News
Expansion of energy tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 ushered in an era of renewed interest in clean and renewable energy investments, earmarking $400 billion in federal funds for energy and climate projects. The IRA incentivizes a broad array of clean energy projects from personal endeavors like purchasing electric vehicles to larger-scale projects designed to impact entire communities. For project developers and industry innovators involved in energy storage technologies, microgrid controllers, fuel cells,
The Drake House History
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. OUR PROGRAMS WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF OUR COMMUNITY The Drake House started in 2004 as a Leadership North Fulton class project to address the growing number of homeless women and children in the area. Community leaders gathered donations and volunteers from business and civic leaders, faith-based organizations, Fulton County, the City of Roswell and the United Way of Greater Atlanta to create a non-profit that could address the need. The doors opened in June
THE BRIGHTWATER HOMES EXPERIENCE: A Seamless Experience All Under One Roof
At Brightwater Homes, we’re passionate about designing and building your new home for the way you live. Even more, our team of experts offers more than eighty years of combined experience to shape your new home experience the way you want it to be. Whether full service simplicity or collaborative design-build, create your new home your way – complete with all the inspiration, expertise and experience the Brightwater Team has to offer. Please discover more
Georgia Primary Bank announces merger agreement with Georgia Banking Company
Georgia Banking Company, Inc. and Primary Bancshares Corporation Announce Merger Agreement ATLANTA, GEORGIA – October 9, 2024 – Georgia Banking Company, Inc. (“GBC”), the parent company of Georgia Banking Company, and Primary Bancshares Corporation (“PBC”), the parent company of Georgia Primary Bank, jointly announced today the signing of a definitive agreement under which PBC will merge with and into GBC in a stock and cash transaction with an aggregate value of approximately $27 million. Georgia
Spalding Drive “Full STEAM Ahead”
By: Miriam Salpeter At Spalding Drive, Sandy Springs Education Force supports the “Full STEAM Ahead” after-school club program. The clubs included in the program are: Drone, Art, Engineering, and Entrepreneur. Our Drone Club provides students the opportunity they wouldn’t normally have to fly and maneuver drones. Art Club allows students to be creative while making take-home pieces of art. In Engineering Club, students learn how to use the design process to solve engineering problems. In Entrepreneur
Community Assistance Center Offers Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is an initiative of the IRS, the governmental entity that processes US income taxes each year. Volunteers from the community are trained to help individuals and families in submitting their taxes for both the current year and previous years. This FREE service is provided by CAC (through partnership with United Way of Greater Atlanta) starting February 1. Appointments are highly recommended.Who Is Eligible?The VITA program at CAC offers free tax help to
Emory surgeons pilot intuitive 3D modeling tool to improve lung cancer patient surgery experience
By: Alexis Hauk Since November, Emory surgeons have been piloting new software that creates a three-dimensional digital image of a patient's lungs. Having access to a 3D model makes removing hard-to-reach cancerous cells more efficient and precise. Think of it as the first time a cartographer added mountains and canyons to the layout of a map — only in this case, that map leads straight to saving a patient's life. At Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital (ESJH), Manu Sancheti, MD, and his team are the first
Emerald Data Networks Selected for Second Consecutive Year as a National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For
ATLANTA, February 1, 2016 -- Emerald Data Networks has been selected for the 2016 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation. Check out http://101bestandbrightest.com/events/2016-best-and-brightest-companies-to-work-for-in-the-nation/winners/ for more details # # #About Emerald Data Networks, Inc. Emerald provides end-to-end technology solutions for businesses in the Southeastern U.S. that depend on their networks to drive revenue. Companies that can't afford downtime need dependable,
Atlanta Business Chronicle Names Georgia State Professors Among Innovators of the Year
Media Contact: Noelle Toumey Reetz ntoumey1@gsu.edu ATLANTA — Three Georgia State University professors will be recognized as Innovators of the Year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle during the publication’s 2025 Health Care Champion Awards. The second annual Health Care Champion Awards ceremony, which will be held in March, will celebrate frontline healthcare workers and visionary leaders shaping the future of the industry. The award recipients from Georgia State are being recognized as Innovators of
Blue Moon Pizza: A Gluten Free Restaurant with Options
We believe that just because food is gluten free, it doesn’t have to be bland an uninspiring. Our range of gluten free options is packed with flavor! Through the skilled use of fresh ingredients and carefully chosen herbs and seasoning, we can provide gluten free food that tastes amazing but still satisfies your dietary needs.Gluten Free Pizza That Makes Every Day Dining SpecialOur food is ideal for people who enjoy high-quality dining in a comfortable, relaxed ambiance. Whether you join us at our
Cybersecurity and Fraud Trends for 2025
Remember all those cybersecurity scares from last year? Well, bad news: the threat level is still sky-high in 2025. Phishing scams, ransomware attacks – they're all still happening, and now cybercriminals are getting even smarter. They're using cutting-edge tech like AI, quantum computing, and even deepfake voices to trick us.It's a scary world out there, but don't worry! Ameris Bank is here to break down the biggest cybersecurity trends of 2025 and give you the tools to protect yourself. We'll cover the
Digital Wallets: Accommodating Mobile Payments & More
Digital or mobile wallets are secure applications that let consumers to transform their smart phones, watches and laptops into mobile funds-transfer devices. In recent years, these applications have been moving deeper into the electronic payments mainstream. The term “digital wallets” is a catchall for services like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, Paypal, Venmo, Zelle and more. While unlikely to completely replace cash anytime soon, in 2022 41% of Americans said none of their purchases in typical week
The standard business mileage rate has increased for 2025
If your business relies on driving – whether for sales calls, deliveries, or service visits – you’ve probably noticed that fuel costs can add up fast. Even small shifts in gas prices can have a real impact, which is why the IRS updates the standard business mileage rate each year. The 2025 rate is now in effect, and while a few cents per mile might not seem like much, the change can influence tax deductions, reimbursements, and overall travel expenses in ways that are worth paying attention to. Why the
Building sustainable wealth: 5 key considerations for emerging high earners
Crossing the $100,000 income threshold is an exciting milestone. It’s an important step toward building lasting wealth. Yet wealth encompasses much more than just your annual income – it’s the culmination of all the assets you accumulate over time. As an emerging high earner, the journey ahead is ripe with opportunities to transform earnings into enduring financial stability and prosperity. But building wealth transcends the confines of your paycheck. It requires a comprehensive financial plan to amass
Financial analysis of leasing vs. purchasing a vehicle
When acquiring a new vehicle, the decision to lease or purchase can be financially significant. The choice is more than a matter of preference – it’s a strategic financial move that can impact your budget and lifestyle. In this article, we’ll analyze both choices, providing a clear, numbers-driven roadmap to make an informed decision that suits your financial and lifestyle goals. Leasing vs. buying: the fundamentals An auto lease is like renting a car for a longer term. You pay to use the vehicle for a
Earnings season off to a strong start
Review the latest Weekly Headings by CIO Larry Adam. Key TakeawaysThe S&P 500’s 4Q24 earnings season has been scoring touchdownsThe tech sector got blitzed by competition from China AIDespite weakness, mega-cap tech earnings are not offsides Ready for the Big Game? This weekend will mark one of the most-watched television events of the year, with upward of 200 million people tuning in to see if Kansas City can make history with an unprecedented three-peat! With excitement building, the National Retail
Money Market Accounts vs. Interest-Bearing Checking Accounts
How Do They Compare?In today’s financial environment, smart and savvy savers are always looking for ways to make their money work as hard as possible and earn the most. Two popular options for growing your funds are money market accounts (MMAs) and interest-bearing checking accounts. While both offer some benefits, MMAs usually are a better choice for those looking to maximize their savings potential. Here’s why.Higher Interest RatesThe most compelling reason to choose a money market account is the
What Can I Get for Pain and Suffering After a Motorcycle Accident?
Being involved in a motorcycle accident can result in severe physical injuries, emotional distress, and a significant impact on your quality of life. While you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and property damage, many accident victims wonder what they can get for their pain and suffering. Understanding the potential damages available can help you make informed decisions about seeking legal representation from an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer.The Definition of Pain and Suffering:Pain
MORRIS AND FELLOWS: A HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE
Morris & Fellows, formed in 1982, has likely worked with more village-scale mixed-use and downtown retail properties than any other firm in the nation. The firm has applied its creative strategies to such notable projects as the rejuvenation of John D Rockefeller’s Colonial Williamsburg; Georgetown Park, a French fur trader warehouse which became a luxury shopping center in Washington DC; Sundance Square, converting the famous Hell’s Half Acre of cowboy days into a thriving downtown for Ft Worth;
6 healthy habits for the new year
Eating healthier is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions, but it can be overwhelming if you do not know where to start. The best way to turn your healthy eating resolution into long-term healthy eating habits is to focus on making small, achievable changes rather than drastic changes or following restrictive diets. Below is a guide to help you start your journey to healthier eating while keeping your goals practical and achievable.1. Increase your vegetable intake. Aim for 2–3 cups daily. If
The Best Apps For Organization
For many of us, keeping organized and productive seems to be the goal that haunts us throughout the year – especially in an increasingly digital age where social media, a million calendar reminders, and messages can pull our attention away from our work or can make our life a little less organized than we would like it to be. While our phones and tablets may be our biggest distraction, fortunately, they can also offer our biggest source of productivity and help keep us a little bit more organized. Take a
Love, Marriage, and Uncle Sam: How Getting Married Affects Your Taxes
ContributorKris HoffmanFEB 3, 2025 After saying "I do," taxes might not be the first thing on your mind—but they should be on your checklist. Your new marital status can impact your tax situation, from filing status to potential deductions and credits. To make your first tax season as a married couple smoother, we’ve outlined key steps to help you navigate the process with confidence.Step 1: Check your withholding status at the beginning of each year or when your personal circumstances change — like
How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day on a Budget
The following blog post originally was published on February 1, 2021, and it is being republished with minor edits to enhance readability. Friday, February 14, is Valentine’s Day. In the United States, Valentine’s Day in February is a popular culture holiday that has become associated with displays of affection for friends, family members, and romantic partners. It is a time to celebrate our most important personal relationships, and highlight them with traditional activities such as shared meals, gifts
The Pedestrian Update: From Perimeter CIDs to City Streets
Have you seen the street view? Perimeter’s neighborhood is filling out more complete streets with bike paths, updated sidewalks, and extra amenities to create a safer place for pedestrians. Alongside the progress on Dunwoody’s master trail plan, Sandy Springs’ trail investments, and Brookhaven’s multimodal study, the Perimeter CIDs have a hand in updates all around the area. See if you can spot some of the latest additions from Perimeter CIDs and their city partners on your next walk. The Ashford
Is There A No-Prep Alternative To Dental Veneers?
Are you dreaming of a perfect smile but hesitant to undergo the extensive tooth preparation required for traditional porcelain veneers? Lumineers offer a less invasive, no-prep alternative to veneers, allowing you to achieve a beautiful smile with minimal tooth enamel removal. At Proud Smiles in Sandy Springs, GA, Dr. Brenda Paulen, an experienced cosmetic dentist, provides Lumineers to patients seeking natural-looking, long-lasting results without the need for substantial tooth reduction. With her keen
4 Money Resolutions Now—That Could Help for Years
A new year brings a fresh start and the opportunity to make meaningful changes—big or small—that can impact our lives not just for the year ahead, but for the long term. One common tradition is making New Year’s resolutions: commitments to somehow change our behaviors or habits, whether for the year to come or an indefinite period. Managing money is an essential activity that, for some, is enjoyable but a chore for others. Certain individuals may want to automate common financial actions such as
Why Most B2B Media Strategies Fail . . .
B2B Media Strategy is different . . . or should be.Discover exactly why your current media strategy may be failing you, and how just a few minor shifts in mindset and tactics can produce Better Results In Less Time. Solve The Marketing Problem Solve The Prospecting Problem Solve The Sales Problem Why Most B2B Media Strategies Fail . . .F aux Metrics — Just because something can be counted, doesn’t mean it counts. Most B2B enterprises (especially those in the Professional Services arena) don’t need 10
Before and After: Inspiring Kitchen Transformations
Kitchen transformations are about more than just upgrading your space—they’re an opportunity to enhance functionality, reflect your personal style, and significantly increase your home’s value. Whether you’re scrolling through Pinterest, exploring design showrooms, or browsing inspirational social media accounts like Kitchen Solvers, there’s no shortage of ideas to spark your creativity. To ensure your remodel is cohesive and aligns with your vision, creating a well-thought-out vision board is a crucial
Traveling with Braces: Tips for a Smile-Worthy Trip
Whether it’s an extended work trip, a student exchange, or even just a holiday, if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment and heading away for a trip, there might be a few extras you need to consider. Although orthodontic treatments like braces, Invisalign, and retainers have very little impact on your day-to-day life, a little preparation before heading off on holidays or traveling overseas goes a long way to making sure your teeth enjoy the benefits of travel just as much as you do. Here’s a quick
CRH Supports Launch of U.S. Supply Chain Sustainability School
CRH is supporting a new knowledge-sharing platform to embed sustainability across the construction industry supply chain. CRH is helping to make construction easier, safer and more sustainable. We’re driving forward new technologies and innovations to solve challenges for our customers and deliver solutions which support a more resilient built environment. Collaboration with supply chain partners has an important role to play, which is why we’re a founding partner of the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Symphona Technology Insight: The Ultimate User Guide for Managing Your Passwords (Part 1 of 5)
We tend to focus on business technology, but this time, we wanted to put together a guide that would help, well, everybody! It doesn’t matter how low-tech you are, chances are you still have to manage a handful of online accounts and passwords. Learn more at www.symphona.us/blog.
Beyond Super Mario: How a New VR Gaming Program Helps Athletes Train, Reduce Their Injury Risk
Super Mario. Minecraft. Madden NFL. Fortnite. For 50 years, video games like these have kept teens mesmerized and—all too often—on the couch. That's changing thanks to a new program from the Emory University Department of Orthopaedics called GIVES (Georgia Initiative for Virtual Reality in Education and Sports). GIVES takes VR technology into local schools, providing young athletes with training and assessment tools like the pros. These athletes are having fun while also improving their sports performance
Why the U.S. needs more community health workers
By Bechara Choucair, MD, Executive Vice President, Chief Health Officer at Kaiser PermanenteCommunity health workers are hidden heroes of our complex health care system. Sometimes called promotores de salud, outreach workers, navigators, or peer counselors, they tie together the often-disconnected services people need to support good health. They increase a patient’s likelihood of getting much-needed primary care, while decreasing the odds of that person being rehospitalized after a hospital stay. They
Simplify Your Journey: A Guide to AWS Cloud Migration for Better Software Engineering
The Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud migration process has revolutionized how businesses approach software engineering, providing opportunities to enhance performance, scalability, and cost efficiency. Whether migrating from on-premises systems or modernizing legacy applications, transitioning to AWS unlocks the full potential of software systems to optimize them for the demands of today’s competitive digital landscape. This guide highlights the common business challenges pushing organizations toward AWS
Martial Arts and Burnout Prevention: How Practice Can Transform Your Mental Health
Burnout has become an increasingly common issue, especially for those facing intense routines in large cities like Atlanta. Balancing personal and professional life seems more challenging than ever, and the impact of this exhaustion is reflected in physical, mental, and emotional health. For many, martial arts have become an effective strategy for burnout prevention. Practicing Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and MMA offers a holistic approach to combat stress, helping practitioners find relief and
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
Symphona Enters Their 80th Year
Symphona is proud to celebrate our 80th Anniversary! Since its founding in 1945, our team has been dedicated to creating value in every relationship. We collaborate closely with businesses of all sizes and individuals, offering comprehensive accounting and IT solutions. At Symphona, you’ll find all the tools you need to secure your financial and technological future, all in one place. Learn more at www.symphona.us.About Symphona, LLP We are a team of advisory-focused CPAs and professionals providing
Symphona 2025 Partner Announcement
Symphona, LLP a leading CPA and technology firm, is proud to announce the promotion of five distinguished Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) to its esteemed partner group. This significant milestone reflects their exceptional contributions, dedication, and leadership within the firm. The newly appointed partners are: Brandi Dykes, CPA – With over a decade of expertise in comprehensive 1040s and Agricultural Enterprises, Brandi has been pivotal in pioneering innovative solutions and consistently
Community Assistance Center Announces Free Jobseeker Bootcamp Hosted by State Farm
Dunwoody, GA – The Community Assistance Center (CAC) is excited to announce its upcoming one-day Jobseeker Bootcamp, hosted by State Farm® on January 23, 2025. This free event is open to the community and offers job seekers the tools and insights they need to jumpstart their careers, featuring hands-on guidance from industry professionals and personalized support to boost employability.Participants will gain an inside look at corporate hiring practices through a comprehensive overview of State Farm's
Simple Tips to Inspire Speaking Confidence
Verbal communication skills are essential to the success of many careers, yet the fear of speaking in public is overwhelmingly common. No matter what position you hold in the workplace – manager, sales representative, or C-Suite – possessing the confidence to communicate your thoughts and ideas clearly is critical to how you are received by clients, customers, employees, and peers. Contrary to popular belief, public speaking is not simply a verbal skill. Non-verbal communication cues, such as eye
Cox Farms Partners with Feeding America to Tackle Food Insecurity for Millions
Cox Farms, a Cox Enterprises company and the largest greenhouse operator in North America, today announced a partnership with Feeding America to help address one of the country's most pressing challenges: food insecurity. This collaboration will bring fresh, healthy produce to food banks and communities across the United States and Canada, helping to increase access to fresh food and promote better nutrition for millions of families. "Cox Farms is committed to making a difference in the communities we
CAC Brings Free Tax Prep Back to the Atlanta Area, Saving $750,000 in Refunds Last Year
SANDY SPRINGS, GA – The Community Assistance Center (CAC) is excited to announce the start of its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the 2025 tax season, beginning February 1. This free service offers tax preparation assistance to households in the Atlanta area with an annual income of less than $67,000. The program also serves persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers. In 2024, the VITA program at CAC processed 520 tax returns for 480 individuals, bringing
Georgia Chamber Foundation Receives $350,000 JPMorganChase Grant to Create Solutions to Clean Tech Sector Workforce Talent Needs
(ATLANTA) – On Monday, the Georgia Chamber Foundation and JPMorganChase announced a new partnership to increase access to career opportunities in the clean tech sector. The partnership includes a $350,000 grant awarded to the Georgia Chamber Foundation to address a critical skills need for Georgia’s growing advanced manufacturing sector, which is projected to create 27,000 jobs in the state. Georgia has become a hub for electric vehicles, battery technology, and advanced manufacturing in the climate and
Georgia sites help keep Jimmy Carter’s spirit alive
By: Gale Horton Gay of the Champion Reflections on the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29 at age 100, have been constant during the past few days. There have been tributes and acknowledgements of his national and worldwide contributions from world leaders, people who knew him best, and average Americans. Georgians do not have to venture far to gain a deeper understanding of the 39th president’s passions as well as his accomplishments before, during, and after his time in the
Discover Dunwoody launches 2025 trolley tour
After what Discover Dunwoody officials called a major success in its inaugural year, Discover Dunwoody announced its expanded free trolley tour for 2025 will includes more stops, free samples, and immersive activities. The trolley tours are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., departing from the Discover Dunwoody office. Each tour is scheduled to include as many as 25 attendees and is free of charge. All adults are welcome, according to a news release, from
Lelia Bryan Announces Sale of Vino Venue & Atlanta Wine School
**Lelia Bryan Announces the Sale of Vino Venue and Atlanta Wine School to Emily Mendyka and Opening of HUNGRY FOR TRAVEL: Culinary Tours.** [Dunwoody, GA] – [1/6/2025] – Lelia Bryan, long time resident of Dunwoody and the owner of Vino Venue and Atlanta Wine School, has announced the sale of her beloved establishment and school to wine enthusiast and entrepreneur Emily Mendyka. This transition marks an exciting new chapter for the award-winning wine and dining destination, while ensuring that its legacy
Global Escapes Welcomes Travelfaire into the Family, Bringing Expertly Curated Travel Planning to Dunwoody
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Global Escapes Welcomes Travelfaire into the Family, Bringing Expertly Curated Travel Planning to Dunwoody, GA Dunwoody, GA — January 5, 2025 — Global Escapes, a trailblazer in personalized travel consulting, is delighted to announce the acquisition of Travelfaire, marking an exciting expansion into Dunwoody, GA. This strategic merger unites over seven decades of unparalleled expertise in tailoring travel experiences that make unforgettable memories. “We are thrilled to extend our