Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/3108
BY CHERAY O'NEAL "Your event will be a work of art" is Georgia's International Convention Center's motto. Adjacent to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world's largest international airports sits The Georgia International Convention Center in College park. It features 400,000 sq. ft. of flex- ible meeting space, 150,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, and a 40,000-sq. ft. ballroom. G.I.C.C. is appealing for plan- ners of meetings and event organizers, trade shows and local gatherings. With mod- ern facilities, amazing ameni- ties and being directly con- nected to one of the busiest international airports in the world it's a win/win dream sit- uation. Not only is G.I.C.C. hot on any planners list, but also serves up accommoda- tions, convenience, profes- sionalism and flexibility; all of which Mrs. Mercedes Miller, assistant executive director helps stir to humble perfec- tion. Miller is as real as it gets, 20 years in the business of hospitality and she's still eager to learn and grow. Originally from Atlanta, graduate of Morris Brown University, majored in Accounting; she quickly found out that accounting wasn't her thing. A woman full of confidence, compassion, ambi- tion and faith, Miller followed her heart and vowed to take a job when she figured out what pulled at her soul. As faith would have it "I closed my eyes and let God lead me." She walked into Stouffer Waverly Hotel and was hired that day. "Hospitality and I fit like a glove, every time I figured out what I was doing, they would promote me." Quickly advancing, Miller held her own as a market- ing analyst, sales manager, national sales manager, mother and now assistant executive director. When asked of the challenges/benefits of her job, her outlook reflects pure grace. "A skill is something that can be taught, but the personality and hunger for this industry has to be in you," Miller insists. Her management style is part mother hen, part respected mentor. She believes in the potential of all her employees and chooses to "develop the whole of a person." Miller has an open door policy and strongly believes loyalty is coupled with promoting from within. "I was a diamond in the rough," she said, "and somebody saw in me, what I can see in them." With such a charming persona and intellectual warmth, it's easy to see how this 'diamond' climbed her way up and through the rough. Miller has proven to be one of the facility's strongest selling advo- cates, yet her humbleness strikes an even greater chord. "I'm no different. I just happen to be at the right place at the right time, and might I add, very well prepared." Miller had allot of mentor's along the way who believed in her potential, took them under her wing. She's just passing the blessing along in her own spe- cial way. "It's great to see peo- ple who look like you, I'm proud to see more African American in key positions, people coming into this indus- try now have a great opportu- nity". In addition to her ongoing involvement in many civic and industry organizations, Miller has also been honored as one of Atlanta's most interesting personalities and a leader in her community with her repeated inclusion in Who's Who in Black Atlanta. According to Miller, this recognition is not just based on her own good work, but is also on her special ability in getting the best out of her employees. No doubt her compassion is her strength and in sensing that I ask for departing senti- ments. "I want you to grow, and when your grown enough I'm gonna set you free and go let the world see what you've learned here." Miller can be reached at (770) 997-3566. MERCEDES MILLER MERCEDES MILLER Black Meetings & Tourism April/May 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 32