COVER STORY

Air Force
By Susan Percy
Delta President Ed Bastian says putting together the world’s largest carrier – and running the existing business – is no simple task. It involves cutting back on domestic flights, increasing international service and even rethinking everybody’s favorite punchline, airline food.

ABOUT THE COVER: Jennifer Stalcup photographed Ed Bastian at Delta headquarters in Atlanta for Georgia Trend.

FEATURES

Fields And Yields
By Ed Lightsey
Wheat, vegetables, corn, cotton, poultry and horticulture all are feeling the effects of the drought, but agribusiness – the state’s leading industry – is stable and healthy.

The Soccer Explosion
By Jerry Grillo
More than 88,000 Georgia children and adults play some kind of organized soccer, but so far that enthusiasm hasn’t bubbled up to the pro level. Could an MLS franchise make the difference?

Planning Without Boarders
By Jerry Grillo
A growing movement is focusing on mega-regions that cut across geographical and political boundaries to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Atlanta is at the heart of a six-state zone expected to have 82 million people by 2050.

Banking On Relationships
By Matt Hennie
The boom is over. Now the impact of the housing slump depends on geography, portfolio diversity and customer loyalty.

The Power Years
By Jerry Grillo
Fresh starts, second careers and volunteer work characterize Georgia’s retirees. They’re impacting every aspect of the way communities plan for the future.

Good Reviews
By Ben Young
Two thumbs up for Georgia’s entertainment industry. It’s clean, it’s glamorous and it’s a boon to economic development and tourism.

OUR STATE

LaGrange/Troupe County: The Kia Effect
A defining moment for the region
Plus, LaGrange/Troupe County At-A-Glance
By Karen Kennedy

Augusta/Richmond County: Going Strong
A pronounced high tech influence and new life downtown
Plus, Augusta/Richmond County At-A-Glance
By Ed Lightsey

Hart County: Town And Country
Attracting new industry while honoring rural roots
Plus, Hart County At-A-Glance
By Randy Southerland

DEPARTMENTS

Organizations: Chatham Savannah Citizen Advocacy
By Shannon Wilder

The GreenRoom
By Ben Young

Political RoundUp
By Tom Crawford

Neely Young: The View From Youngs Station
The history of Georgia agriculture is reflected in the history of our family farm near Cedartown. We now do a reverse of the old sharecropper system.

Business Casual: Back To School
By Susan Percy
Some school boards have no real understanding of their role, which is to focus on the big picture, not to interfere in the day-to-day operation of the school system.

Millard B. Grimes: Made In The U.S.A.
The New Deal’s public works were crucial in a nation emerging from the agrarian into the industrial age. Millions of jobs were created for those who previously worked on farms.

State Of The Economy: College Towns Reap Benefits
By Jeffrey Humphreys
Spending by colleges, their employees and students holds up well during economic downturns. The economic activity isn’t recession-proof, but it is recession resistant.

Profile: Attention To Detail
By Patty Rasmussen
Former Marine and ex-stock broker Bill Huff is an accidental designer

Legends: Wildcat Standout
By Gene Asher
Barry Phillips made his mark first on the gridiron, then in the community

Art Of The Meal: Upscale Comfort Zone
By Krista Reese
Buckhead’s Antica Posta is a sophisticated, stylish gathering spot with a Tuscan menu. Entrees are respectful of tradition, and the wine list is vast.

Politics: Finish The Drill?
By Tom Crawford
One of the fast-developing issues of this election year has been a demand from some politicos for Congress to terminate a 27-year federal prohibition on oil and gas exploration off the Atlantic Coast.