Page 33 - DeKalb NCG 2020

Business & Industry
Meet DeKalb’s Innovators
Earl Walker
Education: Columbia College
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Moved to or began working
in DeKalb County: 1989
Occupation: Senior Vice President
Organization: Image360 - Tucker
Meet DeKalb’s Innovators
Ryan C. Millsap
Education: Master of Real Estate Development
from Southern California University; Bachelor
of Arts in Philosophy and Literature from Biola
University
Hometown: Springfield, Missouri
Moved to or began working
in DeKalb County: 2014
Occupation: Chairman & CEO
Organization: Blackhall Studios
Where do you see DeKalb County in 20 years? Why is it so important for you
I hope that we will move past this trying time
to work in DeKalb?
in our history. I see positive growth with our As a certified black woman-owned
leadership in DeKalb County. It can effectively business, I want [Image360 Tucker] to be
change the negative view of some of the media a role model for young black men and
and put us in a better light. We are going in the women and let them know they can run
right direction, but the national scene needs to
change. Hopefully, that will offset some of the a successful business. It is vital to see
local aspects. companies that you can relate to and know
that you can do this if you put your mind to
How does your business affect DeKalb’s future? it and work hard.
We provide an array of services for the county. How does your involvement with the
We bring positive change with representation as Chamber affect the Chamber and
far as branding, and we also offer jobs to people
in the county. DeKalb County as a whole?
I want to be a voice for small businesses in
What is your favorite aspect of DeKalb County? my community. I feel like I bring that to the
Chamber. When decisions are made, as well
The thing I like about DeKalb County is its
diversity. We are a melting pot for the state as as talking to our leaders, they understand
well as the region. We have parks, medical that the larger companies here do provide
facilities, sports, entertainment, and many other a more significant share of the revenue. But
attractions. We are in a central location, and there there are also small businesses here that
is always something to do. need help.
What role do you or does your organization
Description of the organization’s mission: play in that future?
Blackhall Studios is one of the premier movie
The mission of Blackhall Studios is to provide studios in the world. Our expansion plans will
world-class film assets to the global production place us as the largest studio in North America in
marketplace. Part of that mission is to aid in the sound stage space. All of this is happening right
development of talented film makers and film here in DeKalb County. The production partners
crew through the education of our youth in this on our lot include Disney, Sony, Warner Brothers,
specialized field. We work closely with The Georgia HBO, Legendary, Lionsgate, Paramount, and
Film Academy, The Georgia Film Foundation, and Universal. They are employing thousands
DeKalb County Schools to create programs that of Georgians at Blackhall. Blackhall can play
train the future film leaders of DeKalb County. a very important role in DeKalb’s growth and
continued success.
What is your vision for the future
of DeKalb County? What is your favorite aspect of DeKalb County?
DeKalb County has incredible geographic I love the diversity of DeKalb. It is filled with
desirability. We are the natural growth corridor people from every tribe, color, creed, and seed,
and that glorious diversity creates flavor and
for the Atlanta metropolitan area, both as the uniquely blended experiences.
city grows outward and as the suburbs fold back
in. DeKalb is poised to capture that tremendous What is distinct or exceptional
growth born from a city like Atlanta growing so about DeKalb County?
big that it must fold back inward and expand DeKalb County is uniquely positioned to
vertically. My vision for DeKalb is that we will capitalize on the Metro Atlanta desire to fold
become an entertainment hub for movies, in upon itself and grow vertically. We have
television, e-sports gaming, and augmented incredible untapped land resources, and we
reality experiences. These growth industries have the right leadership in place to have a
give us the opportunity to accelerate into decade or more of unprecedented growth
greater prosperity. and transformation!
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DeKalb Chamber of Commerce 404-378-8000 DeKalbChamber.org