News
Upgrade to Windows 11 Now
It’s official; Windows 10 is no longer supported by Microsoft. It was an incredibly popular operating system, which might give you a certain level of hesitation to move on and upgrade to Windows 11, but we want to urge you to do so now rather than later. Let’s take a look at your options and which one is best for your business. What Should I Do? The important thing to know right now is that you have options, some of which are better than others. Let’s go over our recommendations in order of
3 Signs You’re Dealing with a Phishing Scam
Here’s a fun thought experiment; can your team identify phishing scams and respond to them appropriately? It’s a skill that must be learned if you want your organization to be successful and safe. Today, we’re taking a look at the three big signs you’re looking at a phishing scam (and what to do about it). You Don’t Know the Sender An unknown sender isn’t necessarily a giveaway sign of a phishing attack, but you need to consider more than just the sender. You run a business, and that business is often
3 Ways an Intranet Can Revolutionize Your Operations
There are countless moving parts for any business, and if you don’t keep your operations organized, you could quickly find yourself losing grasp of your business in the worst ways. SMBs might use instant messaging, shared drives, and endless email chains to communicate internally, but there’s a better, less clunky solution. We’re looking into the intranet, a digital hub for your business that offers several benefits. What is an Intranet Solution? An intranet is a centralized repository for your
Lessons About Shadow IT, Direct from the North Pole
Shadow IT is a big problem, no matter where it’s being used—even at the most famous toy manufacturer in history’s facility. Consider this a case study of why it is essential to listen to your IT department, especially when it comes to the tools they provide. For once, Jangle felt at peace… at least, relative to this time of year. The co-manager of the North Pole’s IT department scanned his array of monitors, seeking out the metrics coming in from the various departments that were all hard at work
Use Your Data to Fuel a Better Business
Operational efficiency is pretty important for businesses. Wasting time, money, and resources can stifle growth and put you at a competitive disadvantage. Fortunately, technology offers powerful solutions used to eliminate common inefficiencies. Today, we want to go through five ways you can use technology to drive real results. Embrace Automation Do your employees spend hours doing things a computer could do? These are prime targets for automation. Process automation tools can take on rule-based,
How to Calculate Your Next IT Project’s ROI
Depending on the sector your business falls into, you’ll want to implement technology solutions designed to help you be successful in the context of that sector. Part of that means investing in new solutions that can yield a satisfactory return on investment, or ROI. But how do you know if a solution can yield a good ROI, and most important of all, what kind of math goes into ensuring you’re not overspending on IT that doesn’t produce results? Understanding ROI In short, ROI is essentially
Don't Let AI Tank Your Customer Relationships
AI is a game-changer, there's no doubt about it. From the value your business gets from streamlining operations to its powerful information retrieval, it’s changed, in a very short amount of time, how knowledge-based businesses operate. If you're thinking of handing over your entire customer support operation to an AI, however, you need to pump the brakes a bit. While AI offers incredible efficiencies, completely removing the human element could be a problem for your business. Think about your own
3 Ways You Can Use Excel Effectively
Some of the most versatile and useful technology out there might already be installed on your infrastructure. One such tool is Microsoft Excel, Microsoft 365’s spreadsheet building platform. You might be surprised to find out that Excel can be used in some interesting ways—including these three uses. Financial Management Excel can be used to build budgets, track expenses, and invoice clients in a simple way. Excel offers real-time visibility into your cash flow, which helps your business make better
Why AI's Biggest Upgrade is... You!
We’ve all been given an impression of what artificial intelligence is or will ultimately become through pop culture. HAL 9000, Skynet, Ultron, and M3GAN each show their own form of calculated malice. However, in reality, the true potential of AI is more in line with the likes of Rosie the Robot, JARVIS, R2-D2, or Data, helpful companions who assist their cohort in generating ideas or completing tasks, often leaning on the soft skills that have been so valued in human relationships, things like
Proline Pressure Washing Launches $500 Sweepstakes to Engage and Give Back to the Community
Proline Pressure Washing, LLC is pleased to announce the launch of a $500 Cash Sweepstakes Giveaway as part of its ongoing commitment to community engagement throughout the Greater Perimeter area. The sweepstakes is open to the public and designed to connect with residents and businesses across the region while increasing awareness of Proline’s professional exterior cleaning services. No purchase is necessary to enter. Participants may enter by visiting https://www.prolinepressurewash.com/sweepstakes,
Unlocking the Power of Standing Desks
Are you tired of that afternoon slump, the achy back, or just feeling generally sluggish after hours of sitting? Well, what if I told you there's a simple change you can make that could improve your workday and boost your well-being? We're talking about the mighty standing desk. We're all looking for ways to feel better and be more productive, and standing desks are quickly becoming a must-have for good reason. Let's walk around some of the awesome benefits they bring to the table. Kick the
Delta Community Announces 2026 Philanthropic Fund Grant Recipients
ATLANTA (Dec. 5, 2025) – Delta Community Credit Union is pleased to announce its 2026 Philanthropic Fund grant recipients. Committed to strengthening metro Atlanta communities, Delta Community will provide a total of $150,000 in grants to 20 nonprofits that support local children and families through programming in health and human services; financial education; or science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education. Delta Community will have invested more than $1.4 million in more than 260
Sandy Springs’ long journey to cityhood
Businessman, author, and entrepreneur Oliver Porter played an instrumental role in the lobbying, cityhood, and structure of Sandy Springs’ city government more than two decades ago. On Dec. 1, Sandy Springs will celebrate 20 years of cityhood. Located just north of the perimeter, Sandy Springs has roots dating back to the 1800s when Native Americans frequented the area’s bubbling springs. Known as one of the first cities to follow a public-private partnership model, today the city boasts a population of
Retail Crime, Cargo Theft Impacts Businesses and Consumers Across the Country
Across the country, surges in retail crime and cargo theft are putting the nation’s businesses and consumers at risk. While higher-profile crimes and finger-pointing grab the headlines, businesses continue to struggle with rising business-focused crimes, and employees, businesses, and consumers are playing the price. Crimes against businesses impact local communities, workers, and the businesses they rely on. Tackling this issue requires support from policymakers, law enforcement, prosecutors, and
Proline Pressure Washing, LLC Joins the Greater Perimeter Chamber of Commerce
Sandy Springs, GA — Proline Pressure Washing, LLC is proud to announce its official membership in the Greater Perimeter Chamber of Commerce, further strengthening the company’s commitment to serving the Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, and Greater Atlanta communities with professional, high-quality exterior cleaning services. Founded on integrity, technical expertise, and industry-leading safety standards, Proline Pressure Washing delivers premium residential, commercial, and industrial exterior
Tip of the Week: How to Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
There is a seemingly infinite number of cybersecurity threats out there, but there are few threats more dangerous than ransomware. If a business hasn’t taken precautions against it, ransomware can (and will) find ways to extort money, hold data hostage, and threaten that organization’s continuity. Today, we want to cover what ransomware does, what you need to do to prevent it, and what to do if you’re attacked. What is Ransomware? Ransomware locks down your business’ files through encryption, then
GoTo Foods® Appoints Omer Gajial as Chief Executive Officer
ATLANTA – GoTo Foods, the platform company behind seven beloved and iconic foodservice brands, today announced the appointment of Omer Gajial as Chief Executive Officer, effective December 2, 2025. Mr. Gajial succeeds Jim Holthouser, who is retiring after nearly six years serving as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Gajial brings over two decades of consumer-retail expertise, having served in leadership roles across major global organizations. Most recently, he served as Chief Merchandising and Digital
Sandy Springs opens ticket sales for 2026 Daddy Daughter Dance
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The 16th annual Daddy-Daughter Dance is back with two magical nights Friday, Jan. 9 and Saturday, Jan. 10 on the third floor of Sandy Springs City Hall. The beloved community tradition features music from dads, and father figures, with their daughter’s favorite playlists provided by a live disc jockey from 6-8 p.m. both evenings. Beyond dancing, there will be plenty of activities, including musical games, dinner and refreshments. Read more here
Dunwoody is a Digital Cities Survey top-10 winner
Dunwoody, GA – Dec. 2, 2025 – The Center for Digital Government (CDG) has named the City of Dunwoody as a top-10 winner of the 2025 Digital Cities Survey Award, which recognizes cities using technology to strengthen cybersecurity, and enhance transparency, digital privacy rights, and digital equity. Dunwoody was recognized, along with the top 10-ranking cities in each of five population categories, during the Digital Cities Awards event at the National League of Cities “City Summit” last month in Salt
6 Innovative Ways to Use Ring for Your Small Business
As millions of Americans know, Ring cameras, alarms, sensors, and doorbells can be a powerful tool for deterring threats and keeping your property safe. But did you know small businesses can also use Ring products to optimize their productivity, proactively manage security, and even empower their teams? Keep reading to learn how two small businesses are using Ring solutions in innovative ways, to uncover insights that help them improve their operations, and find out how you can utilize these solutions
How to Keep Your IT From Holding You Back
Many businesses think of IT as nothing but an expense, often represented by losses on your budgeting reports. You might dump countless dollars into your IT only for it to eat it all up without providing any discernible return on investment. Here’s the truth about IT: when it’s managed properly, it can represent opportunity and investment rather than expense. First, you need to reframe your mindset about technology—and it all starts with looking at the original IT management model: break-fix IT. The
Microsoft SharePoint: What It Is (And What Your Business Can Do With It)
Centralized Document Management and Version Control There’s nothing more frustrating than doing work multiple times, yet this happens frequently when teams don’t have a centralized document management tool with version control. SharePoint provides a secure, central place where your business documents can live, and with robust version control, you can know when documents are last edited or saved. Additionally, you can revert back to a prior version of a document if you need to. There won’t be any
Business Data: Ask the Right Questions, Get Smarter Answers
How Did We Get Here? Autopsy of a Data Graveyard Your data didn't become useless on purpose. It happens for a few common reasons. They include: Data silos - The classic culprit. Your sales data lives in your CRM, your accounting data is in QuickBooks, and your customer support logs are in a completely different system. Because they don't talk to each other, you can never get a complete picture of a customer's journey.Dirty data - This is a silent killer. Typos, duplicate entries, and missing fields
CAC, Solidarity Sandy Springs works to bring joy to children this holiday season
More than 700 children still need help from the Sandy Springs and Dunwoody communities in the Community Assistance Center’s Hope for the Holidays program. And Solidarity Sandy Springs still needs donors to help 20 families in its Solidarity Secret Santa – Adopt a Family program. The CAC’s program connects sponsors with families in need. Sponsors visit CAC’s website to choose a family. From a list provided, sponsors purchase physical gifts for the children and deliver them unwrapped to the CAC Holiday
Sandy Springs adds miles of street paving with $1.27 million grant
An unexpected $1.27 million grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation will enable Sandy Springs to resurface sections of an additional 19 city streets. The Sandy Springs City Council approved a change order during its Nov. 18 meeting to a contract with East Coast Grading to add the resurfacing using Local Road Assistance (LRA) funds distributed by GDOT. Public Works Director Marty Martin said the LRA funds came after the council awarded a $6.5 million contract to the company in May. Read more
KSU Student Managed Investment Fund Secures First Place at 2025 CFA Ethics Challenge
Kennesaw State University’s Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) recently earned a major victory, taking first place at the 2025 Southeast Regional CFA Ethics Challenge hosted at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. The win marks a return to the top for Kennesaw State, which last claimed the title in 2021. The team—Jennifer Remer, Carolina Julian, Matt Hammer, and Quinn Skurpski—competed under the guidance of Govind Hariharan, Chair and Faculty Advisor to KSU SMIF and longtime advisor for the
Third annual ‘Spirit of DeKalb’ awards returns on Dec. 13
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The Spirit of DeKalb Awards is set to return for its third year on Dec. 13 with a gala dedicated to celebrating leaders and innovators in the DeKalb community. The gala will be held at the Perimeter Crowne Plaza Ravinia and hosted by Ryan Cameron, an award winning radio personality, comedian and philanthropist. The event is co-sponsored by DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, according to a DeKalb County news release. “The Spirit of DeKalb Awards is our opportunity to shine a light on the
Georgia Power, Atlanta Falcons team up for Light Up the Holidays contest
Georgia Power and the Atlanta Falcons are teaming up to spread holiday spirit through Georgia Power’s Light Up the Holidays Contest. From Nov. 28 through Dec. 12, customers are invited to share how they’re “lighting up the holidays” – either with festive decorations or acts of community service – by entering the Light Up the Holidays Contest. The contest is hosted exclusively on Georgia Power’s Instagram page, and participants have a chance to win a variety of prizes including the Grand Prize experience
Fraud Alert - Planning & Zoning
Dunwoody, GA – November 26, 2025 – Fraud Alert! We’re investigating a series of fraudulent emails sent to residents and businesses with planning-related applications filed with the City of Dunwoody. These include zoning and variance cases, as well as special administrative permits. The emails request payment by electronic wire transfer. This is a RED flag. The City never uses wire transfers for these matters. Another clue – the emails are coming from the Planning Commission, which typically does not send
Holiday Lights returns to Dunwoody on Dec. 2
Dunwoody, GA – November 24, 2025 – Dunwoody Parks and Recreation announces the return of Holiday Lights at Brook Run Park, now in its sixth year. This beloved tradition will shine brighter than ever with a brand-new Cosmic Wonderland theme. Opening night festivities kick off on Dec. 2 from 4 to 7 p.m., with Dunwoody City Council Members officially lighting the park at 6 p.m. “Holiday Lights has become a Dunwoody tradition, inviting residents and visitors alike a chance to experience the magic of the
11 Expert Strategies to Help New Managers Succeed as Leaders
Becoming a manager is a major milestone—and a big responsibility. From adopting a laissez-faire leadership approach to taking a more hands-on style, every manager develops their own way of leading a team. Whether you’re just stepping into a leadership role or helping a new manager find their footing, this guide offers practical advice for anybody looking to develop strong, effective leadership.Strategies for new manager success As a new manager, how you start your leadership journey sets the tone for
Tensions flare at DeKalb zoning meeting about data centers
DECATUR, Ga. — The DeKalb County Commission met Nov. 20 and deferred action on regulations for data centers until the end of the year. The commission also deferred a decision on a proposed 1-million-square-foot facility at 4280 and 4358 Loveless Place and 2281 Pineview Trail in Ellenwood in South DeKalb County. The proposal drew opposition from South DeKalb residents. About two dozen people rallied against it and such facilities generally, before the meeting. Between 75 and 100 people attended
Sandy Springs mayoral candidates Paul and Carter discuss political endorsements, jabs.
Rough Draft hosted the public mayoral candidates’ forum on Zoom on Thursday, Nov. 20. A recording of the forum, and another between the City Council District 4 candidates, have been posted on YouTube. The campaign heated up when State Rep. Esther Feuer Panitch (D-Sandy Springs), posted an endorsement for Paul on social media. She said the city’s Jewish residents need a mayor who will specifically name specific threats and stand up for the Jewish community. In a reply to the endorsement post that
DeKalb County approves $78M ambulance contract to improve response times
DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a new five-year contract with American Medical Response (AMR) for emergency ambulance services, a contract extension of nearly $78 million, during a Nov. 18 meeting. The new contract will increase unit hours to 600 per day, adding a number of other initiatives to improve response times, according to a release from DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. The performance-based contract also calls for an increased number of ambulances in
Dunwoody celebrates Art for All at Wildcat Park
The Dunwoody Art Commission introduces Art for All at Wildcat Park, a public art exhibit featuring 12 vibrant sculptures and dynamic pieces. Installation began last week, and the official unveiling is scheduled for Monday, December 1, at 3 p.m. All are welcome. “These colorful, engaging, and thought-provoking pieces will give residents and visitors a new reason to stop by Wildcat Park and stay awhile,” said Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch. “I’m so pleased to see our public art program expanding and becoming
Making a Holiday Budget and Spending Less
It’s still a bit early in the holiday season and there’s still time to have a strategy, plan and budget for having a happy and cost-effective holiday. A budget can prevent overspending and then the unpleasant consequence of having to painfully constrict expenditures after the holidays to help pay off accumulated seasonal debt. Here are some easy steps to budgeting and spending wisely during the upcoming holiday season: Make a list of all expected holiday expenses, check it twice and then prioritize it.
Community Assistance Center opens Empowerment Center
The Community Assistance Center brought its career and adult education services together with the grand opening of its Empowerment Center on Nov. 13.Executive Director Francis K. Horton III said the Empowerment Center was the first project completed in its $18 million, three-year Compassion in Action capital campaign. CTJ Construction completed renovations of the second floor of the CAC’s building at 1130 Hightower Trail in Sandy Springs. Holder Construction donated all the furniture for the Empowerment
Doctor-turned-entrepreneur shares how seniors can avoid the ER
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dr. Nadia Nabavi, a former Northside Hospital and Grady Healthcare physician, said the top three reasons seniors end up in the emergency room are falls, UTIs and pneumonia. The North Atlanta chapter of Adult Children of Aging Parents invited Nabavi to host its Nov. 11 program, “From UTIs to Falls: Understanding What Sends Seniors to the Emergency Room,” at Dunwoody United methodist Church. Nabavi listed the Big Three causes in order. She said a third of people over age 65
Jiu Jitsu for Kids: What’s the Right Age to Start and the Developmental Benefits
&##128161; Why do so many parents consider Jiu Jitsu for their kids? For many parents, choosing the right extracurricular activity for their children can be challenging. Finding something that’s safe, fun, promotes physical, mental, and social development, while also helping to channel energy, teach discipline, and boost self-esteem can feel like a big task. But American Top Team can help! Jiu Jitsu classes — especially Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) — have become one of the best
DeKalb launching resource guide amid economic uncertainty
DECATUR, Ga. — DeKalb County is working to help residents feeling the ripple effects of the recent federal government shutdown. The shutdown was the longest in United States history. Individuals and families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits saw cuts to their allotments this month. SNAP benefits were not intended to be issued this month, but after new federal directives, the Georgia Department of Human Services issued partial benefits last week. The
Georgia’s Kaden J. Competes at the 2025 National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C.
ATLANTA – The Georgia Chamber of Commerce congratulates Kaden J., a middle school civic leader from Fayette County, for representing Georgia at the 2025 National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C. The Civics Bee is an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Kaden earned his place in the 2025 National Civics Bee Championship after winning the Georgia State Finals of the National Civics Bee, which the Georgia Chamber and the
How to Tell Customers an Employee Has Left Your Company
When an account manager or client-facing employee leaves the company, there is almost always an awkward moment when you need to tell the client. Even when the employee departs on good terms, telling customers that the person they’ve worked with is gone can be a sensitive subject. Here are some ways to handle those conversations and keep your customers satisfied. [Read more: Touchy Subjects and How to Communicate Them to Customers]Let the client know as soon as possible If the employee is in a
WBL Announces Leadership Transition: Petra Orquiola Named Managing Partner
Longtime Partner Takes the Helm as WBL Reaffirms Its Commitment to Independence, Excellence, and Values-Driven Leadership Atlanta, GA — WBL is pleased to announce a change in firm leadership as part of the firm's strategic succession planning. Effective October 1st, as selected by the WBL Partner Group, Petra Orquiola assumed the role of Managing Partner, succeeding Bruce Benator. Orquiola has been a valued member of the WBL team for 20 years and has served as a partner for the past decade. Throughout
Do You Really Know Your Numbers?
Do You Really Know Your Numbers?Josh Gardner Director of Client Accounting & Advisory Services @ Symphona | Helping small business owners get control of their finances If you’ve ever wondered whether your books are even right… if you’ve felt like you’re guessing at margins or worried you might be bleeding cash without realizing it — you’re not alone. What most business owners are really missing is a clear picture of their profit and loss statement. Your P&L should tell the story of your business: what it
Key Investments New Business Owners Should Prioritize for Success
Launching a business is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with crucial decisions about where to invest limited time and capital. Whether you’re hiring your first employee, securing your first vendor contract, or marketing your first product, choosing the right foundational investments can make the difference between surviving and thriving.1. Professional Foundations: Finance, Legal, and Compliance New business owners should start with the fundamentals: Business banking — Open a dedicated account
TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Names New Executive Director
Effective August 1, 2025, Liz Loreti, CFRE, MA, became the Executive Director of TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation (myturningpoint.org), a unique breast cancer nonprofit focused on providing essential survivorship services for breast cancer patients of all backgrounds for nearly 22 years.“We are thrilled to welcome Liz as the new Executive Director of TurningPoint as she brings a wealth of nonprofit experience and will be an immediate asset,” said Kathy Smith, TurningPoint’s Board Chair and
How SMBs Can Successfully Navigate the Leap Into Global Markets
The dream of international expansion carries equal parts promise and pressure. For small and medium-sized businesses, the prospect of tapping into overseas markets can open up new revenue streams, diversify risk, and boost brand credibility. But the global playing field isn't just bigger—it’s trickier, messier, and often plays by an entirely different rulebook. That’s why the difference between growth and growing pains often lies in how smartly and strategically a business prepares for its global
How Small Business Owners Can Manage Change Without Losing the Crew
When a business shifts course, small companies feel the tremor more than giants. A policy tweak, leadership switch, or new technology doesn’t just ripple—it crashes through a tight-knit team, rattles long-standing habits, and pokes holes in comfort zones. Change isn’t the enemy, though; resistance to it is. If you’re running a small business, managing organizational change isn't just about pushing updates or sending memos—it's about keeping your people on board while the ship turns. Start With the Real
The Future of Work Is Flexible—And Here’s How Companies Can Make It Happen
The workplace isn’t what it used to be, and that’s a good thing. Employees want more autonomy, better work-life balance, and the ability to do their jobs without being chained to a desk from nine to five. For small businesses, this shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity. You don’t have the sprawling HR departments or endless budgets of large corporations, but you do have something better—agility. If you’re willing to rethink traditional work structures, you can create a remote or flexible work
Revolutionize Hiring with the Latest Recruitment Innovations
In the competitive realm of recruitment, staying ahead requires more than just traditional methods. The integration of technology and data-driven strategies is reshaping how organizations attract and retain talent. By adopting innovative approaches, companies can not only streamline their hiring processes but also enhance their appeal to prospective employees. This shift towards modern recruitment practices is essential for businesses aiming to secure the best candidates in a rapidly changing job
