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Vol. XVI • No. 26
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Your Georgia Connection: Rich Olivier, Atlanta, GA • 1-800-409-1479
State Farm Park Center to Employ Thousands in ATL
GUCA Members Network at Northwest Georgia Meeting
GUCA members and guests pack the house for the Northwest Georgia Industry Luncheon.
Described as one of the largest corporate office projects in metro Atlanta’s history, the State Farm Park Center development at Central Perimeter will include a 13-story tower that will serve as a hub for the insurance powerhouse when completed. (Inset) A rendering of the completed State Farm complex.
Described as one of the largest corporate office projects in metro Atlanta’s history, the State Farm Park Center development at Central Perimeter will include a 13-story tower that will serve as a hub for the insurance powerhouse when completed. The structure is part of a new 17-acre master-planned project in Dunwoody, Ga. “Park Center will feature walkable access to the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority [MARTA], retail, entertainment, restaurants and hospitality,” said Alex Chambers, regional vice president, KDC Real Estate Development & Investments. “We are working to create a ‘workplace of the future’ including a live/work/play environment with housing, public transportation, shopping and entertainment, all within easy access.” KDC plans to build the project in phases over the next decade. The first phase will include 585,000 sq. ft. (54,348.2 sq m) of State Farm office space. The full site plan includes 2.2 million sq. ft. (204,386.8 sq m) of office space, 100,000 sq. ft. (9,290.3 sq m) of retail, and a 200-room hotel. The Park Center site includes the existing Hammond Exchange property and the adjacent 3.9 acres formerly occupied by Chequers Seafood Grill. Future phasing options have not been finalized. “We believe Park Center and Dunwoody offer State Farm a compelling opportunity to expand in
By Cindy Riley
CEG CORRESPONDENT
see STATE page 4
On Oct. 15, Georgia Utility Contractors Association (GUCA) held its Northwest Georgia Industry Luncheon at the Central Street Tavern. The historic building located on Senator Russell Avenue was the perfect setting to host a luncheon. This was an open invitation event for GUCA members, prospective members, municipalities and government officials. No one in the area wanted to miss out on this opportunity to network while receiving time sensitive information and updates regarding the association and industry. More than 30 members and guests attended this meeting. GUCA members and guests heard a presentation from David Haynes, Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). Haynes addressed many issues regarding the region’s transportation initiatives. He explained the roles of the ARC and how input from citizens was important. Many members had questions on water issues and learned about the source for that information. GUCA President Ed Shipley, RDJE Inc., addressed the GUCA members and guests. He welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked Bituminous Insurance Co. and Ferguson Waterworks for their generous sponsorships. Shipley
also encouraged the members to stay active and participate in future GUCA functions. Vikki Consiglio, GUCA executive director, also updated those in attendance about upcoming events, safety classes and industry and legislative issues. She also highlighted the GUCA affinity programs including the Georgia Health Plan Trust, 401k Savings Plan and Bituminous Safety Dividend Program. BenSource Employee Benefits was in attendance to address any questions and inquiries about the 401-k Savings Plan. Membership Committee Chairmen Billy Crump, LaKay Enterprises Inc. and Richard Dearing, Brad Cole Construction Co. Inc., strongly encouraged promoting membership recruitment in the area to strengthen GUCA’s Northwest Georgia membership. They promoted the 2014 to 2015 GUCA membership contest “Coming Back Strong” and emphasized the importance to keep building up strong membership and relationships within the association. For more information about GUCA, visit www.guca.com. (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s Web site at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.)