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This week's featured free course from Verizon and Access is here!
&##128218; Planning for the unexpected: Building resiliency into your business &##128218; Presented by award winning business breakthrough coachMalla Haridat Disruptions and their impacts on your small business are often unpredictable. What you CAN do is embrace a futurist mindset of recovery and resiliency, seeing new possibilities before disruption strikes. This beginner course covers how small businesses can be prepared to adapt, innovate, and plan for the unknown. You’ll be guided
‘Best of Decaturish’ to celebrates community favorites
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Decaturish and its parent company Appen Media Group are proud to announce the launch of Best of Decaturish, a community-driven contest designed to celebrate the people, businesses and organizations that make DeKalb County thrive. For over a decade, Appen Media has hosted a similar contest - Best of North Atlanta, that allows readers to vote for their favorite restaurants, shops, professionals and service providers. Now, the company is bringing that same tradition of recognition and
Leveraging Digital Loyalty Programs To Retain Customers
Are you seeking cost-effective ways to encourage repeat business? Leveraging digital loyalty programs to retain customers is the key. They are fairly easy to implement, highly customizable, and they create a direct path to stronger client relationships. Learn more about them here. What Is a Digital Loyalty Program? Long gone are the days of punch cards and paper coupons. In this digital-first world, many consumers use phones, laptops, tablets, and other mobile devices daily. Smart establishments should
Settling In, Starting Up: Building a Business Amid the Boxes
It's a peculiar juggling act-building a business from scratch while unpacking silverware into unfamiliar drawers. Yet for a growing number of aspiring entrepreneurs, launching a new venture while relocating to a new city like Atlanta isn't just coincidence-it's a strategy. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 20% of new business owners moved within the last year, with many citing lifestyle improvements and new market access as motivators. Starting a business from home offers control, autonomy, and
Dunwoody officials explore ways to bring contractor services in-house
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody City Council discussed a major rebidding of municipal services during its Aug. 25 meeting that would bring 12 contracted city positions in-house as full-time employees. Dunwoody’s five-year contracts for city services are set to expire at the end of December. Elected officials voted 6-1 to table a decision until the Sept. 8 meeting, giving the city plenty of time to approve something before contracts expire at year’s end. City Councilwoman Catherine
What’s Next for Corporate Volunteering and Service?
If corporate volunteering had a motto over the past few years, it might have been: “Pivot, flex, repeat.” The pandemic rewrote the playbook for how businesses engage with their communities, and now, as Atlanta companies look ahead, the big question is: what’s next? Spoiler alert: it’s not going back to the way we used to do things. The future of corporate service is more flexible, more skills-based, more employee-driven, and if done right, more impactful than ever. 1. Supporting Ongoing
Mercedes-Benz USA Appoints Nicolette Lambrechts as Vice President of Customer Services
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today announced the appointment of Nicolette Lambrechts as Vice President of Customer Services, succeeding Jee-Sop Kim, effective November 1, 2025. Lambrechts will join the MBUSA executive team in Atlanta, Georgia. “We are pleased to welcome Nicolette back to the North American leadership team. Her global perspective, extensive experience with the brand and proven leadership acumen positions her well to further elevate the customer experience and strengthen connections with our
Audit finds DeKalb County struggles with outdated systems
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County solicited an operational assessment in July, and the report found that overall, the county departments still struggle with inefficiencies and outdated systems. Mauldin and Jenkins performed the assessment, which includes 60 pages with more than 200 recommendations to improve county operations. Most of the report indicates there are inconsistencies and issues with numerous operations, CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said at the Operations Committee meeting Aug. 5. She
DeKalb County School District Selects Stratix for One of Georgia's Largest Student Device Deployment
PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga., Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Stratix Corporation, a leader in managed mobility services (MMS), announced a new agreement with DeKalb County School District (DCSD), Georgia's third-largest school system, to manage and support the deployment of more than 110,000 Chromebooks and laptops across the district.With over 92,000 students, 6,600 teachers, and 14,000 total employees across 138 schools and centers, DCSD is undertaking one of the most significant technology deployments in the
The Dorothy C. Benson Senior Center is seeking donors and silent auction contributions
NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES The Dorothy C. Benson Senior Center in Sandy Springs celebrates its 26th anniversary with a Gala, “Vegas Nights Casino Royal” on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 4 to 7 PM. https://bensoncenter.org/ This special evening will feature dinner, entertainment, and, what should be of interest to our Chamber members, a silent auction. Chamber members can publicize their business to reach Benson’s 1,500 members. We are seeking donors and silent auction contributions---gift cards,
Brookhaven is a diverse tapestry that the Arts and Culture Commission helps weave
Brookhaven, GA, Sept. 5, 2025– From City murals to art exhibits, the Brookhaven Arts and Culture Commission advocates for the advancement of arts throughout the City, ensuring that it reflects Brookhaven and its communities. The commission is composed of nine commissioners from the City, a mix of residents and members of local organizations, such as Oglethorpe University, We Love Buford Highway and Explore Brookhaven. Collaborations with local organizations and schools ensure that the art displayed
Harvest in Napa: How Brix Levels Guide Winemakers | ONEHOPE
It’s mid-August in Napa, late morning before the sweltering summer heat settles in. Our enologist, Mark, is walking the vineyard rows, stopping at each cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc block at our Rutherford vineyard. He’s pulling grape samples carefully from clusters across the vineyard to ensure an even representation of ripeness. Today, readers get a rare glimpse behind the scenes, following every step from grape sampling to measuring Brix (sugar levels), and understanding how these numbers
Explore Dunwoody's Best Green Spaces
Dunwoody is full of inviting outdoor spaces perfect for relaxing, socializing, and enjoying fresh air. From lively plazas to peaceful park trails, these spots offer something for everyone. Many green spaces are surrounded by popular restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it easy to combine dining, entertainment, and outdoor fun in one visit. With scenic walkways, open lawns, and event-ready plazas, Dunwoody’s green spaces offer endless ways to enjoy the city. Whether it’s strolling through Brook Run
4 Lessons You Need to Learn About IT ASAP
We live in a time where all business owners should have some working knowledge of technology, but this lesson is often learned only after the fact. Sometimes it takes a crisis to thrust one into action, but we’re here to help you take the first step. Today, we have four lessons that you can learn about business technology today to hopefully prevent a crisis somewhere down the road. Think of Technology as an Investment Due to the price tag generally associated with IT, it’s easy to see unnecessary costs or
Be a part of Rough Draft Atlanta's Sandy Springs 20th Anniversary Special Issue
Join your friends and neighbors to celebrate 20 years of our wonderful city! Celebrate the City of Sandy Springs’ (and the Sandy Springs Reporter’s) 20th Anniversary with a tribute ad in the December issue of the paper. The special edition will include a look back at the first two decades of Sandy Springs with an eye to the next 20 years! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate Sandy Springs! Email us to reserve your space today!
Beyond the Payoff: How Investments in Resilience and Disaster Preparedness Protect Communities
More disasters, higher costs, uneven community preparedness In 2024 alone, the U.S. experienced 27 separate billion-dollar disasters, totaling $182.7 billion in damages. That marked the fifth consecutive year with 18 or more such events, underscoring a new normal for communities across the country. Storms are becoming more frequent, more severe, and more expensive. While disasters are inevitable, their toll on people, property, and the economy is not. Strategic investments in resilience can reduce
Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. Student Awarded Predoctoral Fellowship Grant to Develop Universal Flu Vaccine
ATLANTA — Phillip Grovenstein, a Ph.D. student in the Translational Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State University, has received a two-year, $89,658 predoctoral fellowship grant to address the urgent need for a more effective universal influenza vaccine. The grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be used to identify mechanisms of certain vaccine combinations that
Georgia, Metro Atlanta feel weight of unsettled economic conditions
ATLANTA — Georgia is enduring its share of fallout from federal layoffs and spending cuts, less tourism from abroad to a pullback in film and TV spending by big Hollywood studios. But the state’s multifaceted economy is also benefiting from a boom in data center construction, continued in-migration of retirees, and an expected boost to the aerospace industry due to European NATO nations pledging to boost defense spending in coming years, according to Rajeev Dhawan of the Economic Forecasting
Taste Your Way Through Dunwoody: A Progressive Dinner Guide
Why settle for just one restaurant when you can experience several in a single night? A progressive dinner is all about making an evening an adventure: enjoying appetizers at one spot, entrées at another, and finishing with dessert somewhere sweet. Luckily, Dunwoody’s dining scene makes it easy (and delicious) to plan the perfect food-filled night out. Here’s your guide to a progressive dinner through Dunwoody: Start with Appetizers: Eclipse di Luna Kick off your evening with lively vibes and
Tickets to Celebrate Sandy Springs gala on sale now
Tickets are on sale now for the Sandy Springs Foundation’s inaugural Celebrate Sandy Springs gala on Oct. 9 to mark the city’s 20th anniversary. “Celebrate Sandy Springs is about more than marking 20 years—it’s about bringing our community together to honor our shared history, celebrate our accomplishments, and look ahead to the future,” said Christine Propst, Sandy Springs Foundation chairperson, according to a news release.Tickets are available online and are expected to sell quickly. Single tickets
AJC to move to fully digital publication, phase out print Dec. 31
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday said it plans to end its printed edition at the end of this year, accelerating its digital transformation amid a rapidly evolving media landscape. For the past three years, the AJC has worked to transform the newspaper, which traces its origins back 157 years, into a modern media company, investing millions in new reporting capabilities and technology. That strategy has centered on an ambitious goal to reach 500,000 paid digital subscribers. President and
Access to Child Care – A Critical Workforce Issue
Earlier this month, the Georgia Chamber Federation hosted a virtual conversation with Hanah Goldberg, Director of Research & Policy at GEEARS: Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students. Hanah shared new data showing the economic impact of childcare challenges in Georgia and the results are eye-opening. Nearly 7 in 10 young children in Georgia have all parents in the workforce, yet access to affordable, quality child care remains limited. According to GEEARS, the average cost of infant care now
Experience a day as a Principal
JOIN THE PRINCIPAL FOR A DAY INITIATIVE IN DEKALB SCHOOLS Are you a business or civic leader eager to make a significant impact in education? The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) warmly invites you to step into the role of a school principal for a day! This unique opportunity allows you to engage with the daily challenges and triumphs of public education while building valuable connections within the community. Who Can Participate: -Local business executives -Civic
US-EU Trade Deal: September 2, 2025
Economic BriefingThe U.S. and EU have announced a major trade framework reshaping tariffs, energy, and technology investments with direct impacts on Georgia’s economy. Click the button below or visit gachamber.com/us-eu-trade-deal to read more. READ HERE WHAT'S NEW: U.S.–EU Trade Deal: 15% tariff on most EU goods; auto tariffs could drop if EU cuts barriers on U.S. products. Energy & Tech: EU to buy $750B in U.S. energy and $40B in AI chips through 2028. Investment &
Brookhaven announces 2025 International Festival, Oct. 18-19
Brookhaven, GA, Aug. 22, 2025 – International sensations Proyecto Uno and Third World with special guest Kumar Fyah are the concert headliners for Brookhaven’s 3rd annual International Festival, taking place Saturday, Oct. 18, and Sunday, Oct. 19, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., at Lenox Park, 1277 Lenox Park Blvd NE, Brookhaven, the event’s new location. Headlining on Saturday, Oct. 18, Proyecto Uno, founded in New York by Nelson Zapata in 1989, is a Dominican-American award-winning group that blends merengue with
Giving Kitchen cofounder shares lessons that inspired nonprofit
Metro Atlanta restaurateur Ryan Turner shared stories with the Greater Perimeter Chamber about the Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit he co-founded after a friend, chef Ryan Hidinger was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Turner, the co-founder and partner of Unsukay Concepts, spoke at the chamber’s Signature Luncheon on Aug. 20. Unsukay Concepts is the parent company for the restaurants Muss & Turner’s, Eleanor’s, Local Three Kitchen & Bar, Warhorse Investments, Seahorse Advisors, Roshambo and MTH Pizza in metro
Quick Relief from Cold Sores with Your Dentist
If you have a small, painful bump on or near your lip, you may be dealing with a cold sore. These fluid-filled blisters can affect your smile for several days before healing and disappearing. Cold sores can also appear in other areas, such as around the nostrils. Though they typically last a week or less, they often recur once or twice a year. While over-the-counter antiviral creams can help treat cold sores, your local dentist can provide additional relief. Read on to discover how modern
Sandy Springs Connects! Career Expo Returns September 10, 2025
Sandy Springs, GA – As the busy fall hiring season gets underway, jobseekers will have the opportunity to connect directly with employers in the Northern Atlanta Perimeter Area at the Sandy Springs Connects! Career Expo. This semi-annual event returns on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. Hosted in partnership by the City of Sandy Springs, the Greater Perimeter Chamber of Commerce (GPC), and the Community Assistance Center (CAC) Career
How Tech Debt Will Hold Your Business Back from Seeing Success
While it might be tempting to take advantage of deals, sales, and even “free” technology, it’s crucial that you acknowledge you’re losing something valuable as a trade-off. The problem with tech is that “cheap” and “quick” doesn’t translate to “effective” and “valuable.” If you’re not careful, you might find yourself a victim of “tech debt,” an issue that can create serious problems for your business. Breaking Down Tech Debt Tech debt consists of the costs you will eventually incur as a result of quick
Georgia Power continues hydro fleet modernization effort to serve a growing Georgia
This Sunday, August 24, is National Hydropower Day – an annual celebration led by the National Hydropower Association and utilities across the country to recognize “hydropower’s contributions to bolstering the nation’s clean energy infrastructure and providing grid resiliency and reliability.” Georgia Power’s fleet of hydroelectric generating units is a source of emission-free energy, all licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the Federal Power Act (FPA), with some units
John Grisham, Alton Brown and Chuck Schumer to headline MJCCA book festival
The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) announced on Aug. 27 the lineup for its 34th Annual Book Festival running from Oct. 22 –16 with a roster that will showcase bestselling authors, political leaders, cultural icons, and emerging voices. This year’s festival, according to an announcement made by the MJCCA, promises to be the most dynamic yet, featuring exclusive author conversations, interactive Q&A sessions, book signings, and unique culinary experiences. “This year’s festival brings
City Springs Theatre Company’s 8th season returns with ‘The Producers’
The City Springs Theatre Company is opening its eighth season at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center Sept. 5-21 with Mel Brooks’ musical-comedy “The Producers.” “The Producers: A Mel Brooks Musical” at the Byers Theatre is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), a leading New York-based licensing agency granting local theaters access to Broadway classics. In 2001, American comedy legend Mel Brooks changed the face of Broadway forever with the
Skin Bliss from a HOTWORX Infrared Workout
A HOTWORX workout is the best in the industry for burning calories, oxidizing fat and losing weight, but let’s talk about another cool advantage, the skin wellness benefits of a HOTWORX infrared workout. Your skin is your body’s largest organ and it deserves just as much care as your muscles, heart, and mind. While most people associate workouts with cardiovascular health, weight loss, or strength training, HOTWORX infrared sessions deliver another powerful benefit: radiant, healthier-looking
Fooda for office lunch in Atlanta
What Fooda is Fooda is a workplace meal program that connects offices with nearby restaurants. Teams can get rotating popups inside the building, group delivery that arrives in one drop, or boxed lunches for meetings. Employers can set a per person subsidy to control cost. The goal is simple meals, less admin, and steady variety. How Fooda works in plain steps -Pick sites and days. Choose which offices get popups or delivery days. -Share menus and order times. Staff see the lineup early and
Is Remote Work Going Away? What Employers Should Know
Is Remote Work Going Away? Short answer: No. Remote work isn't going away, it's evolving. While some companies are pushing for return-to-office policies, the broader trend shows remote and hybrid work are here to stay. The data tells us that:According to SHRM, the share of U.S. employees working remotely has grown from 17.9% in late 2022 to 23.7% in early 2025.Remote and hybrid jobs make up just 20% of LinkedIn listings, but they generate 60% of all applications, showing how much candidates prioritize
Free Kids’ Bike Safety Rodeo returns to Dunwoody’s Brook Run Park
The City of Dunwoody will host a free Kids Bike Safety Rodeo on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 8-10 a.m. at Brook Run Park, offering young cyclists ages 5-14 essential safety skills in an interactive environment. The drop-in event, located near the skate park at 4770 North Peachtree Rd., invites families to bring their bikes and helmets for comprehensive safety training that builds confidence and teaches real-world riding skills, according to a release from the city. Children must be able to ride without
Front yard tree program returns to Dunwoody
DUNWOODY, Ga. — For the fourth straight year, Dunwoody is partnering with Trees Atlanta to plant up to 80 shade trees in front yards across the city. The city says trees will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. “The Front Yard Tree Program is a simple yet powerful way for residents to make a lasting difference in Dunwoody’s landscape,” Community Development Director Richard McLeod said. “City Council has seen the value in a program that strengthens our canopy, cools our neighborhoods and
How to Start and Sustain a Successful Home Services Business
Starting a home services business makes sense for people who like being dependable—the kind who get the call when something breaks, clogs, floods, or falls. It’s work that matters, built around real-world needs. But turning that into a reliable income isn’t about showing up with tools and hoping for the best. It takes more than skill. It takes pattern recognition, discipline, and decision-making that holds up under pressure. The calendar fills fast, calls come in out of nowhere, and burnout creeps up if
Fining Patent Owners Will Upend American Innovation
Recently, a proposal has emerged for fining patent owners—essentially charging inventors based on how much their ideas are “worth.” This proposal could have serious adverse consequences for the American economy and American jobs, including disrupting the system that has helped the U.S. become a world leader in innovation and economic growth. America’s Innovation System is Working The United States is the global leader in innovation, with a track record of groundbreaking advancements that
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
