New Day Palisades
Cumberland CID is helping to reshape Cobb
FEATURE
Front Door’
SHARPER FOCUS
Find out what’s going on throughout Cobb County with our news updates.
10 RECRUITING
What does an impressive company culture look like? And do you have these aspects in your organization? 12
THE DEFINED LEADER
What kind of community do you want to lead? And what are you willing to do — today — to start driving it forward?
13 VOLUNTEER
We recently asked some of the top nonprofit organizations in Cobb County to share with us how they are making a difference. Additionally, we wanted to know what volunteer opportunities were available that we could share with readers.
18 IN YOUR COMMUNITY
For a variety of reasons — from protecting your business and assets to handling estates serving on a jury — it is good to have a working knowledge of our court systems.
20 IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Helping new Atlantans find community through racquet sports.
28 ARTS & RECREATION
Grab your golf clubs and take a swing at networking.
30 ABOUT COBB COUNTY
Check out our new section with important facts and figures about Cobb, as well as services available to homeowners and business owners.
32 FINAL FOCUS
By the time you read this, the apple orchards in North Georgia will have opened to the public.
ON THE COVER: From L-R: National Park Service Regional Director Darrell Echols, CRNRA Superintendent Ann Honious, Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-6), CID Board Member Stephen Gentry, One Cumberland Board Vice Chair Melissa Cantrell, and Executive Director of the Cumberland CID and One Cumberland Kim Menefee.
Re-focusing Our Content
BY CORY SEKINE-PETTITE
Why yes, the magazine does look quite different. Thanks for noticing! Seriously though, we hope you are enjoying our redesign as much as we are. There may still be more to come as we fine-tune our editorial plans and re-focus on where (and to whom) we want Cobb In Focus to go. But for this issue, we’re pleased to announce we have two, new columnists!
Recruiting expert Meghan Ritchie and leadership coach Vicki Abelson are here to provide you with their knowhow in hiring, developing your staff, and in becoming a better leader. We hope you find their insights educational, helpful, and enlightening. We certainly are glad to have them aboard and look forward to learning from their knowledge ourselves. Read their debut articles on pages 10 and 12.
We’re also excited to present the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) as our cover feature. The CID has been working on several recent projects in Cobb, including the New Day Palisades project at the Paces Mill Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. As you can see beginning on page 22, the CID’s redevelopment of this park is of great benefit for all residents and visitors. Rightfully, the CID is proud of their work, and we are proud to help them share their news and success with you. Do yourselves a favor and visit the Paces Mill Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area if you haven’t been there in a while. The changes are remarkable.
Speaking of remarkable work, this issue also features a small glance at five, local nonprofits who share not only how they are changing lives, but how the rest of us can help in their missions. So, if you’re looking to get more involved in the community, representatives from A.G. Rhodes, Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue, Special Needs Cobb, United Military Care, and SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center would love to hear from you. See the article beginning on page 13.
So, as we continue our redevelopment of the magazine, we welcome your thoughts and ideas. What types of articles would you like to see? Which local leaders, companies, or projects would you like to read about? Let me know! •
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Cobb in Focus: Connecting Leaders, Strengthening Community
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SHARPER FOCUS
Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on in your community.
Town Center Community Opens Nominations for 2025 Townie Awards
The annual awards honor community members for their local impact
Town Center Community has opened nominations for the 2025 Townie Awards. Now in their third year, the annual awards recognize community members, leaders, and businesses for contributions to Town Center Community, one of the most accessible and prosperous areas in metro Atlanta.
“Our district is full of leaders who consistently show up for the community in positive ways,” said Tracy Styf, executive director of Town Center CID. “It takes a full group working together to ensure our district is the best it can be, and we’re grateful for all the contributions of time and effort made for Town Center.”
Award categories include:
Community Champion — This category recognizes an individual or organization/business who has made significant contributions to Town Center and the community at large. Their commitment to community is evident in all they do and helps to create a Town Center Community that is a vibrant place for the future.
Commercial Champion — Awarded to a commercial property owner and/or business located within Town Center CID’s district, this category celebrates community involvement to create a thriving Town Center. Whether through investment, relocation or community engagement, it recognizes efforts that advance Town Center CID’s vision of connecting commerce, retail, restaurants, parks, trails and residential communities.
Town Center Champion — This category celebrates an individual or organization that acts as a Town Center Community ambassador, playing a key role in shaping a future that will benefit generations to come.
“The Townie Awards enable us to honor the individuals and organizations that make Town Center a thriving, connected and innovative community,” said Jennifer Hogan, director of community engagement. “As we enter our third year of honoring these contributions, we’re excited to continue showcasing what excellence looks like in the district.”
Nominations are open until October 17 and will be announced at the State of the District event on Oct. 28, 2025. Award submissions can be completed online by visiting towncentercid.com/surveys-events.
Imperial Imaging Technology Named One of America’s Fastest-Growing Private
Companies by Inc. Magazine
Imperial Imaging Technology has been named to the 2025 Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America. Imperial ranked 34th among all companies in Georgia, 96th in the healthcare/medical sector, and 889th nationally, recognizing the company’s consistent growth and leadership in the medical imaging space.
Each year, the Inc. 5000 list spotlights the nation’s most successful independent businesses, recognizing those with impressive revenue growth over the past three years. The list reflects a dynamic group of innovators, problemsolvers, and trusted industry partners. Imperial Imaging Technology’s inclusion reflects its ongoing dedication to supporting healthcare professionals across all sectors.
“With a commitment to unmatched service and industry expertise, Imperial continues to expand its reach and impact,” said Aaron Pressley, President of Imperial Imaging Technology. “We’re incredibly proud of our passionate team and the dedication it took to earn a place on the Inc. 5000 list.”
Imperial provides reliable imaging equipment and accessories, as well as maintenance services for medical imaging equipment to assist hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities deliver exceptional care and improve patient outcomes.
To learn more about Imperial Imaging Technology, visit ImperialImaging.com/about-us.
Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta Reveals New Home Design in Powder Springs
Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta recently revealed a modern Habitat house design in Powder Springs and cut the ribbon to celebrate the new model, ushering in the next chapter of “Reimagining Communities.”
Local elected officials from Cobb County, the City of Powder Springs, the City of Austell, the City of Douglasville, Georgia House of Representatives, and the Cobb Chamber of Commerce were on hand to help the Habitat board members, staff and volunteers cut the ribbon on the new home prototype. The characteristics of this home will be integrated into various layouts going into our next chapter as the affiliate serving Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding counties.
“As we look ahead to our 40th anniversary reimagining communities’ campaign in 2026, this home represents a bold step forward — blending market-rate design with the unique needs in our
communities,” said Bakari Brooks, Chairman of the Board, Habitat NWMA. “With architecturally rich features like a gabled roof, a one-car garage, a bright modern farm style exterior, and open floor plan, we’re setting a new standard for beauty, function, and attainability for affordable work-force housing.”
About Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta
On Apr. 1, 1986, Cobb County Habitat for Humanity was officially incorporated as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. In 2008, the organization expanded to include Douglas and Paulding counties and the name changed to Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta. Since 1986, nearly 600 homes have been built, rehabilitated, or repaired as part of our pursuit to provide decent, affordable housing in Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding counties. To learn more about the local affiliate, visit habitatnwma.org.
Chattahoochee Tech Foundation Welcomes Two New Members to Board of Trustees
The Chattahoochee Tech Foundation has added business leaders Eric Latimer and Gary Roberts to its Board of Trustees, strengthening its connection to the local business community.
Latimer is the Managing Director of Commercial Lending at Delta Community Credit Union. A 22-year veteran of commercial and industrial lending, he brings extensive experience in portfolio management, business development, and credit underwriting. He is a recipient of the Cobb Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award and is active in several civic organizations, including Brookhaven Rotary, the Honorary Commanders Association, the Atlanta Economics Club, and the Cobb Chamber of Commerce.
Roberts is the President of Great South Metals, a steel distribution company based in Acworth. With over 30 years of industry experience, he has guided the company through significant growth and transformation, including a major acquisition and ERP implementation. Roberts also chairs the Town Center Community Alliance and is deeply involved in regional civic and business development initiatives.
“We are very pleased to welcome these respected leaders to our Board of Trustees,” said Jennifer Nelson, Chattahoochee Tech Vice President of Advancement. “Their expertise and industry knowledge will advance our efforts to support students, grow the local workforce, and build a stronger community through technical education.”
The Chattahoochee Tech Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that supports the mission of Chattahoochee Technical College by making higher education an affordable reality for students through initiatives like scholarships, emergency funding, and program support. The Foundation’s Board of Trustees has been consistently recognized as a Role Model Board by the Technical College Foundation Association.
Eric Latimer
Gary Roberts
SHARPER FOCUS
Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on in your community.
Universal Technical Institute Announces New Campus in Cobb County
Universal Technical Institute (UTI), a national leader in workforce education for the skilled trades, energy, electrical, and transportation industries, is expected to open a new campus in Smyrna in 2026.
Pending regulatory approval, this 150,000-square-foot facility is expected to create over 100 jobs when fully staffed and support hundreds of students annually through specialized training in
This campus will continue Cobb County’s competitive advantage in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades.
“Training in the skilled trades lays the groundwork for strong communities, resilient economies, and meaningful work,” said UTI Division President Tracy Lorenz. “As industries depend on handson expertise to thrive, supporting this skilled collar education means shaping tomorrow’s workforce. We’re proud to bring our know-how and industry connections to help power Atlanta’s growth.”
automotive and diesel technology, welding, HVACR, aviation, and electrical fields.
“We welcome Universal Technical Institute to Smyrna and look forward to their new Smyrna campus opening in 2026,” said Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton. “We are honored that they have selected Smyrna as their MetroAtlanta home as one of two new campuses planned in 2026, and we are confident that Smyrna will be a rewarding business partner for their leading workforce solutions and training for hands-on, STEMcentric careers.”
The addition of UTI’s newest campus is a significant investment in Cobb County’s future, aligning educational opportunities with the needs of growing industries.
By providing industryaligned, hands-on training programs, UTI will help address the critical need for skilled workers faced by many employers in the metro Atlanta region. Businesses in Cobb County and beyond will benefit from direct access to a pool of highly skilled, job-ready graduates, reducing hiring challenges and supporting innovation and expansion efforts.
“We are proud to welcome Universal Technical Institute to Smyrna,” said Dana Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of the Cobb Chamber and Executive Director of SelectCobb. “This campus will provide incredible education opportunities to the students in our community and UTI will help provide a talented pool of candidates for companies in our region. This workforce pipeline will support companies looking to expand and those considering a move to Cobb County and metro Atlanta.”
LOUD Security Systems Closes on Purchase of New Headquarters
LOUD Security Systems, a leading low-voltage security provider, closed on the purchase of its new headquarters located at 1990 Vaughn Rd. in Barrett Summit Office Park in Kennesaw. The property will undergo phased upgrades to prepare for a full transition in the coming months.
The newly acquired building spans more than 51,000 square feet, positioning LOUD for future workforce expansion and strengthening its service capacity with upgraded technology infrastructure, and improved team collaboration. With over 10,000 residential and commercial customers and a team of approximately 60 employees, the new headquarters represents a major milestone for the company.
“Our investment in this facility is an investment in our future and our community,” said John Loud, President and Owner of LOUD Security Systems. “This purchase is more than just real estate — it’s a commitment to our team, our customers, and the Cobb County community. We’re planting deeper roots in the region where our journey began and setting the stage for the next era of innovation and reliability in security services.”
Celebrating 30 years since its founding in 1995, the company has earned a strong reputation for delivering cutting-edge solutions in intrusion detection, fire monitoring, proactive video surveillance, and leak detection services.
Cobb Young Professionals Names 2025 Next Generation Award Winners
Cobb Young Professionals (CYP), the Cobb Chamber’s networking and development group for professionals in their 20s and 30s, has named the winners of the 2025 Next Generation Award at the Chamber’s August Marquee Monday event: Adam Ross and Natalie DeLancey.
The Chamber’s CYP recognizes the county’s top young professionals with the annual Next Generation Award. Award winners are selected from a pool of nominees who can be admired, learned from, and celebrated within the Cobb community. Nominees are all in their 20s or 30s, active within their community, demonstrate leadership ability in the community and in their current role, and offer a unique perspective. Two winners of the Next Generation Award are named each year.
Adam Ross
Director of Public & Government Affairs, Cumberland Community Improvement District
Since joining the CID in 2019, Ross has made a lasting impact through his leadership in government relations, grant acquisition, communications, and community engagement. His efforts have helped advance major infrastructure, transportation, and placemaking projects that directly enhance quality of life for residents, workers, and visitors.
Ross’ leadership was instrumental in launching One Cumberland, a nonprofit created to expand the CID’s mission and reach. His accomplishments include helping secure $2 million in state funding for a pedestrian bridge connecting Smyrna to The Battery Atlanta, leading branding efforts for key projects like the Hopper autonomous shuttle and spearheading the New Day Palisades project — a $15.8 million partnership with the National Park Service to enhance the Paces Mill Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
A graduate of Leadership Cobb Class of 2023, Ross remains deeply invested in his community. He serves on the Cumberland Area Council Board, the Cobb Chamber Government Affairs Council, and the Council for Quality Growth’s Government Affairs Task Force.
Known for his integrity, innovative mindset, and ability to build meaningful cross-sector partnerships, Ross is a rising leader whose work is already shaping the future of Cobb County — and beyond.
Natalie DeLancey
Executive Director, City Springs Theatre Company
Since taking the helm at City Springs Theatre Company (CSTC), DeLancey has led with a powerful combination of artistic vision and strategic leadership. Under her direction, CSTC now reaches more than 50,000 patrons and students annually and operates with a $3-million budget, which she secures through successful fundraising and development efforts.
A passionate advocate for arts education, DeLancey oversees weekly programs that provide hands-on training to more than 350 students in both performance and technical theater. Her work has helped students earn more than $10.5 million in college scholarships in the past year alone, with many now working professionally across the country.
Her leadership extends far beyond the stage. A graduate of Leadership Cobb 2016 and recipient of the Ernest Barrett Award, DeLancey currently serves as Chair of the Greater Perimeter Chamber of Commerce. She is also a Southeastern Regional Emmy Award winner and was recently inducted into the Georgia Theatre Conference Hall of Fame for her outstanding contributions to the arts in Georgia.
In addition to her professional achievements, DeLancey has dedicated her time and talents to numerous community causes. She has co-directed the Davis Direction Foundation’s signature fundraising gala and supported organizations such as the Humane Society and The Strand Theatre.
Cobb Young Professionals is supported by Yearlong Presenting Sponsor, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Next Generation Award is presented by The Mazloom Law Firm LLC. For more information about Cobb Young Professionals or the Next Generation Award, visit, cobbchamber.org/events/next-generation-award •
Adam Ross and Natalie DeLancey
Top Three Aspects of a Healthy, Thriving Company Culture…
And the Top Three Rewarding Benefits
BY MEGHAN RITCHIE, PARTNER, QUALIFIED APPLICANTS
Many business owners invest time, effort, and money in creating a formidable culture. It is an intentional pursuit. A strong, thriving company culture influences employee engagement, productivity, and overall business performance. Businesses with strong cultures are more likely to hit their goals and be in business for a long time. So, what does an impressive company culture look like? And do you have these aspects in your organization?
Top Three Aspects of a Healthy, Thriving Company Culture
Top Three Rewarding Results of a Healthy Company Culture
1. Enhanced Employee Engagement and Retention A positive company culture directly impacts employee engagement. When employees feel valued, understood, and aligned with company values, they are more committed and motivated. Engaged employees are less likely to leave, reducing turnover costs and maintaining organizational stability. High retention rates contribute to a more experienced, cohesive workforce that can execute strategies effectively, fostering continuity and long-term growth.
1. Clear Values and Vision — A thriving company culture begins with clearly articulated core values and a compelling vision that inspires the team. When everyone understands what the organization stands for and what it aims to achieve, it creates a unified sense of purpose. These statements guide decisionmaking, influence behavior, and set expectations. Business owners and other leaders play a crucial role in modeling these values consistently, ensuring the values are integrated into everyday operations. A culture rooted in shared values fosters trust, loyalty, and a sense of belonging.
2. Open Communication and Transparency Healthy companies prioritize open, honest communication at all levels. Transparency builds trust between leadership and staff, reducing misunderstandings and encouraging feedback. Regularly sharing updates about company performance, challenges, and successes creates an atmosphere of inclusivity and mutual respect. Encouraging dialogue through meetings, surveys, and informal interactions helps employees feel heard and appreciated. Open communication also allows companies to address issues proactively. Companies in growth mode have “growing pains.” A culture of open communication enables the team to navigate those challenges more efficiently and effectively.
3. Recognition and Development Research shows most small businesses incorporate some sort of performance incentives for their employees. However, businesses owners often do not realize that financial and non-financial (such as awards and praise) incentives are both effective overall. Consistency is critical; commit to the program without wavering. The ROI of these efforts will be measurable. Equally important is investing in professional development — training, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities. Candidates for hire and employees often are asking about opportunities for development and growth. Having this ready to share when hiring shows the owner(s) care about those who work for them, which has significant impact in attracting and retaining top talent.
2. Increased Innovation and Productivity A thriving culture encourages growth, creativity, and problem-solving. When employees are supported by management through open communication, positive coaching, and recognition, direct reports are more willing to contribute ideas and collaborate without reservation or fear. This environment stimulates innovation, leading to new products, services, and process improvements that give the company a competitive edge.
3. Positive Brand Reputation and Customer Satisfaction Companies known for a healthy culture often enjoy a strong reputation both internally and externally. Happy, engaged employees typically deliver better service, resulting in higher customer satisfaction. Additionally, a transparent, value-driven organization attracts top talent and loyal customers who resonate with its mission. Over time, this positive perception enhances brand equity, creates a cycle of success, attracts new employees and opportunities for growth and expansion.
Conclusion
Culture is critical for long-term success and sustainability. Building and maintaining a healthy, thriving company culture requires intentional effort around shared values, transparent communication, and employee recognition and development. The rewards of doing so — enhanced engagement and retention, increased innovation and productivity, and a strong brand reputation — are well worth the investment.
Finally, people admire companies with strong cultures because they are like a well-oiled machine, operating efficiently and inspiring confidence in all stakeholders. •
Qualified Applicants provides recruiting services for small to midsized businesses by leveraging their specialized, unique Qualified Applicants Point Process. They deliver value by providing qualified applicants for employers to grow their businesses. Learn more at getqualifiedapplicants.com.
Meghan Ritchie
What Do You Want?
VICKI ABELSON, MBA PCC
We were sitting in our Rabbi’s office for pre-marital counseling. “What do you want,” she asked us. Without skipping a beat, I said, “Community.”
“What does that mean to you,” she asked. I gave her a blank stare. “Umm … you know. People? Around you? Being together?” Very eloquent.
Her question made it painfully clear: I had no idea what I actually wanted — or why it mattered to me. Fast forward 12 years. One marriage, two kids, one dog, one business, and a house in the suburbs later … and I’m still asking myself the same question. But now, I ask it differently: As a business leader, what does community mean to me?
The answer I keep coming back to is culture. The culture I help create inside my organization — and the culture I help shape outside of it, too. A culture of support, mutual respect, generosity, curiosity, accountability, openness, learning, and pouring into ourselves and others.
So how do we build that kind of community? And why should we care? Let’s start with the “how.”
Step 1: Define
Define the kind of culture you want to build within your business — whether your walls are physical or virtual. Culture is the set of shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape how people interact and make decisions. It’s the emotional and behavioral DNA of your organization.
A strong, inclusive culture naturally fosters community — where people feel connected, supported, and aligned with a shared mission. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. But it helps if everyone is on the same page.
Step 2: Determine
Once you’ve defined your culture, determine how it will show up in real life. If you say you want a culture of collaboration, what does that look like on an average Tuesday? During quarter-end? In the middle of a crisis?
This is where you build the plan. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be intentional. Think about how your values translate into systems, rituals, communication, and leadership behaviors. Consistency builds trust. And trust builds community.
Step 3: Drive
This is where the rubber meets the road. Drive the culture forward by modeling it, reinforcing it, and adjusting it when things don’t go according to plan. Culture isn’t static. It’s a living, breathing
thing that evolves with your team, your business, and the world around you.
Driving culture means making it a priority — even when it’s inconvenient. Especially when it’s inconvenient. So why does this matter? Why should you, as a business owner or leader, care about building community? Because community is the connective tissue of your business. It’s what turns a group of individuals into a team. It’s what turns customers into advocates. It’s what turns values into action.
A strong culture builds trust and credibility, which strengthens your relationships with external stakeholders — clients, partners,
What do you want? What kind of culture do you want to build? What kind of community do you want to lead? And what are you willing to do — today — to start driving it forward?
investors, and even your local community. That community, in turn, becomes a source of referrals, collaboration, and innovation. And perhaps most importantly, a strong culture helps you attract, engage, and retain great people. It’s a win-win-win.
So, I’ll ask you the same question my Rabbi asked me all those years ago: What do you want? What kind of culture do you want to build? What kind of community do you want to lead? And what are you willing to do — today — to start driving it forward? •
Vicki Abelson, MBA PCC, is a Certified Professional Coach with over 20 years of healthcare administration experience and the founder of The Defined Leader. She offers executive coaching and workshops. If you’re ready to see if leadership coaching is for you, visit thedefinedleader.com.
Vicki Abelson
Top Volunteer Opportunities For You And Your Business
Nonprofits making a difference in Cobb
EDITED BY CORY SEKINE-PETTITE
We recently asked some of the top nonprofit organizations in Cobb County to share with us how they are making a difference. Additionally, we wanted to know what volunteer opportunities were available that we could share with readers. So, if you’re looking to get more involved in the community, representatives from A.G. Rhodes, Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue, Special Needs Cobb, United Military Care, and SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center would love to hear from you.
A.G. Rhodes
As one of Atlanta’s oldest nonprofit organizations and few nonprofit nursing homes in Georgia, their roots trace back to more than a century ago when Amos Giles Rhodes came to Atlanta and founded Rhodes Furniture. He donated the land and funds for A.G. Rhodes’ first location, which opened in 1904 at the corner of Boulevard and Woodward Avenue where the company’s flagship location still operates today.
A.G. Rhodes provides long-term care, short-term recovery, and therapy and rehabilitation services for more than 1,300 seniors each year at its three locations in metro Atlanta, including a Memory Care
Community on its Cobb campus in Marietta that offers all private rooms and household living environment.
Using a person-directed approach to care, A.G. Rhodes tailors services to support the unique physical, mental, and spiritual needs and preferences of each elder. It provides nationally recognized programs like Horticultural Therapy and Music Therapy and offers other research-based programs and activities that incorporate animals, art, children, music, plants, and technology. They say they have a place in their hearts — and their homes — for volunteers of all
ages to support these programs.
A.G. Rhodes is proud of our over 120 years of delivering compassionate care to seniors throughout metro Atlanta, and it continues to be one of the only missiondriven nonprofit nursing home providers that serves Cobb’s underinsured and underserved seniors. At the heart of its mission is a steadfast commitment to people: to the people they serve and their families, and to the compassionate Care Partners who work at A.G. Rhodes.
Learn more about A.G. Rhodes at agrhodes.org
Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue
Since 2004, Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue has been a beacon of hope for homeless, vulnerable, and medically fragile dogs and cats in Cobb County. Its mission is simple but powerful: save lives, provide healing, offer training, and place animals in loving forever homes. But the organization’s impact reaches far beyond rescue.
Each dog that enters their program is paired with a trainer to build the skills needed for successful adoption. Through its partnership with the Metro Re-Entry Prison, incarcerated men train the dogs — gaining career-building skills while the Mutts receive round-the-clock care and attention. And because Mostly Mutts is committed to lasting success, it offers free lifetime training support for every adopted dog.
Businesses like yours have the power to be part of this life-saving mission. Whether it’s through financial sponsorships, in-kind donations, or group volunteering at the Rescue Center or bustling thrift store, there are many meaningful ways to make a difference. The Mostly Mutts Market is located at 5505 Bells Ferry Road in Acworth. With over 300 volunteers, the organization is a vibrant hub of purpose-driven teamwork — and they invite you to join them.
By supporting Mostly Mutts, you’re not just helping animals — you’re strengthening our entire community. Let’s work together to create more wagging tails, joyful families, and second chances. To learn more about how your business can get involved, visit mostlymutts.org.
Special Needs Cobb
It takes more than walls to be home. A few years ago, Special Needs Cobb CEO, Debbie Day, received a call that stopped her in her tracks. The state needed an emergency placement for an 85-year-old with developmental disabilities. She was blind. She had no family and no clothes. Her name was Miss Louise.
The organization knew Miss Louise needed a safe, loving place to land. Immediately. Community partners helped gather clothing and essentials. And then,
Tammy Turley, Mostly Mutts Executive Director
just as Special Needs Cobb had done for decades, they opened their doors. Miss Louise moved into one of their group homes. There were cozy blankets, warm meals, and a house full of new friends. She had caregivers by her side around the clock. And for the next three years, until she passed away
at 87, Miss Louise lived in peace, comfort, and dignity.
Since 1956, Special Needs Cobb has served adults with developmental disabilities in Cobb County, and since the late 1990s, they have maintained a growing network of group homes — 23 today. These homes aren’t institutions; they’re just that — homes. They’re in residential neighborhoods and filled with routines, joy, and care. They are often the last option for individuals who would otherwise be forgotten.
The organization’s mission is to provide lifelong housing for adults with special needs, and that includes the full responsibility of maintaining and operating 23 properties year-round. This is no small task. The homes are under constant scrutiny from multiple governing bodies, including HUD and DBHDD, and they take pride in exceeding their rigorous standards mandated to keep them in operation. Special Needs Cobb
has done so for 70 years! Many of its homes are now 25+ years old, and wear and tear is beginning to show with commercialgrade use. The nonprofit is most in need of general operational funds that support it in keeping these homes running and safe. Its team of just five staff members manages it all. They’re on call after hours. They juggle urgent maintenance and other issues with grace and grit, including fundraising events.
The nonprofit’s Annual Pars for Stars Golf Invitational on October 13, is open to the public. Your attendance helps them continue to thrive. Whether you are a golfer or just want to join them for lunch and fabulous auction, have fun and do good by visiting specialneedscobb.org and register today. Here’s why donors can trust Special Needs Cobb:
• Longevity — They are one of the oldest nonprofits in Cobb with nearly 70 years of trusted service.
• They’re deeply embedded in the community, collaborating with families, schools, and care providers.
• They’ve quietly, dependably supported over 90 residents a year — some for over 30 years.
But numbers only tell part of the story. It’s in stories like Miss Louise’s, and in the steady assurance the homes provide every single day. Special Needs Cobb believes everyone deserves a safe place to call home
— for life. With your support, they won’t just keep the lights on — they will keep hearts full.
United Military Care
At United Military Care (UMC), the mission is simple: You served, we care. This local, nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families across the state, providing essential services, resources, and community connections that help restore hope and stability.
The team is passionate about advocacy and believe that every veteran deserves to feel valued, seen, and supported. United Military Care ensures that no veteran feels alone by offering hands-on assistance with food, housing, healthcare access, mental health support, and more. In addition to case management services, the organization organizes and hosts communitycentered ‘We CARE Vet Fair’ events across the state. These events bring community partners and government agencies at every level together, under a single roof, for a day of no-cost support to the veteran community. The next We CARE Vet Fair will be held at Cobb Civic Center on Oct. 21, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m
UMC’s programs are built on compassion and commitment, serving veterans of all ages and backgrounds. They walk alongside military families, honoring their service with the care and respect they’ve earned. Through local outreach events, veteran resource hubs, and direct support services, UMC is building a statewide network of hope and healing.
UMC We Care Vet Fair
Veterans have already done their part for our country. Now it’s our turn to be there for them. Join UMC in their mission — volunteer, donate, or refer a veteran in need. Together, we can make sure no one who served ever stands alone. Visit unitedmilitarycare.org to learn more or get involved today.
directly work with the children due to the highly sensitive nature of the work, they are more than welcome to support in other ways by volunteering onsite with a variety of tasks and at fundraisers, in addition to being educated on the prevention of child abuse.
If you would like to get involved with
SafePath through volunteering, donating, or participating in an event, please contact Lindsey Dugan — Community Resource Assistant (LindseyDugan.SafePath@cobbcounty.org). Visit SafePath.org for updates and resources. •
SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center
SafePath is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization that is accredited by both the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia (CACGA). SafePath advocates for victimized children (neglect, emotional aggression, physical violence, sexual abuse, trafficking, etc.), ensuring they have access to the best support system and resources possible. SafePath’s primary role is to reduce the trauma for these children, and coordinate and facilitate conversations through the legal system (law enforcement, healthcare, DFCS, etc.) to make the process of navigating through a difficult situation more efficient and less stressful. Providing services to these children is central to what children’s advocacy centers do. While SafePath receives some funding through grant allocations, their work is also supported through individual donations and fundraisers. And though volunteers cannot
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Cobb County Courts Explained
For a variety of reasons — from protecting your business and assets to handling estates serving on a jury — it is good to have a working knowledge of our court systems. The following information comes courtesy of the Cobb County Government.
There are six types of courts in Cobb County, each handling different kinds of cases. Courts often use the word “jurisdiction,” which explains whether or not state law allows a court to handle a certain matter.
Superior Court has sole jurisdiction over felony, domestic relations (like divorce and child support), real estate, equity, and extraordinary remedy cases. You may be called for jury duty in Superior Court on a criminal or civil case.
State Court, according to state law, can handle misdemeanors, civil actions regardless of the dollar value of the case, except those actions in which exclusive jurisdiction
is with the Superior Court (see above), and traffic cases. You may be called for jury duty in State Court on a criminal or civil matter.
Juvenile Court has exclusive, original jurisdiction, according to state law, over cases where a juvenile (someone under 17 years old) has committed a delinquent act or traffic offense. Additionally, the Juvenile Court handles all cases in which the state is concerned that a juvenile needs social services, in need of treatment or commitment as a mentally ill or developmentally disabled, or completely dependent upon the state. Juvenile Court also monitors juveniles who have been placed under the supervision of the court or on probation to the court, who receive extended care youth services, or who require comprehensive service plans.
Probate Court has sole jurisdiction over wills, estates, guardianships and conservatorships, many mental health processes, and marriage and firearms licenses. Probate Court shares equity jurisdiction in estates
and trusts with Superior Court. You may go to Probate Court to probate a will or handle other end-of-life affairs. The Probate Court can also have jury trials.
Magistrate Court is often referred to as the ‘people’s court.’ It has civil jurisdiction over small claims and garnishment cases with a value of $15,000 or less, landlord-tenant cases, and abandoned motor vehicles. The Court also has criminal jurisdiction, considering arrest and search warrants 24/7/365 and conducting first appearance, bond, probable cause, and county ordinance hearings.
Municipal Court handles traffic, other misdemeanor infractions, and city ordinance violations. If you receive a traffic ticket from a city, as opposed to a county police officer, your case will most likely be heard in a municipal court. Cobb County’s municipal courts are not attached to the county government but are funded and administered by their respective cities. •
ATTENTION LEADERS OF COBB!
If you’re reading this, chances are you are a local business owner, industry executive, nonprofit leader, civic/government official, a leader in education, or community organizer. You’re an individual who is among Cobb County’s premier influencers.
Thus, we offer you an opportunity to share your entrepreneurial insights, your business acumen, and your thought leadership with a Leader Profile in Cobb In Focus. To learn more about our Leader Profile and other advertising possibilities, please contact Publisher Robyn Sobelson at RSobelson@nspmag.com.
ALTA Connections
Helping new Atlantans find community through racquet sports
BY EMMY POWELL, ATLA DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Finding that perfect connection in a new place can be a daunting task.
One of the best places to find your new tribe might just be on a tennis or pickleball court! Whether you have played a sport for years, or you are ready to pick up a racquet or paddle for the first time, the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA) can help you settle into your new home with friends aplenty.
Started over 90 years ago to promote tennis tournaments in the Atlanta area, ALTA started tennis league play in 1971 and has grown into a racquet sport powerhouse with over 60,000 members. Adding pickleball in 2023 has brought even more Atlantans together to play the fastest growing sport in the nation. Players aged 8 to 80+ unite on the courts to encourage competition, sportsmanship and friendship. You will find teams of all skill levels within ALTA—from those who are just learning to keep score to former college champions.
ALTA, which depends on hundreds of volunteers to keep things running smoothly, offers nine adult tennis leagues (men’s, women’s, mixed doubles), boys and girls junior leagues, wheelchair and run/roll leagues and an adult pickleball league. Matches are played year-round and are capped off by exciting and fun city finals each season. During each season, teams battle it out on the courts in hopes of bringing home the coveted “big plate” in tennis and the flashy medals in pickleball. The competition can be fierce, but the relationships that are forged are highlighted when teammates—and even opponents—show support for a player suffering from an illness, celebrating a life accomplishment or offering compassion when an injury happens. Recreational sports are all about coming together to play a game you all love
and playing your best during the match followed by shaking hands across the net when it is all over.
Not only can joining ALTA connect you to new friends who share your love of competition, but also the very active ALTA Foundation can connect you to your new community and allow you to help change the lives of others. Through grants and donations, the ALTA Foundation is able to support vital organizations like the Georgia Special Olympics, Special Pops Tennis, AYTEF, BlazeSports America, The Shepherd Center and the Center for Movement challenges. Each year, several young players
are awarded scholarships to assist with college tuition. ALTA also sponsors multiple wheelchair clinics, tournaments and events, ensuring that individuals of all abilities have access to the resources they need to thrive. Through our collective efforts, we are transforming lives and creating a more vibrant and inclusive community for all. Whether you want to hit the tennis or pickleball courts with your friends, watch your children learn a lifelong sport or volunteer with some amazing organizations, you will find a place within ALTA—where Atlanta comes to play.
For more information, visit atlatennis.org. •
WHERE ATLANTA COMES TO PLAY
With over 60,000 members, ALTA is the tennis leader in Atlanta. From Metro Atlanta to North Fulton, from Newnan to East Cobb, we have you covered.
We offer year-round play, neighborly competition, and Southern hospitality. Whether you are a seasoned player or a rookie wannabe, we have something for everyone.
Annual membership is only $30 for adult tennis, $30 for adult pickleball, and $15 for junior tennis (ages 7-18). Visit us online for more information.
ADULT LEAGUES
JUNIOR LEAGUES PICKLEBALL LEAGUES WHEELCHAIR SPORTS LEAGUE
‘Our Front Door’
How Cumberland CID’s New Day Palisades is transforming what people see when they see Cobb County.
BY MICHAEL J. PALLERINO
When Larry Wayne “Chipper” Jones talks about Atlanta, people listen.
This past July, during Fox Sports’ pregame All-Star festivities, the Major League Baseball (MLB) Hall of Famer was discussing all things baseball when his words shifted to Braves Nation. In what was an impromptu love letter to the community around Truist Park, Jones called out The Battery Atlanta, the Cobb Galleria Centre, and the broader Cumberland area as examples of how the Braves’ move transformed more than just the team’s home field.
In his brief, but powerful soliloquy, Jones, who spent his entire 19-year career as a Brave, captured the unique blend of sports, entertainment, dining, and walkable vibrancy that now defines the district. With the world watching, he painted the perfect picture of a destination where you don’t even need a game ticket to have a great
time. His words served as an unexpected, but perfectly timed bit of national PR, spotlighting the area as one of Atlanta’s premier gathering places.
Somewhere, Kim Menefee was smiling. As the Executive Director of the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) and not-for-profit One Cumberland, which encompasses Truist Park, she oversees one of its most ambitious projects yet:
the multi-phase New Day Palisades initiative. The revitalization of the Paces Mill Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) includes a 22-acre “local national park” that sits within the CID’s boundaries and draws more than 270,000 visitors a year.
It is, as Menefee put it, “Our front door when you cross from Fulton County into Cobb County” — a natural gateway that
New Day Palisades ribbon cutting ceremony from June 2025.
reflects the district’s character and values. “When you cross the Chattahoochee River into Cobb County, you’re greeted by this incredible sweep of green, the water glinting in the sunlight, and the skyline just beyond. It’s a reminder that Cumberland is a place where nature and city meet in the most remarkable way.”
Formed in 1988, the Cumberland CID was the first community improvement district in Georgia. Funded by commercial property owners, it has spent more than three decades investing in infrastructure, mobility, greenspace, and economic vitality across its 6.5-square-mile district. The CID’s work has helped transform Cumberland into a thriving urban center, home to more than 31,000 residents, 88,000 jobs, and millions of annual visitors. The CID launched One Cumberland in 2022, a nonprofit organization on a mission to protect and conserve the natural resources of Cumberland and establish the District as a vibrant, diverse community through the enrichment of cultural amenities, quality of life, improved
By reimagining Paces Mill, the CID, One Cumberland, and its partners are shaping the first impression visitors get when they cross into Cobb County — and preserving a space where nature, history, and community converge.
access, and environmental stewardship. From major roadway upgrades to trail expansions, the CID projects often blend practicality with placemaking — improving safety and accessibility while enhancing the community’s appeal. Partnering with the National Park Service (NPS) on New Day Palisades is an extension of that tradition, pairing local investment with
federal stewardship to protect and reimagine a rare, natural resource in the heart of metro Atlanta.
“We’re the only CID in Metro Atlanta that has national parkland inside its boundaries,” Menefee said. “We feel very fortunate to partner with the National Park Service to rehabilitate Paces Mill. This park really is our front door, and it’s one of the most valuable natural resources we have. We see it as the lifeblood of our community, and it’s something we want to protect for generations to come.”
Phase One: Building the Foundation
Completed in June 2025, Phase One of New Day Palisades represents a $6.3-million investment — funded by $4.3 million from the CID and $2 million in congressional
New Day Palisade Phase 2 Rendering
appropriations secured by Georgia’s federal delegation. It marks the first major improvements to Paces Mill since it became part of the CRNRA in 1978.
The upgrades address safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability. A redesigned parking hub and bus-drop loop now separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic, easing congestion and improving circulation. Bioswales — landscape features that filter and absorb stormwater — were added to reduce flooding and improve river water quality. Precision grading stabilizes soils, while rebuilt boardwalks and gently sloped trails make it easier for visitors of all abilities to reach the river’s edge.
One of the most visible changes is the introduction of a prairie meadow planted with native species — a rarity in the United
States. Beyond its beauty, the meadow supports pollinators and serves as a living classroom for school groups. “Phase One allowed us to go in and make improvements the park hadn’t seen since it was designated a national park,” Menefee said. “We completely reworked the parking, improved circulation, and added bioswales to help manage stormwater. And with the prairie meadow, we’ve created something that blends conservation and education in a really unique way.”
The result is a park that feels more welcoming, functional, and environmentally resilient — a foundation for the enhancements still to come.
The ribbon cutting for Phase One united hundreds of residents, business leaders, elected officials, and park enthusiasts. For
many, the event symbolized the power of partnerships. When the CID launched the New Day Palisades project, it envisioned more than just fresh pavement; it imagined a front porch on the Chattahoochee in a national park that belongs to everyone.
The reopening of Paces Mill serves as an example for how smart investments in public land improve community health, strengthen the economy, and preserve Georgia’s natural treasures. Menefee said that spirit of collaboration will be essential for the next phase — especially with a new funding approach.
Phase Two: Elevating the Experience
If Phase One built the model for a modern, sustainable park, Phase Two will add the heart. Estimated at $9.5 million, the second phase will deliver a new Visitor Information Center with modern restrooms and changing facilities, an open-air pavilion for environmental education and community events, expanded river access with broad steps and overlooks, and trail enhancements linking to the Bob Callan Trail. That trail now connects Paces Mill to Terrell Mill Road.
“Whether you live here, work here, or visit, you can feel proud of what’s being built and protected,” Menefee said. “Cumberland has truly become an urban destination, and projects like this ensure the quality of life keeps pace with that growth.”
To help fund Phase Two, the CID — through its nonprofit arm, One Cumberland
CID Board Treasurer Stephen Gentry
Paces Mill is part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
Rep. Lucy McBath
— has launched a $5-million capital campaign. “For the first time, philanthropy will play a major role in a CID project,” Menefee said. “We’ve delivered Phase One. We need the community’s help to finish what we started.”
The project is set to break ground in fall 2026 and open to the public in spring 2027. The completion date will coincide with the CRNRA’s 50th anniversary.
More Than a Park
For all the specifics about parking loops and bioswales, New Day Palisades’ legacy will be in its identity. An ecological treasure, the Chattahoochee River also is an essential part of the region’s cultural and recreational fabric. By reimagining Paces Mill, the CID and its partners are shaping the first impression visitors get when they cross into Cobb County — and preserving a space where nature, history, and community converge. Through careful planning, the CID is ensuring Paces Mill remains a cherished destination for outdoor recreation while strengthening its community’s identity with improved accessibility, cultural enrichment, and environmental stewardship. It is an ethos that has guided the CID since its founding — recognizing that infrastructure isn’t just about moving cars, but about connecting people to opportunities, experiences, and each other.
As construction continues to shape Cumberland’s skyline, projects like New Day Palisades ensure the district’s growth is balanced by a commitment to quality of life. The CID’s leadership knows that a thriving commercial and residential hub benefits from equally vibrant public spaces. “This park is more than just an amenity — it’s part of the identity of the Cumberland community,” Menefee said. “It’s everybody’s park — the lifeblood of our community.”
While Chipper Jones may not have had cue cards set to highlight Paces Mill when he spoke about the Cumberland area on national television, his words captured its essence: a place where sports, culture, nature, and community all thrive side by side. With Phase One complete and Phase Two on the horizon, that blend is only getting richer — inviting locals and visitors alike to step outside, explore, and make their own memories along the Chattahoochee. •
FROM RIVERBANK TO RIBBON CUTTING
The two-phase, $15.8-million Paces Mill transformation by the Cumberland Community Improvement District and One Cumberland is reimagining the area as the welcoming “front porch” to Cobb County — blending access, sustainability, and community pride along the Chattahoochee. Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on:
Phase One – Completed June 2025
Investment: $6.3 million (Cumberland CID + congressional appropriations)
» Parking redesign: Safer, more efficient layout with improved circulation and a new bus-drop loop.
» Stormwater management: Bioswales and precision grading to reduce flooding, stabilize soils, and improve Chattahoochee water quality.
» Accessibility: Rebuilt boardwalks and gently graded trails for all abilities to reach the river’s edge.
» Prairie meadow: Native species planted to support pollinators and serve as an educational resource for school groups.
Phase Two – Planned 2026–2027
Investment: $9.5 million (includes $5 million capital campaign through One Cumberland).
» Visitor Information Center: Fully ADA-accessible, with modern restrooms and changing facilities.
» Open-air pavilion: Space for environmental education programs and community events.
» Expanded river access: Broad steps under the U.S. 41 bridge, overlooks, and new picnic areas.
» Trail enhancements: Connections to the Bob Callan Trail, linking Paces Mill to Terrell Mill Road.
» Timeline: Construction is planned for fall 2026; completion in spring 2027 to coincide with CRNRA’s 50th anniversary.
Take A Swing At Networking
BY CORY SEKINE-PETTITE
According to the PGA Tour, roughly one in seven Americans play golf — or approximately 26 million people! By comparison, that’s about 3 million more people than the USTA reports play recreational tennis in the United States. And yes, there are multiple health benefits from golfing. The U.K.’s Circle Health Group reports that among those benefits are spending time in direct sunlight (to get enough vitamin D), being social, fostering a healthy sense of competition, improving concentration and boosting your brain, walking is good for your heart, relieving stress and improving your mental health, burning calories and can help with weight loss, golf is a low-risk activity where injuries are concerned, and golf helps you sleep better (the combination of exercise, fresh air and natural light). Of course, there’s also the networking opportunities!
So, get out there and golf! It’s good for you and could improve your business network. Plus, if you register for any of the following upcoming tournaments, you can help support local charities and business associations. It’s a win-win!
9/15
Bullock House Golf Fore Hope
The 14th Annual Golf Fore Hope Tournament at Governors Towne Club in Acworth benefits Bullock House, which helps patients receiving cancer treatment. More info: bullockhopehouse.org
9/15
Cobb Chamber Reed Leeper Classic
The Chamber invites members to spend a fun and productive day on the links with clients, colleagues, and fellow business professionals. This is your chance to network with Chamber leadership, board members, and elected officials in a relaxed and fun setting. More info: cobbchamber.org
9/29
Sweetwater Mission
Golf Tournament
Join sports celebrities in an exclusive event to benefit Sweetwater Mission in its ongoing efforts to stabilize families by providing basic needs and transforming lives through education and job-readiness programs. More info: sweetwatermission.org/golf
10/13
Superior Plumbing Charity Classic
Superior Plumbing and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta are teaming up for the 9th annual Superior Plumbing Charity Classic. Tee it up for the children at Pinetree Country Club. More info: choa.org
10/17
Marietta Business Association
2025 Golf Tournament
The Marietta Business Association’s (MBA) annual golf tournament, presented by LGE Community Credit Union, features local vendors and prizes. Registration helps the MBA’s continuing efforts to support local business owners. More info: mariettabusiness. org/golf-tournament
10/20
2025 Cobb Schools Foundation
Charity Golf Classic
Join the Cobb Schools Foundation at Brookstone Country Club. Many levels of sponsorship opportunities are available for corporate sponsors. Proceeds from the tournament go toward advancing student success, by supporting family stabilization, learning interventions, and scholarships. More info: https://www.cobbschoolsfoundation. org/special-events
10/27
ABA Golf Tournament
The Acworth Business Association’s annual tournament at Bentwater Golf Club is an excellent way to interact and engage with fellow members of the business community in a relaxed, fun-filled atmosphere. More info: acworthbusiness.org/ golf-tournament#!event-list
11/6-7
The Fall Classic presented by Delta Air Lines
Delta Corporate Real Estate hosts the 10th annual Fall Classic event at Braelinn Golf Club and Whitewater Creek Country Club and/ or sporting clays hosted at Foxhall Resort. Proceeds support Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Hughes Spalding Hospital. More info: choa.org •
ABOUT COBB COUNTY
Distance from Marietta to Downtown Atlanta: 20 mi
Distance from Marietta to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: 30 mi
POPULATION: 776,743
MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $503,580
COMBINED SALES TAX RATE: 7%
ONLINE: cobbcounty.org
Long regarded as one of the best places to live in metro Atlanta, Cobb County captures the best of all worlds with growing businesses, neighborhoods and more just beyond the I-285 Perimeter. It provides easy access to recreation and entertainment opportunities, as well as a thriving commercial center.
MAJOR EMPLOYERS:
• Amazon.com Services, Inc.
• The Home Depot
• Lockheed Martin Corp.
• Kennesaw State University
• Fed Ex Ground Package System
• Publix Supermarkets
• Walmart
• Wellstar Health System
• Piedmont Healthcare
ATTRACTIONS:
• Truist Park/The Battery Atlanta
• Six Flags Over Georgia/White Water
• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
• Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
• Silver Comet Trail
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
CITIES OF COBB:
ACWORTH acworth-ga.gov
Known as “The Lake City,” Acworth makes good use of its prime location on the banks of Lake Acworth with a full calendar of events centered around the water and abundant recreational activities.
AUSTELL austellga.gov
Although Austell is located just 18 miles from downtown Atlanta, It’s revitalized downtown gives it a small-town feel. The town is known for railfanning and the colorful train engines of the Atlanta rail lines.
KENNESAW kennesaw-ga.gov
Kennesaw is a bustling business center in Cobb County known as a great place to raise a family, while also being home to first-rate parks, the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History and Kennesaw State University.
MABLETON mableton.gov
Incorporated in 2022 and becoming Cobb County’s largest city with more than 78,000 residents, Mableton is home to Six Flags, the Historic Mable House and Mable House Amphitheater and access to the Silver Comet Trail.
MARIETTA mariettaga.gov
Historic Marietta Square serves as the city center for this vibrant and ever-growing community, boasting quaint shops, renowned restaurants, numerous museums, celebrated theatres and great hiking at Kennesaw Mountain.
POWDER SPRINGS cityofpowdersprings.org
Once a gold mining town, the city boasts a historic downtown, Thurman Springs Park, the Cobb County BMX Park and integrated bike and pedestrian trails.
SMYRNA smyrnaga.gov
Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Atlanta and winner of the Urban Land Institute’s Award of Excellence, the “Jonquil City” is home to a wealth of family-friendly, diverse neighborhoods, upscale dining establishments, pristine public parks and a vibrant Village Green.
Atlanta Cobb
Acworth
Austell Kennesaw
Marietta
Power Springs Smyrna
Marietta
Vinings
NEIGHBORHOODS OF COBB: CUMBERLAND
Situated 10 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, this unincorporated community serves as the region’s fifth largest business district and is home to the Atlanta Braves’ Truist Park.
VININGS
Unincorporated Vinings has become a go-to spot for a city-meets-the-suburbs experience, with upscale boutiques, exceptional restaurants and the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
EDUCATION:
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Cobb County Schools cobb.k12.org
Marietta City Schools marietta-city.org
FIVE PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Mount Paran Christian School mtparanschool.org
North Cobb Christian School ncchrisitan.org
The Walker School thewalkerschool.org
Whitefield Academy whitefieldacademy.com
Mt. Bethel Christian Academy mtbethelchristian.org
(source: Niche)
To view annual SAT scores by district and school, as well as Georgia Milestones scores, visit the Georgia Department of Education at gadoe.org.
MAJOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Chattahoochee Technical College chattahoocheetech.edu
Kennesaw State University kennesaw.edu
Life University life.edu
UTILITIES:
NATURAL GAS
SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com
PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET
Xfinity/Comcast xfinity.com
AT&T att.com
Spectrum spectrum.com
ELECTRICITY
Georgia Power georgiapower.com
Acworth Power acworth.org
Cobb EMC cobbemc.com H
GreyStone Power Corp. greystonepower.com
Marietta Power mariettaga.gov
WATER
Cobb County Water System cobbcounty.org
Marietta Water marietta.gov
H Select provider
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Truist Park- Home of the Atlanta Braves
A Family Tradition
BY CORY SEKINE-PETTITE
By the time you read this, the apple orchards in North Georgia will have opened to the public. Making the short drive to Ellijay to pick apples is a family tradition for many in our state, including me. For years, my wife and I have enjoyed the annual trek and we’ve often introduced the tradition to friends. Typically, we wait until later in the season to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and changing leaves. But no matter when you go, it’s always a good time, and the families that run these orchards know how to show visitors a good time.
We’re fortunate to have this opportunity. To buy directly from an orchard or farm. To see where our food comes from. To teach
our kids that it doesn’t just come from a store; it comes from the labor of others. Being a part of it — even for a day — is a privilege. The orchards likely will close for the season at the end of October, so I encourage you to plan a visit soon. You won’t be disappointed.
Speaking of Georgia-grown produce, my family also are frequent visitors to local farmers’ markets, especially the Saturday market on Marietta Square. Over the years, we have enjoyed getting to know the farmers who work incredibly hard to feed us, and we’ve even been able to help a few sell their wares to local restaurant owners. In a small way, helping to bridge those connections makes us feel like we are a part of
the process of feeding the population and sometimes introducing folks to new crops they may never have come across otherwise. For example, getting farmers access to a leafy green called mizuna or to shishito peppers, and then getting a few restaurants to add these ingredients to their menus.
Honestly, it doesn’t take much effort — it is, in fact, fun — to learn more about local agriculture and to become a part of the process yourself. Knowing where your food comes from and eating seasonally can make you a better-informed consumer and a healthier individual. You can start simply by picking apples this fall. •
THE VALUE OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP
If your home is powered by Cobb EMC, you’re a member of our co-op family. As your neighbor, Cobb EMC is powered by the purpose of making our community a better place—while providing our members with reliable power and low rates. We’re committed to bringing you value beyond electricity.
LOWEST RATES IN THE STATE
For three consecutive years, Cobb EMC has held the title of Georgia’s #1 lowest rates in the state.
MONEY BACK IN YOUR POCKET
$
Cobb EMC has given back $187 million to our members in the form of PCA credits and Capital Credits since 2013.
NATIONALLY RANKED RELIABILITY
Cobb EMC is ranked #1 nationally for delivering reliable power for the second year in a row.
WORKING TO EXCEED EXPECTATIONS
We are consistently top-rated in member satisfaction by nationally recognized customer satisfaction organizations.
