ATLANTA (April 29, 2013) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP is proud to sponsor the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Region (AICC) 12th annual Eagle Star Awards Gala scheduled for May 30, 2013. The Eagle Star Awards Gala is AICC’s community flagship event honoring the people and companies who have contributed most to the Southeast-Israel economic and business relationship.

Arkal Automotive, ClickDimensions, and Delek will compete for the Israeli Company of the Year award; and EndoChoice/Peer Medical Ltd., NCR/Retalix, and SintecMedia/Argo Systems will compete for the Deal of the Year award.  Winners in each category will be selected by an expert panel of judges: Richard Kopelman, Managing Partner & CEO of Habif, Arogeti and Wynne, LLP; Melanie Bialko Leeth, Vice President of Imlay Investments; and Garrett Van de Grift, CEO of Red Wizard Group. AICC President Tom Glaser will be recognized with the Chamber Founders award, and the South Carolina Research Authority will be presented with the Community Partner award in recognition of its extraordinary role in the success of the South Carolina-Israel Collaboration.

“Smith, Gambrell & Russell has a long–standing and robust Israeli Practice Group, which serves the U.S. legal needs of leading Israeli companies throughout the United States.  We find our relationship with the AICC to be a fitting and productive part of our Israeli practice,” said Jonathan M. Minnen and Gregory J. Kirsch, SGR partners and members of the AICC Southeast Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

AICC is a bi-national business association with the mission of increasing economic development by fostering understanding, cooperation, and business relationships between Israel and the Southeast. AICC targets a range of projects involving import, export, research and development, direct investment and joint ventures.   For more information, please visit www.aiccse.org.