Ryan Blythe

The Rothschild Mill in the 1920s, which later became the current home of Georgia Trade School.

Neighbor Cities Primed for Small Business

BY RYAN BLYTHE

We relocated our business to the Parkside District in Acworth more than four years ago. I can’t imagine a better place to be in the metro Atlanta area. That is not hyperbole. We have watched new businesses and a recreation center open, and the expansion of a beautiful park. Townhomes and mixed-use developments are coming, bringing the Parkside and Lakeside districts together. I liken it to Midtown Atlanta, which has reconnected the past 20 years, since interstate construction divided it in the 1950s. I am so happy to see our small businesses thriving, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic. And, with the outstanding leadership here, the best is yet to come.

Our original location was in downton Kennesaw, and the Big Shanty has experienced a tremendous renaissance, with downtown investment in commercial and residential growth. People are walking to coffee shops, breweries, restaurants and retailers, creating a central business district, like Duluth and Norcross. It is great to see pedestrian traffic, and, without question, they are just getting started.

Some projects are challenging to finance right now, but, as north Cobb continues to grow, these two cities are well placed to be long-term success stories. One of the reasons these cities are thriving, in addition to economic development, is outstanding public safety. Kennesaw and Acworth are blessed to have law enforcement leaders who emphasize customer service and community relationships. Larger departments nationally could take note.

These cities’ economic growth ties into the state’s strong economy, as Georgia has been Site Selection’s No. 1 state for business for most of the past decade, and recently received the award again. It is our state’s focus on entrepreneurship, workforce development, innovation and creating a climate for growth that continues to separate us from our competitors. For example, California has taken note of our growing film and television industry. Tech companies are finding that you must come to the sunbelt to reach a diverse population.

The numbers don’t lie. Georgia has nearly a $4 billion surplus, and September net tax collections are up 30% since last fall. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, the unemployment rate in metro Atlanta is 3.1%. And “we’re hiring” signs commonly are seen.

Challenges are obvious, as our supply chain is a mess. We need to turn the pandemic into a controllable endemic; the skills gap is greater than ever, and deep divisions remain. But, we have come so far in the past year. I remain optimistic about the future. Perhaps, that’s what happens when you work with such impressive young people.

Ryan Blythe is the founder of Georgia Trade School, which, for the sixth consecutive year, was named one of the Cobb Chamber Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year.