Cherokee Office of Economic Development

Cherokee by Choice 2.0

A Launchpad for Big, Bold Action

BY CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

On March 23, the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) announced the launch of Cherokee By Choice (CBC) 2.0, a plan that guides the county’s economic development efforts over the next five years.

“This robust plan elevates Cherokee’s economic development profile, while unifying the business and local community together under the Cherokee By Choice brand,” COED Chairman Marshall Day said.

Much has been accomplished since the launch of Opportunity Cherokee in 2015 (the county’s first strategic plan for economic development) and the Cherokee By Choice Initiative in 2018 (COED’s first public-private partnership). Among these achievements: more than $436 million in capital investment, creation of 2,000-plus jobs, completion of Cherokee 75 Corporate Park, the Cherokee Workforce Collaborative, the Fresh Start Cherokee Program (including Cherokee’s first coworking space: The Circuit Woodstock), the North Atlanta Venture Mentoring Service, Be Pro Be Proud Georgia, the Cherokee Film Summit and the Forget the Commute Campaign.

“Cherokee’s story is one of resilience and success, 191 years in the making,” COED President Misti Martin said. “The business community and people who call Cherokee home are second to none, and, together, we are building an ecosystem that serves as a launching pad for big dreams and bold action. CBC 2.0 is the next step in Cherokee’s continued success.”

CBC 2.0 was developed in partnership with Boyette Strategic Advisors, an economic development and public policy consulting firm.

“Cherokee is a dynamic place of choice, as evidenced by its substantial growth and highly rated amenities for business and residents. It’s one of America’s big surprises,” Boyette President and CEO Del Boyette said.

CBC 2.0 was based on hours of engagement with Cherokee leadership and nearly 3,500 online survey participants, including extensive data collection obtained through a series of discovery sessions, one-on-one interviews and research. As a result, six high-growth target sectors were identified: advanced manufacturing, commercial developers, headquarters, technology, film and digital entertainment, and entrepreneurs/startups. The plan also features four goal areas:

From left, Boyette COO Tracy King Sharp, COED Vice President Heath Tippens, Boyette President and CEO Del Boyette, Cherokee By Choice Chairman Mark Goddard, Boyette Research Associate Riley McCorstin and COED President Misti Martin.

• Ensure Cherokee has attractive and connected places, including the development of marketable sites and buildings, while enhancing livability assets. • Build an educated and talented workforce to meet the needs of new and existing businesses. • Cultivate innovative and enterprising business, which will result in a more diversified business culture that supports new and legacy manufacturers, corporate and regional headquarters, and technology companies. • Retain a vibrant and inviting brand identity, internally and externally.

Cherokee County is home to corporate and regional headquarters, including award-winning technology companies, such as Black Airplane, which opened its first “hangar,” along with a small “flight crew,” in 2017.

“Black Airplane employs 30 families here in Cherokee County, and it all started at The Circuit Woodstock,” Black Airplane Managing Partner and city of Woodstock Mayor Michael Caldwell said. “If we didn’t have that launchpad, we could not have built that.”

Identifying products for future industrial, office and commercial development is crucial to the success of CBC 2.0, which will help diversify the tax base and drive down Cherokee’s outward commute. Even though the percentage has declined by 3% since the first strategic plan, 77% of Cherokee’s highly educated workforce still commutes out of the county daily.

As part of the strategy’s next phase, COED will focus its efforts on keeping talent working locally, through projects such as the Canton Corporate Park, a development that is expected to become another premier destination for companies looking to relocate. The park’s master plan includes two large pad sites with the ability to accommodate 150,000-plus square feet, as well as flex space sites fronting Highway 20.

Over the next five years and beyond, COED will continue partnering with the county and cities on infrastructure improvements and readying sites for sustainable corporate growth. This collaboration will ensure Cherokee remains a competitive, desirable location of choice.

To learn more, visit cherokeega.org.

The Cherokee Office of Economic Development is the leading organization for business and film recruitment and industry retention and expansion. www.cherokeega.org.

A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE … AND BUSINESS

When Randy Lahr, owner of Dr. Fahrenheit Heating and Air, survived a devastating motorcycle accident in 2018, it was a turning point in his life, his marriage and his business.

His wife, Laura, remembers getting the phone call at 6:50 p.m. June 24. “They told me that he rolled 200 feet down Bells Ferry Road,” she said. “They didn’t think he was going to make it.”

In the days and weeks after the accident, Randy was on life support, nourished through a feeding tube, lost a kidney and underwent multiple surgeries, including reconstruction of his badly broken jaw.

Randy and Laura eventually shut down the business while he recovered. Laura focused on her full-time job as an insurance agent, in addition to caring for her husband. Although recovery was slow, Randy didn’t give up. Laura attributes his resolve to his discipline as a veteran of the Marine Corps.

“I think he’s amazing,” she said. “I give all the glory to God, because Randy shouldn’t be here.”

Now, with 35 years of HVAC experience and the support of his wife, he is back on the job, and ready to grow and expand the business.

PHOTOS BY RED BARYL PORTRAITS

The Marines emblem is proudly displayed on the side of the truck with owner Randy Lahr, his wife Laura, and office manager Lisa Miller.

IN THE BEGINNING

The year 2001 was a busy one. Randy and Laura got married and opened Dr. Fahrenheit, an HVAC company focused on repair, replacement and installation of heating, cooling and refrigeration systems.

Randy is a graduate of Technical Career Institute and received HVAC training at Georgia Institute of Technology. Banking on his education and industry experience, he was inspired to start his own business after working as a supervisor at another company, where he thought the charges were too high, and customers had to wait too long for service.

“I knew that I wanted to offer better service,” he said. “My service as a Marine inspires me to go the extra mile for my customers.”

For years, Randy and Laura operated the company with one helper, while Laura kept working in the insurance industry. Their lives were busy with work, church activities and raising their five children.