Local News Hearing Children’s Voices Event Is Back After a two-year hiatus, SafePath’s Hearing Children’s Voices event will return to Truist Park Aug. 13, 6-10 p.m. The theme for the 19th annual fundraiser is “A Night of Bond: Casino Royale,” and guests are invited to dress as their favorite James Bond character. Featured during the evening will be casino activities and games, as well as great Braves-related activities and opportunities. For information and tickets, visit https://safepath.org/ event/2022-hearing-childrens-voices/.
The Fun in the Park Photo Contest is accepting entries through Nov. 3.
Snap Hot Summer Pics for Fall Contest
While enjoying Cobb parks and facilities, be sure to capture the moments for the 18th annual Fun in the Park Photo Contest. Take photos of nature, wildlife and anything that shows why spending time at a park is enjoyable. Each participant can enter up to 10 shots. The contest is open to all ages. The deadline to enter is Nov. 3. For more details or an entry form, visit www.cobbcounty.org/parks/programs/ fun-park-photo-contest. 20
AROUND KENNESAW | August 2022
Deadline Extended for Cobb International Festival
The Cobb International Festival is back this year, noon-6 p.m. Aug. 27 at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta. Experience food, art and music from around the world during this showcase of rich diversity in the community and across the country. The application deadline for food and artist vendors and community groups has been extended to Aug. 11. To become a vendor or volunteer, visit https://bit.ly/3nS4pXa.
Kennesaw State University added $1.8 billion to Georgia’s economy in fiscal year 2021. Photo courtesy of Jason Getz
College’s Economic Impact Rises to $1.8 billion
Kennesaw State University (KSU) had an economic impact of $1.84 billion on Georgia in fiscal year 2021, according to a recent University System of Georgia (USG) report. KSU’s economic impact in FY 2021 marked an 11.6% increase from $1.65 billion the previous year. The total economic impact of all 26 USG institutions on their local communities was $19.3 billion in FY 2021, up 3.8% from $18.6 billion in FY 2020. The university’s personnel and operating expenses, combined with educationrelated spending by students, accounted for nearly $1.15 billion of its total FY 2021 economic impact. The remaining $650 million-plus resulted from the institution, its employees and students purchasing goods and services in the community, such as at restaurants and retail stores. The USG’s measure of economic impact reflects direct and indirect spending that contributes to the regions served by its colleges and universities. The report evaluates economic impact in terms of output (sales, plus or minus inventory), value added (gross regional product), labor income and number of jobs. The annual study was conducted by the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, which analyzed data collected between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, to calculate each school’s economic impact.
Board Congratulates Gold Medalist The Cobb County Board of Commissioners congratulated Dr. Bill Farrar of Kennesaw for winning the gold medal in table tennis at the 2022 National Senior Games last month and presented him with a certificate of achievement. The National Senior Games is a 20-sport, biennial competition for people 50 and over and is the largest multisport event in the world for seniors. Commissioner Keli Gambrill presents a certificate of achievement to Dr. Bill Farrar.
