East Cobb Business

East Cobb Biz Scene: Fluffy Fluffy Cafe eyes November opening

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East Cobb Biz Scene: Fluffy Fluffy Cafe eyes November opening

A small vacant space at the Merchant’s Exchange Shopping Center looks non-descript for the moment, with its windows blocked out to indicate renovations.

Behind the scenes, a new franchise of a small chain, the Fluffy Fluffy Dessert Cafe, is being prepared for a likely November opening.

The franchisee is truly local.

After a long career in the technology sector, Tri Phan recently began considering entrepreneurial opportunities. His daughters attend Walton High School, and he wants his new business to be community focused.

“I’ve been looking for a place in East Cobb,” he said, initially pursuing a coffee/tea establishment. “Even if this wasn’t a franchise, I’d want to operate it the same way.”

He settled on Fluffy Fluffy Cafe, a dessert cafe with a wide array of coffees and teas, plus a few savory items (menu here.)

The headliner, Phan says, is Japanese souffle pancakes.East Cobb Biz Scene: Fluffy Fluffy Cafe eyes November opening

Fluffy Fluffy grew out of an original concept in Toronto, and has expanded to nearly a dozen franchises in the United States, including two in metro Atlanta, Duluth and Tucker, which is having a Nov. 9 grand opening.

The East Cobb location will occupy nearly 2,000 square feet next to Jersey Mike’s when it opens. It will be among several new eateries at Merchant’s Exchange, including Katana Sushi and Hibachi and J’MZ and artisanal coffee and tea spot with juices, light breakfast items, bowls and bakery items.

“It was just time for a change, said Phan, who left his technology job as a product manager earlier this year when it was purchased by another company.

For now, as the location is being built out, Phan—who earned an MBA from the University of Michigan—is laying some marketing and promotional groundwork.

He hoping for a soft opening by the end of October with a grand opening in November, but hasn’t set any hard dates.

Phan said the opening hours for Fluffy Fluffy Cafe will be 10-8 Sunday-Thursday and 10-9 on Friday-Saturday.

Pause Studio sets grand opening

Pause Studio will have a flotation therapy chamber.

Pause Studio, which provides holistic wellness services, will hold its grand opening at Avenue East Cobb on Nov. 2 from 12-6 p.m. (475 Roswell Rd, Suite B-420).

Based in Los Angeles,, Pause will be opening its first franchise location outside of California, featuring wellness treatments, including floatation therapy, infrared saunas, LED light therapy, IV therapy, contrast therapy, cryotherapy, and naturopathic medicine.

“It’s been our passion to open a state-of-the-art wellness studio in our own backyard, helping us realize our vision of providing the community with modern, holistic lifestyle solutions that nurture both mind and body,” says franchise owner Lisa Benson, who is local. “Our mission is to lead Atlanta’s wellness space through unparalleled service, education, and by offering approachable and affordable solutions that empower everyone to live healthier, happier lives.”

A company release said the new Pause Studio is the first in Cobb County to receive health department approval for cold plunges and float tanks.

The grand opening includes food, drink mini-services from partners, a raffle, giveaways, studio tours and more. Initial Founding Discovery Packages at are being sold for 50 percent off, along with 20 percent off other packages and founding memberships.

Helping those in need

A number of businesses, religious institutions and other organizations have been collecting donations for Hurricane Helene victims in North Carolina.

Suburban Tap has been loading up several vehicles to transport to those needing assistance, as the restaurant notes on its Facebook page:

They’ve been asking for the donations on their social media channels for the last few days, and last week offered specials for refugees from Hurricane Milton in Florida.

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Prominent Cobb business leader opposes transit tax referendum

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One of the most high-profile business leaders in Cobb County organizing a rally this week against the Cobb transit tax referendum that’s on the November ballot.

John Loud, Cobb Chamber of Commerce
John Loud

The event on Thursday was led by John Loud and Cobb Republican state legislators John Carson and Ginny Ehrhart “and other Cobb County business leaders.”

Loud is the founder of Loud Security Systems and is a former president of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. He was a key figure in efforts to lure the Atlanta Braves to Cobb County in 2013.

He has become more active politically recently, recruiting Republican candidates John Cristadoro (Cobb Board of Education Post 4) and Kay Morgan (Cobb Commission Chair) to run for office in 2024.

What’s being called the Cobb Mobility SPLOST, if approved by voters in the referendum, raise the current sales tax totals in Cobb County from six to seven cents on the dollar.

The transit tax would collect a one-percent Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax for 30 years (more than $11 billion) to expand bus service in Cobb County, including 108 new miles of routes as well as construction of transfer stations and expansion of microtransit and other related services.

In a social media post Monday, Loud called the tax “such a waste of money” and said the county hasn’t been transparent on ridership figures and how the money would be spent.

The MDJ has reported that ridership across the overall Cobb bus system has plummeted from 3.7 million annual trips in 2014 to just under 1 million trips in 2022, and that the decline began well before COVID-19.

Cobb commissioners voted in a 3-2 partisan vote in June to put the tax out for a referendum. It’s the longest and most ambitious sales tax in Cobb County, and Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid has frequently defended both in public statements.

“What it comes down to is do we perceive the future is worth it?” she said before the vote in June. “We can do something that is transformational . . . it enhances our ability to serve our own citizens.”

Loud said in a social media post Monday that while he supports the current sales taxes to finance Cobb County government and Cobb County School District construction and maintenance projects, “this M-SPLOST, for public transportation is nothing like the others.”

The existing SPLOSTs have been approved since the late 1990s for shorter periods (typically four to six years), have committed project lists and citizen oversight committees.

If the Mobility SPLOST passes, he claimed on the Vote NO M-SPLOST Facebook page he created, that “future elected officials can make all sorts of changes and use these funds in all sorts of ways as there is no committed full list of how these [BILLION$ Lisa Cupid] will be spent.”

Among the proposed projects that would be funded with the transit tax is the construction of a bus transfer station in the Roswell-Johnson Ferry Road area and the restoration of two bus routes through East Cobb that were eliminated during recession budget cuts.

Loud claimed that nearly $300,000 of taxpayer money has been diverted for “an education campaign” to inform voters about the referendum, and that Cupid “pressured” Community Improvement Districts to spend around $260,000 on “education initiatives” for the tax.

The former figure is around $287,000 that’s being paid to Kimley-Horn, an Atlanta consulting firm, to build an informational web site for the tax and to hold open houses.

The latter reference includes around $100,000 in contributions by the Cumberland CID and around $110,000 by the Town Center CID, per the MDJ.

The county cannot officially make an endorsement on the tax, but a sentence on the SPLOST “overview” page states that “this initiative seeks to improve the county’s transit infrastructure with a focus on safety, flexibility, and reliability tailored to meet the specific needs of our growing community and local economy.”

More than 200 people have joined the Facebook page started by Loud and Carson, and some are fellow GOP elected officials and conservative activists.

Opposition also has come from the Cobb Taxpayer Association, which held a rally in East Cobb last month.

The Cobb Business Alliance, made up of companies in the construction industry, has also launched a website that it says is informational only.

However, the CBA sent out media and other invitations to its campaign kickoff in support of the tax, and that Cupid attended.

And the MDJ reported last week that a CBA poll shows that two-thirds of respondents don’t even know there’s a transit tax vote coming up.

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East Cobb restaurant update: Super Chix opens at Avenue

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The fast casual chicken franchise Super Chix opened its third location in Georgia Monday at Avenue East Cobb, the retail center announced.

As we noted earlier this year, the eatery is occupying the former Victoria’s Secret space (3,800 square feet) andthe franchisee is East Cobb resident Missy Newks.

The Texas-based company serves grilled chicken sandwiches (which the chain dubs “The Last True Chicken Sandwich”), hand-cut fries and frozen custards (menu here).

The flavor options for the chicken sandwiches, salads and tenders include Nashville Hot, Cheesy BBQ, Buffalo Ranch, Blackened Cajun, Crispy Avocado and Cordon Bleu.

In addition to the fries, Super Chix also serves fried pickles, and coleslaw and kids’ meals.

The frozen custards are available in cups, cold fusions, shakes and pints. Flavors include Strawberry Cheesecake, Cookies n’ Cream, Butterfinger, English Toffee, and Reese’s Peanut Buttercup.

Super Chix is the fourth restaurant/eatery to open at Avenue East Cobb since the retail center’s overhaul, joining Round Trip Brewing Co., Peach State Pizza and Press Waffle Co. The existing Tin Lizzy’s also expanded to include a game bar with food service from the main restaurant.

It’s also the latest fast-casual chicken eatery in what’s becoming a competitive market in East Cobb. In April, Howlin’ Willy’s, a hot-chicken concept from Willy’s Mexicana Grill, opened at Pine Straw Place.

Guthrie’s Chicken will be opening in a drive-through-only capacity at the intersection of Lower Roswell and Johnson Ferry roads. Construction work is nearing completion but a specific timetable hasn’t been announced.

Super Chix hours are daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and online ordering is available.

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Town Center Community to hold State of the District event

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Submitted information:Town Center Community to hold State of the District event

Town Center Community will host its third annual State of the District event on October 22 at 8 a.m. at the Governors Gun Club, located at 1005 Cobb Place Blvd. NW, in Kennesaw. This annual gathering brings together industry leaders, community members and key stakeholders to discuss the district’s growth and success, its vision for 2025 and to recognize the winners of the 2024 Townie Awards, which celebrate outstanding community leaders, developers and businesses in the Town Center area.

“The State of the District event offers businesses valuable insight into the strategic developments shaping our community’s economic landscape,” said Tracy Styf, Executive Director of Town Center Community. “By coming together, we can foster strong partnerships that will benefit the entire Town Center area for years to come.”

This year’s event will feature two panel discussions:

The World Stage Panel will explore the impact of Kennesaw State University joining Conference USA and Fifth Third Stadium’s selection as a training base for the 2026 World Cup. Panelists include:

  • Rachel Rogers, Vice President Sports Sales & Engagement of Cobb Sports Alliance
  • Randy Koporc, Regional President of Fifth Third Bank
  • Teddy Parrish, President & CIO of Parrish Capital

The Economic Drivers and Resilience Panel will examine how Town Center’s diverse industries contribute to economic resilience and development. Panelists include:

  • Ashley West, Regional Economic Development Manager of Georgia Power Economic Development
  • Mike Alexander, COO of Atlanta Regional Commission
  • Michael Davis, Co-founder and Partner of D&G Development Group

All proceeds from the State of the District event will go to the Lanie Shipp Hoover Fund, which supports future trail, park and greenspace projects in the Town Center area.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations and businesses to support the event. Current sponsors:

  • Gold Sponsors: Capital City Public Affairs, Cobb Travel & Tourism, Crane Elder Law Firm, Croy, Georgia Power Foundation, Son & Sons
  • Silver Sponsors: Arcadis, Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Cooper Carry, Council for Quality Growth, Dentons, DeNyse, Kennesaw State University, LGE Credit Union

Tickets and event sponsorships are available online at towncentercid.com/surveys-events

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KSU’s ‘HatchBridge Incubator’ lends a hand to biz startups

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KSU's 'HatchBridge Incubator' lends a hand to biz startups

Kennesaw State University’s HatchBridge Incubator, which started in July 2023, provides training and guidance for those in the Atlanta suburbs wishing to start their own businesses.

Since then, the incubator has hosted 51 different startup projects in a variety of programs

“People need mentorship and accountability when they’re creating a startup,” said Colin Ake, HatchBridge’s director of incubation and commercialization, in a university release. “What we do is provide support for all the people who are building something in the suburbs.”

Here are more specifics about the program:

“HatchBridge offers programs where entrepreneurs refine their ideas, research potential markets, receive business coaching from incubator staff, launch their businesses, and work to make them grow. Entrepreneurs can then continue working to build their companies at the incubator as they refine products, business plans, and raise money to fund their growth.

“While bringing their startups into being, HatchBridge members get access to workstations or offices, tools such as laser cutters and 3D printers to make product prototypes, a content studio to make promotional videos, podcasts, and more. They also belong to a digital community of fellow startup builders who inspire and support each other.

“Being based at and part of Kennesaw State makes HatchBridge a natural stop for university researchers, alumni, and even students to bring their inventions to market. But the incubator is open to anyone who is building a business.”

Ake said that the focus is to “serve entrepreneurs who live and build in the suburbs. They need community, support, and accountability in proximity to where they live.”

One of them is recent KSU graduate Jordan St. Louis, who is using his degree in software engineering to Generalized Robotics, a company that has developed a camera for emergency vehicles that provides a 360-degree view and has been tested by the Clayton County Police Department. Generalized Robotics was in the first two HatchBridge programs.

Ake has more than a decade of experience building startups, including his alma mater, Georgia Tech, and the HatchBridge staff has similar backgrounds.

Next year, the incubator will be moving to a larger stand-alone space at 1111 Chastain Road, the former General Bookstore building.

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Cobb Chamber opens registration for public safety luncheon

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Submitted information:Cobb Chamber annual golf tournament

As part of the 29th annual Public Safety Appreciation Week (Oct.7-11), the Cobb Chamber will honor Cobb County’s finest during a special recognition program at the Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon event held at the Coca-Cola Roxy on October 7. The luncheon will kick off a weeklong effort to celebrate public safety personnel in Cobb County. The luncheon is presented by Marquee Sponsor Superior Plumbing and Superior Plumbing Cooling & Heating and includes the presentation of the 2024 Public Safety Awards.

2024 Public Safety Awards and Nominees

The Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon will honor the bravery and commitment to excellence for each of the 2024 nominees – 15 individuals and 10 units, representing 12 different public safety organizations. Each nominee is eligible to win the following awards: the Public Safety Employee of the Year Award, Medal of Valor, Award of Merit, Distinguished Achievement Award, and Outstanding Community Contribution Award. The 2024 Public Safety Committee Chairwoman is Melissa Alterio, Director of the Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications.

To learn more about each nominee, visit www.cobbchamber.org/publicsafety.

2024 Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon

Award winners will be announced and celebrated at the October 7 Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon at the Coca-Cola Roxy. Registration is now open at https://tinyurl.com/2ba98snc.

Sponsors include Marquee Sponsor, Superior Plumbing and Superior Plumbing Cooling & Heating; Platinum Sponsors, Cobb EMC and MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service; Awards Sponsor LoRusso Law Firm; Gold Sponsors Barrow Wrecker Services, Genuine Parts, and Marietta Wrecker; and Appreciation Week Sponsor Verizon.

2024 Public Safety Appreciation Week

The Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon kicks off a weeklong community effort to celebrate the efforts of our public safety personnel, known as Public Safety Appreciation Week. Led by the Cobb Chamber, the community is invited to show their gratitude by visiting the public safety agencies in their neighborhood, between Oct. 7 through Oct. 11.

To learn how you can contribute, visit https://cobbchamber.org/events/public-safety-appreciation-week/.

For more information on Public Safety Appreciation Week, visit www.cobbchamber.org/publicsafety or contact Katie Guice at 770-859-2334 or kguice@cobbchamber.org.

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East Cobb Biz Scene: 50th anniversary for Frameworks Gallery

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Frameworks Gallery 50th anniversary
Diane Spencer, co-founder of Frameworks Gallery, which is marking its 50th anniversary.

Thursday will be a special day at Frameworks Gallery.

The East Cobb art gallery and frame shop is marking the start of its 50th anniversary in business with a new exhibition, “Symphony of Colors,” that will run through Oct. 18.

The opening reception on Thursday lasts from 6-8 p.m. (1205 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 110).

The special show features the work of four artists who’ve had their work displayed at Frameworks in the pas: Pat Fiorello, Marsha Savage, Barbara Royal, and Judie Jacobs.

Founded by sisters Diane Spencer and the late Sunny Walker, Frameworks Gallery is a fixture not just in the local art and business scene, but also the larger civic community.

In April we spoke to Spencer about her initiative to raise funds for a special garden at East Cobb Park to honor Walker, a leading figure in the creation of the park.

What’s to be called “Sunny’s Butterfly Garden” is getting underway under the auspices of the East Cobb Garden Club, part of the all-volunteer Friends for the East Cobb Park.

Frameworks has been in East Cobb all along, and moved into its present space  in the Woodlawn Square Shopping Center 20 years ago.

Walker passed away in 2019, and Spencer has kept the business in the family, with her son running the framing operation.

The artists featured in “Symphony of Colors” have distinguished backgrounds in the local arts scene.

Fiorello’s work was selected as Best Floral in the April 2023 PleinAir Salon competition sponsored by PleinAir Magazine, and she’s the author of a book, “Bella Italia, Italy Through the Eyes of an Artist.”

Savage has been an artist for more than 50 years, specializing in landscape painting. Her work has been displayed at the Georgia State Capitol and she has been entered in many local and regional art shows.

Royal paints landscapes and abstract works, and is a member of the High Museum of Art of Atlanta.

A member of the metro Atlanta artist community for more than 40 years, Jacob is a painter, ceramic sculptor and mixed media specialist.

Parading around

Saturday’s EAST COBBER parade and festival (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) includes some local businesses. Here’s a partial list of who you’ll see stepping down Johnson Ferry Road and/or having booths at the festival afterwards at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church:

  • Aqua-Tots East Cobb; Auto Accident Attorneys; Custom Disposal; Dance Stop Company; Just Fences Inc.; My Best Friend’s Vet; Neighborhood Tire Pros & Auto Service; Prime IV Hydration & Wellness; Sparkles Family Fun Center; Stretch Zone East Cobb; Ted’s Montana Grill; Willow Orthodontics.

The chief sponsor for the second year in a row is CertaPro Painters.

Festival x 2

Saturday’s going to be extra busy for The Auto Accident Attorneys Group. In addition to being a sponsor of the EAST COBBER event, AAA is holding its third annual Fall Kickoff Festival from 12-3 Saturday at its offices (1454 Johnson Ferry Road).

Admission is free, and the event features a live band, face painting, a petting zoo, bounce houses, shaved ice and food vendors. The sponsor is Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy.

Managing partner Jamie Salimi said it’s a community give-back event. Food and drinks are complimentary with a wristband while supplies last, and you’re asked to register online.

Business bootcamp

The Cobb County Business Bootcamp has launched, designed to help minority-owned small business owners.

Started by former East Cobb Business Association president Brian Kramer and other experienced local business leaders, the CCBB provides free start-up assistance to qualified applicants, with a focus on sales, marketing, operations, finance/legal, human resources and entrepreneurial evolution.

On Tuesday there will be a free workshop to go over the bootcamp program details to those interested.

It’s from 5-7 at the North Cobb Regional Library (3535 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw) and is free to attend. You’re asked to RSVP in advance at https://bit.ly/CCBBIdeaWorkshop9102024.

Since officially opening in March, CCBB has accepted more than 100 business owners as member participants. The goal is to have more than 300 owners on board by the end of the year.

Selected participants will have their scholarships paid for with funding from an American Recovery Program Act small- and minority-owned business grant through Cobb County government.

According to the CCBB website, “this membership covers all aspects of the program such as our online courses, peer-to-peer roundtables, access to our live events and the done-with-you services provided by our partners.”

“We want any minority small business owner in Cobb County to know we’re open, our services are free, and we are eager to help them succeed,” Kramer said in a release.

“One of our key differentiators is that CCBB is set up to help many types of businesses, from mom-and-pop startups in a home office or kitchen to retail businesses or franchises across the community.”

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East Cobb Biz Scene: Modern Dental Center has opening, ribbon-cutting

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East Cobb Biz Scene: Modern Dental Center opens
Dr. Marianna Kovtich (in white suit) with staff and members of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce at the Modern Dental Center ribbon-cutting.

We reported a few months ago on the Mt. Bethel Community Center being sold to be converted into a dentistry practice.

That business has now opened. Modern Dental Center recently opened its doors at 4608 Lower Roswell Road earlier this month, providing “general cleaning for children and adults, veneers, bonding, crowns, bridges, implants, and treatment for sleep apnea,” according to a release.

Leading the practice is Dr. Marianna Kovitch, a board-certified dental sleep medicine specialist certified by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

She has had a fellowship from the International Congress of Oral Implantology in 2015 and a fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry in 2018, where she also served as past president of the Georgia chapter.

“My mission is to provide exceptional dentistry you can trust in a comfortable, pain-free environment,” says Dr. Kovitch.

She said the center provides patients with the latest in technology and comfort, including a beverage station, Bose headphones, ceiling televisions and an electric car charger.

Dental services features include a 3D scanner for x-rays with a low radiation exposure using the Vatech Green CBCT system. There’s also a diode dental laser for gum recontouring, treatment of ulcers and periodontal disease.

Modern Dental Care (website) can be contacted at info@ModernDentalCenterEC.com or by calling 770-615-6510.

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Cobb Chamber of Commerce names 2026 board chairwoman

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Submitted information and photo:

Cobb Chamber of Commerce names 2026 board chairwoman
Melissa Cantrell

The Cobb Chamber’s Board of Directors have named Melissa Cantrell, President and CEO of CDH Partners, as its 2026 Chairwoman of the Board.

Cantrell will succeed Chris Britton, Regional President of Brasfield & Gorrie, who begins his term as Chairman of the Board in 2025. Cantrell will start her term in January 2026 as Board Chairwoman and will serve as Board Chair Elect in 2025.

“It is an honor to be entrusted to serve as the 2026 Board Chairwoman. My passion for serving our business community and helping them achieve their goals has been fueled by the mission of the Chamber. By building the foundations of our community with a prioritization on the needs of our businesses, we’re laying the groundwork for a more vibrant and sustainable future,” said Melissa Cantrell. “I am proud to contribute to the Chamber’s vision to create a future for Cobb that makes Cobb County a dynamic place to live, work, and play!”

Cantrell is a long-time investor in the Cobb Chamber and its economic development strategy, SelectCobb. She has served on the Cobb Chamber Board of Directors and SelectCobb Board of Directors since 2015. Her most recent role has been the 2024 Member and Community Programs Chair on the Cobb Chamber’s Executive Committee. Cantrell also served as a judge for the Cobb Chamber’s 2024 Small Business of the Year award. Cantrell and her team at CDH Partners were named the 2023 Small Business of the Year.

Cantrell has also served on many Cobb Chamber committees, including the building transition taskforce, Leadership Cobb Selection Committee, Leadership Cobb Education/Workforce Day, Armed Services Program Day, and as a Marietta Area Council Director. She is a graduate of the 2014 Leadership Cobb class and an active member of the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association. She is a current class member of the Honorary Commanders program.

As President and CEO of CDH Partners, Cantrell leads the firm’s operations, plans and strategies, resourcing, employee growth, and budgets. She is also the principal of CDH Partners’ education studio, where she delivers innovative architectural design and master planning to public and private education clients.

Cantrell is a member of several industry organizations, including the Georgia Chapter of the Association of Learning Environments, the United States Green Building Council, the Georgia Association of Physical Plant Administrators, and the Georgia Board of Architects and Interior Designers. She shares her expertise with several community organizations, such as the Kennesaw State University College of Architecture Advisory Council, the Marietta High School Architecture Program Advisory Council, and the One Cumberland Board of Directors. Cantrell is also currently serving on the Cobb Chamber’s taskforce for the county’s Unified Development Code project.

“Melissa Cantrell is a remarkable leader with a proven track record of excellence and innovation. Her extensive experience as President and CEO of CDH Partners, coupled with her deep commitment to our community and chamber, makes her an ideal choice to chair the Cobb Chamber Board of Directors in 2026,” said Sharon Mason, President and CEO of the Cobb Chamber. “Melissa’s vision, strategic thinking, and ability to bring people together will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission. I couldn’t be more excited to have her at the helm, and I look forward to the incredible impact she’ll make in this role.”

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Avenue East Cobb property manager acquired by Parkaire owner

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Avenue East Cobb celebration
The public plaza at Avenue East Cobb is the centerpiece of the retail center’s redevelopment project in 2023. ECN file photo.

The Atlanta-based subsidiary of a commercial real estate company that completed the redevelopment of Avenue East Cobb last year is being purchased by another major commercial developer and property manager.

North American Properties announced Tuesday that its Atlanta unit is being acquired by Jamestown Properties, which manages major office and retail properties that include Parkaire Landing Shopping Center in East Cobb.

NAP said in a release that a Jamestown affiliate will “make an investment” in the new portfolio of properties, which includes Colony Square and Atlantic Station in Atlanta, The Forum in Peachtree Corners and others in New York, North Carolina and Kentucky.

NAP also is the developer of Avalon in Alpharetta and counts nearly $2 billion in assets in its Atlanta unit. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2024.

“Jamestown’s North Star is to create inspiring places that serve as the foundation of community life and reinforce a sense of place and belonging, while generating value for investors,” Jamestown president Michael Phillips said in a release.

“This acquisition will bolster our differential advantage in the market as a vertically integrated, mixed-use operator with a focus on placemaking. Their expertise around suburban placemaking is a great complement for our urban placemaking expertise, as well as our grocery-anchored shopping center business.” 

The acquisition comes as Jamestown is making a major push into suburban areeas.

Jamestown owns 22 properties in 19 states, and at Parkaire, the anchor is a Kroger store. Avenue East Cobb doesn’t have retail grocery, but has opened a number of new retail stores and restaurants in wake of the redevelopment.

Those include a Barnes & Noble bookstore, Press Waffle Co., Peach State Pizza and Round Trip Brewing Co. There is a major vacancy at Avenue East Cobb after Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar closed at the end of last year, opting not to renew its lease.

One of the two “jewel box” spaces built in the redevelopment also remains vacant.

NAP said its 200 employees, including top executives, will come under the Jamestown umbrella after the deal closes.

Jamestown has more than $11.7 billion in assets in the U.S., Latin America and Europe. Its other properties in metro Atlanta include Ponce City Market.

NAP, based in Cincinnati, opened its Atlanta office in 1996.

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Cobb Youth Leadership announces 2024-25 class members

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Cobb Youth Leadership (CYL), a development program for high school juniors and sponsored by the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, has announced the members of its 2024-2025 class.Cobb Chamber of Commerce

A total of 54 students have been selected, including the following from high schools in East Cobb:

  • Amol Balakrishnan, Lassiter High School
  • Arvind Balakrishnan, Wheeler High School
  • Anya Dhir, Walton High School
  • Lila Fraley, Wheeler High School
  • Marie Hable, Wheeler High School
  • Sophie Hortman, Lassiter High School
  • Thomas Linton, Pope High School
  • Madison Lockhart, Pope High School
  • Sameel Mistri, Wheeler High School
  • Brody Tanner, Johnson Ferry Christian Adcemy
  • Leo Waldron, Walton High School

Orientation begins on Monday, followed by a fall retreat in August and monthly program activities until graduation in April, 2025.

Here’s more from the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, which oversees CYL, about the program:

Created in 1989, the program provides students a unique opportunity to learn about their community, develop leadership skills, as well as meet and interact with students from other high schools. Students attending public or private high schools or home-school students must complete and submit an application for CYL in the spring of their sophomore year. Students participate in the program during their junior year of high school.

Allan Bishop, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Julie Peck, Hub International, will be Co-Chairs for the 2024-2025 program year. Tripp Boyer, Boyer Ramey Wealth Management, and Luci Hogue, Scotland Wright Associates, will be the Vice Co-Chairs for the 2024-2025 program year. The 2024-2025 class theme is “Connected in Leadership.”

Thank you to Yearlong Presenting Sponsor, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Youth Champion Sponsor, Six Flags Over Georgia.

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Cobb Chamber accepting 2024 Citizen of the Year nominations

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Cobb Chamber accepting 2024 Citizen of the Year nominations
Irene Barton, center, the 2023 East Cobb Area Council Citizen of the Year, with Cobb Chamber of Commerce leadership.

Submitted information:

The Cobb Chamber is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Citizen of the Year Awards. The Citizen of the Year Awards, created by Cobb County civic clubs and co-sponsored by the Cobb Chamber Area Councils and Cobb County business associations, have annually been presented to extraordinary individuals for the work they have done in Cobb County.

Awards are given to deserving individuals based on nine local area nominations: Acworth, Austell, Cumberland, East Cobb, Kennesaw, Mableton, Marietta, Powder Springs, Smyrna, Town Center, and West Cobb. Given to honor an individual whose impact through the years will be recognized and regarded with pride throughout the area as a role model, these outstanding citizens are chosen for their definable, exceptional deeds, with which he or she has made their community a better place to live.

Nominations are now open through Friday, August 30 at https://tinyurl.com/z5p6rr2d. Thank you Presenting Sponsor, Capital City Bank. For more information on the Citizen of the Year Awards, contact Katie Guice at 770-859-2334 or kguice@cobbchamber.org. 

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Cobb Chamber announces 2024-25 Leadership Cobb Class

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Submitted information:Cobb Chamber annual golf tournament

Leadership Cobb, the Cobb Chamber’s premier leadership development program, has selected 60 new participants for the 2024-2025 class.

Founded in 1983, Leadership Cobb brings together diverse business and community leaders for a 10-month journey focused on personal and professional growth. The program accomplishes this through leadership training, teambuilding, and educational experiences highlighting our community’s greatest success stories and most significant ongoing challenges.

Congratulations to the members of the 2025 Class:

  • Benjamin Andrews, Advanced Technology Development Center
  • Eliese Bernard, Wellstar Health System
  • Melanie Brueggemann, Croy Engineering
  • Toby Carmichael, City of Acworth
  • Colt Chambers, The Alley Stage
  • Ollie Clemons, Jr, City of Austell
  • Elizabeth Colletti, Cobb Chamber of Commerce
  • Carl Crumbley, Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services
  • Denise Czarnik. Smyrna Public Safety Foundation
  • Sean Ditzel, Abernathy Ditzel Hendrick, LLC
  • Mariel Ellis, Gas South
  • Owen Farist, Gregory, Doyle, Calhoun & Rogers, LLC
  • Sean Ferrell, LGE Community Credit Union
  • Kellie Fletcher, BDR Partners
  • Rachel Franklin, Cobb & Douglas Public Health
  • Kim Franz, Cobb Travel & Tourism
  • Molly Gillis, Gillis Law Firm, LLC
  • Christopher Gulledge, Cobb County Government
  • BJ Haisten, Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC
  • Brad Humphrey, HNTB Corporation
  • Evan Ingram, Goshen Valley
  • Anthony Iorillo, CROFT & Associates, INC
  • Rich Jakob, Atlanta United FC
  • Earnest Johnson, Georgia Power Company
  • Chyeena Kellogg, Cultured Ag Inc.
  • Brittany Lambert, Walton Communities, LLC
  • Adebola Lamikanra, Genuine Parts Company
  • AikWah Leow, Cobb County District Attorney’s Office
  • Alyssa Liguori, Northside Hospital
  • J.D. Lorens, Cobb County Department of Transportation
  • BJ Martin, W&A Engineering
  • Jesus Martinez, Peach Tree Commercial Capital, LLC
  • Jenn McNeely, Delta Air Lines
  • Lisa Mello, LiveSafe Resources
  • Stephanie Meyer, Chattahoochee Technical College
  • Cheryl Morgan, Dobbins Air Reserve Base
  • Stacey Nicely, Atlanta Braves
  • Angela Orange, Marietta City Schools
  • Nehemiah Pace, Atlanta Falcons Football Club
  • Ashley Palmer, Cobb County State Court
  • Kirstin Popper, kirpop
  • Kevin Pounds, MUST Ministries
  • Troy Refuge, Refuge Law, PLLC | DTSpade Specialized Real Estate
  • Keisha Register, City of Marietta
  • Nick Rider, Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC
  • Rico Short, Apex Endodontics P.C
  • Rick Shumpert, Kennesaw Police Department
  • Douglas Simmons, Cox Communications
  • Kelli Spearman, Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP
  • Alina Stevens, All-Pro Pest Services, Inc
  • Casey Tanner, Kennesaw State University
  • Eric Trehern, The Home Depot
  • Joy Ugi, American Council of Engineering Companies Georgia
  • Naporsha Valentine, Allstate – Law Office of Marcus A. Blackwell
  • Danny Vander Maten, Cresa
  • Gretchen Walton, Cobb County School District
  • Chris Wasserman, Wasserman Talent Solutions
  • Chad Williams, GB’s Lake & Stable
  • Jen Willis, Summit Heating and Air
  • Nick Winbus, Dallas Smith & Company, LLC

Jennifer New, Mount Paran Christian School, and Greg Mize, The Atlanta Braves, will be Co-Chairs for the 2024-2025 program year. Joyette Holmes, Georgia State Board of Pardons & Paroles, and Eddie Wade, Croy Engineering, will be the Vice Co-Chairs for the 2024-2025 program year. The 2024-2025 class theme is “Bring It Home.”

The Leadership Cobb class of 2025’s Yearlong Presenting Sponsor is Kennesaw State University Executive MBA & MBA Programs; and Legacy Sponsors are Genuine Parts Company, Croy Engineering, Mauldin & Jenkins, Accounting Consultants of Cobb, and Johnson & Alday, LLC. For more information about Leadership Cobb, contact Kai Lawrence at 770-859-2346 or klawrence@cobbchamber.org.

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East Cobb Biz Scene: Honors for The Music Studio Atlanta

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The Music Studio Atlanta, which has a location in East Cobb, has been named the 2024 School of the Year by Music Academy Success, the largest international coaching organization dedicated to music academy owners.

Honors for The Music Studio Atlanta
Cecilia Rowe, The Music Studio Atlanta

“We are so pleased and humbled to have been awarded with these three incredible honors in the past few weeks!” said Cecilia Rowe, owner and founder of The Music Studio Atlanta. “We have been committed to the highest quality music instruction for over three decades. I believe the unique combination of top-notch teachers, our proprietary reward curriculum and decades of experience has helped us reach this level of recognition,”

The Music Studio Atlanta was among 10 schools nationwide nominated for the Music Academy Success distinguished School of the Year award, a select group chosen from a collection of 500 national candidates. This nomination is a testament to those schools that have demonstrated exceptional performance and dedication to music education.

The Cobb Chamber also has recognized The Music Studio as one of the Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year in May.

Doctors’ honors

Dr. Arun Chervu, Vascular Surgical Associates

Four physicians from Vascular Surgical Associates rank among Atlanta’s Top Doctors in Atlanta magazine’s July issue, including one at the practice’s East Cobb location.

They include Dr. Arun Chervu, who is among the more than 1,200 physicians on the publication’s 2024 list.

Physicians are asked to nominate fellow physicians they deem the best in their field of practice. Many votes were cast honoring excellence in all fields of medicine. The featured doctors were screened and selected through the verification of licensing and review of any infractions through applicable boards, agencies, and rating services.

Chervu is a partner at Vascular Surgical Associates, PC in Marietta. He received his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering at Princeton University, graduating magna cum laude, and received his Doctor of Medicine from Cornell University Medical College. He completed his surgical residency and fellowship at UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Chervu’s hospital appointments include Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Wellstar Cobb Hospital. He is actively involved in clinical research and is director of clinical trials for Vascular Surgical Associates.

ECBA events in July

The guest speaker at the July luncheon of the East Cobb Business Association is Tim Ashmore of Ashmore Management Consulting LLC.

The topic: “Protect Your Business. How to Avoid Employment Landmines.” The event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 16 at Rich Hart Global Studios  (2030 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 270).

The Professional Women of East Cobb will hold its monthly luncheon on July 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at J. Christopher’s (1205 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 115). The speaker is a group member who speaks about personal journeys in business.

The registration cost for both luncheons includes lunch.

The July ECBA Lunch & Learn event is also at the same J. Christopher’s, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on July 23. This month, an ECBA Mastermind Round Table will be held in a workshop format with group participation and opportunities to leverage the experiences of other business owners.

The Rich Hart Global Studios is the venue for the President’s Club Toastmasters meetings on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays of each month, from 7-9 p.m.

The ECBA’s free weekly networking event is held every Friday at the IHOP (3130 Johnson Ferry Road) from 7:30-9 a.m. You pay for whatever food and drink you wish.

For information on registration fees and other ECBA events, click here.

Other Biz Association News

The East Cobb Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce next meets on Friday, Aug. 8.

It’s the organization’s annual pigskin preview, featuring the head football coaches of the six public high schools in East Cobb (Kell, Lassiter, Pope, Sprayberry, Walton and Wheeler).

The breakfast event is from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Indian Hills Country Club (4001 Clubland Drive), and you can purchase tickets by clicking here.

Online registrations and refunds close on Aug. 5/

The Northeast Cobb Business Association is on hiatus until August.

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Walmart Neighborhood Market to close in East Cobb July 12

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Walmart announced Thursday that the Walmart Neighborhood Market grocery store in East Cobb (3101 Roswell Road) will be closing on July 12.

In a release, Walmart said that the decision to close the store was made after “a careful and thoughtful review process” and that “this store hasn’t performed as well as we hoped.”

A Walmart Supercenter retail store is closing in Dunwoody the same day.

Company spokeswoman Alicia Anger said the East Cobb store’s pharmacy also is closing on July 12, and that “our pharmacy staff will work with customers to transfer prescriptions to another convenient Walmart location.”

Anger said that “this decision was based on a range of issues concerning financial performance. There is no single cause for why a store closes and these are never easy decisions. . .  While our underlying business is strong, this specific store hasn’t performed as well as we hoped.”

She said the store’s 92 employees are eligible to transfer to other Walmart stores, including six in and around Marietta.

The East Cobb store, which opened in 2014, has been the anchor tenant at the Olde Mill Shopping Center (Roswell at Olde Canton Road), and has been the only Walmart Neighborhood Market in the area in recent years.

The company also had stores on Canton Road and at Sandy Plains Road that have closed in recent years. The East Cobb store is surrounded by multiple Publix locations, as well as Kroger, Whole Foods, Aldi and Lidl.

Walmart also has a grocery section in its retail store on Johnson Ferry Road.

Kroger opened its first Atlanta-area “super store” on Powers Ferry Road last summer.

There are more than 5,000 Walmart Neighborhood Market locations across the country, and the company has been expanding with larger stores that opened recently in Florida and in Vine City in Atlanta. The stores feature expanded produce sections, as well as meat, deli and bakery options.

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Former East Cobb Chevron owner honored with ‘Lyn’s Corner’

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Former East Cobb Chevron owner honored with 'Lyn's Corner'

Cobb Commissioner Jerica Richardson recently dedicated a new park-style bench in honor of the former owner of a popular Chevron gas station in East Cobb.

Her office on Wednesday released the accompanying photos and information about a celebration last week for Cicero Leonard “Lyn” Powell, who owned the Chevron station at the northwest intersection of Roswell and Johnson Ferry roads.

It’s now the site of a Valvoline oil change shop that recently opened, and the bench is located on the southbound Johnson Ferry side.

According to Richardson’s office, “this tribute recognizes his hard work, kindness, and the positive impact he’s made in our community. His customers shared how Lyn’s station was more than just a business; it was a cornerstone of the community.

“We also want to extend a special thank you to Valvoline for generously sponsoring the bench.”

The Chevron station that opened in the 1970s closed in late 2020, and was demolished in early 2021. Commissioners approved a site plan amendment in 2022 to permit the oil change business.

Former East Cobb Chevron owner honored with 'Lyn's Corner'

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Cobb Chamber’s Honorary Commanders seeking 2025 nominees

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Submitted information:Cobb Chamber annual golf tournament

The Honorary Commanders Association, a cooperative effort involving the Cobb Chamber, Dobbins Air Reserve Base (ARB), General Lucius D. Clay National Guard Center, Georgia National Guard, Coast Guard, National Defense Force, and the Navy and Marine Corps, is seeking nominations for members of its 2025 class.

The Honorary Commanders Association annually selects community and business leaders and pairs them with military personnel in a yearlong program designed to give leaders an opportunity to learn about military activities, their impact on the economy and the various aspects of the national defense system.

Created by the Cobb Chamber in 1983, the association has grown over the years to include units of our nation’s Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Georgia National Guard, Coast Guard and National Defense Force. Each program covers a branch of service and includes a behind-the-scenes tour of local and regional military assets.

The deadline for nominations is July 8. Fill out the nomination form at www.cobbchamber.org/hca. The Honorary Commanders Association is sponsored by Atlanta Marriott NW at Galleria, Capital City Bank, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and The Veterinary Clinic.

For more information about Honorary Commanders Association, contact Joel Blockton at 770-859-2348 or jblockton@cobbchamber.org.

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East Cobb Biz Scene: Brass Tap opens; June biz events; more

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Brass Tap opens East Cobb

After some delays, the first Brass Tap Craft Beer Bar in the East Cobb area has opened at MarketPlace Terrell Milll.

The location at 1420 Terrell Mill Road, Suite 100, is located near the Los Abuelos Grill.

Monday was the first day of business for the location operated by Raj and Meghl Patel, brothers in their 20s from a family of entrepreneurs, who have operated gas stations and businesses in the hospitality industry.

They’ve signed on to open several more locations in metro Atlanta for Tampa-based franchise chain, which has Atlanta-area locations at Perimeter Center, Milton and Hapeville for the time being.

Brass Tap is one of the finishing touches on the mixed-use development that includes a Kroger superstore that opened last summer and market-rate apartments at the intersection of Powers Ferry and Terrell Mill roads.

More than 150 craft beer choices on draught and in bottles are featured at Brass Tap, ranging from the (512) Bock deep amber from Austin, Texas to five varieties of Pennslyvania’s famed Yuengling Brewer, including a Hershey’s Chocolate Porter.

Georgia beers include Terrapin, Sweetwater, and Marietta’s own Red Hare.

The main food menu includes a wide selection of starters, nachos, chicken wings, burgers, pizzas, salads, subs and desserts.

The restaurant includes a loyalty program called the Brew Crew, and online delivery and pickup ordering is also available.

Hours are from 11 a.m. to midnight daily. Phone: 813-226-2333.

June Biz Association events

The East Cobb Business Association will hold its monthly women’s luncheon, Professional Women of East Cobb, on June 14 at J. Christopher’s at Woodlawn Square (1205 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 114).

The event is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the cost is $20-$25.

The organization’s main luncheon is June 18 and the featured speaker is leadership coach and branding consultant Stacey Ruth, whose topic is: “Brand You: Breakthrough thinking to fast-track growth.”

The event includes networking and lasts from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rich Hart Global Studios )2030 Powers Ferry Road, Suites 270-280).  The cost is $20-$30.

ECBA also has weekly open networking meetings Friday at IHOP (3130 Johnson Ferry Road) and monthly Toastmasters sessions, also at Rich Hart.

For information and to register, visit the ECBA website.

The Northeast Cobb Business Association is on hiatus until August.

State of the County address

Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid will deliver the State of the County address June 10 at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Monday Marquee.

It’s from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre at The Battery Atlanta (800 Battery Avenue, Suite 500).

Cupid, a Democrat, is in the final year of her term and is seeking re-election in November.

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Pause wellness studio coming this fall to Avenue East Cobb

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Pause wellness studio coming Avenue East Cobb
Pause originated in the Los Angeles area and is expanding franchises nationwide

The national wellness studio Pause has announced it’s opening a location this fall at Avenue East Cobb.

Services include cold plunge, floatation therapy, IV vitamin drip, cryotherapy, infrared sauna, contrast therapy, compression therapy, LED light therapy, and more.

The local owners, Lisa and Evan Benson, will be having a meet and greet at the Avenue plaza from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday.

The 3,000-foot-space (website here) will be located next to the Xfinity store (4475 Roswell Road, Suite 420) and is one of two new Georgia locations operated by the Bensons.

Other products to be available include the Osea skincare line, Le Labo bath products, and Rishi herbal tea.

Pause has five locations in Southern California, and is planning more in Florida, Bentonville Ark. and Nashville, in addition to Buckhead.

North American Properties, which manages Avenue East Cobb, said Pause is the 15th “permanent brand” to come to the retail center on Roswell Road over the last two years.

Pause was founded in 2016 in the Los Angeles area in what’s been termed the “experiential wellness” field and has been a “technology recovery partner” for the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball and the Professional Golf Association Tour.

The company recently began to award franchise locations and according to Fitt Insider, Pause is “riding demand for sauna and cold plunge” in the boutique wellness industry.

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Delta Community Credit Union names East Cobb branch manager

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Delta Community Credit Union names East Cobb branch manager

Submitted information and photo:

Delta Community Credit Union is pleased to announce Corey Higman as the new manager of its Marietta Branch on Johnson Ferry Road. A Hillgrove High School Alumnus and Marietta resident, Higman has deep family roots in Cobb County and is excited for his new role.

“It is a privilege to serve the community that many generations of my family have called home,” Higman said. “My family has been working and living in this area for more than 60 years. My grandfather was one of the founding employees of the Cobb County Fire Department and my mother worked at stores and banks along Merchant’s Walk.”

Before beginning his career in financial services with Delta Community in 2018, Higman worked in the retail and restaurant industries. His leadership ability and commitment to sincere, personalized service allowed him to advance within the credit union, holding various positions, including manager of Delta Community’s Canton branch.

“I’ve centered my career around serving others and ensuring they receive the best products, service and care,” he said. “I am focused on leading my team of financial professionals, who are committed to positively impacting the lives of our members who live and work in East Cobb County.”

Higman looks forward to partnering with local schools, especially Title 1 schools, hoping to leverage the credit union’s financial education resources to support future generations.

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