Falcons' Blank excited about building around Ridder at QB Arthur Blank releases statement on Georgia voting rights These are the kinds of people we need in leadership today, not thinking about red, blue, purple. So there was no disrespect to the military. The firing in 1978 was a political situation primarily between my partner Bernie [Marcus] and a gentleman, that has passed away now, who was his boss. Low Expectations and Dark Hopes for the New Year, Minnesotas Wealthiest Social Security Beneficiaries Shouldnt Be First in Line for Help, Time to Limit HOAs Solar Panel Policing Powers, Pop Quiz: How Many People Actually Know Whats Going On?. Our frontline associates and all those businesses come next. A Handful of Things I Could Not Care Less About, Matt Birk: Rape Victims Are Playing the Rape Card?, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Arthur Blank is worried that capitalism is getting a bad rap. So there wasn't a word on the other end of the phone. I still remember this as if it was yesterday. But COVID vaccination, as a consequence of being made "political" by belligerent partisans, many of whom love football more than life itself, is terrifying territory for the NFL. C q" /SMask /None>> That origin story is well known in business and retail circles as an example of how bold, disruptive thinking can change the game, but Good Company provides a more personal view. I remember I called the commissioner then, who was Paul Tagliabue, and I say, Well, Paul, I have this idea. I am, in a certain sense. He also goes public about the pain of learning of Michael Vicks role in an illegal dogfighting ring, along with other ups and downs in a life of unimaginable financial success. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is located adjacent to the Falcons current home, the Georgia Dome, in Atlantas Westside. That should never be tolerated. Democracy - The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation } !1AQa"q2#BR$3br And to be sure, Atlanta is better than what we saw in the actions of a few last night. Its also part memoir of how his ethics evolved from watching his father run a neighborhood pharmacy in Queens, New York, to launching multi-billion dollar ventures. And I love him. And they love that. I mean, those fans, they feel like that's the only sport that we're hosting in that stadium. 3 0 obj That coming the day before the New York Times dropped the bomb(s) about Gruden calling the NFL commissioner a faggot, ripping the leagues concussion protocols, (in other words, Grudens pro-concussion) and trading nudie pictures of cheerleaders. Arthur Blank co-founded the Home Depot in the late 1970s after being fired from a regional hardware store chain in Southern California. Today, Blank is the Chairman of AMB Group LLC, parent company of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United. Where did your parents come from with your grandparents? We all came from someplace else, other than the other Native Americans. Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta is the first nonprofit legal advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the civil rights of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) and Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian (AMEMSA) communities in Georgia and the Southeast. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. (Confidentiality, you know.) Resistance to Artificial Intelligence (AI) is Futile. follow. So, you know, soccer is on the ascent in the United States dramatically, which is a great thing. So, I think the great political leaders and the great spiritual leaders, in my view, have always, always opened up their arms and included everybody. Brian Kemp signed the controversial bill, which includes new restrictions on voting by mail and greater legislative control over how elections are run. Arthur Blank says Falcons are 'excited' about Desmond Ridder's play Together we will rise above this on the strength of what has always made Atlanta great its people, its leaders of past and present and its unique culture that is welcoming to all. 1, Arthur Blank was born to Molly and Max Blank in Queens, New York. And the core values that our forefathers drafted for us they weren't perfect, either, but in their own ways, they strove for those things. He notes pervasive cynicism about corporate leaders and perceptions that the drive for profit comes at the expense of public good. They survived. Enter your email address to be notified about new posts. Arthur Blank Archives - Wry Wing PoliticsWry Wing Politics Born on September 27, 1942, Blank owns the Atlanta, Georgia sports teams - the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL and Atlanta United of the MLS. Blank told Business Insider that despite their political differences, their different leanings never got in the way of their ability to work together as partners or as friends. But Still Not Even an Indictment. We dont have the answers, but we are committed to listening and responding to the people who have made this their lifes work and to the citizens they serve. I'll flip words around, you know, subconsciously and, and make sentences complete. The statement reads: "We are at our very best. It's a beautiful thing. 3, By 1981, Home Depots stock went public and raised over $4 million. Scott Jensens Unanswered $15,000,000,000 Question. That Vote for Secretary of State? !, Do not fall for this foolishness!!! In the 1940sGeorgia mountains, eight children were taken into the woods and left to die. Prior to the construction of the Georgia Dome they played at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium with the Atlanta Braves, and you could see the spot where Hank Aaron surpassed Babe Ruth in home runs. A message sent to Arthur Blank from President Obama in 2018, thanking him for his commitment to affordability at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium after Blank cut concession prices by 50%. I said, Look, I'm going to be a new owner, tell me what I can do to help. Arthur Blank enjoys one of his favorite hobbies at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, one of three guest ranches owned by Blank Family of Businesses. Good Company is billed as a visionary road-map for creating successful businesses. A study by ESPN and FiveThirtyEight in October 2020 showed Blank is a bipartisan contributor to political campaignsbut contributed more to Democratic candidates from 2012 to 2020. Brian and Arthur welcomed their daughter Blake into the world via Arthur's sister Aoife, who acted as a surrogate for the couple, back in September -- with Brian previously teasing the documentary before Blake's arrival. In his new book, Good Company, Blank follows his own success to show that purpose and profit can and should coexist. Now it's ranked like seventh. It's hard to believe. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Political Affiliations of Retail Leaders - liveabout.com CEIR works to build voter trust and confidence, increase voter participation and improve the efficiency of election administration. During the past year, GALEO staff and volunteers have participated in events at food banks, churches, and schools, where they provide information while assisting with free COVID-19 testing and food distribution. that those rights were not being fully reflected in our society today. Come up with real solutions: Atlanta rapper Killer Mike condemns vandalism, >> 'If you care about this city then go home': Atlanta mayor, police chief call protests a disgrace, NCSHP arrest driver accused of nearly hitting 2 students at bus stop in Statesville, Rock band Kiss reveals Charlotte connection to hit song, After Murdaugh trial circus, Walterboro welcomes normality, Bank accidentally left unlocked in Fresno, police say, Charlotte woman celebrates $1 million scratch-off prize, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. Fernandez says that they intend to use the stadium as an anchoring institution, and that the number one thing people in the community said they wanted are jobs. Falcons Owner Arthur Blank Gave Nearly $40,000 to Joe Biden and Yeah, It Could Have Been Worse. All of us as human beings, I think need to do a much better job of being a good listener. And I love him. You know, he uses the phrase community of chaos, that we move away from chaos and towards community and community in a very broad sense, community with each other. In 1989, the company opened its 100th store. The ones in Atlanta on Friday started off peaceful but later turned into violent demonstrations and looting of local businesses. endobj Since then, they have re-organized their focus areas more specifically into four groups: policy advocacy, organizing and civic engagement, impact litigation, and legal services. 5 Other Blank family businesses include the nationwide PGA TOUR Superstore as well as a handful of ranches across the country. The league has recently been running in-game PSAs pushing cancer and mental health awareness screenings, etc. But in any event, that was part of just being a good listener. Now, there's no place for violent protest. There was a six-year period in there, when things went a little south. Bernie has great values and Bernie cares deeply not only about our faith, but about giving back. Scott Jensens Dramatic Fall Shows Ads Still Matter. Shrinking from conflict over something as valid, real and life-protecting as a vaccine is not what Id call, manly, brave, courageous or patriotic. /Height 155 Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. RELATED:Georgia Secretary of State calls many election changes 'solid'. /SA true I mean, it doesn't make a difference how old you are. By Bob Bahr October 12, 2021, 5:48 pm. You know, dig in [your] heels and it becomes, "My territory, your territory," etc. But it's really not a story about dogfighting. About Arthur Blank Arthur Blank and Bernie Marcus cofounded Home Depot in 1978 after being fired from their jobs at a regional hardware store. 6 Blank was the 2003 Chairman of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. Bernardo Little . The latest of Blank's many charitable endeavors is aimed at helping the museum expand its reach. Our Family Foundation and the rest of our businesses here in Atlanta and elsewhere remain committed to being part of the solution., Together for Atlanta. Of the other 60% who do come, half are rooting for the other team. So I understood what they were saying: They just wanted support noise. And he had to mop the floors for weeks and months on end. The public discourse on these and other issues is too divisive, too political. We had the option of going to a variety of companies, doing a variety of things in a traditional sense of management leadership. 8 In 2012, Blank signed the Giving Pledge and committed to giving more than half of his wealth away to philanthropic efforts in his lifetime. Falcons owner Arthur Blank made a $15 million donation on Tuesday to The Cooper Institute, run by its founder Dr. Kenneth Cooper, a friend of Blank's and a strong proponent of preventive medicine. 03/03/2023. Home Depot Cofounder Arthur Blank on Politics, Supporting Biden Philanthropist Arthur Blank has thrown his support behind a new voter education initiative aimed at young people. Can We Please Kill Off the Tipping Mumbo-Jumbo? We expect to learn a great deal from these groups and have that learning inform our strategy on voting access and civic participation in Georgia and beyond. And then he came up to my suite afterward and it was like 10, 15 minutes later, his face was just full of tears and he said that he was so moved by it. Blank is a strong supporter of the Democratic Party. So I think that part of that comes out of really being a good listener and responding to what you're hearing and trying to find a way to make things work for the benefit of everybody collaboratively. Were usually very happy to talk, very happy to share our opinions and what have you I have enough humility to understand that the people were serving know better. . GPB is committedto bringing you comprehensive news coverage from Georgia, across the country and around the world. The system has worked well for the multi-billionaire and co-founder of The Home Depot. And he recently gave $250,000 to committees supporting Joe Biden, Forbes reported. Looting is NOT THE ANSWER!!! Martin Luther King Jr. once lived in this part of town, but decades of disinvestment and neglect have resulted in over 40 percent of the community living in poverty with an unemployment rate twice that of the rest of Atlanta. No, I'm not. "I know Bernie's heart. Soccer fans don't want to feel like they go into a stadium and they're a second-class citizen citizen. When he came out, he was on house arrest and I took a meal to him and his family from his favorite restaurant here in Atlanta. One of the beauties is that when you come to the stadium, it feels like it's the United Nations. 8 . Arthur Blank is an American entrepreneur and a co-owner of the home improvement retail giant The Home Depot. Seventy-threethousand stood up and clapped, gave him a great hand. Arthur Blank greets a crowd of cheering Atlanta United fans in 2017. So it really never defined me. 7) /Type /XObject They all understand it's, you know, you have an opportunity to be here on Earth and how do you want to leave it? To assist with the effective inclusion of community voices, the city of Atlanta participated in the Living Cities City Accelerator program, which streamlined and articulated (PDF) best practices for service providers and community leaders to build stable communities in Atlanta. Georgia Politics FOX 5 Atlanta ATLANTA - Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United Owner Arthur Blank said Tuesday afternoon he believes voting should be made "easier, not harder for every eligible. The stadium boasts roughly 4,000 solar panels and will use 70 percent less energy. 14, He also had three children with his second wife of 16 years, Stephanie Blank. [/Pattern /DeviceRGB] Falcons GM comments on pursuing Deshaun Watson last offseason If executed improperly, this stadium could continue a long line of broken promises for this blighted community. Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United owner Arthur M. Blank released a statement Monday on the importance of fair elections and democracy: "Free and fair elections are vital to the health of our. I think back when I lived in a neighborhood, you know, a small neighborhood, when my mother and dad were alive, we all took care of each other. The 79-year-old philanthropist has supported educational projects to promote civil rights and racial justice. The Athletic's Felipe Crdenas joined Georgia Public Broadcasting's Orlando Montoya tohelp breakdown what fans can expect this year on and off the field. After cofounding Home Depot in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1978, Blank and Marcus helped put the do-it-yourself phenomenon on the map by offering the tools for personal home renovations. Her father was one half of Rodgers and Hammerstein. My dad didn't look at who it was. Blank donated another $35,500 to the Democratic National Committee, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Atlanta, GA 30318 Blank Launches New Voter Education Project - Atlanta Jewish Times The Falcons leadership knows how to play politics. So that's really what it was about. How best to put it? Please consider making a gift today to support this vital public service. So, we had great confidence in our own abilities. Arthur Blank: I was fired from Home Depot - YouTube Its more like cowardly, and meatheaded. He had three children with his first wife Diana Blank, whom he divorced in 1993. 9. We want to see the system that sets up for systemic racism burned to the ground. (Airlines resisting vaccination mandates for passengers are another prime example of failure of true leadership.) Those come first. He had a gun on his lap, sitting on his right thigh. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. They were trying to indicate that what the military had fought for these rights, the civil rights, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, etc. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Georgia Secretary of State calls many election changes 'solid', study by ESPN and FiveThirtyEight in October 2020, too restrictive and targets minority voters, Cobb leader says moving MLB All-Star game in protest would hurt business, Democrats dispute police report in Georgia lawmakers arrest, Civil rights groups file new lawsuit over Georgia voting law, Photos show rescue of Woodstock man 'buried up to his neck' in collapsed trench, Frederick, MD tanker explosion leaves 1 dead; Shuts down part of US-15, Sheriff's office continues five-year-long search for missing Carrollton man, Georgia baby girl reported missing with man diagnosed with mental illness, police say, Jesse Wilson: Adoptive mother arrested in boy's death in Arizona, Clayton County twin sisters make history rising the ranks in Georgia UPS facility, Alex Murdaugh killed wife, son to buy time, prosecutor says, UGA football star Jalen Carter facing charges in fatal crash: What we know, Young Thug trial: Judge orders probe of leaked evidence, Families intensify search for two men missing for more than a week. Paul, are you OK? I was going to call his secretary, thinking Paul got a heart attack or something. 1, I think at that time I didn't probably fully appreciate the environment, the communities and neighborhood that Michael was raised in, an area called New Newport News. But I know where his heart is and his heart is really in a good place. JFIF K K C He and an associate, Bernie Marcus, began experimenting with product discounts in one Handy Dan outlet and observed positive effects of decreasing costs as a percentage of sales and an increase in customer volume. Arthur Blank, Tyler Perry speak out about protests, riots A documentary surrounding Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian's surrogacy journey is set to air on RT on March 13. And they love the camaraderie. /CA 1.0 Arthur Blank Politics, Foundation, Businesses, Net Worth /AIS false The Center for Election Innovation & Research (CEIR) mission is to ensure elections are secure, voters have confidence in election outcomes and democracy thrives as civic engagement grows. Arthur Blanks brother, Michael, and his father, Max, are photographed outside the OES Pharmacy family business, in 1940. This must happen more than every four years, because theres no offseason for democracy. Mercedes-Benz Stadium aims to be the first stadium to receive LEED Platinum certification. However, many Americans are still being denied access to their vote and their ability to fully participate in our democracy. And then he worked in the laundry. By all accounts, those associated with the new stadium and the Westside view their presence as at least a 10-20 year commitment toward revitalizing a downtrodden community and bringing the city together. He received his MBA from Harvard. Arthur Blank on Trump policies: 'Troubled by anything that Since then, they have re-organized their focus areas more specifically into four groups: policy advocacy, organizing and civic engagement, impact litigation, and legal services. The next thing is making sure you exercise your political bully power and going to local elections and beating up the politicians you dont like., It is time to beat up prosecutors you dont like at the voting booth. Theres a revelation of Blank stumbling dazedly into a parking lot after being abruptly forced out of Home Depot in 2001, and his devastation after the Falcons epic 2017 loss in the Super Bowl. Our history of voting rights is a constant struggle, a repetitive cycle of expansion followed by restriction. Who knows how successful theyll be, and many residents worry that economic growth could facilitate gentrification. They said it would take an act of courage on your part to go out on the field and and to be recognized. And, you know, people stood up! And how do I put my shoulder to the wheel and lead by example and take the blessings of all the resources that our family. We had a different leader [Robert Nardelli ] in place that was eventually replaced. Arthur Blank talks sensible gun reform | CNN When you burn down this city, youre burning down our community., If you want change in America, go and register to vote. Politicians, business owners and celebrities are speaking out to share their thoughts on Floyds death, the issues his killing have brought to the forefront and the protests that turned to chaos, specifically in Atlanta. During the 2020 elections, Blank contributed $300,000 to Biden Victory Fund, $35,000 to the Democratic National Convention, and tens of thousands of dollars to state Democratic Party committees. ", CNN -- Ted [Turner] did a great thing. Arthur is committed to changing the narrative around sports stadiums, said Frank Fernandez, the VP of Community Development at The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, to The Daily Beast. And so he speaks to people throughout the United States, young people primarily, about that. I know you see my partner, Bernie, on Fox News very often. Then I would not be bashful about asking questions.