East Cobb retail update: Duck Donuts grand opening is Saturday

Duck Donuts East Cobb

Following up from a couple weeks ago, about the Duck Donuts location in East Cobb, comes word that the grand opening is Saturday.

The hours are from 8-5, and the festivities will continue on Sunday.

The first 25 customers in line on Saturday will get a coupon for a free dozen donuts to be used at a later date.

Grand opening events include raffles and other giveaways.

The specialty donut shop is the first in Cobb County, and the proprietors are Christine and Andrew Doring.

Duck Donuts is at 1281 Johnson Ferry Road. Daily hours are Sunday-Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For grand opening details and more, visit the Duck Donuts East Cobb Facebook page or connect on the web at DuckDonuts.com.

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

New East Cobb coworking business gets county entrepreneurship grant

New East Cobb coworking business, Brilliant Coworking
Photo: M Harris Studio

In January we noted the opening of Brilliant Coworking, an East Cobb coworking business located near Sprayberry High School.

Earlier this week Brilliant Coworking was awarded a $10,000 grant via the Cobb County Entrepreneurship and Innovation Incentive Program.

While the Cobb Board of Commissioners signed off on the grant, the funding comes from the Development Authority of Cobb County.

Last year commissioners created the program “in support of eligible businesses to aid them in growing their business, creating jobs, and maintaining their presence in the County.”

Under the terms of the Cobb Innovation Grant Fund, eligible businesses must meet the following criteria:

  • agree to remain in Cobb County for three years after the expiration date of the incentive agreement;
  • be an existing business in Cobb County;
  • be a graduate of an entrepreneurial training program.

Grants and applications are evaluated by a subcommittee represented by individuals from the Kennesaw State University Office of Community Engagement, SelectCobb, Cobb Travel and Tourism, Cobb Young Professionals, and The Coalition of Cobb County Business Associations.

More about the incentive program is here.

The funding is generally used for startup operations, purchasing equipment, furnishings and machinery, renovations and expanding business services.

Grant recipients cannot use the grant funding for an owner’s salary, paying off debts or loans, lending or investments or speculative ventures.

Brilliant Coworking (2440 Sandy Plains Road) was started by the husband-and-wife team of Michelle and Joseph Gibson. In their application for the grant, they indicated that their business objective is to “help entrepreneurs and small businesses start, develop and grow” and wants to help “increase the number of businesses within the area and provide a place where they can thrive.”

They’re planning to use their grant funding for marketing, advertising and updating amenities.

“This award is an exciting opportunity for us because Cobb County decided to support us, and stand beside us, so we can turn around and do the same for the business community,” the Gibsons said in a statement.

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Relocated Carwash USA reopening soon in East Cobb

Carwash USA East Cobb

When Carwash USA temporarily closed in 2017, the California-style hand car wash business that had been at Roswell Road and Old Canton Road since 2002 indicated it would be relocating elsewhere in East Cobb at a time to be announced.

That’s because the property was bought by RaceTrac, which opened last summer.

It’s been revealed that Carwash USA will be reopening at the former Wells Fargo bank branch at 1454 Johnson Ferry Road, near Dick’s Sporting Goods in the East Cobb Crossing Shopping Center.

Hiring is underway and a specific opening date is still to come, but when we went by there Monday we saw that there’s already an emissions operation underway.

The former bank building also is the location for The Auto Accident Attorneys Group that is run by Ali and Jamie Salimi.

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Code Ninjas opens in East Cobb at Parkaire Landing

Here’s another new business item in East Cobb, as a Code Ninjas location opened recently at the Parkaire Landing Shopping Center (4880 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 620). Code Ninjas East Cobb

The owners are locals Abhi Reddy, Samir Panjwani, his father Noor Panjwani and his brother Shayan Panjwani, and the business is aimed at teaching coding skills to kids ages 7-14.

There’s a grand opening event from 1-5 Saturday.

Here’s more about the ownership group and what they’ve got planned:

Abhi’s journey with Code Ninjas began when he saw the amount of STEM education in the school system. Abhi was surprised to find that there was little opportunity for students to have STEM education in middle school. Having over five years of experience in the IT industry, with a degree in engineering and technology management, Abhi knew how important it was for children to learn about STEM at a young age. In late 2018, he teamed up with Samir and his family to open a Code Ninjas in their community. The team is focused on growing the educational impact in Atlanta communities with plans to develop additional locations in the future.

“It’s very clear to our team that computer science is the language of the future,” said Reddy. “Code Ninjas will bridge the gap between elementary school and high school in STEM education. In the kids’ minds, they are learning to build video games, while simultaneously learning valuable critical thinking skills that will benefit them for the future.”

More information is here.

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Northeast Cobb Business Association 5K9 run marks 5th year

For the fifth year the Northeast Cobb Business Association is holding what it’s called a 5K9 run.

The event, which includes a shorter “puppy” trot for kids eight and under, takes place Saturday at 8 a.m. at Piedmont Church (570 Piedmont Road).Northeast Cobb Business Association 5K9 run

It’s one of the main fundraising events of the year for the NCBA, and each year the proceeds have gone for the purchase and training of a dog for local law enforcement and public safety agencies.

This year, the race will go toward the purchase of a specially trained comfort dog, for victims who go through the Cobb District Attorney’s Office Children and Elderly Abuse Court.

Registration is open through racetime, with same-day sign-up beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday onsite. The cost is $10-$25

Participants can bring their dogs along if they like, but are asked to clean up after their pets.

For information and to register online click here.

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

East Cobb resident named Cumberland CID executive director

Kim Menefee, Cumberland CID executive director

It’s been an unstable couple of years at the top of the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), the first such entity in Georgia whose business owners tax themselves for infrastructure and other improvements to spur economic development.

In early 2018, executive director Malika Rivers resigned after nearly 22 years with the organization. Her successor, former Cumberland CID board chairman Tad Leithead, stepped down earlier this year, after only a few months on the job, when he was arrested for DUI in Forsyth County.

Last month the CID board named an East Cobb resident, Kim Menefee, a longtime executive with WellStar Health System, as its lone finalist, and today her hiring was made official.

Submitted information and photo:

The board of directors of the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) announced today that it voted unanimously to approve Kim Menefee as the organization’s new executive director.

Menefee brings impressive career credentials to the CID, having served Cobb-based WellStar Health System in senior marketing, communications and public/government affairs positions for more than 20 years. She led the team that created the WellStar brand in addition to developing the government relations role building strong relationships at the local, state and federal levels.

Most recently, Menefee served as WellStar’s senior vice president of strategic community development. In that position, she was responsible for developing the strategic direction and alignment of community engagement and sponsorship with philanthropy efforts, all of which were designed to secure and expand support for WellStar.

“We are elated that Kim has accepted our offer to lead the Cumberland CID,” said Board Chairman John Shern. “We had tremendous interest in this role by very highly qualified and talented individuals. We were impressed with Kim’s extensive professional experience and connections to the Cobb and greater Atlanta business communities.

“We’re looking forward to a new chapter in the CID’s success story and know that Kim is the right person to take us to the next level,” Shern added.

A longtime and current board member of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Menefee served as chair in 2015. She served as co-chair of Cobb’s Competitive Edge (now Select Cobb) that launched in 2013. She has held leadership positions on numerous not-for-profit boards in addition to serving on the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors, the Metro Atlanta Chamber Board of Advisors, and Kennesaw State University Community Advisory Board, the latter of which she served as a spring commencement speaker in 2016.

“Businesses are choosing the Cumberland area more than ever before,” Menefee stated. “Through the Cumberland CID’s leadership and investment over the last 31 years, the area has become a booming economic engine for Cobb County now representing more than five percent of Georgia’s total economy.

“I’m looking forward to working with the board, investors and stakeholders to build upon the successes and further cement Cumberland at the forefront of innovation and development. Together, we will continue to create a more dynamic urban center and vibrant regional gateway.”

Menefee holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Georgia’s Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.

The 6.5-square-mile Cumberland CID includes part of the Powers Ferry Road corridor, below Terrell Mill Road, as well as the area around what’s now SunTrust Park, the Galleria, Cobb Energy Centre, Cumberland Mall and portions of Vinings.

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Lassiter graduate named one of Top 25 Asian-Americans in Georgia

Allen Chen, Top 25 Asian-Americans in Georgia

Submitted information and photo:

Allen Chen, senior vice president at Bank of America, has been named as one of the 25 most influential Asian Americans in Georgia for 2019 during National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

This award was given to Chen for his efforts in both his professional and his personal life, advocating for the Asian community in Atlanta.

At Bank of America, Chen manages a chapter of an Asian-focused employee leadership network and was part of the network’s founding team that is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. This Asian leadership network group is one of the oldest employee network groups at the bank, started in 1999. Today, there are 20 chapters across the country with close to 10,000 members.

Outside of work, Chen serves as president and Chairman of the National Association of Asian American Professional (NAAAP) and has won the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for the past three years, averaging over 1,000 hours per year – exhibiting his passion for philanthropy and community service.

As a native of Georgia, Chen grew up a second-generation immigrant and earned his bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University. He currently resides and works in Kennesaw, lending his 16 years of experience in the financial services industry, working on the credit card product team where he manages one of the largest partnerships at Bank of America.

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Speed Pro Imaging of East Cobb honored by Cobb Chamber of Commerce

Speed Pro Imaging

Submitted information and photo:

The Cobb Chamber of Commerce named SpeedPro Imaging Marietta a 2019 Top 25 Small Business of the Year at the Chamber’s First Monday Breakfast, held on May 6, 2019 for its remarkable innovation, sound approach to organizational challenges and positive impact on the community. Said Speed Pro Imaging president Littie Brown (third from left in photo above):

“We are so humbled to have been selected among the other great companies that make up the Cobb County Business community. We would like to salute our customers, employees and suppliers who make it possible for us to contribute to the Cobb County community.”

SpeedPro Imaging Marietta specializes in large format graphic printing. Their focus is to always provide each customer with exceptional service. For six years, owners Littie Brown and Karen Brown have been providing high quality graphics with a consultative approach, ensuring their customers are happy each time they leave the studio.

“We are so proud of all the small businesses that make up such an integral part of our community,” said Cobb Chamber President and CEO Sharon Mason. “The quality of the businesses, the work they’re doing in the community, the great jobs they’re bringing—it all goes toward making Cobb County a vibrant and successful place to live, work and play.”

To be considered for the Top 25 Small Businesses of Year, each hopeful submits an application to the Cobb Chamber. The applicants must prove an increase in sales or unit volume, provide examples of innovation, discuss adversity and challenges, and thoroughly detail their community involvement. Applications are analyzed and considered by a group of independent community business leaders and affiliates of the Small Business Administration.

The First Monday Breakfast was sponsored by LOUD Security Systems and S.A. White Oil Company.

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

East Cobb Jason’s Deli ribbon-cutting slated for May 23

East Cobb Jason's Deli opening, East Cobb food scores

Submitted information:

Jason’s Deli is teaming up with the Cobb Chamber of Commerce to host a ribbon cutting for their Marietta location on May 23, at 11 a.m. The deli is located at 1401 Johnson Ferry Rd.

The East Cobb community is encouraged to stop by the deli and enjoy free samples until 12 p.m. Guests will also be able to order lunch from their diverse menu, such as Reuben THE Great, the California Club, and the Garden Fresh Salad bar that features 50+ ingredients, including select organics.

“We are so excited to be a part of the East Cobb community, and we’re looking forward to celebrating with the Chamber of Commerce and East Cobb community,” said Managing Partner Greg Felter.

More information for the event can be found on the deli’s Facebook page.

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

East Cobb Biz Notes: Jennifer’s Jewelry to hold ribbon-cutting

Jennifer Cortez, Jennifer's Jewelry, East Cobb Biz Notes

For those of you who may have noticed last fall, the Kaminski Jewelry store on Post Oak Tritt Road closed after around three decades in business. Just across the street, Jennifer Cortez, a former Kaminski manager, has opened her own store, Jennifer’s Jewelers.

Next Tuesday, April 23, she’s having a ribbon-cutting event with the Cobb Chamber of Commerce on hand. The ribbon-cutting takes place from 11-12 at her store, 2790 Sandy Plains Road.

She says she’s been in the business for 20 years, holds an accounting degree from Kennesaw State and is accredited by the Gemological Institute of America. Jennifer’s Jewelry provides bridal jewelry, precious metals, diamond jewelry, gemstone jewelry, loose stones, appraisal services, estate liquidation, watch services and jewelry repair:

“Being an independent jeweler is a very special business. I get joy out of knowing I had a big part of making life’s most memorable moments very special to so many people and I look forward to providing beautiful jewelry and great services for many many years to come.”

Credit Union of Georgia

The Woodstock-based Credit Union of Georgia has opened a branch at 1020 Johnson Ferry Road, and a ribbon-cutting is set for Wednesday, May 1, from 11-1 p.m. with the East Cobb Business Association.

The event will include refreshments, tours and networking.

CUG began as a financial institution serving teachers and private and public school employees.

Other branches are in Canton, Woodstock, Towne Lake, Kennesaw, Marietta and West Cobb.

ECBA Community Breakfast

Cobb Board of Education chairman David Chastain is the invited guest at the East Cobb Business Association’s Community breakfast April 30.

The breakfast is from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at J. Christopher’s at the Pavilions at East Lake, 2100 Roswell Road.

Chastain, who represents the Kell and Sprayberry clusters on the seven-member school board, is a graduate of Wheeler High School.

The breakfast is $10 in advance for ECBA members and $15 for non-members, and the fee increases by $5 at the door. For information and to register click here.

East Cobb C of C Breakfast

The first event of the East Cobb Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce is a breakfast Tuesday, April 23, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Indian Hills Country Club (4001 Clubland Drive).

The guest speaker is Dana Johnson, executive director of SelectCobb, the Chamber’s economic devleopment unit. He is the former director of the Cobb Community Development Agency.

Tickets are $25 for Chamber members and $35 for general admission. For details and to register, click here.

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

East Cobb small businesses included in Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Top 25

Out of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Top 25 small businesses of the year that were announced this week, the following are based in East Cobb:Williamson Bros. BBQ, East Cobb small businesses

  • Artisan Custom Closets (600 Wylie Road)
  • Deluxe Athletics (80 Scott Drive)
  • InPrime Legal (1640 Powers Ferry Road)
  • SpeedPro Imaging (200 Cobb Pkwy North, Suite 130)
  • Three-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique (2663 Canton Road)
  • Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q (1425 Roswell Road)

Here’s more from the Chamber about what happens next:

An overall winner will be selected among the Top 25 and announced on May 6 at the Small Business of the Year Breakfast at the Cobb Galleria Centre. The top winner is determined by a thorough selection process including applications and site visits by a panel of outside judges. The breakfast will honor the Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year and the Small Business Hall of Fame inductees.

Tickets to the breakfast are $35 for members and are $60 for general admission. Visit www.cobbchamber.org/SBOY for more information and event registration.

The 2018 Small Business of the Year awards are presented by LOUD Security Systems and S.A. White Oil Company.

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

East Cobb Business News: Ribbon-cuttings, luncheons and more

East Cobb Business Update, Explore Chiropractic Ribbon Cutting

The East Cobb Business Association is helping new businesses introduce themselves to the community by sponsoring ribbon-cutting events.

Saturday was the grand opening for Explore Chiropractic (above), which has opened its doors at Parkaire Landing Shopping Center (4880 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 20, next to Earthwise Pet Suppy).

The owner is Dr. Dan Ruitenbeck (holding scissors), a graduate of Life University. In addition to general chiropractic care, services also cater to pregnancy and pediatric needs. Explore Chiropractic serves the East Cobb, Roswell and Sandy Springs areas.

On Thursday from 12-3 the ECBA will hold a ribbon-cutting for Weddington Realty (3020 Roswell Road, Suite 200) with owner Sarah Weddington, who’s specialized in residential and commercial properties in Georgia, Florida and Texas.

This Saturday from 11-1 is another ECBA ribbon-cutting for the grand opening of a Farmers Insurance office at 3225 Shallowford Road, Suite 120. The proprietor is Pamela Johnson.

Next Tuesday, March 19, the guest speaker at the ECBA’s monthly luncheon is Michael J. Cole, an Atlanta business executive and entrepreneur, who was the founder of the Great American Cookie Co., former CEO of Caribou Coffee and was a Congressional candidate. The Kennesaw State University business school is named after him.

The ribbon-cuttings are free events; the luncheon is $20-$30. Visit the ECBA website to sign up and for information for other events.

Also, every Friday morning the ECBA sponsors the East Cobb Open Networking breakfast, which starts at 7:30 a.m. at Egg Harbor Cafe (4719 Lower Roswell Road). There’s no registration; you just pay for your own meal and network with other local business professionals.

Boyce to speak to NCBA

Cobb Commission chairman Mike Boyce is the guest speaker at the March 20 luncheon of the Northeast Cobb Business Association, which goes from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Piedmont Church (570 Piedmont Road).

The NCBA’s signature event is the 5K-9 Race on June 8, also at the Piedmont Church, and registration is underway. Sponsorships are also being sought for the event, which raises funds for ongoing K-9 assistance efforts in Cobb.

Last year the NCBA raised funds for K-9s for an autistic child and for the Cobb Sheriff’s Office.

This year’s 5K-9 proceeds will be used to purchase a specially-trained comfort dog for the Cobb County District Attorney’s office to assist victims of child and elderly abuse.

Recently the Cobb Board of Commissioners recognized the NCBA for its $2K contribution to purchase oxygen masks for cats and dogs rescued by the Cobb Fire Department.

Northeast Cobb Business Association, K-9 oxygen masks

East Cobb Area Council Breakfast

The Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s first community event of the year is the April 23 East Cobb Area Council breakfast April 23 at Indian Hills Country Club.

The guest speaker is Dana Johnson, new executive director of SelectCobb, the chamber’s economic development office, and the former director of the Cobb Community Development Agency.

For information and to register, visit the Chamber’s events page.

Tell us about your business

Do you have business news to share? We’ll post your openings and non-sales events here, including charitable activities. E-mail us at editor@eastcobbnews.com.

If you want to promote your business (including sales and specials other than grand openings), email us at advertising@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll be glad to send you a media kit.

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

East Cobb Blo Blow Dry Bar location opens at Merchant’s Walk

East Cobb Blo Blow Dry Bar

One of the first “blow dry bar” locations has opened in the East Cobb area. It’s called the Blo Blow Dry Bar, and it started up on Feb. 9 at Merchant’s Walk (1311 Johnson Ferry Road), next to the Lizard Thicket store.

What’s a blow dry bar? It’s a place to get a shampoo, a blow dry and hair styling, but no haircuts or coloring treatment.

Blo Blow Dry Bar is a national chain that’s been moving into the Atlanta area recently, and has more than 130 franchises in all. The motto is “You’re not cheating on your hairdresser,” and the concept is moving into a competitive market for hair care.

Prices for “blowout” treatments start at $45 and the East Cobb franchise partner is Grace Massih. The store will have a grand opening VIP event in early March.

Blo Blow Dry Bar is open seven days a week, and has 10 stations for blowouts, makeup and hair styling on location, as well as hair and skin care products available for sale.

The hours are from 9-7 Monday-Saturday and 11-6 on Sunday, with earlier and later availability by appointment.

Phone is 678-310-0755 and walk-ins are welcome.

Tell us about your business

Do you have business news to share? We’ll post your openings and non-sales events here, including charitable activities. E-mail us at editor@eastcobbnews.com.

If you want to promote your business (including sales and specials other than grand openings), email us at advertising@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll be glad to send you a media kit.

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Cobb economic development incentives approved after testy debate

The Cobb Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved economic development incentives totaling nearly $500,000 for several corporate relocations and expansions, but not without an acrimonious discussion. Bob Ott, East Cobb Restaurant Row

Last month, commissioners delayed acting on the measures, since four of them are located in District 2, and commissioner Bob Ott was absent.

They include the in-county relocation of Floor & Decor and Bio IQ, a California-based healthcare IT firm, to new corporate offices on Windy Ridge Parkway.

At a lengthy meeting Tuesday morning, Ott (in photo) outlined detailed figures showing how the county would benefit from capping building permit and business license fees for those moves.

This time last year, commissioners implemented the Special Economic Impact Program, which reduces or waives certain fees for companies that meet specific criteria for moving to or expanding in Cobb.

The county incentives are separate from tax abatements and other incentives issued by the Development Authority of Cobb County.

Floor & Decor, now based in Smyrna, wants to to add 420 jobs in its new office space. Ott’s projections said the county would net $396,640 after the incentives, which total $38,750. Those include a one-time $5,000 cap on the building permit fee.

Another business license cap incentive totalling $90,798 for construction firm Brasfield & Gorrie drew the ire of South Cobb Commissioner Lisa Cupid. She didn’t like waiving the business license fees for the proposal, which Ott said would result in a benefit of $576,000 to the county.

Brasfield & Gorrie is planning a renovation of its headquarters near SunTrust Park, adding a projected 462 new jobs.

Her objection was part of larger concerns she expressed during the meeting in trying to explain the economic benefits of the incentives to constituents at a time when the county has been struggling to adopt a budget, including a millage rate increase last year.

“It’s important we start talking dollars and cents,” she said.

View the incentive packages

When Cupid tried to link those subjects together before the Brasfield & Gorrie vote, Chairman Mike Boyce called the question on a motion to approve that was on the table, saying her comments were “outside the scope of the issue.”

When Cupid insisted they were relevant, he called the question again.

“I’m still going to ask my question,” she said.

When Cupid said she would abstain from voting, Boyce responded that “you cannot hold this board hostage.”

He asked County Attorney Deborah Dance if an abstention was allowed, and Dance replied only “if there’s a conflict.”

Cupid said she had a conflict. The Brasfield & Gorrie incentive passed 3-1, with Cupid abstaining and new commissioner Keli Gambrill voting against.

Cupid later voted for incentives for Floor & Decor and Home Depot ($733,742 benefit after $213,000 in building permit incentives, with the promise of 700 new jobs), which is seeking to expand to office space on Interstate North Parkway.

She opposed the Bio IQ package ($288,350 benefit after $55.830 in building permit caps, a projected 500 new jobs).

Commissioners also approved building permit fee caps worth $125,000 for Edison Chastain, LLC, which wants to convert warehouse property on Chastain Meadows Road, near Bells Ferry Road, for a 152,000-square-foot office building. That would bring around 500 jobs via multiple tenants, according to the Cobb Community Development Agency.

Cupid voted for that measure, which passed 4-1 (Gambrill opposing), but added that “we need to understand our numbers going forward.”

Commissioner JoAnn Birrell said she’s received a lot of e-mail about Edison Chastain, both pro and con, but said she supported the incentives.

“We’re missing the whole point of what it’s going to bring in in the long run,” she said.

Near the end of the meeting, Cupid stressed that “it’s got to get back to how we’re providing services, how we’re serving citizens.”

Boyce said in reference to the incentives that “I think we did a good thing for the county.”

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

 

Cobb Young Professionals to volunteer at McCleskey Middle School

Cobb Young Professionals

Calling all professionals under 40, and who have some financial skills to volunteer:

There’s an opportunity to work with Cobb Young Professionals and the Communities in Schools of Marietta/Cobb County at a financial literacy seminar they’re holding at McCleskey Middle School (4080 Maybreeze Road) next Friday, Feb. 15.

It’s part of the Communities in Schools’ “Reality U” program that teaches students about fiscal well-being and academic achievement.

The session is from 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and you can register to help them out until Tuesday. Here’s more about the program:

The one-day financial literacy and life skills event is designed to help students understand some of the “realities” involved in preparing for adulthood. Students are provided an adult scenario complete with family status, occupation and net monthly income—and will visit a variety of booths to “purchase” housing, transportation, child-care, food, utilities, etc.

Reality U helps students make a direct connection between academic success and financial stability.

Cobb Young Professionals is the professional development group of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, and is aimed at those 40 and under. Contact Rebecca Chadwick at rchadwick@cobbchamber.org or 770-859-2368, or visit www.cobbchamber.org/events for more information.

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

New East Cobb coworking business holding open house, networking events

New East Cobb coworking business, Brilliant Coworking
Photo: M Harris Studio

Thanks to Michelle Gibson for passing along the news about a new coworking business she and her husband are opening in East Cobb that they’re calling Brilliant Coworking.

The venture is located at 2440 Sandy Plains Road, Building 5 (just across from Sprayberry High School). On Friday they’re offering free headshots for business professionals as part of an open house from 1-7 p.m.

You’re asked to sign up for that event here, as well as a networking event on Feb. 9 from 6-8.

The Gibsons moved here from Seabrook Island, S.C. She’s from East Cobb, he’s from England, and they met while living in Charleston, where she went to college. After starting a family (they have daughters ages 6 and 3) they moved here to be closer to her family.

His background is in management for Chick-fil-A as well as photography, and she has an advertising, creative writing and graphic design background.

They’ve been previewing the coworking space to prospective clients during January. There’s space for “solopreneurs” as well as private offices and meeting rooms. Plans run from $20-$40 an hour for meeting room pricie and starting at $199 a month for designated spaces.

Here’s more on what the Gibsons are envisioning for Brilliant Coworking:

“We want to be a resource for the community to provide meeting spaces, offices, coworking and networking events. Joseph being a photographer would also love to build out the 2nd phase to include studio space to serve the arts community in the local area by providing a place that can be shared and rented.

“Currently we provide meeting space downstairs with a small coworking space upstairs. Our goal is to expand into more of the building and build upstairs and provide private offices, flexible work space and a photography studio for the community. We want Brilliant Co to be a resource that Cobb can be proud of and bring people together.”

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

 

Once and Again Books closing on Shallowford Road

East Cobb is losing another locally owned, independent bookstore. Earlier this week, Casey Herron, owner of Once and Again Books on Shallowford Road, said the shop will be closing by the end of March, and possibly sooner.Once and Again Books closing

The store is selling all books, except for special orders, at 15 percent off, and store credits can be used for half of a purchase. They’re also selling bookcases, bookstands and other items in the store.

Last fall, the Bookmiser store on Sandy Plains Road closed, and the Bookmiser store on Roswell Road remains open.

Here’s part of the message Dillon shared with customers announcing the news of the Once and Again closing:

We will be making one last new book order on Feb. 3rd. We will special order books for purchase at list price (no discount) and you can apply store credit towards ONLY 25% of that price. We’re only offering this to help our loyal customers use some of the credit they have built up.

We are no longer buying books. You’re still welcome to donate good condition books. We’ll sell what we can and donate the rest.

No other discounts apply. All sales are final. It’s first come, first serve at this point. Other than special orders, we are not holding books.

We’re so thankful for the support through the years and will miss our wonderful customers.

Once and Again Books is located at 2421 Shallowford Road, Suite 116, at the intersection of Trickum Road. It’s in the Shallowford Crossing Shopping Center, where there’s a Mellow Mushroom and Moxie Burger.

The bookstore hours are 10-7 Monday-Friday, 10-6 Saturday and 12-6 Sunday.

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Cobb economic incentive proposals delayed by commissioners

Cobb commissioner JoAnn Birrell
Cobb commissioner JoAnn Birrell

After adopting several economic incentive policies last year to spur business growth and relocation, Cobb commissioners have put on hold their approval of several proposals stemming from those changes.

Four of the five proposals, totaling more than $400,000 in county incentives, were withdrawn at Tuesday’s Cobb of Commissioners meeting because they are in District 2 and commissioner Bob Ott was absent.

But after a sometimes pointed discussion, commissioners also agreed to withhold the other incentive package on the agenda, for a planned office building in District 3 in northeast Cobb.

Last February, commissioners implemented the Special Economic Impact Program, which reduces or waives certain fees for companies that meet specific criteria for moving to or expanding in Cobb.

The companies must be in the financial, insurance and professional services sectors (including legal and accounting), as well as transportation, manufacturing and emerging technologies industries.

They also must add at least 150 jobs, invest $30 million or more in the county and pay average salaries at least 1.25 times the county average, as determined by the Georgia Department of Labor.

Qualifying companies also must agree to invest in Cobb for a minimum of 10 years or the incentives are revoked.

District 3 commissioner JoAnn Birrell and Chairman Mike Boyce were strongly in favor of a county incentive package totaling nearly $125,000 for Edison Chastain Office, LLC, which wants to build a 152,000-square-foot office building on Chastain Meadows Parkway near Bells Ferry Road.

“I think this is a good fit for this program,” Birrell said.

The incentives for Edison Chastain would cap development permit fees (proposed incentive agreement here). According to the Cobb Community Development Agency, Edison Chastain would invest $35 million and create 150 jobs once the building opens.

But commissioner Lisa Cupid of South Cobb questioned the wisdom of allowing breaks on fees for companies when the county has had major budget problems in recent years.

Community development officials estimate the break-even point for the Chastain Meadows incentives would be in 2022.

“I have grave concerns that five [economic incentive proposals] are coming up at one time,” she said, “when it might take several years to recoup [the incentive amounts]. At the same time, we’re struggling year-to-year to provide core services.”

Birrell responded that the facility eyed by Chastain Meadows was initially slated to be a warehouse. “Now it’s an office building. It’s eligible and it meets the requirements,” she said.

Boyce said such incentives will help the county enrich its tax digest, which is the best way to meet increasing service needs.

“Getting the resources depends on getting those companies to come here,” he said. “The [tax] millage rate brings in a certain amount, but [a growing] tax digest brings in even more.”

Cupid asked if the county was “doing things in a healthy way,” then tried answering her own question by saying that “I don’t see it at all.”

Replied Birrell: “If [qualifying companies] are not here, we’re not going to get the revenue at all.”

She agreed to withdraw the Edison Chastain proposal and asked interim community development director Michael Hughes for background information on the incentive program.

Floor & Decor wants to relocate its HQ to a near-vacant building at Wildwood.

Two of the four incentive proposals previously withdrawn are in Windy Ridge Parkway area near East Cobb:

Also seeking incentives are Home Depot ($213,750) for expansion in and around its headquarters in the Cumberland area, and construction firm Brasfield & Gorrie ($90,798) for renovating its new headquarters near SunTrust Park.

The county incentives are unrelated to tax abatements that the companies have sought with the Development Authority of Cobb County.

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Boyce repeats no tax increase pledge for Cobb 2020 budget

Boyce offered a “State of the County” address to the East Cobb Business Association members at their January luncheon Tuesday. (ECN photo: Wendy Parker)

In sharpening his fiscal year 2020 budget proposal he’ll take around the county starting this spring, Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce said Tuesday that he’s adamant he won’t be asking for a tax increase.

He also wants to give all county employees a pay raise, open all library branches on Sunday, begin drawing down the amount of money transferred from Cobb water system revenues and eliminate senior fees that were imposed during a contentious budget process in 2018.

And how to pay for all this without raising taxes?

“The county is on fire,” Boyce told East Cobb News Tuesday afternoon after addressing the East Cobb Business Association monthly luncheon at the Olde Towne Athletic Club.

That was a reference to a growing tax digest—2018 was a record year for that, at $36.7 billion—and what he said was the beginning of restoring some county services that had been cut back since the recession.

In order to do that, however, Boyce got an increase of 1.7 mills for the general fund, which pays for most county government expenses.

It was a grueling process, as he conducted a number of town hall meetings and got his $454 million general fund budget, but only by a 3-2 margin. His fellow East Cobb residents, commissioners Bob Ott and JoAnn Birrelll, voted against him.

But the additional funding closed what he said was a $30 million deficit and enabled the hiring of more police officers and road work crews, and the opening of regional libraries on Sunday.

His remarks were similar to those he made last week to the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Boyce doesn’t have a formal budget proposal yet, and some details—such as how big an employee pay raise may be—also haven’t been included.

But he said he’s confident growth in the tax digest in 2019 would enable the county to continue adding services without a millage hike.

“I made a promise last year that I wouldn’t do it [in 2020],” he said, adding that the county is still finding other budget savings.

He received applause for that sentiment, as well as expanding library hours, additional nature trail acquisitions and the purchase of greenspace (including part of the Tritt property next to East Cobb Park).

Boyce also outlined for the ECBA audience of around 100 members and guests a number of business developments, including development around SunTrust Park, which will open its third season as the Atlanta Braves home venue in April.

The stadium, partly financed by the county—and with an annual general fund cost of $8.6 million—has been the magnet for so much more than that. The Battery Atlanta mixed-use project developed by the Braves has become a year-round hub of commercial, retail, restaurant and entertainment activity that’s attracting more business growth.

“Forget the stadium, it’s The Battery that’s driving development,” Boyce said. “It’s sparked a halo effect in the Cumberland CID area and beyond.”

He also predicted that the county would begin recouping that $8.6 million budget investment “sooner than I thought,” but didn’t offer a prediction of when that might be.

Looking ahead to 2019, Boyce said transit and transportation issues will loom larger. The county conducted a transit survey that was released in December that indicated that nearly 60 percent of respondents would support a sales tax for new projects.

(Read the Cobb DOT Transit Survey Summary here).

Before any transit options are decided, there will be town hall meetings and a likely referendum in 2021.

As for the next Cobb budget, Boyce said a total of 16 town halls coming in March and April—including two a day in some cases—will seek taxpayer feedback as was done last year.

“I just want you to enjoy your life,” Boyce said. “Cobb is in as good a place as it’s ever been.”

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Free CobbWorks employment workshop series begins Friday

Press release:

CobbWorks staff is hosting a free workshop series this month, presented by employment expert Leeza Byers. The two-hour classes will provide participants with the tools and techniques needed to conduct effective job campaigns in today’s competitive market.CobbWorks employment workshop series

  • Creating a Rock Solid Career Marketing Kit
    9-11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 18
    Learn how to get noticed and have your resume read.
  • Creating a Web Presence and Maximizing LinkedIn
    9-11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 25
    Learn how to use the Internet to your advantage.
  • Mastering Interviews and Maintaining Focus
    9-11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 1
    Learn how to sell yourself and negotiate your salary. Develop a plan of action and stay connected.

All of the workshops will be held at the CobbWorks Workforce Development Center, 463 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 100, Marietta. Registration is required. To register, call 770-528-4300 or email information@cobbworks.org.

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!