Around Woodstock Letter From the President
As the end of the year approaches, life is bringing a lot of changes for me. I’m so excited to share that my daughter Ansley is getting married in May, and I have two more weddings to attend next year. I’ll be traveling to Portugal in June, for pleasure, and Mark and I plan to visit our son Daniel in Florida. I am getting involved in new endeavors, such as taking part in my neighborhood’s activities committee, which also will keep me busy. One major change that I want to share with you is that I’m retiring at the end of this month. That doesn’t mean I won’t be out and about, but I will be transitioning out of the company and leaving leadership of this team in great hands. Kim Dahnke, who recently joined us as senior director of operations and sales, will add the title of president, and Jennifer Coleman, who is our director of marketing, will serve as vice president. The past 11.5 years with Aroundabout Local Media have meant more to me than just a career. It has been a lifestyle of community involvement, development of relationships, and engagement with the small businesses in our community. Cherokee and Cobb counties offer so many benefits through charitable organizations, and so many opportunities for us to be involved. I have learned what an altruistic community we have by watching as our neighbors reach out to families, adults and children in need. I’ve learned to love our famous dog, Teddy the Spaz Man, who is featured in our publications. I’ve watched a young boy who is now a young man — Rob Macmillan — build his own nonprofit to help animals in need. I have learned so much about many different small businesses and how the owners and their families pour their heart, soul and money into starting a new venture or keeping one going. It has been satisfying to hear from an advertiser that their ad is bringing them new business, or to receive calls and emails telling me how the cover space that the client purchased has paid for itself in the first few days the magazine was in mailboxes. I even have had business owners tell me they had to hire new employees to help with the uptick in business since their cover placement increased their business. I have loved working for Aroundabout Local Media and engaging with our communities, our advertisers and our readers. I feel so lucky to have had this opportunity. What makes this company so great is the owners, Jon and Karen Flaig, who gave me the opportunity, and our talented team of leaders and experienced employees. You can see them on Page 56 in this issue. The past 11.5 years have been very fulfilling in so many ways. Happy holidays and here’s wishing you a blessed and prosperous New Year!
Kudos!
Michael Caldwell, partner and co-founder of Black Airplane, has been named to Atlanta’s 40 Under 40 class of 2021 by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Caldwell leads the operations and business development teams at Black Airplane, and will take office as Woodstock mayor on Jan. 1. Sean and Anna Daily have been named Barbara G. Ingram Citizens of the Year by Preservation Woodstock, Inc. The award is given to Woodstock area citizens who have made notable contributions to preserving the city’s heritage. The Dailys own Rootstock and The Daily Draft, “businesses that have greatly impacted the economic development of our vastly growing community,” Preservation Woodstock member PerryLove Doubrava said.
What’s Coming
Starbucks and Woodstock Millworks, a co-working space, will be opening at Adair Park Woodstock, along with the previously announced Oishii Sushi Noodle House. Cultivate, a farm-to-table brunch and coffee spot, will open in a two-story, single-tenant building at the Adair Park Marketplace, a four-building commercial development across from Chattahoochee Tech. Follow Adair Park Woodstock’s progress on Facebook.
What’s Closed
Tea Leaves & Thyme has closed its restaurant at 8990 Main St. in Woodstock, but will continue to sell tea online. Stay tuned to Facebook for more details.
What’s Changed
Copper Coin, in downtown Woodstock, has new owners: Gavin and Chantel Adams, Conrad Santamaria and Reese Vines. For updates and specials, follow @coppercoinwoodstock on Instagram
IN WDSTK Ribbon Cutting
Kindness Challenge of the Month
Adopt an Angel. Take part in a program that provides gifts for children and adults who may not receive gifts otherwise. Our helping hands feature is on Pages 18 and 20.
Days of Hope Counseling/Behavioral Health 251 River Park North Drive, Woodstock 770-809-6644
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2021
