Program. This event is part of an ongoing process to support legal reforms in the Country of Georgia.

Meeting Mayor Ugulava – In November of 2008, Mr. Hall traveled to Georgia and met Tbilisi Mayor Mr. Gigi Ugulava. Mr. Hall and Mr. Mayor exchanged gifts of good will and expressed reassurances for strengthening relationships between our two cities. Mr. Hall also met with various NGO representatives to discuss avenues for further cooperation.

Economic Business Forum - On December 12, 2008, ATSCC joined Hall, Booth, Smith & Slover, P.C. and the U. S. Department of Commerce to host its first, annual Georgia to Georgia Business Forum.  Held at the W Hotel, the Forum aimed to raise visibility and awareness for the country of Georgia in the United States as an exciting place to invest and do business.