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World’s Busiest AirportHartsfield-Jackson
Atlanta International Airport
Air Cargo GatewayGrowing Globally
Porsche HeadquartersNew Location in South Fulton
Ft McPhersonUndergoes Redevelopment
World-Class Equestrian Events
Retail, Recreation & Residences
Strategic Public andPrivate Partnerships
Living Green
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Welcome to South Fulton CountyWhere Business Blooms
As the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 65th anniversary, we are pleased to present South Fulton: A Destination Community™. This 2012-2013 marketing guide and Chamber membership directory details the many amenities and assets of our beautiful, unique and charming region. We hope to spark your interest and enthusiasm in visiting and relocating to an environmentally-friendly area full of exciting opportunities with lots of room for growth.
Within our 125,000-acre region, a portion of it running along the Chattahoochee River, you will travel through Unincorporated South Fulton, southwest Atlanta, Hapeville, East Point, College Park, Fairburn, Union City, Palmetto and Chattahoochee Hills.
South Fulton County is home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport and a major passenger and shipping hub. The new Maynard H. Jackson, Jr. International Terminal recently opened and further expands South Fulton’s air cargo and transportation system.
We are also home to the corporate headquarters of Delta Air Lines, Inc. and Chick-fil-A, Inc. There are new projects on the horizon, like Aerotropolis, soon to be the new U.S. headquarters of Porsche Cars North America, and the Georgia Science and Technology Park at Fort McPherson, a 488-acre redevelopment that will house an international center of innovation and knowledge in bioscience research.
The Georgia International Convention Center, Georgia’s newest and second largest convention center, is located just miles from the airport and is proven to be a high-demand destination for large meetings and conferences.
As the exclusive official South Fulton liaison to the Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office’s Camera Ready Communities program, the Chamber connects film and television production companies with skilled local professionals providing expertise and support in all areas of production. Tyler Perry Studios located in southwest Atlanta consists of 200,000 square-feet of sound stages, a post-production facility, 400-seat theater, private screening room, and special events space. EUE/Screen Gems Studios recently made South Fulton home to one of its film and televisions stages with over 150,000-square-feet of production space.
Woodward Academy, the nation’s largest independent school and a renowned educational facility, has been serving students since 1900 and is located on a 75-acre campus in South Fulton.
South Fulton is one of the safest major communities in the Atlanta area boasting a phenomenal list of assets that include serene sights and destinations as well as celebrated restaurants and lively city centers. It is a delight to share with you ALL that is South Fulton. We hope that you find our area as environmentally and business-friendly as we do!
Many thanks to our major contributors and sponsors — the Development Authority of Fulton County, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, SITE Selection magazine, and our advertisers. Last but certainly not least we would like to thank the Georgia Peach Promotions, LLC marketing team.
To discover more about South Fulton or the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce, visit our newly enhanced website at www.southfultonchamber.com or give us a call at (770) 964-1984.
Best regards,
Y. Dyan MatthewsY. Dyan MatthewsPresident South Fulton Chamber of Commerce
The South Fulton Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 65 years serving the community! We are excited to o�er numerous networking opportunities to help businesses succeed, such as the:
Join the celebration and help your business grow to exciting heights in South Fulton! Call (770) 969-1984 or visit www.southfultonchamber.com for more information or to become a member. Watch your business bloom in South Fulton!
Something Exciting is Happening in South FultonSomething Exciting is Happening in South Fulton
• Annual Awards Luncheon• Annual Golf Tournament• Eggs & Issues Breakfasts• Good Things Membership Luncheons
• Business After Hours Mixers• Speed Networking Mixers• Small Business Institutes• Pizza & Possibilities Learning Sessions
South Fulton Chamber of Commerce, 5155 Westpark Drive, S.W. Atlanta, GA 30336 PH: (770) 964-1984 • WEB: www.southfultonchamber.com
#yoursfchamber SouthFultonChamber
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2 Welcome from the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce
4 Georgia Welcomes You
6 Fulton County Welcomes You
QUALITY OF LIFE
12 World-Class Equestrian Events
14 Recreation and Entertainment
16 Retail Shopping
18 Woodward Academy
20 Residing in South Fulton County
22 Getting Out and Going Green
24 Health and Wellness
26 Adult and Senior Living
contents
facebook.com/SouthFulton-Chamber
twitter.com/yoursfchamber.
Publisher:South Fulton Chamber of Commerce5155 Westpark Drive, SWAtlanta, GA 30336(770) 964-1984www.southfultonchamber.com
FRONT COVER CREDIT:Michael Pollard on Jos Calfun
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Recreation &Entertainment
www.southfultonchamber.com
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GOVERNMENT
28 Fulton County Stays One Step Ahead
30 Fulton County Government
36 Development Authority of Fulton County
40 Fulton County Board of Education
42 City of Atlanta
44 Invest Atlanta
46 City of Hapeville
47 Development Authority of Hapeville
48 City of East Point
50 East Point Business and Industrial Development Authority
52 City of College Park
54 College Park Business and Industrial Development Authority
Managing EditorAsenith DixonNew Era Editing, Inc.
Assistant EditorPatrice Williams
Creative DirectorChristopher BarrowBarrow Creative
Graphic DesignerTamara Taylor-BoggisFunxion Creative
PrincipalsGeorge “Chipp” NapperJennifer Pasley James RhodesGeorgia Peach Promotions, LLC
Contributing WritersSteve MilanoKaren MurphyVal PorterKaren ThuermerDon Winbush
Economic DevelopmentEdward A. Nelson, Jr., CEcD, FM, HLM, EANEAN International Consulting, LLC
Environmental ConsultantSuzanne Seitz, LEED APGreen Design Works, LLC
Advertising ConsultantSandra TarverTarver PR, LLC
Marketing ConsultantOdessa Wallace Williams
Lead PhotographerLeita Cowart
Contributing PhotographersJolene Butts Freeman Fulton County Office of Communications
Gilbert Hunter
Darnyl K. Katzinger Photography
Print PartnersFairburn PrintersStandard Press
36 Barrow+Creative
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56 City of Union City
58 City of Fairburn
60 Development Authority of Fairburn
61 City of Palmetto
62 City of Chattahoochee Hills
64 Minority Business Development Association at Georgia Tech
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60
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City Of Chattahoochee
Hills
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Sales Team ManagementLarry JenningsTactix Sales & Marketing, LLC
Sales RepresentativesKeisha CarterAmber ChildsAndrew ChildsRazor Solutions Group
Debra Harper
Administrative ServicesTiffany TateCameli Administrative Services, LLC
Advisors:Gregory J. WilsonVice President & Georgia Area ManagerCH2M HILL
Kenneth Dobson, HLM, FM, GRI, CSIEconomic Development AdministratorFulton County Government
Joyce RhodesSr. Economic Development SpecialistFulton County Government
Odessa ArchibaldCommunity Development ManagerMetro South RegionGeorgia Power
Myrna WhiteDirectorMarketing & Stakeholder EngagementHartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Steve JabonRegional Marketing DirectorSITE Selection
Donna EnnisProject DirectorMinority Business Development AssociationU.S. Department of CommerceEnterprise Innovation InstituteGeorgia Institute of Technology
InternBrian Keith Harper, Jr.
Georgia Peach Promotions, LLC extends a sincere thank you to the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce, Development Authority of Fulton County, Advisors, and our stellar Marketing Team members.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
66 A Vision for Economic Growth
68 Community Improvement Districts & Alliance
70 New Porsche Headquarters & Redevelopment of Fort McPherson
72 Hartsfield-JacksonAtlantaInternational Airport
74 Delta Air Lines
76 Southeast’s Shipping & Transportation Hub
CHAMBERMEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
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A Vision For Economic
Growth
Barrow+Creative
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I f you’ve ever wanted to watch world-class horse competitions, you’re only a short distance away
from easy access to one of the country’s finest equestrian facilities when you’re in South Fulton County. Fairburn, Georgia, is home to world-class horse trials, including eventing — the Olympic equestrian activities of dressage, show jumping and cross-country galloping — at Chattahoochee Hills Eventing.
Open to the public, these events take place on the Bouckaert horse farm and feature some of the world’s best equestrians, including Olympic hopefuls and champions, and the region’s best amateur riders.
The 8,000-acre facility offers a year-round calendar of hunter/jumper, sport horse and eventing competitions.
Volunteers are encouraged to come he lp welcome the nat iona l and international competitors.
Located only 15 miles west of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the farm’s layout gives you an up close view of riders and trainers as they groom and take them through the dressage test, gallop the cross-country phase, and ultimately the show jumping test for coveted points toward a berth in national competitions and a possible spot on the U.S. Olympic team.
The eventing competitions occur over the course of a weekend, star ting with dressage, which is a training test that demonstrates to judges how well a rider and their horse work in precision and harmony. “The practice began as a method of testing British
cavalry horses,” explains Hugh Lochore, Bouckaert Farm’s eventing course designer. “Dressage is about being in partnership with your horse. The riders walk, trot and cantor in a series of designed movements to show the agility and the suppleness of the horse and how well they work together as a unit.”
The cross-country phase of eventing is exciting and dramatic, with riders and horses galloping and jumping over as many as 40 fixed-obstacles, across a two-mile distance. The obstacles vary in dimension and complexity, and the course features long runs and difficult jumps. “This type of racing was developed to let cavalry riders show their boldness and aggressiveness going into battle,” says Lochore.
World-Class Equestrian Eventsat Bouckaert Farm
QUALITY OF LIFE
Julie Burns Richards of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team
bySteve Milano
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Show jumping focuses less on long-distance endurance riding and more on high-jumping combinations while continuously galloping. Show jumping displays the horse’s nimbleness and its obedience over jumps, around sharp turns and while changing directions.
Bouckaert Farm annually hosts the four-day Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships, attracting some of the country’s top horses and riders. The events include first-class competitions, a shopping village, a kids’ corral and more.
For corporations seeking an alternative for entertaining their clients, instead of a routine golf outing, cocktail party or pro-sports skybox, consider an eventing outing. This would be a unique and upscale way of charming your clients and showcasing one of the many outstanding attractions in the South Fulton area.
“We want to show that we’ve got one of the best equestrian facilities in the country, and we encourage the public to come out and watch these beautiful horses and world-class competitors,”
s a y s Lo c h o r e . A t t h e e v e n t i n g competition held in May 2012, more than 250 competitors in eight different divisions showed their prowess during a three-day event. This particular contest was even more distinctive and exciting due to the competition between men and women — including some of the world’s best — and boys and girls in the same events.
Bouckaert Farm is located off Interstate 20 just a few minutes from Fulton
Industrial Boulevard. You can learn more about Chattahoochee Hills Eventing and year-round competitions by visiting www.chatthillseventing.com.
Don’t let this hidden gem escape you for another weekend. Bring your family, friends and business clients for a day of equestrian competition. Make a plan to visit Bouckaert Farm and go for the Olympic Gold that’s right under your nose in South Fulton County.
Nathalie Bouckaert Pollard
Megill Imes
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A re you a nature lover…an athlete longing for a longer trail? Are you just seeking a
simple summer experience for your family that doesn’t cost a fortune but gives you priceless memories? Then look no further than South Fulton County where there’s something for everyone.
Fulton County’s southernmost region boasts rolling, rural landscapes that
rival the best in the nation. Parts of South Fulton have received national recognition for their “smart growth” concepts and environmentally-friendly innovation.
In addition to the countryside, more than half a dozen cities from Hapeville to Chattahoochee Hills offer sprawling neighborhoods and quaint historic districts, dotted with local events and seasonal fairs. Great cultural amenities and attractions in neighboring Metro Atlanta — like the High Museum, Georgia Aquarium and Six Flags — are only a few miles away. But, once you’re in South Fulton, you will want to stay.
Family, Friends and Festivals Rain or shine, there is always something to do in South Fulton. From the first signs of spring until the last carved pumpkin, South Fulton is abuzz with festivity.
Enjoy a diverse collection of music and events at the picturesque 435-acre Wolf Creek Amphitheater. The world-class event venue is operated by Fulton County and is slated to add-on
a cultural arts and conference center. To see the schedule of music concerts, plays, performances and festivals visit www.wolfcreekamphitheater.com.
The Southwest Arts Center Performance Theater offers quality performance arts. The 375-seat Theater showcases art exhibits, including a mural by acclaimed ar t i s t Louis Delsar te , and stage performances, while also providing art education classes and workshops and creating theatrical partnerships with professional companies. The Arts Center sits on a 42,000-square-foot campus boasting 10,000-square-feet of green space with an outdoor plaza.
Among the most renowned festivals is the Georgia Renaissance Festival. It is the biggest celebration this side of Camelot! Kicking off the spring season each year this unique multi-week festival sweeps its visitors back into time with knights in shining armor, fair maidens, a Royal Petting Zoo, a Jousting Tournament of Kings, a medieval amusement park and a 32-acre World Bazaar of unique treasures. You will feast like royalty on oversized delights including giant roasted turkey legs.
The Renaissance Festival only runs between mid-Apr i l and the f i rst weekend in June. So join King Henry VIII and his Court for a day you will
Recreation &Entertainment
QUALITY OF LIFE
Pictured at the Wolf Creek Amphitheater (from right to left) are: County Commissioner William “Bill” Edwards; SFCOC President & CEO Y. Dyan Matthews; and, Mr. Edward J. Nelson, Jr., Eco-nomic Development Professional, Unincorporated South Fulton County
The Southwest Arts Center is a 375-seat auditorium and theater.
byVal Porter
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never forget. For more information, visit www.garenfest.com.
For a new twist on an old favorite, try Cascade Family Skating. Open six days a week, the rink has special nights for families, teens and adults.
Scheduled to open in 2013, the Odyssey Bowling and Entertainment Restaurant Plaza will consist of a 32-lane bowling center, an outdoor Go Kart track, a rock climb wall, a poolroom, video arcade, laser tag arena, miniature golf course, restaurant, sports bar and so much more.
The area’s Starbucks Coffeehouses are great places for reading, business and club meetings, or just chatting with a friend.
Not quite in the mood for a midnight espresso? Then grab some popcorn, sit back for a while and watch a movie at Movies ATL. With stadium rocking chairs, it’s like watching your favorite flick in your own living room.
Remember, from early spring to late fall, South Fulton weekends are full of festive activities in each of the area’s cities, including Union City’s Sizzling Summer Concert Series and Movies by Moonlight. For more on all that Union City has to offer, visit www.unioncityga.org.
Game and Sports Field, game and sports enthusiasts enjoy the close proximity to unique, world-class venues and natural enclaves in South Fulton.
The Wolf Creek Golf Course (www.wolfcreekgc.com) has one of “the most difficult, best-conditioned and enjoyable” golf courses in the Metro region. All rounds are “all you can play.”
Perhaps one of the most prestigious private clubs in the South, the Piedmont Driving Club (www.drivingclub.com) promotes recreation and enjoyment for its members and their families. Its premiere Golf Course and Club House is located on one of South Fulton’s major thoroughfares, Camp Creek Parkway.
The Col lege Park Gol f Course is an extraordinar y public treasure. The course consists of nine-holes located just fifteen minutes south of Atlanta and approximately one mile f rom the Har tsf ield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Visit www.collegeparkgolfcourse.com for more information.
Though it’s a world-class facility built for the 1996 Olympics, Tom Lowe Trap and Skeet Range is very much beginner-friendly and open to the public. It caters to clay target shooting enthusiasts and has plenty of room for novices to shoot rental guns. Visit www.atlantaskeetshooting.com.
Constructed in 1974, the one-of-a-k ind, Dick Lane Velodrome (www.dicklanevelodrome.com) was inspired by a group of residents and officials that visited the 1972 Munich Olympics. Located south of downtown Atlanta, the Velodrome is 1/5 of a mile and has a 36° banked concrete track for bike racing. Nestled in Sumner Park, a
residential part of beautiful historic East Point, Dick Lane is the only velodrome in the world with a green space.
South Fulton has miles of bike and walking trails. Organized in 1979, a chapter of Run Georgia meets regularly in South Fulton to hit the trails. The South Fulton Running Partners hold a Sickle Cell Road Race each year.
Take a stroll through Cochran Mill Nature Center, home to a large collection of non-releasable reptiles and birds of prey. Located on 50 privately-owned, heavily-wooded acres, the Center is a magical oasis for adults and kids alike. Visit www.cochranmillnaturecenter.org.
If you need a few more flowers in your life, try the home of the hydrangea, Wilkinson Mills Garden. The Gardens feature a myriad of exotic flowers and rare breeds of plants. Visit www.hydrangea.com.
Situated among rolling hills, forested ridges and serene pastures, the South Fulton Scenic Byway (www.n-georgia.com/south- fu l ton-scen ic - tour.htm) features historic communities and farmhouses, Cochran Mill Park, Cochran Mill Nature Center, and the Chattahoochee River.
From family-friendly festivals to cozy nature trails to golfers’ dream greens, South Fulton epitomizes the ease and charm of country living in the South. It is the perfect place for people of all ages to wind down and have a great time.
Knights in shining armor at the Georgia Renaissance Festival
South Fulton residents enjoy the latest features at Movies A-T-L.
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Something for EveryoneSouth Fulton Has it All!
Camp Creek Market PlaceCamp Creek MarketPlace is one of the largest, most vibrant shopping centers in the metro Atlanta area, boasting more than 100 shops and restaurants. You’ll be able to find an almost endless variety of familiar brands, including Target, Lowe’s, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx, Starbucks, L.A. Fitness, DTLR, PetSmart, Publix, Barnes & Noble, DSW Shoes, LensCrafters, Old Navy, Lane Bryant, and Kay Jewelers. You can also take care of business during your shopping excursion by visiting Staples, the UPS Store, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, American Family Insurance, H&R Block, Wells Fargo and SunTrust banks. Take care of yourself while you’re at the Marketplace by visiting merchants who offer nail and hair care, vision services, weight loss counseling and vitamins. After you’ve worked up an appetite, stop for a bite to eat at one of the dozens of restaurants offering steaks, sushi , Amer ican, Tex-Mex, Italian, Chinese, and seafood cuisines.
U.S. Route 29 This 20-mile corridor in South Fulton takes you on a meandering journey beginning in the City of Atlanta and running south through East Point, College Park, Union City and Fairburn, before ending in Palmetto. The road takes on several names, including Main Street and Roosevelt Highway. Atlanta’s transit system, MARTA, has two rail stations on U.S. Route 29 — the East Point and College Park stations.
Main Street in College Park showcases s e v e r a l c h a r m i n g a n d h i s t o r i c neighborhoods that remind you of small town living. This diverse and picturesque area of South Fulton has a small-town feel while offering a variety of locally-owned restaurants and small businesses. Located directly across from the historic train depot in College Park is the renowned, “Southern Fusion” Pecan restaurant. The Feed Store, which was once a grain store, is another local gem. The Brake Pad, located in an old gas
N ew places feel more like home when you’re able to find familiar shops, restaurants, stores and services you’ve grown to know and trust. South
Fulton makes you feel right at home with our eclectic mix of national retailers, local merchants and family activities. With many stores and malls located along or near MARTA transit stations and the main arteries of I-285, I-85, Camp Creek Parkway and Old National Highway, you always have easy access to hundreds of retail establishments. Whether it’s a stop on the way home after work, a fun weekend outing or a relaxed evening exploration, you’ll be able to conveniently shop ‘til you drop in South Fulton.
QUALITY OF LIFE bySteve Milano
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station, is a city favorite for its burgers and patio. College Park has many more restaurants, including Simon’s steaks and seafood, and several sports bars.
Main Street in the revitalized City of East Point is home to Thumbs Up Diner (a locally-owned franchise), Oz Pizza and the East Point Corner Tavern. Arden’s Garden offers the local community a healthy alternative with fresh juices and organic snacks. An additional attribute in the area is the East Point Farmers Market, which began in 2011 and quickly became a neighborhood fixture. In Fairburn and Palmetto, Roosevelt Highway hosts family-friendly dining experiences like Oz Pizza and cultural classics like Taqueria Iztacchihuatl. The historic Green Manor Restaurant in Union City offers an elegant, turn-of-the-century Southern dining experience that you will not forget.
Old National Highway CorridorThe Walmart Plaza has everything you need in one location. The full-service Walmart offers groceries, a vision center, pharmacy, oil and tire center, home and garden area and a photo center. The Plaza is home to restaurants, eateries and discount apparel stores. In the main Plaza area, you’ll find apparel and footwear at Dots, Generation X, Ross and Champs Sports. The Plaza is home to Dugan’s restaurant, “Atlanta’s Original Hot Wings,” where locals gather to hear live music, watch sports, shoot pool, sing karaoke and dance. While shopping, pick up a Honey Baked ham or order from the American Deli. Then, cap off your shopping trip with a Smoothie King treat.
Located a few paces from the Walmart Plaza is the Old National Market Place. From getting in shape at L.A. Fitness to shopping for a variety of hip fashion selections in local apparel stores, the Old National Market Place is a perfect example of the growing retail scene in South Fulton.
Greenbriar MallGreenbriar Mall is another fantastic location in southwest Atlanta for personal and family shopping, and free community activities. The mall’s 100+ shops offer opportunities to purchase clothing, footwear and accessories, make beauty and health care visits, find access to financial services, pick up home furnishing items and household supplies, check out the latest electronics and games, and visit a wide variety of jewelry stores and restaurants. Name brand stores and eateries include Chick- f i l -A , Mac y ’s , I nternat ional House of Pancakes (IHOP), Footlocker, Piccadilly Cafeteria and Radio Shack.
Cascade RoadLocated next to Atlanta’s histor ic West End District, the Cascade Road community boasts a rich and full history of its own that dates back to the early 1960s. This mainly residential corridor of Southwest Atlanta includes many affluent neighborhoods, restaurants, golf courses, driving ranges and a 120-acre nature preserve.
Over the last few years, Cascade Road has expanded westward adding new residential subdivisions and retail centers that house Home Depot, Applebee’s and Publix. A well-loved favorite, Landon’s Restaurant serves its patrons a delightful southern-style brunch on Sundays, and modern American fare throughout the week. The Cascade Citi Center lets you do your grocery shopping at a full-service Kroger supermarket, one of the South’s favorite chains. The Kroger offers a coffee bar, an eye exam center, a hair salon and tax preparation services.
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W oodward Academy draws upon more than a century of educational wisdom to deliver more complete preparation for college and for life. With two campuses in metro Atlanta — Main Campus
in College Park (pre-K through 12) and North Campus in Johns Creek (pre-K through sixth grade) — the Academy offers a full range of college preparatory instructional tracks. The Woodward community includes a rich array of creeds, capacities, and characters, with families from 23 metro Atlanta counties creating a community rich in diversity of faiths and ethnicities. A typical graduating class attends more than 100 colleges and universities, devotes 5,000 hours to community service, and earns upwards of $14 million in scholarship awards.
Following is an excerpt from an article written by Woodward President Dr. F. Stuart Gulley, capturing the Academy’s approach to character education:
Character education has been much discussed in education circles, inspired by a 2011 New York Times article by Paul Tough, headlined “What if the Secret to Success is Failure?” The piece examines scholarly research into character strengths and the efforts of leaders of two very different schools — a prestigious New York City independent school and the KIPP charter schools — to adapt the research into programs to benefit their students.
The research by psychology professors Martin Seligman, of the University of Pennsylvania, and Christopher Peterson, of the University of Michigan, was published in an 800-page book that identifies 24 character strengths — traits like bravery, fairness, humor, and gratitude — that help people lead lives of meaning and purpose. The article goes on to discuss persistence in the face of failure as an important factor in the development of character and the creation of success later in life.
Woodward AcademyExcellence. Character. Opportunity.
QUALITY OF LIFE
President Frank Stuart Gulley, Ph.D.
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For parents, the impulse is great to protect and shield our children from disappointment. Yet, when we do we are robbing them of learning that failure does not spell the end of the world but is an essential, even necessary, ingredient in the building of character. I would not lift myself up as a model parent (nor would my sons!), but I have probably been proudest of my sons when I have observed the resiliency and determination they have developed in the face of failure. Without question, those experiences (on the playing field and in the classroom) have made them better people while making me a better parent.
At Woodward, character is one of the three central tenets of our motto, Excellence, Character, Opportunity. This motto compels us to achieve balance in developing the whole child, a principle that has guided us since the Academy was founded in 1900. We begin in the earliest years at the Primary School and
Woodward North, using character words to teach virtues like compassion and discipline. Later, students sign an honor code outlining the Academy’s expectations for academic integrity and social responsibility.
Lessons about character are interwoven into almost everything a Woodward student experiences — in the classroom and the art studios, on the athletic fields and the stage, in their involvement in community service, and in their commute here (often dozens of miles long) by car, MARTA, or bus. Examining the landscape of college-preparatory options in our city, even the nation, I don’t know of many schools that can claim our historic and current commitment to character education that challenges and inspires each student, preparing them for success in college and beyond.
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A merica’s South is best known for its hospitality. As a resident of South Fulton County, you feel like the red carpet of hospitality has been laid out just for you. From the quaint 1950s post-war neighborhoods to the fully sustainable communities, to grand, sweeping homes, single-family units or easy apartment living, the residential opportunities
within South Fulton are sure to please nearly any taste or lifestyle. All enjoy a mix of the urban and suburban in South Fulton. The area has a small town feel with big city access, award winning public schools, elite private schools and distinctive shopping opportunities.
John Wieland Homes and NeighborhoodsJohn Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods began building in the southeast four decades ago. The company is acclaimed as the highest ranking in customer satisfaction with new-home builders in metro Atlanta, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Study. The builder features four subdivisions in South Fulton ranging in price from the high $200,000s to $1 million, including Regency Oaks near Camp Creek, Legend Oaks and Le Grande in South Fulton, and the Highlands at Guilford Forest in historic Cascade.
•Regency Oaks near Camp Creek offers affordable new single-family homes from the high $200,000s to the $400,000s. Described as a popular neighborhood and a perfect setting for active families, the community is located minutes from I-285 and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The spacious 3,000+ square-foot homes set on large lots are touted as a great value with resort-style amenities.
•Legend Oaks offers single-family homes in a private neighborhood behind a gated entrance beginning in the low $400,000s. The homes sit on half-acre and larger parcels. The community enjoys more than 100 acres of protected green space and a neighborhood park, providing residents with beautiful wooded areas and long green vistas.
•Nestled between Camp Creek and Cascade and minutes from I-285, downtown Atlanta and the Hartsfield-Jackson airport, Le Grande is the builder’s high-end estate neighborhood with homes ranging from the high $600,000s to $1 million in a prestigious gated community. From the builder’s award-winning portfolio, these estate homes offer detailed architecture and the highest standards for quality and efficiency.
•The Highlands at Guilford Forest in historic Cascade offer single-family homes in an established neighborhood setting from the low $400,000s. This area, set within a rolling, wooded terrain, is described as a sought-after location.
D.R. Horton SubdivisionsD.R. Horton is a homebuilding company with a 30-year record of building homes and communities throughout much of the U.S., and, in 2011, was selected as the top homebuilder by Builder magazine for the 9th consecutive year. Its South Fulton communities include Oakley Township in Union City, The Parks at Cedar Grove, and Stonewall Tell at Camp Creek.
•Oakley Township is a large community in Union City that features new homes from the $100,000s to the low $200,000s in a quiet swim and tennis neighborhood. The subdivision’s new phase of homes, Courtyard Villas have their own courtyard gardens and maintenance free living. According to Ira Kramer, Vice President of Marketing at D.R. Horton, the community of 1,200 plus homesites offers a wide variety of housing and pricing from one-story ranches to two and three story homes.
•The Parks at Cedar Grove are new two and three-story homes from the $170,000s. According to Kramer, the newest section near the back of the community features tree-lined lots, two-story 2,600-square-feet homes and larger five bedroom, four bath, 4,200-square-feet homes with brick and stone accents.
•The Summit at Stonewall Tell in Camp Creek is an established community. It features ranch and two-story homes in the $170,000s. Amenities include a swimming pool, tennis courts and a play area.
Residing in South Fulton County South Fulton Communities Offer a Broad Range of Housing Options
QUALITY OF LIFE
Award-winning John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods
byKaren Murphy
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SerenbeChosen as the home of the 2012 Home and Garden Television (HGTV) Green Home Giveaway Sweepstakes and recently featured on the cover of House Beautiful, Serenbe is a unique thousand-acre community in the City of Chattahoochee Hills with a commitment to sustainability and earth-friendly standards. Each home in Serenbe is built to the standards of EarthCraft — the southeast’s standard for green building that pairs building science with regional know-how. Serenbe homes are Earthcraft Homes, which meet certification requirements for proper site planning, indoor air quality, water conservation, and energy efficient appliances, building materials and systems. According to Kathryn Lott, Serenbe Communications Director, the community is made up of around 300 residents and 150 homes. Footpaths connect the homes, communities and farms to encourage walking and biking. Seventy percent of the development is dedicated undeveloped green space. The home styles are diverse, including cottage style homes, townhouses, estates and mixed use areas, which range in price from the $300,000s and up. The updated Nest community includes cottage homes beginning at $200,000.
LeJardin in Fairburn Built by Jones & Minear Homebuilders, Le Jardin is an established neighborhood with elegant estates from the $600,000s. Just 15 minutes from Downtown Atlanta and close to the Hartsfield-Jackson airport, great schools and shopping, Le Jardin is a secure private community with large homes featuring four-sided brick homes and professionally landscaped homesites.
The Parks at Durham LakeThe Parks at Durham Lake is a 241 single-family home community located in the City of Fairburn near upscale Durham Lake Golf and Country Club. Homeowners have the opportunity to choose from a variety of floorplans as large as 3,900-square-feet and priced as low as the high $130,000s. The Parks amenities also include a pool with a clubhouse and tennis courts.
New Apartment Communities in South FultonNew apartment homes in South Fulton provide even greater opportunities to the local residents. Walton Lakes and Princeton Lakes near Camp Creek Parkway, and Harbor Lakes in the City of Fairburn are three such complexes.
•Walton Lakes near Camp Creek Parkway is owned and managed by Walton Communities of Georgia. Described as “South Fulton’s Premier Apartment Community for Seniors and Families,” the gated complex is built along a central main street with a small-town feel that caters to the social and recreational needs of the oldest and youngest of residents.
•Built by Patrick Malloy Communities, Princeton Lakes Enclave is a multi-family, commercial development community consisting of several distinct neighborhoods linked by paths and parks, and surrounded by a mature wooded tree line. The Cambridge Collection of Townhomes at Princeton Lakes offers two and three bedroom townhouses from the $160,000s with a number of floor plans to suit all families.
•Harbor Grove managed by Harbor Management is a new, gated-entry apartment community in Fairburn with 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartment homes.
Come take advantage of the many types of residential opportunities offered in South Fulton. The diversity of communities and the abundance of sustainable housing options give everyone a choice. Whatever your real estate needs, they will be met in South Fulton.
Premier Apartment Community: The Legacy at Walton Lakes
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S outh Fulton communities are getting back to nature, embracing green spaces,
better ing bui lding practices and fostering healthier lifestyles. The level of interest and enthusiasm in greener l iving and work ing environments has grown exponentially in South Fulton County.
There are numerous environmental education opportunities available throughout the county and its cities for both children and adults. Programs that encourage respect and care for the environment like the Keep South Fulton Beautiful and the Rivers Alive campaigns are taking hold and making a difference. “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” is now a household phrase.
Enjoying the outdoors and engaging in an eco-friendly lifestyle is easy to do in South Fulton with its natural treasures of rivers, lakes, hiking trails, protected green spaces, wildlife habitats and more than two dozen local parks.
In the Chattahoochee Hills area, the Serenbe community, site of the 2012 Home and Garden Television (HGTV) Green Home and showcase for Bosch Geothermal products, is a 1,000-acre community of balanced living. The area serves as a model for sustainable living and development with minimal environmental impact, including a 25-acre organic farm, an artisan and farmer’s market, shops and restaurants. Previously, Serenbe partnered with Bosch to build three new homes featuring energy-efficient Bosch products and a new Bosch Experience Center.
Cochran Mill Park and Nature Center, located in Palmetto, offer miles of hiking, jogging and horse trails for exercise and fresh air. Visitors enjoy the wildlife habitat, playground, picnic shelter, wetlands and waterfalls. Camps, seasonal events and classes, such as the
Nature Center’s Junior Naturalist Camp and Camp Cricket provide plenty of activities for the whole family.
Gardening enthusiasts can enjoy the small family-operated hydrangea nursery at Wilkerson Mill Gardens located near an 1860s mill in Palmetto. The Gardens provide everything you need to k now about hydrangea plants, which are native to Georgia and a moniker of pride for the state and its residents.
Whether you bike, hike, kayak, run, walk, play, explore, discover or simply enjoy nature, South Fulton County is a community ready to share and protect its natural treasures.
Getting Out and GoingGreen in South Fulton
Rick McCarthy, Animal Specialist, Cochran Mill Nature Center, and students from Renaissance Elementary School
Maribeth Wansley holds a tortoise at Cochran Mill Nature Center.
bySuzanne Seitz, LEED APQUALITY OF LIFE
John ArcherDirector, Key Accounts
Own the company that powers your business.
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Sure, we provide reliable power at one of the best rates in the nation. We also take care of our customers with responsive, personal service from an
experienced team of energy experts. And we’re conveniently located near interstates
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But we offer more than that. When you’re served by GreyStone Power, you own
the company.
As a cooperative, we’re owned by the people we serve. That means we have a
special interest in our customers that goes well beyond providing continuous power
in a great location. (But we do that, too).
Find out more by calling Ed Cahill at
770.370.2037.
And did we mention our low rates?
Ed CahillDirector, Economic Development
These are the guys who will be working for you.
Find us on
Wayne GloverDirector, Commercial Marketing
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Health and Wellness
E xceptional health and wellness faci l i t ies, and community o u t r e a c h p r o g r a m s a r e
fundamental components of South Fulton’s great quality of life. Here, you will find easy accessibility to progressive medical treatment, research and technology that are recognized regularly for compassionate patient care and for meeting industry-best standards.
The South Fulton Medical Center, which was established in 1963 and has over 300 beds, is located in the City of East Point. A comprehensive healthcare provider, the Medical Center’s services include a maternity and neonatal ward, a newly designed emergency services area and surgery center, critical care units and a range of other critical services, as well as outpatient services, such as diagnostic imaging, radiation oncology, a sleep disorder laboratory, and rehabilitation services.
Just minutes away by vehicle, in downtown Atlanta, are two full-service hospitals — Atlanta Medical Center and Grady Memorial Hospital — designated as Level 1 Trauma Centers serving adults. These state-of-the-art, life-saving facilities provide personnel a n d r e s o u r c e s a r o u n d t h e c l o c k t o d e l i v e r t h e
highest level of surgical care to trauma patients. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has two separate Level 1 and Level 2 locations that are designated pediatric trauma centers.
Extensive options There is a plethora of major medical facilities surrounding the South Fulton area. These extensive healthcare options comprise Southern Regional Medical Center and Piedmont Newnan Hospital in neighboring Clayton and Coweta counties, respectively, as well as Emory University Hospital, Piedmont Hospital and Southside Medical Center, all in Atlanta. The August 2012 opening of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America is the newest healthcare facility addition to Coweta County.
More broadly, the metro Atlanta area is recognized worldwide for having a flourishing bioscience community that strives to advance medicine and medical technology. The South Fulton region is home to an abundance of healthcare resources that span from private
specialty clinics, mental health services, clinical trials and medical practitioners in every major f ield of medicine.
Fulton County government provides a range of public health services through its Department of Health and Wellness. The depar tment operates e ight community health centers, including the College Park Health Center in South Fulton’s City of College Park, all of which are accessible by public transportation.
Ass i s tance in prepar ing for the u n e x p e c t e d i s a n o t h e r H e a l t h and Wellness offering. Through the Fulton County Office of Emergency P r e p a r e d n e s s , b u s i n e s s e s a n d residential communities can tap into the expertise of trained professionals to help lay the groundwork for preparing and responding to major catastrophes.
Whether it ’s an evacuation notice, a missing child alert, a “boil water” advisor y, or the threat of severe weather, Fulton County is enrolled in an emergency notification system that alerts citizens to crises and urgent
situations — known as the CodeRED system.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Kaiser Permanente at Cascade Medical Center offers state-of-the-art medical services.
byDon Winbush
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Adult and Senior LivingY ou will love the temperate, year-round climate, the
countless number of parks, the abundance of golf courses and tennis courts, the 100+ retailers, and the
thriving arts and culinary scenes of South Fulton County.
There’s always something to do for active adults and families somewhere in the county — art exhibits, nature walks, fitness classes, plays, concerts, picnics, wine tastings, fishing, swimming, tennis leagues, golf tournaments and plenty of volunteer opportunities — that make South Fulton a big kid’s playground.
If your children or grandchildren visit, you’ll find countless activities to enjoy, like taking in a children’s play, visiting a barbecue cook-off, shopping at one of the many retailers and shopping centers, wandering through an arts festival or attending a concert. Be sure to check out one of our local parks and enjoy nature trails, rope courses, wildlife habitats, playgrounds, primitive camping sites, horse trails or hiking paths.
ArtsThe Wolf Creek Amphitheater is a beautiful outdoor venue situated in a picturesque, wooded setting. More than 5,000 people gather on the lawn or at reserved tables to enjoy live music, performances and festivals. The growing facility will expand to offer a public library and, cultural arts and conference center to the public.
South Fulton County has a dynamic arts scene with year-round plays, concerts and festivals. You’ll enjoy events like the SoulPoetic festival, featuring an array of jazz, poetry and soul music. Onyxcon celebrates Africa’s influence on the arts and features workshops on artistic expression in animation, illustration, writing, comic book creation, fantasy and graphic novels.
The South Fulton Arts Center provides accessible, quality visual and performing arts programming at affordable fees. The recently renovated center boasts a 200-seat theater, classrooms and a pottery studio. In addition, South Fulton also hosts several environmental exhibitions and conferences throughout the year.
Food & WineIf you’re more interested in putting on calories than taking them off, South Fulton County has an almost endless array of food, restaurants and wine sampling opportunities.
On a lmost any day or weekend, you can take culinary classes, find barbecue or chili cook-offs, and enjoy music and arts festivals with area restaurants h o s t i n g b o o t h s . There are an endless number of chances t o s a m p l e d i v e r s e c u i s i n e s , i n c l u d i n g S o u t h e r n , A f r i c a n , Caribbean, Cajun and Creole. I n addit ion, our local restaurants offer everything from affordable family dining to eclect ic, upscale cuisine prepared by world-class chefs.
Senior CentersSouth Fulton County has a number of non-residential, multi-purpose senior and, health and wellness centers, offering personal enrichment activities and classes in computers, health and fitness, nutrition and the arts. If you want to volunteer your time to work with other seniors, lending your expertise, you’ll find a welcome reception from each center’s staff.
If you‘d like to combine the physical and spiritual, Christian City is a special place. The non-denominational, 500-acre campus brings adults, seniors and children together for an array of activities. The mission of Christian City is to provide for the needs of families, particularly those with children, the aged and the infirm, offering affordable, Christian-based health and social services. There are ample opportunities to volunteer to work with children or seniors, making a difference in your community and individual lives.
ParksYou’ll find an assortment of parks, nature trails, paths, biking routes and sporting facilities to fill your need for invigorating outdoor activities. Ride horses, shoot, swim, cycle, skate, walk and jog to your heart’s content. Reserve a picnic pavilion for a family reunion, special occasion or fun. The area has close to 20 public recreation facilities you can visit to keep your activities varied and exciting.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Christian City offers quality affordable living, health, and
bySteve Milano
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FitnessWhether you prefer a private gym or fitness center with the latest equipment and classes or want to stay in shape outdoors, South Fulton has it all. In addition to commercial facilities, you’ll find jogging, biking and hiking trails, rope courses, fitness classes, sports leagues and every imaginable way to burn calories and get fit. CardioTennis clinics, group dog walks, aqua aerobics classes, softball leagues or gymnasiums with fitness classes and, volleyball and basketball programs let you exercise and play to your heart’s content.
TennisTennis is not just another sport — it’s a way of life in South Fulton County. The weather allows us to play practically year-round, and the week ly get-togethers for all skill levels help build lifelong friendships.
As the nation’s largest local tennis league, the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association
(ALTA) has teams competing all over the metro Atlanta area. You’ l l be hard-pressed to find a subdivision without an ALTA men’s, women’s or mixed team. Unlike most other areas of the country, South Fulton has two United States Tennis Associat ion (USTA) league seasons each year, doubling your chances of making it to a league playoff.
In addition to the countless tennis courts located at subdivisions and local parks, the 24-court South Fulton Tennis Center is a hub of tennis activity in the county. The center features clay and hard courts, a fully stocked pro shop, an academy and many ALTA, USTA, Ultimate Tennis, Peach and T2 league play.
GolfYou can golf to your heart’s content in South Fulton, trying different courses or getting involved in a men’s or women’s league.
If you’re looking for a quick game without the wait, try the recently renovated College Park Golf Course, a nine-hole challenge with a pro shop, driving range and instructional academy.
For the serious golfer, the private Wolf Creek Golf Club features a Mike Young design and was picked as a Golf Digest magazine area favorite.
Durham Links Country Club lets the public play 18 beautiful holes and was voted one of Georgia’s “Must Play” courses by GolfStyles magazine.
Southwind is the area’s newest course and features free play for aged 15 and under children who play with their member parents or grandparents. If you don’t have clubs, you can rent them for the day, then relax in the oversized 10th hole clubhouse for dining and post-match ruminations.
You don’t need to play golf to participate in a fantastic annual charity fundraiser at Christian City. The annual “I Golf Fore Kids” Tournament raised a little over $25,000 for The Children’s Village at Christian City.
Shooting RangesGun enthusiasts can test their skeet shooting skills at the beginner-friendly Tom Lowe Shooting Grounds. For a more advanced experience, try a tactical pistol speed-shooting course at the David L. Hagins Firing Range.
Whatever your interests, you’ll find many wonderful places and people to share your good times in South Fulton.
social services.
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O ne of the most frustrating aspects of doing business in today’s global economy is that just when you think you have the latest and greatest
knowledge, computer hardware, software, production processes, equipment, machinery and trained workers, the Next Big Thing comes along, forcing you to re-learn, re-tool and re-configure . . . or get left behind.
Fulton County helps its businesses by taking specific and ongoing steps to makes sure its companies not only have access to the latest technologies, infrastructures and services, but also stay on top of and ahead of the curve as the global economy expands.
The county has created a three-pronged approach to integrate asset-based, knowledge-based and technology-based approaches throughout all of its diverse geographic areas. Through this approach, Fulton County is able to support the increased retention and growth of existing businesses while collaborating with local institutions to develop and deploy innovations that create entrepreneurship, wealth, jobs and a stable tax base.
When you relocate or expand in Fulton County, you’ll have three key assets to maximize your success: infrastructure that makes it easy to attract and retain workers; a world-class knowledge base of educational institutions and research facilities to help train workforces and improve management, production, business services, and financial and distribution processes; and cutting-edge technologies to keep businesses current and give them access to the next generation of business systems and functions.
Attractive Worker Attraction and Retention AssetsWithin minutes of your location, your workers will have access to homes in suburban, rural or urban settings, giving all of your employees their choice for quality of life. With easy access to transportation, shopping, health care, excellent schools, public transportation, air travel, parks and entertainment, the area guarantees you the ability to attract and retain a world-class workforce.
World-Class Knowledge BaseThe county also boasts a host of top-notch universities and colleges, with newly minted graduates who Fulton County seeks to retain for local businesses. Your ability to hire workers with the latest skills, and your ability to train or re-train your existing workers is unparalleled. Institutions like
Georgia Tech, Emory University, Georgia State University, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse and Spelman colleges and the area’s technical and community colleges make building and maintaining a Class-A workforce easy. Workforce technology preparedness is a key aspect of the Fulton County economic development growth process.
“We have a huge knowledge center that produces the talent for a highly competitive 21st century workforce that will support any new company that wants to come into the area,” says Kenneth Dobson, Economic Development Director, Office of the County Manager, Fulton County Government. “We will be continually pushing to increase retention of as many of our graduates as possible for businesses that are currently here and for innovative new businesses that are emerging.”
Tomorrow’s Technology TodayThe third prong of Fulton County’s business-development efforts is to keep the area at the forefront of technology incubation, acceleration and commercialization. Working in conjunction with the area’s educational and research assets, Fulton County supports efforts to bring new and emerging technologies more quickly to commercial applications in the county, maximizing the benefits for local businesses.
The county is committed to assisting hi-tech entrepreneurs within Fulton County in achieving a high level of competitive advantage to increase market share. The county is particularly committed to the areas of information and telecommunication technologies, advanced manufacturing and biotechnology, biosciences, medical applications, aviation and improved logistics and distribution.
“If I am a new company coming into the area and I’m using technology that’s five or more years old, I’m coming into a market where I know there are world-class education and research institutions constantly creating new, advanced ways of making my business more profitable. So, I’m getting access to innovation in a much faster way by being here,” explains Dobson.By helping to foster the growth of proprietary technologies, processes and services and keeping them locally-based, Fulton County will keep area businesses at the cutting edge of the global economy. This strategy also guarantees the economic stability of the area. As mature businesses relocate, decline or cease operation, they will continually be replaced by the next generation of entrepreneurs and companies, guaranteeing a stable economic and tax base.
Fulton County Stays One Step Ahead,So You’ll Never Get Left Behind
GOVERNMENT
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“With this approach, new businesses will assume a major position in the county’s economy in future years,” says Dobson, adding, “We like to think of this as facilitating the organic cultivation and growth of Fulton County from the inside out, rather than trying to rely on growing it from the outside in.”
Fulton County has become one, strong macro business locale by leveraging the competitive advantages of its different micro locales. From the world-class City of Atlanta in the central region, complete wi th cor porate o f f i ce headquarters and knowledge and research hubs, to the southern region’s logistics and manufacturing base, to the northern region’s fiber optics information and telecommunication technology ring, the county covers all of its resident businesses’ needs. Fulton County has created “One Fulton County for All” by encouraging its cities and areas to “all work for one Fulton County.”
“The integrated three-pronged approach to keeping Fulton County one step ahead of other locales ensures a stable rate of growth and a sustainable economic base that is more resistant to cyclical fluctuations recently seen in the domestic and global economies,” says Dobson. “By creating an increasingly sustainable, diversified, technology-driven economic base that is less susceptible to the ups and downs of the national and global economy, this will allow us to increasingly develop the fiscal resources required to support the area’s quality of life for many years to come.”
Another exciting development on the horizon that will help companies doing business in Fulton County remain a part of one of the country’s major economic development hotspots for decades is the possible expansion of the Panama Canal. Its effect on shipping to the port of Savannah, and the logistics implications that CHANGE will have on Fulton County and metro Atlanta. “We believe that, given our sources of intermodal transportation, distribution and the logistics infrastructure we have, the world will either come to Fulton County, and to places within and throughout Fulton County, or the world will come through Fulton County, going to wherever it will be going,” says Dobson. With its considerable rail, highway and air infrastructure and geographical location, Fulton County will be a major distribution center for the world’s goods and commodities in the 21st century global marketplace.
Fulton County is in the process of establishing a collaborative economic development advisory committee comprised of several of the county’s and metro Atlanta’s top business, education, real estate development and advanced science and technology thought-leaders. This collaborative public-private strategic process will enable Fulton County to better evaluate emerging trends in various sectors, opportunities, challenges and sustainable economic development growth solutions. Effective service delivery is achieved through close coordination with an array of Fulton County economic development and development finance organizations, agencies, development program and project managers countywide.
If you don’t have a crystal ball, Fulton County removes a major obstacle that expanding and relocating businesses must consider when evaluating their next site: “What will this area be like five, 10 or 15 years in the future?” If you locate your business in Fulton County, you’ll never be left behind, because the area’s leaders will make sure you stay one step ahead.
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DevelopmentAuthority ofFulton CountyPeek Inside Our Toolbox
If you’re in a site search, don’t go it alone — let the DAFC use the host of tools in its site selection toolbox, including federal, state and local programs, data and assistance, to helpyoumaketherightchoicethefirsttime.
Trying to decide where to expand or relocate without assistance can be time-consuming and costly if you make even the slightest mistake.
Site selectors need accurate information on available land, buildings, tax incentives, financing assistance, workforce characteristics, transportation and power infrastructure and much more to complete an expansion or relocation search.
That’s where the Development Authority of Fulton County, with its expansive “toolbox” of economic development and site selection assets, comes in.
The DAFC regularly partners with site selection consultants and businesses planning to expand and relocate to help them find suitable sites, explore financing and tax incentives, meet with energy suppliers and technology experts, and evaluate the local workforce.
If you’re in a site search, don’t go it alone — let the DAFC use the host of tools in its site selection toolbox, including federal, state and local programs, data and assistance, to help you make the right choice the first time.
Site Selection AssistanceSuccess fu l expans ions and relocations depend on accurate and complete data, and the DAFC can assist you with everything you need. Whether it’s labor statistics, zoning classifications, or information about transportation, water, energy, communications, land or incentive zones, the “DAFC can quickly provide you with the exact information you need,” says Bob Simmons, DAFC’s Chief Development Officer.
To help you create a short-list of sites, visit the “war room” of the Georgia Resource Center and sit in front of a wall-size viewing screen that displays critical information with overlays of land, infrastructure, workforce and tax incentives perfect for your business. The GRC has the capability to project a building onto a piece of land for your examination prior to visiting the site. Before you land in Georgia, the GRC is able to produce your site selection short list based on data you supplied that was plugged into the GRC site database. The DAFC also provides assistance locating land and available buildings and walking you through the permitting processes.
GOVERNMENT
From left to right: Dr. C. Clayton Powell, Executive
Financing and Tax IncentivesFrom industrial revenue bonds and tax credits to worker training and opportunity zones, the DAFC can help reduce your financial legwork as you conduct your site search.
•Revenue Bonds — You’ll have access to a variety of tax-exempt and taxable revenue bonds, including tax incentive bonds, with DAFC helping you through the process. Whether you are involved in a corporate or nonprofit site search, such as for a school or hospital, the DAFC can help.
•Georgia Development Capital Fund — Specific, qualified census tracts within South Fulton County are eligible for the federal New Market Tax Credit (NMTC). The purpose of the program is to attract resources and businesses to areas that have historically had difficulty finding capital. Through Community Development Entities, such as the Georgia Development Capital Fund, qualified businesses can access below-market rate capital. NMTC investments can be used for property acquisition, new
construction and rehabilitation of real estate. The New Market Tax Credit can be combined with tax-exempt or taxable bonds, with the DAFC acting as a conduit issuer of the bonds.
“The New Market Tax Credit is a great way to help select projects fill a funding gap,” explains Marva Bryan, the DAFC’s Chief Financial Officer and Business Development Associate. “We can work with qualifying businesses to use the New Market Tax Credit to complete their financing stack.”
•Opportunity Zones — South Fulton County has a number of Opportunity Zones that offer tax-friendly job tax credits of up to $3,500 per worker against state income and withholding taxes. New and existing businesses can qualify by creating as few as two new jobs.
Director, DAFC; Kenneth E. Dobson, Director of Economic Development, Fulton County Government; and, Robert J. Shaw, Chairman, DAFC
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•EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program — The EB-5 program is a source of funding for projects from wealthy immigrant investors motivated in part by access to permanent residency in the United States. EB-5 can provide significant amounts of critical funding towards getting a project the additional capital it needs to get the project off the ground. The program was created by Congress to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Regional Centers administer the program on behalf of investors. South Fulton County has a number of attractive sites and projects that qualify for EB-5 participation. DAFC is ready to assist projects in need of EB-5 funds through established relationships with Federally Designated Regional Centers.
•SBA-504 Loan Program — When you establish, expand or relocate a small business in South Fulton County, the DAFC can help you with the application process for a U.S. Small Business Administration 504 loan. Through its partnership with the Economic Development Corporation of Fulton County, the DAFC can help you secure as much as 90 percent of the funding from traditional and non-traditional sources, including up to 40 percent financing of the loan by the EDCFC and the SBA.
Worker TrainingGeorgia’s Quick Start program helps provide worker training through customized programs administered by the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education. Working with the fourth-largest university system in the country, more than 3,700 companies have trained close to 400,000 of their workers — at no cost!
Energy PartnershipsAs a “customer choice” state, companies expanding and relocating to Georgia that plan to build new structures may compete for power providers. Businesses can purchase power from a city, electric co-operative or commercial provider, based on a minimum usage of 900 kwh per month.
“To encourage businesses to locate in Georgia, all of the power providers work to put the customer’s needs first, regardless of where the project will end up,” explains Charlie Gatlin, Director of Economic and Community Development of the Electric Cities of Georgia. “Once a new customer narrows down the location, everyone has to sharpen their pencil to get that business.”
Marva Bryan, Chief Financial Officer and Business Development Associate, Development Authority of Fulton County, discusses tax credits with small business owners.
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The DAFC works with the area’s power providers to help you determine your energy needs, potential rates, cost-reduction opportunities and to find available land and buildings.
With access to var ious land and building databases, the DAFC is your comprehensive information source for site selection in Georgia. These databases include available industrial and office buildings, community and county data and other helpful information.
Georgia Power is a commercial power provider offering direct assistance to expanding and relocating businesses through its economic development group. Georgia Power will assist you with conducting building energy audits, setting stable rates to keep your business competitive (even after you’ve moved in) and finding available buildings or shovel-ready land to speed your relocation and lower your costs.
“Our power generation mix is the right mix for business, with coal, gas and nuclear energy providing energy for South Fulton County businesses,” said Bill Davenport, Georgia Power’s Group Area Manager for South Fulton County. Davenport points out that Georgia Power is prepared for the coming growth in South Fulton. “With thousands of acres of shovel-ready land available for businesses around the world’s busiest airport, South Fulton County is really in a unique situation for business growth.”
GreyStone Energy is another power provider in South Fulton that helps existing and relocating businesses select the best energy program for the i r companies . GreyStone i s a member-owned cooperative with access to the resources of its statewide economic development organization, which is part of the Georgia Electric Membership Organization. “We’re all
working together to attract businesses i n t o t h e s t a t e ,” s a y s E d C a h i l l , GreyStone’s Director of Economic Development. “We do that by looking at pricing and methods of service that are best for the business.” Businesses that are interested in green energy may tap into GreyStone’s biofuel alternatives and solar farm.
In South Fulton County, a number of cities operate their own utility systems and sell power to local businesses and residents. Cities work with Electric Cities of Georgia, which provides a plethora of services to help cities. The ECG’s economic development program, known as Location Georgia, offers businesses and site selectors a variety of statewide site selection assistance and tools.
Vice President and General Manager Anthony Rotunno of the biotechnology company, Dendreon, and Bob Simmons, Chief Development Officer, Development Authority of Fulton County
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Fulton County Board of Education
T he Fulton County School System, founded in 1871, is one of the oldest and larg-
est school districts in Georgia. Fulton County is more than 70 miles long and consists of 13 cities. Chattahoochee Hills, College Park, East Point, Fairburn, Hapeville, Palmetto and Union City comprise cities on the southern end, while Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs are cities in the middle and northern sections of the county. How-ever, the Fulton County School System does not include the City of Atlanta which has its own school system and Board of Education.
As the fourth largest school system in Georgia, we have more than 12,000 full-time employees, including over 6,800 teachers and other certified personnel, who work in 100 schools and 14 administrative and support buildings. Over 92,000 students attended classes in 58 elementary schools, 19 middle schools, 16 high schools and 7 charter organizations during the 2011-2012 school year.
In the Fulton County School System, our miss ion i s to educate ever y student to be a responsible, productive citizen. Our vision is for all students to learn to their ful lest potential. We believe in excellence, trust and honest communication, common understanding, personal responsibility, commitment, academic achievement, an involved family, community, staff, and a safe and nurturing environment. With a diverse student body and a s y s t e m e n c o m p a s s i n g r u r a l , suburban, and urban areas, we focus on continuous improvement and student achievement.
Over 73 percent of our schools are making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) scores are 1560, which is higher than the national average. Fulton students pass the Georgia High School Graduation Test at the rate of 81 percent in all four content areas. The Class of 2011 consisted of 5,619 graduates, with over 93 percent matriculating to college or technical schools.
Fulton parents appreciate that 37 percent of system teachers hold advanced degrees and that 224 teachers have achieved National B o a rd Ce r t i f i c a t i o n s i n c e 2 0 0 1 , representing 9 percent of all National Board Certified teachers in Georgia’s 181 public school systems.
The system is led by Dr. Robert Avossa, who became Superintendent of the Fulton County School System in 2011. In 2012, the school system applied to receive Charter System status from the Georgia Department of Education. As a result of community input, the system learned that decision-making and support should be closer to the schools. Due to this feedback, Dr. Avossa has begun structuring organizational resources to align with critical priorities of the district and to create consistent practices to drive student learning. Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, schools operate as “ learning communities,” which are geographical in nature, instead of under a cluster management structure.
GOVERNMENT
Renaissance Elementary School in Fairburn
Superintendent Robert Avossa, Fulton County Schools
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Notable Facts about the Fulton County School System• The Fulton County School System has had four Milken Educator Award winners since 1987. This national award is known
as the “Oscars of Teaching.” Candidates are recommended by each participating state’s Department of Education.
• The system’s graduation rate has exceeded the state rate by an average of 6 percent since 2007.
• During the 2011-12 school year, 28 Title I schools earned Title I Distinguished School status. Schools must achieve Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for three consecutive years to earn distinguished status.
• In 2004, the system was the first to receive system-wide accreditation from AdvancEd, the world’s largest education network.
• In 2012, Fulton was recognized for a 13th consecutive year as one of the best places to live for music education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation and several partner organizations. Fulton is one of only two school systems to have achieved this honor for 13 years.
• More than half of Fulton’s high schools received Advanced Placement Honor Awards from the Georgia Department of Education in 2011.
• The school system has received the “What Parents Want” award each year since 1991 from School Match, the nation’s largest school selection consulting firm. Only 16 percent of the nation’s public school districts receive this award.
• In 2010, the Fulton County School System was chosen to participate in Harvard University’s Strategic Data Project aimed at gathering and analyzing data to help position students for continued success after high school. The Strategic Data Project partners with districts like Fulton County to perform rigorous analyses that frame actionable questions for education leaders. This $500,000 grant was awarded to only six school systems nationwide.
While the Fulton County School System is honored to receive notable awards both locally and nationally, what matters most is individual student achievement. We celebrate the successes of students from the pre-kindergartener who survives her first day without tears, to the senior who graduates despite living through adverse circumstances, such as homelessness, physical constraints, or economic disadvantages. Through
determination, hard work , community involvement, and support from our parents and business community, we believe and achieve our motto: “Where Students Come First.”
“ Where Students ComeFirst.”
Renaissance Middle School in Fairburn
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B usinesses that produce tele-vision series, commercials, feature films, soundtracks,
music videos, games or animation will find Atlanta — “The Hollywood of the South” — to be a receptive and welcome partner.
Taking advantage of Georgia’s attractive film, television and digital entertainment tax credits of up to 30 percent, companies
like EUE/Screen Gems are locating in South Atlanta bringing state-of-the-art sound stages and recording studios.
Not only will entertainment companies be able to significantly reduce their costs of production in the Atlanta area, but if they have a lower Georgia tax liability than the credits available to them, they can sell or transfer their unused credits. And there’s more — entertainment producers also may qualify for sales and use tax exemptions, further reduced state and local taxes of up to 8 percent on camera, lighting, grip and recording equipment, scenery, props and costumes, film and processing, special effects materials and vehicles.
After EUE/Screen Gems opened its 37,500-square-foot soundstage on the former Lakewood Fairgrounds
site, the company found Atlanta to be so perfect for television, film and digital production that it announced plans to add 30,000-square-feet of production capacity.
“Creating these types of advantageous investments in Atlanta is vital in moving Atlanta forward as the next major center of the film and television industry,” says Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “Because of this new partnership, Atlanta will be able to successfully compete with other states and cities that are vying for business within the entertainment industry.”
The state-of-the-art Stage 5 and Stage 6 EUE/Screen Gems facilities will have more than 80,000-square-feet of sound stage, flex and office space, and will allow seven different projects to go forward at the same time, or one or two
Lights! Camera! Atlanta!
GOVERNMENT
EUE/Screen Gems Studios
Kasim Reed, Mayor, City of Atlanta
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large productions to manage multiple stage needs. Production partners at the 32-acre site have included or will include Paramount Pictures, BET, Turner Broadcasting’s Cartoon Network, USA Network and Tyler Perry Studios.
Flying industry professionals non-stop from Los Angeles and New York to work at the studios, via Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, was a big bonus for EUE/Screen Gems, as was the cooperation of the Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office. South Fulton County also offers film and television producers both rural and urban shoot locations within minutes of the studios.
For concert, play and festival promoters, the 19,000-seat Lakewood Amphitheatre is one of the Southeast’s most popular and prestigious music venues. Top acts scheduled to play Lakewood recently included Jimmy Buffet, Dave Matthews, Def Leppard, Phish, Kiss, Toby Keith, Journey, Pat Benatar and Rascal Flatts. Artists, crews and promoters also will enjoy nonstop flights into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the new Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, just a 3.5-mile drive from the Lakewood venue.
Companies looking to shoot or record successful projects, Atlanta offers state-of-the-art facilities, skilled professionals and business-friendly incentives.
EUE/Screen Gems Studios
19,000-seat Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta
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I nvest Atlanta is the official eco-nomic development agency for the City of Atlanta. Its purpose is
to strengthen Atlanta’s economy and global competitiveness to create in-creased opportunity and prosperity for the people of Atlanta.
The agency’s programs and initiatives focus on developing and fostering public/private partnerships to create jobs, grow the economy, revitalize neighborhoods, attract investment, spur innovat ion , and encourage entrepreneurship. To achieve these goals, Invest Atlanta leverages the benefits of bond financing, revolving loan funds, housing financing, tax increment financing, and tax credits offering programs such as:
Invest Atlanta•NeighborhoodLIFT Down Payment Assistance, among other programs
for prospective homebuyers,•Start-up Atlanta and other programs for small businesses and
entrepreneurs, and•Retraining and jobs tax credits, as well as other workforce opportunities.
Invest Atlanta invites businesses big and small to experience the unique offerings of a vibrant city with expanding industries. Whether a small internet startup, a feature film production, or a Fortune 500 company, Invest Atlanta can provide the incentives, support, and tools needed for a business to succeed.
Atlanta is thriving and currently ranked third in the country for cities with the most Fortune 500 headquarters, placed first in innovation in Zipcar’s Future Metropolis Index, and ranked second in job growth among major metropolitan areas between January 2011 and January 2012, according to a recent study by Arizona State University.
For more information on how Invest Atlanta can provide solutions for you or your business, contact us at: (404) 880-4100, e-mail: [email protected], or visit us at: www.InvestAtlanta.com.
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H apeville is centrally located south of downtown Atlanta between I-75 and I-85 imme-
diately adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Hapeville is home to the original Dwarf House Chick-fil-A, Wachovia’s Processing Cen-ter and numerous hotels that service businesspeople and visitors.
In 2011, seven of Hapeville’s primarily commercial corridors were designated as Opportunity Zones. This Tier 1 Job Tax Credit Designation carries dramatic tax advantages. The eligible area (Opportunity Zone), qualifies for a State of Georgia maximum allowable job tax credit of $3,500 per employee. Hapeville
also has been proactive in planning initiatives that seek and leverage grants for future planning and for implementing numerous streetscape projects and park improvements.
With city government focused on planning, Hapeville has experienced significant revitalization.
Notably, the former Ford Motor Company site is being redeveloped into Aerotropolis-Atlanta by Jacoby Development, Inc., world-class developers of Atlantic Station in the City of Atlanta. In May 2011, Porsche Cars North America announced its plans to build headquarters at the multi-jurisdictional
development site. According to an official press release from Porsche Corporate, the location will include office facilities for about 400 employees, a Technical Service and Training Center, and a Customer Experience Center featuring a handling road course.
Quality residential development in Hapeville’s various neighborhoods ranges from craftsman-style bungalows and Chicago-style traditional townhomes to loft condominiums. Hapeville is also a designated Main Street City with a historic downtown, featuring a Historical Society Depot Museum and recently renovated facilities — the Historic Christ Church and Carriage House, the Hoyt Smith Conference Center and numerous downtown storefront facades. At Hapeville’s center is a lively downtown park, and a unique public art program, including recently commissioned murals and a flurry of butterflies!
Things are taking off in Hapeville!
Please visit www.hapeville.org for news and events, or contact the Department of Economic Development for further information at (404) 669-8269.
City Of Hapeville
photo by Darnyl K. Katzinger
photo by Darnyl K. Katzinger
photo by Darnyl K. Katzinger
GOVERNMENT
T he Development Authority of Hapeville’s purpose is to develop and pro-mote trade, commerce, industry and employment opportunities for the public good and general welfare of residents.
The Authority is actively pursuing several initiatives all focused on its mission of sound growth and development. These initiatives range from community invest-ments, such as offering a Façade Grant Program to Hapeville business owners interested in investing in their business and improving our City’s building inven-tory, to offering assistance to developers in future development planning and land assemblage opportunities.
The Hapeville Development Authority is now accepting request for proposals for development on its properties. Please visit www.hapeville.org or call (404) 669-8269.
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Development Authority of Hapeville
photo by Darnyl K. Katzinger
photo by Darnyl K. Katzinger photo by Darnyl K. Katzinger photo by Darnyl K. Katzinger
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GOVERNMENT
City of East Point Small Town Feel, Big City Amenities
S ince its creation in 1887, East Point has been known for its location. This unique and
scenic community of 34,000 offers the amenities of both a bustling city and a small town. Another great quality is that East Point is conveniently located near the busiest airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Easy and immediate access to Interstates 85, 75 and 285, as well as MARTA rail into Downtown Atlanta and around the Metro-Atlanta area has re-sulted in a resurgence of development and quality employment centers.
The tremendously successful Camp Creek Marketplace t rade area i s anchored by a regional retail center with diverse shopping and service options. East Point is also proud to be the home of Southmeadow and Camp Creek Business Centers, which
offer a thousand acres of pr ime, Class-A distribution, manufacturing and logistics space. Numerous large, international companies have planted roots here have planted roots here. With recent expansion efforts, opportunities for more high quality growth are abundant.
To help promote business growth and development, East Point offers incentives such as an Enterpr ise Zone, “One Stop Shop” plan review process, state job tax credits, its own water reservoir (Sweetwater Creek) and power utility, two Tax Allocation Districts ( TAD), and a Business and
GOVERNMENT
Ernestine Pittman, Mayor, City of East Point
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Industrial Development Authority that issues tax-exempt and taxable industrial development bonds.
East Point is definitely open for business, but residents and visitors alike will appreciate the small town charm with easy access to big city amenities such as upscale hotels, the Georgia Aquarium,
CNN Center, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park , Georgia World Congress Center, and the Georgia International Convention Center. We are a lso for tunate to have several sporting venues that are unique to the state, such as the Georgia Sports Park and Dick Lane Velodrome cycling facility.
East Point is proud of i ts vibrant neighborhoods with tree-lined streets and varied architecture, much of which is within an easy walk to East Point’s downtown Main Street. I ts historic charm and growing development are just a few reasons why East Point is a hidden jewel in metro Atlanta.
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East Point Business and Industrial Development Authority
T he purpose of the East Point Business and Industrial Development Authority (EPBIDA) is to develop and promote trade, commerce, industry and employ-
ment opportunities for the local community.
EPBIDA issues tax-exempt and taxable industrial development bonds. Tax exempt industrial development bonds apply primarily to manufacturing operations and are exempt from federal income taxes. Whereas, taxable bonds are not exempt from federal income taxes, but may be used for projects that exceed federal and state regulations.
Both tax exempt and taxable bonds have state and local ad valorem tax advantages, subject to the approval of EPBIDA, Mayor and Council and the Tax Assessor’s Office of Fulton County. These advantages occur in a structured sale/leaseback transaction between the corporation or business, and the owner of the property included in the bond issue.
EPBIDA cooperates with local, regional and state agencies in its efforts to promote business expansion and/or relocation to East Point. Business and industry clients and prospects are welcome to utilize EPBIDA’s support in areas that include but are not limited to the following:
•Low-cost bond financing
•Developed industrial sites
•Available industrial buildings
•Government permitting/Approval process
Applicants requesting bond financing should contact Jennifer Fine, Economic Development Director for the City of East Point by telephone at (404) 270-7217 or by email at [email protected]. The EPBIDA Board and Legal Counsel will discuss your business’ eligibility and viability after learning more about your interest in East Point.
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The Future of Business in GeorgiaCity of College Park
C ollege Park’s quaint downtown streets are nestled underneath the shadows of Hartsfield-
Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport. With 867 buildings on the National Register of Historic places, College Park continues to maintain its cozy milieu, distinguishing itself as a “City of Choice” for its 14,000 residents.
Main Street Makeover Dramatic changes are underway in College Park, primarily in the downtown district. Main Street is excited to welcome Hotel Indigo, part of the Intercontinental Hotels Group, to the community. After opening a branch location on Main Street, SunTrust Bank continues to be prosperous. Tony Morrow, owner of the world famous Pecan restaurant, seeks to broaden the eclectic culinary delights on Main Street with the new Tony Morrow’s BBQ, located next to the Historic College Park post office. Public Transportation The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has bus and rail
service connecting passengers to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the entire Atlanta region. For short trips around the city, get ready for College Park’s newest green initiative: the College Park GoBus, a complimentary shutt le for local bus inesses and visitors. These compressed natural gas (CNG) buses are set to transport visitors and hotel guests to points of interest around the 10.2-square-mile city, from the historic district of College Park to Old National Highway. The College Park AdvantageBesides being home to the world’s busiest airport, the City of College Park is also the home of corporate giant Chick-fil-A and
Jack Longino, Mayor, City of College Park
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has a major presence with businesses such as AirTran/Southwest, Coca Cola, Sysco and Buckhead Beef. Woodward Academy, one of the oldest independent schools in the Atlanta area and the largest in the continental United States, is also located in College Park. When considering logistics, think about this — locating in College Park offers you access to 80 percent of the U.S. population within two days by road and two hours by air. College Park has always been a gracious host, providing low cost power to its industrial partners. In addition, College Park boasts the largest CNG fueling station in the southeastern United States. Hospitality and Visitors The Marriott Gateway is one of College Park’s newest hotels out of the 34 within its city limits. Located next to the Georgia International Convention Center and the SpringHill Suites, the Marriott Gateway enjoys connectivity to Hartsfield-Jackson via the Atl SkyTrain, a light rail connecting the airport terminal with the consolidated car rental facility. With its plush convenience, Marriott Gateway has served as the site for NFL owners meetings and other high profile business gatherings. Now with a Class A office building on site, the Gateway Center is truly a unique development. Available ParcelsCollege Park holds large parcels of available land for retail, office and industrial projects. Additionally, the Phoenix Boulevard area offers a myriad of high end to affordable office space solutions convenient to the airport. For more information regarding available land or buildings contact College Park Economic Development at (404) 669-3764, or via web and social media:
www.CollegeParkga.com; www.facebook.com/cityofcollegepark; www.flickr.com/photos/collegeparkga;www.twitter.com/CollegePark_GA
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College Park Business and Industrial Development Authority
B usinesses need easy access to airports. Whether your indus-try is warehousing, logistics,
biotech, or manufacturing, or if your company is simply engaged in sales of some product or service, the need to be in close proximity to an airport is paramount in this global economy. Communities are responding by cre-ating development opportunities sur-rounding major international airports. College Park is no different, and in a lot of respects, we have everything it takes to compete.
College Park is home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest passenger airport for more than a decade. More than 240,000 travelers a day come through the airport, which totals almost 90 million people a year.
The numbers are significant, as is the economic impact.
There are approximately 58,000 on-airport jobs, with another 169,500 visitor-related jobs generated because of traveler needs for area hotels,
re s t a u r a n t s , e n te r t a i n m e n t a n d transportation. This amounts to more than $7.5 billion in wages and salaries. With that much business taking place in and around the airport, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that people just might want to live and work closer to the heart of that activity.
The City of College Park has found i tse l f r ight in the center of th is renaissance of the Atlanta airport area. It has always been here; the city boasts Georgia’s fourth-largest historic district, but it has morphed over time. With the growth of the airport and runway expansions, whole residential neighborhoods have been wiped out, and population loss has been dramatic over a period of 40 years.
With new residential uses l imited because of noise, most of the land in College Park is transitioning to commercial uses. The city successfully demonstrated this in the development of the Gateway Center that surrounds the city-owned and operated Georgia International Convention Center (GICC), the state’s second-largest convention facility with 400,000-square-feet of meeting space. The city is home to two hotels — a Springhill Suites and a full-service Gateway Marriott Hotel — along with the first Class A office building opened in 2009-2010 as a public/private partnership with Atlanta-based developer Grove Street Partners. The hotels are enjoying close to 70 percent occupancy on a regular basis, and the four-story 130,000-square-foot office building is 97 percent leased after two years.
The city invested in the development of a station for the ATL Skytrain that offer easy access to the Gateway Center/GICC and adjacent hotels and offices. These facilities are now transit-connected to the world’s busiest airport. There is not another hotel or office building in the world that can claim that kind of connectivity.
In addition, College Park owns more than 200 acres within its own city limits for future development. These acres of property sit conveniently west of downtown College Park and stretches to its city-owned, nine-hole golf course. Complete with a traditional street grid, ideal for a westward expansion of its downtown, this property sits along one of the city’s most traveled thoroughfares, Camp Creek Parkway, which connects Interstate 285 to the airport. More than 40,000 vehicles per day travel this road. The opportunity to develop property along this corridor is ideally suited for mixed-use office and retail space with immediate access to GICC on the south side of the street. The city anticipates finding a master developer to assist with the build out of this prime real estate.
College Park, in its fortunate location at the doorstep of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, will lead by example in its endeavor to attract everything from corporate headquarters to retail and tourism development — to build an airport city this country can be proud of as it welcomes millions through its gates every year.
For more information on development opportunities in College Park, contact:
Barbra Coffee(404) [email protected]
Juanita Forbes, Chair, BIDA
GOVERNMENT
“So College Parkbegan to
reinventitself.”
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T he City of Union City works diligently to enhance job growth and to promote
business stability. Only 10 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Union City is a perfect place for new and existing businesses. It is one of the most influential sub-markets in the southern region of the Metro-Atlanta area. With an array of services and retail uses, businesses are continuing to thrive in the City’s business market. Efforts to maintain economic development are an important part of strengthening the community by creating and retaining jobs.
Union City has gained the attention of top businesses and developers from around the country. For years, some of the most leading and innovative companies have become highly invested in various locations throughout the City. The community has a distinctive blend of new and established business clusters that are strategically designed to succeed. The City’s success is due, in part, to local and regional resources, a highly educated workforce, competitive incentives, and state-of-the-art industrial parks.
In its efforts to continue promoting economic development, Union City recently obtained two major financial tools. In September 2008, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners approved the Union City Tax Allocation District, which allows Union City to finance certain redevelopment activities in a “defined” distressed area. In February 2009, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs designated a portion of Union City as an Opportunity Zone. The Opportunity Zone Tax Credit Program allows Union City to attract businesses by promoting job tax credits up to $3,500 per job created. Both the Union City Tax Allocation District and the Union City Opportunity Zone will allow residents to experience a wide range of expanded retail opportunities in the near future. To further incentives, developers may also take advantage of the City’s Foreign Trade Zone and 100 percent Freeport Exemption.
The City is dedicated to advancing its quality of life and becoming a regional entertainment and shopping destination. With its recent acquisition of undeveloped land along South Fulton Parkway, it all adds up to a great place to do business. Union City is continuing to place itself in progressive directions for the future of its businesses and residents. Business owners, both small and large, are encouraged to inquire as to how they can thrive in Union City. With a strategic location, a proven track record of business development, a number of competitive tax incentives and its unique retail developments, many companies and families are investing in Union City.
City of Union CityA Thriving Business Hub
Union City’sfeatures include:
•Reasonable industrial land just off the Interstate with low taxes
•Industrial and office buildings available now
•One-stop permitting with a business-friendly government
•Low Electric power costs
•Low ad valorem taxes and permit fees
•Georgia Mil itar y College, Brenau University, excellent private schools and Fulton County Schools are all located within out city
•Strong non-union labor base
•High quality of life community
GOVERNMENT
Ralph Moore, Mayor, City of Union City
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F airburn has experienced phenomenal growth in busi- ness, industry and residential
neighborhoods in recent years while maintaining its traditional small town atmosphere. Located just 25 minutes south of Atlanta, Fairburn is a city of historic homes and buildings with a thriving business community. The city’s historic Downtown District in-cludes 17 commercial buildings and two train depots dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fair-burn’s vibrant downtown center of-fers shopping, dining and entertain-
ment options within walking distance of residential areas.
Fairburn is home to a number of outstanding companies, including Adessa, Aaron Rents, Clorox, CSX Intermodal, Electrolux, Exel Logistics, N e s t l e Pu r i n a , O w e n s C o r n i n g , Pa n g b o r n , Po r e x Te c h n o l o g i e s , Reynolds Inc., SC Johnson, Smuckers, Strack, Toto, US Foodservice and more.
City of FairburnA Place to Live, Learn, Work And Play
“Located just 25 minutes south of Atlanta,Fairburn is a city of historic homes and buildings with a thriving businesscommunity. Fairburn’s vibrant downtown center offers shopping, dining and entertainment options within walking distance ofresidentialareas.”
Oz Pizza – Historic Downtown Fairburn
GOVERNMENT
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Recent HighlightsFairburn is home to two major industr ial parks with available land and easy access to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a CSX Intermodal terminal and Interstate Highway 85. Since 2011, 2 million square-feet of space has been leased in Southpark and Southcreek Industrial parks.
After an extensive regional search, Electrolux leased 600,000-square-feet on Spence Road in Southpark.
Retail institution Aaron Rents leased 226,000-square-feet for a new warehouse on Terminus Drive.
The Clorox Sales Company moved into a 1.2 million square-foot warehouse on 72 acres in the Southcreek Industrial Park.
Downtown ResurgenceTwo years after a fire in 2010 ravaged our historic downtown, destroying three buildings and severely damaging two others, work is underway to bring the center of Fairburn back to life. The city’s downtown revitalization is led by the city’s Mayor, Council and Development Authority — this harmonious relationship focuses on creating a vibrant downtown which will serve as a quality weapon in the city’s economic development arsenal.
AwardsThe Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded Fairburn a $3.1 million Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) grant for innovative transportation projects. Fairburn will provide 20 percent in matching funds. The city will use the grant money to make its Historic Downtown area a more pedestrian-friendly, livable environment. The project focuses on downtown streetscapes and includes benches, lighting, cross walks, medians and a dedicated multi-use bike and pedestrian path running from Fairburn’s Downtown to its Educational Campus.
Fairburn’s Educational Campus received a Development of Excellence award from the ARC and the Livable Communities Coalition. The four-acre campus project, funded by the City of Fairburn through a bond issued by the Development Authority of Fairburn contains two 18,400-square-foot brick classroom buildings, an 11,400-square-foot administrative
building and two retail buildings. The campus, home to satellite locations of Georgia Military College and Brenau University, is poised for growth with the addition of a 25,000-square-foot classroom building.
THE CITY OF FAIRBURN 56 Malone Street, Fairburn, GA 30213
P (770) 964 – 2244 F (770) 969 – 3484
www.fairburn.com
Administration Building of Fairburn Educational Campus
Historic Freight Depot
International
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F airburn is a city with a thriv-ing business community. Lo-cated just 25 minutes south of
Atlanta and ten miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Fairburn has direct access to Interstate Highway 85 and a CSX Intermodal Ter-minal within city limits. Fairburn is po-sitioned perfectly for all your business and social needs.
Fairburn is a city that can be counted on to get the job done for development projects with demanding schedules. Fairburn is ‘Open for Business.’ You can always expect that projects you bring our way will be welcomed by a group of dedicated and enthusiastic professionals who will extend every effort on your behalf.
We know that as a s ite selection p r o f e s s i o n a l y o u ’ r e b u s y a n d
probably have visited a number of city websites in search of the perfect l o c a t i o n fo r yo u r b u s i n e s s , b u t take a moment to view our site at www.fairburndevelopmentauthority.com.
Our webs i te has been des igned with you in mind. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, up-to-date information allowing you to effectively evaluate Fairburn as a location for business. So stop by and see us! We are committed to working to ensure your project gets the attention and support it deserves. If we can assist you in any way, do not hesitate to contact us:
THE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF FAIRBURN
56 Malone Street, Fairburn, GA 30213P (770) 969-6315 F (770) 969-3484
Fairburn’sfeatures include:
•Reasonable industrial land just off the Interstate with low taxes
•I n d u s t r i a l a n d o f f i c e buildings available now
•O n e - s t o p p e r m i t t i n g with a business-friendly government
•Low ad valorem taxes and permit fees
•Low electric power costs
•Georgia Military College, Brenau University, excellent private schools and Fulton County Schools are al l located within our city
•Strong labor base
•H i g h q u a l i t y o f l i f e community
The Power of Location
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Historical Palmetto Positioned for New Growth
Described as a comfortable mix of country and charm, Palmetto has a history and commitment to preservation that makes it an excellent place for businesses and industries that are yearning for the benefits of a quiet, small-town community coupled with easy access to a major Interstate ( just 2 miles from I-285) and the world’s busiest airport. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is only 20 miles north of Palmetto.
It’s easy to recognize the opportunities for growth in Palmetto when you consider it’s 2006 annexation of new land, just before the economic recession, which doubled its size to 1,109-square-miles. While the community patiently awaits the new waters of economic recovery to fuel growth, Palmetto has nonetheless undertaken major strides toward developing the city into a unique mix of small southern town business with space for commercial enterprise.
L ocated 25 miles south of Atlanta on Highway 29, Palmetto was established in 1833 and became part of Fulton County in 1932. Today, Palmetto honors its history through the preservation of its historic homes and buildings. The most re-cent of which is the restoration of the old train depot into a new meeting facility and history learning museum thanks
to a $1 million grant, according to City Administrator Bill Shell.
On the commercial front, Palmetto is home to the newly relocated Lowe’s East Coast 1.3 million-square-foot distribution facility and the new $6.3 million LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified Community Medical Center of Palmetto. Other industry mainstays in the community include the American-Apec-Pan-Engineering company (formerly Walker Concrete) and Spurlin Industries, as well as the Fulton County Board of Education and the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries.
“The town has been very supportive of business from the get-go,” said Jon Wollenzien, CEO of the Community Health Center of Palmetto, who noted that the company chose to locate the new 23,000-square-foot LEED® gold building in Palmetto in part because of its proximity to the airport, and other healthcare hubs and medical services. In fact, the company added its corporate offices to the new space when it relocated its headquarters from the City of Atlanta this past February. “We got an incredible amount of cooperation from the city in terms of breaking down barriers because our relocation benefits the people and city of Palmetto.”
Clark Boddie, Mayor, City of Palmetto
Community Health Center of Palmetto
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Our unique approach to growth centers on distinct communities of varying size and character, set amid preserved farm and forest land. From traditional crossroads communities to new hamlets and villages, all parts
of the city work together to create a vibrant alternative to suburbia while providing opportunity for both growth and preservation. No area of our city exemplifies this better than Serenbe, a charming 1000-acre hamlet that
has drawn national and international acclaim for its mix of residential , c o m m e r c i a l , a g r i c u l t u r a l a n d wilderness flavors. Serenbe residents and guests enjoy organic produce from Serenbe Farms, the visual and performing arts regularly programmed in the community , and cu l inary delights from the nationally known chefs in the hamlet’s restaurants. Seventy percent of Serenbe is set aside for preservation and the resulting community brings people together with the arts, agriculture, business, nature, and each other.
Chattahoochee Hills is actively seeking businesses that share our vision of sustainable development, sensitivity to the local environment, and the development of a strong community. We ’ r e l o o k i n g f o r t h e t y p e o f
City ofChattahoochee Hills
W elcome to Chattahoochee Hills! Couched within 33,000 acres of rolling hills and park-land, our city embodies a distinctive vision
for rural smart growth. The city was born in response to uncontrolled urban sprawl spreading outward from the metro Atlanta region. The goal was to allow appropriate growth without sacrificing the area’s most appealing at-tributes. Since the city’s incorporation in 2007, municipal officials, civic leaders, and an active, engaged citizenry have worked to craft a future that curtails sprawl while promoting sustainable business development, quality neighborhoods, and protection of the small farms, coun-try roads and natural resources that give Chattahoochee Hills its distinctive character. Located just 25 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and 40 minutes from one of the largest business, educational, and cultural hubs in the United States, Chattahoochee Hills offers businesses, visitors, and residents an impres-sive range of opportunities. Mayor Tom Reed
Chattahoochee Hills remains deliberately rural
GOVERNMENT
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manufacturer, business office, research facility or educational institution that will both benefit from our unique identity and reinforce it. Chattahoochee Hills is young and nimble, able to incorporate new ideas and apply novel solutions. We look forward to working with businesses and other organizations that share our goals of smart growth, sustainable technology, and growing successful business connected with growing a successful community.
Chat tahoochee H i l l s in tends to remain rural by choice. The city ’s comprehensive plan articulates this vision and stipulates that 60 to 70 percent of the city will be permanently preserved as open space, so there will always be room for agriculture and individual encounters with nature. The city’s user-friendly new zoning ensures that the city will stand out as a place where sprawl ends and nature and development complement each other. As the city preserves the majority of its land as farms, forests, parks and fields, the land that is developed will house compact, walkable, mixed-use centers. These development patterns not only allow the rural character of the city to be preserved, but they attract the types of values-oriented knowledge workers
that give business a competitive edge.Our city, bordered on the west by the Chattahoochee River, and containing some of the largest public parks in Fulton County, is proud to be a regional hub for outdoor recreation. Fourteen miles of river frontage offer potential for fishing and canoeing. Our parks system includes almost 1,200 acres of untouched forests, open fields, and picnic and baseball facilities. For those interested in equestrian activities, Cochran Mill Park offers trailer parking and miles of riding trails. Chattahoochee Hills also is a regional draw for bicyclists. For cyclists
weary of the traffic, congestion, and noise of city and suburban streets, our two-lane roads bordered by beautiful rolling hills, forests, and pastures are an irresistible alternative. Then, after a morning of outdoor activities, visitors and residents can stop by Smith’s country store for a soda or enjoy brunch in one of our local restaurants.
Words can convey only so much. Anyone with an interest in a way of life that departs from the rutted path should take the time to visit and experience the city in person. Making decisions for the long term is a challenge, but it has its rewards. In order to stand out in a competitive market, businesses must break from predominant patterns. Successful businesses take every opportunity to reinforce their brand message, and location increasingly is a part of that message. The City of Chattahoochee Hills is committed to the long-term viability of its vision. This includes our business community and our small farmers, fifth generation residents and new arrivals, and open spaces and neighborhoods. By maintaining an appreciation of our history while employing the principals of smart growth and nurturing businesses that fit the city’s vision, we are creating an environment for sustained success. Come see what Chattahoochee Hills can do for you.
The Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop in Serenbe
The 2012 HGTV Green Home in Serenbe
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MBDA Business Center-Atlanta
T he MBDA Business Center-Atlanta is part of a national network of centers established to increase the number of and strengthen existing Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs). Funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and operated by the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Enterprise
Innovation Institute, the Center is committed to working with all MBEs that need expansion and sustainability assistance. Its services are designed to: improve the minority business community’s access to capital, make MBEs more profitable, create jobs and produce sustainable companies.
Since its establishment in 2004, the Center has assisted MBEs in creating over 3,500 jobs and securing over $500 million in contracts and financing. The Center’s mission is to provide business and technical assistance that helps MBEs experience significant growth and sustainability while having a long-term economic impact through job creation and revenue enhancement. The Center’s staff is focused on producing opportunities for MBEs, that have revenues of at $1 million, to remain competitive in the global marketplace.
Minority businesses are a vital part of the American and global economy. Currently, minority-owned businesses are the fastest growing sector in the U.S. with 5.8 million MBEs providing a combined economic output of over $1 trillion in goods and services across all industries, including renewable energy, healthcare, environmental remediation, manufacturing, information technology and telecommunications. In addition, MBEs export to 41 countries and six continents across the globe, according to data from the U.S. Export Bank and the U.S. Census Bureau.
While the number of MBEs operating in the U.S. is growing rapidly, they continue to lag behind the general business community in terms of penetrating markets, attracting capital and growing revenue. To overcome this challenge, the MBDA Business Center-Atlanta has focused its efforts on expanding existing minority-owned firms to the appropriate size and scale to compete effectively with other businesses in their industries.
Revenue and jobs generate wealth in this country. It is the MBDA Business Center-Atlanta’s goal to help MBEs create jobs and generate profits.
byDonna M. EnnisProject Director - MBDA Business Center-Atlanta
GOVERNMENT
Donna Ennis, Project Director, and Larry Alford, Regional Manager, South Metro Atlanta, Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation
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A Vision for Economic Growth:South Fulton County is Ready!
I f you have not taken the time to really see South Fulton County, including the unincorporated areas, you are missing one of metro Atlanta’s best kept
secrets. South Fulton has picturesque rolling hills, green spaces, and unique communities and cities with their own special charm. It’s beautiful!
In fact, South Fulton is one of the metro area’s greatest prospects for economic development. The region has plenty of available land and buildings, a vibrant small- to medium-sized business community, superior access to the interstate system, and major rail systems. South Fulton’s most vital asset is its location, which provides immediate access to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the new Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal. With the opening of the new international terminal, experts project that international cargo will increase 5 percent in the immediate short term.
For an economic development professional, South Fulton offers an awesome opportunity to create viable economic activity through jobs and investment. But, to create this activity, the approach to economic development must be sustainable and well planned in order to maintain or enhance the quality of life for all concerned, especially those that live, work and play in South Fulton.
Can it be done? Absolutely!South Fulton County includes Unincorporated South Fulton County, the southwest portion of the City of Atlanta, Hapeville, East Point, College Park, Union City, Fairburn, Palmetto, and Chattahoochee Hills. Although South Fulton County has shown positive growth over the last decade, the area has always lagged in overall economic growth compared to the rest of the County. However, the time has come for South Fulton to utilize its many assets in attracting viable investments, cultivating innovation and expanding its base.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTbyEdward A. Nelson, Jr., CEcD, FM, HLM
Edward Nelson, Jr., Economic Development Professional, Unincorporated South Fulton County; Rusty Epperson, Partner, Wilson, Hull and Neal Real Estate; Dr. C. Clayton Powell, Executive Director, Development Authority of Fulton County; and, Ray Redderick, Atlanta Plant Manager, PepsiCo Metro Atlanta, Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation
Warren Jones, Aviation Development Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Interntional Airport; Garrett Dingman, Station Manager, Cargolux Airlines International S.A.; and, Edward Nelson, Jr. discuss the burgeoning air cargo operations industry.
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In these challenging economic times, building a local economy and creating economic sustainability is not an easy task. The approach to economic development must be a focused, comprehensive and solidly integrated effort. The economic development strategy must be creative, original and aggressive, while being practical and effective at the same time. In other words, it will take “out-of-the-box” strategic thinking, cooperation and consensus from every stakeholder involved.
In reality, the responsibility of a successful economic development program is dependent upon the partnership of stakeholders: the public and private sectors, educators, law enforcement, and the citizens of the jurisdictions and communities that make up Unincorporated South Fulton. No one entity can do it alone.
A prime example of this partnership is the regularly scheduled meetings that Fulton County Commissioner William “Bill” Edwards holds with the Mayors of the eight South Fulton municipalities to discuss issues that impact their cities, possible resolutions to those issues and how they can work with the County to effect positive change. They also share and invite each other to participate in community events in their respective cities.
The South Fulton Parkway Alliance, represented by Nick Byers, the Alliance President, has begun working with an economic development team in South Fulton to address economic development issues on the Parkway that are impeding growth. The Boulevard Improvement District (Fulton Industrial Boulevard), chaired by Thomas Flanigan of Clarion Partners, is a self-taxing community improvement district with an overall objective of enhancing and keeping the business district economically viable.
The leaders of the South Fulton County region must continue to work with the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce and its President, Dyan Matthews, to enhance the area’s business community. Leaders and stakeholders must persist in maintaining this encouraging and constructive attitude where cooperation and coordination take place in an open, frank and respectful environment. In time, this effective network of stakeholders will promote and support the kind of economic development activity that encourages business growth and expansion, creates jobs and investment, and results in an increased tax base. We need to cultivate innovation and entrepreneurship, and expand our existing business base, by targeting new, trending, sustainable business and industry.
The time is ripe with opportunity; literally beckoning all stakeholders to work together as partners addressing impediments to economic growth, and identi fy ing practical solutions and resources. Then, the stakeholders will determine how these resources will be used creatively to structure an action-oriented economic development strategy that generates employment and investment while, at the same time, protects and enhances the quality of life in South Fulton County.
How can this vision be brought to life? The approach of course could be challenging and complex simply because you must address the dynamic impediments to economic growth that currently are present in order to have a successful economic development strategy. Ultimately, the strategy used to address these obstacles must be dynamic in nature, and adaptable to changes in the economy, political environment, or whatever hinders positive economic growth in the region.
Quality of life is abundant in South Fulton County!
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Community Improvement Districts andAlliance Make Big Gains
I t’s not by chance that commercial business, manufacturing and industry are growing by leaps
and bounds throughout South Fulton, especially considering the largest industrial corridor east of the Mississippi — Fulton Industrial — is located here. In 2011 alone, the district opened in excess of more than 2 million-square-feet of new business that included The Clorox Sales Company, Aaron Rents and Electrolux operations in two of the district’s industrial parks.
One could easily credit the new business to all that the area has to offer: 125,000 acres of suburban countryside and urban cityscape, a temperate climate, affordable land, ready to move lots, proximity to the world’s busiest airport (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport), a major railroad hub (CSX) and major Interstates (I-20, I-75, I-85 and I-285), not to mention other attractive features, such as an award winning
school system, a skilled workforce and strong community.
Yet, this growth is not merely the result of an accommodating topography or accessible location. It is in great part the byproduct of smart and sustainable development and revitalization by South Fulton. A goal supported and advanced by commercial property owners o f the Fu l ton I ndust r ia l Community Improvement District (CID), the South Fulton CID and the South Fulton Parkway Alliance.
This tr iumvirate has been steadily fueling the growth of South Fulton through directed efforts to improve the community and its economic interests. Whether it’s improving freight access and transportation, or making advances in safety, sustainability and aesthetics, these groups are paving the way for big gains within South Fulton. In fact, their existence is making the area all
the more enticing to potential new business.
Fulton Industrial CID A more recent boost to the region is the Fulton Industrial (“The Boulevard”) CID, which was enabled in 2010, and whose members are making major improvements to an area once distressed by blighted properties and crime. Today’s “Boulevard” tells a different story of hope and revitalization. Thanks in part to aggressive efforts by the newly formed CID whose focus is not only improving transportation infrastructure and economic development along the corridor but also making a big impact on public safety and the beautification of the area and its surrounding properties.
The CID is located on the southern end of the Fulton Industrial corridor, with its boundaries extending to the Great Southwest Parkway, Westgate Parkway, Westlake Parkway and Fulton County’s
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTbyKaren Murphy
Bob Simmons, Chief Development Officer, Development Authority of Fulton County; Edward Nelson, Jr., Economic Development Professional, Unin-corporated South Fulton County; Y. Dyan Matthews, President, South Fulton Chamber of Commerce; Bill Davenport, Area Manager, Georgia Power ; Sandra Hardy, CEO, CID Consulting of Georgia, LLC; Nick Byers, President, South Fulton Parkway Alliance; and, Thomas Flanagan, Board Chair, Fulton Industrial CID
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border with Cobb County. The more than 630 businesses in the corridor employ well over 25,000 people, and include the 1.3 million-square-foot Lowes Home Center, Chick-fil-A, Scott Distribution Service, among many other businesses.
While industry along the corridor is well established due in part to its super ior locat ion and access to freight transportation, the area itself is beginning to transform into a business- and community-friendly location thanks to the efforts of the CID, which is now taking in $300,000 a year, according to Sandra Hardy, a long-time CID member and South Fulton business owner instrumental in the CID’s growth.
One of the biggest catalysts, according to Hardy, was the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce moving to Fulton Industrial. Adding to the upward momentum, the CID just recently was credited for its efforts to help secure a seven-year 439,487-square-feet lease with New Breed Logistics, a supply chain solutions firm servicing a contract with the U.S. Postal Service.
“We cleaned up Fulton Industrial and landscaped the area making it more attractive to businesses. With these improvements, along with it being a prime location, there has been a steady increase in business recruitment in the area. People who haven’t been there in a while are amazed at the difference,” Hardy said. “It’s an economic engine of Fulton County.”
Other recent CID accomplishments inc lude secur ing grants for the
insta l la t ion of secur i t y cameras for the area, hiring a public safety manager, approving the creation of a community court, enhancing landscape maintenance, partnering with the Georgia and Fulton County departments of transportation for roadway maintenance, and connecting with the Urban Land Institute to study the redevelopment of the I-20/Fulton Industrial Boulevard interchange in partnership with Georgia Power.
I n addi t ion , the C ID wor k ed to he lp secure the des ignat ion o f an Opportunity Zone for a portion of the area. The Opportunity Zone will provide businesses with state tax credits for each job created in the CID. While the majority of the Opportunity Zone is located in the North Fulton area, CID members like Board Chair Thomas Flanigan, who works for real estate experts ING Clarion, have noted that improvements in the northern section should have a positive effect on property values in the southern section of the corridor.
To learn more about the Fulton Industrial CID, contact Board Chair Thomas Flanigan at (404) 691-4007.
South Fulton Parkway AllianceAnother community-driven initiative attracting business to South Fulton is the South Fulton Parkway Alliance (SFPA). Located southwest of Atlanta, South Fulton Parkway is a 20-mile stretch of highway supporting a mix of businesses, retail outlets, and residential and recreational areas, including the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Airport, the Georgia International Convention Center, the Majestic Airport Center II, Serenbe, the Cochran Mill Nature Center, Wilkerson Mill and the Dunaway Gardens. Since October 1995, the Alliance has supported the mission of promoting quality development through the cooperative partnership of area communities, businesses, land owners, Chamber of Commerce, and, local, county and state agencies around issues such as land use, zoning, residential and commercial development, corporate relocations, and government relations.
SFPA President Nick Byers with Upward Logistics Transportation Consultants is expanding the goal of qual ity development to an even greater focus on sustainable development that he believes will help transform the area.
“ We want to att ract susta inable development that will bring long-term investment to create a much higher return in the long run,” said Byers. “We’re trying to bring all the communities together and brand the whole corridor as a sustainable green engine for Atlanta and for the whole region, really. If we position ourselves to be ready and develop in a sustainable fashion, we can use our success to attract business and produce great things along the corridor.”
Byers pointed to the Woodward Academy Middle School Complex in College Park as Georgia’s first LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified school and the community of Serenbe, a sustainable residential community in Chattahoochee Hills that was selected as the site for the 2012 HGTV Green Home, as prime examples of the area’s efforts.
“It’s a great area from the perspective of potential business relocation,” Byers added. “You can be an industrial park, retail park, rural, or residential all within 30 minutes of each other. The corridor literally runs right beside the airport — just next to the runway. And all this wasn’t even on the map 10 years ago. You’ve got to have good schools, resources and location. We’ve got all three.”
Continued on page 78
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Mega Projects Will ChangeSouth Fulton Business Landscape
S outh Fulton County is in the throes of two major developments: Aerotropolis
and the redeve lopment o f For t McPherson. Both developments will enhance South Fulton’s economic landscape by generat ing white - a n d b l u e - c o l l a r j o b s , a n d , a s a byproduct, expanding development opportunities, retail and restaurant sites, and small business ventures in the area for years to come.
AerotropolisAerotropolis, a project by Jacoby Group Inc. , i s a 130-acre mixed-u s e , e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y - f r i e n d l y development sited on the grounds of the former Ford Motor Company assembly plant in the City of Hapeville. Aerotropolis was so named due to its being adjacent to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The project is intended to become a 6.5 million-square-foot, business-intense district that includes office and retail space, restaurants and a hotel.
Porsche Cars North AmericaPorsche Cars North America (PCNA), the first business to commit to Aerotropolis, i s locat ing i ts U.S . headquar ters on approximately 26 acres of the site, encompassing approximately 120,000-square-feet and housing up to 450 employees.
“Our dream has always been to have a home of our own,” says Joseph Folz, General Counsel, PCNA. “We want a place where people can read, live and breathe Porsche and be able to drive Porsche cars.”
This is exactly what Aerotropolis is offering. Not only is PCNA relocating its Atlanta-based corporate offices to the South Fulton site. The company is moving
its financial services and shared services companies from Chicago to Aerotropolis. More so, the new PCNA headquarters will pioneer its Porsche Experience Center, a handling circuit and off-road course for product demonstration and advanced driver training, in South Fulton. While Porsche operates similar Experience Centers in select global cities, this Center will be the first of its kind in the United States.
The track will be slightly under 2 miles in length and will include a handling course, skid pad, an auto cross area, and an off-road simulations that will display the capabilities of the Porsche Cayenne sports utility vehicle.
The PCNA site will also include a classic Porsche museum and restoration center, as well as amenities for guests and employees such as restaurants, a fitness center, and a business center.
“ We want to have a home where we can invite our business visitors or guests, dealers, customers and the community to experience what Porsche is all about,” Mr. Folz says. “This is intended to be a landmark facility for Atlanta and will be one of the most dramatic things people will see when
flying into Atlanta,” adds Mr. Folz. PCNA evaluated 70 possible locations before settling on Aerotropolis. The site and track are expected to be complete by the end of 2013.
Fort McPhersonAlso generat ing a great deal of interest in South Fulton is the 488-acre Fort McPherson locale. Previously a U.S. Army base, Fort McPherson was decommissioned in September 2011 by the Department of Defense’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.
Although still in the planning phase, one-third of the site would house the Georgia Science and Technology Park. This ground-breaking location would be an international center of innovation and discovery leveraging the region’s collective assets to improve human health and develop new sources of energy. Select major companies, non-profits, seven Georgia universities, and other related enterprises would come together to conduct collaborative research and further develop Georgia’s gold mine of knowledge in bioscience, the nation’s fasting growing industry.
The goal is to create a Science Park, Employment Center and Live, Work,
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTbyKaren Thuermer
Future site of Porsche Cars North America
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Learn and Play community containing 3.5 million-square-feet of labs and office space, 1,747 units of residential development, and a campus-style collaborative environment to house Georgia’s core competencies in vaccines, infectious diseases, neurosciences and other targeted sciences.
Felker Ward, Chairman of the Fort McPherson Redevelopment Authority, sees the project as one day being akin to Research Triangle in North Carolina. Already the Fort McPherson R e d e v e l o p m e n t Au t h o r i t y i s i n dialogue with pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
“A pharmaceutical company with a core activity would be a good fit,” Mr. Ward states.
Officials believe such a project will be successful because of Fort McPherson’s sheer size and the fact that it is located 10 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Federal, state and city agencies are
expressing an interest in Fort McPherson’s redevelopment. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, for one, has indicated that it plans to turn 10 acres into a healthcare campus that would provide primary care, mental health, dental, lab, radiology and audiology services for veterans.
“That would be a significant beginning,” Mr. Ward remarks.
The Fort McPherson Redevelopment Authority also has conversed with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “We’re trying to interest them into [adding] a facility to the site,” he says.
The City of Atlanta is looking at parts of the property for a police, rescue and firefighting training academy.
“Everything is still in the planning stages,” Mr. Ward emphasizes.
Giving Fort McPherson a boost, however, Forest City-Cousins-Integral Team has been selected as the Master Developer for the project.
“They will help with the planning and development,” he says.
Many see a redeveloped Fort McPherson as breathing new economic life into an area of South Fulton County that has, in recent years, become depressed.
“The area needs this project,” Mr. Ward says. The project will be a boost to the State of Georgia as well.
According to August 2010 estimates by Huntley Associates, within the first 10 years of development, the 5,000 new jobs at Fort McPherson will generate approximately $12 million in annual state income tax revenues. At build-out, 10,600 new jobs will be created and the state will collect $1.8 million in annual on-site sales taxes; $3.5 million per year in property tax revenues and $24 million in annual state income tax revenues.
This would be good news for an area that has played such an integral role in the history of South Fulton County and the State of Georgia.
“The project will be a boost to the State of Georgia as well”
Conceptual site plan of Ft McPherson redevelopment
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Hartsfield-JacksonAtlanta International Airport
H artsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport serves 150 U.S. destinations and 75 international destinations in 50 countries averaging more than
250,000 passengers daily and housing more than 29.8 acres of air cargo warehouse space. In May 2012, the Airport unveiled the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal to the world. The new International Terminal will welcome millions ofinternational travelers for decades to come.
The opening of America’s new gateway to the world coincides with record numbers of international passengers and
flight operations at Hartsfield-Jackson. In 2011, Hartsfield-Jackson welcomed 9.86 million international passengers — and the numbers are only growing. The Federal Aviation Administration estimates that Atlanta will handle more than 13 million international passengers by 2015.
The new Concourse F added 12 more gates to the 28 gates on Concourse E, which handled most of the Airport’s international flights. The resulting 40-gate international air travel complex has reduced the demand on existing facilities — such as baggage handling systems, The “Plane Train” automated people mover, and security checkpoints — and thus has made the airport experience faster and easier for domestic passengers, as well as those flying internationally.
This cutting-edge, LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) facility connects travelers from throughout the world with 160 U.S. destinations. For those traveling from the United States, the international terminal is the gateway to nearly 70 destinations in more than 45 countries.
The 1.2 million square foot terminal and concourse offer travelers several benefits:
•The baggage recheck process was eliminated for Atlanta-bound passengers, who now simply collect their checked luggage and exit the building.
Louis Miller, Aviation General Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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•There is a separate entrance to the international terminal from the interstate, and international travelers have their own parking facilities.
•Many world-class retail and food and beverage outlets are available in the international terminal, both before and after the security checkpoint.
•An extension of the Airpor t ’s sustainabil ity program to the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Te r m i n a l , t h e program incorporates elements of recycling, water reclamation and conservation, carbon footprint reduction and energy conservation into an environmentally-friendly and celebrated venture.
“The Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal has a focus on efficiency and customer-friendly design, so it will serve our international guests well now and in the future,” said Aviation General Manager Louis Miller.
Because all facets of international travel are separated from domestic operations, airport passengers are better uti l iz ing Atlanta’s highway and transit systems to insure their departure from the correct terminal.
Hartsfield-Jackson launched a free in te r nat iona l shut t le connec tor service between the International and domestic terminal to assist passengers, especially those that find themselves at the wrong terminal. The shuttle also provides international travelers with access to MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit System), the ATL SkyTrain (an elevated train that connects passengers to the rental care center), and the City of Atlanta.
In addit ion to i ts many pract ical advantages, the International Terminal offers spectacular views of the airfield and features several large-scale art installations that beautify the building. A City of Atlanta ordinance, passed in
1977, dedicates 1 percent of eligible capital construction budgets to the arts. The Airport Art Program has a solid reputation for displaying world-class art exhibits, which continues in the International Terminal. The pieces vary in materials and scope, and represent the finest artistic merit and vision that are sure to be enjoyed by passengers from around the world.
O n e o f t h e m o s t - t a l k e d - a b o u t installations is sure to be “airFIELD,” a
suspended sculpture by Uebersee that resembles a bird in flight. The illusion of motion is produced by electronic pulses, which are synced to the movements of arriving and departing aircrafts, and flow through the piece’s 1,440 acrylic pixels, changing their transparency for a dramatic display of artistry.
Another art installation serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. “Veneers” by Amy Landesberg is a vibrant wall of glass and metal that divides the pedestrian corridor between Concourses E and F. Each panel of the exhibit depicts wood grains from an extinct or endangered tree species in a stained-glass appearance, allowing
light to cascade through it onto the walkways and bathe our international passengers in a rainbow of colors.
The expansion of the Har tsf ie ld-Jackson Atlanta International Airport with the opening of the Maynard H. Jackson, Jr. International Terminal has amplified its economic impact in metropolitan area. We welcome you to Atlanta’s new global gateway and hope to impress you with our accessibility and stellar service.
“We welcome you to Atlanta’s new global gateway and hope toimpressyouwithouraccessibilityandstellarservice.”
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L ast year, Delta Air Lines celebrated its 70th anniversary as Atlanta’s hometown airline. Originally founded in Monroe, Louisiana, as a crop-dusting operation, the company
partnered with Atlanta’s leaders in 1941 to bring Delta to South Fulton County both as a corporate headquarters and the region’s primary air carrier. As Delta has grown, so has Atlanta, anchored by the world’s busiest airport and largest airline hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Today, Delta connects Atlanta’s business community to the world with more than 1,000 daily nonstop flights to more than 200 destinations, including nearly 70 international cities on five continents. Delta recently partnered with Hartsfield-Jackson and the City of Atlanta to construct a new $1.4 billion international terminal. The Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
opened its doors for the first time on May 15, 2012, providing a world-class facility for international travelers visiting Atlanta, further enhancing Atlanta’s status as a major center of international commerce and travel. Delta’s international hub serves as a significant economic engine for South Fulton as well as the greater Atlanta region. Studies have shown the airport has a direct economic impact of more than $32.5 billion annually in the metro Atlanta area economy. Delta has more than 25,000 employees residing in Atlanta, and the company is deeply involved in the community. Its community partners include the Grady Health Foundation, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Habitat for Humanity and the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta.
Delta Air Lines
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Richard Anderson, CEO, Delta Air Lines
Today, Delta Air Lines is one of the world’s largest airlines, annually transporting 160 million customers to more than 330 worldwide destinations, all while carrying more than 2.4 billion cargo ton-miles. However, when the airline was founded in 1924 in Macon, Georgia, its fleet of 18 planes was solely a crop-dusting operation. The airline quickly grew and, after
receiving Air Mail Route 24 from the United States Post Office in 1934, it expanded its services to mail transportation.
By 1946, Delta Air Lines was a full-service passenger airline just beginning to offer regularly scheduled cargo services. Over the next two decades, Delta continued to extend its capacity by expanding passenger service to the Caribbean and South America. Its cargo operation flourished as well. In 1975, Delta became the first airline to offer its own air express service (called Delta Air Express) — a high priority, guaranteed cargo service known as Delta Dash today.
Delta continued to expand as a global carrier, beginning service to Europe in 1978 and Asia in 1988. In 2000, the company launched SkyTeam Cargo with
three other carriers — AeroMexico, Air France and Korean Air — that were partners in their global passenger airline alliance. The partnership made SkyTeam Cargo the world’s foremost air cargo alliance.
In 2008, Delta acquired Northwest Airlines creating a global airline with major operations in every region of the world. This global footprint has helped Delta to continue its success. In 2011, the company generated more than $35 billion in revenue, with Delta Cargo revenue topping $1 billion.
Delta Air Cargo
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G etting materials and products to and from your place of business is key to maximizing
your sales, revenues and prof its . Getting people to and from your place of work is a must for attracting and retaining high-quality employees. South Fulton County’s expansive network of highways, rail lines, airports and public transportation make the area perfect for expanding and relocating companies that require optimal shipping, air travel and cargo, and commuting infrastructure.
Air Cargo and TravelSouth Fulton is home to the world’s busiest and most dynamic airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. I t ’s a major shipping and passenger hub for much of the United States and makes corporate travel economical and convenient. Your executives will enjoy the many non-stop flight options available in and out of Atlanta, as well as the convenience of MARTA commuter rail service and 30 shuttle services to and from the airport. Private and smaller commercial planes use the Fulton County Brown Field and South Fulton Airport, which provide more shipping and travel options. Brown Field has three runways, ranging in length from 2,800 feet to approximately 5,800 feet. The South Fulton runway is approximately 2,700 feet. Most corporate jets in Georgia make South Fulton their home.
Road NetworkIf you need something shipped out or trucked in fast, you’ll be connected to much of the U.S. when you do business in South Fulton via three major interstate highways. Running the length of the United States from Florida to the Canadian border, Interstate 75 is a major transportation hub, passing through
Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio and Michigan, with easy access to states on either side. Running almost perpendicular to I-75, Interstate 85 provides access to Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. The 1,500-mile Interstate 20 runs east-west through South Fulton, offering access to Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina and Texas. Along these three interstates are many major highway junctions that give your products or materials even greater access to and from many other highways, cities and states.
Understanding its position as a major business and transportation hub, Atlanta took a major step to ease traffic congestion during peak hours by building Interstate 285, a loop around the metro area that helps truckers and commuters get to where they are going faster. This convenient route helps South Fulton County residents
and employees get where they need to be quicker, whether it’s home, work or the airport.
Rail ShippingThe CSX Intermodal Terminal in Fairburn gives you access to 21,000 miles of rail lines stretching east to west between Boston and Chicago, north and south from Detroit to West Palm Beach, and almost everywhere in between. CSX rail lines crisscross 22 states and the District of Columbia, shipping items such as intermodal containers, coal, aggregates, grain and feed. There are more than 2,600 miles of CSX rail in Georgia alone, handling more than 1.6 million carloads of freight annually.
Norfolk Southern Railroad also runs numerous trains through the South Fulton area managing a large amount of cargo capacity and helping to drive productivity.
The Southeast’s Shipping &Transportation Hub
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTbySteve Milano
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Walter Vinson, Board Chair, South Fulton Chamber of Commerce; Y, Dyan Matthews, President, SFCOC; andKurt Kraft, Residential Energy Consultant, GreyStone Power
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
For more information about the South Fulton Industrial Corridor, visit: www.southfultonparkwayalliance.org.
South Fulton CIDLocation to the airport, access to I-85 and available land is what attracts most business to the South Fulton area ,” according to South Fulton CID Administrator Joddie Gray. “But what makes the area truly unique is the committed group of commercial property owners dedicated to improving the area.”
The South Fulton CID was formed in 1999 and is comprised of a self-taxing group of property owners working together to facilitate business and community development. The CID covers 6,446 acres of commercial and industrial property within South Fulton, most of which is located along the Oakley Industrial Boulevard corridor. The Oakley corridor provides access to key industrial areas, including the Southpark Industrial Park, one of the state’s critical logistics centers.
The South Fulton CID was formed largely because of the need for grade separation at Oakley Industrial Boulevard and the nearby CSX railroad tracks. In addition, the CID gave local business leaders the ability to help improve freight access to warehousing, manufacturing and industrial sites along the key stretch
of commercial real estate on Oakley Industr ial Boulevard and the I-85 intersection.
“The CID worked for years advocating for a bridge over the tracks, seeking funding, donating right of way and fast tracking CSX approvals,” said Gray.
After the bridge was built, the CID turned its efforts to a connected, improved roadway system throughout the CID area for all types of traffic. The new direction led to the CID’s most recent triumph in the form of a $1.5 million Transportation Infrastructure Bank grant from the Georgia State Road and Tollway Authority to help finance the upgrade of Oakley Industrial Boulevard from SR 138 to the big bridge over the CSX railroad tracks.
The project, which will upgrade 1.69 miles of the Oakley Industrial Boulevard from two to three lanes and will add turning lanes, shoulders and new sidewalks, has the added benefit of providing pedestrians access to local businesses and provides a safe place to wait for the local school bus.
““The CID was instrumental in finding funding for this project, which spans three jurisdictions,” said Gray. “As a result of their efforts, we have seen growth in manufacturing and warehousing along Oakley Industrial Boulevard, but also
commercial growth at key intersections like Oakley Industrial Boulevard and SR 74.”
In addition, the CID is assisting in having the SR 74/I-85 interchange listed as a Transportation Investment Act ( TIA) project and is working with the City of Fairburn on the alternatives analysis for the interchange. By working with local jurisdictions to find funding for an Interchange Modification Report (IMR) for the SR 74/I-85 Interchange, the CID has raised $95,000 from the CID, Fayette County, City of Peachtree City and City of Fairburn.
The goals of the CID moving forward are to enhance mobility and safety, and encourage economic vitality through the improvement of the exist ing transportation infrastructure for those who work, reside, shop and commute in and to the South Fulton CID area.
For more information on the South Fulton CID, visit: www.southfultoncid.com.
Effi ciency is making our best
even better, and the world is
taking notice. In three of the last
four years, Hartsfi eld-Jackson has
won the World Air Cargo Award
for Airport of the Year, presented
by Air Cargo Week. And in 2012
the Airport once again received
the Global and North American
Airport Effi ciency Excellence
Award from the Air Transport
Research Society.
Low rates and charges, no
slots or curfews, unsurpassed
accessibility to the southeastern
United States — and now
effi ciency. What’s next?
World peace?
www.atlanta-airport.com
Looking for effi ciency?
We’ve got you covered.
AccountingHabib Ismail CPA3781 Presidential ParkwayAtlanta, GA 30340..........................................(678) 886-6686
Hollis-Hopson, LLC1882 Princeton Avenue, Suite 8College Park, GA 30337.................................(404) 767-3764 www.hollishopson.com
AdvertisingRedbird Mediaworks3238 Telford TerraceAtlanta, GA 30331............................................(404) 798-8413
Spectrum Delivers8343 Roswell Road, Suite 228Atlanta, GA 30350............................................(404) 534-2620 www.spectrumdelivers.com
Advertising - MultimediaBarrow Creative1807 Laurel Green WayEast Point, GA 30344....................................(404) 456-6494 www.barrowcreative.com
The Tenth Amendment Media Group5155 Westpark DriveAtlanta, GA 30336............................................(678) 929-8071 www.tenthamendmentgroup.com
Advertising - PrintingGraphic Visions Unlimited800 Port 14 PlaceAtlanta, GA 30349............................................(404) 767-3336 www.gvu.net
WOW AdvertisingP.O. Box 95Fairburn, GA 30213..........................................(678) 521-5646 www.wowadvertising.net
AirportsHartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport6000 North Terminal Parkway, Suite 4000Atlanta, GA 30320...........................................(404) 530-6600 www.atlanta-airport.com
Animal CareKaneine, Inc., DBA Camp Bow Wow222 Impreglon WayFairburn, GA 30213.........................................(770) 964-3600 www.mycbw.com/fairburn
Apartments/Apartment CommunitiesAnsley at Princeton Lakes3671 Redwine RoadAtlanta, GA 30344...........................................(866) 855-1886 www.ansleyatprincetonlakes.com
Astoria at Riverside Park1925 Waycrest DriveAtlanta, GA 30331............................................(404) 344-1336 www.astoriariversidepark.com
Harbor Grove Apartments8064 South Fulton ParkwayFairburn, GA 30213..........................................(770) 774-3211 www.harborcompanies.net
Hidden Lake Apartments4050 Morgan RoadUnion City, GA 30291....................................(770) 964-0717 www.hiddenlakeaptshomes.com
The Landings at Oak Hill4300 Flat Shoals RoadUnion City, GA 30291....................................(770) 964-4202
Sandtown Vista Apartments1475 Sand Bay DriveAtlanta, GA 30331............................................(866) 923-5210 www.sandtownvistaapts.com
Automobile CareTidal Wave Auto Spa6165 Old National HighwayAtlanta, GA 30349...........................................(770) 991-6668
www.tidalwaveautospa.com/location/view/8
Tilden Car Care Center2107 Metropolitan ParkwayAtlanta, GA 30315............................................(404) 559-7743
Automobile DealershipsBill Reilly’s Union City Toyota4115 Jonesboro RoadUnion City, GA 30291....................................(770) 964-8888 www.billreillytoyota.com
Lexus of South Atlanta4025 Jonesboro RoadUnion City, GA 30291....................................(770) 969-0204 www.lexusofsouthatlanta.com
Peachtree Auto Sales8480 Senoia Road, Highway 74Fairburn, GA 30213.........................................(770) 964-7755 www.peachtreeautosales.com
Automobile Service - WreckingMoody’s Wrecker Service3845 Conley StreetCollege Park, GA 30337.................................(404) 762-1632
BanksBB&T Camp Creek Branch3790 Princeton Lakes ParkwayAtlanta, GA 30331...........................................(404) 346-2800 www.bbt.com
PNC Bank4650 Jonesboro RoadUnion City, GA 30291.....................................(404) 495-6912 www.rbc.com
Regions Bank2833 Main StreetEast Point, GA 30344.....................................(404) 768-9305 www.regions.com
Suntrust Bank - South Commercial Group1235 Southlake CircleMorrow, GA 30260..........................................(770) 478-4542 www.suntrust.com
Suntrust Bank, Atlanta3510 Camp Creek ParkwayEast Point, GA 30344.....................................(404) 346-4789
United Community Bank65 Washington StreetFairburn, GA 30213..........................................(770) 964-1551 www.ucbi.com
Wells Fargo Corporation - Operations Center3579 Atlanta AvenueAtlanta, GA 30354...........................................(404) 684-3841 www.wachovia.com
Beverage DistributorPepsico America’s Beverages (Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade)1650 Westgate ParkwayAtlanta, GA 30336...........................................(404) 346-8502 www.pepsico.com
Business ServicesC Robinson Associates, Inc.P.O. Box 312300, 330 Glenhurst LaneAtlanta, GA 31131.............................................(404) 691-4223 www.crobinsonassociates.com
Greco Enterprises998 Heatherbrooke LaneAtlanta, GA 30324............................................(678) 644-1433
Business Services - Administrative SupportCameli Administrative Services, LLC150 Hutchinson Street, Suite 707Atlanta, GA 30307............................................(678) 586-3576 www.cameliconsulting.com
Business Services - Coaching & MentoringThe Bantam Group, Inc.1776 Peachtree Street, Suite 600Atlanta, GA 30309............................................(404) 815-9331 www.thebantamgroup.com
Business Services - Human ResourcesCYQuest Business Solutions, Inc.3401 Norman Berry Drive, Suite 273Atlanta, GA 30344...........................................(404) 761-6699 www.cyquest.biz
Business Services - Professional Writing & EditingNew Era Editing, Inc.119 McGill Park AvenueAtlanta, GA 30312.............................................(404) 337-3979
CateringProof of the Pudding by MGR Inc.2000 Convention Center ConcourseCollege Park, GA 30337.................................(770) 907-3059 www.proofatlanta.com
Childcare/Development CentersGEMS Learning Academy2445 Creel RoadCollege Park, GA 30349...............................(770) 909-7700 www.gemsdaycare.com
LeapFrog Academy6400 Shannon ParkwayUnion City, GA 30291.....................................(770) 306-7333 www.leapfrog-usa.com
ChurchesMarvelous Light Empowerment AssociationP.O. Box 742031 Riverdale, GA 30274. 404) 312-0477
South Fulton Chamber of CommerceMembership Directory
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Open Word Christian Ministries6250 Highway 92Fairburn, GA 30213.........................................(770) 964-3379 www.owcm.org
Providence Baptist Church1773 Hawthorne AvenueCollege Park, GA 30337.................................(404) 209-1423 www.providencebc.com
Cleaning ServicesAlliance Laundry & Textile Services, LLC1631 Willingham DriveEast Point, GA 30344.....................................(404) 763-2006 www.alliancetextiles.com
Diane Daniel Enterprises, Inc.9196 Denmeade TraceDouglasville, GA 30135.................................(888) 841-7243 www.daniel-enterprises.com
ConstructionD&D Construction, Inc.1148 JVL Court, Suite 150Marietta, GA 30066.........................................(770) 591-2155 www.ddconstructioninc.com
ConsultingA&T Investors, Inc.3730 Creekview CircleCollege Park, GA 30349................................(404) 763-3089
Sandra B. Hardy CID Consulting of Georgia, LLC7870 Creekwood RoadFairburn, GA 30213.........................................(770) 969-8575
Success Business Institute191 Peachtree Street, 22nd FloorAtlanta, GA 30303...........................................(404) 588-5502 www.successbusinessinstitute.com
Consulting - FinancialD4 Consulting Services, LLC3645 Market Place Boulevard, Suite 130-271East Point, GA 30344.......................................(404) 217-8115 www.d4consultingsvcs.com
Consulting - Information TechnologyMobile IT, Inc.1755 East Park Place BoulevardStone Mountain, GA 30087........................(770) 465-6147 www.mobileit-usa.com
Consulting - ManagementThe Collaborative Firm, LLC1514 East Cleveland Avenue, Suite 82East Point, GA 30344.....................................(404) 684-7031 www.thecollaborativefirm.com
Consulting - TechnologyCpak Technology Solutions133 Main StreetLaGrange, GA 30240......................................(706) 883-7664 www.cpak.com
Contractors - ConcreteFly and Form, Inc.1817 Westgate ParkwayAtlanta, GA 30336............................................(770) 971-7873 www.flyandform.com/home/HomePage.html
Contractors - ElectricalMister Sparky, Inc.2064 Canton RoadMarietta, GA 30066........................................(770) 422-3400 www.mistersparky.com
Contractors - Home ImprovementSERVPRO75 Mendel Drive, Suite G Atlanta, GA 30336.(404) 505-1760 www.servproofeastpoint.com
Contractors - RemodelingThe Garage Door Company308 Fairburn Industrial Boulevard, Suite CFairburn, GA 30213..........................................(770) 774-1900 www.thegaragedoorcompany.com
Contractors - Retail & Home ImprovementSouthern Patio4400 Commerce CircleAtlanta, GA 30336............................................(404) 419-2900 www.southernpatio.com
Contractors - WoodworkMortensen Woodwork Inc.4920 Baker StreetUnion City, GA 30291.....................................(770) 969-1475 www.mortensenwoodwork.com
Dental ServicesExquisite Smiles5370 Campbellton-Fairburn Road, Suite 130Fairburn, GA 30213........................................(770) 964-0494 www.exquisitesmilesatl.com
Sandtown Family Dentistry, LLC5819 Campbellton Road, Suite 103Atlanta, GA 30331............................................(404) 349-8055 www.sandtowndentistry.com
DistributionOwens-Illinois North America Inc.3107 Sylvan RoadHapeville, GA 30354.....................................(404) 765-8602 www.us.o-i.com
Distribution - FoodU S Foodservice7950 Spence RoadFairburn, GA 30213.........................................(770) 774-8300 www.usfood.com
Distribution - FurnitureTurner-Boone1320 Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard, Suite A1600Atlanta, GA 30318............................................(404) 733-1060 www.turnerboone.com
Electric CompanyCollege Park Power1886 Harvard AvenueCollege Park, GA 30337................................(404) 669-3772
Georgia Power Company7365 Oakley Industrial BoulevardUnion City, GA 30291.....................................(770) 306-5712 www.southernco.com
GreyStone Power Corporation(770) 942-6576 www.greystonepower.com
Engineering ServicesConcept Engineering4584 Chamblee Dunwoody RoadDunwoody, GA 30338...................................(404) 297-8756 www.conceptengrs.net
EntertainmentGeorgia Renaissance Festival(770) 964-8575 www.garenfest.com
Sir Charles Entertainment Services1880 Heatherton RoadDacula, GA 30019.............................................(678) 924-7634 True Colors Theatre Company887 West Marietta Street, Suite J-102Atlanta, GA 30318...........................................(404) 588-0308 www.truecolorstheatre.org
Entertainment - ChildrenJJ’s Playhouse3645 Marketplace Boulevard, Suite 130 #287East Point, GA 30344......................................(678) 557-4230 www.jjsplayhouse.org
Event FacilitiesAtlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau233 Peachtree Street, Suite 1400Atlanta, GA 30303............................................(404) 521-6615 www.atlanta.net
Benjamin’s of East Point: Special Events Facility1381 Cleveland AvenueEast Point, GA 30344......................................(404) 768-7498 www.benjaminsofeastpoint.com
Georgia International Convention Center2000 Convention Center ConcourseCollege Park, GA 30337.................................(770) 997-3566 www.gicc.com
The City Center6502 Gresham StreetUnion City, GA 30291.....................................(404) 422-3023 www.thecitycenter.net
Event ServicesBalloons by J. WesleyP.O. Box 4784Atlanta, GA 30302............................................(578) 687-1999
Bargain Bouncing Party Rentals, LLCP.O. Box 1484Fairburn, GA 30213..........................................(770) 964-3136 www.bargainbouncin.com
Financial Services1 Source Financial3330 Cobb Parkway, Suite 17-302Acworth, GA 30101.........................................(770) 529-7531 www.1sourcefinancial.com
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.3280 Peachtree Road, Suite 700Atlanta, GA 30305............................................(404) 460-1732 www.ameriprise.com
Eventium Financial Services3169 Elmwood CourtAtlanta, GA 30349............................................(404) 642-7332 www.eventiumfs.com
Merrill Lynch, The MG Group333 North Point Center East, Suite 400Alpharetta, GA 30022...................................(770) 360-6093 www.ml.com
Financial SystemsGlobal Payments Inc10 Glenlake ParkwayAtlanta, GA 30328...........................................(404) 346-6571 www.globalpayments.com
Fitness & HealthDesign For You Fitness, LLC125 Opal CourtFayetteville, GA 30215....................................(678) 368-1014 www.designforyoufitness.com
Fit Neighborhood5495 Cascade Road, Suite 109Atlanta, GA 30331............................................(404) 549-8785 www.fitneighborhood.com
Fitness & Sports CentersLA Fitness6385 Old National HighwayCollege Park, GA 30349................................(678) 304-2444 www.lafitness.com
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Food ProductsEdible Arrangements3830 Princeton Lakes Court, Suite 700Atlanta, GA 30331............................................(404) 346-1488 www.ediblearrangements.com
Georgia Spice Company3600 Atlanta Industrial ParkwayAtlanta, GA 30331...........................................(404) 696-6200 www.georgiaspicecompany.com
HoneyBaked Ham Company6175 Old National Highway, Suite 204Atlanta, GA 30349.............................................(770) 997-2211 www.honeybakedham.com
McCormick & Company5840 Tulane DriveAtlanta, GA 30336...........................................(404) 696-7509
Twelve Baskets, Inc.5200 Phillip Lee DriveAtlanta, GA 30336...........................................(404) 696-9922 www.twelvebaskets.com
Funeral Homes/DirectorsForest Lawn Memorial Gardens5755 Mallory RoadCollege Park, GA 30349................................(770) 964-7871 www.forestlawnmemgardens.com
Holly Hill Memorial Chapel431 SW Broad StreetFairburn, GA 30213.........................................(770) 964-7833 www.hollyhillfuneralhome.com
Gas Company - NaturalGas-South3625 Cumberland BoulevardAtlanta, GA 30339............................................(866) 762-6427 www.gas-south.com
Taylor Gas, Inc.134 Jonesboro RoadFairburn, GA 30213.........................................(770) 964-3357 www.taylorgas.net/
Golf Courses/Residential CommunityDurham Lakes Golf & Country Club110 Durham Lake ParkwayFairburn, GA 30213.........................................(404) 886-9307 www.durhamlakes.com
Government - CityCity of Chattahoochee Hills6505 Rico RoadChattahoochee Hills, GA 30268..............(770) 463-8881 www.chatthillsga.us
City of College Park3667 Main StreetCollege Park, GA 30337..................................(404) 767-1537 www.collegeparkga.com
City of East Point2777 East Point StreetEast Point, GA 30344.....................................(404) 270-7001 www.eastpointcity.org
City of East Point / Economic Development1526 East Forrest Avenue, Suite 400East Point, GA 30344.....................................(404) 270-7057 www.eastpointcity.org
City of Fairburn56 Malone StreetFairburn, GA 30213.........................................(770) 964-2244 www.fairburn.com
City of Hapeville3468 North Fulton Avenue Hapeville, GA 30354(404) 669-2100 www.hapeville.org
City of Palmetto509 Toombs StreetPalmetto, GA 30268
City of Union City5047 Union StreetUnion City, GA 30291....................................(770) 964-2288 www.unioncityga.org
Government - Community ImprovementFulton Industrial Boulevard Community Improvement District7870 Creekwood RoadFairburn, GA 30213.........................................(770) 969-8575
South Fulton Community Improvement District264 19th Street, Suite 2220Atlanta, GA 30363...........................................(404) 815-9080 www.southfultoncid.com
South Fulton Parkway AllianceP.O. Box 1055Fairburn, GA 30213www.southfultonparkwayalliance.org
Government - CountyDevelopment Authority of Fulton County141 Pryor Street, Suite 1031Atlanta, GA 30303...........................................(404) 612-8078 www.fultondevauthority.org
Fulton County Economic Development - Municipal141 Pryor StreetAtlanta, GA 30301...........................................(404) 612-4000 www.myfultoncountyga.gov
Fulton County Economic Development - Unincorporated4055 Fulton Industrial BoulevardAtlanta, GA 30336...........................................(404) 612-4000 www.myfultoncountyga.gov
Fulton County Government141 Pryor StreetAtlanta, GA 30301...........................................(404) 612-4000 www.myfultoncountyga.gov
Fulton County Police Department5440 Fulton Industrial BoulevardAtlanta, GA 30336............................................(404) 613-5700 www.fultoncountyga.gov/police-home
Fulton County Workforce Development5710 Stonewall Tell RoadCollege Park, GA 30349...............................(404) 730-6992 www.fultonhumanservices.org/workforce.htm
Housing Authority of Fulton County5273 Wendall DriveAtlanta, GA 30336...........................................(404) 588-4950 www.hafc.org
GrocersC&N Foods, Inc.3220 Butner Road, Suite 220Atlanta, GA 30331............................................(678) 369-8907 www.atlanta.cenatogo.com
Hair SalonsD’Lor Salon & Spa, Inc.1180 Fairburn Road, Suite 100Atlanta, GA 30331............................................(404) 344-1622 www.dlorsalonspa.com
Hair To Go Salon4780 Jonesboro RoadUnion City, GA 30291.....................................(770) 964-5115
Healthcare ServicesCaduceus Occupational Medicine3 Cascade PointeAtlanta, GA 30331............................................(404) 761-4040 www.caduceus24-7.com
Caduceus Occupational Medicine535 North Central AvenueHapeville, GA 30354.......................................(404) 761-4040 www.caduceus24-7.com
Healthcare Services - Nursing ServicesHeart 2 Heart Nursing Service2981 Church Street, Suite 104East Point, GA 30344......................................(404) 763-4114
Heating & Air ConditioningLandor’s Heating & Air6945 Cottonwood TrailRiverdale, GA 30296.......................................(770) 994-7959
Home ImprovementSouthern Sales & Marketing4400 Commerce CircleAtlanta, GA 30336...........................................(404) 505-5920
HotelsAmerica’s Best Value Inn & Suites3900 Fulton Industrial BoulevardAtlanta, GA 30336............................................(404) 691-2444 www.americasbestvalueinn.com
Best Western Union City Inn & Suites6743 Shannon ParkwayUnion City, GA 30291....................................(770) 969-4567 www.bestwestern.com
Cambria Suites4475 Best RoadCollege Park, GA 30337................................(678) 228-0078 www.cambriasuites.com
Comfort Inn & Suites - Union City6800 Shannon WayUnion City, GA 30291.....................................(770) 306-2677 www.comfortinn.com/hotel.ga299
Country Inn & Suites7815 Senoia RoadFairburn, GA 30213.........................................(678) 782-4900 www.countryinns.com/fairburnga
Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport1255 Walker AvenueEast Point, GA 30344......................................(404) 767-5374 www.marriott.com/ATLSZ
Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta3450 Creek Pointe DriveEast Point, GA 30344.....................................(404) 344-4474 www.hamptoninn.hilton.com
Hampton Inn Atlanta - Fairburn7790 Ella LaneFairburn, GA 30213.........................................(678) 782-4600
Hotel Indigo1776 Harvard AvenueCollege Park, GA 30337.................................(404) 691-2444 www.hotelindigo.com
Hyatt Place Atlanta Airport North3415 Norman Berry DriveAtlanta, GA 30344..........................................(404) 768-8484 www.atlantaairportnorth.place.hyatt.com
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The Inn at Serenbe10950 Hutcheson Ferry RoadPalmetto, GA 30268........................................(770) 463-2610 www.serenbe.com
Ramada Atlanta Airport Conference Center1380 Virginia AvenueAtlanta, GA 30344...........................................(404) 838-0021 www.holiday-inn.com/atl-hiairportn
Shanta Hospitality, Inc., DBA Hotel 63860 Flat Shoals RoadUnion City, GA 30291....................................(770) 969-0089
Sheraton Gateway1900 Sullivan RoadCollege Park, GA 30337.................................(770) 997-1100
Sleep Inn & Suites - Fairburn1005 Oakley Industrial BoulevardFairburn, GA 30213..........................................(678) 782-4700 www.sleepinn.com
Springhill Suites2091 Convention Center ConcourseCollege Park, GA 30337................................(770) 907-8880
Wingate Inn - Fairburn7882 Senoia RoadFairburn, GA 30213.........................................(770) 892-3006 www.wingateinns.com
InsuranceAFLAC Insurance - Bruce Kellar Agency600 Henry DriveWoodstock, GA 30188.................................(404) 644-5682
American Family insurance3800 Camp Creek ParkwayAtlanta, GA 30331...........................................(404) 349-0960
AT Work Benefit Co, LLC777 Cleveland Avenue, Suite 103Atlanta, GA 30315...........................................(404) 305-0600 www.workbenefitco.com
HD Cordy and Associates3780 Pebble Beach DriveAtlanta, GA 30349...........................................(770) 969-0837 www.hdcordyandassociates.com
Purchasing Alliance Solutions736 Johnson Ferry Road, Building C-200Marietta, GA 30068.........................................(770) 579-1214 www.purchasingalliance.com
Spiller Insurance Claims Consultants, Inc. (SICC, Inc.)5317 Lakerock DriveAtlanta, GA 30331.............................................(678) 545-1954
State Farm Insurance - Jim Weeks Agency607 Main StreetPalmetto, GA 30268......................................(770) 463-4602 www.statefarm.com
State Farm Insurance - Reneka Ward Agency5370 Campbellton-Fairburn RoadFairburn, GA 30213..........................................(770) 892-7771 www.renekaward.com
Interior Decorators & DesignersRite at Home3460 Cascade Road Atlanta, GA 30331(678) 281-1771................www.millerbynumdesign.comInterior Decorators & Designers - FabricsLewis & Sheron Textile4570 Commerce CircleAtlanta, GA 30336...........................................(404) 691-6656 www.lsfabrics.com
Expeditors International300 Tradeport Drive, Suite 300Atlanta, GA 30354............................................(404) 361-6245 www.expeditors.com
FedEx Trade NetworksP.O. Box 20729Atlanta, GA 30320............................................(404) 761-2929 www.ftn.fedex.com
Prologistix3800 Camp Creek Parkway, Building 2400 Suite 112Atlanta, GA 30331............................................(404) 346-5313 www.prologistix.com
Total Warehousing, Inc.6063 Boatrock RoadAtlanta, GA 30336...........................................(404) 349-4450 www.twIlogistics.com
Logistics - Supply ChainEMO Trans Atlanta20 Southwoods Parkway, Suite 500Atlanta, GA 30354............................................(404) 761-1956 www.emotrans.com
Genco Supply Chain8095 McLarin RoadPalmetto, GA 30268.......................................(770) 306-0301 www.genco.com
NAL Worldwide, LLC1485 Westlake Parkway, Suite 100Atlanta, GA 30336............................................(404) 349-3331 www.nalworldwide.com
Mailing ServicesDove Mailing5601 Fulton Industrial BoulevardAtlanta, GA 30336...........................................(404) 629-0122 www.dovemailing.com
Manufacturers5 Star Chemicals4705-G Bakers Ferry RoadAtlanta, GA 30336...........................................(404) 924-4290
Maxwell Chase Technologies125 Westlake Parkway, Suite 100Atlanta, GA 30336...........................................(404) 344-0796 www.maxwellchase.com
NISSEI ASB Company125 Westlake Parkway, Suite 120Atlanta, GA 30336...........................................(404) 699-7755 www.nissei-asbus.com
Spartech Plastics, Inc.10 Enterprise BoulevardAtlanta, GA 30336...........................................(404) 696-4280 www.spartech.com
Manufacturers - ChemicalHarvard Chemical Research3595 Zip Industrial BoulevardAtlanta, GA 30354............................................(404) 761-0657 www.hcronline.com
Manufacturers - Energy StorageSila Nanotechnologies Inc.541 Tenth Street, Suite 195Atlanta, GA 30318.............................................(650) 814-1885 www.silanano.com
Manufacturers - Hair Care ProductsCPL Marketing Group, Inc.170 Mendel DriveAtlanta, GA 30336...........................................(404) 696-8771 www.cplmarketing.com
AccuClean, Inc1514 E Cleveland Avenue, Suite 115East Point, GA 30344.....................................(404) 765-6477 www.accucleaninc.com
Job Readiness/PlacementStinson & Associates, Inc.2801 RN Martin Street, Suite 101East Point, GA 30344....................................(404) 209-0665 www.stinsonassociates.com
Landscape ContractorsMudFOOT Landscape & Lawn Maintenance, LLCP.O. Box 366001Atlanta, GA 30336............................................(404) 271-7974 www.mudfootlandscapes.com
Sandy Springs Lawnscapes1146 Davis RoadSmyrna, GA 30088..........................................(404) 255-7000 www.ssls.com
South Fulton Landscape Nursery3415 Enon RoadCollege Park, GA 30349...............................(404) 344-0630
Standard Landscape, Inc.7512 Southlake ParkwayJonesboro, GA 30236.....................................(678) 817-3232 www.standardlandscape.com
Legal ServicesCharles S. Johnson III1201 West Peachtree Street, Suite 2000Atlanta, GA 30309............................................(404) 817-8530 www.hklaw.com
Collins & Jones, LLC7 West Broad StreetFairburn, GA 30213.........................................(770) 964-0821
The Cuffie Law Firm3080 Campbellton RoadAtlanta, GA 30311............................................(404) 344-4242 www.cuffielawfirm.com
Davis & Meeker, LLC6631 Watson StreetUnion City, GA 30291....................................(770) 964-0228
Fincher, Denmark and Williams, LLC2262 Mount Zion RoadJonesboro, GA 30236....................................(770) 478-9950 www.fdwlaw.com
Let’s Get Legal6035 Bakers Ferry Road, Suite 230Atlanta, GA 30336..........................................(404) 629-9444
The Mabra Firm, LLC197 14th Street, Suite 200Atlanta, GA 30318...........................................(404) 344-5255 www.mabrafirm.com
Shea Stokes3593 Hemphill StreetCollege Park, GA 30337................................(404) 766-0076 www.sheastokes.com
Liquor StoreKilroy’s Beer & Wine4879 Old National HighwayCollege Park, GA 30337.................................(404) 768-3159
LogisticsAgility3505 Naturally Fresh BoulevardAtlanta, GA 30349...........................................(404) 806-3600 www.agilitylogistics.com
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Marketing & Special Event ServicesGeorgia Peach Promotions, LLC3131 Piedmont Road, Suite 202Atlanta, GA 30305...........................................(404) 993-3080 www.gppevents.com
Massage Therapy & Stress ManagementAffusions Spa6740 Shannon Parkway, Suite 9Union City, GA 30291......................................(678) 519-5185 www.affusionsbodyspa.com
Zen Massage3220 Butner Road, Suite 140Atlanta, GA 30331............................................(678) 705-3343 www.zenmassageusa.com
Medical ServicesEast Point Chiropractic1668 Thompson AvenueEast Point, GA 30344.....................................(404) 765-0595 www.eastpointchiropractic.com
The Hamman Medical Day Spa1 Biltmore Place, Suite 400Atlanta, GA 30308..........................................(404) 888-9449 www.thehamman.com
Palmetto Dialysis Clinic500 Walnut WayPalmetto, GA 30268.......................................(615) 771-4400 www.nationalrenal.com
Piedmont Physicians Group - Palmetto1125 Senoia Road, Suite BTyrone, GA 30290.............................................(678) 593-1900 www.piedmont.org
South Atlanta Urgent Care Clinic5185 Old National HighwayAtlanta, GA 30349...........................................(404) 763-9300
SouthSide Medical Care6325 Shannon Parkway, Suite DUnion City, GA 30291....................................(770) 964-1400 www.southsidemedicalcare.com
Walter C. Edwards, MD, PC993-C Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 100Atlanta, GA 30342............................................(404) 255-1180
Medical Services/InsuranceKaiser Permanente1175 Cascade ParkwayAtlanta, GA 30311.............................................(404) 261-2590 www.kaiserpermanente.org
Non-Profit Associations and FoundationsAmerican Red Cross Southern Region1955 Monroe DriveAtlanta, GA 30324...........................................(404) 870-4418 www.redcrossatlanta.org
Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America1800 Circle 75 ParkwayAtlanta, GA 30339..........................................(770) 956-0494 www.atlantabsa.org
Christian City7300 Lester RoadUnion City, GA 30291....................................(770) 964-3301 www.christiancity.orgMarch of Dimes - Metro Atlanta Division1776 Peachtree Street, Suite 100Atlanta, GA 30309..........................................(404) 350-9800 www.marchofdimes.com
National Coalition of 100 Black Women, MECCA Chapter5155 Westpark DriveAtlanta, GA 30336..........................................(404) 983-6882 www.nc100bwmeccaga.org
Seeds for Life Educational Foundation, Inc.P.O. Box 311308Atlanta, GA 31131.............................................(404) 510-0811 www.seedsforlife.org
South Fulton Senior Services3680 College StreetCollege Park, GA 30337................................(404) 559-0070 www.sfssi.orgSouthwest Atlanta Real Estate Focus Group3800 Campcreek Parkway, Building 1800 Suite 100Atlanta, GA 30331...........................................(404) 862-0060 www.swarefg.org
Synergistic Youth Enterprises, Inc.4910 Old Jonesboro Road, Building 300 Suite 302Union City, GA 30291....................................(770) 969-2800 www.syeinc.org
Youth Enhancement Services, Inc.1514 East Cleveland Avenue, Suite 99AEast Point, GA 30344.....................................(770) 256-0275
Office FurnitureBrown Office Systems, Inc.1733 Washington RoadEast Point, GA 30344.....................................(404) 766-6056 www.brownofficesystems.com
PhotographyC Jackson Photography692 Bear TrailFairburn, GA 30213.........................................(770) 393-4148 www.cjacksonphotography.com
PlumbingHead’s Plumbing4381 Campbellton RoadAtlanta, GA 30331.............................................(404) 421-3150
PrintersToshiba Business Solutions of GA1 Glenlake Parkway, Suite 1300Atlanta, GA 30328..........................................(770) 446-2009 www.tbsgeorgia.com
Tri-C5169 Southridge Parkway, Suite 120College Park, GA 30349................................(404) 766-2878 www.tricprint.com
Tri-Copy Office Equipment, Inc.125 Bradford Square, Suite AFayetteville, GA 30215....................................(770) 716-7558 www.tri-copy.com
TSG USA, Inc.420 Dividend Drive, Suite APeachtree City, GA 30269...........................(678) 364-6900 www.tsgusainc.com
Professional AssociationsOld National Merchants Association5495 Old National Highway, Suite C-4College Park, GA 30349...............................(404) 590-8876 www.onma.us
Property ManagementBraden Fellman Group931 Ponce de Leon Avenue Atlanta, GA 30306(404) 876-6432 www.bradenfellman.comEAR Property Management, Inc.1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 235College Park, GA 30349.................................(678) 604-0111
GA Hotel Partners4330 Fulton Industrail BoulevardAtlanta, GA 30336...........................................(404) 505-8880 www.gahotelpartners.info
Real EstateDozier Homes, Inc.5984 South Norcross Tucker RoadNorcross, GA 30093........................................(770) 448-1277 www.dozierhomes.net
Semaj, Inc.P.O. Box 371804Decatur, GA 30037
Real Estate - BrokersKing Realty, Inc.210 The Bluffs, Suite BAustell, GA 30168.............................................(404) 942-2071 www.kingrealty.net
Real Estate - Commercial & IndustrialAvison-Young/ING/Clarion30 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, Suite 900Atlanta, GA 30308...........................................(404) 865-3663 www.avisonyoung.com/offices/atlanta
Selig Enterprises, Inc.1100 Spring Street, Suite 550Atlanta, GA 30309...........................................(404) 898-9039 www.seligenterprises.com
Sharp Commercial RealtyP.O. Box 191115Atlanta, GA 31115.............................................(678) 825-2530
Real Estate - HomebuildersJones & Minear Homebuilders, LLC3800 Camp Creek Parkway, Building 1400 Suite 134Atlanta, GA 30331...........................................(404) 349-8980 www.jonesandminear.com
Real Estate - Investment and ManagersClarion Partners, LLC30 Ivan Allen Jr. BoulevardAtlanta, GA 30308...........................................(678) 686-2961
Real Estate - Property DevelopmentPEC Development Group1640 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 300Atlanta, GA 30367............................................(770) 541-5250 www.pecdevelopment.net
Real Estate - PublicationsDorey Publishing138 Hammond DriveAtlanta, GA 30328............................................(404) 257-1962 www.dorey.com
Real Estate - ResidentialSouth-Owens Realty3645 Marketplace Boulevard, Suite 160East Point, GA 30344.....................................(404) 494-3939
Recreation - YouthSouth Fulton Panthers4425 Ravenwood DriveUnion City, GA 30291.....................................(678) 789-1273
Resource ManagementHomeshow at the Georgia International Convention Center990 Hammond Drive, Suite 325Atlanta, GA 30328............................................(678) 781-7946 www.dmgworldmedia.com
RestaurantsThe Cajun Crabhouse3220 Butner Road, Suite 110Atlanta, GA 30331............................................(678) 927-9577 www.thecajuncrabhouse.com
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Chick-fil-A - Fairburn7810 Senoia RoadFairburn, GA 30213.........................................(770) 892-3908 www.chick-fil-a.com
Chick-fil-A, Inc.5200 Buffington RoadAtlanta, GA 30349...........................................(404) 765-8038 www.chick-fil-a.com
Hambone’s BBQ811 Virginia AvenueHapeville, GA 30354......................................(404) 767-0888 www.hambones-bbq.com
The Historic Green Manor Restaurant6400 Westbrook StreetUnion City, GA 30291....................................(770) 964-4343 www.greenmanor.biz
Landon’s Restaurant3752 Cascade Road, Suite 100Atlanta, GA 30331.............................................(404) 472-2424 www.landonsrestaurant.com
The Pecan, Inc.3725 Main StreetCollege Park, GA 30337................................(404) 762-8444 www.thepecanonline.com
Smoothie King6175 Old National Highway, Suite 410Atlanta, GA 30349...........................................(770) 907-4663 www.smoothieking.com
Smoothie King #7953515 Camp Creek Parkway, Suite 30East Point, GA 30344......................................(404) 319-5746 www.ilovesmoothieking.com
Winner Circle Internet Cafe3435 Roosevelt HighwayCollege Park, GA 30349...............................(404) 559-9995
Zaxby’s - Camp Creek3770 Pinceton Lakes ParkwayAtlanta, GA 30331...........................................(404) 344-8884 www.zaxbys.com
Zaxby’s - Fairburn7840 Senoia RoadFairburn, GA 30213..........................................(770) 892-4332 www.zaxbys.com
RetailSign-a-Rama of Union City4720 Jonesboro Road, Suite 15Union City, GA 30291.....................................(770) 692-3417 www.sarucga.com
Retail - AuctionGallery 63, Inc.4577 Roswell RoadAtlanta, GA 30342............................................(404) 252-2555 www.gallery63.net
Schools - Colleges & UniversitiesAtlanta Technical College1560 Metropolitan ParkwayAtlanta, GA 30310...........................................(404) 225-4600 www.atlantatech.edu
Brown Mackie College - Atlanta4370 Peachtree RoadAtlanta, GA 30319...........................................(404) 799-4465 www.brownmackie.edu/atlanta.aspxGeorgia Military College320 West Broad Street, Suite 200Fairburn, GA 30213...........................................(678) 379-1414
Shorter College1903 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 150College Park, GA 30349...............................(770) 994-0948 www.shorter.edu
Schools - PrivateThe Bedford School5665 Milam RoadFairburn, GA 30213.........................................(770) 774-8001 www.thebedfordschool.org
Woodward Academy1662 Rugby AvenueCollege Park, GA 30337................................(404) 765-4000 www.woodward.edu
Schools - SpecialtyTayo Reed’s International Academy of Dance6703 Shannon Parkway, Suite 8Union City, GA 30291....................................(770) 774-4299 www.tayoreedperformingartscenter.org
Security ConsultantsExecutive Protection Specialist, Inc.1636 Village Place CircleConyers, GA 30012.........................................(404) 840-3877 www.exeprtsplst.com
Social Service OrganizationsCharitable Connections, Inc.451 Fedora WayAtlanta, GA 30331...........................................(404) 484-5630
Dismas Charities - Atlanta West300 Wendell Court, Suite 300Atlanta, GA 30336............................................(404) 691-1425 www.dismascharities.org
Future Foundation, Inc.1892 Washington RoadEast Point, GA 30344.....................................(404) 766-0510 www.future-foundation.com
Staffing Services/Employee LeasingAccounTemps100 Hartsfield Center Parkway, Suite 530Hapeville, GA 30354......................................(404) 768-2584 www.accountemps.com
Dixie Staffing Services6348 Tara BoulevardJonesboro, GA 30236....................................(678) 479-0002 www.dixiestaffing.com
EmployBridge1040 Crown Pointe Parkway, Suite 104Atlanta, GA 30338...........................................(770) 671-1900 www.employbridge.net
Suppliers - Materials and SuppliesMcMaster-Carr Supply CompanyP.O. Box 740100Atlanta, GA 30374...........................................(404) 346-7000 www.mcmaster.com/
Suppliers - Personal Equipment, Materials and UniformsATLANCO1125 Hayes Industrial DriveMarietta, GA 30062.........................................(770) 427-1334 www.truspec.com
Suppliers - UniformsOptima Uniforms3755 Carmia Drive, Suite 820Atlanta, GA 30331............................................(404) 349-3100 www.optimauniforms.comSuppliers - WarehousingGeorgia Forklift, LLC4900 B Bakers Ferry RoadAtlanta, GA 30336...........................................(404) 892-4240
Tax Return Preparation & FilingH&R Block5195 Old National HighwayCollege Park, GA 30349................................(404) 766-3470 www.hrblock.com
Liberty Tax Service3123 Main StreetEast Point, GA 30344.....................................(404) 761-0082 www.libertytax.com
TelecommunicationsComcast Cable Communications3620 Camp Creek Parkway, Suite 200Atlanta, GA 30344...........................................(404) 266-2278 www.comcast.com
Transportation - AirlineDelta AirlinesP.O. Box 20706Atlanta, GA 30320 ...........................................(404) 715-2600 www.delta.com
Transportation - Distribution CentersBest Warehousing and Transportation Center, Inc.6255 Fulton Industrial BoulevardAtlanta, GA 30336............................................(404) 344-1121 www.bestwtc.com
Transportation - GroundNights In Motion Chauffeured Transportation12152 Garrett’s Ferry RoadChattahoochee Hills, GA 30268..............(404) 688-5720 www.nightsinmotion.com
Waste Reduction, Disposal and Recycling ServiceDream Sanitation (Dream San, Inc.)2380 Burdett RoadAtlanta, GA 30349...........................................(770) 909-3901 www.dreamsan.com
PSC Metals, Inc.7125 Goodson RoadUnion City, GA 30291....................................(770) 964-6817 www.pscmetals.com
Waste Pro4785 Fulton Industrial Boulevard, Suite AAtlanta, GA 30336............................................(678) 891-0012 www.wasteprous+E240a.com
Wireless CommunicationsAT&T Wireless & Mobility3618 Marketplace Boulevard, Suite 620East Point, GA 30344......................................(404) 629-2195 www.att.com
Verizon Wireless - Camp Creek3530 Camp Creek ParkwayEast Point, GA 30344....................................(404) 346-0385 www.verizonwireless.com
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