Ira Blumenthal is the president of CO-OPPORTUNITIES, Inc., an Atlanta-based consulting company that has counseled world class clients such as Coca-Cola, Nestle, Kroger, McDonald's, Harrah's, American Airlines, Disney, United Artists, Marriott, Exxon, Wal*Mart and others in areas related to branding, strategic alliances, marketing, change management, re-invention and success.

Ira is a published author. His successful first book, "Ready, Blame, Fire!" focuses on the "myths and misses in marketing." He is also the recipient of the coveted "George Washington Honor Medal For Literary Excellence" (Freedoms Foundation). Ira has written and published over 100 magazine articles on business development. He has also received numerous business and civic awards and honors, including The Educational Foundation's highest honor for his contributions to "…spirited, innovative business education."