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Chamberlain Hrdlicka Elevates Two Attorneys to Shareholder and Two to Equity Shareholder

Chamberlain Hrdlicka is pleased to announce that it has elevated two attorneys to shareholder and two to equity shareholder. The new equity shareholders are Atlanta-based attorney Jasen Hanson and Philadelphia-based attorneyJennifer Karpchuk. Additionally, Tara LeDay and Lincoln Chen, both based in Houston, were elevated to shareholder. These promotions were shared during the firm’s annual shareholders’ meeting in Houston on February 1.

“We are pleased to elevate these attorneys to their new positions within our shareholder community,” said Larry Campagna, Chamberlain Hrdlicka’s managing shareholder. “They all have achieved outstanding results for our clients and made significant contributions to our firm. We are excited to see what the future holds for them in their new roles.”

Jasen Hanson

Hanson is a member of the Tax Controversy & Litigation Section in Atlanta. He represents individuals and business entities before the IRS and Department of Justice (DOJ) Tax Division from examination through litigation in the U.S. Tax Court and federal district courts, as well as appellate court review. Hanson’s experience includes resolving a variety of issues for high-net-worth individuals and closely held family entities, including method of accounting issues, passive activity losses, hobby loss activities, collection due process hearings, cancellation of debt income exclusions, conservation easement and façade easement litigation, other valuation disputes and penalty defense. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Florida, his law degree from St. Thomas University College of Law and his Master of Laws degree from University of Florida Levin College of Law. Hanson has been named Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch® in America for Tax Law from 2021 to 2025.

Jennifer Karpchuk

Karpchuk chairs the firm’s State and Local Tax Controversy & Planning practice and is a member of the Tax Controversy & Litigation practice in Philadelphia. She represents companies and individuals in all aspects of state and local tax litigation, controversy, compliance and planning. Karpchuk is a nationally sought-after speaker and writer on topics related to state and local tax. She also co-authors the Pennsylvania Tax Handbook and the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Bar Association’s Property Tax Deskbook. Karpchuk serves in several leadership roles within the legal community, including as chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association Section on Tax Law and vice chair of the American Bar Association State and Local Taxes Committee. Additionally, she is an appointed member of the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission. Karpchuk earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and her law degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law. She has been ranked in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business since 2021 and Super Lawyers for almost a decade.

Lincoln Chen

Chen is a member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Energy Litigation, Insurance Law and Real Estate practice groups in Houston. As a trial attorney, he represents business interests in complex contract and commercial disputes, with a specialized focus on energy and property litigation. His notable victories have significantly shaped the energy sector, including a landmark federal court win involving renewable energy commodities, a successful defense of a solar energy project developer in arbitration, a multi-million-dollar arbitration award in a complex wind project dispute and the successful defense of a terminal company in a catastrophic refinery explosion case. Consistently delivering strategic solutions across both renewable and traditional energy sectors, Chen has been recognized as a rising legal talent, being included in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law from 2022 to 2025. He earned his undergraduate degree from Baylor University and his law degree from South Texas College of Law.

Tara LeDay

LeDay is a member of Chamberlain Hrdlicka’s Bankruptcy, Restructuring, & Creditor Rights practice, representing bankruptcy trustees, creditors, and corporate and high net-worth debtors. She has over five years of experience representing creditors in national bankruptcy matters with a particular focus on property tax representation. LeDay earned her undergraduate degree from Southwestern University and earned her law degree from Baylor Law School. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas Bankruptcy Section’s Young Lawyers Committee and is admitted to over 30 bankruptcy and federal courts across the nation. LeDay has been included in the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America® for Bankruptcy and Restructuring for 2025, National Top 40 under 40 Black Bankruptcy Attorneys in Texas and “Top Lawyer” in Houstonia Magazine. She also serves in several leadership roles in the community including the Planning and Zoning Commission, Executive board member of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation and the vice president of the International Restructuring Women’s Network Central Texas Division

 

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Atlanta’s OutKast, The Black Crowes Nominated for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced the nominees for the Class of 2025 and there are two Atlanta groups up for consideration.

OutKast and The Black Crowes are among the 14 performers and groups who were nominated on Wednesday morning. The other nominees include Bad Company, Billy Idol, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker, Joy Division/New Order, Maná, Mariah Carey, Phish, Oasis, Soundgarden and The White Stripes.

Read More at Y! Entertainment.

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Regents Approve First AI Degree Program

Capitol Beat is a nonprofit news service operated by the Georgia Press Educational Foundation that provides coverage of state government to newspapers throughout Georgia. For more information visit capitol-beat.org.

The University System of Georgia is responding to the rapid growth of artificial technology with a new degree program.

The system’s Board of Regents voted Tuesday to create the system’s first baccalaureate program, a bachelor of science degree in applied artificial intelligence at Middle Georgia State University’s Warner Robins campus.

The AI degree program is intended to offer students a pathway to pursue careers in industries including health care, business, and cybersecurity.

Atlanta’s emergence as a tech hub is creating an increasing number of job openings in information technology, while transportation assets including the Port of Savannah and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport rely heavily on AI for supply chain optimization, route planning, and operational efficiency.

The AI program is expected to attract 65 students initially and up to 168 by its fourth year. Classes are due to begin this fall.

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Governor Announces State Court Judge and County Solicitor Appointments

Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced the following appointments: Mason Rountree to the Paulding County State Court and Melissa Poole as the Solicitor General of Long County.

Mason B. Rountree is a native Georgian and founding partner of Rountree Law Firm in Paulding County, where he practiced primarily non-domestic civil litigation, misdemeanor criminal defense, and small business law. Rountree graduated from the University of Georgia with a business degree in economics and from Georgia State University College of Law. While attending law school, Rountree interned for Georgia Supreme Court Justices George Carley and Hugh Thompson. Upon graduating with his J.D., he served as the law clerk in the Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit for the Honorable Superior Court Judges Arthur Fudger; William A. Foster, III; and Marion Cummings. Rountree joined the law firm of Brock, Clay, Wilson & Rogers in Cobb County in 1996 as a civil litigation associate before forming his law firm in 1999. He also previously served part-time as Judge of the City of Dallas. Rountree and his wife, Ana, have four children, one grandchild, and enjoy spending time on the water looking for wildlife on the Georgia coast and exploring their bat cave in west Georgia.

Melissa Poole currently serves as an assistant district attorney for the Atlantic Judicial Circuit and a solicitor for the City of Richmond Hill. Poole received her bachelor’s degree in international studies from Mount Vernon College and her J.D. from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law. After graduation, she served as a law clerk in the Oconee Judicial Circuit. Poole then joined the firm King & Spalding before joining the District Attorney’s Office in 2001. She has also worked as a certified mediator in the Atlantic Judicial Circuit. Poole has three children and is involved in their schools, including serving on both the parent’s council and the booster club.

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Tropical Smoothie Cafe Appoints New Chief Operations Officer

Tropical Smoothie Cafe has announced significant changes to its leadership team with the appointment of Jonathan Biggs as its new chief operating officer (COO).

The company has also announced the internal promotions of Chris Sasser to chief financial officer (CFO) and Karen Wickliffe to general counsel (GC).

 

Biggs joins Tropical Smoothie Cafe from Baskin-Robbins, where he was the brand head managing operations throughout the US.

Biggs’ background as a Georgia Tech graduate equips him with an engineering approach that will be crucial for the brand’s forthcoming growth phase.

Sasser’s elevation to the role of CFO follows the retirement of his predecessor Paul Marsden.

The contribution of Sasser has been pivotal in developing Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s fiscal strategy and performance.

The promotion of Wickliffe to GC comes after the retirement of the company’s former legal head at the end of 2024.

Wickliffe’s in-house and law firm experience, combined with her seven-year tenure at the brand, positions her to manage all legal affairs and collaborate closely with leadership on strategic initiatives.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO Max Wetzel stated: “These leadership appointments mark an exciting new chapter for Tropical Smoothie Café.

“Jonathan’s operational expertise, combined with Chris and Karen’s proven leadership in finance and legal strategy, will strengthen our ability to support franchisees and build on our incredible growth momentum.”

 

In addition to these leadership updates, Tropical Smoothie Cafe has introduced new product innovations, expanding its bowl line-up to include the Dragon Fruit Bowl and Acai Bowl with NUTELLA.

In November 2024, Tropical Smoothie Cafe announced the opening of its 1,500th outlet, located in the US state of Georgia.

The company has more than 1,500 locations in 44 states.

“Tropical Smoothie Cafe appoints new chief operations officer” was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand.

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16 Amazing Hotels in Mexico You’ll Want to Check Out

16 Amazing Hotels in Mexico You’ll Want to Check Out

Visit Mexico: Amazing Hotels for Your Next Trip Are you unsure of what the perfect travel experience is for you? How about escaping the cold while experiencing Mexican culture, its ancient Mayan history, authentic cuisine, and getting your much needed quiet time de-stressing, relaxing on a beautiful white sand beach? Mexico is a unique vacation…

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Georgia Breaks Export Records, Rises in Total Trade

Governor Brian P. Kemp today joined the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) in announcing that the State of Georgia surpassed $53.1 billion in exports, a year-over-year increase of 6.4% that outpaced the national average of 2.3%. The state also moved up a rank to sixth in the United States for dollar value of trade, serving as a global gateway to facilitate more than $198.7 billion in trade to 222 unique countries and territories.

“With more than 87% of Georgia exporters being small businesses, these record-breaking numbers represent economic opportunity and success in every corner of the state,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “In 2024, Georgia outpaced the national average for growth in exports and moved up another rank in total trade, further demonstrating that our strategic investments and commitment to working with job creators to meet their needs are delivering results for hardworking Georgians.”

Exporting to 219 unique destinations in 2024, Georgia retained its No. 12 ranking in the U.S. for dollar value of exports. Civilian aircraft and ancillary parts also remained the state’s No. 1 export, followed by motor vehicles, data processing machines (computers), electrical apparatus for line telephony (telephone sets), and medical devices. 

“Georgia’s diverse industry base and connectivity to more than 200 global markets create a more resilient state economy,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Georgia offers extensive partnerships, expert guidance on export strategies, and top-tier infrastructure – including deepwater ports, railways, highways, and airports – that empower businesses to thrive in the global market. We appreciate the General Assembly, local leaders, and statewide partners for ensuring Georgia remains the No. 1 state for business, supporting companies in expanding, investing, and moving products both statewide and worldwide.”

The state’s international trade efforts are bolstered by representatives in key markets around the world that facilitate connections between Georgia exporters and key global customers. Markets where Georgia maintains full-time representation accounted for 66% of exports and 83% of bilateral trade in 2024.

“A fourth consecutive year of record-breaking exports is an incredible accomplishment that requires strong partnerships at all levels, from global to local,” said Deputy Commissioner of Trade Lizann Grupalo. “Georgia’s international representatives are a key link to global markets, providing on the ground insights to navigate an ever-changing global environment. Their contributions allow our Georgia-based team members to serve Georgia’s small business exporters who otherwise may not have access to this information and opportunities.”

Georgia is home to the busiest and most efficient airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; the fastest growing and third-busiest container gateway in the U.S. at the Port of Savannah; and one of the nation’s busiest gateways for Roll-on/Roll-off cargo at the Port of Brunswick. The Georgia Ports Authority also recently announced twelve consecutive months of year-over-year container volume growth, on top of consistent growth for multiple years prior. In addition, Georgia offers a robust rail and highway infrastructure, with more rail miles than any other state in the Southeast.

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3 Best Investment Property Lenders

3 Best Investment Property Lenders for 2023With interest rates up, the number one question on the minds of real estate investors is what the best investment property lenders are. Buying the best investment property entails a…

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Your Path Forward to Your Travel Business Startup

Your Path Forward to Your Travel Business Startup

Why Aren’t You Starting Your Travel Startup? There are always more reasons not to take action than there are to leap forward to your dream travel startup.  I guess it keeps us feeling safe in our comfort zone, so we don’t have to face the challenge. But that’s likely not what it is. Any entrepreneur…

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DCA Hosting Townhall Meetings to Determine Block Grant Disaster Recovery Funding

 

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is issuing more than $265 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to Georgia communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Idalia and Tropical Storm Debby. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is administering the funds and will be hosting townhalls in affected communities to help create an action plan, which is required by HUD before the state can access the allocated funding.

To help ensure maximum participation, each townhall will have both in-person and virtual options for participants. Elected and appointed officials are encouraged to attend, as the information gleaned from participants will help create of the best plan to address the most pressing needs of Georgia communities.

For more information, please see below or click here for dates and locations for each townhall.

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