Sen. Curt Thompson to Participate in World Chamber of Commerce Award Ceremony ATLANTA, Ga., (January 3, 2012) – Sen. Curt Thompson (D-Tucker) will assist in presenting the prestigious World Chamber of Commerce International Hero Award to Mayor Kasim Reed and several other world dignitaries on February 2, 2012, at the Woodruff Arts Center. Thompson is a board member at large for the international business trade group. “I am honored to be a part of an organization so dedicated to promoting strong international business relations and cultural understanding,” said Sen. Thompson. “In recent years, Georgia has become a gateway for many international opportunities. We need to continue to support our state’s efforts to attract and retain the businesses and consulates that call our state ‘home’.”  Other dignitaries honored will include U.S. Ambassador Charles Shapiro; Lutz Gorgens, Dean of the Consular General Corps of Georgia/Consul General of Germany; Annabelle Malins, Consul General of the United Kingdom; Linda Blechinger, Mayor of Auburn; Mark Becker, President of Georgia State University; Joe Bankoff, President of Woodruff Arts Center; William Pate, President of Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau; Dr. Helene Gayle, President of CARE; Louis Miller, General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The World Chamber of Commerce provides opportunities to generate international awareness and promote international trade, cultural and humanitarian projects. Business and community leaders are invited to become part of the effort to unify countries though common financial, cultural and humanitarian goals. For more information about the World Chamber of Commerce, visit www.worldchamberc.org.