Georgia Bulletin

The Local 479
Georgia Bulletin
Chartered October 1,1986
Vol. 1, No. 2 – 2015
News for the Membership of IATSE Local 479
Published Quarterly Since 2015
Atlanta, Georgia
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories, and Canada, AFL-CIO-CLC
2015: A World Class Year for Georgia Productions
A Remarkable Year of Growth for Local 479

President
Raymond Brown
Vice-President
Whit Norris
Secretary/Treasurer
Frank Hatcher
Business Agent
Michael Akins
Director of Membership
Aaron Cooley
Sergeant-at-Arms
Mike Filosa
Labor Delegates
Bud Raymond (elect)
Peter McGoran
Director of Education
Kevin Amick
Asst. Dir. of Education
Ed Hotchkiss
Shop Stewards
Billy Deacon
Theresa Khouri
A.B. Cooper
Board of Trustees
Johnny Thigpen
Matt Derber
Damon Fishback
Tasha Wdowin
Chris Wdowin
Office Manager
Jenn Hutchins
Asst. Office Manager
Cari Watkins
IT Manager
Ken Riggins
Bookkeeper
Latoya Blackmon
Accounts Receivable
Brittany Martin-Bryant
Auditor
Genessa Davis
Member Services
Lajuana Scott
Benefits Coordinator
Lauralyn Walsh
Receptionist
Kaleitha Thomas
WINTER 2015
2016 DUES INCENTIVE DEADLINE
Don’t Miss the Deadline!
DON’T RISK MISSING out on qualifying for the 2016 Dues Incentive
Plan because of a past due balance!!! Be sure to contact the office
by 11am on December 31, 2015, to make sure that your account is
in GOOD STANDING!
44 ALERTS IN 2015
Stay Tuned for More!
This year we pushed out 44 production alerts through our social
media, and many more through our Breaking News emails. Be sure
to follow us in 2016 to stayed dialed in!
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER!
And watch your inbox for the very latest official news
facebook.com/IATSE479
google.com/+IATSELocal479Atlanta
instagram.com/iatse479ywc/
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facebook.com/iatselocal479education
twitter.com/Local479Media
twitter.com/Local479Edu
The Local 479 Georgia Bulletin

THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
The third and fourth quarter of this year could not
have been more eventful for Local 479. We continue
to expand our member services, member events
and member training opportunities. In addition to
focusing on what is happening inside our hall, our
local was well represented outside of our hall at the
International Executive Board Meeting and the District
7 Convention. A busy time indeed however, we did
manage to have some fun at the Kickball Tournament,
Golf Tournament and our IATSE night out at the Braves
game.
The International General Executive Board met
in Halifax, Nova Scotia in late July. The week was
highlighted by a spirited picket line that was led
by International President Matt Loeb. On a rainy
Tuesday morning I joined 200 of my closest friends
as we marched several blocks to the offices of “Egg
Productions”. From the time we left the hotel we were
met by a dozen or so of “Eggs” employees who did
their best to provoke an altercation. That did not occur,
in fact, the IATSE Officers who were a part of that
picket line set a great example of how to be effective
without altercation. For more information about this
story please refer to your International Bulletin.
The 7th District Convention was held in August at
the Westin in downtown Atlanta. Local 479 sent 27
delegates including the Executive Board and Officers.
All of the delegates participated in the training and
focus groups held throughout the Convention. I was
presented with the opportunity to Chair the 7th District
Resolution Committee and our Business Agent,
Brother Mike Akins, Chaired the Finance Committee.
All the attendees agreed that the convention was a
huge success. Many thanks to all the District 7 IATSE
Locals that participated.
There are few things that make me more proud to be
a member of Local 479 than our activism. One of the
four pillars of success and one that our Local excels
at. Our Young Workers Committee held a charity
kickball tournament that raised $18,500 for “The
Global Village Project” and our annual charity golf
tournament with Local 600 raised $17,500 for the “City
of Refuge”. That is $35,000 plus contributed to local
charities and none of that would have been possible
without the dedicated efforts of our members. Thank
you so much to our hard working committees for
making everything Local 479 does a great success. We
are an unstoppable force when we work together and
I continue to be humbled by our unity.
Our night out at the Braves game was a tremendous
success. Over 1,500 members and their families turned
out for the tailgate and game. A sincere thanks to our
Executive Board for making this happen with special
recognition going to Vice President Whit Norris for
heading up this event. We realized that this was a “first”
ball game for many members and their children and
Local 479 was proud to be a part of that experience.
All that and the Braves WON! I am convinced that our
Union presence had much to do with that.
A busy summer and fall to be sure and that is why we
put together a huge Holiday party at the Union Hall.
Over a 1000 members and their families attended this
amazing event that included a live band, 35’ inflatable
alligator obstacle course, a kid’s zone, laser tag and a
visit by the “real” Santa Claus. The members that took
advantage of this amazing event left with full bellies
and full of holiday cheer. It was so successful that the
Executive Board already has plans for another amazing
holiday get together for next year.
Have a peaceful and prosperous New Year and I will
see you on the set!
Raymond L. Brown Jr. President
IATSE Local 479 Georgia
News for the Membership of IATSE Local 479
VOL. 1, NO. 2 - 2015
1

COVER STORY
GEORGIA’S FILM INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO DEMONSTRATE RAPID GROWTH
From Humble Beginnings...
ATLANTA, Dec. 29, 2015 – In 2004 the
membership of Local 479 met in the North Room
of historic Manuel’s Tavern to vote on partnering
with local production organizations in a bid to
challenge the State of Georgia to become a
serious competitor in the television and motion
picture industry. More than a decade later our
State and our Local are reaping the benefits
of that partnership and from the ensuing hard
work put forth by state and local leaders.
Local 479 has much hard work yet to accomplish
in helping to make Georgia the number one
production destination in the country, but if
2015 is any measure we’re headed in the right
direction.
BIG NAMES ARRIVING ON THE SCENE
PANAVISION EXPANDS FOOTPRINT IN ATLANTA
ATLANTA (Sept. 23, 2015) – Panavision, the entertainment
industry’s leading designer, manufacturer and rental provider
of high-precision optics and camera systems, is bringing its
world-renowned services to Pinewood Atlanta Studios with the
opening of a satellite office there this month...
www.panavision.com
CHAPMAN / LEONARD ARRIVES IN ATLANTA
ATLANTA (Jan. 24, 2015) – Chapman-Leonard held a grand
opening to celebrate their arrival in the Media Lot at Pinewood
Atlanta Studios, featuring demonstrations of their latest
equipment by members of Local 479...
www.chapman-leonard.com
2 WINTER 2015
The Local 479 Georgia Bulletin

STUDIO UPDATES
Responding to the Need for More Soundstages
PINEWOOD STUDIOS 700-ACRE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
FAYETTEVILLE (Mar. 3, 2015) – Pinewood Studios reveals a master development
plan that includes a total of 30 sound stages, more than 500,000 square feet of
workshops an warehouses, a mixed-use development, retail, a hotel, a gated
new urbanist resort, a golf course, and more ...
www.pinewoodgroup.com
EAGLE ROCK STUDIOS GRAND OPENING
NORCROSS (April 14, 2015) – Eagle Rock Studios Atlanta celebrated the grand
opening of a 690,000 square foot warehouse, customized for industry use by
a longtime Hollywood producer. Billed as “the largest television production
studio under one roof in the U.S. “, the new facility includes an upgraded
electrical system, a silent air-conditioning system, office space, parking and
preparations for future upgrades.
www.eaglerockstudiosatlanta.com
SHANNON MALL REDEVELOPED INTO NEW STUDIO
UNION CITY (April 14, 2015) – The first phase of the film and television studio
facility, totaling 240,000 square feet on 25 acres, will include 130,000 square
feet of sound stages, 60,000 square feet of office space and 50,000 square feet
of mill (construction and flex space).
www.rookerco.com
TYLER PERRY PURCHASES FORT McPHERSON SITE
ATLANTA (Oct. 7, 2015) – Atlanta Movie Mogul Tyler Perry confirmed in
October that he will relocate his production center from its current space
near Greenbriar Mall to the recently purchased property at the shuttered Fort
McPherson ...
www.tylerperry.com/studio/
News for the Membership of IATSE Local 479
VOL. 1, NO. 2 - 2015
3

GENERAL NEWS
LOCAL 479 PARTNERING WITH GEORGIA FILM ACADEMY IN 2016
www.georgiafilmacademy.org
production skills, knowledge and experience with
film-industry standard organizational structure,
professional equipment and on-set procedures.
The Georgia Film Academy’s (GFA) pilot certification
program will consist of two semester long courses,
the first of which is primarily classroom-based,
the second is primarily set-based. Together, the
courses equal 18 hours which may be applied
toward associates and bachelors degrees. Courses
will be taught at various campuses around Atlanta
as well as at Pinewood Studios Atlanta.
On Dec. 7, the Georgia Film Academy announced
that it would begin enrolling students for its spring
2016 semester. The first course will cost $750,
the second course will cost $1,500, however the
Academy will currently be subsidizing half of the
cost of the program to hasten the adoption of the
program. These classes are currently being offered
to current students of the University System
of Georgia as well as current students of the
Technical College System of Georgia, though nonstudents
may also apply. It is important that Local
479 participate in our local community to educate
future technicians of the benefits of a labor union,
such as collective bargaining and health & welfare.
ATLANTA, Dec. 7, 2015 – The Georgia Film
Academy is a collaborative effort of the
University System of Georgia and Technical
College System of Georgia supporting
workforce needs of the film and digital
entertainment industries. The academy will
certify workforce ready employees in needed
areas, connect students and prospective
employees with employers, and offer a unique
capstone experience for top students that will
provide them a path to employment in Georgia,
and they will be partnering with IATSE Local 479
to educate and train Georgia’s future workforce
for the television and motion picture industry.
The Georgia Film Academy offers a two-course
certification program specifically designed to
provide students with a basic level of on-set film
FOCUS: JEFFREY STEPAKOFF, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (GFA)
Jeffrey Stepakoff is
combining the lessons
of his twenty-eight year
entertainment industry
career with his experience as
a professional academician
to develop a vibrant, focused
curriculum for the students of
the Georgia Film Academy.
Stepakoff has created and developed pilots
for many of the major studios and networks,
including 20th Century, Paramount, MTM,
Fox and ABC, and a variety of production
companies and producers.
His credits include the Emmy-winning The
Wonder Years, Sisters, Wild Card, Hyperion
Bay, The Magic School, C16:FBI, Robin’s
Hoods, Land’s End, Flipper, Sons & Daughters,
Major Dad, The Yakov Smirnoff Show, Beauty
& the Beast, Have Faith, Simon & Simon, and
break-out hit Dawson’s Creek, where he was
Co-Executive Producer.
4 WINTER 2015
The Local 479 Georgia Bulletin

FILM INDUSTRY GENERATES $6 BILLION FOR GEORGIA’S ECONOMY
www.georgia.org/newsroom/press-releases/
ATLANTA, July 9, 2015 – Gov. Nathan Deal
announced today that Georgia-lensed feature film
and television productions generated an economic
impact of more than $6 billion during fiscal year
2015 (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015). The 248 film and
television productions shot in Georgia represent
$1.7 billion in spending in the state.
“As evidenced by today’s announcement,
Georgia’s film industry has had a significant impact
on our state,” said Deal. “These statistics represent
job creation, increased business opportunities and
the revitalization of communities statewide, and
I am committed to building a strong film-ready
workforce in Georgia to ensure that the industry
continues to flourish here.”
Providing a sustainable workforce to meet the
needs of productions coming to Georgia is a
priority for the state. Deal established the Georgia
Film Academy earlier this year, bringing together
the University System of Georgia, the Technical
College System of Georgia and members of the
film industry to collaborate. Working together,
they established a program to provide students
with degrees or certifications that fulfill industry
needs and demands.
“Georgia is one of the fastest-growing
entertainment production centers in the world
with 42 productions currently filming across the
state,” said Chris Carr, commissioner of the
Georgia Department of Economic Development.
“More than 100 new businesses have relocated
or expanded in Georgia to support the industry
– creating jobs for Georgians as well as economic
opportunities for our communities and small
businesses – ensuring Georgia’s place in the
industry well into the future.”
The highly anticipated Georgia-lensed “Ant-
Man,” set to premiere nationwide in theaters on
July 17, made a major economic impact in Georgia
during filming (October-December). “Ant-Man”
employed 3,579 Georgians, spent more than $106
million in Georgia and utilized 22,413 hotel rooms
during filming. In addition to filming at Pinewood
Atlanta Studios, “Ant-Man” shot scenes in Atlanta
including the state-owned Archives Building, Bank
of America building and on Broad Street.
The summer blockbuster was the first film to shoot
at the new Pinewood Atlanta Studios in Fayetteville.
The new Georgia facility helped Pinewood Studios
achieve record revenue numbers for its financial
year ending March 31. Marvel will continue work in
Georgia with principal photography for “Captain
America: Civil War” at Pinewood Atlanta Studios.
WINNER OF VAZQUEZ SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED
www.iatse479.org
During the October General Membership
Meeting, Vice President Whit Norris,
Chairman of the Scholarship Committee,
proudly presented The Robert Vazquez
2014 Scholarship to Nicholas Olson, son of
costumer Sarah Olson. The Robert Vazquez
scholarship provides $4,000 to a member,
member’s spouse, son, daughter, grandchild
or any child for which the member may be
deemed to act as legal guardian.
The application period for 2015 was from
September 1st through November 30th
and the recipient will be announced in an
upcoming General Membership meeting.
News for the Membership of IATSE Local 479
VOL. 1, NO. 2 - 2015
5

2015 EVENTS
THE GREAT ATLANTA KICKBALL TOURNAMENT FOR THE GLOBAL VILLAGE PROJECT
September 12, 2015 – instagram.com/explore/tags/iatse479kickball/
Fox Series “Sleepy Hollow” camera utility Erik Olsen
pitching against “The Walking Dead Crew” team
Local 479’s Young Workers Committee hosted a
rollicking kickball tourney to benefit The Global Village
Project School. 12 teams faced off at Piedmont Park,
pitting the crews of shows like The Walking Dead,
Finding Carter, Game of Silence, and The Originals
against several grip departments, a team from Local
600, and a team from the DGA. More than 180 people
attended this entertaining competition. $18,425 was
raised on behalf of the Atlanta-based school for the
charity, which helps refugee girls with interrupted
schooling to gain access to the education necessary
to pursue their dreams. This event was also covered
by Oz Magazine.
DRIVING FOR A GOOD CAUSE
October 3, 2015
LOCAL 479 BRAVES NIGHT
September 19, 2015
Local 479 and Local 600 raised $17,000 for the benefit of City
of Refuge, a charity that provides life saving resources and
tools to individuals and families in Atlanta who are living on
the margin.
A FRIGHTFULLY GOOD TIME FOR THE KIDS!
October 21-24, 2015
On a beautiful September evening our members met at the
Atlanta Braves stadium for a catered in-the-park tailgating
session prior to the game. The event was the first large scale
gathering the Local has done in quite some time and it was
well attended. The seats were great and the Braves beat the
Phillies 2 to 1, a perfect ending to a terrific night!
Our crews helped the Boys and Girls Club of America to put
on a spooky haunted house this year!
6 WINTER 2015
The Local 479 Georgia Bulletin

December Events
––
Coat Drive
––
Toys for Tots
––
Canned Food Drive
The 2015 Holiday Party took place on Saturday,
December the 12th at Local 479’s new headquarters
building. An enormous 50’ by 150’ tent was set up
to accommodate the more than 1,000 members who
elected to participate in a day of fun and fellowship.
Santa took time from his final production schedule to
fly into Atlanta to visit with all our good little girls and
boys. Sanford Hatcher and Stephanie Beman oversaw
the event’s food, providing a low country boil, a roast
pig and barbecue, oysters on the half shell, fried alligator tail, shrimp, and crab. Musical
entertainment was provided by member Jon Harris and his band. Inside the building
members of the Young Worker’s Committee provided daycare, while outside the building
kids and parents cavorted inside an inflatable alligator and a laser tag facility.
News for the Membership of IATSE Local 479
VOL. 1, NO. 2 - 2015
7

2015 EVENTS
8 WINTER 2015
The Local 479 Georgia Bulletin

Page 8 (clockwise from top): The 50’ x 150’ event tent was packed with partygoers as the party transitioned
from Santa to the Jon Harris Band. Members like Propmaster Shawn Gray brought their
children to see Santa and to enjoy the bouncy alligator slide, while other members enjoyed a fantastic
low country feast, topped off by delicious holiday desserts. President Ray Brown was delighted to see
member Bil Barnes at the party, and together they stood for a photo! Meanwhile, Santa had his hands
full going through his list of naughty and nice!
News for the Membership of IATSE Local 479
VOL. 1, NO. 2 - 2015
9

479 BUSINESS
OCTOBER & DECEMBER MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
www.iatse479.org
While complete details of the October & December
Membership meetings are available to members
at the office, several non-proprietary items can be
reported in this newsletter.
The 2016 Incentive Plan was approved by the
Membership. This is the plan that automatically
pays a member’s annual dues if they paid in at
least $260 in 3% work dues in the previous year.
This plan must be approved every year by the
membership.
Vacation Rebate Approved for 2016 – This
program must be approved annually by a vote of
the general membership, and the program was
approved for 2016. This “vacation” rebate is available to members who have contributed more than
$1,000 in 3% assessments during the course of the year. Details of how this rebate program works are
explained in the sidebar on the opposite page.
Disability Insurance Plan – members approved the adoption of disability insurance program to cover
all members in good standing. This program will be paid for with membership dues, meaning that
there will be no extra cost to members. This plan will provide maximum short term disability payments
of $250 per week and a maximum of $1,000 per month for long term disability payments. This plan also
provides a $5,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Plan.
In the October General Membership Meeting the 2016 Budget for Local 479 was presented to the
Membership for review and was subsequently approved in the December General Membership
Meeting.
Show Organized – IATSE Local 479 organized the previously non-union movie “Shadow”.
Election Update – Greg Waddle declined the nomination for the office of Delegate to the AFL-CIO,
leaving Bud Raymond as the sole person seeking that position. President Ray Brown found no need
for a vote since all three offices were uncontested and so: beginning January 1, 2016, Whit Norris will
continue to serve as Vice President, Frank Hatcher will continue as General Secretary/Treasurer, and
Bud Raymond will join the E-Board as Labor Delegate to the AFL-CIO.
Welcome New Staff – Latoya Blackmon joined the administrative staff in July. Toward the end of
October Brittany Martin-Bryant joined our paid staff to run payments and assist members with staying
up to date on their assessments.
10 WINTER 2015
The Local 479 Georgia Bulletin

FACILITY MAINTENANCE/UPDATES
www.iatse479.org
WELLS FARGO ANNUITY ACCOUNT ACCESS
www.iatse479.org
New Video System – a new video system was
added to the assembly hall this fall. The new
system allows us to participate in remote video
conferences, conduct presentations by beaming
camera coverage to the televisions inside and
outside the assembly hall. Local 600 has already
used the system for their national meeting.
Media Center – the new media center is now fully
functional, with wall-mounted monitors displaying
up-to-date contact information for current
productions, both television and feature.
Painted/Sealed – the Training Workshop has had
its floor resurfaced with new paint and sealant.
Lighting Package – Ron Dahlquist, a 44 year
member of IATSE Local 728, founder of Dadco
Power & Lights, and President of FilmGear.com
has generously provided a full, modern tungsten
and HMI lighting package for use in our training
classes. This training package also includes
cabling, breakout boxes and lunch boxes.
“In 2015 Ron taught several electrical safety
classes for our training program and we appreciate
everything that he has done for us,” said Kevin
Amick, Director of Education.
Member Fitness Center – the new member fitness
center now has 24 hour card access, cards are
available for purchase by members during normal
business hours.
New Fence – a new screening fence was added
around the dumpsters on the northeast corner of
the building.
Paving at Entrance – a paved walkway was installed
at the main southern entrance to the building by
greensman Jerry West.
Video Security – a full-coverage 24 hour video
monitoring and security system was installed this
fall.
479 members you are now able to access your Wells
Fargo Annuity account online. If you already have an
account with Wells Fargo your Annuity Account will
have been associated with your existing account. If
you do not have an existing account just go to the
Wells Fargo website and click on the link to “Enroll”.
You’ll need to enter your social security number and
check the box that states “I don’t have an Account,
loan, ATM card, or debit card number”. Be sure to
log in and review your information, the savings in
this account are an important part of your retirement
nest egg!
YOUR VACATION REBATE
The membership of Local 479 voted to
implement the Vacation Rebate again in
2016. This rebate returns to you 20% of
the 3% assessments that exceeded $1,000.
Here’s an example:
‣ ¾ Over the course of 2015 Sandra paid $1,700
in 3% assessments to Local 479.
‣ ¾ Sandra is in good standing and so she will
collect 20% of the amount she was assessed
that exceeded $1,000 ($700 in this example),
so Sandra’s Vacation Rebate amounts to
$140.
If you have a question regarding your
standing or any other financial question, do
not hesitate to contact the office.
News for the Membership of IATSE Local 479
VOL. 1, NO. 2 - 2015
11

SHOW LISTS
FEATURE STEWARD ASSIGNMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 29, 2015
www.iatse479.org
Thes alphabetical project listings on these pages represent the most up-to-date steward assignments
at the time of publication. If you do not see your show listed here contact one of our union stewards.
FEATURES UNION STEWARD SET STEWARD
A Meyers Christmas Billy Deacon Greg Chester
All Eyez on Me Theresa Khouri Aron Siegel
Baby Driver Billy Deacon TBD
Element Billy Deacon John Galbreath
Fast and Furious 8 Theresa Khouri TBD
Fist Fight Billy Deacon Tom Barrett
Level Up Billy Deacon Derron Delaney
Life Briefly Billy Deacon Stephanie Beman
Live By Night Theresa Khouri Jody Diodati
Madea’s Halloween Theresa Khouri TBD
Middle School The Worst Years of My Life Billy Deacon TBD
Passengers Billy Deacon S. Johnson
Shadow Theresa Khouri N/A
Thank You For Your Service Theresa Khouri TBD
The True Memoirs of an International Assassin Theresa Khouri Mackie Roberts
The Yellowbirds Theresa Khouri Demetrius Lewis
BILLY DEACON
bdeacon@iatse479.org
Office: (404) 361-5676 Ext. 111
Cell: (678) 777-6204
THERESA KHOURI
tkhouri@iatse479.org
Office: (404) 361-5676 Ext. 151
Cell: (410) 474-4002
12 WINTER 2015
The Local 479 Georgia Bulletin

TELEVISION/EPISODIC STEWARD ASSIGNMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 29, 2015
www.iatse479.org
Thes alphabetical project listings on these pages represent the most up-to-date steward assignments
at the time of publication. If you do not see your show listed here contact one of our union stewards.
TELEVISION/EPISODIC UNION STEWARD SET STEWARD
Containment –Season 1 Theresa Khouri Paul Lowe
Devious Maids – Season 4 Billy Deacon Greg Chester
Game of Silence Billy Deacon Chuck Arnold
Greenleaf Billy Deacon Paul Bednarz
Halt and Catch Fire – Season 3 Theresa Khouri TBD
Not Again Theresa Khouri Ketih Mingo
Powers – Season 2 Billy Deacon Chad Shroeder
Sinners & Saints Theresa Khouri TBD
Sleepy Hollow – Season 3 Theresa Khouri B. Sullivan
Star Billy Deacon TBD
Stranger Things Billy Deacon Steven Moss
Survivor’s Remorse Theresa Khouri TBD
The Originals – Season 3 Theresa Khouri Bud Raymond
The Vampire Diaries – Season 7 Billy Deacon Lee Burks
The Walking Dead – Season 6 Theresa Khouri Tasha Wdowin
True Fiction Billy Deacon TBD
BILLY DEACON
bdeacon@iatse479.org
Office: (404) 361-5676 Ext. 111
Cell: (678) 777-6204
THERESA KHOURI
tkhouri@iatse479.org
Office: (404) 361-5676 Ext. 151
Cell: (410) 474-4002
News for the Membership of IATSE Local 479
VOL. 1, NO. 2 - 2015
13

The Local 479 Georgia Bulletin
Local 479 I.A.T.S.E.
4220 International Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30354
Phone: (404) 361-5676