CARTER.
qxd:Layout 1 1/14/09 10:27 AM Page 181
“These meetings are not just focused on
the construction side of the project,” Griffin
explains.
“We make sure that we are meeting
every deadline, and we regularly sit down
with people from advertising, finance, and
many other areas to make sure we are all
on the same page, and accountable for the
success of each project.”
One of the biggest challenges in today’s
volatile economy is accurately forecasting
a budget.
“Costs are always fluctuating from con-
struction materials to most recently, volatile
changes in the capital market,” Griffin says.
”Having good experience to draw from
and trusted relationships with partners is
key to weathering through these uncertain
times,” she continues.
Carter is feeling the impact of an increas-
ingly competitive market. “Many develop-
ers are moving into business lines they’ve
never been in previously to stay afloat,”
Griffin says. “We can’t use the same presen-
tations we’ve used in the past, because this
competition is helping us all find fresh,
interesting ways to address the needs of
our clients. It’s an exciting time.” ■
CARTER’S CHARITABLE SIDE
Social responsibility and
community involvement are
important to Carter Real
Estate, and the firm has
developed longstanding
relationships with organiza-
tions that often benefit from
Carter employee fundrais-
ing and volunteering.
In 2007, Carter chose the Make-A-Wish
Foundation as its primary partner for
the following three years.
In 2008, the firm donated more than
$75,000 – and volunteer hours –
toward granting six wishes for chil-
dren in Florida and Georgia, the com-
pany explains.
These wishes have included vaca-
tions to Disneyland, room makeovers,
new toys and even life-sized train sets,
Carter explains.
FEBRUARY 2009
The firm has also been involved with
the United Way for approximately 30
years, and is consistently ranked as a
leading contributor among other com-
mercial real estate firms in Atlanta,
the company explains.
In addition, Carter has become part
of Glencastle Constructors, which is an
organization of a group of Atlanta-based
general contractors using their expert-
ise to respond to the facility needs of
disadvantaged people.
These recent accomplishments are
only a small part of Carter’s annual
contributions to its community.
“Over the past three years alone,
Carter has given well over half a mil-
lion dollars to more than 170 causes,”
the company explains.
“Our people have been fervent and
active supporters of the community,
both in Atlanta and the other commu-
nities where we have had the privilege
to serve.”
■ WWW.CONSTRUCTION-TODAY.COM ■ 181