North Atlanta Business Post, March by Appen Media Group

March 2015 • NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com

Women in business

We talk to Abigail Tremble of Randstad PAGE 28

Trending cities

Take a look at the up and coming cities in North Georgia. PAGES 9 – 11 Volume 2, Issue 3 • Part of Appen Media Group • Cherokee • Cobb • Forsyth • Fulton • Gwinnett • Hall

Breaking the mold

Johns Creek Business District starts planning. PAGE 8

#1 in Georgia

NGMC at the top in multiple categories. PAGE 22

$1B price tag

PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Atlanta, GA Permit #3592

New Atlanta Braves stadium numbers released. PAGE 27

Living in the lap of luxury Appen Media Group 319 North Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009

What does a $13,995,000 house look like? How many bathrooms does it have? We profile the top five most expensive properties in Metro Atlanta, including 5200 Moore Road in Suwanee pictured above. See more, Pages 18 – 20.

Small Business Makes Big Impact in Roswell For more information see page 21

2 • March 2015 • NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com

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NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com • March 2015 • 3

QUICK GLANCE:

Letter from the publisher: Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle presented his State of the City address March 3, and much of his speech centered on the love he feels for the city over which he presides and what makes it special. I am an Alpharetta native and have lived and worked here most of my life. The city is home to me – and will be no matter what life throws my way. So, I had no problem identifying with what Mayor Belle Isle had to say. Of course, I have examples of my own. I spent two years at the “old” Milton High School and then two years at the “new” one. I have been on dates with my (now) wife to North Point Mall and the Wills Park tennis courts, and I spend most of my days working in the family business at 319 North Main St. We are all connected to where we live. As our Trending Cities editorial on pages 9 – 11 shows, that connection is being made even stronger for many of us by some of the current and future projects taking place that make a city fun, modern – and trending. I’d like to think the publications that we put out at Appen Media Group play a small part in that connection. For most of North Fulton and South Forsyth, we deliver a weekly commu-

nity newspaper that keeps readers in touch with current events, government and school news, high school sports and much, much more. Those who don’t receive the publication in their driveway can always catch up at www.northfulton.com. With this publication, we deliver the most current business news to the Northside (six counties) and have big plans in motion to expand our offerings in years to come. Alpharetta’s mayor gave me an idea in his address that I think we can help with. In the next few editions of this publication, I would like to publish some thoughts from the North Atlanta Business Post community on what you love about the city in which you live. It can be a current or future project, or something in the past that has helped strengthen your connection. Feel free to send your thoughts to hans@appenmediagroup.com and we will publish as many of them as we can.

North ATL cities rank among state’s best home markets List shows: Rank: City; Average Years Living in Home; Healthiest Markets Index 1: Tifton; 5.6; 72.5 2: Dublin; 16.6; 70.3

Best,

3: Roswell; 13.7; 65.7 Hans Appen Publisher hans@appenmediagroup.com

4: Perry; 15.0; 62.9 5: Peachtree City; 13.2; 62.7 6: Alpharetta; 11.7; 61.5 7: Dalton; 14.5; 60.70

What’s inside this issue:

8: Moultrie; 15.8; 60.50 9: Carrollton; 14.4; 50.90 10: Rome; 16.1; 50.70 In order to find the healthiest housing markets in the country, the company considered stability, affordability, fluidity and risk of loss. See the full story online at NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com SOURCE: SMARTASSET

News

[4] Alpharetta Mulls hotel, conference center [8] Johns Creek Business District breaks mold for revitalization

Real Estate

[6] Harry Norman, Realtors’ showcase listing [7] • From the ground level, a look at the housing market •Sparks in home businesses helps suppliers find a niche [12] Economic tea leaves favor housing boom [14] Southeast Mortgage launches Builder Partnership Program [15] Real estate visionary says North Ga. ripe for younger homebuyers [18 – 20] Top 5 most expensive

properties currently on the market

Trending Cities

[9 – 11] We profile the up and coming cities in North Georgia

Fulton County

[21] Avalon sees residential sales climb

Hall County

[22] Northeast Georgia Medical Center rated 1st in Ga.

Forsyth County

[23] Emory Johns Creek Hospital expands services to Forsyth

Cherokee County

[24] 3 00 new jobs expected by 2019 as Inalfa expands

Gwinnett County

[26] Comcast expands regional headquarters in Peachtree Corners

Cobb County

subscribe today 770-442-3278 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET 319 North Main Street Alpharetta, Georgia 30009 Published by Appen Media Group Advertising: All advertising published in North Atlanta Business Post is subject to current rate card; copies available from the advertising department. To obtain a copy contact your sales representative at 770-442-3278 or email advertising@ appenmediagroup.com.

[27] Braves stadium costs to top $1B

Newsroom: All press releases and editorial information can be sent to business@appenmediagroup.com

Women in Business

Visit northatlantabusinesspost.com for more information.

[28] We profile Abigail Tremble of Randstad

Movers & Shakers

[29] T he people on the move, new hires and promotions

NEWS

4 • March 2015 • NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com

Alpharetta mulls hotel, conference center ‘Hotel Avalon’ price to top $100M By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – For several years, Alpharetta has mulled plans to build a conference center somewhere in the city. Current thoughts put it at the new Avalon development along Ga. 400 and Old Milton Parkway. The city is going through the planning process, and recently heard what might be built from the developer, North American Properties. The result is a $107 million complex with grand hotel and luxury amenities. The city would be on the hook for $28.5 million, the cost of the conference center, which could be paid for using a bond. NAP would pick up the cost. The project is a large one. The full-service hotel is hoped to have 325 rooms and be run by Marriott Hotels. The conference center, which would be attached, would have 74,000 square feet in total space, 42,000 of which is meeting space. It would also have a 10,000-square-foot ballroom. The project would be a part of Avalon

Alpharetta’s proposed convention center • 74,000 square feet total • 42,000 square feet of function space – 22,500-square-foot multipurpose space, 10,000 square-foot ballroom • Attached to a 325 room hotel • Expected cost: Developer investment $78.7 million • City investment: $28.5 million (capped) • Proposed completion date: August 2017 Phase 2, which would also include more retail, office and residential space. In January 2013, the city requested ideas from the developer community for a conference center. They fielded several proposals before the city ultimately settled on Avalon. The complex would be a public-private project, with the city and developer sharing costs. Because NAP is not in the hotel busi-

ness, they brought in Jim Stormont, of Stormont Hospitality Group based in Atlanta, to work on that component. “We are bringing a much needed facility to Alpharetta and the Fulton County market,” Stormont said. Convention space is a recognized issue in North Fulton. Despite having many Fortune 1,000 companies within its borders, these companies have to go inside the Perimeter to hold any large events. One of the largest spaces available in Alpharetta is the Marriott Hotel on Windward Parkway, and it is too small even for local events. “We don’t have the facility to serve 1,000 people. Every year, we have to go downtown,” said Brandon Beach, local state senator and head of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. “This is much needed for the community.” He said the GNFCC annual business expo routinely has a waiting list of companies who want to set up booths in the Marriott but have no space. Another aspect of the conference center is a full-service hotel – dubbed “Hotel Avalon” – which would be the first in the metro area in nearly 15 years, Stormont said. It would be intertwined with the con-

ference center. Alpharetta has a strong hotel industry, Stormont said. It routinely has an occupancy rate of nearly 74 percent, a number that is steadily climbing. Economically, Stormont said the project would result in 210 direct jobs, with more than 360 jobs created around it, including construction jobs. It would have a regional economic impact of $36 million, he said, and would be bringing in $3 million in tax revenue per year by year 11. Some members of council were less convinced of the merits or cost of the proposal. “I don’t have a problem with the project,” Councilmember D.C. Aiken said. “Avalon delivered on Phase 1 well beyond my expectations.” However, why are Alpharetta residents the only ones paying for such a “regional” project, he asked. If it were such a regional project, it should be paid for regionally. Aiken also balked at the idea of the city approving a bond to pay for it without getting voter approval. “If this is such a great gig, it’s easy to put on the ballot for November,” Aiken

See CENTER, Page 28

NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com • March 2015 • 5

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REAL ESTATE

6 • March 2015 • NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com

Harry Norman, Realtors’ showcase listing MILTON, Ga. – Perfectly Positioned in Pinnacle Section of White Columns; Spacious yet Inviting; Impeccable Finishes & Architectural Details; Master Suite & Guest Room on Main. Hassel Chef’s Kitchen with commercial grade appliances, custom cabinetry, granite countertops, walk-in pantry, center island. Greatroom, breakfast room and master open to stone patio and pool-ready level lushly landscaped backyard. The finished terrace level has 10’ ceilings, travertine flooring, family room with stone fireplace, a gorgeous 2nd kitchen/bar, a theater room, wine cellar, flex room, 2 large bedrooms each with own bath and a covered stone porch. Second floor features 3 bedrooms each with their own bath, a bonus room and a living space with a fireplace and built in bookcases. Schools of Excellence! About Carolyn Hassel After retiring from a successful career in IT, Carolyn Hassel moved into Real Estate more than 12 years ago & has been serving buyers and sellers in Atlanta’s Luxury Corridor - from Buckhead North

to Lake Lanier. Her primary focus is to assist buyers, sellers, builders and investors in making the wisest choices in selling their current home and/or buying their next home whether it be a primary residence, vacation property or investment. Being a resident of North Fulton for 22 years, she witnessed this vibrant & rapidly growing area (Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell and Sandy Springs) evolve from farms to businesses, shopping malls,

restaurants and schools. North Fulton County now offers an extraordinary combination - thriving retail and entertainment, well planned development and incredible amenities coupled with historic charm, a relax feel, security and gracious living - the very best of Atlanta. Contact Carolyn at 770-876-0147 for a no obligation market assessment of your current home or to find your dream home.

About the home Price: $1,400,000 Address: 1310 Rolling Links Drive, Milton, Ga. 30004 Bedrooms: 7 Bathrooms: 7 full, 1 half Year Built: 2004 County: Fulton Subdivision: White Columns

“We couldn’t be happier with Carolyn. She is a very sharp woman and I feel we truly got top dollar for our property. She guided us to the perfect property to buy, helping us identify houses that would truly be a fit for our family. I could tell she wasn’t just interested in making her commission, but truly doing what was in our best interest. We are thrilled with our selling and buying experience.” ~Heather & Jared H.

Carolyn Hassel

Luxury Marketing Specialist Senior Marketing Consultant Life Member Multi-Million Dollar Club C: 770-876-0147 / O: 678-461-8700 Carolyn.Hassel@HarryNorman.com www.Carolyn.Hassel.HarryNorman.com

CREATIVITY. KNOWLEDGE. EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. NORTH FULTON OFFICE | 7855 North Point Parkway, Suite 100 | Alpharetta, GA 30022 | www.harrynorman.com

REAL ESTATE

NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com • March 2015 • 7

From the ground level, a look at the housing market Editor’s note: We asked metro Atlanta real estate agents what they were seeing in the residential housing market this year. We asked which houses are selling and why. Here is one broker’s response:

By BILL RAWLINGS Vice president/managing broker, North Atlanta office Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Atlanta’s housing market ended last year with strong gains in sales and price appreciation, and we only expect it to continue to strengthen. So what is selling? Lifestyle and locaRawlings tion continue to be the biggest drivers in the market. Desirable school systems make desirable neighborhoods. As a significant number of buyers are families looking to find a new home and get settled before the school year begins,

spring will be especially hot for areas with excellent public high schools. New construction and updated properties offer ease and value to buyers. Builders are very active, and homeowners are looking to get the most for their homes now and transitioning into new product. Additionally, buyers want to be able to move into their home and not worry about performing renovations themselves or updating to today’s tastes. We are in a seller’s market with a huge shortage of available inventory in certain price points for the ready, willing and able buyer. The median home price of $207,000 in November was a 15.6 percent gain from a year ago. As prices continue to rise, it will encourage sellers to come to the market. In addition, Georgia is expected to outpace the rest of the United States again in 2015 in economic growth. It is for this reason that I expect a very strong, robust spring market and overall 2015.

Spark in home businesses helps suppliers find a niche Market for small businesses likely to grow By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – A growing number of Americans are working from home, many at the helm of their own businesses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there are close to 20 million home-based businesses in the United States. The U.S. Census Bureau puts that number closer to 40 million. Economists predict the market for these small businesses will continue to grow, not merely due to the freedom they afford but because the chance for success is tempting. Data shows that nearly 70 percent of home-based businesses succeed for at least three years, while traditional new businesses enjoy a 29 percent success rate. The growth in home businesses has proven fruitful for one segment of the business world, home-office furnishings. In 2010, the most recent tax year for which figures are available, nearly 3.4 million taxpayers claimed deductions for business use of a home (commonly

referred to as the home office deduction). “Home offices are getting rejuvenated, just because the housing market has gone up again,” said Casey Robinson, owner of Roswell Home and Office Furniture. “We have seen a slight uptick in the home office furniture.” Although the company does its share of business with larger, traditional businesses, Robinson said his showroom focuses on the at-home entrepreneur. “Hooker and Riverside furniture are two of the best product lines that I carry,” he said. Roswell Home and Office Furniture began in 1988 as a family-owned business by Wayne and Lynn Robinson. Casey assumed ownership in 2013, supplying Internet technology skills to grow the business. Online catalogs and manufacturers’ links assist clients in making choices for their home and office requirements. Most customers are looking for a modular setup, Robinson said, with furniture that suits wireless equipment. “There’s what they call ‘work smart,’ individual modular components to either panel a wall to give it a library feel and having a small desk in front as the centerpiece,” Robinson said.

EDITORIAL CALENDAR 2015 Issue Date

Space Reservation Date

Materials Deadline

March 26

March 30

April 2015 – Small Business • Business Post’s 2015 Cherokee Market Report special focus • Small business success stories • Tools every small business needs • Leading family businesses in the region and how they manage work and family • Getting your MBA: What you should know

April 6

May 2015 – Leisure (vacations, golf, baseball) • Hospitality and Tourism: Recap of the season and industry indicators looking forward. • What makes visitors come to North Atlanta • Economic impact of tourism • Work-life and personal life: Finding a balance during your vacation

May 11

April 30

May 4

June 8

May 28

June 1

July 14

July 3

July 7

June 8

May 28

June 1

June 2015 – Technology • Business Post’s 2015 Hall Market Report special focus • Companies that make tomorrow’s technology – right here in North Atlanta • How to protect your company from a cyber attack • How North Atlanta businesses are going global with their online presence

July 2015 - Health and Medical • By the numbers: Top hospitals/best practices • Behind the medical trends and the companies leading the industry • Best managed hospitals • Taking charge of your office health, what wellness programs are businesses offering workers

Call 770-442-3278 to reserve your ad space today! www.NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com

NEWS

8 • March 2015 • NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com

Johns Creek Business District breaks mold for revitalization By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Johns Creek’s plan to designate a 25-acre site near Medlock Bridge and McGinnis Ferry roads as a business district runs counter to recent efforts by cities to grow their economies. Over the past 20 years, north metro Atlanta cities have shelled out hundreds of millions of dollars to rebuild areas in an effort to draw visitors, businesses and economic prosperity. Nearly all started the process with plans for a new city hall. But Johns Creek is keeping its focus on business, a commodity it is sadly lacking compared to most of its neighbors. Commercial real estate makes up a paltry 19 percent of the city’s property tax base, placing the bulk of the tax burden on homeowners. And with growing needs for revenue, a new city hall is the least of Johns Creek’s worries. “We’ll take a spot as a lead tenant in a 75,000-square-foot building a developer wants to build,” said City Manager Warren Hutmacher. “The idea is not to build a sprawling 20-acre campus where none of the land is taxable.” By contrast, Sandy Springs, which was founded 10 years ago as the poster

HATCHER HURD/Staff

Residents pack City Hall to begin the discussions of what the community would like to see in The District.

child for smaller government, is spending tens of millions of dollars to build a city center along Roswell Road. Proponents argue the project, which includes a city hall that may double as a meeting center, will spur an economic boom that will spiral outward and nourish civic pride. Alpharetta is in the midst of a $30-million project that includes a new city hall with a parking deck, retail shops and green space on its Main Street. Sugar Hill continues work on the commercial

elements of its revamped downtown with its new $8.5 million city hall. From Smyrna to Suwanee, the message has been the same, a government complex is a magnet for business. But Johns Creek is taking a different tack. “Land in the district is not sufficiently utilized, so we’ve got capacity for more growth, more development in that area to raise more revenue,” Hutmacher said. “If you can generate more money from this potential business district, you can

pop that money into other residential areas in the city and let the residents benefit from the commercial growth.” It’s up to the city to capitalize on the growing job market that has most recently been creeping from Atlanta to the northern suburbs, Hutmacher said. “The goal from the city’s standpoint is to make these improvements in a measured and successful way without creating more traffic that’s going to be a nuisance for the rest of the community,” Hutmacher said. The new business district plan is still in the planning stages, but civic groups and business leaders have already participated in a series of informational presentations to learn more about it. Johns Creek Chamber President John Bemont said those he’s spoken within the business community are excited about the prospect of a well-planned area where commercial growth is fostered. “Any time you plan things out in an area where development makes sense, rather than random expansion, it’s good,” Bemont said. “It’s going to be more opportunity.” Most chamber members, he said, are anxious to see what comes out of the planning sessions. “I’m still learning a lot about it,” he said.

TRENDING CITIES

NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com • March 2015 • 9

North Georgia trending cities parks offering soccer fields, baseball diamonds, activity centers and multi-use trails for all residents to enjoy. Beth Sessoms Economic development manager City of Marietta

GAINESVILLE Major recent business events: In 2014, the U.S. Census Bureau identified the Gainesville-Hall County MSA as one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country. Last year, 24 economic development projects were announced creating 1,300 new jobs and $150 million Dunlap in investment. Kubota, currently employing 1,300 in Gainesville, is developing a new 180-acre campus with a $100 million investment and adding 650 jobs. Jinsung TEC of South Korea recently opened its new North American headquarters and operations, and the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network opened a new laboratory and headquarters to fulfill an important role for Georgia’s poultry industry. Marietta is committed to redeveloping the Franklin Gateway area.

MARIETTA Major recent business events: Marietta leaders and citizens are committed to redeveloping the Franklin Gateway area. Recently, Home Depot has indicated an interest in moving 675 of its IT employees and 525 new employees to the NewMarket Business Park in this Sessoms area. These high-salaried jobs will provide economic support for both retail and commercial businesses in Marietta. Significant relatively recent hard infrastructure improvements: Marietta is developing for both citizens and visitors a well-defined intricate trail network running throughout the city. One trail currently partially under construction will connect Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park to the Marietta Square to Kennesaw State University to Life University. It will eventually connect to the Chattahoochee River. Significant demographic factors: Marietta is a diversified community offering amenities and housing options for all generations from the young to senior residents. There are many new housing developments under construction near the Marietta Square providing walkability and restaurant/ theater options. The Marietta Square is experiencing a resurgence in activity coming from multiple age groups wanting to live, work and play near the square. Significant social, leisure and recreation factors: Marietta is becoming a destination arts community for metro Atlanta with the Artisan Resource Center, Friday’s ArtWalk, Artist Market one Saturday each month, Marietta-Cobb Museum of Art, The Strand Theatre, local art galleries and food tours showcasing local restaurants. In addition, Marietta is expanding its

Significant relatively recent hard infrastructure improvements: Downtown/Midtown Gainesville is being redeveloped by private development around the Midtown Greenway trail connecting Downtown Gainesville and the Rock Creek Greenway trail closer to the Central Hall Trail, the University of North Georgia Gainesville campus and the Elachee Nature Science Center. Brenau University has opened its Center for Graduate School programs and anticipates that 700 master’s and doctoral students in physical and occupational therapy will be enrolled at the center. Significant demographic factors: Northeast Georgia Medical Center was recently rated No. 1 in Georgia and No. 2 in the nation for overall care by CareChex and has ranked as Georgia’s top heart hospital for 10 consecutive years. The new, 100-bed Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton will open in spring 2015 and serve the growing Northeast/I-85 corridor. The housing market has rebounded with developers in South Hall County’s Mundy Mill community selling speculative homes before they can complete them. Home prices in some areas are hitting new highs. A key housing indicator is the number of new housing permits issued, and the city of Gainesville hit an all-time record in 2014. Significant social, leisure and recreation factors: Recreation and tourism remain strong as the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Gainesville, a 168-acre preserve, has completed its $20 million campaign to develop the garden with a visitor’s center, children’s garden, amphitheater and pavilions and is scheduled to open this spring. The Lake Lanier Olympic Venue will host the 2016 Pan-Am Championships for canoe kayak and the Continental Olympic Qualifier for the Americas. Kit Dunlap President and chief executive officer, Greater Hall County Chamber of Commerce 770-532-6206 Visit: ghcc.com/about/chamber-staff

HATCHER HURD/Staff

Johns Creek consultants use focus groups to break down the needs and desires of different groups. From left, Kent Davies, VP of World Financial Group, and Dan Callahan, Alcon director of workplace and facility operations, watch as consultants and city staff mark down their ideas on an aerial photo of The District.

JOHNS CREEK Major recent business events: In August of 2014, Ebix purchased a 140,000-square-foot building on Hospital Parkway and adjacent land for its global headquarters. The deal represents more than $20 million in capital investment and will bring more than 400 jobs over the next three years. Alcon Phase 2 was completed in 2014, a project that represents over $160 million in capital investment and 220 additional jobs. Significant relatively recent hard infrastructure improvements: Johns Creek allocated $250,000 for a Central Business District Study to be completed by summer 2015. The study will focus on future redevelopment and development of 728 acres of Technology Park Atlanta, possibly including a city center. The Public Works Department has worked to lessen congestion along city streets. Capacity improvements, intersection improvements, bridge repairs and roundabouts on heavily traveled roads like Jones Bridge Road, Abbotts Bridge Road, Sargent Road, McGinnis Ferry and Medlock Bridge have been made. There are numerous other public works projects in the queue. Significant demographic factors: The city of 80,416 has a median household income of $125,044, one of the highest in the state. Those 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree or higher represent 65 percent of the population. Home values remain high, averaging about $420,000. Significant social, leisure and recreation factors: Nerd Wallet Ranks Johns Creek 14th among best small cities for families in 2014, and SafeWise and NeighborhoodScout.com ranked it as the sixth safest city in the country. Movoto Real Estate ranked Johns Creek the safest city in Georgia 2014. There are significant improvements being made to Shakerag Park, one of Johns Creek’s six parks. This includes state-of-the-art playground equipment, a fishing pier, sidewalk improvements and new restrooms. The city also hosted the 2014 U.S. Amateur Championship and the 2014 SELC Lacrosse Championship. Courtney Bernardi CEO, Johns Creek Advantage 470-545-9901 cbernardi@johnscreekadvantage.org

See TRENDING, Page 10

TRENDING CITIES

10 • March 2015 • NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com

Trending: Continued from Page 9

CUMMING Major recent business events: Recently, Automation Direct – a global leader in the PLC/ industrial control product market – announced that they would expand their headquarters and distribution center by constructing a multi-million dollar campus within the city. Toussaint Northside Hospital continues to serve as a catalyst for growth in the city by continuing to expand its 150-acre campus – including the recent addition of a new $20 million four-story medical office building. The 100,000-square-foot building will house a wide array of physicians, including obstetricians, gynecologists and pediatricians. Significant relatively recent hard infrastructure improvements: Cumming is home to a dynamic transportation infrastructure that includes such corridors as Ga. 400, Buford Highway (Ga. 20) and Castleberry Road. The city is currently constructing Lanier Parkway, a new roadway that will provide direct access to the University of North Georgia’s new Cumming campus. These roadways have played a critical role in supporting the growth of the community’s manufacturing and distribution industries. The city is home to such Fortunelevel companies as Tyson Foods, Smithfield and Koch Foods. Significant demographic factors: The city of Cumming is the seventh fastest growing community and 13th wealthiest community in America. Significant social, leisure and recreation factors: Conveniently located in metro Atlanta’s backyard, the city of Cumming is home to such natural attractions as Lake Lanier and Sawnee Mountain. These natural amenities have attracted a new generation of entrepreneurs who are both eco-friendly and techsavvy. Randall Toussaint Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Vice president of economic development rtoussaint@cummingforsythchamber.org

A rendering of the new Northside Hospital-Cherokee.

CANTON Major recent business events: German-based MSK Covertech, an international manufacturer of packaging and logistics systems, announced in February it plans to build a $3.8 million facility for its North American headquarters in Cherokee 75 Corporate Park. The move is expected to bring 30 high-salary careers to the county and a potential for expansion.

In the spirit of the season, Sugar Hill installs a large outdoor ice rink for entertainment through the winter.

Northside Hospital-Cherokee is planning construction for a new replacement hospital off of I-575 at the Ga. 20 exit. A $250 million investment, the new hospital is expected to open in 2016 with 84 beds, a full range of women’s and children’s, emergency, diagnostic, surgical and cancer treatment services. A multispecialty medical office building and cancer center will also be included. Significant relatively recent hard infrastructure improvements: Main Street Pedestrian Connector, a pedestrian improvement to improve the scenery and walkability downtown, included resurfacing roadways, parking restriping, landscaping and decorative street lighting. Marietta Road Streetscape was a $1.8 million construction project which included road resurfacing, drainage improvements with curb, gutter and storm drain installation, improved pedestrian access, including ADA accessible sidewalks, and additional street lighting in the commercial area. Significant demographic factors: Canton’s schools operate within the Cherokee County School District. In 2012, the district posted the highest SAT scores in the state. The following year, the district posted the highest SAT scores in metro Atlanta and the second highest in the state. The district was also ranked a Top 10 district in the nation for effective technology use in education, its ninth appearance in the National Digital School District Survey rankings since 2004.With a population nearing 24,000, Canton was ranked the best place to live in Georgia in 2014 by Movoto Real Estate and No. 11 on the list of the 50 safest cities in Georgia by SafeWise. Significant social, leisure and recreation factors: Canton has eight parks, including the brand new 81-acre Etowah River Park. Canton is also home to the Georgia National Cemetery, the Cherokee Arts Center, the Cherokee County History Museum and the Canton Theatre – a premier performing arts destination in downtown Canton. Downtown also hosts its festive First Friday series on the first Fridays of every year from March to December. Matthew Thomas Canton economic development manager 770-704-1516 Matthew.thomas@canton-georgia.com

SUGAR HILL Major recent business events: Ground will be broken in June for the city’s downtown EpiCenter, which will include 30,000 square feet of commercial space, restaurants, a community theater, a recreational basketball/volleyball gym with walking track, meeting space, Andrews as well as night life options. The city has also filled the remaining offices and cubicles at the Suite Spot, its old city hall building that now serves as rental office space for young start-ups. The City Council committed $65,000 to repurpose the two-story, brick building into modern office space, creating 10 offices, state-of-the-art Wi-Fi, an array of cubicles and a large conference space. Daddy O’s Irish Ice Cream pub just opened in the old annex building next to the Suite Spot. Wildly popular at expos and events throughout Georgia, Sugar Hill will be home to their first location. Significant relatively recent hard infrastructure improvements: Over the past few years, Sugar Hill has undergone a major downtown facelift, with the completion of a new $15.5 million City Hall, an amphitheater and streetscapes. The city is also poised to begin work on its Temple Drive project, a high-end mixed-use component of the city’s downtown redesign. Significant demographic factors: With a population of 18,500, Sugar Hill is Gwinnett County’s fourth-largest city by population and boasts a median household income of $70,106, one of the highest in the county. Significant social, leisure and recreation factors: As we construct our downtown, our events will play a critical role in our economic development and attracting businesses and residents to Sugar Hill. Our concert series will feature Travis Tritt, Sister Hazel, The Fab Four Beatles tribute from Vegas, Danielle Bradbery, Who’s Bad Michael Jackson tribute from New York, The Official Blues Brothers performance and much more. Gary Pirkle Park, which opened in 2010, features 67 acres, with five multipurpose fields, three of them synthetic turf fields, 1.7 miles of paved, lighted trails,

TRENDING CITIES

NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com • March 2015 • 11

Jonathan Copsey/staff

Avalon in Alpharetta not only attracted many new busienesses and residents, but also Georgia’s first “Fiberhood” ultra-high-speed gigabit fiber network. a community garden and activity barn. The city also recently signed over ownership of the 72-acre E.E. Robinson Park to Gwinnett County. The downtown area also plays host to the largest outdoor ice rink in the Southeast each winter. Scott Andrews Economic development director 770-945-6716, ext. 1304

ALPHARETTA Major recent business events: In the last 18 months, Alpharetta has seen some of the largest business and development projects in the nation. Last October, the $600 million retail lifestyle center Avalon opened its doors and has been a huge success in the community. Tokar The two largest non-renewal commercial office projects in metro Atlanta landed in Alpharetta as well. Fiserv, which occupied over 400,000 square feet of Class A office space, consolidated its Georgia operation at the Cobalt Center, and Halyard Health, the Fortune 1000 spinoff corporation of Kimberly Clark, took nearly 200,000 square feet of Class A office on Windward Parkway. The combined job impact is nearly 4,000 jobs and represents over $150 million in capital investment in the city. Significant relatively recent hard infrastructure improvements: Alpharetta completed two major expansions of its already-existing fiber network in the past six months. When Avalon opened, they lit up Georgia’s first “Fiberhood” ultra-high-speed gigabit fiber network flowing through the 100-acre development with it. Level(3) Communications recently completed a $6 million expansion of its fiber network, further

strengthening Alpharetta’s position as the fiber leader in metro Atlanta. Significant demographic factors: As we continue to see population transitions in the Baby Boomer and millennial generations, Alpharetta is focusing development and recruitment efforts to meet the needs of all of our businesses and residents. With the advent of mixed-use developments, we are creating hybrid models where residents and businesses can live and work, while still enjoying the high quality of life that Alpharetta has built its reputation on. The city invested $4 million in assistance to recruit Gwinnett Technical College to Alpharetta to help serve the workforce pipeline for our employers. Significant social, leisure and recreation factors: In addition to our weekend farmers market, the city added a Thursday night “Food Truck Alley,” which brings the best of the food trucks to downtown in an outside festival setting. The city hosted the first Wire and Wood Songwriters Festival to encourage aspiring art and musical talent to showcase their abilities. The largest investment Alpharetta has made by far is creating our new Alpharetta City Center. The city invested $30 million to create a unique downtown community development to provide a meeting place, recreational place and cultural hotspot for our residents. Once completed, it will host restaurants, retail and a host of parks and recreational activities. Peter Tokar Alpharetta economic development director 678-297-6075 ptokar@alpharetta.ga.us

ROSWELL Major recent business events: GM continues to grow, with over 1,200 people in

seats and growing. All of the hires are highly skilled, high-paying technology positions. ColibriumDirect created more than 450 jobs. Yardi brought in quite a few. These are all high-tech and high-paying local jobs, just in the last year-and-a-half. Significant relatively recent Stroud hard infrastructure improvements: The recent Ga. 400 intersection groundbreaking was a big deal. Roswell is currently working on three major intersection improvements just this year. These improvements directly impact the businesses that surround them. As transportation improves, business will improve exponentially. Significant demographic factors: Start-up housing and new home construction continues to grow in Roswell with over 650 new home permits let in the city. Roswell boasts a population that is pushing 100,000 with a median household income of over $80,000. We continue to attract new families and retain longtime citizens as they downsize because of quality of life. Significant social, leisure and recreation factors: The continuous and emphatic utilization of the parks cannot be understated. There are several plans in motion to better showcase and utilize the river, the parks and expand relations with the National Park Service. Steve Stroud Roswell Inc. Director of economic and community development 678-823-4004, ext. 1001 steve@roswellinc.org

REAL ESTATE

12 • March 2015 • NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com

Economic tea leaves favor housing boom, real estate expert says By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – The Atlanta real estate market may be ready to surge like never before if economic factors continue to play out as they have in recent years, according to one of the Forsman industry’s leaders. Dan Forsman, chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Georgia, said with recent relocation announcements by major industries, such as Mercedes and Norfolk Southern, Atlanta could outpace other areas of the country in housing sales. “We sold 1,300 homes, through mid-February,” Forsman said. Last year, during the same seven-week stretch, the company sold 1,100. “That’s almost 18 percent up, and the average sales price is up across the board also,” he said. “You hear about the activity in the high end – it’s getting shown a lot more, way more than it was last year at this time. But that’s not to say that the middle price points and the low price points aren’t getting shown also.” With the advent of the group-move caused by corporate immigration, local consumers are now buying where in the past they might’ve been on the sidelines, he said. “This is a real interesting dynamic,” he said, “because they know that when transferees get here, guess what they’re not going to have available to them? “Choice.” Forsman said that because of the

influx of new employees, residents will be competing for properties with new people coming into the market. Add to that the seasonal surge that happens every year in March, April and May, plus a 3.5 percent interest rate, and the local housing market could boom. One of the hallmarks of the Obama Administration financially is that we’ve got unprecedented low interest rates, Forsman said. “Let’s say you live in a $300,000 house at 3.5 percent, or you wanted to buy one, and the interest rate goes up to 5 percent,” he said. “That’s close to a 40 percent increase in your mortgage. So that $300,000 home you own, you could have bought 40 percent more house, another $120,000.” What’s happening now, Forsman said, is that people are moving in, rates are low and anyone who can afford to move is doing it. Another factor weighing on the housing market is the price of gasoline. The drop in price means that many people now have an extra $1,000-$2,000 in their pockets each year, Forsman said. Not only that, but cars are lasting longer, too. “So I think people are channeling their money into a sustainable investment that in Atlanta was on sale during the recession,” he said. “I think there’s a subconscious channeling of excess dollars into homes.” And which homes are selling? “You’ve got people moving in at all price points,” Forsman said. “North Atlanta is absolutely rocking, Johns Creek, Milton, Alpharetta, South Forsyth, Roswell, Cherokee. All those areas are seeing really good appreciation.” Georgia is experiencing an eco-

“North Atlanta is absolutely rocking, Johns Creek, Milton, Alpharetta, South Forsyth, Roswell, Cherokee. All those areas are seeing really good appreciation.” Dan Forsman, chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Georgia nomic expansion, yet Atlanta remains an incredible value for homeownership compared to the rest of the country. The international factor U.S. Census data shows that close to a half million people in Atlanta were born in another country. “Back 25 years ago, Atlanta was made up of whites and African Americans,” Forsman said. “Now you go out and you’ve got Asians, people from India, people from Russia. So the racial mix has radically changed.” This means that not only are corporate relocations spurring an influx of potential homebuyers, but so is Atlanta, itself. People are coming here from other countries for the quality and the affordability of life, Forsman said. “In terms of ease of home ownership,

Housing affordability Annual salary needed to buy a home. Atlanta – $35,800 Cincinnati – $33,500 New York – $87,500 Dallas – $48,000 Houston – $50,000 Miami – $58,400 Boston – $80,000 Washington D.C. – $77,400 Seattle – $72,800 San Francisco – $142,000 Source: HSH.com

the median price for a home in Atlanta is under $200,000,” he said. “The median price of a home in San Francisco is $500,000. In Chicago, it’s $220,000, which is still substantially higher than us.” Not only is housing relatively inexpensive, so is the cost of doing business. A 2013 study by Moody’s rated Atlanta as the lowest cost of doing business of any of the major metropolitan cities in the country. “That’s what’s causing all these people to move here,” Forsman said. “It’s the cost of doing business. And, internationally, with the crises that are going on in other countries, the nationals are coming here to buy real estate as a safe haven and a good investment.” Forsman predicted the demand for housing will remain strong, and ultimately drive up values. “You’re going to see more competition for homes, and as a result you’ll see the price increase, more than the standard 3 – 5 percent,” he said.

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March 31, 2015

REAL ESTATE

14 • March 2015 • NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com

Southeast Mortgage launches Builder Partnership Program By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Lawrencevillebased Southeast Mortgage has launched a new program to link builders with key resources needed to do business and expand their footprint in the Rymer Atlanta residential market. The Builder Partnership Program does more than simply take applications from builders, said John Rymer III, who heads the initiative for the company. Rymer has more than 20 years’ experience in the real estate industry, including as a developer of 15 residential communities and more than 1,000 successful real estate transactions. “We help drive traffic to the builders’ homes or communities with a state-ofthe-art platform,” he said. “That traffic consists of realtor traffic, getting newhome realtors into these communities so they see these builders’ products.” The program also steers buyers to builders’ homes. “Builders are great at building homes,” Rymer said. “A lot of times, they’re very limited at driving traffic, and

Southeast Mortgage, with headquarters in Lawrenceville, is the state’s largest non-bank lender. so we want to help them bring potential buyers to their communities.” The marketing platform draws on new technology to attract buyers and real estate agents, Rymer said. The company also is adding resources to help builders find lending resources. Since 2008, builders have found it hard to secure bank loans and have had to turn to private capital, which is expensive, Rymer said. “You take all the risk, you build a home and at the end of it, there’s not

much to show for it because you’ve paid so much interest,” he said. “Banks that we know and banks that we deal with are starting to loan money again.” Rymer said what he wants to do is get builders in front of these bankers and help them find cheaper money. “That’s a big thing, because a lot of builders don’t have time to be out there shopping for money,” he said. Additionally, the program links builders to potential sites by fostering relationships with some of the area’s most

active developers. “What we’re really doing is helping builders find more lots, find money and once they’ve built those homes, to draw traffic and buyers to help them sell the homes,” Rymer said. Southeast Mortgage is Georgia’s largest non-bank lender. The firm is also licensed in Alabama, Florida and South Carolina and offers FHA, VA, USDA, renovation and conventional loans as well as jumbo financing and construction financing for builders.

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REAL ESTATE

NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com • March 2015 • 15

Real estate visionary says North Ga. ripe for younger homebuyers By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com In its 87 years of business, The Norton Agency has acquired a reputation as a leading visionary in real estate. Frank Norton Jr.’s “Native Intelligence Report,” issued annually over the past 25 years, has been both almanac and crystal ball for the North Georgia real estate market. In this year’s report, issued in January, Norton introduced several “big, bold, bodacious ideas,” that key on changing trends in the real estate landscape of the region. First among these proposals is the concept of turning North Georgia into a second-home mecca, something beyond mountain cabins. “We have second homes built and used throughout the North Georgia region, but the geography is too compelling for us not to better capitalize on our position,” he said. Norton backed this up with two demographic trends. “First,” he said, “North Georgia, with its rolling mountains, forested ridges and settled valleys sits directly on top of six million people, projected to grow to 12 million by the year 2050. Geographically, it is one hour to one-and-a-half hours to the largest potential second-home buyer demographic in the South.”

“The occasional tourist is the thrust of our current business model. We have to shift our conventional thinking to promote living here.” Frank Norton Jr., The Norton Agency This demographic, fueled by a surge in executive, service sector employment, will create a young, white-collar client base ripe for a second-home market, Norton said. With the increase in major corporate relocations into the heart of Atlanta, including the recent announcement by NCR to relocate from Gwinnett, the wheel has already begun turning toward the urbanization of the capital city. This is creating a new demographic of young, affluent, energy sparked “urban warriors” who seek the “thrill of living in a cosmopolitan city by week and escaping by weekend to something different.” For too long, Norton said, North

A Fu l l C o l l e c t i o n o f D i a m o n d Rings for that Special Occassion

A Brilliant Expression of Love

Second Home Profile County

Second Homes

% of total

Average value

Dawson Fannin Forsyth Gilmer Habersham Hall Lumpkin Pickens Rabun Towns Union White

1,992 6,724 5,181 5,850 2,045 7,916 1,473 2,879 5,981 3,743 4,564 2,573

9.1% 41.4% 8% 35.4% 11.3% 11.6% 11.5% 21% 48.5% 48.1% 32.5% 16.3%

$450,000 $200,000 $495,000 $175,000 $350,000 $510,000 $155,000 $145,000 $700,000 $275,000 $175,000 $145,000

Source: 2015 Norton Intelligence Report

Georgia has focused on the Baby Boom market, and to be sure, there is potential for growth in that population as they retire from the workforce. But Baby Boomers are becoming outnumbered by Generation Y, even in North Georgia, he said. More importantly, a recent study by the National Association of Realtors shows that only 24 percent of these Generation Y’ers already own their own home. An additional 60 percent plan to buy a home in the near future, Norton said. That same study found that 59

percent of young renters – those 18 to 39 – believe owning a home makes more sense, but 73 percent of them think it is too difficult to get a mortgage today. At the same time, the apartment vacancy is roughly 6 percent in Northeast Georgia, he said. So if North Georgia has another major industry announcement, someone has to figure out how to house the young professionals. “The occasional tourist is the thrust of our current business model,” Norton said. “We have to shift our conventional thinking to promote living here.”

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16 • March 2015 • NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com

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18 • March 2015 • NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com

REAL ESTATE

Top 5 most expensive properties CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET IN NORTH ATLANTA:

#1 – 5200 Moore Road, Suwanee • • • • • •

Property description Price: $13,995,000 Bedrooms: 8 Full Baths: 12 Partial Baths: 5 Interior: 35,100 Sq Ft. Exterior: 14.51 Acres

Spectacular gated custom estate on 14.5 acres with magnificent interior details. This home has a 14 car garage, separate pool house, five kitchens, 20 HVAC units, three laundry rooms, saltwater pool with outdoor fireplace, attic with custom cabinetry, elevator, service access driveway. House is electronically controlled. Custom built Akers but owner never moved in. Every piece of woodwork is custom and each piece of stone carefully selected. Too many details to possibly describe - this is a masterpiece of construction. Underground tunnel connects detached garages with main house. About Betsy Akers – Listing agent A native of Savannah, Betsy has lived in Atlanta since 1978 when she and her husband, an Atlanta native, returned from New York to start their family. Her business experience includes investment banking on Wall Street in New York as well as Trust and Estate work in Atlanta before raising four sons born over a six year period.

Like many active mothers, Betsy has been involved with numerous local private schools where she has served in many related volunteer positions as well as being a Board Member of one such institution. She and her husband have been actively involved at The Westminster Schools and at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia as well as The University of Georgia. They are members of Church of the Apostles, the Piedmont Driving Club, the Peachtree Golf Club, as well as many civic and charitable organizations.

Betsy Akers, Founding Member #1 Individual Agent in Atlanta 2011, 2012, 2013 #1 Individual Agent Companywide 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Atlanta Fine Homes | Sotheby’s International Realty 3290 Northside Parkway, Suite 200 Atlanta, Georgia 30327 c: 404.372.8144 o: 404.237.5000 f: 404.974.4414 betsy@atlantafinehomes.com

REAL ESTATE

NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com • March 2015 • 19

#2 – 700 Foxhollow Run, Alpharetta Property description This 19.7-acre private haven is situated in the exceptional gated community of Greystone. Doublegated, a long driveway and a stately portecochère mark the entrance to this palatial McGraw manor. Exceeding expectations for both entertaining capacity and quality, the impeccably designed home offers three levels of impressive custom craftsmanship with views of the estate’s sensational grounds. This magnificent estate with all its outdoor amenities is a sportsman’s paradise. Superlative in scale and range, the amenities include tennis and basketball courts, a baseball diamond, a football/ soccer field and everything a golfer could want – synthetic putting green, two synthetic golf greens and nine tee boxes to make 18 challenging shots. The myriad recreational options continue with a theater, exercise room with mirrored walls and a sauna, pool area with waterfalls and slides, a jogging trail and stocked oxygenated fishing pond.

About Alex McGraw– Listing agent Understanding the importance of owning the right residence, with patience, McGraw always provides his customers with the highest level of guidance. Time and time again, he has proven his effectiveness with clients who are buying or selling a home, as service comes naturally to him. Living in the

#3 – 3010 Cypress Pond Pass, Duluth • • • • • •

Property description Price: $5,500,000 Bedrooms: 9 Full Baths: 10 Partial Baths: 2 Interior: 22,596 Sq Ft. Exterior: 2.82 Acres

Amazing custom built stone home in the prestigious Sugarloaf Country Club gated golf community. Awesome for entertaining! This gorgeous home built in 2004 is situated on the 18th hole overlooking a private lake and only moments to the clubhouse. Unparalleled quality and layout. Three full, finished levels with eight bed-

rooms and a separate, large two-story guest house with the ninth bedroom. The huge kitchen is the center of the home and opens to family room, breakfast room and covered loggia with outdoor fireplace. High ceilings, gracious entertaining spaces all opening to the outdoors, two offices, five-car garage, ensuite bedrooms with sitting rooms and huge baths and closets. This house has it all and is a treat to show! Listing agents • Stephanie Lewis (404) 398-5393 • Betsy Akers (404) 372-8144

horse country of beautiful North Fulton County, McGraw, his wife Barbara and their four children enjoy an active town and country lifestyle. As a former All-American college basketball player, he supports his college age children in their academic pursuits and realizes what it takes to be a winner. He gives generously to his community as often as possible.

Alex McGraw, Real Estate Consultant McGraw & Associates Harry Norman, REALTORS® North Fulton Office, 7855 North Point Parkway, Suite 100 Alpharetta, GA 30022 alex.mcgraw@harrynorman.com alex.mcgraw.harrynorman.com alexmcgrawandassociates.com C: 678-642-8227; D: 770-594-4987 O: 678-461-8700; F: 678-325-6090

REAL ESTATE

20 • March 2015 • NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com

#4 – 899 Big Horn Hollow, Suwanee Property description Price: $5,395,000 Bedrooms: 6 Full Baths: 7 Partial Baths: 3 Interior: 14,979 Sq Ft. • Exterior: 3.5 Acres • • • • •

Beautiful stone Akers home in Suwanee’s desirable River Club neighborhood. This stunning home boasts only the finest and most elegant finishes. Exquisite moldings, grand spaces, and fantastic outdoor living rooms. Luxuries include: cathedral ceilings, gourmet kitchen with huge center island, barrel vaulted master bedroom, sauna, lower level kitchen, custom bar, theater room, outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, wine room, gym, four-car garage, and more! Impeccably designed. Listing agent • Betsy Akers 404-372-8144 betsy@atlantafinehomes.com • Maryanne Winchester 678-520-9922 maryanne@atlantafinehomes.com

(Read about Betsy Akers on page 18)

#5 – 5490 Franklin Goldmine Road, Cumming Callan Crest is a living masterpiece and overlooks one of the most scenic mountain ridges in this region. Masterfully situated on 18.06 idyllic acres, this regal residence is the personification of overwhelming dignity and class. Resplendent interior and flowing design distinguish the true elegance of Lanaux this magnificent estate. Dramatic entry foyer introduces stunning two story foyer with sweeping staircase and travertine floors leading to the Grand Salon featuring handsome fireplace,

voluminous ceiling and walnut paneling with minstrel jester corbels. Chef’s kitchen includes commercial appliances, and heated stone flooring. Sumptuous Master retreat is complete with sitting room, walnut floors, intimate fireplace and luxurious bath. Five additional bedroom suites with private baths. Gracious amenities include nine exceptional masonry fireplaces, seven car heated garage, regulation tennis court, expansive salt water pool, whimsical tree house, four paddocks and enhanced surveillance. Stunning architectural achievements throughout this extraordinary home create a statement of superior

refinement. Absolutely breathtaking, this estate commands an ambiance of Old World romance. Offered at $5.3 Million. Listing agent Mary Lou Lanaux ABR, CRS Top 1% Nationally Certified Luxury Home Specialist Leader’s Circle Life Member, Million Dollar Club Harry Norman, Realtors 3744 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342 (770) 475-5530 marylou@maryloulanaux.com www.maryloulanaux.com

FULTON COUNTY

NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com • March 2015 • 21

Avalon sees residential sales climb Still building new homes, apartments By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com

Avalon by the numbers • 86 acres • $600 million cost • 2.4 million square feet total • 750,000 square feet Class A office • 500,000+ square feet retail • 101 single-family houses • 526 apartments • www.experienceAvalon.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – When the 86-acre Avalon development opened in October 2014, it touted itself as the next hot place to be in the north metro Atlanta area. Certainly, from a retail perspective that of up to 3,300 square feet – that’s large holds true – dozens of top-tier stores enough to fit a swimming pool. have populated the streets of the propCurrently, there are 15 attached units erty, offering the “experiential” lifestyle complete. Of these, six are sold. A further Avalon’s developers, North American three are under contract, but not yet Properties, had hoped. complete. A key part of that exThe first single-family perience is not simply the home is being built now many visitors walking the with two more expected to streets of Avalon. Rather, break ground shortly. it is the residents who live The homes fetch beon-site. tween $579,000 to more Hundreds of apartthan $2 million. No homes ments stack above the have been sold yet in the shops in a mixed-use $500s, however. Kingsfashion, and single-family field said all the sales so detached and attached far are above the $700s. homes are being built The square footage on the periphery. These ranges from 2,400 square residents are the ones who feet to 6,700 square feet. will have to live on the “The interest is going property, walking between as we expected,” Kingsfield shops on a daily basis. said. The model home has Approaching six had continual foot-traffic, months since Avalon Richard Munger, Partner she said, with more than opened, how is the residenand VP of development 1,000 people viewing the tial side doing? for North American home some weekends. The answer: progressProperties “That’s not a problem ing. a lot of homebuilders have The single largest had for a while,” she said. hurdle to populating the With a total of just over 100 units exresidential side of the development is pected, Kingsfield said it will take years that the homes are still being built. to fully build out. Kelly Kingsfield, with Monte Hewitt Beyond single-family homes, apartHomes, the single-family home builder, ments are what people first think of said the site will ultimately have 101 when asked about “mixed-use.” In Avaresidences for sale, 24 of which are tradilon, this component is called “Haven.” tional “detached” homes and 77 are “atThere are 250 to be built in Phase 1, with tached” – typically known as townhomes. about 200 completed to date. Each home will have its own private Just over half are one-bedroom space, with some including courtyards

“There has been a tremendous amount of interest. We are right where thought we would be.”

Raftermen Photography

Avalon in Alpharetta is steadily growing its residential components, both singlefamily and apartments.

apartments, with the rest being twobedroom. The one-bedroom apartments begin in price in the $1,500s per month, with two bedrooms going in the $2,300s. The premier two-bedroom apartments can fetch more than $5,000 a month. Richard Munger, partner and vice president of development for North American Properties, said he expects the remainder of the apartments to be complete within 60 days. All of the apartments are rentals. About 33 percent have been rented so far. “There has been a tremendous amount of interest,” Munger said. “We are right where thought we would be.” He said he expects more residents to move in once warmer weather sets in – the winter can slow the moving process. Still, Avalon had what Munger called “considerable” interest from potential residents. The first tenants moved in within two weeks of the property opening. These families range in age from the 20s to 87, with the average age in the mid- to upper-40s, he said, which is exactly what Avalon had hoped. “We are looking at professionals,

empty-nesters and retirees,” Munger said. One of those residents is Kevin Myers, who lives in Haven. He rents a twobed, two-bath apartment on the fourth floor near the iconic fire pit of Avalon. “I absolutely love it,” he said. He and his wife, Tammy, are both in their 50s and were living in East Cobb when they became empty-nesters. “We decided we wanted to do something different,” Myers said. “We didn’t want a large house.” While they were initially skeptical about Avalon, the couple warmed to it as they saw it develop. They finally decided to commit. Myers said there is no looking back. “Now we don’t have to worry about driving everywhere we need to,” he said. “We don’t need two cars anymore. Everything is right here at our fingertips.” Kingsfield said this is the biggest draw of the residences. “Where else can you walk out your front door and in your front yard is a Whole Foods and some of the most exclusive shopping available?” she asked. “This is a unique destination. Avalon is a destination that sets us apart from everywhere else.”

Opening your own small business in Roswell Opening a small business in any city is an investment in the community. Roswell, GA recognizes that small businesses are important to the economy and provide quality jobs. The City of Roswell offers great resources for entrepreneurs starting or expanding a small business. One unique resource for businesses is Roswell Inc. Roswell Inc promotes economic development through a public private partnership with the City of Roswell. Roswell Inc works with business owners to grow and expedite success. Roswell Inc and the City of Roswell realize that opening a business is a significant undertaking. Roswell Inc, in partnership with the City of Roswell,

provides new businesses the tools they need to be successful. These tools include assistance with permitting and licensing, support for owners looking for a place for their company to open, educational workshops and connections to qualified employees, other professionals and business experts. This wide array of programs and initiatives support small business growth and help entrepreneurs maximize their investments. Regardless of the size or phase of business, Roswell Inc supports entrepreneurs. Roswell Inc is at the forefront of the City of Roswell’s effort to provide direct assistance to business owners on a variety of levels. Small businesses are at the core of Roswell’s econ-

omy in every industry - from culinary arts, to design, technology, medical and more. Roswell is a community where entrepreneurs looking to expand or open a business feel welcome, appreciated and are given the tools and assistance to succeed. Roswell, GA is committed to encouraging the continuous growth of small businesses, ensuring their success and positioning them for future growth. Contact Roswell Inc to learn more about how your small business makes a big impact in Roswell, GA! www.roswellinc.org, 678.823.4004 617 Atlanta Street Suite 100 Roswell, GA 30075 info@roswellinc.org

HALL COUNTY

22 • March 2015 • NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com

Northeast Georgia Medical Center rated 1st in Ga.; 2nd in nation GAINESVILLE, Ga. – Northeast Georgia Medical Center has been ranked Georgia’s No. 1 hospital for the second consecutive year, and the second in the nation, according to a recent study by CareChex, an independent health care quality rating service. The CareChex study includes virtually all general, acute, non-federal U.S. hospitals and measures them across several categories including quality of medical care, outcomes of care and patient satisfaction. The 2015 study rated NGMC second in the nation for overall hospital care. “To be named one of the top three hospitals in the nation, between other industry icons like Mayo Clinic’s flagship campus in Rochester, Minnesota and University of Michigan Health System is quite an honor,” said Carol Burrell, president and chief executive officer of Northeast Georgia Health System. “Our clinical staff, support staff, providers, board members, volunteers and leaders bring a passion for excellence to the table each day – striving to be better tomorrow than we are today – and it shows.” The CareChex study rated NGMC first in Georgia for overall hospital care, overall medical care and overall surgical care – thus earning the distinction of Georgia’s No. 1 hospital. “Being rated first across so many

different specialties speaks volumes about how our entire medical staff works together to improve the health of our community in all we do,” said Dr. Priscilla Strom, chief of NGMC’s medical staff and a general surgeon with the Longstreet Clinic PC. “The awards are just a byproduct of a team effort that saves and improves lives, one person at a time.” Hospitals do not apply to be part of the CareChex study, and they cannot opt out of being rated.

The study also rated NGMC as: • Georgia’s No. 1 Surgery Hospital • Georgia’s No. 1 Heart Hospital • Georgia’s No. 1 Orthopedic Surgery Hospital • Georgia’s No. 1 Vascular Surgery Hospital

To learn more about services offered through NGMC and Northeast Georgia

• Georgia’s No. 1 Women’s Hospital • Georgia’s No. 1 Neurological Hospital • Georgia’s No. 1 Pulmonary Hospital

Health System, visit www.nghs.com or call 770-219-3840.

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FORSYTH COUNTY

NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com • March 2015 • 23

Emory Johns Creek Hospital expands services to Forsyth JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Emory Johns Creek Hospital is expanding services to patients in South Forsyth. The hospital has opened two new centers in Cumming that will specialize in wound treatment and diagnostic imaging. “Our new locations allow us to provide extended access to existing imaging services and provide new treatment options to meet the health care needs in Johns Creek and surrounding communities,” said Marilyn Margolis, chief executive officer of Emory Johns Creek. The new Emory Johns Creek Hospital Hyperbarics and Wound Care Services Center is on the second floor of the Physicians Immediate Med building at 2575 Peachtree Parkway, at the intersection of Mathis Airport Road and Ga. 141. The 3,000-square-foot facility provides treatment for patients with complex or non-healing wounds caused by diseases, such as diabetes and vascular disease. Hospital officials said the need for severe wound care treatment has grown in the past decade as a result of an aging population and higher incidences of diseases that cause these types of wounds. Patients undergoing cancer treatments can also develop wounds and lesions that are difficult to heal. “When we pair our superior wound healing services and advanced modalities with a compassionate interdisciplinary approach, we do so much more than treat wounds,” said Carolyn Davidson, program director of the new center. “We truly believe in what we’re doing here to make people whole again.” The Johns Creek center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and is one of four such centers in the Emory Healthcare Network. Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown also offer hyperbaric and wound care treatments, as does Emory affiliate Southern Regional Medical Center. The hospital has also opened a satellite imaging center at 634 Peachtree

The 2,299-square-foot Emory Johns Creek Hospital Imaging Center in Cumming offers expanded access to diagnostic imaging services and CT scans. Parkway in Cumming to offer expanded access to general diagnostic imaging services and CT scans. The 2,299-square-foot Emory Johns Creek Hospital Imaging Center, which

previously operated under Saint Joseph’s Hospital, is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. “Our new location not only provides a convenient outpatient imaging loca-

BRIEFS & SHORTS: Forsyth County Bucchino joins Harry Norman as marketing coordinator CUMMING, Ga. — Harry Norman Realtors Forsyth/Lake Lanier office has added Jeff Bucchino as marketing coordinator. Cucchino has a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in illustration and has spent the past 20 years in advertising, marketing and graphic design. As marketing coordinator, he is responBucchino sible for the design, print and distribution of press releases, brochures, flyers, invitations and other marketing materials for agents. In addition,

he is in charge of the optimization of social media sites, individual agent web pages and other advertising items as agents need them.

Harry Norman adds Forsyth agent CUMMING, Ga. — Frederick Hogan has joined Harry Norman, Realtors at the company’s Forsyth County/ Lake Lanier office. New to real estate, Hogan received his training from American Real Estate Schools. He graduated from the University of South Alabama with a degree in business finance and comes to the agency after working in information technology with Xerox.

tion for patients in South Forsyth, it also provides additional access to imaging for our physicians,” says Chrystal Barnes, director of imaging services at Emory Johns Creek Hospital.

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Aiken joins Keller Williams Community Partners CUMMING, Ga. — Jacqueline Arthur, managing broker of Keller Williams Community Partners in Cumming, welcomed Robert Aiken to one of the top ranked and fastest growing Keller Williams offices along the Ga. 400 Corridor. “Aiken brings over 35 years of experience as a real estate broker to our team specializing in farms and land, new homes and luxury properties,” Arthur said. Aiken can be reached at 706-429-8620.

Aiken

CHEROKEE COUNTY

24 • March 2015 • NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com

300 new jobs expected by 2019 as Inalfa expands WOODSTOCK, Ga. – Inalfa Roof Systems will expand its industry base to create at least 300 new jobs in Cherokee County by 2019. The first phase, in 2016, is expected to generate 50 new jobs that will range in from management to skilled workers. Inalfa will soon break ground on its second building in Cherokee 75 Corporate Park, investing at least $8 million in the project. “We realized when Inalfa Roof Systems opened their new plant in Cherokee County in January of 2014, it was a really big deal,” said Cherokee Office of Economic Development Vice Chairman Steve Holcomb. “We could not be more pleased with their announcement to purchase the adjacent site and build a new commercial building, generating even more opportunities for the residents of Cherokee County.” A major portion of Cherokee 75 Corporate Park is within the Southwest Cherokee Opportunity Zone, which offers generous state job tax credits. “Our automotive business moves at a fast and furious pace. We truly have found partners in Cherokee County who understand that pace and are willing to

“All these things considered made our choice to further expand our footprint in Cherokee 75 Corporate Park an easy decision for Inalfa.” Ron Rouse, Inalfa’s senior project director.

do what it takes to get things done as quickly as possible without sacrificing the quality of service provided,” said Ron Rouse, Inalfa’s senior project director. “All these things considered made our choice to further expand our footprint in Cherokee 75 Corporate Park an easy decision for Inalfa.”

Cherokee Office of Economic Development

A concept rendering of new MSK Covertech-Group plant.

Corporate move to create high-paying jobs Within 12 months of the facility becoming operational, MSK will start light assembly of its stretch hooding equipment. “As an international company, we knew we wanted to be along the I-75 corridor. Cherokee had a site we could move quickly on as well as a highly educated workforce,” said Braden Camp, vice president of MSK. “We’re finally starting to see a shift in perception,” said Misti Martin, COED president. “People are starting to realize Cherokee County isn’t simply a bedroom community of Atlanta. There’s no reason we can’t attract the highest paying jobs and the best skilled work force in the state. Every day, with each and every success, we’re proving Cherokee is one of the best areas in Georgia to live and work.”

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. —MSK Covertech is expected to break ground on its new North American headquarters in a few months, which will be located in Cherokee 75 Corporate Park. This $3.8 million endeavor is expected to bring at least 30 high-paying, white collar careers to Cherokee County, with the promise of continued expansion. “MSK was unique, because the corporation had several specialized needs,” said Marshall Day, chairman of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development. “For example, the facility had to have 30-foot ceilings in order for the automated machinery to operate. This site works perfectly for that and gives them the opportunity to double in size.”

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Education Focus

Eagles soar

Sponsored section ► PAGE 20

Baseball team in ip state championship ► PAGE 12

May 28, 2014 | northfulton.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 9, No. 22

School board nixes armed staffers

No weapons allowed on school property ► PAGE 5

First lady touts child immunization Sandra Deal visits Emory Hospital, family ► PAGE 12

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Milton honors fallen veteran PROJECT DARASANI:

Ga. 9 to be widened to county line

Where would new traffic lights go? • Walmart driveway • Genesis Way/Deerfield Place • Soneley Court/Keyingham Way • Sunfish Bend • Creek Club Drive

Bethany Bend intersection reworked By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@northfulton.com MILTON, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and city of Milton want to make major improvements to Ga. 9 in coming years. Those improvements, however, will not begin for almost a decade. At an open house May 21,

Saloni Sharma sits amid dozens of bags of school supplies donated by families of Sugar Mill subdivision in Johns Creek. The nonprofit she started, Project Darasani, helps needy Tanzanian students acquire the basic school supplies they need to get an education.

See CHANGES, Page 7

TUTORING

See ELECTIONS, Page 5

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com

The red dots indicate new or modifications to existing traffic signals along a section of Ga. 9.

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POST 4 votes: Bob Gray 2,900, 58% Eric Fragoso 2,134, 42% POST 6 votes: Steve Broadbent 3,346, 66% Nancy Reinecke 1,213, 34%

Northview teen’s nonproﬁt City to let Fulton County helps African students Trip to Tanzania inspires Saloni Sharma to start club to support students she met

the public took their ﬁrst look at the proposed improvements, which include widening Ga. 9 from Windward Parkway north to the Forsyth County line into a four-lane road – two in each direction. Included with these improvements will be the elimination of the center lane to be replaced with a center median

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – In a tumultuous year of political bloodletting on the City Council, it ended with neither a bang nor a whimper. Instead, it ended July 22 with a calm, clean runoff election among four candidates for the last two council seats. The runoffs were won handily in the end by Steve Broadbent and Bob Gray for posts 6 and 4 respectively. A season of local politics that had burst on the usually quiet Johns Creek political scene the summer of 2013 ended quietly. Conventional wisdom says turnouts in runoff elections are usually light And this was a special election called in July – just a couple weeks before

BARN

Gray, Broadbent ﬁll last 2 council seats

Cpl. Harry Vaughan, inset right, graduated from Milton High School in 1967. Within a year, he was shipped over to Vietnam where he died. Local veterans honored him May 22 at the school. See story, page 28.

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July 31, 2014 | northfulton.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 18, No. 31

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17,000 households on Wednesdays Zip Codes: 30040, 30041. Forsyth county’s largest circulation newspaper. Est. 1998

20,000 households on Thursdays Zip Codes: 30022, 30097. Johns Creek’s primary news source. Est. 1997 Education Focus

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10,000 households on Wednesdays Zip Code: 30004. Community news for and about the City of Milton. Est. 2006

28,000 households on Thursdays Zip Codes: 30005, 30009, 30022, 30075, 30076. Alpharetta & Roswell’s primary news source. Alpharetta’s paper of record. Est. 1983

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – When Rupesh Sharma made the trip to Tanzania to hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, it became more than chance to cross off

a goal on his bucket list. He also saw a lot of poverty and how little the country could do for school-age children. Determined to do something, he knew he would return. When he came home and told his family about

what he had seen, he saw that his then 13-year-old daughter Saloni was moved by what he had seen. They talked about it and she said she wanted to go with him on

See SHARMA, Page 31

administer HUD grants Will still OK CDBG projects By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Johns Creek will turn over administration of the city’s Commu-

nity Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to Fulton County, but the city does not cede control of the projects that are approved for Johns Creek. CDBG grants are federal dollars issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and

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NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com • March 2015 • 25

CHEROKEE COUNTY MARKET REPORT Special Section, April 2015 Issue Reach the right people

Cherokee County is the Focus of the April North Atlanta Business Post – industry growth, residential and commercial development, banking, schools, and more. Deadline to promote your business or industry by advertising in the issue is March 25. Reach the key decision makers in the region that need to know about opportunities in Cherokee

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Tech capital

Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle makes case. PAGE 20

Special Focus Section

Front Back Page Full 1/2 1/4 1/8

County. The Post reaches over 20,000 business decision makers and high income individuals in the North Atlanta Region in between I85 & I75 and north of 285. Also included in the April issue will be the following: “Getting your MBA”, “Top SBA Loan List”, and a profile of “The Restaurateurs” .

Deadline: March 25

Hospital profiles

By the numbers on the hospitals north of Atlanta. PAGE 10 Volume I, Issue I • Part of Appen Media Group • Cherokee • Cobb • Forsyth • Fulton • Gwinnett • Hall

Land of innovation

Metro-Atlanta leads nation in health-tech. PAGE 12

Safety first

Hospitals with strict guidelines perform better. PAGE 15

Sprouting up

Sprouts Farmers Market opens in Snellville. PAGE 18

New tech saves limbs Dr. Greg Robertson of Emory Johns Creek uses a tiny laser camera to detect clogs in arteries which leads to lose of limbs. See story, page 8. EMORY JOHNS CREEK HOSPITAL

Roswell, Georgia — a classic, southern town where small business makes a big impact Learn more about how your small business can ﬁnd success in Roswell on page 26

Online: NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com

GWINNETT COUNTY

26 • March 2015 • NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com

Comcast expands regional headquarters in Peachtree Corners Will add 150 new jobs; relocate 532 local employees GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – Gov. Nathan Deal, in partnership with Georgia Department of Economic Development and Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development, announced that Comcast has selected Peachtree Corners as the site of its new regional headquarters, adding 150 new jobs and relocating the company’s existing 532 full-time local employees. “Our new regional headquarters in Peachtree Corners puts us in a larger, more modern environment, allowing us to better meet the needs of our customers across our service area,” said Doug Guthrie, Comcast’s regional senior vice president. Comcast’s new 88,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art location will feature four floors, a high-tech demonstration lab and a Comcast University space for employee training and continuing education. With the addition of its regional headquarters in Gwinnett County and a technical support service center in Fulton County, Comcast will add 300 new jobs across the two counties. This expansion is part of Comcast’s strategic plan to develop and maintain the most advanced broadband network in the region. “I am pleased that Comcast has chosen to expand their regional headquarters in Gwinnett County,” said Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash. “Their decision to invest in Gwinnett speaks to our community’s many strengths – a pro-business environment, a talented workforce and quality of life factors such as nationally recognized schools and parks.” Comcast is one of the state’s largest employers with over 4,000 employees, with a 20-year record of spending over $200 million per year in Georgia. The company operates nearly 190 facilities,

offices and call centers statewide. “Comcast’s announcement is such exciting news, and I look forward to the positive impact their expanded regional headquarters will have on Peachtree Corners and Gwinnett County,” said District 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard. “I appreciate their confidence in Gwinnett and wish them continued success.” The state’s largest Wi-Fi provider, Comcast has invested in expanding its 10-gigabit fiber network that serves businesses, government agencies and other commercial organizations across greater Atlanta. “We celebrate the expansion of

“We celebrate the expansion of Comcast in the city of Peachtree Corners. The 150 new and well-paying jobs their presence will bring is a win for our community.” Mike Mason, Peachtree Corners mayor

Comcast in the city of Peachtree Corners. The 150 new and well-paying jobs their presence will bring is a win for our com-

BRIEFS & SHORTS: Gwinnett County Encompass announces executive promotions LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, a leading provider of forward and reverse logistics for finished goods and replacement parts, announced that longtime company managers Scott Cameron and Joe Hurley have been promoted to senior vice presidents. Cameron is now senior vice president of operations and service solutions. “Scott’s vast experience, dedication and outstanding contributions to developing a world-class distribution system have had tremendous impact on the company’s success,” said Robert Coolidge, Encompass president and CEO. “With more than 30 years of loyalty and ser-

vice, this promotion is well-earned.” Hurley was named senior vice president of business development in charge of the company’s comprehensive sales function. “Joe has been the driving force behind many of the company’s most significant business wins,” Coolidge said. “Joe is an exceptional asset to Encompass and our ongoing efforts to grow the organization, and is also a strong leader and motivator to our talented sales team.”

Holtkamp and Woo join Gwinnett Tech Foundation Board of Trustees GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The Gwinnett Tech Foundation has elected Matthew Holtkamp, president of

munity.” said Mayor Mike Mason. To learn more, visit http://www. comcastcorporation.com.

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Holtkamp Heating and Air, and Angie Woo, legal director of Cisco Systems, to its Board of Trustees. “We are very proud to welcome these two fine and Holtkamp Woo established leaders to the board,” said Mary Beth Byerly, executive director of the Gwinnett Tech Foundation. “Matthew and Angie bring their own distinct knowledge and expertise, plus a belief in the power of education to change lives, that will be of great benefit to our board, to the college and to our students.”

COBB COUNTY

NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com • March 2015 • 27

A rendering of the $1 billion Atlanta Braves complex.

Braves stadium costs to top $1B COBB COUNTY – The official cost for the new Braves’ stadium is more than $1 billion. The SunTrust Park is expected to cost $672 million according to recent filings. The surrounding mixed-use development will cost $452 million, bringing the total

price tag up to $1.1 billion. The mixed use part of the development is hoped to include 630,000 square feet of Class A office space; 500,000 square feet of upscale retail space; 450 hotel rooms; 600 luxury multi-family

residential units; and 100,000 square feet for a multi-use entertainment facility. Encore Hospitality plans to complete a $6 million renovation of the nearby Doubletree Suites 154-room hotel in time for the stadium’s opening.

BRIEFS & SHORTS: Cobb County Industry veteran Dirk Quartemont joins DVIGear MARIETTA, Ga. — DVIGear, a leading manufacturer of digital connectivity products, announced that industry veteran Dirk Quartemont has joined the company’s growing team of audiovisual professionals. In his new position as business development manager, Quartemont will work to build DVIGear’s network of audiovisual dealers and system integrators in their respective markets.

tion. The new CCH iFirm system centralizes work flow, time entry, billing and other practice-management and trial balance functions on one platform. Accounting Today magazine recognized CCH iFirm as a “2015 Top New Product” for its focus on bringing new levels of sophistication and efficiency to small and mid-sized firms. CCH iFirm provides a complete view of each customer, thanks to the common contact management database. It allows the setup of multiple entities and performs as a single integrated system for invoicing and receivables.

Agency earns nominations for marketing awards

West Cobb homes available from Fortress Builders

SMYRNA, Ga. — Marketing Inspirations, a Cobb County-based integrated marketing and communications agency, has been selected as a finalist for four campaigns for the 2015 Atlanta Marketer of the Year Awards and received recognition as a finalist in the Atlanta American Advertising Awards. For 58 years, the AMY Awards, presented by AMA Atlanta, have celebrated and rewarded companies that craft innovative strategies and produce outstanding results. Winners will be announced during the annual awards ceremony this month at the Fox Theatre.

ACWORTH, Ga. — Fortress Builders is currently offering new homes at three West Cobb communities. Located in one of metro Atlanta’s most desirable areas, these communities offer easy access to places of employment, schools and local amenities. Featuring just 12 single-family homes, the small enclave of Church Hill is nestled off of Mars Hill Church Road in Acworth. Home buyers can choose from three inventory homes priced from $339,900. Also located in Acworth is Brookstone Manor, an active adult community that is part of the Brookstone Country Club. Active adult home buyers can choose from four ranch condominium homes at Brookstone Manor, which are priced from the $230,000s. The third West Cobb community offering new homes from Fortress Builders is Bruster Manor, an enclave of 12 single-family homes. Four inventory homes are priced from $289,990. To learn more, visit www.builtbyfortress.com.

New accounting platform receives industry praise KENNESAW, Ga. — Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting’s new cloud-based system for small to mid-sized accounting and bookkeeping firms has attracted industry atten-

The project is expected to be complete in 2017. A proposed pedestrian bridge would allow access to the stadium. Current estimates price it at $9 million, none of which will come from the Braves.

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Loan helps flooring company with expansion plans COBB COUNTY, Ga. – Fifth Third Bank announced that it has extended more than $8.6 billion in new and renewed credit to business customers from October through December 2014. Fifth Third Bank loaned more than $31 billion to businesses throughout 2014. Companies that received loans from Fifth Third Bank during this time period include: Certified Finishes, a commercial flooring and installation firm in Cobb County, secured a loan that will be used to grow its business by hiring additional employees and acquiring a 52,000-square-foot commercial building.

Riskonnect receives award from industry professionals KENNESAW, Ga. — The Institute for Risk Management recently honored Riskonnect at the 2015 IRM Global Risk Awards in London. The ceremony brought together more than 400 risk management professionals from over 20 countries to recognize the individuals, professional achievements and technological advances in the industry. Riskonnect, the Cobb County-based risk management technology company, received the Risk Management Service Provider of the Year Award. Headquartered in Georgia, Riskonnect has offices in Chicago, London and Mangalore. The company provides an enterprise-class risk management work platform configured to meet clients’ existing business processes.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

28 • March 2015 • NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com

Women in business: Abigail Tremble The North Atlanta Business Post profiles influential women in the Atlanta business world. Here is a Q & A with Abigail Tremble, executive vice president of national operations at Randstad. If you or someone you know would like to be featured in “Women in business,” email business@appenmediagroup.com.

Even as my mentor, [my father] did not tell me what to do but rather encouraged me to trust myself, my ideas and my judgment. When you are a trailblazer, there is no guide. You are by definition blazing your own trail. So go for it!

Abigail Tremble, Executive vice president, national operations, Randstad Abigail Tremble, executive vice president, national operations at Randstad, has been responsible for sales, recruiting, employee development and business process improvement for 17 years. During her tenure, Tremble has taken on national operations for over 550 Randstad locations and managed the company’s third-largest commercial zone in the United States. Tremble left Randstad in 2002 to co-fund a private recruiting firm, centralize a customer service operation, create two online universities and implement ISO systems and Six Sigma improvement programs. Randstad asked Tremble to return in 2009 to leverage her expertise in staffing sales and recruiting. What decision did you make that put you on the path to this career in business? When I started working in the staffing industry in 1998, it was still a relatively new concept to leverage contingent workers as a means to flex your workforce for business seasonality and hiring. As I learned more about the business, I thought it was wonderful to provide people the gift of employment opportunity while meeting a valid business need. At 24 years old, being in a position to have such a positive impact on people’s lives while learning about so many different types of business was absolutely fascinating. What obstacles, if any, did you face on your way up the corporate ladder? There was a pivotal point in my career (when I had left Randstad and was consulting), in which I spent over a year working on a significant multimillion-dollar project. I put my blood, sweat and tears into the project and the proposed solution. I presented the solution to the client company’s executive team, and the CEO said something to me that I will never forget: “Thank you very much Abigail for your hard work; your solution is perfect. All right team, now we need to find the right guy to run this thing.” I was absolutely flabbergasted at such blatant chauvinism. However, the very best mentor in my life, my father, said, “Abigail, don’t bloody yourself on the glass ceiling. There are other opportunities out there for you where your contributions will be valued.” I had to learn that in almost everyone’s career, there are times when even though you may be the best person to solve a business need, the time and place may not be right for you and your career. When I returned to Randstad in 2009, I really learned just how much you can do and how happy you

Center: Continued from Page 4 said. Jim Gilvin, another councilmember, agreed, taking issue with the costs, which are higher than originally anticipated. “This council needs to rethink the

Abigail Tremble

can be doing it when you are the right person at the right company. What gives you the most satisfaction at work? Every day we have a new puzzle to solve. I am truly passionate about improving how we operate. I am so impressed with the teams around me and how incredibly intelligent and progressive they are. Our ability to course-correct at lightning speed amazes me, and I love being able to participate in those changes and improvements. What keeps you up at night? We are growing so fast at Randstad that I think constantly about how we can more quickly groom the next generation of leaders. There is a market to capture, and our business processes work well for our customer base. Our ability to develop our frontline employees into leaders will either be the way we fuel-inject our growth or will be our biggest hindrance to growth. What advice would you give to young women interested in pursuing a career in business? Identify an industry that you are passionate about on a personal level. Your interest in the business will keep you going when you are managing through some of the tough times. People often say: “Do what you love and it will not feel like work.” I disagree; work feels like work –that is why it is called work. However, when you are working in a business you love, you are proud of what you produce.

issue. There are a lot of different things you can do with $30 million,” he said. “It bothers me that this evolved and we did not go back to evaluate what we are doing.” Mayor David Belle Isle defended the project. “The whole point of downtown is to provide a place for us to connect as

My other bit of advice for young women is to not wait for someone to be your guide. Too often, I hear young women complain about the lack of female mentors. I did not have a female mentor; my mentor was and is my father. Even as my mentor, he did not tell me what to do but rather encouraged me to trust myself, my ideas and my judgment. When you are a trailblazer, there is no guide. You are by definition blazing your own trail. So go for it! What degree do you think might prove most useful to young people today? My degree is in history from University of Georgia. What is interesting is that while it is not a business degree, it has been extremely helpful in the business world. My academic training helped me to learn how to sift through large amounts of data and information and gather the important and pivotal components. That being said, with today’s emphasis on big data and predictive analytics, I would think a degree in finance or business would be very useful. Where do you see the greatest opportunities for young people today? The economy is changing faster than ever. Years ago, I participated in a conference where an economist demonstrated how economic cycles are shortening. It is clear that within these rapidly evolving cycles, those who can predict and quickly course-correct to outperform the cycle will win. At Randstad, we are always watching for leading indicators of market fluctuations and adjusting the levers in our business to not just ride the economic waves but also outperform the economic cycles. Again, in business there is a huge demand for people who understand predictive analytics and are able to marry market indicators to business activities and ultimately tie them to financial results.

a city,” Belle Isle said. “But just as the residents had no real place to meet, so too our technology companies want a downtown. It’s impossible for them to do business inside the city of Alpharetta.” If approved, Stormont said construction on the hotel and conference center could begin as early as January 2016. It could be finished by August 2017.

The next steps for the project are uncertain. If council agrees on the scale and price of the conference center, it would ultimately be up to them whether to raise the bonds through council action or put it on the November ballot for a public vote. Regardless, public meetings will precede any final action.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Movers & Shakers The people turning heads in your backyard

Estate planning firm adds services coordinator CUMMING, Ga. — The estate planning and elder law firm of Michael R. Bascom P.C. has added Elizabeth Merback to the firm as client services coordinator. Merback worked in a similar administrative support role for a law office in Las Vegas. “Liz is the first person our new and existing clients will interact Merback with when they contact our office,” Bascom said. “Her expertise and kindness will help meet the diverse needs of our estate planning and elder law clients.” Bascom’s firm is a boutique estate planning, elder law and probate/trust administration law firm. The practice is limited to serving private clients in Georgia.

Jackson named senior VP at Embassy National Bank LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Embassy National Bank has named small business loan specialist and banking industry veteran Mark Jackson as senior vice president and SBA loan officer. His responsibilities are commercial lending, including government-guaranteed SBA and USDA loans, as well as conventional Jackson and construction loans. Jackson joins Embassy after more than 30 years working with small business owners in a wide variety of industries, notably manufacturing, hotels, convenience stores and assisted living. Most recently, he directed his own firm, LoanCoach Inc. Prior to that, he held senior lending positions with First Bank’s Small Business Loan Source; CIT Bank Small Business Lending Corporation and Textron Small Business Finance.

Publication honors engineer for leadership, notable projects ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Dotun Famakinwa, a professional engineer with Alpharetta-based Burns & McDonnell, has been named to this year’s “Top 20 Under 40” regional lists by Engineering News-Record, a top trade publication. Each year, the ENR regional publications choose 20 people under the age of 40 who Famakinwa exhibit leadership, career progress, community involvement and creating landmark projects for their region. Famakinwa has spent six years as an associate and substation department manager with Burns & McDonnell and currently manages a team of 18 employee-owners in the firm’s electrical transmission and distribution practice in the Southeast.

PRGX Global announces two new vice presidents ATLANTA – PRGX Global, a provider of recovery audit services, has named Catherine Lee senior vice president of human resources and Jeffrey K. Ander-

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son vice president-adjacent services. Lee joins the company from Swiss-based ABB, a power and automation technologies provider, where she was vice president of human resources for the software product group. Anderson comes from Revenue Analytics, where he was a partner and responsible for driving business growth and expansion into new industries. PRGX Global Inc. is the world’s leading provider of accounts payable recovery audit services. With over 1,500 employees, PRGX operates and serves clients in more than 30 countries and provides its services to over 75 percent of the top 20 global retailers.

Saunders installed as chair of GHA Board of Trustees ATLANTA – Candice Saunders, president and chief operating officer for WellStar Health System, was installed as chair of the Georgia Hospital Association Board of Trustees in February. Saunders assumes the position vacated by Emory Healthcare President John Fox, who announced he would be leaving to serve as president and CEO of Detroit-based Beaumont Health System. Prior to her current position, Saunders served as president of WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. Under her leadership, WellStar has been recognized as a leader in safety and quality measures. The company has earned recognition as a great place to work and is listed on Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For and Working Mother Magazine’s Best Places to Work. In addition, Saunders has been named one of 15 women on Business to Business magazine’s Women of Excellence list. She will be named president and CEO of WellStar Health System in 2016.

Duluth resident joins firm as scheduling specialist ATLANTA – Michelle Moses of Duluth has joined Inspector Call Center as a scheduling specialist. Moses, whose previous experience includes sales and marketing, new business development and new hire recruiting, has an associate’s degree in business management from University of Phoenix. She will Moses provide inspection support services to customers and inspectors. Inspector Call Center is a full-service, back-office inspection services company based in Atlanta.

Businesswoman to contribute to book of success strategies SUWANEE, Ga. – Tracy Cousineau, co-founder of the Tracy Cousineau Home Selling Team and Real Estate Expert Advisors, has joined a group of business experts and entrepreneurs from around the world, along with bestselling author and business development expert Brian Tracy, to co-write the forthcoming Cousineau book “UNcommon: Common Sense but Uncommon Knowledge from Today’s Leading Entrepreneurs and Professionals to Help You Lead an Extraordinary Life of Health, Wealth and Success.” Nick Nanton and business partner J.W. Dicks recently signed a publishing deal with each of the authors to contribute their expertise to the book, which is scheduled for release this summer. A portion of the royalties will be donated to Entrepreneur’s

International Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating unique launch campaigns to raise money and awareness for charitable causes.

Encompass announces executive promotions LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Encompass Supply Chain Solutions has promoted two longtime company managers to senior vice presidents. Scott Cameron was named senior vice president of operations and service solutions. Cameron, who began with the company in 1983 as a delivery driver, leads Encompass’ entire distribution operation – including its three facilities in Georgia, Nevada and Florida. The company also named Joe Hurley senior vice president of business development in charge of the company’s comprehensive sales function. With more than 20 years of sales and management experience, Hurley most recently served as director of parts.

POH announces new senior associates ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Pieper O’Brien Herr Architects has announced three new senior associates: Gary Hightower, Earl Smith and Laurie Hightower Smith Walters. Hightower has been with POH for over 14 years. He serves as a project manager on a wide variety of project types including correctional, ecclesiastical and justice facilities. Smith celebrated 30 years of dedicated service to POH last year. He serves as a senior project manager and has worked on several of Walters the firm’s most significant projects including the Riverside EpiCenter and the Cobb County Superior Courthouse. Walters has been with POH for over 17 years. In addition to her role as marketing manager, she has made major contributions on the education and employee relations committees.

Johns Creek agent Maura Neill receives President’s Award ATLANTA – Johns Creek real estate agent Maura Neill was awarded the 2014 President’s Award by Atlanta Board of Realtors President Todd Emerson at the annual business meeting and awards breakfast recently. The award recipient is personally selected by the president and is Neill given to the member for outstanding service and contributions to the board, going far beyond any particular assignment. Neill was recognized for her dedication and sharing of her time and experience with others.

Submit your Movers & Shakers We want to hear about your new hire, promotion, board of director changes and recognitions, email a brief and headshot to business@appenmediagroup.com.

RESTAURANTS