ATLANTA (AP) The downturn in the economy hasn't spared Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank's foundation and his main business unit.

A company official says the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and AMB Group -- parent of the Falcons and Blank's other business interests -- laid off seven staff members last week, or about 10 percent of the combined workforce.

Vice president and AMB chief of staff Kim Shreckengost says the foundation also plans to cut charitable giving about 20 percent in 2009.

Last year, the foundation granted about $15 million, and past recipients include numerous community services, education and arts organizations.

Shreckengost blames the economy and the stock market for the cuts.

She says the cuts largely will not affect the Atlanta Falcons and Georgia Force, Blank's football teams.


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