Forecast 2024 by Times Journal Media

FORECAST 2024 PUBLISHED BY THE MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION HEALTH REAL ESTATE SENIOR LIVING

What do you want?

CONFIDENCE CONFIDENCE Financial confidence is an outcome of sound planning, good fortune and high achievement. At The Bottoms Group we believe that confidence occurs when all the pieces “work together.” Make sure all the pieces fall into place for your spouse, family, business partners or other beneficiaries long after you’re gone. As experts in the industry, we’ll develop a holistic life insurance strategy to help protect your loved ones and everything you’ve worked hard for.

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2019

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The Bottoms Group specializes in strategies for life insurance and employee beneﬁts. For decades we have guided companies, families and individuals through the complexitites of compliance, management and long-term planning.

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FORECAST 2024 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION HEALTH REAL ESTATE SENIOR LIVING Forecast is published annually by the Marietta Daily Journal and distributed to homes and businesses throughout Cobb County. To subscribe email: circulation@mdjonline.com or call 770-795-5001. To advertise contact Tara Guest at tguest@mdjonline.com.

Cover photo by: Hunter Riggall The construction of Truist Securities’ office tower at the Battery Atlanta is well underway. The 250,000-square-foot building will serve as the new national headquarters for Truist’s investment and corporate banking arm. Scheduled for completion in 2024.

{ INDEX OF ADVERTISERS } A - TEAM SERVICES................................................... 48

FLEMING CARPET...................................................... 43

A. G. RHODES HEALTH & REHAB...............................52

GEORGIA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL.............................51

ATLANTA BAY BREEZE ................................................ 4

GRACEPOINT SCHOOL..............................................29

ATLANTA COMMUNITIES........................................... 39

HARRY NORMAN-COBB MARIETTA.............................11

BEST OF COBB.......................................................... 34

HIGHLAND RIVERS HEALTH....................................... 37

BLACKWELL’S JEWELERS...........................................15

MARIETTA HEARING CENTER....................................30

BRUMBY CHAIR......................................................... 34

MARIETTA WRECKER SERVICE.................................. 34

CARMICHAEL FUNERAL HOME.................................. 47

MAYES WARD............................................................ 45

CAUTHORN OWEN & SANDERS...................................11

MDJ PODCAST........................................................... 34

CHATTAHOOCHEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE................. 28

MIDWAY COVENANT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL................25

CHICK-FIL-A BACKSTAGE TOUR....................................7

MINI MAID OF NW GEORGIA..................................... 39

CHOW KING - SMYRNA.............................................. 47

MT PARAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL................................ 33

CITRUSOLUTION CARPET CLEANING......................... 17

NORTH COBB CHRISTIAN SCHOOL........................... 23

CITY OF AUSTELL ......................................................21

PARC AT PIEDMONT..................................................50

CITY OF POWDER SPRINGS....................................... 23

PRESBYTERIAN VILLAGE............................................12

CITY OF SMYRNA......................................................22

POWERS ELECTRIC....................................................26

COBB HARDWARE......................................................12

REMAX PURE............................................................... 5

COPELAND’S..............................................................41

SEAN PERREN- STATE FARM.....................................25

CREDIT UNION OF GEORGIA....................................... 9

STERLING ESTATES SENIOR LIVING........................... 49

CUMBERLAND CID....................................................30

SUPERIOR PLUMBING SERVICES......................2, 26-27

DANCE STOP STUDIOS.................................................7

TBG BENEFITS - THE BOTTOMS GROUP...................... 3

DAYCO SYSTEMS HEATING & COOLING.....................13

THE MANELY FIRM......................................................14

DERMATOLOGY & SURGERY SPECIALIST OF

THE WALKER SCHOOL................................................31

NORTH ATLANTA.............................................. 35

TOWN CENTER AREA CID.......................................... 24

FAT LADY BAKER......................................................... 4

WINNWOOD RETIREMENT COMMUNUTY.................22

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4 FORECAST | 2024

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Cobb Home to Plethora of Entertaining Options Staff reports There is no shortage of things to do in Cobb County, and all signs point to 2024 bringing plenty more events. For baseball fans, there is the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. For thrill seekers, there is Six Flags Over Georgia. For movie buffs looking for an experience beyond the usual Regal or AMC — perhaps a silent movie accompanied by a live orchestra — there’s the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre on Marietta Square. The Braves will kick off the 2024 season March 28 at the Phillies. The home opener is Friday, April 5 against the Diamondbacks. The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, the county’s premier performance venue, will celebrate its 17th anniversary. CEPAC was the first major performing arts venue built in metro Atlanta in four decades when it opened in 2007, and became one of metro Atlanta’s premier venues for Broadway shows, ballet, concerts, operas, educational shows, family performances, corporate meetings, wedding receptions and galas. It also hosts two resident companies: the Atlanta Ballet and the Atlanta Opera.

Scenes from a rehearsal of “The Nutcracker,” put on annually by Marietta-based Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre. Photo by: Annie Mayne

An artist works during the 2023 Chalktoberfest on Marietta Square. Photo courtesy of City of Marietta

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CEPAC includes the 2,750-seat John A. Williams Theatre, the 10,000-square-foot Kessel D. Stelling Jr. Ballroom, a terrace, 1,000 parking spaces including a 700-space parking deck, and full-service food and beverage capabilities. This spring, CEPAC has a number of musical acts lined up, including Dwight Yoakam, The Classic Rock Show — World Tour 2024, The 18th Annual ATL Blues Festival and Marisela. The Atlanta Ballet meanwhile is set to perform “Coco Chanel: The Life of a Fashion Icon,” “Cinderella” and “Kaleidoscope,” and “Liquid Motion.” The Atlanta Opera will perform “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Die Walkure.” Cobb County’s main convention center, the Cobb Galleria Centre, opened in 1994. The Galleria includes a 144,000-square-foot exhibit hall, 25,000-square-foot ballroom, a 5,500-square-foot special event space, 20 meeting rooms and four executive board rooms. The authority which manages the Galleria has long eyed redevelopment of the Galleria Specialty Shops, a long-struggling mall in the convention center. In its place, the authority hopes to put a hotel connected directly to the Galleria. The authority also has plans for cosmetic updates to the convention center and parking deck. All told, the redevelopment project is estimated to cost $150-$170 million. Events at the Galleria planned for this spring include The Atlanta Black Expo, Atlanta Travel and Adventure Show, Atlanta Home Show and the COBB Tradeshow. Other venues and arts institutions in Cobb include Marietta’s Theatre in the Square, the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, the Coca-Cola Roxy, the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, the Mable House Arts Center and the Georgia Dance Conservatory. In addition to the venues and arts institutions, Cobb has a plethora of public food and art festivals throughout the year.

A Braves drum line parades down Battery Avenue. Photo by: Hunter Riggall

Cosplayers attend the 13th annual ‘Anime Weekend Atlanta’ at the Cobb Galleria Centre in October. Photo by: Annie Mayne

Celebrating 50 Years in Cobb County

Chick-fil-A Backstage tour

Offering Classes for the Beginner to the Professional Ages 3 years to Adult

It’s our pleasure to invite you...

Be our guest for a Chick-fil-A Backstage Tour. You’ll be guided on a storytelling experience to learn more about the restaurant you love while being inspired by the life and vision of founder, S. Truett Cathy. ABOUT THE TOURS The Original: A storytelling journey around the values and vision of Chick-fil-A founder, S. Truett Cathy. You’ll enjoy stories of the company’s humble beginnings and 74 years of continuous growth, as well as a sneak peek into the future. The Deluxe: A storytelling journey around the values and vision of Chick-fil-A founder, S. Truett Cathy. You’ll enjoy stories of the company’s humble beginnings and 74 years of continuous growth, a sneak peak into the future plus an inside look at our test kitchen and training center, The Nest.

PLAN YOUR TOUR IN-PERSON TOURS ARE MONDAY – WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY

Choose Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip Hop, Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet Tap/Ballet Combo, And Pre-Jazz

VIRTUAL TOURS ARE THURSDAY Schedule tour by visiting HTTPS://TOURS.CHICK-FIL-A.COM/ Please note, tours must be scheduled before noon on the day prior to the tour. New dates are added one month out.

Come Dance with Us! 4400 Roswell Road Marietta, Georgia www.dancestopstudios.com 770-578-0048 2024 | FORECAST 7

CREDIT UNION OF GEORGIA Community & Member Focused Credit Union of Georgia has been a part of the local schools and the community. Fundraisers are held Northwest Georgia Community since 1960. Striving throughout the year for local charities and organizations. for the best member experience possible they have an expansive list of products and service offerings IN THE FUTURE and lifelong commitments to supporting our local Credit Union of Georgia is exploring options for communities. additional branch locations in its field of membership area. “We’ll continue to add additional branch locations Offering a wide range of account solutions, convenient as we continue to grow. For more accessibility, we are account access, exclusive member benefits, a variety a part of the CO-OP Shared Branch network, to give of loan solutions and complete business services, it’s members access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs safe to say that there is something for everyone at and more than 5,000 shared branching locations,” Credit Union of Georgia. said Brian Albrecht, president/CEO of Credit Union of Georgia. “We promise to give our members a place to Credit Union of Georgia is a not-for-profit member bank that they can trust and depend on. We are your owned cooperative, and its mission is to serve local neighbors, and we want to serve you.” communities by providing financial solutions and guidance for every stage of life. WHAT MEMBERS ARE SAYING ABOUT CREDIT UNION OF GEORGIA… Deposits are federally insured up to $250,000 • “I shouldn’t share all my secrets. I shouldn’t tell by the National Credit Union Administration. Credit you that my best banking experience by far has been Union of Georgia has four locations in Cobb County with Credit Union of Georgia. I shouldn’t disclose including the Kennesaw location off Jiles Road, the that Jason went out of his way to help a new small East Cobb location off Johnson Ferry Road, the West business owner with tons of questions and concerns. Cobb location off Dallas Highway and the Marietta I’m honestly and pleasantly surprised by the care, location near the square. support, and attention to detail that I received. But I would be remiss and doing a disservice to keep this JOINING IS EASY quality of care to myself. It is easy to join Credit Union of Georgia, which is a I’m so grateful for the genuine interest in my small full-service financial institution, if you are a resident of startup’s success. With all the uncertainty surrounding Cobb, Bartow, Cherokee, Dawson, Douglas, Fannin, launching a startup, the thoroughness, personal Forsyth, Fulton, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Paulding, Pickens interest, and care involved with the process allows or Union counties. for some confidence that I have a team there that is championing the launch. I can rest assured that there Applications are accepted online at www.CUofGA. will be plenty of support as needed as this business org, in person at any branch location or over the phone continues. at 678-486-1111. With an initial deposit of only $10, Thank you again. I certainly appreciate all of your members can begin enjoying the benefits of credit help and support. Here’s to many years of mutual union membership, starting with no monthly or annual success in the future!”– Matthew S. service fees. • “Buying a car has never been easier, thanks for Other benefits include: your courtesy and promptness.” • Full line of loan solutions, including auto, home – Annie A. equity, personal and recreational vehicle loans. • On-site mortgage department. • “The best customer service experience I have had • Business account options, including commercial as a customer of 25+ years” lending. – Shontay K. • Free checking. • Saving and checking options for students along • “Credit Union of Georgia makes the car buying with a free scholarship search tool. process seamless. I will forever use CUofGA for all • No-cost financial adviser. of my banking/loan needs!”– Logan A. COMMUNITY MINDED Credit Union of Georgia was established in 1960, to serve the faculty, staff and students of local school systems and institutions of higher learning, then later expanded its field of membership to serve those who live or work in specific counties in Northwest Georgia. With a history of serving educators, Credit Union of Georgia has a passion for education and giving back to

8 FORECAST | 2024

felt valued for being members.!” – Justin J. • “CUofGA was efficient, timely and super friendly completing our auto loan! They respond to emails and phone calls immediately. They answered all our questions and were very patient and informative throughout the process. We have been members for MANY years and wouldn’t go anywhere else!” – Kathleen C. • “Becoming a member was easy as 123! The team at CUGA were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful!” – Gary S. • “Love this place!” – Christopher C. • “Excellent customer service!” – Chris B. • “I recently changed banks and started using Credit Union of Georgia. I am so appreciative of everyone who has helped me. Thank you so much and I love having a local bank in the community to support!” – Alexandra P. AWARD-WINNING • 2023 Aroundabout Readers’ Choice, Around Canton – Best Bank/Credit Union • 2023 Aroundabout Readers’ Choice, Around Kennesaw – Best Bank/Credit Union • 2023 Aroundabout Readers’ Choice, Townelaker – Best Bank/Credit Union • 2023 Aroundabout Readers’ Choice, Townelaker – 2nd Place Best Mortgage Lending • 2023 Best of Life, Canton Family Life –Best Financial Institution/Bank/Credit Union • 2023 Best of Cobb – Best Credit Union (Marietta Daily Journal) • 2023 Best of Georgia by Georgia Business Journal – Best Credit Union • 2023 Cobb Chamber Top 25 Small Business of the Year • 2023 Eyes on the Prize Award – Canton Optimist Club • 2023 Marietta City Schools Special Support Recognition Award • 2023 Partner Appreciation Recognition – JJ Daniell Middle School • 2023 Canton Optimist Club Business of the Year

• “Excellent experience securing my auto loan. Very professional and caring.” – Andrew A. • “The Member Solutions Team made my vehicle loan process as seamless as I have ever experienced. Responsive, professional, and personalized with a great rate to top it off. Thank you, my family and I

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BUSINESS

Georgia economy headed for ‘soft landing’ in 2024

Retired Marietta resident Paul Havey fills up at a Chevron gas station on Cobb Parkway. MDJ file photo.

Staff reports The economic growth Georgia experienced in 2023 will slow down in 2024 but not enough to cause a recession, the dean of the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia said at the end of 2023. “Georgia is well positioned to weather an economic slowdown, and our economy will outperform the U.S. economy,” Ben Ayers told a crowded ballroom at the Georgia Aquarium in the kickoff of UGA’s annual Georgia Economic Outlook series. “Our economy will not bust.” Ayers said he expects Georgia’s Gross Domestic Product to increase by 1.1% in 2024, smaller than the 3% growth the Peach State saw in 2023 but well above the sluggish national growth rate of 0.8% economists are predicting for 2024. The number of jobs in Georgia will rise by 0.7% in 2024, which is slower compared to the 2.3% gain estimated for Georgia in 2023 but higher than the national job growth rate of just 0.3%, Ayers predicted. Ayers said demographics and the large number of economic development projects in the pipeline are key factors propping up Georgia’s economy. The state’s population grew by 1.2% in 2023 and is expected to double the nation’s growth in 2024, he said. Meanwhile, Georgia landed a record 426 economic development

10 FORECAST | 2024

projects in 2023, the third straight year the state has set a record in that category. Ayers said he expects the state’s unemployment rate to rise in 2024 from 2023’s 3.4%, but only to 4%. Inflation, which hit 8% in 2022, was cut in half in 2023 to 4%, Ayers said. He said he expects inflation to continue to fall to 2.5% by the end of 2024. Ayers said risks to Georgia’s economy include continued conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine, potential stock market disruptions, further labor unrest or a government shutdown. But none of these likely would be enough to trigger a recession, he said. Avery Shenfeld, managing director and chief economist for CIBC, a Chicago-based commercial banking firm, gave a similar economic forecast for the nation. He predicted the U.S. will avoid falling into a recession even as inflation continues to cool from a 40-year high. The Consumer Price Index has declined to 4% but remains well above the 2% inflation rate the Federal Reserve is seeking. “We’ve been able to cool (inflation) without slowing economic growth,” Shenfeld said. Shenfeld predicted sluggish economic growth through the third quarter of 2024 should begin to pick up late in the year.

BUSINESS “It’s going to end with lower inflation and, therefore, lower interest rates,” he said. Data released in December 2023 showed that Cobb County, Marietta and Smyrna continue to have lower unemployment rates than the Atlanta or Georgia average, though pure unemployed numbers were up. Cobb County had an unemployment rate of 3.1% in October 2023, unchanged from the month previous but up from 2.6% a year before, according to data from the Georgia Department of Labor. In metro Atlanta, year-over-year inflation stood at 3.2% as of October 2023, down from a recent peak of more than 11% a year earlier, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Gov. Brian Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp help cut the ribbon at the Yamaha Marine Innovation Center in Kennesaw in April 2023. Photo By: Jake Busch

Raphael Bostic, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, engaged in a chat with Katie Kirkpatrick, the head of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, at a Cobb Chamber of Commerce event in 2023. Photo Courtesy of Cobb Chamber of Commerce

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2024 | FORECAST 11

A Continuing Care Retirement Community offering comprehensive services for your needs now and in the future. For couples, the continuum of care provides increased health support if that becomes necessary while allowing both of you to remain in the same community.

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COBB 770-428-6491 HARDWARE Celebrating our 92nd Year In Cobb County!

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Welcome to Dayco Systems, a company with over three generations of experience in HVAC and Indoor Air Quality excellence. Since 2006, we have been proud to share our expertise with the Greater Metro Atlanta Area. Our purpose at Dayco is simple - to improve the lives of our team, customers, and community.

Air Conditioning, Heating, & Home Performance When we say that we do things “the old-fashioned way,” we mean that we are fully focused on working hard to provide you with quality HVAC services, and being fully open and honest with you from start to finish. The team at Dayco Systems is in the business of providing comfort to residents in the area because we take pride in being the experts on the work we are doing and being the team you can rely on.

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We have been proudly serving the families of Cobb County for over 30 years and the only Georgia All Family Law Attorney to win unanimously before the U.S. Supreme Court AND the Supreme Court of Georgia! Are you facing Family Law issues? We know how stressful this can be and want YOU to start considering your needs, wants, hopes, dreams, and aspirations as important pieces to the puzzle. We are committed to providing unparalleled legal service and concierge-level support to every client we serve. Give us a call today, we can help you calm the chaos and reach your goals.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Cobb offers home field advantage to spur growth

The Truist Securities building under construction in the Battery Atlanta. Photo by: Hunter Riggall

Staff reports Cobb County continues to be as friendly a place as you’ll find when it comes to attracting economic development. The Cobb Chamber of Commerce and Development Authority of Cobb County rolled out the welcome mat for a number of projects in 2023. Cobb had 25 “project wins” and five “project losses” in 2023, according to Dana Johnson, executive director of SelectCobb. The wins comprised 14 instances of Cobb retaining employers, while 11 companies moved to Cobb. Johnson said in December that uncertainty in the commercial real estate market has led to fewer companies relocating. “In 2023, retention was the biggest story in economic development.

16 FORECAST | 2024

And I think as we look into 2024, I think it’s going to be the same,” he said. Johnson said having a strong workforce will be the other big driver of economic development in 2024. “As long as we can keep our edge in workforce and have a great, prepared workforce pipeline, we will be setting the stage for when interstate movement does happen,” Johnson said. “It’ll be putting Georgia in a great spot and metro Atlanta in a great spot.” Outgoing Cobb Chamber Chairman Greg Teague said in December that Cobb has 52 economic development projects in the pipeline, and will see 2,337 new jobs and $516 million in new investment over the next few years. “Due to the overwhelming success of the Marietta College and Career Academy and the Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy (CITA), the Cobb County School District will construct another CITA

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Photo by: Hunter Riggall

Key donors and leadership break ground on North Cobb Christian School’s new high school addition in 2023. Special Photo by: Alexandra McKinley

facility in the upcoming Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (EdSPLOST),” Teague said. “All these outstanding resources will continue to provide experiential learning opportunities for our City of Marietta and Cobb County high school students — preparing them to be career-ready upon graduation.” Perhaps the biggest economic development project of recent years is well underway — the construction of Truist Financials’ new 250,000-square-foot office building at the Battery. Truist Financials’ headquarters will be completed sometime in fall 2024. Truist will be the fourth fortune 500 company to establish a global or business unit headquarters at The Battery, joining Comcast, TK Elevator and Papa John’s. Also in Cumberland, Gas South announced in June 2023 it would be relocating its headquarters to The Battery’s Three Ballpark Center by the end of 2024. A spinoff of General Electric signed a lease in late 2023 for an office near the Cobb Galleria Centre. GE Vernova, the company’s planned energy spinoff, signed a lease for 77,000 square feet of office space at 600 Galleria Parkway through 2036.

Earlier in 2023, Montag, an Atlanta-based wealth management company, announced its move from Fulton to Cobb County, at the Galleria 200 building in Cumberland. And at the Galleria 300 building, Guardian Pharmacy Services signed a lease in 2023 for the entire eighth floor. One retention was assurance and advisory firm Mauldin & Jenkins, which invested in a renovation of its offices at Galleria 200. Other retentions included SIRA, which provides communications and information technology to the air transport industry. SITA is maintaining its 150-person Atlanta workforce in the Cumberland area, occupying a floor at Galleria 600. Nationwide litigation firm Freeman Mathis & Gary, meanwhile, announced in 2023 it was expanding its headquarters, adding more than 15,000 square feet to its 17th floor offices at Galleria 100. A Marietta-based nonprofit that helps people with disabilities enter or return to employment is moving its headquarters to a new location in 2024. Tommy Nobis Center will move its headquarters from 1480 Bells Ferry Road, where it has been based since 1992, to 240 Interstate North Pkwy.

A student competes by stacking cinder blocks and mortar at the skills challenge at the Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy in November 2021.

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2024 | FORECAST 17

Retirement Living at its Finest

Independent & Assisted Living Want to learn more? Call 770-742-7183 or visit our website www.winnwoodretire.com 100 Whitlock Avenue NW, Marietta, GA, 30064 - One block from the Historic Marietta Square

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We are a well-rounded community alive with community spirit, a touch of urban chic and plenty of down-home natural charm. Nestled among lush trees, you’ll feel at home in our diverse neighborhoods. Residents and visitors enjoy access to indoor and outdoor amenities, from boating on the Chattahoochee to biking, walking, or running along our trails, watching baseball at the Battery, or catching good vibes in our downtown.

@CityofSmyrnaGA

Powder Springs has options for visitors, current and new residents Cobb County’s fastest growing municipality, Powder Springs, continues to add more reasons to move within its city limits, or at the very least, visit its unique amenities and special events. The epicenter of Powder Springs’ downtown is its Thurman Springs Park. It and its amphitheater will be the site of the fourth-annual “Bringing the Sea to the Springs” seafood festival this May, which earned in 2022 the “Spot On Event of the Year” honor from Cobb Travel & Tourism. Other returning events will include the city-sponsored Summer Concert Series and second-annual Hispanic Heritage Fiesta in the fall, while the city will welcome this spring the “Welcome to South Cobb” festival. Across from the park, renovation and expansion of the former Municipal Court site will ultimately become Powder Springs’ new City Hall, which will be an important landmark in the thriving city. Construction of a parking deck behind the project site is also underway. Both are scheduled for completion by year’s end. Nearby, the Pineview Trail now connects downtown to another crown jewel in the city — the Silver Comet Trail. Traveling eastward by foot or bike via the trail or by car on Richard D. Sailors Parkway, one would reach Silver Comet Linear Park, which this past July saw the opening of the city’s new Skate Park. Future additions to Powder Springs Park, meanwhile, will include a dog park for both large and small dogs, and a parking lot/farmer’s market area. With new communities coming to life around Thurman Springs Park and across the city — including Selig Enterprises’ Heartwood Powder Springs on

Brownsville Road that opened in the fall, and Novare Group’s Springside project opening downtown this year — city leadership continues to be focused on responsibly managing growth while maintaining Powder Springs’ small-town character and quality of life. Commercial growth also remains a priority for city leaders, with efforts including working with the state to gain curb cuts on U.S. 278 to facilitate development along the major corridor. Powder Springs remains a welcoming city to those who currently call it home, as well as visitors and future residents. Visit cityofpowdersprings.org to learn more about the city and its happenings.

We are business leaders and neighbors — we are Town Center Community. The Town Center CID is a significant partner for economic growth. We strategically reinvest our district’s commercial property tax contributions into the community in the form of well-planned infrastructure, safety, economic development and beautification projects. This investment is essential to maintaining the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to residents and businesses.

An investment in Town Center Community is an investment in your most vibrant future possible.

Learn more at TownCenterCID.com

Brighten Your Nights with Powers Electrical Solutions: Expanding Our Landscape Lighting Excellence Powers Electrical Solutions, a local award-winning electrical contractor, is pleased to announce the expansion of its cutting-edge landscape and security lighting department. Guided by the experienced Andy Holmes, this expansion underscores our commitment to delivering innovative and aesthetically pleasing solutions. Our team of landscape lighting specialists ensures a seamless service, from understanding your lighting and security objectives to designing, planning, and executing your project. Embracing cuttingedge technology, we offer a range of options, including solar-powered lights and energy-efficient LED technology. Outdoor lighting has evolved significantly, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits. Powers Electrical Solutions is dedicated to transforming your space into a captivating and safe haven, with a focus on the

following expert solutions: Lighting: Highlight the beauty of your home with strategically placed lighting, accentuating architectural features such as arches, entryways, gables, and steps. Landscape Lighting: Bring your landscape to life with cost-effective solutions that illuminate gardens, flower beds, ponds, and other outdoor features. Pathway and Driveway Lighting: Enhance safety and charm with carefully placed lights along pathways and driveways. Patio and Deck Lighting:

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When Hailey Gibson’s parents started looking for a school for their daughter, they had two nonnegotiables:

First, the school had to genuinely put Jesus first, and second, they would not compromise on ensuring that their daughter had every opportunity to thrive. They found their answer in North Cobb Christian School (NCCS), an exemplary Christian school in Kennesaw that serves over 1,200 students in K3 through twelfth grade. “We first toured before my sixth-grade year in 2017. My parents liked the Christian environment, and they really liked that NCCS is college preparatory,” recalls Hailey, who is now a senior. “My parents researched the colleges attended by NCCS graduates, and they were impressed.” Graduates from NCCS have been accepted into Duke, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Brown, Boston University, Georgia Tech, Pepperdine, NYU, UGA, Vanderbilt, The United States Naval Academy and many more. When Hailey walked down the hallway on her first day of sixth grade, she was self-described as quiet and reserved, but fast-forward to today, and Hailey is secretary of the senior class and involved in competition cheer, chorus, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Tri-M Music Honor Society, in addition to taking a full load of dual enrollment, AP and honors courses. “NCCS prepares you for college, and prepares you to lead,“ she shares. Even more so, Hailey says she’s spiritually ready for what‘s next. “At NCCS, it’s more than just believing; it’s how you act and walk. I’ve learned how to live my life for what really matters.”

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Hailey Gibson

EDUCATION

Cobb, Marietta schools face challenges but continue to outperform state

Cobb County School District held a ribbon cutting for Betty Gray Middle School Superintendent Grant Rivera, left, greets Morgan Carden’s kindergarten class at in October 2023. West Side Elementary. Photos by: Hunter Riggall

Staff reports Cobb’s reputation for well-performing schools has made it a popular choice for Georgians looking to start a family. In 2022, those trends continued, even as political fights in education made headlines. With 106,358 students, the Cobb County School District is Georgia’s second largest. About 14% of all Cobb residents are children enrolled in CCSD. The district is also Cobb’s top employer, with more than 17,800 workers. The smaller Marietta City Schools educates the public-school attending children of the city of Marietta, with 8,642 students and approximately 1,200 employees. As Cobb and Marietta’s school districts continue recovering from pandemic learning loss, both saw modest gains in the latest College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) report, released December 2023. The Marietta and Cobb districts saw the biggest improvements in “readiness” — which combines literacy scores and grades in courses outside core subjects — among elementary and middle school students. Marietta High School, the Cobb schools and the state of Georgia all saw their graduation rates increase in 2023. The overall graduation rate for the Cobb County School District was 87.7%, up from 87.4% in 2022. Meanwhile, Marietta City Schools’ only high school, Marietta High, saw its graduation rate rise to 86.4%, up from 85.7% last year. Regarding college-entry tests, Cobb and Marietta students fared worse on the ACT test in 2023 than in 2022. Both districts, however, outperformed the state of Georgia and the nation. Cobb had an average composite score of 22.7, down slightly from 23 last year. Marietta had an average composite score of 21.9, down a point from last year’s average of 22.9. The state of Georgia recorded an average score of 21.3, while the national average was 19.5. On the SAT, Cobb and Marietta both saw their average scores decline

24 FORECAST | 2024

in 2023. The average SAT score in Cobb schools decreased by seven points to 1104, while the average score at Marietta High School decreased by 32 points to 1052. Both districts continued to outperform the statewide and national averages, which were 1045 and 1003, respectively. In fall 2023, Cobb schools welcomed students into two new school buildings. Betty Gray Middle School opened as a new school off Buckner Road along Nickajack Creek in southeast Cobb. Lindley Middle School’s attendance zone was split in two, with Betty Gray incorporating half of it. Named for the late Cobb educator Betty Gray, the school was opened following a $9 million renovation and expansion of a campus which has been used for several purposes over the years. The other big opening was a $37 million, brand new building for Eastvalley Elementary School in east Cobb. Eastvalley’s new digs are on Holt Road across from Wheeler High School, the former site of East Cobb Middle. Both Betty Gray Middle and Eastvalley Elementary were funded by the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, which is used to pay for capital projects in both of the county’s school districts. Cobb voters have approved six of these taxes, the most recent in November 2021. Ed-SPLOST VI begins collecting revenue Jan. 1, 2024 and will run through 2028. In the Cobb school district, Ed-SPLOST VI is expected to collect roughly $895 million. Major projects planned include a new career academy in north Cobb; a classroom rebuild and modernization of Sprayberry High; a new elementary school in south Cobb; modernization and upgrades at North Cobb High and Tapp Middle; an addition to Bells Ferry Elementary; and annex replacements at Kincaid, Mount Bethel, Murdock, Sope Creek and Tritt Elementary schools. Projects range from technology upgrades to roof and floor replacements, from restrooms to playscapes, from parking lots to paint jobs. The Marietta school district is expected to receive about $72 million from Ed-SPLOST VI. The tax will fund renovations at Hickory Hills, Sawyer Road and West Side elementary schools;

EDUCATION at Marietta Center for Advanced Academics, Marietta Middle, Marietta Sixth Grade Academy and Marietta High School. Projects will also include improvements to Northcutt Stadium, sports fields at the high school, playgrounds districtwide, and new technology and computers for schools.

A new program launching in Cobb schools in 2024 is a $2 million partnership with Wellstar Health System. Wellstar will invest in the health care pathway at the Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy to introduce students to healthcare careers and build a career pipeline for those students.

From left, Cobb school board members Randy Scamihorn and Brad Wheeler, Cobb Superintendent Chris Ragsdale, Eastvalley Elementary principal Whitney Spooner, and school board members David Banks and David Chastain pose before Eastvalley’s new building after a ribbon cutting at the school. Photo by: Jake Busch

From left, Teachers of the Year Candace Torrence, Elizabeth Goff, Annelisa Bellack and Suzette Spinelli. Photo courtesy of: Cobb Chamber

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We are the College of Real-World Training

ChattahoocheeTech.edu 770-528-4545 A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. Equal Opportunity Institution.

Chattahoochee Tech – The College of Real-World Training Chattahoochee Technical College prepares students at all stages of life for exciting career opportunities available now in the local workforce. Students receive real-world training in programs of study linked to the nation’s fastest growing, high-demand career fields. The college awards associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in programs of study that range from nursing and healthcare to computer technology, engineering, business and digital media. Innovative new programs like brewing have been added recently along with programs of study in aviation at the college’s new Aviation Training Academy. Chattahoochee Tech is also an excellent and affordable path to a bachelor’s degree. Students can transition easily from Chattahoochee Tech into four-year colleges in order to continue their education. Making this transfer process even better for many students is the new LINK program, an academic bridge from Chattahoochee Tech to Kennesaw State. Chattahoochee Tech serves the community through nine campuses, which are conveniently located in Cobb, Bartow, Cherokee, Paulding and Pickens counties. Three of the nine Chattahoochee Tech campuses are located in Cobb County. The Chattahoochee Tech Marietta Campus continues to have the college’s largest campus enrollment each semester. Popular areas of study at the Marietta Campus include Practical Nursing, Dental Assisting, Phlebotomy Technician, Medical Assisting and Health Care Management. These programs are housed in the college’s 71,716-square-foot Health Science building, which features Technology Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL) classrooms and dedicated labs for anatomy, biology, chemistry, physics and physiology.

The Marietta Campus is also home to Associate of Applied Science degree programs in Cybersecurity, Computer Programming, and Web Application Development, as well as degree programs in Accounting, Business Technology, Marketing Management, Early Childhood Care & Education, Automotive Technology and Criminal Justice Technology. In East Cobb, the Chattahoochee Tech Mountain View Campus is located off Shallowford Road next to the Mountain View Aquatic Center. Popular programs of study based at this campus include Film and Video Production Technology, along with Design and Media Production Technology. Graduates of these programs may apply their skills in the state’s robust film and television industry. In South Cobb, the college’s Austell Campus is located on Veterans Memorial Parkway, with convenient access to I-285. This campus has a major focus on continuing education courses and professional development training offered through the college’s Office of Economic Development. “Chattahoochee Tech students are gaining the skills and experience they need to become part of our community’s essential workforce,” said Chattahoochee Tech President Dr. Ron Newcomb. “We are very proud of the fact that our graduates are meeting the demand from local employers for highly skilled employees.” A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), Chattahoochee Tech also offers customized workforce training, continuing education classes, and adult education programs that include free GED and HiSET preparation classes. More information is available at www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

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HEALTH

Health systems expand reach in Cobb as officials confront crises

From right, Dr. Janet Memark, director of Cobb and Douglas Public Health, and Board of Health members Dr. Paula Greaves and Cobb Chairwoman Lisa Cupid. Photo by: Hunter Riggall

Staff reports Cobb County’s public health authority continues to try to tackle challenges laid out in the 2022 community health assessment, a sort of five-year checkup which found rising rates of drug use and mental health struggles. Among the most startling revelations from the report was that suicide became the second leading cause of premature death (in numbers of years of life lost) in Cobb during the five-year period surveyed from 2016 to 2020, killing about 13 people per 100,000 residents each year. Some local police departments have created co-responder programs where trained professionals accompany police officers to mental health calls. Other efforts by county leaders have been to lobby the state legislature to allocate more resources toward mental health initiative, and to pass House Bill 520, a sweeping proposal which aims to significantly alter the way behavioral health is understood and treated in Georgia. Responding to another crisis, local governments have sought to combat rising overdose rates in Cobb County. There were 173 fatal overdoses in Cobb in 2022, the latest year for which data is available,

32 FORECAST | 2024

according to the Georgia Department of Public Health. 2022 was the third consecutive year of rising fatal overdoses. A decade prior, in 2012, there were 83 fatal overdoses. Public health officials have sought to combat the opioid epidemic by increasing access to naloxone, a drug which reverses overdoses. Cobb County is also seeking to increase the number of medical providers offering opioid treatment by 25 by the end of 2026. Another public health issue facing the county is HIV/AIDs. Before the pandemic, Cobb was one of 50 counties in the U.S. identified with high HIV rates. The community health assessment found that the rate of Cobb residents living with human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, climbed by 19% from 2016 to 2020. Cobb and Douglas Public Health is trying to improve awareness of STDs and HIV, improve access to testing and improve access to treatment for uninsured residents. Especially important is access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a daily medication that reduces one’s likelihood of spreading or contracting HIV. The medication is available at all public health clinics. As officials seek to tackle these challenges, new health care facilities

HEALTH

sales tax revenue, $7.4 million in federal, county-allocated COVID19 relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, and Cobb and Douglas Public Health reserve funds. The authority hopes to complete the facility in 2024. Other new facilities opened in 2023. American Family Care (AFC) opened an urgent care center on Johnson Ferry Road in east Cobb. On the same road, Ellie Mental Health opened an outpatient mental health clinic. And Highland Rivers Behavioral Health, one of Georgia’s 22 community service boards, has opened a new youth outpatient clinic in Smyrna near Griffin Middle School.

This preliminary rendering shows what Wellstar Health System’s forthcoming seven-story tower at Kennestone Hospital may look like. Photo courtesy of Wellstar Health System

are being developed in the county. Wellstar Health System is constructing a new tower at Kennestone, its flagship hospital in Marietta. The $300 million investment will add 61 acute-care beds and relocate 67 other beds from elsewhere in the hospital. The tower will offer private rooms focused on patient, family and healthcare provider comfort and include high-quality NICU and neonatal services, in addition to expansions in other crucial services and spaces. It is expected to be complete in late 2025. As part of its efforts to improve access to health care in south Cobb, Cobb and Douglas Public Health plans to construct a new public health center in that part of the area. The facility, planned to be around 30,000 square feet, will cost around $16.5 million, the health authority previously said. It will be funded by a mix of $1.75 million in county 2022 special-purpose local-option Mary Chatman, executive vice president of acute care operations, speaks at a 10-year anniversary celebration of Wellstar Cobb Hospital’s burn center. Photo by: Hunter Riggall

Cameron Morrison is the case manager for the Bright Changes Clubhouse inside the new Highland Rivers Behavioral Health youth outpatient center in Smyrna. Photo by: Annie Mayne

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Highland Rivers Behavioral Health is one of Georgia’s largest providers of behavioral health services – treatment, recovery and support services for individuals with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities – across a 13-county region of northwest Georgia. Our treatment plans focus on recovery and are tailored to the unique needs of each individual. No one is denied services due to inability to pay. We offer a variety of services including outpatient counseling (adults, youth, group and family); crisis stabilization and detoxification; community-based services; peer support groups; residential substance use treatment (programs for women, men and youth); youth clubhouses; supported employment; supportive housing and more. Services for individuals with disabilities include day programs; family support services; housing assistance; supported employment and community access services. • Highland Rivers Behavioral Health provides treatment and recovery services for mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities for adults, youth, families and veterans. • We serve a 13-county region of northwest Georgia that includes Cobb, Cherokee, Bartow, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk and Whitfield counties. • Highland Rivers serves individuals and families who are uninsured or underinsured, who have Medicaid, Medicare or other public insurance, or who may have limited income. • No one is denied services due to inability to pay – services are provided on a sliding-fee scale and, in some cases, may be provided with no out-of-pocket cost. • Highland Rivers has open-access hours at all our clinics – times when anyone can come in and receive an initial assessment without an appointment. To learn about the open-access hours at the clinic you want to visit, call us at 800-729-5700. • Learn more about Highland Rivers Behavioral Health, our services and locations at www.highlandrivers.org.

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Working at Highland Rivers Behavioral Health is more than just a job: it’s acknowledging an individual’s life experience. It’s conversations with people that can empower and provide encouragement. It’s assisting in moments of crisis and offering a pathway forward. Working at Highland Rivers is about having a passion for mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities and substance use recovery. Highland Rivers is one of Georgia’s largest public behavioral health providers. We offer career opportunities for caring people with a variety of work and life experiences, skills and educational levels. Our careers include direct-service roles like therapists, case managers, nurses, and peer specialists, as well as administrative and support roles – finance and billing, clerical, scheduling, information technology, food service and maintenance. Highland Rivers is a large regional employer with approximately 1,000 staff positions across 13 counties including Cobb, Cherokee, Bartow, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk and Whitfield counties. We have a variety of positions for people with various professional experience, life experience, and educations levels – including jobs for individuals with a high school diploma or GED. Highland Rivers offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes: • • •

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REAL ESTATE

Prices continue to rise as housing market slows down

Construction of a new apartment complex off the intersection of Cobb Parkway and Windy Hill Road.

Staff reports The number of homes being sold in Cobb County has dipped amid high interest rates, though prices have continued to appreciate. Commercial real estate and offices, meanwhile, continue to suffer from the lingering effects of the pandemic and the shift to remote or hybrid working arrangements. Cobb saw a sales volume of $254 million in November 2023, down 12% from the year prior, according to the Georgia Multiple Listing Services. As interest rates have risen, the frenzied housing market that characterized the pandemic has eased. Inventory is low, and houses are taking longer to sell. The number of units sold (530) was down 18% from the year prior, and the number of active listings (1,274) was down by 14%. Georgia MLS reported late in 2023 that low inventory, high interest rates, and homeowners wary of leaving low-interest mortgages “are keeping prospective sellers on the sidelines.” Selling a home and buying another can mean swapping a 3.5% interest rate for a 7% rate. The average rate for a 30-year mortgage was 7.66% at the end of November 2023, up from 6.97% a year prior. “These factors, combined with seasonal slowdowns and economic

38 FORECAST | 2024

uncertainty will continue to provide headwinds as we enter into 2024,” a Georgia MLS report reads. Home prices in Cobb County continue to rise, however. The median sale price in November 2023 was $400,000, up 3% from a year prior. Georgia MLS reported in November that inventory levels have been rising slowly, and approaching pre-pandemic levels, making it more of a seller’s market. “In a balanced market, supply should roughly equal six to seven months of sales. As it currently stands, available listings amount to less than three months of sales,” reads a report on metro Atlanta’s real estate market. Local Realtor Johnny Sinclair predicted earlier in 2023 that the Federal Reserve would lower interest rates in 2024, which could spur a pickup in sales and a steeper price hike. “In an election year … I would predict that rates will go down,” Sinclair said. “I think that the effect of that is going to be an increase in activity, because there’s a lot of buyers that are waiting to get back into the market.” Local mortgage lender Jason Waters said in 2023 that interest rates will go down at some point in 2024, which will bring more churn to the housing market. “You’re going to have kind of ever growing demand, because population is growing … but the supply is not keeping up … and people are still

REAL ESTATE

moving here every day,” he said. Whether it’s from new transplants, a growing family looking for space, or empty nesters waiting to downsize, there’ll be pent-up demand when rates go down again, Waters said. Meanwhile, in the commercial real estate sector, metro Atlanta was experiencing an office vacancy rate of 23.5% at the end of the third quarter of 2023, reports Cushman & Wakefield, one of the world’s largest commercial real estate firms. The vacancy rate is about 5% higher than pre-pandemic levels. But the problem is less intense in suburban areas than intown Atlanta. The northwest submarket, which includes most of Cobb County, had a 19.6% vacancy rate, lower than downtown (25.6%), Midtown (28.8%) and Buckhead (28.3%). Construction of new office buildings is expected to slow down in 2024 as financial institutions are reluctant to make loans, Cushman and Wakefield reports. “I think it’s going to languish for a period. There’s very little new construction,” said Bruce Ailion, a Realtor for RE/MAX and former head of the Cobb Association of Realtors, earlier in 2023. “And so as more people migrate to Atlanta the demand will increase … there’s an oversupply of available space. And until that oversupply is soaked up, owners are not going to be able to significantly increase rent … most people are in a ‘hope it gets better’ mindset.” The firm says the long-term outlook for offices is rosier, due to Georgia’s rising population and strong economy. “Return-to-office mandates are expected to become more commonplace

in 2024,” Cushman and Wakefield reports, adding that “despite current headwinds, Atlanta’s deep talent pool and breadth of industry-leading corporations will translate to improved office demand over the long term.” Industrial real estate remains in high demand, however, with rising rents and a metro Atlanta vacancy rate of only 5.5% at the end of the third quarter of 2023. “Atlanta’s industrial sector remains in line with the healthy fundamentals of the pre-pandemic market,” Cushman and Wakefield reports. “The historically low vacancy rate, high rental rates, geographic positioning, and business friendly environment will continue to secure Atlanta as an industrial hub of the Southeast.” Local broker Dan Buyers said earlier in 2023 that, “A lot of industrial uses are difficult to locate, based on zoning,” noting there’s little land in Cobb County zoned for industrial use, and significant resistance to putting industrial space near single-family homes. In the multifamily sector, rents and occupancy rates have declined slightly since 2022. But demand remains healthy amid high home prices. Metro Atlanta is in a strong position for “continued population growth and a subsequent stream of renters,” Cushman and Wakefield reports. Retail real estate also is healthy, with mid-year 2023 vacancy rates of 4.2% in Marietta/North Cobb and 2.6% in South Cobb, according to Cushman and Wakefield. “While developers continued to target the metro, robust demand from retailers looking to take advantage of Atlanta’s growth continued to drive down the amount of available product for lease,” the firm notes.

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For half a century, Fleming has evolved from a small carpet dealer to becoming the go-to destination for premium flooring solutions in Marietta. We take pride in offering a full-service product selection that encompasses everything from luxurious carpet and timeless hardwoods to versatile laminate, stylish tile, and contemporary luxury vinyl.

While we’ve expanded over the years, our commitment to great customer service, quality products, and affordable installations remains unwavering. At Fleming, we understand the importance of creating homes that stand the test of time, and we are here to ensure that your flooring journey is seamless, personalized, and exceeds your expectations.

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SENIOR LIVING

Cobb Senior Services working to serve aging population

Susan Heald of Marietta, left, and Judy Aselton of Marietta, right, play canasta at the C. Freeman Poole Senior Center off Hurt Road in Smyrna.

Staff reports Cobb County’s population is aging, with the number of seniors rising by 78% since 2015, according to the county. Eight years ago, 171,433 people age 55 or older lived in Cobb, making up 23% of the population, according to U.S. Census data. Now, that number is 220,841 — roughly 29% of the population. Johnny Barfield, a spokesman for Cobb Senior Services, estimates that the number will continue to climb, projecting it to hit 251,707 in 2025, and 288,181 in 2030. “It’s definitely going up — very much so,” Barfield said earlier in 2023. “I think the whole country is aging.” Cobb is following a national trend, as the older population in the

United States between 2010 and 2020 grew at the fastest rate in 120 years, according to census data. Census data shows seniors grew as a percentage of the population nationally from around 5% in 1920 to almost 17% in 2020. The percentage had been gradually rising over the past century, until it leveled off at around 12% between 1990 and 2010, and then jumped dramatically after 2010. This spike was driven mostly by aging Baby Boomers who were born between 1946 and 1964. The county offers education, socialization and services to seniors. The county allows residents 55 and older to take advantage of the senior centers and activities. The census defines seniors as being 65 or older. In order to keep up with Cobb’s aging population, Cobb Senior Services coordinates services such as Meals on Wheels; transportation

44 FORECAST | 2024

Retired Marietta resident Paul Havey fills up at a Chevron gas station on Cobb Parkway. MDJ file photo.

Cobb seniors participate in workout demos. Photo courtesy of Cobb Senior Services

to doctor appointments and grocery stores; home services such as light housekeeping and caregiver support; as well as activities at the senior centers that include yoga, tai chi, pickleball, Zumba, cooking classes, art, photography, health and wellness classes, billiards, and trips. Cobb County has seven senior centers, three day centers, 24 assisted living communities and 11 hospice care centers. Activities and services can be found on the Senior Services website at cobbcounty.org/senior-services.

A new model of nursing home care in Cobb County By Deke Cateau

he antiquated nursing home model where most residents share rooms is not only undesirable, it’s unacceptable. That’s why A.G. Rhodes—one of Atlanta’s oldest nonprofit organizations that operates three nursing homes in Fulton, Cobb, and DeKalb counties—has embarked in a landmark effort to create a new nursing home model of care. We have transformed our Marietta location to include a new home and renovations to our existing building with private room accommodations for each resident. The grand opening is planned for this Spring. This transformation is part of the organization’s $37.5 million Legacy of Care capital campaign to create a new nursing home community accessible to those who are uninsured, underinsured and underserved, and that can be replicated throughout metro Atlanta, Georgia and across the nation.

As one of only a few nonprofit nursing home providers in Georgia, A.G. Rhodes uses fundraising to greatly enhance the quality of life for our residents by supplementing the cost of resident care and other initiatives that Medicaid doesn’t cover. In addition to this new community, other initiatives in recent years include person-directed care, innovative programming like Horticultural Therapy and Music Therapy, the incorporation of various technologies, onsite dialysis clinics, workforce development programs, and much more.

Music Therapy

We have long relied on community support to equip us with additional resources to provide exceptional care for those who need it most. Thanks to this support, A.G. Rhodes is demonstrating how nursing home communities throughout the U.S. can be designed to nurture the health, safety and wellbeing of older adults who need and deserve high-quality care and dignity as they age. COVID-19 brought to the forefront the critical infrastructure changes needed to protect our nation’s most vulnerable and underserved. It was a painful reminder that single occupancy rooms are essential to protecting nursing home residents. Although most of the seniors we serve receive Medicaid—which does not cover private accommodations—we are committed to creating the safest possible environment for our residents to thrive.

Rendering of A.G. Rhodes’ new Skilled Nursing and Memory Care Community in Marietta.

Deke Cateau is the CEO of A.G. Rhodes, a nonprofit nursing home provider that serves more than 1,100 seniors each year at its three metro Atlanta locations. For more information or to support A.G. Rhodes, visit agrhodes.org.

3rd Annual Georgia Food + Wine Festival

The Georgia Food + Wine Festival, presented by Georgia Grown, will celebrate the best of Georgia and the South, from its culinary superstars and beverage experts, to farmers, artisans, live musicians and more. A variety of events for all taste buds begins with the Best of Cobb celebration on Thursday, March 21st. Cobb’s best and brightest will be recognized. Hosted by Cobb Life Magazine and the Marietta Daily Journal. The legendary barbecue event, “Fired-Up” starts your

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weekend off right on Friday night. This is an all-inclusive, food and drink tasting event. Saturday’s main event, “Savor” offers hundreds of unlimited beer, wine and spirits tastings, a Georgia Celebrity Chef Stage, VIP Lounge, artisans, and live music. “Sunday/Funday” is the budget friendly and family-friendly day, with Kids Zone, VIP Lounge Oyster Roast, live music and more. Savor the Flavors!

2400 Cobb Parkway SE, Smyrna 30080 Close to Cumberland Mall, Truist Park, and right off of I-75 470-308-3333 www.chowkingcobb.com

Come sample our Japanese sushi, Hibachi, and a variety of salads. With 250 items, we have a great selection of both Chinese & American food.

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Lunch Mon.-Fri ...................$11.49 Dinner Mon.-Thurs. .............$16.49 Friday .......................$16.99 All Day Sat. & Sun. .$16.99

Open Dining Room Featuring 17 bars, 250 items, jumbo shrimp, catfish, sushi bar, hibachi bar, salad bar, dessert bar, hot bbq grill & open kitchen.

Family owned & operated 2950 King Street Smyrna, GA 30080 770-435-4467

1130 Whitlock Ave. Marietta, GA 30064 770-424-4924

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Mon- Thurs., & Sun. close at 9 pm Fri & Sat. close at 9:30 pm

Celebrate your special events with us.

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Retirement Living for Seniors, at Its Finest! Voted 5 Years in a Row, Best Retirement, Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities in Cobb Co.

STERLING ESTATES - LEADING THE WAY!

With Home Prices So High, It’s Never Been A Better Time To Sell! Move Into One Of Our Sought After Cottages! “We sold our home of 20+ years earlier this year, above our asking price, and moved into our beautiful cottage home at Sterling Estates, freeing us from all the responsibilities of homeownership. We freed up cash, traded in property taxes and constant maintenance for the many benefits we’ve discovered living here at Sterling. We exercise more than ever. I love to walk through the grounds and enjoy the large wellness center, while my wife swims almost daily in the indoor heated pool. She is fond of her weekly art classes. A day here is much more fulfilling for us, we wished we had moved sooner. We encourage you to come see what we mean.” ~ Bill and Sally R.

Come See What Sets Us Apart and Why So Many Are Calling Sterling Estates Home EAST COBB Shelly: 678-946-2856

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Parc at Piedmont East Cobb

Exceptional Senior Living!

Since opening its doors in 2001, Parc at Piedmont has defined “the art of hospitality” in senior living for the residents of East Cobb, Marietta and Roswell. Over the past 22 years, this established retirement community has earned the favor of countless families with its uncompromising dedication to hospitality, service and care. Parc at Piedmont is situated on a beautifully-landscaped 9-acre site, conveniently located in the heart of vibrant East Cobb. Offering a collection of graciously-appointed studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment homes, Parc at Piedmont has fashioned an atmosphere of comfortable living that is carefully tailored to enrich the lives of residents and their families. Featuring a thoughtful array of features and amenities, Parc at Piedmont is designed to complement a life well-lived. Inspired by an abiding tradition of “ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen”, the Parc at Piedmont staff is carefully selected and trained to uphold Parc’s standards of service excellence - attentive, responsive, relaxed, and friendly. Best of all, there are no large buy-in or entrance fee requirements, and Parc at Piedmonts’ resident-friendly lease agreements enable residents to maintain their financial independence, control and peace-of-mind. The Parc at Piedmont lifestyle includes 24-hour concierge, robust wellness programs, engaging activities, weekly housekeeping and linen service, scheduled transportation, and the full-time attention of a highly-trained, professional staff. Parc at Piedmont invites you to begin living your best life now. To learn more and schedule a personal appointment, please call (770) 565-8828 or visit parcatpiedmont.com.

Intersection of East Piedmont and Roswell Road (HWY 120)

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BUY TICKETS NOW & SAVE!

Food, drink, music & more! Presented BY

Georgia Food and Wine Festival M ARCH 22 - 24, 2024 JIM R. MILLER PARK, MARIETTA, GEORGIA

Celebrate the best culinary superstars and beverage experts, farmers, artisans, live musicians and more from Georgia and the South. Experience a variety of events including: Cobb Life Magazine’s “Best of Cobb”, “Fired-Up” an all-inclusive, food and drink tasting event, “Savor” featuring unlimited beer, wine and spirits tastings, a Georgia Celebrity Chef Stage, VIP Lounge, artisans, and live music and finally, “Sunday/Funday” with a Kids Zone, VIP Lounge Oyster Roast, live music and more!

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

Buy Early &$ave! SATURDAY, MARCH 23

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

SUNDAY, MARCH 24

FIRED-UP

SAVOR

FAMILY DAY

Early Bird: $55 Winter (Jan/Feb): $75 March/Gate: $85

Early Bird: $59 Winter (Jan/Feb): $79 March/Gate: $99

VIP LOUNGE AT SAVOR

OYSTER ROAST VIP LOUNGE

Early Bird: $125 Winter (Jan/Feb): $150 March/Gate: $165

Early Bird: $15 Winter (Jan/Feb): $20 March/Gate: $25

Early Bird: $99 Winter (Jan/Feb): $119 March/Gate: $139

G E O R G I A F O O DA N DW I N E F E S T I VA L .C O M THANKS Corporate Sponsors

Presenting Media Sponsor

OUR

PARTNERS

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Produced By

JRM Management Services, Inc.

Celebrating a remarkable legacy and exciting news in Cobb County! A.G. Rhodes celebrates 120 years of delivering exceptional senior care, and this Spring we will celebrate the grand opening of our new skilled nursing and memory care community on our A.G. Rhodes Cobb campus. Located at 900 Wylie Rd. SE in Marietta, our transformed campus will include:

∗ Private bedrooms ∗ Sunroom to connect with the outdoors ∗ Centralized community kitchen ∗ Living room with an inviting hearth ∗ Dining room for family-style meals ∗ Outdoor gardenslegacyofcar Visit us online: www.agrhodes.org