Atlanta Mayors Celebrate City at Buckhead Business Association Event

Atlanta mayors past and present appeared at the Buckhead Business Association's annual luncheon Thursday, offering a vision of Atlanta's rich history and bright future.

Former Mayors Andrew Young and Sam Massell praised current Mayor Kasim Reed for Reed's Thursday morning . Massell said that Reed "is now elevated to statesmanship, not just a politician," with the address. Young, highlighting the speech's combination of eloquence and concrete details,  referred to Reed's introduction of the Atlanta Tweet for Jobs initiative, which will list job openings on Twitter.

Reed presented the BBA's inaugural Sam Massell Leadership award to Massell himself, citing Massell's long list of civic contributions as president and the "mayor of Buckhead."

In his keynote address, Young sought to rekindle his administration-defining vision of Atlanta as an international city. He called for Buckhead business leaders gathered at the to export their talents throughout the globe.  "The kind of creativity being attracted here is needed worldwide," Young said.

New President Catherine Cattles, vice president and sales manager for the Buckhead branch of First Citizens Bank, received the gavel from outgoing President Lolita Jackson, who serves as a liaison between Ga. Power and elected officials.

at received the Buckhead Business of the Year Award. Finalists were Gigi's Cupcakes, Redding Allergy & Asthma Center, the l and .

Dr. Michaela McKenzie of Dazzling Smiles received the Buckhead Entrepreneur of the Year award, prented by Fulton County Commission Chairman John Eaves.

John Schaffner, editor of the BuckheadView online news site, received the Bullish on Buckhead award, and Brian Leary, head of the Atlanta Beltline, was honored with the Buckhead Beautification award for development of the Tanyard Creek Park trail.