South metro focus of meeting

Development Outlook to review achievements.

More than 500 of the region’s top policy-makers, industry leaders, lawmakers and corporate executives will gather in College Park next week for a networking conference that focuses solely on the southside, metro Atlanta’s once overlooked economic stepchild.

The theme of this year’s South Metro Development Outlook conference is “It’s All About the South” — an apropo topic considering the economic gems the southside has snagged in recent years. The arrival of Porsche and Pinewood Studios has helped elevate the southside. The area also has attracted a host of logistics and warehousing firms, boosting the state’s efforts at becoming a national logistical hub.

Next month’s launch of MARTA in Clayton County is expected to further enhance the southern crescent, says economist Roger Tutterow, who will present his economic forecast at the Wednesday conference, which will be at the Georgia International Convention Center from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“I’m optimistic about the southside,” said Tutterow, a Kennesaw State University economics professor. He added that “2015 is going to be a good year for Atlanta, in general. It will be the third year in which the Atlanta economy will expand faster than the national average, and I fully expect the southern crescent to take part in that expansion.”

The conference is in its 13th year and is the brainchild of Michael Hightower, managing partner of The Collaborative Firm, a land-use planning, program management and real estate development firm in East Point.

The conference also will highlight economic development, transportation, the film industry and enhancements at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. There will be panel discussions on urban and suburban projects, how film sites are selected, impending transportation legislation, the MARTA/Clayton partnership and airport projects.

Advance registration is $65; $70 the day of the event. For details, call (404) 684-7031 or go to www.smdocon ference.com.