News
What Can We Learn from the Library of Alexandria’s Destruction?
Nowadays, data is one of the most valuable assets we have. However, if we’re being honest, whenever we say “data,” what we’re referring to is knowledge. In this context, data has always been something that society has valued. Consider the Library of Alexandria, widely regarded as the first library to transcend cultural prejudices and collect information from multiple civilizations. Its collection must have been breathtaking, but it isn’t around any longer. All that data, gone. How likely is it that
Rough Draft plans forums for Sandy Springs runoff election
Rough Draft Atlanta will present candidate forums leading up to the Sandy Springs mayoral and District 4 council runoff elections on Nov. 20. Sandy Springs voters are encouraged to participate by submitting questions by email and registering to watch the forums live through Rough Draft’s Sandy Springs election page. The Sandy Springs mayoral candidate forum will be on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 3 to 3:30 p.m., with Dontaye Carter facing Rusty Paul, the incumbent. The runoff is a repeat of the 2021
First Santa with Down syndrome continues to inspire holiday cheer in Dunwoody
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta announced the return of Bradley Carlisle, the first Santa Claus with Down syndrome, to its Dec. 13 Holiday Party. Donning his Santa robes, Carlisle made his debut as Mr. Claus at last year’s celebration, touching hearts across the community and inspiring countless families. Carlisle, 36, lives independently in his own apartment in Dunwoody and embodies the joy, warmth and inclusive spirit of the holiday season. Read more
Dunwoody dedicates new veterans installation at Brook Run Park
Attendees braved 40-degree temperatures and brisk winds to dedicate a new veterans installation at Brook Run Park during an abbreviated ceremony on Nov. 11. The ceremony’s featured speaker was Captain Wayne Radloff, USN (Ret), a longtime Dunwoody resident who served more than 30 years of active duty as a Naval flight officer. Radloff kicked off his remarks by saying, “It’s cold, we’re in the shade, and my wife is already giving me the high sign [to wrap it up], but it’s an honor to be here this
Why More Housing Is Key to a Thriving Economy
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has launched a bold new initiative that strikes at the heart of the organization’s mission: ensuring every American has access to affordable housing because economic growth and prosperity mean little if people lack a safe place to call home. At the inaugural housing summit, “Building for Growth: Housing Solutions for a Stronger Economy,” on Thursday, leaders across sectors, from national to local, highlighted challenges and dove into solutions to increasing housing
Regular Data Backups Work Wonders for Eliminating Downtime
How much do you know about your business’ data backup infrastructure? Do you know how often data backups occur, or if they’re occurring at all? Regular backups are the key to a successful, sustained business, and multiple backups per day are your “Get out of jail free” card when you’re facing a data loss incident. Faster Data Recovery No one wants to pay for data loss incidents, especially considering how expensive they can be when downtime is involved. When you lose access to data or it’s
Dunwoody is your Holiday Headquarters
From the region’s best shopping to outdoor ice skating to holiday lights, Dunwoody offers something for everyone as your Holiday Headquarters. For the first time, the City of Dunwoody, Discover Dunwoody, and Create Dunwoody are teaming up to present Holiday Headquarters - a collaborative celebration designed to make it easier than ever for residents and visitors to connect, explore, and make memories. “The holidays in Dunwoody are all about connection, bringing neighbors together, welcoming visitors, and
Legislator workshops legislation to keep kids safe online
DUNWOODY, Ga. — State Sen. Sally Harrell (D-District 40) is forming a bipartisan coalition of elected officials and concerned citizens to address online safety for children during the Georgia General Assembly’s 2026 session. Harrell told a crowd at the Nov. 5 “Parent Town Hall” in Dunwoody that she hosted her first single-issue community meeting in northern DeKalb and southern Gwinnett counties to generate public support. “What we realized, the more we listened to testimony, the more we
Business of Sports: Michael Winger on AI Shaping Fan Experience
With over two decades of NBA experience, Michael Winger, president of Monumental Basketball, has a deep understanding of team building and organizational culture. From his early days with the Cleveland Cavaliers to leadership roles with the Oklahoma City Thunder and L.A. Clippers, he’s helped reset franchises and develop elite talent. Now at Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Winger oversees operations for the Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, and Capital City Go-Go, working alongside
Cinnabon® Bakes Up Cinnamon Roll Scented Wrapping Paper This Holiday Season
ATLANTA, GA (November 4, 2025) – Cinnabon®, one of seven iconic brands within the GoTo Foods® platform company, is kicking off the holiday season with a nostalgic and festive surprise that smells as sweet as it looks: Cinnabon Scented Wrapping Paper! Whether you’re gifting a CinnaPack® or a holiday surprise, Cinnabon is making this year even sweeter with the introduction of their new Cinnabon Scented Wrapping Paper – a unique gift wrap bundle that smells just like Cinnabon’s ooey-gooey Classic Cinnamon
100+ Grants, Loans, and Programs to Benefit Your Small Business
Whether you're starting a new small business or looking to grow the one you already own, finding funding can be a challenge for businesses of all sizes. If you’re looking for a small business loan or grant, CO— is here to help. Each week, we update this list of loans, small business grants, or other opportunities to connect with programs and organizations that can help you with your business. Come back often to see the latest. And, if your organization has a program or grant you’d like to see listed
Georgia Power, Salvation Army celebrate 40th anniversary of Project SHARE
This month, Georgia Power, in collaboration with the Salvation Army, proudly celebrates the 40th anniversary of Project SHARE. Since its inception in 1985, the program has been a beacon of hope for over 425,000 families and more than 1.1 million individuals across Georgia, while continuing to support families in crisis. As one of the first fuel funds in America, Project Share has provided more than $84 million in essential assistance such as utilities, housing, food, and medical needs. Demonstrating a
5 Tech Hacks to Reclaim an Hour of Your Day
We can probably all agree that there’s a big difference between “staying busy” and “looking busy,” and that the first option is generally the better one in the workplace. The big difference is how productive you actually are. Let’s go over some simple-to-implement ways you can help your team boost their productivity without even thinking about it. Why Doesn’t “Busy” Always Mean “Productive?” We’ve all been there—schedules or to-do lists longer than the most deranged coffee order. Sometimes, it seems
The Productivity You Seek is Indeed Within Reach, with the Right Habits
Productivity is an essential metric in modern life, and while it can often feel impossible to achieve, there are ways to overcome the anti-productivity malaise. Here are three habits that are likely to help you in your search for both organizational and personal productivity. Limit Your Notifications Notifications are a necessary, yet bothersome thing to keep track of, and it’s largely because they’re so intrusive when we don’t want them to be. It’s difficult to refocus on a task when your attention
Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance to Host 2025 Teal to Heal Fashion Show at Lenox Square
The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance (GOCA)’s 2025 Teal to Heal Fashion Show returns to Lenox Square on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6:30 p.m., to celebrate ovarian cancer survivors and caregivers and support GOCA’s mission of increasing ovarian cancer education and awareness Hosted for the second consecutive year at Lenox Square, this one-of-a-kind event empowers ovarian cancer survivors and caregivers to strut the latest styles from Lenox Square’s retailers, including Michael Kors, Good American, Nike,
3 Tactics to Start Using AI for Executives Who Don’t Know AI
Artificial intelligence is everywhere, but for many executives, it still feels like an abstract, futuristic concept—something for tech giants, data scientists, and digital-first companies. The reality? AI is already shaping the way businesses operate, and you don’t need a PhD in machine learning to start making an impact. For executives who are new to AI, the key isn’t to become an expert overnight. It’s about understanding enough to lead effectively and identifying small but meaningful ways to
4 Ways Skills-Based Volunteering Benefits Small Businesses
Running a small business gives you a range of skills: bookkeeping, marketing, social media strategy, human resources, and management. This expertise is what makes your company successful, but you can also use it to help your community by creating a skills-based volunteering program. Skills-based volunteering involves business owners and their teams offering their knowledge and skills to local nonprofits. And it’s a win-win for everyone involved. Charitable organizations tap into professional skills they
Fulton County Schools honors Sandy Springs Education Force
Fulton County Schools named the Sandy Springs Education Force (SSEF) as its 2025 Legacy of Excellence Partner of the Year on Oct. 30. The award was made at a celebration for approximately 1,000 Fulton County Schools (FCS) teachers, professionals, partners, and guests at the Georgia International Convention Center. According to a press release, the award celebrates outstanding community partnerships that make a lasting difference for students and educators. “This year’s Legacy of Excellence Partner of
‘Reason will prevail’; Food pantry CEO says not to panic
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The largest food pantry in Metro Atlanta’s Central Perimeter is sharing how a temporary SNAP benefits suspension may be affecting local families and where to go for immediate assistance. The Community Assistance Center is a nonprofit split between the cities of Sandy Springs and Dunwoody, as well as Fulton and DeKalb counties. In 2024, the CAC assisted nearly 10,000 people, distributed approximately one million pounds of food and helped prevent more than 1,000
Leaders celebrate new boardwalk
Dunwoody, GA – Nov. 6, 2025 – Dunwoody leaders will gather to celebrate the new boardwalk and wetlands restoration at the Dunwoody Nature Center at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 10. The upgrades make it easier for visitors of all ages and abilities to explore and enjoy the natural surroundings. “This project has been a long time in the making, so it is incredibly rewarding to see it come to life,” said Dunwoody Nature Center Executive Director Nancy Longacre. “We are thrilled to invite the public to walk the
Presenter View is Your Secret Weapon for Killer Presentations
Presentation anxiety is very real and can present itself in various ways, from dry mouth to sweaty palms to a sudden loss for words. It’s a legitimate phobia that people have, which makes it all the more helpful that modern presentation tools offer a feature to help mitigate its impact: Presenter View. Let’s talk about how to put Presenter View to use in either Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides. What is Presenter View?Whichever of the big two slideshow programs you use, you have access to something
Children’s Opens New Cutting-Edge Marcus Center for Cellular Therapy
ATLANTA (Oct. 30, 2025) – Thanks to a significant grant from the late Bernie Marcus and The Marcus Foundation, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta announced the opening of the Marcus Center for Cellular Therapy. Through cutting-edge clinical trials, the center will facilitate the manufacturing and delivery of cellular and gene therapies, which are some of the most novel treatments available to patients with diseases resistant to standard care protocols. Children’s anticipates the lab will significantly
Cars & ‘Q Breaks Fundraising Record
Cars & ‘Q for the Cause continues to demonstrate what’s possible when our industry, partners, and community unite behind a shared mission. This year’s event raised an incredible $751,416 (and counting!) for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Georgia Chapter, marking our third consecutive record-breaking year and countless lives impacted through groundbreaking research and support for families living with CF. Hosted at Choate Construction’s Atlanta headquarters, the show brought together more than 120
Celebrate the Magic of the Season at Sparkle Sandy Springs December 7
It’s the most magical time of the year in Sandy Springs, and everyone is invited to join the city for its annual celebration, Sparkle Sandy Springs, on Sunday, December 7. Presented by the City of Sandy Springs, this festive event will transform the City Springs District into a winter wonderland, complete with favorite holiday traditions, a glowing nighttime parade, and the lighting of both the Christmas tree and Menorah. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. at City Springs, where guests can enjoy: -Hot cocoa
Delays likely for distribution of government food benefits to the hungry
ATLANTA — The one in eight Georgians who rely on the government for food may have to wait for weeks to get their spending allotment on the cards they use to buy groceries. In Georgia, deposits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, normally start arriving on the fifth of each month, rolling out on odd dates to recipients through the 23rd. But on Wednesday, the 36th day of the government shutdown, a new record, one Atlanta shop owner said about a dozen customers had not
Perimeter Survey Reveals Growing Demand for Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment
Long considered one of the Southeast’s premier corporate office markets, Perimeter is quickly redefining what a vibrant, connected district looks like. Insights from the 2025 Perimeter Community-Wide Survey reveal a growing demand for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The district is answering the call with new developments, diverse restaurants, and revitalized retail. With dynamic experiences and a stronger sense of community taking shape, Perimeter is evolving beyond its 9-to-5 roots into a
Watch Out for This Scary New Malware: Crocodilus
Mobile malware doesn’t get talked about a lot, and that’s because it’s relatively uncommon compared to others, but it’s still just as dangerous. Crocodilus, a new Trojan on the Android platform, is one such example. Today, we want to cover how you can address this new variant and avoid contact with it. Crocodilus was first identified early in 2025, and it’s not just a data thief; it’s a comprehensive remote access Trojan (RAT). It can take over infected devices and steal sensitive financial information,
Cox Enterprises Announces 2025 Cox Conserves Heroes
ATLANTA, Oct. 30, 2025 — Cox Enterprises has named Eric Grace, Isaac Nelson and The Plastic Ocean Project the winners of the 2025 Cox Conserves Heroes program. Cox Conserves Heroes is part of Cox Enterprises' national sustainability initiative, designed to recognize youth and adult volunteers, as well as nonprofits, making a positive impact on our environment. Each winner earned a $30,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation to support an environmental nonprofit of their choice. The James M. Cox
How to Unclog a Bathroom Sink: Methods That Actually Work
Clogged bathroom sinks are among the most common plumbing issues homeowners encounter. Hair, soap scum, toothpaste, and all those grooming products build up over time, until water can't flow through. The good news? Many bathroom sink clogs can be cleared without needing to call a plumber immediately. At Total Mechanical Care, we've been helping families with plumbing issues for generations. Our roots trace back to 1923, so before you reach for harsh chemical drain cleaners that can damage your pipes, try
Dunwoody okays balanced 2026 budget, capital wish list
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody City Council approved the 2026 budget after final public hearing and discussion Oct. 27, balancing its operational spending plan and funding a capital wish list. Elected officials voted unanimously to approve a $7.3 million amendment before passing the budget, allocating reserve funds to capital projects within the Parks and Recreation, Police and Public Works departments. None of the projects are guaranteed to happen, but allocating funds is the first step in
Ameris Bancorp Announces Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ameris Bancorp (NYSE: ABCB) (the “Company”) today reported net income of $106.0 million, or $1.54 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, compared with $99.2 million, or $1.44 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. For the year-to-date period ending September 30, 2025, the Company reported net income of $303.8 million, or $4.41 per diluted share, compared with $264.3 million, or $3.83 per diluted share, for the same period in
Study: AI Can Spot Signs of Depression in Reddit Posts
ATLANTA — A new study has found that artificial intelligence (AI) can now spot signs of depression in online writing, and can do so with high accuracy. The study, which appeared in Corpus-Based Studies Across Humanities, found that models from machine learning (ML), a form of AI, could spot depression in posts on Reddit with 96 percent accuracy. The researchers say this study reveals how even short social media messages can reveal emotions. “Language is not just for conveying information,” said
Metro Atlanta food banks brace for SNAP cuts. Here’s where to receive food assistance, or donate
On Nov. 1, nearly 1.4 million Georgia residents (12.6 percent of the population), including more than 908,000 children, are on track to lose SNAP and EBT benefits. As of publication, the Trump administration had not agreed on a plan to use federal reserves to keep the government assistance program going, despite a contingency fund of close to $6 billion. “Hunger should not be political,” Will Sellers, Executive Director of food insecurity nonprofit Wholesome Wave Georgia, told Rough Draft. “We urge our
A Seat at the Table: Why U.S. Leadership is Needed in International Organizations
The Trump administration this year launched a review of U.S. participation across a wide range of international organizations. This kind of 360-degree assessment can be invaluable, and in the case of some organizations it’s probably overdue. For example, UN bodies that scrutinize human rights should not be led by representatives of countries with widely-criticized human rights records, and this will inevitably affect U.S. support. However, the United States has long benefited from taking a
Forbes Ranks Kennesaw State Online BBA in Management as Top Program in Georgia, No. 3 in the Nation
Kennesaw State University’s online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management has been ranked third in the nation and the best in Georgia on Forbes' 2025 list of Best Online Business Management Degrees. The program also received special recognition for providing the "Best for Experiential Learning Opportunities" of all the programs evaluated. This significant ranking highlights KSU’s commitment to providing a hands-on, immersive educational experience for its students, including those taking
Windows 11 is here!
Windows 11 is here — and so is Symphona, guarding your upgrade every step of the way. New systems bring new features… and new vulnerabilities. Whether you’re upgrading your team or rolling out company-wide changes, our experts ensure your transition is secure, seamless, and fully protected.Upgrade with confidence.We’ve got your back — and your data.
Transform Your IT from a Money Pit to an Asset
Many businesses are under the impression that their IT, despite being a necessary cost, is just that: a bottomless pit for the company’s hard-earned money. However, this impression could be a sign that the business is not utilizing its technology effectively. Let’s look at three signs that your organization might need to reconsider its relationship with IT spending and how they contribute to your company’s overall impressions of IT (as well as its productivity). Any of These Sound Familiar?“I want to do
City of Sandy Springs Selects Summit Coffee as New Tenant for Williams-Payne House
The City of Sandy Springs announced that Summit Coffee Sandy Springs, a café and creamery concept led by local resident Adam Cook, will become the newest tenant at the historic Williams-Payne House. The project represents a major milestone as the first food and beverage business to open as part of the next phase of City Springs’ development. Founded in 1998, Summit Coffee operates 21 cafés across the Southeast and is recognized for its small-batch roasting, sustainability practices and community-oriented
'A well-functioning economy requires a functioning government'
Shutdowns are harmful to the economy, the American people, and U.S. national security. This shutdown began on October 1, when Congress and the Administration could not reach an agreement to continue funding the federal government. It is the sixth time since 1995 that the government has shuttered and will become the longest full government shutdown on record. History shows that shutdowns have ripple effects across the U.S. economy. “The government shutdown is harming small businesses and
Dunwoody honors Veterans
The City of Dunwoody will commemorate Veterans Day with a special ceremony and the dedication of the city’s new Veterans Memorial at Brook Run Park. The event will take place on Tuesday, November 11, at 10 a.m., at 4770 N. Peachtree Road. All are welcome to attend. “Our Veterans Day Ceremony is an important tradition, and this year will be extra special,” said Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch. “The new Veterans Memorial is a beautiful tribute to the courageous men and women who made great sacrifices to defend
Dunwoody Homeowners Association pitches itself to younger generations
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The DHA has never really been just a homeowners association, and its leadership is focusing on a revamp to attract the next generation of community leaders. Homeowners associations are often legally mandated organizations that enforce rules and collect fees to maintain shared neighborhood spaces, while civic associations are voluntary groups focused on community events and advocacy. President Tim Brown, who took over in February after Bob Fiscella’s four years at the helm,
Chamber names Dunwoody’s Sok as Woman of Distinction
The Greater Perimeter Chamber named Dunwoody businesswoman Lauren Sok as its Woman of Distinction for 2025 on Oct. 22. Sok, the owner of Functionize Health & Physical Therapy, was one of 15 nominees from Dunwoody and Sandy Springs. Other finalists for the award were Natalie DeLancey (honorable mention) of the City Springs Theatre Company, Jan Paul (second runner-up), a community activist, and Katie Prellwitz (first runner-up), of Leverage Communications. Monica Kaufman Pearson was
From Lab To Land: How Hands-on Computer Science Is Building The Future
This fall, Georgia State’s incoming freshman class is one of the largest ever, with 52,000 students across the university. With more than 3,000 computer science majors, the fast-growing program is preparing students for today’s tech-driven demands. For them, learning extends far beyond coding and keyboards. They’ll be designing and building robotics, developing apps, testing sensors and diving into cutting-edge research that prepares them for the workforce. “In computer science, the best
Cut the AI Bait-and-Switch: Tips for Employers to Spot Fake Job Applicants
As deepfake tools and voice cloning become cheaper and more convincing, employers are increasingly encountering a troubling trend: fraudsters using artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake appearances, voices, or profiles to land remote jobs. In addition to the risk of hiring unqualified applicants, the practice raises significant concerns about individuals trying to steal company trade secrets, install malware on company-owned devices, or engage in other subversive activities. Quick
Employer Insights: The Truth About Generational Differences and Hourly Job Loyalty
The Truth About Generational Differences and Hourly Job Loyalty Hourly workers are making calculations employers can't always see. Every scheduling change, every denied time-off request, and every promise about advancement gets added up, as they decide whether their bosses are genuine or performative. And sometimes, they're willing to walk when the math doesn't work. New research from goBeyondProfit confirms what hourly workforce leaders already suspect: employees across all age groups are constantly
“Find” the Secrets Behind the Ctrl +F and Ctrl + G Keyboard Shortcuts
The Ctrl + F keyboard shortcut is incredibly useful, especially when you need to find specific text on a page… but did you know it is capable of so much more than that? Today, we want to go over some specific use cases for this keyboard shortcut and how you can use them in Google Docs and Microsoft Word. What Does the Basic Keyboard Shortcut Do? First, you can open the Find window by using the Ctrl + F keyboard shortcut. You’ll see a text field open where you can type in a search query. This will populate
Great Dunwoody Cleanup is Nov. 1
Dunwoody, GA – October 15, 2025 – The City of Dunwoody invites individuals, families, neighbors, teams, schools, and civic groups to take part in the #GreatDunwoodyCleanup on Saturday, November 1. This citywide effort makes it simple and flexible to protect local streams and storm drains by removing litter and debris from public spaces.“The Great Dunwoody Cleanup keeps gaining momentum because it’s easy for anyone to jump in,” said Dunwoody Stormwater Manager Cody Dallas. “When volunteers clear trash before
DeKalb data center event weighs environmental, economic impacts
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Most seats were filled Wednesday at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, where DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson hosted a town hall examining the growing interest in data centers and their potential impact on the community. The event brought together local and regional experts to discuss how the rapidly expanding industry affects energy use, infrastructure and economic growth. Atlanta trails only Northern Virginia in proposed new data centers, a boom fueled in
The Border is Secure. A Worker Shortage Means Our Economy Isn’t. Let’s Fix it.
For years, suggestions about reforming our broken immigration system have been met with the reply, “we can tackle that once we secure the border.” Given the crisis at our southern border, that was an appropriate response. Now, thanks to the efforts of President Trump and his Administration, the border is secure, and there are enough resources committed to ensure it stays that way. This development makes possible what could be a signature achievement for the President and Congress that has eluded
Community Assistance Center launches fundraising campaign
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — While the Community Assistance Center’s Sept. 20 Broadway Lighs Gala raised $480,000, the nonprofit announced a loftier goal in the form of its three-year Compassion in Action campaign. With a goal of raising $18 million, the campaign will address growing community needs while expanding the Community Assistance Center’s programs and operational capacity. Including proceeds from the gala, the Central Perimeter nonprofit says $3 million has already been committed toward
Intermittent Fasting and Testosterone: Helpful or Harmful for Men?
Fasting has become a popular health trend for those looking to lose weight and make improvements to their overall health. However, when it comes to testosterone, is intermittent fasting supporting your hormones or working against them? Many men turn to intermittent fasting for fat loss, sharper mental focus, and even longevity. But testosterone is central to male vitality, and its relationship with fasting is not as straightforward as it may seem. In this guide, we’ll break down what intermittent
Dunwoody sets a reserve-funded plan for capital projects
DUNWOODY, Ga. — It looks likely that the Dunwoody High School girls volleyball team will get the sand court its been asking for since last fall as a part of the city’s $5 million planned buildout of Homecoming Park. The Dunwoody City Council workshopped the 2026 budget during an Oct. 6 meeting, setting up an amendment later this year to use excess reserves to fund a number of capital projects. During the discussion, elected officials came to a consensus, focusing on allocating funds
Dad’s Garage to unveil new building addition
Dad’s Garage Theatre Company will host a grand opening of the facility’s new exterior entryway and patio in conjunction with the Old Fourth Ward Neighborhood Association (O4WNA) on Oct. 11 at 5:30 p.m. This over 3000-square-foot addition to the original 12,000-square-foot theatre is the first major renovation completed at Dad’s Garage since renovations in 2015, according to a press release. “Dad’s Garage is in a unique position to connect the past and present through social bonds, programming, and its
How AI Can Help Small Businesses Compete and Grow
Whether you're a small business owner or someone considering starting your own venture, you've probably heard a lot about artificial intelligence (AI) and wondered how it fits into your daily operations. While it may seem like a tool reserved for tech savvy companies, AI is quickly becoming essential for small businesses and entrepreneurs who want to save time, grow smarter, and stay competitive. That’s why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with support
The City of Sandy Springs to Host 16th Annual Veterans Day Tribute
The City will host its 16th Annual Veterans Day Tribute on Tuesday, November 11 at 11 a.m. in Byers Theatre at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. This free community event welcomes all to come together in recognition of the dedication and sacrifice of America’s veterans. U.S. Navy Commander Frank Weisser, a two-time Blue Angels Aviator, will serve as the Keynote Speaker. Commander Weisser was deployed to combat three separate times. He flew in the front seat as an F-18 pilot for some of Top Gun:
General Tso Catering “We Serve Those Who Serve” Campaign to Support Furloughed Government Employees
Atlanta, GA — In response to the recent government shutdown, General Tso Catering & Events has launched a heartfelt initiative titled “We Serve Those Who Serve.” The campaign is designed to provide warm, affordable meals and community support for government employees who are currently furloughed. “Even when the government shuts down, we don’t stop serving,” says Patrick Cheng, founder of General Tso Catering. “Many of these workers serve our communities year-round, and now it’s our turn to serve
When to use Ai images. And when to NOT.
With Ai popularity on the rise, it's becoming increasingly important to know when it is appropriate to use Ai generated images and when you should steer clear. When creating content that includes technical items such as cars, planes, tools, electronics, or other very specific items, it's always best to use actual photography. Although at first glance, the Ai-generated object may seem acceptable, anyone who is at all familiar with the item will instantly recognize that it is not correct. This in turn will
Why Cyber Insurance Is Essential for Small Businesses
When small business owners think about cyberattacks, they picture major corporations like Target or Equifax making headlines. However, in reality, small businesses are increasingly targeted by cybercrime and often experience devastating financial consequences. Even among those businesses that are aware of today’s cyber risks, 64% believe their operation is too small to be an attractive target for cybercriminals, according to a 2025 study by Coalition.1 Small Business, Big Target According to the
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
Meet Carla Woolstrum of Cruise Planners
Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Woolstrum. Carla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? I had an almost four-decade career in IT Technology that over the course of several years moved me from my native Nebraska to Texas and finally to the Atlanta area, where I have lived since 1996. While I was successful in the IT world, it was a career I had just sort of stumbled into and I was never truly passionate about it. In 2019, as I was
Appen Media Publisher Hans Appen Named to Georgia Trend’s 2025 “40 Under 40”
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Appen Media Group Publisher & CEO, Hans Appen, has been selected for Georgia Trend magazine’s 2025 “40 Under 40” list. This distinction recognizes young professionals across the state who are making significant contributions in business, the arts, public service, and other fields. The Georgia Trend 40 Under 40 award is one of the most prestigious honors for emerging leaders in Georgia. Appen’s inclusion underscores his influence in the media landscape and his commitment to both
Parks & Rec earns statewide recognition
Dunwoody, GA – October 2, 2025 – Dunwoody Parks and Recreation has once again been recognized among the best in Georgia. The Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) named the department District 6 Agency of the Year during its annual awards banquet on Wednesday. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Dunwoody has earned the honor, which celebrates excellence and leadership in delivering high-quality parks, facilities, and programs that enrich community life. “Each year, our team strives to
Sandy Springs sets Picnic in the Park
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — After the final Sandy Springs Farmers Market of the season Nov. 22, the city is transforming Blue Stone Road into a giant picnic table to honor its 20th anniversary. Sandy Springs is inviting all residents to celebrate Saturday, Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. along the City Green, marking two decades of community, connection and civic pride. “Picnic in the Park,” is one celebration in a series of community gatherings in honor of the city of Sandy Springs incorporating
Sounds of Dunwoody to bring free live music, community-building to local shopping center
The Shops of Dunwoody, the Dunwoody Homeowners Association, and Create Dunwoody will host their inaugural Sounds of Dunwoody event on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 3 to 10 pm. The free concert event, located on the shopping center’s shared green space, will feature performances by the Francisco Vidal Band and rock cover band PDL Atlanta. “It’s really just wanting to build community in Dunwoody,” said Nida Mudd, owner of Judy and Grace Boutique and a Dunwoody resident of more than 30 years. Mudd took
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
