Charles W. “Charlie” Stenholm, Former Congressman and Chairman of the Blue Dog Democrats, will be the keynote speaker at the weekly breakfast meeting and networking event of the Buckhead Business Association (BBA) on Thursday, July 16, 2009.

“Charlie is known for his trademark cowboy boots and a good-natured but no-nonsense, common-sense style, and during his time in the U.S. Congress (1979 – 2005), he often assumed the role of bridge builder between political parties, ideological extremes, and generational opposites,” notes Elizabeth Gill, president of the BBA. “A Blue Dog, a Boll Weevil, a farmer, a third generation Texan, a father, a very proud grandfather - all of these describe former Congressman Stenholm.”

Stenholm, a Democrat, was elected to the House in 1978, as the representative of the 17th District of Texas. Known as one of the most conservative Democrats in the House, he was part of the Blue Dog Coalition and was a leader of the Boll Weevils during the 1980s. His main focus was on agriculture and budget matters, and he served on the House Agriculture Committee for six years. Stenholm, together with the committee's chairman, Republican Larry Combest, worked to get the 2002 Farm Bill through Congress. He was a longtime supporter of a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. After leaving Congress, Stenholm became a lobbyist, representing various agricultural interests.

The weekly BBA breakfast meetings, which are held at the City Club of Buckhead, take place every Thursday from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. The City Club of Buckhead is located at 3343 Peachtree Road, Suite 1850. Tickets are $10 for BBA members and $20 for visitors and guests. For more information, please check the BBA website at www.buckheadbusiness.org.

About Buckhead Business Association
Since its inception in 1951, the Buckhead Business Association (BBA) has grown to be an integral part of the Buckhead business community. Members of this non-profit organization - including corporate, midsize and small businesses, entrepreneurs and individual members - enjoy the opportunity to make new business contacts, hear notable speakers and keep apprised of what goes on in Buckhead.

Buckhead Business Association:
Sharon Silva, Executive Director
Atlanta Financial Center - East Tower
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 137
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
404-467-7607
fax 404-467-7610
www.buckheadbusiness.org
ssilva@buckheadbusiness.org

BBA Weekly Breakfasts:
Time: Thursdays from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Location: City Club of Buckhead
3343 Peachtree Road, Suite 1850
Atlanta, Georgia 30326

Validated self-parking

Tickets: $10 BBA Members, $20 Visitors and guests