City of Powder Springs Hiring at DAV RecruitMilitary Veterans Job Fair
WHO: The City of Powder Springs and DAV RecruitMilitary are joining forces to empower veterans and military spouses with meaningful career opportunities.
WHAT: The City of Powder Springs will recruit at the DAV RecruitMilitary Veterans Job Fair. This is a free hiring event for veterans, transitioning military personnel, National Guard members, Reserve members and military spouses.
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
MORE DETAILS: “The City of Powder Springs recognizes the value that veterans and military spouses bring to our organization as we seek to hire and retain America’s top talent by participating in the DAV RecruitMilitary Veterans Job Fair,” said William Tanks, executive director for Public Services, Equity, and Inclusion for the City of Powder Springs.
“Our driving purpose is to empower veterans to find meaningful work opportunities,” said Tim Best, CEO of RecruitMilitary. “We work with companies throughout the world that see tremendous value in the transferable skills that military trained personnel bring to their organizations. We are please to provide these companies with a vast network of highly qualified veteran job candidates looking for meaningful civilian career opportunities.”
The City of Powder Springs is looking to hire veterans for multiple job openings in the City.
City of Powder Springs
Contact: Rosalyn Nealy, HR Director
Email: rnealy@cityofpowdersprings.org
Website: cityofpowdersprings.org
RecruitMilitary
Contact: Kelly Wagner
Email: kelly.wagner@recruitmilitary.com
Website: recruitmilitary.com
Georgia Symphony Orchestra holds free concert with Uzee Brown Society of Choraliers
The Georgia Symphony Orchestra (GSO) is holding a free “Walk Together, Children” chorus concert featuring the GSO Chorus and the Uzee Brown Society of Choraliers on Oct 8 at Zion Baptist Church.
“We are excited to bring quality choral classics to our community,” said Susan Stensland, Georgia Symphony’s Interim Co-Executive Director. “This is a soul-stirring performance you do not want to miss!!”
This is the second concert of GSO’s 72nd season and will be held at Zion Baptist Church at 3 p.m. on Oct 8. The concert is free, but registration is requested.
GSO Music Director Bryan Black will lead the choruses in their performance. The program includes Hoagy Carmichael’s “Georgia on My Mind”, Eric Whitacre’s “Sing Gently”, “Walk Together, Children” arranged by Moses Hogan, Oscar Peterson’s “Hymn to Freedom”, and Richard Jackson’s arrangement of “Rock My Soul”.
The Uzee Brown Society of Choraliers was founded in 2009 by Uzee Brown Jr. to study and sing music for the enjoyment of its members and the general public, to preserve and promote African American musical traditions, and to enrich the community.
The Georgia Symphony Orchestra’s 72nd season has more performances and seating options than ever. With seven remaining concert series that include several matinee performances, there is something for everyone!
Zion Baptist Church is located at 165 Lemon Street (Zion Blvd.) Marietta, GA 30060
For more information or to get your tickets, email info@georgiasymphony.org or call 770-615-2908.
Arc 3 Communications Announces New Account Executive for Public Affairs
Rising star in public affairs strengthens multi-state advocacy capabilities
Arc 3 Communications, a public affairs agency that specializes in content, digital and advocacy, announced that they have hired new account executive, Gabrielle Deliz. With extensive government affairs experience in the private and public sectors, Deliz most recently served as a government consultant for the Thomas Howell Ferguson, P.A. CPAs firm in Tallahassee, where she consulted for the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM). With strong legislative and regulatory knowledge at the state and local government levels, Deliz will provide top-notch advocacy for clients to meet their public affairs needs.
Prior to consulting on behalf of the FDEM, Deliz served in the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection. She also previously worked for the Republican Party of Florida as a part of the 2018
campaign team behind the election of Governor DeSantis and other officials. Deliz has also served in
the legislative office of the former Florida Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jose R. Oliva.
Deliz is a cum laude graduate of the Florida State University where she received a Bachelor of Science
in Political Science and a Minor in Communications. During her undergraduate tenure, Deliz was
deeply involved in the FSU Foundation, where she developed a passion for philanthropy and higher
education. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at FSU.
“Arc 3 Communications has achieved impactful results for clients in the area of local and state
advocacy across the country,” Deliz said. “I am excited to join the agency and look forward to
providing additional value for our clients in these areas.”
“Gabrielle is a rising star in public affairs and will be a tremendous asset to our clients in the area of
multi-state advocacy at the local and state levels,” said Founder and President, Patrick Burns.
About Arc 3 Communications
Founded in 2011, Arc 3 Communications is an innovative public affairs agency that specializes in
content, digital and advocacy services for clients. Arc 3 provides winning public affairs solutions to
businesses, trade associations, non-profits, and government agencies. We produce dynamic content,
innovative digital campaigns and effective advocacy that results in legislative, electoral, and civic
engagement victories for clients.
The Powder Springs community is invited to the One Book, One City: Tween Challenge author event 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Thurman Springs Park’s Hardy Family Automotive Amphitheater, 4485 Pineview Drive, Powder Springs.
The book selection for the citywide event is Unsettled by award-winning author Reem Farqui. She will read from the juvenile fiction book and answer questions, and will be available to sign copies of her books.
Unsettled is a story of Nurah as she strives to adapt to change in a new world following her family’s move from Karachi, Pakistan, to Peachtree City, Ga. Written in verse, Unsettled is about Nurah’s efforts to fit in as a young student and covers a range of themes, including friendship, bullying, racial profiling and more.
“A thought-provoking and engaging coming-of-age story,” a School Library Journal review said of Unsettled. “Spare verses and the simple motif of a seed sprouting and laying down roots make this story accessible to younger readers, who will easily identify or empathize with Nurah as she navigates the tricky art of fitting in while being true to herself,” wrote a book reviewer in American Library Association’s Booklist.
Unsettled will also be at the center of the One Book, One City: Youth Book Discussion on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the Powder Springs Library, 4181 Atlanta St.. The friendly discussion event is open to ages 8 and up. The event will also be available virtually.
One Book, One City citywide literary events encourage the community to read the same book at the same time to promote bringing the public together and lifelong reading. This is a joint venture between the City of Powder Springs, the Book Worm Bookstore located in the city’s downtown district, and the Powder Springs Public Library.
Readers from neighboring communities – tweens, teens and adults – are also encouraged to join the challenge and attend the author event. The Oct. 22 event will occur during Powder Springs’ Halloween-themed morning, which will also feature the Spooktacular Chase 5K/8K at 8 a.m. and Trunk-or-Treat from 10 a.m. to noon.
For information about the One Book, One City: Tween Challenge, call Powder Springs Public Library at 770-439-3600 or the Book Worm Bookstore at 770-439-2029. For information on the Spooktacular Chase or Trunk-or-Treat, visit cityofpowdersprings.org.
Smith-Gilbert Gardens receives grant from Georgia Council for the Arts
Smith-Gilbert Gardens was awarded a grant by Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, as part of its initial disbursement of grants for fiscal year 2023. A total of 213 organizations were awarded 253 grants that provide more than $3.1 million in funding to arts organizations throughout the state. The Bridge Grant will provide operating support funding to 134 organizations, the Project Grant will help fund 59 arts projects, and the Arts Education Program Grant will be distributed to 60 organizations.
“The arts sector has proven its resilience over the last two years, and it has played a major role in restarting the economy through attracting tourism, bringing communities back together, and aiding classroom learning as we inspire the workforce of the future,” said Georgia Council for the Arts Executive Director Tina Lilly. “The 253 grants we have awarded will help cities and organizations bring people more back to work while enhancing the qualities that make Georgia so special.”
“Support from GCA’s Project Grant has allowed the Gardens to bring new outdoor sculptures to the Kennesaw community,” says Guest Experience Manager Vanita Keswani. “It provides opportunities to K-12 students, university students and visitors in art education- all while inviting local resources to expand the impact of Art Blooms. We have been encouraged and excited to see additional support from local foundations, district school departments and businesses become a part of a City public art program.”
Funds awarded by Georgia Council for the Arts include appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) uses Peer Review Panels to judge and review applications following standard practices set by the National Endowment for the Arts. Panelists are GCA Council members and fellow professionals who are experienced in the arts discipline or type of grant being reviewed, or are citizens with a record of arts activities, experience, and knowledge. Grant recipients include theaters, dance companies, museums, cities, colleges, and multi-discipline arts entities. A complete list of fiscal year 2023 grantees in these program areas can be found here.
About Georgia Council for the Arts
Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) is a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development whose mission is to cultivate the growth of vibrant, thriving Georgia communities through the arts. GCA provides grant funding, programs, and services statewide that support the vital arts industry, preserve the state’s cultural heritage, increase tourism, and nurture strong communities. Funding for Georgia Council for the Arts is provided by appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. Visit http://www.gaarts.org for more information.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts and location for film, music, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit http://www.georgia.org for more information.
GBC’s Partnership with Innovation Refunds Helps Customers Collect Money from the Government
Small and medium-sized businesses can get a payroll tax refund through ERC.
Georgia Banking Company(“GBC”) has teamed up with Innovation Refunds (“IR”), an industry leader specializing in the federal Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and payroll tax refunds, to help businesses claim up to $26,000 per employee kept on payroll during COVID-19.
The ERC is a refundable tax credit that allows companies to claim payroll taxes paid during COVID-19 even if they have received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds. In just one year, IR has helped thousands of businesses collect more than $1 billion in refunds, with an average refund of $375,000.
“GBC was built to support the growth of thriving Georgia businesses. As they continue to recover from the challenges of the pandemic, it is prudent for business owners to take advantage of relief opportunities such as the ERC program,” said Richard Fairey, President & Chief Operating Officer of GBC.
“Even during the pandemic, many businesses were unaware of the benefits available to them through ERC. Organizations should leverage the expertise of tax professionals like IR to take advantage of the opportunities afforded them by the Federal Government,” said Fairey.
With more than 80% of businesses qualifying for the payroll tax refund through the ERC, GBC’s partnership with IR can help ensure companies do not leave money on the table. To see if your business qualifies for the ERC, visit GeorgiaBanking.com/employee-retention-credit.
2022 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT ON OCTOBER 5
Wednesday, October 5
The Cobb Chamber will host the 2022 Economic Development Summit, presented by Frenik Marketing Group, on Wednesday, October 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cobb Galleria Centre. This summit brings together state and local leaders to cover the latest trends and advancements in logistics, workforce development, international trade, and transportation impacting Cobb County and the surrounding region.
Our keynote speaker is Pat Wilson, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Additional speakers include:
- Commissioner Greg Dozier, Technical College System of Georgia
- Stacy B. Watson, Director of Economic & Industrial Development, Georgia Ports Authority
- Chris Green, Director of Economic Development, University System of Georgia
- Tracy Styf, Executive Director, Town Center CID
- Kim Menefee, Executive Director, Cumberland CID
- Caroline Whaley, Executive Director, Gateway Marietta CID
- Jason Gaines, Board Member, South Cobb Redevelopment Authority
Thank you to Presenting Sponsor, Frenik Marketing Group; Lunch Sponsor, Comcast; AV Sponsor, Creative Element Productions; Parking Sponsor, LAZ Parking; Gold Sponsors, Cobb EMC, Croy Engineering, Cumberland CID, Cushman & Wakefield, Georgia Power, HNTB, Kennesaw State University, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Smith + Howard, Taylor English & Taylor English Decisions, and Town Center CID; and Silver Sponsors, Bank of America, CERM | Corporate Environmental Risk Management, Council for Quality Growth, Deloitte, Gas South, Gateway Marietta CID, Genuine Parts Company, and Verizon.
Chattahoochee Tech Welcomes Three Community Leaders to Board of Directors and Honors Outgoing Board Chair
Chattahoochee Technical College has welcomed community leaders Pam Carnes, Roberto Murillo, and Ford Thigpen to serve on the college’s board of directors while honoring outgoing board chair Jim Larson with an award of appreciation.
Pam Carnes is president and CEO of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, where she has worked since 1991. She recently completed a three-year term on the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board of Trustees. Carnes also served previously for 12 consecutive years on the Chattahoochee Tech board of directors, and was board chair in 2011 and 2012.
Roberto Murillo is the complex human resource manager for Pilgrim’s in Ellijay. With nearly 15 years of experience at Pilgrim’s, he is knowledgeable about all of the company divisions, including production, compliance, quality control, and training. Pilgrim’s is viewed as a good corporate citizen in Gilmer County due greatly to Murillo’s efforts and dedication to establishing and maintaining positive relationships within the community.
Ford Thigpen is the Northwest Georgia regional president for Westside Bank, a division of The Piedmont Bank. He is a lifelong Georgia resident who grew up in Paulding County, and currently lives with his family in Kennesaw. He is active in many civic organizations, including the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Paulding County. He also has served previously as a member of the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation Board of Trustees.
In addition to welcoming these new board members, Chattahoochee Tech presented outgoing board chair Jim Larson with an award of appreciation on Sept. 9 for his outstanding service. Larson is the director of talent and corporate training manager for Yancey Bros. “We greatly appreciate Jim’s dedicated service to the college and to our students,” said Chattahoochee Tech President Dr. Ron Newcomb. “He has provided steadfast support, which included leading training sessions for several student leadership programs.” Serving as the new board chair is Debbie Underkoffler, president and CEO of North Georgia Staffing.
The Chattahoochee Tech Board of Directors is an advisory board composed of members who were nominated by area industry and community leaders, and approved by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). As new members of this board, Carnes, Murillo and Thigpen will fulfill important roles as advocates within the community on issues of importance involving the college and the local workforce.
For more information, visit http://www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.
About Chattahoochee Technical College:
Chattahoochee Technical College awards certificates, diplomas and associate degrees in programs of study for students to become highly skilled professionals in some of the nation’s fastest-growing, high-demand career fields. A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), Chattahoochee Tech is the largest technical college in the state with eight campus locations serving the counties of Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Gilmer, Paulding, and Pickens. The college also offers customized workforce training, continuing education classes, and adult education programs that include free GED and HiSET preparation. More information is available at www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.
The Cobb Chamber’s Board of Directors has named Mike Plant, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Atlanta Braves Development Company, as its 2024 Chairman of the Board.
Plant will succeed Gregory D. Teague, PE, President of Croy Engineering, who begins his term as Chairman of the Board in 2023. Plant will start his term as Chairman in January 2024.
“I am so honored to serve as the Chamber’s 2024 Chairman and have the opportunity to work with the Chamber’s leadership team, in partnership with the Board of Directors to continue advancing the organization’s mission and strategic focus to create healthy conditions for Cobb’s businesses,” said Mike Plant. “The Cobb Chamber and business community has been incredibly supportive from the beginning of our vision to create a new destination in the county that is now globally recognized.”
Plant has been a member of the Cobb Chamber and SelectCobb Board of Directors since 2015. He has also served on the Chamber’s Executive Committee, the Transportation and Mobility Committee, and as a SelectCobb investor for many years. In addition, Plant has served on the Cumberland Community Improvement District’s Board of Directors for several years. During the pandemic, Plant played a key role in the Cobb Chamber’s economic recovery efforts, utilizing Truist Park as a logistical hub for the Cobb Community Foundation’s Cobb Community Food Fleet, serving nearly 3.7 million meals to people in need.
As President and Chief Executive Officer of The Atlanta Braves Development Company, Plant oversees the Braves real estate and development holdings including The Battery Atlanta, its development and project management teams, design, financing, construction and leasing activities. In addition, Braves and Battery security, life safety, parking and government relations are all consolidated under Plant’s leadership. He also oversees the organization’s new Spring Training complex in Northport, Fla.
As part of the Braves executive leadership team, Plant was instrumental in the Braves’ efforts to secure and plan Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta, which opened in Cobb County in April 2017. The creative and innovative approach Plant led since the project’s inception has been recognized as a leading example of how to structure a successful Public/Private partnership now generating substantial returns for multiple government entities. The Battery Atlanta is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after office locations in the metro area. By 2024, The Battery Atlanta will be home to four Fortune 500 companies – Comcast, Papa John’s, TK Elevator, and Truist Securities, and The Battery Atlanta is on pace to host 10.5 million fans and guests in that same timeframe.
“The Cobb Chamber is excited to announce that Mike Plant will serve in its top leadership position as its 2024 Chairman of the Board,” said Sharon Mason, President and CEO of the Cobb Chamber. “Since the Atlanta Braves announced their new home in Cobb County, Mike has served as an incredible partner and engaged member of our Chamber. His vision and tenacity have transformed what was once an unused tract of land into a dynamic lifestyle destination that serves as an economic driver for our county. I look forward to advancing our work in economic development, workforce development, and pro-business advocacy with our newly appointed Chairman.”
Plant was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Speedskating team in Lake Placid, NY, and a six-time member of the U.S. World Championship speedskating teams. Since 1980, he has been appointed to numerous committees and boards for the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), U.S. Speedskating, International Cycling Federation, and USA Cycling. Plant served on the Atlanta Committee for the 1996 Olympic Games (ACOG) Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees for the Salt Lake City Olympic Bid Committee for the 2002 Winter Games.
Plant served two eight-year terms on the USOC’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee (1984- 1992 and 2003-2011). He was chairman of the USOC Athletes Council, and chairman of the Athlete Performance Group (1992-1996). Plant was president of USA Cycling, the National Governing Body for Olympic cycling, from 1995 to 2002, and president of U.S. Speedskating from 2013 to 2018.
Internationally, Plant served almost 20 years on the International Cycling Federation’s (UCI) Executive Committee and was president of three different commissions. In 2009, Plant was elected U.S. Olympic Chef de Mission for the Olympic team for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.
He and his wife, Mary, have two daughters, Erika and Maddie, and a son, Drew.
Local Author Publishes New Book on Business Storytelling
Local author Robert Carnes has recently announced his latest book, The Story Cycle, a guide to storytelling and marketing aimed at business leaders and entrepreneurs.
“Companies talk about stories a lot, but they’re not always sure what their story is or how to tell it,” said Carnes. “I wanted to create an accessible guide that answers both questions for business leaders and professional marketers.”
Using a mix of timeless principles and real-world examples, The Story Cycle explains the unique elements of an organizational narrative and the six steps required to share one. The idea behind the book’s title explains how effective stories lead to more business and more stories.
“Story as a marketing buzzword feels like it’s been explored to death,” said Atlanta screenwriter Hudson Philips in an endorsement for the book. “Carnes brings something refreshing and new to the conversation with clear and concise language to help you not only effectively market your organization but to truly change the lives of your customers along the way.”
The Story Cycle isn’t the first storytelling book Carnes has written. In 2017, he self-published a devotional called The Original Storyteller which explores the narrative aspects of the Bible. Carnes draws on his experience in marketing and journalism—industries he’s worked in for over a decade.
Carnes currently works as the marketing manager at Marietta-based digital marketing agency GreenMellen, while also freelancing as a copywriter and marketing strategist. He’s an active member of the Atlanta chapter of the American Marketing Association and the Cobb Chamber of Commerce.
Available online from Amazon and Barnes & Noble, The Story Cycle is currently on presale from Amazon and Barnes & Noble and will be officially released on October 11, 2022. The book is published by Lucid Books, based out of Houston, Texas.
To learn more about The Story Cycle or to purchase your copy, visit StoryCycleBook.com.
