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SHARPER FOCUS
Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on in your community. Leadership Cobb Selects New Members
Leadership Cobb, the Cobb Chamber’s leadership development program, has selected 50 new participants for the 2021-2022 class. The group brings together diverse business and community leaders for a 10-month journey focused on personal and professional growth. This year’s class will be led by Co-Chairs Wendy Bunch, RE/MAX Pure; and Matt Teague, Walton Communities; and Vice Co-Chairs, Holly Quinlan, Cobb Travel & Tourism; and Sam Olens, Dentons. For the complete list, visit
cobbchamber.org.
Forbes magazine recently recognized Credit Union of Georgia as a Best-In-State Credit Union for the third year in a row. “We are truly honored to be recognized as one of the Best-In-State Credit Unions for a third year in a row. Our employees work hard to serve our members and deserve to be recognized for their dedication. We are proud to be a trusted financial partner for so many in our community,” said Brian Albrecht, president and CEO.
Tommy Nobis Center Hosting Free Workplace Readiness Training
Cobb County residents looking to enter the workforce, sharpen interviewing skills, or begin new professional journeys are invited to free in-person employment workshops hosted by the Tommy Nobis Center every Tuesday, through Sept. 28, at Switzer Library in Marietta. Learn more at tommynobiscenter.org.
Smyrna Mayor Norton Named Citizen of the Year
Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton was named the recipient of the 2020 Smyrna Citizen of the Year award at the Smyrna Area Council on July 28. “Mayor Derek Norton is extremely deserving of this recognition. He has been an outstanding leader for the citizens of Smyrna,” said Sharon Mason, president and CEO of the Cobb Chamber. “Through his leadership and tough choices, residents and businesses have been able to navigate the pandemic as safely and as successfully as possible.” Recipients of the award have demonstrated definable, exceptional deeds that showcase a dedication to making Smyrna a better place to live. The presentation of the award was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic
Annual Next Generation Award Winners Announced
Cobb Young Professionals recognizes the county’s top young professionals with the annual Next Generation Award. Award winners are all in their 20s or 30s, active within their community, demonstrate leadership ability in the community and in their current role, and offer a unique perspective. This year’s winners are Allison Giddens, co-president, WinTech, Inc.; and Andrew Dill, director of government relations, Lockheed Martin.
Cobb EMC Receives High Ratings in Member Satisfaction
According to its most recent customer satisfaction survey, Cobb EMC’s members are happier than they’ve ever been with the electric cooperative. “We are here to serve our members and our recent ACSI score shows that they are very happy with the experience we are providing,” said Kevan Espy, president and CEO of Cobb EMC. “I am proud of our member care efforts and our team of employees that deliver a high level of member satisfaction.” Cobb EMC received an American Customer Satisfaction Index score of 91 for the first half of 2021, the highest score it has ever received.
Marietta Museum of History Names New Leader
The City of Marietta has selected Amy Reed to serve as the new executive director of the Marietta Museum of History. Reed has 20 years of experience with the museum, including as the curator of exhibits and educational programming for 18 years. Reed created and facilitated the Diverse Cobb Advisory Committee, co-hosts the weekly Facebook live series History Loves Company, and facilitates programming such as The Remember When Club, Evening with History lectures, Diverse Cobb programming, and numerous fundraisers.
Cobb E911 Recognized for Excellence
Cobb County E911 Emergency Department has attained accreditation for the seventh time from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., the gold standard in public safety. Cobb County E911 has continued to meet compliance with more than 200 standards in the areas of policy, procedures, management, and operations. Only about 1 percent of communications agencies nationwide can claim this recognition.
Cobb Information Services Ranked in Top 10 Nationwide
In its annual digital survey, the Center for Digital Government selected Cobb in the top 10 nationwide for counties with populations of 500,000 to 1 million. The center cited Cobb’s cybersecurity improvements and dedication to transparency. To see the survey, visit govtech.com/dc/digital-counties.
Department of Public Safety Announces Fall Citizens Public Safety Academy
The Cobb County Department of Public Safety will host its fall session of the Citizens Public Safety Academy starting September 8. The 13-week program provides an opportunity for citizens to get an inside look into the many facets of public safety. Participants will learn how Police, Fire, Animal Services, and 911 departments are organized and the important role each one plays. Learn more at cobbcounty.org/public-safety.
Editor’s note: Due to evolving community needs, these events are subject to change or cancellation.
9/16
Shepherd’s Men Dinner
This is a fundraiser for veterans injured with TBI/ PTSD, featuring a fish fry, chipping contest, silent & live auctions, music & more. More info:
shepherdsmen.com 9/18
Great Locomotive Chase 5K
Part of the KGP Race Series, proceeds from the Great Locomotive Chase benefit The Southern Museum. More info: kennesawgrandprix.com
9/19
Generation to Generation
Aloha to Aging will celebrate its 12th anniversary by hosting their celebration and expo at Covenant Presbyterian Church. “Getting Better with Age” is the theme for this year’s event. More info:
alohatoaging.org/expo
9/18
Lucky Dog Walk For Recovery
Raise awareness and show your support for those in recovery. Enjoy a 5K walk along the Noonday Creek trail then stay for music, food, and prizes! More info:
cobbchamber.org
9/18
Taste of Smyrna
Experience a wide selection of foods and big helpings of entertainment, too. Admission is free. More info:
smyrnaga.gov
9/18-19
Marietta Streetfest
A fundraiser for the Marietta Museum of History, featuring artisans, antique dealers, bands, and a car show. More info: mariettahistory.org
9/20
Cops and Kids Golf Tournament
Benefiting underprivileged children, this annual event will take place at Brookstone Golf & Country Club in Acworth. More info: birdeasepro.com/copsandkids
9/23 - 10/3
North Georgia State Fair
The 2021 Superior Plumbing North Georgia State Fair returns to Jim R. Miller Park. More info:
northgeorgiastatefair.com
9/24
Karaoke Contest
SafePath is hosting a Karaoke Contest from 6-11 p.m. at the Governors Gun Club in Kennesaw. More info: safepath.org
9/25
Viva Tequila Festival
Guests can sip and savor hand-crafted, small-batch tequilas from Mexico paired with signature bites from Atlanta’s top restaurants. More info: vivatequilafestival.com
9/27
Sweetwater Mission Golf Tournament
Join sports celebrities in an exclusive event to benefit Sweetwater Mission. More info:
sweetwatermission.org/golf OCTOBER
10/9
Smyrna’s Birthday Celebration
Smyrna is pulling out all the stops this year with fireworks and major music acts Sister Hazel and Gin Blossoms. More info: smyrnaga.gov
10/19
October Haunt After Hours
The 10th Annual October Haunt After Hours Private Party at Six Flags Over Georgia is a great opportunity to network with local business organizations. Register early online for $25. Same-day passes are $35. More info: cobbafterhours.com
10/23
Spooktacular Chase
This 10k/5k race is celebrating its 13th year! The annual event is organized by Vision Rehabilitation Services of Georgia to raise funds for the visually impaired. Runners are encouraged to wear costumes. More info: spooktacularchase.com
10/9
Taste of Acworth
This annual event showcases many local restaurants. At prices from $1 to $4, it’s impossible to leave hungry! More info: acworth.org
10/22-23
‘Que & Brew
It’s the ultimate tailgate party at Taylor-Brawner Park in Smyrna! There will be BBQ, a beer tasting, live music, and more! The funds go to LiveSafe Resources. More info:
livesaferesources.org/events 10/23-24
Fall Jonquil Festival
Located on the Village Green in downtown Smyrna, this annual event features arts & crafts booths, local food, and plenty of children’s activities. Admission is free. More info: smyrnacity.com
10/16
Fall-O-Ween/ Touch-A-Truck
Kennesaw Parks & Recreation beckons for its annual evening of free carnival games, trick or treating, children’s amusements, and costumed family-fun. More info: kennesaw-ga.gov
10/23
Halloween JamBOOree
This annual event is at Logan Farm Park. Yes, there will be a costume contest! More info: acworth.com
10/30
Kennesaw Beer & Wine Festival
Get to downtown Kennesaw for live music, as well as more than 100 beers, including local Georgia breweries. More info: atlantabeerfestivals.com
