Gov. Sonny Perdue, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development welcome Consul General Adalnio Ganem (far left). CLICK FOR GLOBALATLANTA VIDEO REPORT

Although it hasn’t officially launched its full-fledged diplomatic mission, the Brazilian Consulate in Atlanta offered appointment-only services June 28-29, according the Web site of the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia.

Appointments took place Saturday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Services were provided at at 3500 Lenox Rd. in Buckhead.

The consulate has not released its official launch date, though Consul General Adalnio Senna Ganem said at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce June 23 that full-scale operations should begin in July.

Mr. Ganem, former consul general in Miami, has been officially welcomed by Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue and has made various appearances in the Atlanta business community.

Mr. Ganem said at a ceremony at the State Capitol Feb. 6 that the consulate could employ 20-30 people at full capacity.