To the readers of Black Enterprise.

CITY OF ATLANTA 55 TRINITY AVENUE, S.W ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30335-0300 TEL (404) 330-6100

March 2004

To the readers of Black Enterprise:

As Mayor of Atlanta, I am pleased that Black Enterprise Magazine has chosen to showcase the "Face of Atlanta."

Since the

election of Maynard Holbrook Jackson as Atlanta's first African American Mayor in 1973, Atlanta has become one of the nation's focal points for growth among African American businesses and tourism. As highlighted in this special feature, Atlanta is home to some of the greatest talent and minds in the country. From education to business, from sports to entertainment, from cultural enrichment to technology--Atlantans seek to excel in every field imaginable--that is what makes this a great city.

Coupled with our vibrant African-American business community, and the widespread increase in the number of African-Americans moving to the Atlanta area, the power of the African-American consumer spreads throughout the State of Georgia. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Georgia ranks in the top 10 states ranked by the rate of growth of black buying power and ranks in the top 5 states with the largest African-American markets. It is this level of excellence permeating throughout our city and state that continues to take us to new heights.

We are proud of our heritage as the cradle of the civil rights movement, as home to over 60,000 minority owned firms and the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International. With a history filled with rich culture and southern charm, it is no surprise that Atlanta recently was selected by the Travel Industry Association of America as the # 1 most popular city for African American travelers as well as received national recognition as one of the top 5 best cities for business and careers.

As you read and briefly experience the "Face of Atlanta", I invite you to come and fully experience Atlanta for yourself and once you do, you will see we are a city full of phenomenal faces and extraordinary places ... I look forward to welcoming you to Atlanta!