SHARPER FOCUS

Marietta-Based Vertisys Acquired by Accounting Firm Accounting firm TJS Deemer Dana LLP has acquired Marietta-based IT consultants Vertisys. “Vertisys, much like TJSDD, is committed to helping its clients succeed, and we are excited to expand the ways in which we can partner with clients throughout Georgia,” said Tracy G. Sharkey, CPA.

Senator Isakson Honored in Cobb In January, Sen. Johnny Isakson was presented a proclamation by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners in recognition of his years in public service to Georgia and the nation. Isakson served for 17 years in the Georgia legislature in both the House and Senate. He announced his retirement last year.

Gas South and Cobb EMC Break Ground on Renewable Energy Project An estimated 1.85 MW of solar and 1 MW/4 MWh of battery storage is being added to the Cobb EMC campus in Marietta to help power its operations. For perspective, that is enough energy to power approximately 200 homes for an entire year. This project is owned by Gas South for Cobb EMC to support future sustainability efforts for both companies.

Marietta Visitors Bureau Promotes Courtney Spiess The Marietta Visitors Bureau & Welcome Center promoted Courtney Spiess to marketing & public relations manager. Since Spiess’s hiring in 2018, she has been instrumental in the Visitor Bureau’s rebranding initiative, which included a new logo, redesigned website, reformatted visitors guide, and improved social media presence.

Marietta Ranks #2 for Small Cities for Improving Health According to Rent.com’s recent study, Marietta ranks #2 in the country for small cities where it’s easiest to improve one’s health. The findings are based on cities with a population of less than 100,000. Then, research reviewed the number of health clubs, health/diet food retailers, vitamin and supplement stores, weight control services, nutritionists and yoga studios per 10,000 people to come up with a per capita ranking.

Former KSU President Betty Siegel Passes Away Betty L. Siegel, KSU President Emeritus, died on February 11. She was 89. Siegel was KSU’s president for 25 years and helped grow the

university from a small state college to the third-largest university in Georgia. “Without her leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence, Kennesaw State would not be what it is today,” said KSU President Pamela Whittten.

American Axes Opens in Marietta American Axes brings the increasingly popular sport of axe throwing to Cobb County. The facility at 821 Livingston Court SE includes the main throwing room, a VIP space for groups, and vintage video games. Learn more at American-axes.com

WellStar Gives $9M to KSU’s Nursing Program Kennesaw State and WellStar Health System are partnering to address Georgia’s nursing shortage. In support of KSU’s goal of doubling enrollment in its nursing program, WellStar will provide a $2.5-million gift to create an endowment that will fund annual nursing scholarships in perpetuity, and a grant worth $6.2 million over five years to fund the hiring of new nursing faculty and support staff.

Town Center CID Launches New Website The Town Center Community Improvement District has a new website (towncentercid.com). “The Town Center area is unique because it integrates natural assets into a prosperous business center. The site perfectly represents its incomparable character as well as the CID’s overall vision — to make Town Center a vibrant, accessible community and inviting regional destination,” said CID Executive Director Tracy Rathbone Styf.

Good Game Opens at The Battery Good Game, a distinctive dining and entertainment concept offering Topgolf’s Swing Suite virtual simulator bays, has opened at The Battery Atlanta. The venue also includes an expansive bar and dining area with a diverse menu featuring elevated bar foods and hand-crafted dishes made from fresh, regional ingredients.

Rugby ATL Kicks Off 2020 Inaugural Season The first season of Atlanta’s professional rugby team is underway. The team plays out of Lupo Family Field in Marietta. For a complete schedule and tickets, visit rugbyatl.rugby.

3/1-31 Bubbles & Brews During the entire month, craft beverage enthusiasts can travel to 12 different breweries, distilleries, and meaderies in Cobb and sample each location’s unique beverages. More info: bubblesandbrews.com

3/13-15 American Craft Council Show More than 250 jewelry, clothing, furniture and home décor artists from across the country gather under one roof. More info: craftcouncil.org

3/6 Adult Spelling Bee The 4th Annual Adult Spelling Bee at Strand Theatre will benefit the Communities in Schools organization. Get ready for a night of laughs! More info: tinyurl.com/adultspelling

3/14 Diamonds in the Garden Gala Dust off your dancing shoes and don your sparkles for “Diamonds in the Garden,” the Center for Family Resources’ 60th annual black-tie fundraiser. More info: thecfr.org/gala

Necklace by Paz Sintes

3/21 Spring Arts Festival This event at Mable House features an artists & crafters market, food trucks, live music, artist demos, a 5k race, and more! Free admission & parking. More info: mablehouse.org

3/21 Overture Gala ArtsBridge Foundation hosts this annual fundraising event to gather community support for its educational program season reaching over 30,000 K-12 students. More info: artsbridgega.org

APRIL 4/17-18 Plant Sale and Expo Join the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County as they showcase plants and crafts from Cobb County and beyond. More info: cobbmastergardeners.com 3/28 Bunny Breakfast Treat your family to Kennesaw’s Bunny Breakfast buffet and visit with the Easter Bunny at the Ben Robertson Community Center. More info: kennesaw-ga.gov 3/21 Pop-in for Family Fun Come and explore the Marietta Museum of History on the 3rd Saturday of the month with family fun activities. More info: mariettahistory.org

4/27 Charity Golf Tournament Join the East Cobb Lions Club at Indian Hills Country Club for the 29th annual event, benefitting local schools and community orgs. More info: eastcobblions.club 4/26 Taste of Marietta The 27th annual Taste of Marietta is one of the largest food events in Georgia. More info: tasteofmarietta.com 4/25-26 Spring Jonquil Festival Bring the family and shop, play, eat, drink and just have a great day together. More info: smyrnaga.gov 4/25 MUST Giving Gala The 15th annual MUST Giving Gala with a “Roaring Twenties” theme will be held at the Renaissance Waverly. More info: mustministries.org 4/25 18th Spring Chicken Run Cobb EMC and Sweetwater Mission present their annual race against hunger in downtown Powder Springs. More info: SpringChickenRun.com 4/20 ABA Golf Tournament The Acworth Business Association hosts its annual charity golf tournament at the Brookstone Golf & Country Club. More info: AcworthBusiness.org 4/20 Bowl-a-thon Join the Arylessence Foundation at Stars and Strikes Woodstock for a good cause. More info: arylessencefoundation.com 4/18-19 44th Big Shanty Festival More than 200 booths with one-of-a-kind crafts, as well as food vendors will take over downtown Kennesaw. More info: Kennesaw-ga.gov 4/10 Marietta Community Egg Hunt The Marietta Business Association’s 2nd annual egg hunt will be held at Marietta High School. More info: mariettabusiness.org