updated March 25, 2013
GSU Hospitality School Celebrating 40 Years
Atlanta Business Chronicle – March 22, 2013
A lengthy piece about the 40th anniversary of the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality looks back at its history as well as at its future direction.
LinkedIn Can Help Make Business Connections 
Atlanta Business Chronicle – March 22, 2013
Jason Aldrich of the Career Management Center says that due to LinkedIn “There is no longer any excuse to come into an interview unprepared or lacking a good understanding about the company and the people you’re talking to.”
Rena Golden, Magnetic Leader and Respected Journalist, Passes Away
Weather.com – March 21, 2013
Rena Golden, 51, a news leader and an open ear
CNN.com – March 21, 2013
Rena Golden (MBA ’10), an executive at The Weather Company and CNN, died March 20. From the Weather Company obituary: “Her colleagues will remember her as a magnetic, devoted leader, who also nurtured talent and kept her door open.” From the CNN obituary: “Her management style gave other journalists the room and respect to expand their talents and encouraged them to grow.”
Hoteliers March on Despite Macro Troubles
Hotel News Now – March 21, 2013
The sequester poses no danger of shutting down the U.S. economy, Rajeev Dhawan of the Economic Forecasting Center said during remarks at this week’s Hunter Hotel Conference. “The economy is waiting to break out,” he said.
My View: Everything I Need to Know, I Learned in Music Class
CNN.com – March 20, 2013
MBA student Andrew Schwartz commends his music education for teaching him how to think creatively and critically.
The Lawmakers: Good Enough to Eat? 
Georgia Public Broadcasting – March 20, 2012
Donetta Poisson of the School of Hospitality was par of a panel of food safety experts that discussed how to contend with increases in the salmonella bacteria rate in Georgia’s food supply. (Segment begins at 18:46.)
March Madness Leadership Lessons
Bloomberg Businessweek – March 13, 2013
teRobinson’s Nathan Bennett and coauthor Stephen Miles write that when they watch the NCAA tournament, “what we will be looking for are the opportunities the tournament provides to observe leaders that face great challenges.”xt
Prime Time Lawmakers: Hot Job Sectors
Georgia Public Broadcasting - March 11, 2013
Asked if a rising tide is finally lifting the job boat in Georgia, Rajeev Dhawan of the Economic Forecasting Center said, “Yes, the jobs are coming back. But the issue is, will the pace (of job return) accelerate?” For now, Dhawan says, it won’t, due to factors including stop-and-go politics in Washington and the disappearance of the payroll tax. (Segment begins at 16:04.)
Wells Fargo Insurance Names David Robertson Managing Director for Atlanta
Press release – March 11, 2013
Alumnus David Robertson has joined Wells Fargo Insurance as managing director for Atlanta. He previously was head of the Atlanta office of William Gallagher Associates.
Going beyond Core is Risky
Atlanta Journal-Constitution – March 10, 2013
Delta purchased an oil refinery to combat rising fuel prices, but thus far the move is not panning out anticipated. William Bogner of the Department of Managerial Sciences says the airline is not the first company to face challenges when making forays into the unknown, offering Coca-Cola’s selling off of Columbia Pictures as an example. “They realized this doesn’t make any sense. There are other people who run the movie business better,” he said.
From Russia to Atlanta, Yelena Epova’s Journey 
WABE- FM – March 8, 2013
March 8 is International Women’s Day, which is a national holiday in Russia. In observation of the event WABE’s Rose Scott interviews Russian immigrant Yelena Epova about coming to the U.S. and her decision to earn her MBA at Robinson.
Community Banks Making More Business Loans
Atlanta Business Chronicle – March 8, 2013
Alumna Carolyn Brown of the Community Bankers Association of Georgia discusses how community banks are meeting the needs of small businesses, the greatest challenges of the past few years and growth opportunities in 2013, among other topics.
Georgia State Students Place in Entrepreneurship Competition
The Signal – March 8, 2013
Fourteen students competed in the elevator pitch competition held on March 2 by the Herman J. Russell, Sr. International Center for Entrepreneurship.
Georgia State Students are Becoming Entrepreneurs before They Get Their Diploma
The Signal – March 5, 2013
Undergraduate Malcolm Sawyer discusses the challenges of being a student while also running a business. Sawyer co-founded the apparel company LYFTD in 2010 and it is still going strong.
United Security Bancshares, Inc. and First United Security Bank Elect New Director
Press release – March 1, 2013
Alumnus A. J. “Lonnie” Strickland, III has been named a director of United Security Bancshares, Inc.
Dhawan: Higher Taxes Mean Less Consumer Spending 2013
REBusiness Online – February 26, 2013
Although U.S. employers added an average of 181,000 jobs per month during the past year, Americans shouldn't expect a significant economic rebound until 2014, according to Rajeev Dhawan of the Economic Forecasting Center. Higher federal taxes will lead to less consumer spending during the first and second quarters of 2013, Dhawan said.
Millennial Job Possibilities Occupied by Older Generation
The Signal – February 26, 2013
The recession has forced many employees who were supposed to retire years ago to keep their positions longer, according to Emin Hajiyev of the Economic Forecasting Center. Jobs that would have been open for college graduates are now “occupied with people who have been in the field for a while.”
GSU Economic Forecast: Little to Cheer in 2013, but Corner Turned
North Fulton – February 25, 2013
There are still some "strong headwinds" that can affect economic recovery in 2013, Rajeev Dhawan told attendees at the February 20 Economic Forecasting Conference.
21st Annual MAX Awards
Atlanta Business Chronicle – February 22, 2013
A wide variety of companies that found new ways to reach consumers and engage audiences were recognized at the 21st annual Marketing Awards for Excellence (MAX Awards) held on Friday, February 22 at the Georgia Aquarium. The Chronicle posted a slideshow and published additional photos in its March 1 issue.
Earnest Partners a Quiet Investment Giant
Atlanta Business Chronicle – February 22, 2013
The U.S. portfolio of Earnest Partners, Atlanta’s fifth-largest money manager, consists of a large number of foreign companies listed on American exchanges by way of American Depository Receipts – or ADRs. “After the financial crisis, a lot of sophisticated investors started allocating a significant portion of their investments in overseas companies to manage risk,” said Lixin Huang of the Department of Finance.
Emory, UGA Seeking New Biz School Deans
Atlanta Business Chronicle – February 22, 2013
Searches are underway for new deans for Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, a process that could take several months, according to Dean H. Fenwick Huss.
Keough, Williams Leaving Coca-Cola Board
Atlanta Journal-Constitution – February 22, 2013
Donald Keough, former president and COO of Coca-Cola, and James Williams, former chairman and CEO of SunTrust Banks, are leaving The Coca-Cola Company’s board of directors. “This is an opportunity to get a couple of younger board members who are more in tune with some of the changes in the industry,” said Ken Bernhardt, who is Regents Professor Emeritus of Marketing.
Prime Time Lawmakers: Sequestration in Georgia
Georgia Public Broadcasting – February 21, 2013
State revenues could quickly be affected by federal-level sequestration, according to Rajeev Dhawan. (Segments begins at 5:03)
Economist Says Georgia Growth Exports to Slow
Catoosa County News – February 21, 2013
“We have survived election uncertainties and fiscal-cliff hijinks, Rajeev Dhawan, of the Economic Forecasting Center wrote in his quarterly Forecast of Georgia and Atlanta. “Have we turned a corner at the state and metro (Atlanta) level? The answer is a conditional yes.” The state’s economy will continue to expand for the rest of this year with little risk of falling back into a recession.
Deal’s Medicaid Decision Denies Health Insurance to 600,000
Atlanta Journal-Constitution – February 20, 2013
Governor Nathan Deal opposed expansion of Medicaid coverage to over 600,000 Georgians. According to an analysis by William Custer of the Center for Health Services Research, if the expansion had been approved, it would have brought an influx of $40 billion into the Georgia economy from 2014 to 2023.
Individual Insurance Premiums Under the Affordable Care Act: Up or Down?
Atlanta Journal-Constitution – February 20, 2013
“One of the goals of the Affordable Care Act is to stabilize the market making it more accessible and affordable for individuals,” wrote William Custer. “So what is going to happen to premiums in the individual health insurance market? It depends on who, where and when is the question being asked.”
Atlanta’s economy to muddle nicely along
Atlanta Journal-Constitution – February 20, 2013
The economy “is waiting to break out, but it faces strong head winds,” Dhawan said at yesterday’s Economic Forecasting Center. “Things will be fine. Keep your nerve. And keep breathing.”
Dhawan: Some Positives, Negatives in Local Economy
Atlanta Business Chronicle – February 20, 2013
Dhawan said sequestration and debt-ceiling debates, suppressed corporate desire to invest and a decline in exports are having a negative impact on Georgia’s economy. Dhawan also noted the local economy may have turned a corner.
Economist Says Georgia Job Growth, Exports to Slow
Rome News-Tribune – February 20, 2013
Georgia’s job growth and exports will be slower in 2013 than last year, and the unemployment rate will hold steady, according to Dhawan.
Economist Predicts Slower Augusta Economic Growth
Augusta Chronicle – February 20, 2013
Augusta will continue to lose jobs the rest of this year before staging a tepid rebound in 2014, according to economic predictions from Dhawan.
Dhawan: Economic Growth Minimal in 2013
Neighbor Newspapers – February 20, 2013
According to Dhawan, the U.S. economy is still strong, but is taking a downward turn. He predicts Congress will wait until the last minute to meet its deadlines of March 1 for sequestration and May 18 for the debt ceiling decision.
Advocates Urge Georgia Governor to Reconsider Medicaid Expansion
Atlanta Journal-Constitution – February 19, 2013
A family of three in Georgia with an average income pays roughly $1,200 each year for the cost of caring for the uninsured, according to William Custer, and about one in five Georgians doesn’t have health insurance. “For the average taxpayer, the Medicaid expansion is actually a good deal,” he said.
Medicaid Expansion Could Add 70,000 Jobs in Georgia
AL.com – February 19, 2013
Accepting the federal government's offer to expand Medicaid might add more than 70,000 jobs to Georgia's economy, according to an economic impact study conducted by Bill Custer of Center for Health Services Research.
Rapid Pulse: News and Notes
Atlanta Journal-Constitution – February 18, 2013
Georgia State University will launch a health informatics program for undergraduate students in fall 2013. The new Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.) in health informatics is a collaboration between the Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions and the J. Mack Robinson College of Business.
MidSouth Bank Director of M&A Lorraine Miller Expands Role to Treasurer
Press release– February 15, 2013
Alumna Lorraine Miller has assumed more responsibilities at MidSouth Bank. In addition to her role as director of mergers and acquisitions, she will now be treasurer.
Your Commute: Traffic lighter: Economy is better, but we're still driving less
Atlanta Journal –Constitution – February 15, 2013
Traffic is light; can you feel it? The suspects are high gas prices, teleworking and the recession. “There is one clear activity that has not recovered,” said Rajeev Dhawan of the Economic Forecasting Center. “Construction.” If construction returns anticipate traffic.
Atlanta works to recover from housing bust
Marketplace – February 14, 2013
Rajeev Dhawan said that Atlanta’s housing crash was deep because the area's housing stock grew too fast during the boom: “We were adding 80,000 housing units," says Dhawan. "It should’ve been only 20,000 housing units.”
Atlanta’s Middle Class – A Survival Story
WABE-FM – February 14, 2013
Dhawan is optimistic about the strengthening of the middle class, “We can have very good recovery if we can take care of some of the issues at the national level and the international level at this point.”
Economic Impact of Medicaid Expansion in Georgia
Atlanta Journal-Constitution – February 13, 2013
A Medicaid expansion in Georgia would create 70,000 new jobs and produce an economic impact statewide. “Expanding Medicaid…would add 694,000 low-income people to the state’s Medicaid rolls over the next 10 years,” said Bill Custer of the Center for Health Services Research.
Gainco Appoint Sales and Marketing Director
Press release – February 13, 2013
Alumnus John Daley has been named director of sales and marketing at this manufacturer of weighing, packaging and food inspection systems for the meat, poultry and seafood processing industries.
Training the Few, the Proud, the Ethical
Washington Times – February 13, 2013
Steve Olson of Center for Ethics and Corporate Responsibility and the Marine Corps' Basic School for new officers designed the course to teach business executives and students how to execute ethical decision-making skills under extreme pressure. Since 2011, the course is offered three to four times a year to about 13 participants each time.
5 Things to Know
Hotel News Now – February 8, 2013
Emin Hajiyev of the Economic Forecasting Center advises people “to make adjustments” when it comes to spending. The 2% payroll tax hike will have an impact on consumer spending for 2013, “And when people make adjustments, they cut items that are not necessary.”
Frontier Staffs Up
Financial Standard – February 6,2013
Frontier Advisors, the industry superannuation fund-owned asset consultancy, added five new staff members to its roster including alumnus Ian Yun who serves as an analyst. Frontier said that the hires were part of its plans to provide more specialized skills for its clients.
Battlefield to Boardroom
U.S. News & World Report – February 6, 2013
A small group of business executives and students found themselves in the middle of Quantico, VA in a crisis situation with U.S. Marines. In a mock ceremony students were presented daring situations and had to think quickly. Steve Olson of Center for Ethics and Corporate Responsibility spearheaded this program to teach students, “ethical meaning on a situation.” The drill was created to encourage prompt and logical executive decision-making.
AHIMA Announces New Executive Appointments
Advance – February 6, 2013
Alumna Deborah Green elected executive vice president of American Health Information Management Association. She will oversee AHIMA’s Advocacy and Policy, Business Innovation, HIM Solutions and Marketing departments.
BrandBank Names Richard Fairey as New President
Press release – February 5, 2013
Alumnus Richard Fairey has been named president and chief operations officer of the Gwinnett County-based bank. In this role, Fairey will oversee all the bank's operations and lead the expansion of its products and geographic footprint.
John Dixon & Associates Adds Tallahassee Office; Plans to Increase Focus on State
Press release– February 5, 2013
Alumnus Buddy Lee has relocated to Tallahassee to increase marketing efforts for John Dixon & Associates, a an auctioneer based out of Georgia.
Building Brands, Driving Profitable Sales
Atlanta Business Chronicle – February 1, 2013
Ken Bernhardt of the Department of Marketing shares branding advice from John Costello, the chief global marketing and innovation officer of Dunkin’ Brands. “Marketers tend to be optimists but must honestly assess what is working and what is not.”
Georgia School Launches State’s First Master of Global Hospitality Management
Asian Hospitality – February 2013
Robinson will launch a Master of Global Hospitality Management program this fall. “Months of dialogue with industry leaders and executives helped us realize the need for a program with global emphasis on our industry,” said Debby Cannon, director of the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality.
GSU to Offer Health Informatics Degree
Atlanta Business Chronicle – January 31, 2013
Georgia State will offer a new undergraduate degree in health informatics beginning fall 2013. The new Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.) in Health Informatics is offered as collaboration between the Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions and the J. Mack Robinson College of Business.
U.S. Economic Backsliding Temporary? Maybe Not if ‘Sequester’ Hits
The Christian Science Monitor – January 31, 2013
The economy decreased in the most recent quarter, forecasters generally said not to worry. This was a temporary slowdown, driven by one-time factors. It’s not unthinkable that economic growth could turn negative for a couple of quarters if the automatic spending cuts known as the “sequester” take effect as currently scheduled on March 1. “The concern is valid,” said Rajeev Dhawan of the Economic Forecasting Center.
Legislative Day 10
“The Lawmakers” / Georgia Public Broadcasting – January 30, 2013
David Bruce of the Institute of International Business discusses the expansion of trade at the Savannah harbor.
Digging Deep: The Savannah Harbor
“The Lawmakers” / Georgia Public Broadcasting – January 30, 2013
David Bruce of the Institute of International Business discusses effects in exporting from the Savannah Harbor, including manufacturers like the Kia plant, and value on Georgia’s economy.
Chick-fil-A Keeps Growing Despite Uproar
Atlanta Journal-Constitution – January 29, 2013
Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy’s controversial comments last summer and the uproar that followed didn’t dampen the Atlanta company’s annual sales. “I think the flap last summer will not have any effect at all long term,” said Ken Bernhardt of the Department of Marketing.
Executives Learn Ethics the Hard Way: From Marines
USA TODAY – January 29, 2013
A group of executives and students went to the Marine Corps base as part of a three-day course to learn ethical leadership from combat leaders. The Georgia State group is one of several relationships that the Marines have established with civilian schools to teach leadership and ethics. "The idea is to make them cold, wet, tired and hungry," said Steven Olson of Center for Ethics and Corporate Responsibility.
Charles E. Potts Named President of Banno
Press release – January 29, 2013
Banno a provider of data-enriched transaction marketing services, has announced that alumnus Charles E. Potts has joined the company as president. In addition to his new leadership role, Potts will accelerate the product delivery strategies of the company’s partnerships as well as direct growth within the financial services marketplace.
Local Experts: ICE’s Bid for NYSE Likely to be Approved
GlobalAtlanta – January 28, 2013
Intercontinental Exchange Inc.’s bid to acquire the New York Stock Exchange will likely go through despite the myriad regulatory agencies that will have to approve the deal. Gerald Gay of the Department of Finance said the main motivation on ICE’s part is to acquire the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange, which is owned by NYSE Euronext, and that the NYSE will transition away from traditional floor trading.
2013 Max Awards Finalists Selected
Atlanta Business Chronicle – January 25, 2013
Each year, the Georgia State University J. Mack Robinson College of Business Department of Marketing and Atlanta Business Chronicle recognize outstanding marketing innovations introduced in Georgia in the previous year. Finalists for the 21st Annual Marketing Award For Excellence (MAX Awards) have been selected.
Volunteers Assist Seniors in Decatur on MLK Day
FOXATL - January 21, 2013
In the city of Decatur, more than 1,000 people concluded three days of service to help others. “Certainly MLK was all about bringing folks together and doing the right thing. That's what we're doing here,” said Molly Nuttall of Center for Ethics and Corporate Responsibility.
Slow Growth Ahead (Maybe): Experts’ Forecasts Not Always on the Money
Atlanta Journal-Constitution – January 19, 2013
In the final jobs report for 2012, released this week, Georgia's unemployment rate rose slightly to 8.6 percent, and a trio of the state's top economists doesn't expect much improvement this year. For 2013, Rajeev Dhawan of Economic Forecasting Center predicts the overall unemployment rate will be 8.9 percent.
Blue Cross, Emory Discuss New Initiative: Partnership of Insurer, Health Care Provider Signals Market Shifts
Atlanta Journal-Constitution – January 15, 2013
Emory Healthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia are working together on a major initiative that will improve the quality and efficiency of Georgia’s health care system. Although both conglomerates refused to give details, Bill Custer of Center for Health Services Research said, “The promise is that we’re going to get more efficient, effective care.”
Synovus Sea Island Settlement Bars Board Loan Approvals
Bloomberg – January 14, 2013
Synovus Financial Corp. settled a shareholder lawsuit over $200 million in bad loans to luxury resort Sea Island Co. with preliminary approval. “What is especially interesting is that the directors won’t be able to participate in the approval of any loans, whether large or small,” said Mark Chen of the Department of Finance.
Chamblee Names New City Clerk
Atlanta Journal-Constitution – January 14, 2013
Alumna Emmie Niethammer is Chamblee’s new city clerk. The position had been vacant since March 2012.
Private Money Helps GSU Grow, Aid Students
Atlanta Business Chronicle – January 11, 2013
In 2012, the university received a momentous $5 million in private funding, which among other things, applied to additional scholarship opportunities. “Tuition and state appropriations only cover the basics and when you want to attract faculty of the highest caliber and have programs that attract the best students, it takes private support,” said Ken Bernhardt of the Department of Marketing.
Reluctant Student to Renowned CEO
Atlanta Business Chronicle – January 11, 2013
Alumnus A.W. “Bill” Dahlberg was reluctant to obtain a college degree due to family matters and a full-time job until his boss presented an ultimatum he couldn’t refuse, get a degree or you’re fired! It would be remised to celebrate GSU 100th anniversary without remembering Dahlberg’s contribution to the school, city and his zealous character.
Preparing for the Unimaginable: Challenges for Business and Government
CDC Foundation - January 10, 2013
Is our nation prepared for extreme health emergencies? Reports indicate that our preparedness level rates are better than a decade ago, but persistent gaps signify the need for more strategic planning. Health foundations and CDC executives communicate and how we can enhance our readiness, at December 2012 event held by World Affairs Council of Atlanta.
Secrets to Your Success: Kat Cole
Yahoo! – January 9, 2013
Kat Cole, alumna and President of Cinnabon talks about her start as a Hooters girl, "All my bosses were women so they may have thought I was cute, but I can assure you that is not why they coached me and gave me opportunities," and rise in success.
NorthStar Welcomes New Officer with Outstanding Reputation in Healthcare Marketing
Press release – January 9, 2013
Alumnus Adam Lefton joined NorthStar Healthcare as chief marketing officer. Lefton will be responsible for expanding the brand through direct-to-consumer marketing.
Anametrix Appoints Sales Directors Christien Louviere to Lead Southeast Offices
Press release - January 9, 2013
Alumnus Christien Louviere now serves as Southeast Sales Director in Atlanta for Anametrix, cloud-based, real-time digital analytics platform.
Co-Managers Named to Oakmark Select Fund
Press release – January 8, 2013
Alumnus Win Murray has been appointed to the portfolio management trio of the Oakmark Select Fund.
F5 Networks Announces Appointment of Two New Directors
Press release – January 7, 2013
Alumna Sandra Bergeron, an experienced technology industry executive and national expert in computer security matters, was appointed to the board of directors of F5 Networks.
Nine Georgia Business Brokers Named to GABB Million Dollar Club with $40 Million Sold in 2012
Press release – January 3, 2013
Alumnus Loren Marc Schmerler, President of Bottom Line Management, Inc., was named one of nine Georgia Association of Business Brokers (GABB) Million Dollar Club members.
Crawford Names David Repinski CEO of U.S. Property & Casualty
Press release – January 2, 2013 Alumnus David Repinski is now CEO at Crawford & Company’s U.S. Property & Casualty division.