BUCKHEAD COALITION LAUGHTER LUNCHEON (2/5/15)

     Don't invite Ted Turner to a party without being prepared to laugh.  At the recent annual meeting and luncheon of the Buckhead Coalition, the famous invited guest had a thought or three about a bunch of topics.

    When asked if education or being an entrepreneur was more important in business, Turner said “I’d put my money on brain power. I’d rather be smart and poor than rich and dumb.”

     Around the room: a Who's Who of smiles and Atlanta Up-and-Comers.

     The luncheon drew leaders and business moguls from all-over the city, and included many famous business leaders with their own unique personalities.  Sam Massell, head of the Buckhead Coalition, brought laughter to the floor himself as he presented questions to Turner.

     "Why don't you retire and go sit on the beach somewhere?" said Massell.

     “You get sunburned if you sit on the beach," quipped Turner.  "Work, for me, was never work.”

     Later in the presentation Turner did admit to being ready for some sort of change. "Even though I have six or seven different businesses," said Turner, "I am tired. I’m not quitting, it’s hard for me to work as hard as I used to.”

     The Buckhead Coalition exists to protect the vision of future Buckhead.  Business leaders are encouraged to participate in the organization, which has stood as a vanguard for the growing district. 

      Buckhead grew from a wilderness hunting area with a single store and tavern in 1837, to gain a reputation as Atlanta's most affluent and elegant district.  There are many areas that encompass Buckhead, offering any amenity or desire.  Some of the rarest jewelry, automobiles, couture clothing, leather goods and art can be found in the area. 

       The past few years, the face of Buckhead has changed tremendously.  An entire re-design of the district's Buckhead Village is making the area a live-work community of professionals from every occupation.

     When President Massell asked Tuner about his 1997 pledge to the United Nations of 1 billion, Turner snapped "...It's all been paid."  Attendees to the luncheon  exploded in laughter.  "When they told me I was the largest individual donor in the History of Charity, I said '...well who came in second?'"

     There are many programs and events happening in Buckhead, go to http://www.buckhead.net/ for exciting details.

---Ray Macon