Featured Jewish Professional Woman
To help the women of JPWN learn about each other, we will periodically feature a short interview with a Jewish professional woman in the Atlanta area.

 

Fifteen Minutes with
Renay Blumenthal

Renay Blumenthal
Senior Vice President,
Public Policy, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

Renay Blumenthal has been the Senior Vice President of Public Policy at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce for almost two years. She grew up in Atlanta and has a genuine passion for the city, its quality of life, her work, and Judaism. She spent a few minutes with JPWN recently to discuss her work and the value of networking and Judaism.



What are your responsibilities at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce? I head up the public policy division and supervise eleven people. My group develops policy positions on topics of concern to the business community, such as education, transportation, and environmental issues. We determine a strategy to advocate and lobby for those positions and network with legislators, lobbyists, and others to achieve these strategies.

Why is it important for businesspeople to belong to the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce? It is an organized way for business to have a voice about what is happening in the region. Also, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce has over 4,000 members, and the power of numbers makes our organization a powerful group to advocate for change.

What services does the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce provide that people may not know about? We provide newcomer services, which help businesses and their employees who are locating here with site selection and also assist them with information regarding education and transportation issues.

What are some events that are happening at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce now? Every month, we host a new member reception for old and new members to network and enjoy some wine and hors de oeuvres. We invite a CEO to speak about leadership and what they have learned through their position. Also, we have committees that form around various issues (such as education, transportation, and the environment) and those committees meet regularly.

How has Judaism enriched your life? I attribute my value system to the Jewish religion. The culture and teachings of the Judaism make up my moral compass.

Why do you think networking is important? It is crucial to develop relationships. The people we know and meet are the biggest unspoken necessary tool to being a working woman.

What networking tips would you give to others trying to rise in their professions? Reach out to people and don't wait for them to reach out to you. You'll find that most people are very receptive when you reach out to them and show interest in what they do and how they got there.

How does someone become active in the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce? Become a member! There are various levels of membership and each entitles the member to different events within the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.



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